Weddings are elaborate, to describe it mildly. They are exhaustive, stressful and more a show of extravagance. It’s also an opportunity for kith and kin to get together and make merry.
I remember my wedding, which was essentially moving from one ritual and sari to another. I didn’t have time to exchange pleasantries with loved ones or enjoy the flowers that decked the hall. In fact I had more fun during my sister’s nuptials than mine.
Famished and tired after countless ceremonies, the only thing I wanted to do was to hibernate to no man’s land and recoup. Thankfully, in Ontario, which is blessed with thousands of lakes and parks, you won’t find it hard to locate a serene place where you and your partner can relax. And the options are endless. Spend the warm nights in rustic wood cabins. Enjoy a barbecue dinner by a campfire under a starry sky. Right from fishing, canoeing and kayaking to hiking and bird-watching, Ontario Parks offer you lots of options to spend quality time with your spouse.
You could even spot the occasional moose, bear or fox that may come out to graze! So immerse in the silence that will be interrupted only by the chirping of birds. You could choose from any of the following parks or log onto www.ontarioparks.com for more options.
Killbear Provincial Park – A rugged and rocky shoreline and white sandy beaches make Killbear one of the busiest parks in Ontario. Located 15 km north of Parry Sound, it would take you 3 hours to reach by road from Toronto. Swim, sunbath, kayak, sail, windsurf or go fishing in one of the 30,000 islands. Simply laze on the beach and enjoy the view of rocky islands. The park has four hiking trails where you will for sure encounter the White-tailed Deer. A must-do is to watch the sun set over the picturesque Georgian Bay.
Algonquin – While Killbear is for the water-lover, bird-watchers and tree huggers can head to Algonquin Pronvincial Park, which is 300km north of Toronto and 260 km west of Ottawa. The park is ecologically diverse and houses both deciduous and coniferous forests. It is common to sight a moose in Algonquin, which provides one with varied camping options. Backcountry Camping, close to Whitney, is a popular option.
Sleeping Giant – Located in Northwest Ontario, it’s an hour’s drive from Thunder Bay. Sleeping Giant overlooks Lake Superior. Encounter moose, fox, lynx and a myriad of birds in the forests of Sleeping Giant. Stay fit after your wedding binge by biking or walking on the mountain trails.
Killarney Provincial Park – This Park has been the muse of many artists like AY Jackson, Franklin Carmichael and AJ Casson. The Killarney Village, which was a fur trading post in the 1800s, is 10 km away and indulge in a fish and chips meal at the famous Herbert Fisheries. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of quartzite hills and stay in a yurt hut. Visit prehistoric encampments that date back to more than 5,000 years ago. Also take up lessons with the ‘artist in residence’ and draw your own vision of Killarney. The 485 sqkm Park is in Central Ontario and less than 100 km from Sudbury.
The rustic settings and lack of modern distractions will ensure you and your loved one have the time of your life. Hit the park trail and have a memorable honeymoon!
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This post was orginally published on Suhaag.com
❤ The National Bridal Show Team