5-Day Ontario Art, Wine, and Sunset Experience

Day 1: Toronto to the Hockley Valley Resort

Located less than an hour north of Toronto just past the city suburbs is the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in the charming Village of Kleinburg. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is located on the original lands of the Ojibwe Anishinaabe People and uniquely situated along the Carrying Place Trail which historically provided an integral connection for Indigenous people between Ontario’s Lakeshore and the Lake Simcoe-Georgian Bay Region. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is the largest publicly funded art gallery in Canada that focuses exclusively on Canadian and Indigenous art, both historical and contemporary. As an institution, McMichael recognizes the importance of acknowledging the original territories of the Ojibwe Anishinaabe First Nations people and other Indigenous Nations. The museum houses a permanent collection that consists of more than 6,500 works by historic and present-day Canadian artists, including Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven and their contemporaries, Indigenous artists and artists from the many diasporic communities. Drive another 50 kms to the Hockley Valley Resort for 2 nights stay.

Overnight: Hockley Valley Resort

Day 2: At the Hockley Valley Resort

Spend time at the pre booked detox body therapy spa treatment for 2 persons at the Hockley Valley Resort signature spa treatments that focus on self-care, mindfulness, and wellness. After your spa visit, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the fine restaurants on the property or in your in cabin, and make memories for years to come.In summer, book your mountain bike trail ride or tee time at the golf green. In winter, book ski time on the trails located immediately behind the resort.This day, travel a short distance to the Adamo Winery, a showpiece for Ontario’s newest emerging region of amazing winemaking. Their terroir-focused approach reflects the respect for the environment, climate, and region. Adamo’s 18-acre vineyard is nestled in the fertile, rolling hills of Hockley Valley featuring over 23,000 vines in 3 blocks. They focus on cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, making those the principal varietals, followed by Riesling, Gamay Noir and Vidal. In 2021 they planted Bacchus grape vines using bud wood to graft these vines to their rootstock.

Overnight: Hockley Valley Resort

Day 3: Drive to Kincardine and Goderich on the shores of Lake Huron

Drive a 150 kms through quiet pastoral countryside to the town of Kincardine on the shores of Lake Huron. In celebration of its Scottish heritage, Kincardine has declared itself “Ontario’s Scottish Destination on Lake Huron” with Scottish-themed festivals, traditional pipers, and the best Scottish delicacies in Canada. Most of Kincardine's cultural activities come with a Scottish flair. Kincardine’s heritage is closely tied to its Scottish ancestors, who settled in the 1850s, with many traditions continued to this dayLearn about Kincardine at the Walker House, a local museum and heritage centre. While Kincardine enjoys showcasing all things Scottish, it will has sandy beaches and natural beauty. Take a stroll downtown and enjoy the local cuisine before taking in the views from atop the Kincardine Lighthouse.Drive approximately 50 kms south along Highway 21 stopping at Point Clark Lighthouse on the way to Goderich, a small coastal town is located on the eastern shores of Lake Huron, near the mouth of the Maitland River, in Huron County. Goderich overlooks Lake Huron and is known for its gorgeous turquoise shorelines and historic downtown district. Goderich’s meticulously planned urban setup has the town divided into three heritage conservation areas, which make up most of the town’s historic, civic, arts and entertainment districts. Goderich underwent a growth spurt upon the establishment of its harbour and rail station, becoming a busy shipping station by the 1940s but the town’s biggest industry has been salt mining, with the first salt mines opening in 1867 after an unsuccessful search for oil revealed a vast rock salt bed instead. The town’s position facing west makes Goderich an ideal place to watch the amazing sunsets and visitors can also climb the wooden stairs from St. Christopher’s Beach to visit the Goderich Lighthouse on the edge of a bluff with a spectacular vista of Lake Huron. Trace Goderich’s railway past by crossing the Menesetung Bridge, which extends over the Maitland River by the old Goderich Salt Mine and harbour. The bridge was once used as a passage for trains along the Canadian Pacific Railway and is now a sturdy, well-maintained walkway for pedestrians. Stopping by the bridge you will be treated to views of the Maitland River, as well as Lake Huron.

Overnight: Goderich

Day 4: In and around Goderich

Hike the trails in Falls Reserve Conservation Area that follow a shallow river to the scenic Benmiller Falls. Set along the scenic Maitland River, just minutes from Goderich, Falls Reserve is a 230-acre natural outdoor playground nearly enclosed by the winding Maitland River. Over thousands of years the river has carved its way through rock, leaving behind a rugged river valley. Wide and shallow, the river cascades over a series of low waterfalls as it flows around the park creating a unique and exciting swimming area for visitors. The steep slopes of the river valley are well vegetated and provide important wildlife habitat. Some of the Eastern White Cedar trees that cling to the exposed limestone cliffs are over 300 years old and is likely the only old growth forest remaining in the Maitland watershed.Stop by West Street Willy’s Eatery for a casual, family-friendly setting with homey décor with an extensive menu of comfort food and drinks. Later, the 1.5 km scenic lakeshore boardwalk can set the stage for a romantic walk with your special someone.

Overnight: Goderich

Day 5: Return to Toronto

After a relaxed morning, drive 240 kms back to Toronto to return your rental car.