Twenty-two weekend itineraries give budget-friendly, culture-rich ideas on how to discover Ontario from a local level.

TORONTO, ON – January 18, 2024 – Ontario Culture Days, a province-wide not-for-profit organization that celebrates artists and cultural groups in our communities, has released its list of comprehensive travel guides. The two-day guides explore the hidden cultural gems of 22 communities across Ontario, from Windsor to Manitoulin Island.

The free online guides offer unique what-to-do-and-see recommendations that are budget-conscious, family friendly and unconventional. The guides also provide local lists of places to shop and where to eat and drink. The ON Culture Guides are great for day trip adventures, weekend getaways, and discovering your own backyard.

“We’re fortunate to have so many unique cultural offerings in Ontario, but sometimes these local gems may not receive the attention they truly deserve,” said Ruth Burns, Executive Director of Ontario Culture Days. “The ON Culture Guides travel itineraries present ideas for cultural enthusiasts who are willing to explore beyond the ordinary, while being mindful of budget constraints and the significance of supporting local communities.”

ON Culture Guides provide itineraries for the following communities: Belleville and Bay of Quinte, Caledon, Cobalt and Temiskaming Shores, Durham Region South, Durham Region North, Guelph, Halton Hills Region, Hamilton, Manitoulin Island, Milton, Niagara Region, Oakville, Ottawa, Owen Sound, Peterborough, Prince Edward County, Six Nations of The Grand River, St. Catharines, Stratford, Thunder Bay, Toronto, and Windsor.

Tourists visiting Windsor, for example, may not be aware of the significant contributions made by Black communities in the region for centuries. A historic entry point into Canada, the area saw many people seeking freedom through the Underground Railroad. The Windsor, Niagara Region, and Owen Sound itineraries acknowledge and pay tribute to the rich history of Black communities in Ontario.

The Manitoulin Island and Six Nations of the Grand River itineraries explore the diverse history, traditions, cuisine, and cultures of Indigenous Peoples and highlight unique experiences in these regions.

Supporting local has never been more important. Take the guesswork out of your next road trip and use the ON Culture Guides to create the perfect plan for your next adventure. For more information, visit onculturedays.ca/guides.

About Ontario Culture Days:

Ontario Culture Days is a not-for-profit organization that celebrates artists and cultural groups in our communities.

The Ontario Culture Days Festival is an annual celebration of arts, culture and heritage taking place each fall across the province. Each year, we work with organizers of all disciplines to produce this province-wide festival. Organizers host programs throughout Ontario and invite the public to participate for free. The next Ontario Culture Days Festival will take place between September 22nd to October 15th, 2023.

Ontario Culture Days lives at the local level. We support organizers from the smallest hamlets to the largest cities while coordinating with other national and provincial Culture Days partners. We support the success of our sector colleagues through resources and network development while highlighting the breadth and heterogeneity of Ontario’s arts and culture to the wider public.

A sincere thanks to Ontario Culture Days’ supporters, including Ivy Charging Network, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), VIA Rail Canada, Arterra Wines Canada, Destination Toronto, Destination Northern Ontario, Star Metroland Media and the Toronto Star.  

These programs would not be possible without the support of the Government of Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Arts Council, the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, and the Toronto Arts Council.

The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund is a program of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, administered by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund Corporation.

For further media information, contact:

Deanne Moser. 647.888.9388

deanne@dmpublic.com