Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Toronto Sportsmen's Show - Camping

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show showcases family fun for any budget

TORONTO – February 10, 2009 – With many feeling the economic pinch, families are looking for ways to bond on a budget. Whatever the season enjoying the outdoors is a great way for families to spend time together. To help plan your open air adventure The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, taking place March 18th to 22nd, offers an abundance of great ideas for outdoor family fun. Whether you are interested in camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing or boating, the show offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Discover Camping

Camping isn’t just for boy scouts exploring the rugged wilderness. Today’s camper can enjoy a broad range of comforts ranging from comfortable mattresses, compact chairs and solar powered satellite phones. The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show showcases the latest in camping equipment, maps, facilities and destinations. Experts will be on-hand to lead even the most novice campers towards the sweet smell of ‘smores. For those who have taken the trail before, the show will offer new, off the beaten path ideas for creating the ultimate wilderness experience.

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show runs from March 18 to March 22, 2009 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. For complete show information visit www.sportsmensshows.com/Toronto

What: The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show

When: Wednesday, March 18th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 19th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Friday, March 20th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 21st, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 22nd, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.



Where: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Details: Adults: $17.00

Juniors: $10.00 (ages 6-15)

Seniors: $10.00 (age 65+)

Children: Free when accompanied by an adult (under six years)

Family pass: $40.00 (two adults & two juniors)

Get the kids off the couch and head to the Toronto Sportsmen's Show to start planning your spring and summer camping trips.

See you there...Lloyd

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Southern Ontario's Top Outdoors Show

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show showcases family fun for any budget

TORONTO – February 10, 2009 – With many feeling the economic pinch, families are looking for ways to bond on a budget. Whatever the season enjoying the outdoors is a great way for families to spend time together. To help plan your open air adventure The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, taking place March 18th to 22nd, offers an abundance of great ideas for outdoor family fun. Whether you are interested in camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing or boating, the show offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Discover Camping
Camping isn’t just for boy scouts exploring the rugged wilderness. Today’s camper can enjoy a broad range of comforts ranging from comfortable mattresses, compact chairs and solar powered satellite phones. The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show showcases the latest in camping equipment, maps, facilities and destinations. Experts will be on-hand to lead even the most novice campers towards the sweet smell of ‘smores. For those who have taken the trail before, the show will offer new, off the beaten path ideas for creating the ultimate wilderness experience.

Go Fish
If the family thinks “go fish” is only a card game, then it’s time to get them outside to cast a real reel! The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has everything you need to get you started on your fishing expedition – from rods and nets to boats and paddles. If you are eager to start casting right away, be sure to check out the $75,000 Toronto Sun Casting Pond or the Fly Fishing Demo Area. Already an avid fisherman? Seek out some expert advice from fishing gurus at the Toyota/Fish TV Pro Fishing Seminars.

Man’s Best Friend
When considering quality time with the family, one can’t forget the trusty family dog and this year’s show is filled with “all things dog”. Leading the charge is the popular Purina Pro Plan All Star Dog Show featuring the famous McCann dogs. Watch these amazing animals as they go through their paces in the agility trials. Other professionals, Dogs with Jobs, will showcase their canine prowess taking down criminals and simulating Search and Rescue missions. Audiences will marvel at the gravity defying Big Air Dog Show and for those looking to gain a new best friend, the Rare Breed Dog Show showcases some of the world’s most exotic dogs. No matter your interest, the show is a one-stop destination for all the dog lovers in your family.

Don’t have a bird…
If you are still searching for inspiration on the outdoors, the best place to look is up. As always, birds are front and centre at The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show. The majestic birds of prey exhibit showcases some of North America's endangered species up close and personal including the Peregrine Falcon, Eastern North American Barn Owls and Bald Eagles. Family favourites the North American Great Horned Owls and Red-tailed Hawks will also be on hand.

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show runs from March 18 to March 22, 2009 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. For complete show information visit www.sportsmensshows.com/Toronto


What: The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show

When: Wednesday, March 18th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 19th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday, March 20th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 21st, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 22nd, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where: Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Details: Adults: $17.00
Juniors: $10.00 (ages 6-15)
Seniors: $10.00 (age 65+)
Children: Free when accompanied by an adult (under six years)
Family pass: $40.00 (two adults & two juniors)

Get out and enjoy the great Southern Ontario outdoors, indoors.

Lloyd

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Southern Ontario Winter Camping Yurt Style

Warning…this post is not for the feint of heart, and I must admit that winter camping in Southern Ontario has never been an item on my “bucket list”. However, winter camping is becoming a bit more civilized with the addition of “yurt” rentals in some Ontario Provincial Parks.

So just what is a “yurt”? Well the concept comes from a semi portable round tent that was designed to house an entire family on the Mongolian steps of Russia and the Ukraine. Yurts of a slightly different flavor, but none the less rugged and unique can be rented for a day, weekend, or longer and provide a natural experience without the need to drag along, and setup a tent.

Southern Ontario Parks that offer yurt rentals for winter camping:

MacGregor Point near Port Elgin on Lake Huron.
Pinery Provincial Parkbetween Goderich and Sarnia on Lake Huron.
Silent Lake Provincial Parknear Bancroft.

Yurts do come with a few basic amenities like table and chairs, bunks, barbeque, fire pit, etc. Some are provided with electricity but you can expect the bare necessities. Check the links above to see what is included at the various locations.

This looks like it may be a great compromise between the tent and renting a cottage, with the added bonus of being able to x-country ski, or snowshoe right from your front door. What a great way to enjoy the long Southern Ontario winter.

Writing this post has certainly peaked my interest; who knows; maybe you’ll find this warm weather camper at a yurt near you.

Note: the photo shows a real yurt and is larger than yurts in provincial parks. This photo was taken at the Luna Project between Cambridge and Brantford.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions