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Peterborough & the Kawarthas Insider Blog

Every destination has it’s iconic and time-honoured “must see & do” experiences that exemplify what a destination is all about – Peterborough & the Kawarthas is no exception. This blog isn’t about those things.

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Visit Peterborough & the Kawarthas

Just 90 minutes east of the GTA, this region offers an amazing volume and variety of experiences that ring true. And that won’t break the bank either. That’s because Peterborough & the Kawarthas was made for living. All Year Round. If you’re looking for place where the people are cordial and down-to-earth. The beauty is breathtaking. And the activities are endless. Come out to Peterborough & the Kawarthas.

Learn more on our website: www.thekawarthas.ca

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Venues & Services At A Glance

When looking for a meeting place for those with discerning tastes or a flavour for something new, our region serves up a veritable treasure trove of interesting and unusual spaces: indoors and out.

Click here for a detailed version of the chart below

 

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Welcome to Lethbridge!

A mid-sized city of nearly 95,000 people, Lethbridge is located in the southern part of Alberta, Canada. The geographic location means close proximity to world-class ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies, majestic national parks, the vibrant city of Calgary and the U.S. border.

With an average of 2,300 hours of sunshine each year and chinook winds that bring the warmest winters in the western provinces, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy all that this city and region has to offer.

Lethbridge is bisected by the Oldman River, creating valley parkland with scenic coulees and a breathtaking view of the CP Rail High Level Bridge – the highest and longest viaduct bridge construction in the world. More than 70 parks and 200 kilometres of walking and running trails create an opportunity for you to get out and explore.

You can also enjoy the outdoors at one of our championship golf courses, award-winning Japanese gardens and the unique urban escape at our nature centre located just minutes from downtown.

In fact, our walkable downtown is filled with rich culture and unique arts and shopping opportunities along with a variety of local cuisine for you to savour. Lethbridge also boasts two modern post-secondary institutions which add to the vibrant campus culture of this community.

Whether it’s a convention for hundreds or a more intimate meeting for a few, Lethbridge is a bright choice for your next convention, meeting or event.

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7 Lucky Reasons to Give London a Chance

1. Look at what we have! Superb convention space

The London Convention Centre (LCC) is a state of the art downtown facility. LCC features over 70,000 sq-ft of flexible meeting space. It’s a gorgeous, natural-light filled space and an international certified AIPC Gold Standard venue. Connected to London’s largest hotel, The DoubleTree by Hilton with an additional 30,000 sq-ft.

 

 

2. Lots of Rooms

London features 3500 hotel rooms including all major national chains such as Delta, Holiday Inn, Marriott and beautiful heritage properties like the Ivey Spencer Conference Centre. If you’re looking for a campus experience – Brescia University College, Fanshawe College and Western University offer beautiful residences on spectacular grounds.

 

 

3. Fly to Us

Delegates will appreciate the ease of the London International Airport (LIA) which is served by
Air Canada and WestJet. Daily flights from Toronto, Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver. LIA is located a short 15 minute drive to downtown London.

 

 

4. Get to us from Every where

London is located at the convergence of super highways 401, 402 & 403 and only 2 hours from both Detroit and Toronto. This makes London very convenient for your driving delegates.
VIA Rail’s station is downtown and a comfortable 10 minute walk to the hotels and LCC.

 

 

5. Save your Appetite for London

London has a tremendous variety of dining experiences. Our chefs are an eclectic mix of gastronomic wizards who keep bringing the hottest ideas to their tables. Whether it’s a table for two or a large group, the selection of restaurants in London guarantees the perfect venue.

 

 

6. Let us Entertain You

The historic Grand Theatre, Museum London, London Music Hall, Western Fair District and the 10,000 seat Budweiser Gardens, all located downtown, offer a broad spectrum of entertainment that delegates can enjoy on their own or as part of your event. And, with over 30 annual Festivals, you have many off-site options.

 

 

7. Call us 1st – we’re your Partner

Tourism London is your 1st-stop resource. We are committed to helping meeting and event planners deliver an exceptional delegate experience. We have the tools to build the right program for you. RFP distribution, site visit          planning, FAM tours, promotional support. We can help through to the successful wrap-up of your program.
A dedicated, professional hospitality community can’t wait to see you!

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Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Sunset Beach Expansion

As part of the latest expansion, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has added 102 new signature guest rooms and suites, bringing total inventory to 750. Designed with modern Southwest decor, each room embraces the latest trends in upscale residential design to provide an inviting indoor-outdoor experience best for maximizing enjoyment of Arizona’s beautiful climate. In conjunction with the room expansion, Sunset Beach—our AAA Five Diamond resort’s sixth and largest sparkling pool with 9,000 sq. ft. of white sand—officially opened May 2016. These recently completed renovations underscore our commitment to the continual improvement and evolution to maintain our iconic resort’s status as a vibrant, premiere entity in Scottsdale.

The all-new Sunset Beach at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess features:

•    102 new signature guest rooms, bringing us to a grand total of 750
•    Our sixth and largest pool, featuring 7,000 sq. ft of water, 830 tons of sand and 20,000 sq. ft. pool deck and event space
•    Luxury cabanas
•    Pool bar featuring beach-side drinks and snacks

Our new group and seasonal event space, Sunset Lawn, includes:
•    30,000 sq. ft. sodded lawn, accommodating groups up to 2,000 people
•    Adjacent to Sunset Beach
•    Adjacent to our 18,000 sq. ft. tented Pavilion (seasonal)

Guest Room Updates:
3 master one-bedroom suites featuring separate living and dining rooms and oversized patios
9 junior one-room oversized corner suites featuring bedroom and living room area

Southwestern splendor meets modern residential design in the Sunset Signature Rooms, wrapped from end to end in useful luxury. Featuring elevated architectural elements including stackable sliding glass doors fitted with plantation shutters, the line between indoors and outdoors blends beautifully allowing guests to maximize use of Arizona’s beautiful climate year-round. Guests will enjoy a collection of contemporary amenities such as spacious double vanities, oversized modern spa shower and sliding hanging door separating restroom and bedroom and locally crafted Thunderbird woven art pieces above the bed. Additional amenities include 50” HDTV, sofa and extended closet.

Visit Fairmont Scottsdale Princess for more information.

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Oktoberfest

The Oktoberfest Experience

Let the “Spirit of Gemuetlichkeit” continue year round! Why not launch your convention or function with some “oompah-pah” or bid “Auf Wiedershen” by giving your delegates the true flavour of Kitchener-Waterloo with an Oktoberfest theme. For groups of 30 to 3,000 the Oktoberfest events committee will customize a special Oktoberfest themed event that promises fun, good times and above all, a successful and memorable event for your clients!

The services provided include…but are not limited to:

• Decorating: Your venue will have a genuine Bavarian Festhalle atmosphere
• Meet & Greet: Your delegates will be welcomed by the Oktoberfest committee in traditional Bavarian dress & will receive a souvenir upon entering the venue
• Keg tapping: Two of your delegates will assist in the tapping of the keg, a highlight of the annual festival. All delegates will get the opportunity to fill their steins with a sample and raise it up for a traditional cheer “Ein Prosit!” An accordionist will perform as delegates enter the venue & for the keg tapping. They can be greeted by the president, Miss Oktoberfest or Onkel Hans
• Entertainment: Arrangements can be made for an award winning Bavarian Band with a repertoire of polkas, waltzes and contemporary music. A Bavarian folk dance group can also be available to perform Bavarian dance for your delegates.
• Souvenirs: Add colour & a keepsake of your event by including souvenirs such as pins, hats, feathers, or customized stein/t-shirt.

Click here to go to the Waterloo Region website.

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Hidden Gems

 

Boler Mountain

Address: 689 Griffith St., London   |   Phone: 519.657.8822   |    www.bolermountain.com

Take a break from the conference and enjoy the great outdoors by heading to Boler Mountain for some biking or the Treetop Adventure Park. The adventure park includes ziplines, rope courses, swinging bridges, tarzan swings and pirate nets.  Conveniently located within the city of London, you won’t have to go far to take advantage of our great Canadian weather!

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East Park

Address: 1275 Hamilton Rd., London    |   Phone: 519.451.2950   |    www.eastparkgolf.com/groups/group-rates

Get out of the cold and into the fun atmosphere at East Park! Take advantage of their indoor activities that include a 40’ climbing wall will challenge beginners and advanced climbers – with 2,000 square feet of climbing space. East Park also has bumper cars, waterpark, picnic areas, batting cages and an arcade.

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Covent Garden Market

Address: 130 King St., London    |   Phone: 519.439.3921   |    www.coventmarket.com

Covent Garden Market had its beginning in 1835 when a patent was issued to hold a “public fair or mart” in the area of Richmond, Dundas and King Streets. In 1845, the Market found a permanent home when city business owners donated land near Richmond, Dundas and King Street.  The Market currently offers affordably fresh, friendly and local produce.

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Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Address: 2609 Fanshawe Park Rd. E., London    |   Phone: 519.457.1296 x 815    |   fanshawepioneervillage.ca

Fanshawe Pioneer Village is an early example of the museum type known as a “Pioneer Village,” initially developed in mid-20th century Ontario by Conservation Authorities. Fanshawe Pioneer Village tells the story of rural communities in the former townships of Westminster, London, North Dorchester, Delaware, West Nissouri and Lobo in Middlesex County from 1820 to 1920 and the founding and development of the City of London up to 1840.

Fanshawe Pioneer Village Guided Tour – Journey back in time to see the development of Canadian society as represented by more than 30 historic buildings at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. A costumed guide will lead you through the Village, giving participants a chance to explore and ask questions about the Village.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village Interactive Guided Tour – Journey back in time to learn about 19th century life and visit more than 30 historic buildings at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore, ask questions and participate in two hands-on 19th century activities. Choose from spinning and carding wool, churning butter, dancing or printing a hand bill in our Print Shop.

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Labatt Brewery Tours

Address: 150 Simcoe St., London   |   Phone: 519.850.8687    |    www.labatt.com

Labatt Brewery Tours run all year round…and MUST be pre-booked by email londontour@labatt.com or by phone. The tour takes about 2 hours to complete and includes a full guided tour of the brewery and sampling.
The tour costs $10 per person (cash only) and everyone on the tour MUST wear closed toe, closed heel and flat footwear (running shoes preferred).

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Museum London

Address: 421 Ridout St. N., London    |   Phone: 519.661.0333   |    www.museumlondon.ca

Museum London is Southwestern Ontario’s leading establishment for the collection and presentation of visual art and material culture. Through public and educational programming, special events and exhibitions, Museum London strives to promote the knowledge and enjoyment of regional art, culture and history. At the heart of a great museum is its collection and Museum London is proud to have one of Canada’s most important art collections, and one of the most significant historical artifact collections in Ontario. To book your group visit and/or tour of ten people or more, we require notification two weeks in advance by calling 519.661.0333.

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Banting House National Historic Site

Address: 442 Adelaide St. N., London   |   Phone: 519.673.1752   |    bantinghousenhsc.wordpress.com

Banting House National Historic Site of Canada creates public awareness and understanding of the national historic significance of Sir Frederick Banting and preserves the commemorative integrity of Banting House, the birthplace of insulin, for the benefit of the people of Canada. The museum celebrates not only a great Canadian discovery, but the life and career of Sir Frederick Grant Banting (1891-1941). Come celebrate the most important Canadian medical discovery of the twentieth century and experience the life of the man you thought you knew.

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Tree Trunk Tour

Address: Various locations in London   |    www.londontourism.ca/treetrunktour

The Tree Trunk Tour demonstrates London’s love of trees and is enhancing its reputation as the “Forest City”. Two carvers (Robbin Wenzoski and Neil Cox) have created sculptures that, instead of being confined to an art gallery, are right out on public streets. From tree stump to concept drawing and the final carving, it takes about four weeks to transform the tree into a sculpture. About 95% of the carving is done with chainsaws ranging in size from large blocking saws to delicate carving saws. Detailed finishing work is accomplished with chisels and power rotary tools. The artwork is usually painted or stained and then coated with automotive polyurethane enamel to preserve the wood against the weather.

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Grand Theatre

Address: 471 Richmond St., London    |   Phone: 519.672.8800    |   www.grandtheatre.com

Take in a world class theatre production at the Grand Theatre! The Grand is an excellent example of the Proscenium Arch Theatre and is one of the more traditional forms of theatrical design. It was designed to send music and sound from the stage into the audience. To book a behind the scenes tour at The Grand Theatre contact Kendra Lindsay, Group Sales Associate by email at klindsay@grandtheatre.com or by phone at 519.672.9030 x 291.

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Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Address: 267 Dundas St., London    |   Phone: 519.488.2003   |    cdnmedhall.org

Established in 1994 and located in London Ontario, The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is a national charitable organization that carries out its mission through induction ceremonies held annually, educational opportunities for thousands of students across Canada (Discovery Days, Museum School and our Scholarship Program), and an exhibit hall that features a laureate portrait gallery..

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Eldon House

Address: 481 Ridout St. N., London    |   Phone: 519.661.5169   |    www.eldonhouse.ca

Virtually unchanged since the nineteenth century, Eldon House is London’s oldest residence and contains family heirlooms, furnishings and priceless treasures of the Harris family as well as a beautiful 19th-century style garden. Built in 1834 for John and Amelia Harris, this historic home remained in the family until 1960 when it was donated to the City of London. Although surrounded by the city today, the house and its gardens are a place of beauty and tranquility.  Guided tours are available, contact them by phone or email info@eldonhouse.ca.

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Labatt Park

Baseball can be seen at Labatt Park with the London Majors of the InterCounty Baseball Association. The season runs from May to July. Baseball fans will appreciate that Labatt Park is the oldest continually operating baseball grounds in the world, with a history dating back to 1877. Since 1936 the park has been owned by the City of London.

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Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Address: 1600 Attawandaron Rd., London   |   Phone: 519.473.1360   |    www.archaeologymuseum.ca

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians through the creation and dissemination of knowledge about the archaeology of Ontario.  Archaeology brings the stories of how people lived to life. These stories connect us to our shared human heritage and give us a sense of place in the world. At the Museum of Ontario Archaeology (MOA), we believe that archaeological is (first and foremost) about people and that by connecting with and sharing our stories we understand and appreciate each other more.

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OLG Slots at Western Fair District

Address: 900 King St., London   |   Phone: 519.672.5394   |     www.olgslotsandcasinos.ca/olg-slots/western-fair-district

On the fairgrounds of the historical Western Fair, OLG Slots at Western Fair District has excitement for everyone! With over 750 slot machines, the Raceway is truly a winner’s wonderland set in a World’s Fair theme. There are 1¢ to $5 slot machines, such as Wheel Of Fortune, Jackpot Party and Blazing 7’s.

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Paths and Natural Walking Areas

Address: Various locations in London   |    www.londontourism.ca/About-London/Natural-Areas-and-Green-Space

London boasts many natural areas throughout the city that are open year-round including: Kilally Meadows, Meadowlily Woods, Medway Valley Heritage Forest, Sifton Bog, Warbler Woods, and Westminster Ponds.  Many natural areas are considered environmentally significant on a local, regional, provincial or even national scale. In addition to the natural areas, London also features approximately 22 kilometers of paved bike paths along the Thames River.  In the heart of our urban environment there are preserved natural treasures such as woodlands, meadows and ponds. These environmentally sensitive areas are managed by the City in partnership with local Conservation Authorities.

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Idlewyld Inn & Spa

Address: 36 Grand Avenue., London   |   Phone: 519.432.5554  |    www.idlewyldinn.com

A local landmark since 1878, Idlewyld Inn & Spa combines the elegance of a bygone era with all the modern amenities sophisticated travellers have come to expect from a luxury hotel. Our 70-seat dining room offers a locally-inspired menu of contemporary and traditional favourites and decadent desserts, complemented by our selection of award-winning wines, and draughts and ales on tap.Savour every moment in the comfort of our sun-filled dining room, enjoy some al fresco dining on our gracious front porch, or escape to Idlewyld’s hidden Garden Courtyard. Afternoon tea is offered on the 3rd Saturday of each month but for special date requests, contact the Idlewyld directly.

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Royal Canadian Regiment Museum

Address: 701 Oxford St. E., London   |   Phone: 519.660.5275 x 5015   |    www.facebook.com/RCRMuseum

The Royal Canadian Regiment Museum tells the story of Canada’s senior Infantry Regiment. The museum is located in Wolseley Barracks, purpose-built military architecture in 1886-1888 by the Dominion Government to house the «D» Company of the Infantry School Corps. The museum collection is vast and includes a large variety of artefacts: regimental memorials, silverware, uniforms, medals, original art, weapons, military equipment, archives, musical instruments, etc. Recently renovated, the museum welcomes visitors in the old archway entrance, upgraded to meet modern standards; an expanded permanent gallery and a costumer friendly gift shop are high profile attractions in the city of London, ON.

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Palasad – North location and South

Address: 141 Pine Valley Blvd., London   |   Phone: 519.433.2337   |     www.tobogganbrewingcompany.com

Make your big or small affair a memorable one by holding it here. Palasad is the unique alternative for company and social parties. Planning these events can be a daunting task – that’s where we come in. There’s something for everyone – bowling, billiards, ping pong, arcade games and event laser tag at our South location.  And then there’s the food – the same fabulous menu from the Palasad wood burning pizza oven is available for you and your guests. Or for larger groups, we offer unique group menus.

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Toboggan Brewing Company

Address: 585 Richmond St., London   |   Phone: 519.433.2337   |    tobogganbrewingcompany.com

The Toboggan Brewing Co. invites you to taste their pioneering beers, enjoy our local food and more importantly have a good time doing it.  Massive wooden ramps were built, buckskin moccasins adorned and toboggan blankets put on order for the new craze. The local press coverage jubilantly reported all of the latest on the Toboggan scene; 485 foot long double chute runs, lit by lanterns attended by over 75 tobogganists per night. ‘One of the finest slides in the Dominion’, they would confidently remark.  Contact contact@tobogganbrewingcompany.com to find out more on how your event would be a great fit here.