Between work deadlines, family obligations and a seemingly never-ending To Do list that comes with being an adult, it’s sometimes hard to find time to show the dads in our lives how much they mean to us. This summer, reconnect with dad through a meaningful travel experience that will have you bracing a new challenge together, trying new brews, burning up a sweat in the Great Outdoors, and more, with this list of 9 Ways to Spend Time with Dad This Summer.
1. Go Rafting on the Ottawa River
Credit: @meeglock
This is a great way to bond – work together, laugh, and cheer as you conquer the rapids with Wilderness Tours, OWL Rafting or Madawaska Kanu Centre. Read more about the adventure here.
2. Explore Bon Echo by Water
Credit: @holerider
If your dad prefers a slower pace on the water, take your stand up paddle board or canoe to this breathtaking park, where you can paddle to Mazinaw Rock‘s cliff face that rises 100 metres out of the water and features more than 260 Indigenous pictographs.
3. Cheers! Together.
Credit: @brew.daddy.durham
Located on the Abbey Gardens property, Haliburton Highlands Brewery is a great spot for a tour and sampling with dad while exploring the Haliburton Highlands.
4. Enjoy a Quiet Moment Under the Stars
Credit: @hannahkgm
Far away from city lights, Ontario’s Highlands is the perfect spot for stargazing for the busy dad who needs a break from the everyday. We even have some observatories to check out!
5. Take a Bike Tour of Perth with Heritage Bikes
Credit: @toriiross
A family that rides together, bonds together – and gets to see the history, culture and unique personality of this small Ontario town – together. Country tours are also available.
6. Watch dad become an artist
Credit: @yours_outdoors
This one is possibly going to be more satisfying for you than for your dad. While he’ll love creating his own piece of art through a glass-blowing workshop with Yours Outdoors, you’ll get to watch a man uncovering a new passion.
7. Hike One of Ontario’s Provincial Parks.
Credit: @jacqlitz
Ontario’s Highlands is home to eight Provincial Parks ready for hiking, camping, wandering – and spending time with dad.
8. Go on a Backcountry Adventure with Cruising Canoes
Credit: @cruisingcanoes
Take a guided introduction to backcountry camping, complete with canoeing and enjoying iconic Canadian landscapes, right in Algonquin Park.
9. Spend a Day on the Links at Bancroft Ridge Golf Club
Follow Local Wanderer Brendan’s advice and practice your swing while taking time to truly connect amongst rugged Bancroft scenery.