Pickering travel guide and discussion

Summer romance is hidden in fields of purple lavender Here are lavender farms within a 2-hour drive from Toronto👇 🪻 Short trips about 50 minutes by car ✔️ Kelso Lavender (Milton) 50 min drive|🎫 $15.9–21.2 25,000 lavender plants, vast purple hills perfect for photos, with photo props, picnic areas, and lavender ice cream ✔️ Tranquility Trails Farm (Pickering) 50 min drive|Online $12 / On-site $15 3.5 km forest trail, lavender lemonade, lavender cookies, and macarons available ✔️ The Giving Place (Mount Albert) 50 min drive Regular lavender afternoon teas and craft workshops, quiet with few visitors 🪻 Free admission ✔️ Christel Lake Lavender (Greenbank) 1 hour drive|Free admission (reservation required) 57-acre flower field, 19 types of lavender, with a children’s playground and picnic tables 🪻 Family-friendly + kid activities Pingle’s Farm (Oshawa) 1 hour drive|🎫 From $6 Besides lavender, there are sunflowers and wildflower fields, slides, mini golf, small animals, and a sandpit—kids can play all day 🪻 Pick your own bouquet to take home ✔️ Lavender-Blu (Scugog) 1 hour 10 min drive|Entry $5, free for under 12, self-picked bouquet $15/bundle Handmade lavender workshop where you can create your own aromatherapy gifts 🪻 Atmosphere for dates / sunset picnics ✔️ Purple Hill Lavender (Creemore) 1 hour 30 min drive|🎫 $15, free for under 5 Scenic valley farm, with pottery, oil painting, and yoga in the flower fields 🪻 Winery + lavender double delight ✔️ Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery 1 hour 40 min drive 130-acre estate with English and French lavender, pick your own flowers and tour the winery

I was hesitant about this hotel after reading other reviews, but since we wanted to stay in a casino, it was either this or Pickering. Turns out the reviews were completely wrong. This place offers plenty of amenities for guests, including a pool, sauna, steam room, free waters, and 24/7 access to real snacks and drinks. The rooms were exceptionally clean and quiet. Despite being close to the airport, we didn’t hear a single plane during our entire stay. The front desk service was very fast and accommodating, and parking was super convenient with multiple access points for hotel guests. Casino payouts seemed similar to those in America; some complaints about them might just be from people upset over losing—which is always a risk we take in gambling. The beds were comfy, the pillows were decent, and the TV provided plenty of options. However, I would’ve liked the ability to AirPlay from my iPhone, as it seems to be limited to Android devices for now. The food was unremarkable—edible but lacking flavor, which also seemed to be a broader issue with the restaurants I visited during this trip (sorry Canada). That said, portion sizes were generous. If you stay at this hotel, I highly recommend choosing a room with a horse track view—it’s absolutely stunning.

A place I visit every summer. 📍 Frenchman's Bay, Pickering (Photos 1-4), a beach I’ve been to every summer for the past few years, about a forty-minute drive from Markham. Haven't been this year yet because there are so many other fun places to explore🍦 📍 Pringles Farm, Oshawa (Photos 5-8), personally, I think this is the most beautiful and photogenic farm around Toronto. Kids love it, and there’s everything for eating, drinking, and playing. I've already been three times this summer🍦 Just picked strawberries this weekend, highly recommended. 📍 Toogood Pond (Photos 9-11), a tree-lined path around a pond, right next to Unionville, perfect for a quiet summer afternoon stroll for two. 📍 Edwards Gardens (Photos 12-14), I think the most beautiful time is in May when the flowers are in full bloom, breathtakingly beautiful. Great for bringing food and having a picnic under a big shady tree🍔🥗🍎 📍 Lakeview Park, Oshawa (Photos 15-18), a lakeside park perfect for taking kids, with a splash pad, slides, swings... plus large picnic areas, and no worries about parking spots, highly recommended. Does anyone have any other fun places to recommend? . . . Always thinking of you

If, like me, you've always longed for quiet, slow-paced small towns, consider a trip to Claremont, near Toronto! Here, you'll find none of the hustle and bustle of the city, only a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The streets exude a classic charm, inviting you to slow down and savor the moment. Claremont's ambiance is even more gentle on a rainy day—the town's blend of Chinese and Western architecture, the photographic displays on historical stone walls, and every corner offers a captivating cultural experience, perfect for those seeking an escape from the pressures of city life. 🌳 Trip Highlights: This Claremont day trip focuses on leisurely strolls, exploring unique shops and cafes, and appreciating the architecture—a truly therapeutic experience combining food, culture, and small-town life. Throughout the town, you'll find historically significant stone walls and classic architectural details, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter a romantic, misty rain. 📍Claremore Town Attractions Recommendations 1. Historic Stone Walls and Photo Exhibitions: Many stone walls in the town center display black-and-white photographs of early residents, recording the story of Claremore. Visiting on a rainy day, with the old photos and misty rain, creates a truly atmospheric experience. Address: Walking area around Claremont Village Recommended stay: 20-30 minutes 2. Exploring the Blend of Chinese and Western Architecture: The town's architecture blends modern and retro styles, from traditional Chinese eaves to European facades. Take your time to stroll, explore, and take photos. Many houses and shops are adorned with flowers and trees, creating a particularly poetic atmosphere on a rainy day. Recommended Route: Stroll along Old Brock Road, enjoying the architecture and town scenery. 3. Unique Cafes: The town boasts several charming cafes, favorite spots for locals. Enjoy a latte while watching the rain and green trees outside. Recommended: Claremont Cafe & Bakery Address: 4949 Old Brock Rd, Claremont, ON Opening Hours: 08:30–16:00 Tip: Come on a rainy day, sit by the window and feel the raindrops outside – super relaxing! 4. Small Town Lifestyle Besides the cafe, there are several unique shops selling handicrafts and local specialties, perfect for a stroll. Recommended: St. Paul’s General Store Address: 4950 Old Brock Rd, Claremont, ON Opening Hours: 09:00–17:00 You can pick up handmade postcards and other locally inspired souvenirs. 🍰 Food Recommendations Claremont Cafe & Bakery's scones and pies are highly recommended, all freshly baked. They also have locally baked bread and handmade desserts, offering a rich small-town flavor. 🚌 Transportation Guide Driving is recommended; it's about a 50-minute drive from downtown Toronto. If you don't have a car, take the GO Transit to Pickering station and then transfer to the TTC or a taxi. The entire town is within walking distance, super convenient. 🌂 Useful Tips · Rainy days are ideal for visiting; fewer tourists, quieter, allowing you to slowly discover the town's details. · We recommend wearing waterproof shoes and bringing an umbrella; rainy days can also have their charm. · For the best photos of the architecture and people, the light is best from morning to midday. · The town is truly perfect for a leisurely stroll; there's no need to rush. If you also enjoy a relaxed, understated, and therapeutic trip, consider adding Claremore to your list of Toronto suburbs. The romance of wandering through this small town will definitely leave a lasting impression. #TorontoSuburbs #SmallTownWandering #ArchitectureLoversMustVisit #RainyDayHealingTrip #SlowLivingTravel

Jackson Kitesho from Top Selected Tours was our African tour director and personal guide for our 6-day safari across Northern & Central Serengeti, Lake Tarangire, Ngorogoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, Tanzania. He was outstanding, with incredible knowledge and engaging stories about the local and tribal cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. His English was excellent, and he was clearly experienced and respected by other guides. We witnessed the river crossing of the Great Migration, one of many highlights. During the safaris, Jackson could spot animals from a distance and bring us closer. We felt very safe and confident with his driving. He cleaned his car daily, making it a pleasure to start each day on safari. Jackson organized our entire African itinerary (20 days spanning various countries), advised on activities, arranged great accommodations, and connected us with excellent local tour guides and companies in other countries. He was quick to respond to my numerous questions on WhatsApp and offered advice about packing and visas. You couldn't find anyone better, and I highly recommend him and his service.

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#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides Located just 40 km east of Toronto, Pickering offers a harmonious blend of scenic waterfronts, rich history, and modern attractions. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or vibrant entertainment, Pickering has something for everyone. Top Attractions & Activities: Frenchman's Bay & Nautical Village: Enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports in this natural harbour setting. Stroll through the exclusive shops in the Nautical Village and indulge in diverse culinary delights while soaking in lakeside views. Pickering Museum Village: Step back in time at Ontario's largest living history museum, featuring restored heritage buildings and interactive exhibits that showcase 19th-century life. Pickering Casino Resort: Experience world-class gaming, dining, and entertainment at this expansive resort, which includes a casino, luxury hotels, and a variety of restaurants. Herongate Barn Theatre: Enjoy live performances in a charming, rustic setting, offering a unique blend of dinner and theatre experiences. Millennium Square: A vibrant public space by the lake, perfect for family outings, featuring open areas for events, walking paths, and picturesque views. Outdoor Activities: Waterfront Trail: Explore scenic trails along Lake Ontario, ideal for walking, cycling, and enjoying the natural beauty of the shoreline. Petticoat Creek Conservation Park: A family-friendly park offering picnic areas, hiking trails, and a large outdoor pool, all set against the backdrop of lush greenery. Deer Creek North Golf Course: Tee off at this well-maintained golf course, suitable for players of all skill levels, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Cultural Highlights: Draper Site: Discover the archaeological remains of a 15th-century Huron-Wendat village, offering insights into the region's Indigenous history. Pickering Nuclear Generating Station: Learn about one of Canada's oldest nuclear power stations, a significant contributor to Ontario's electricity supply. Shopping & Dining: The Shops at Pickering City Centre: Explore over 150 stores in this regional shopping mall, offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Visitor Information: Location: Pickering, Ontario, Canada #PickeringOntario #ExplorePickering #FrenchmansBay #PickeringMuseumVillage #PickeringCasinoResort #HerongateTheatre #WaterfrontTrail #PetticoatCreekPark #DraperSite