Scandinave's relaxing setting is the perfect place to unwind after exams.	PHOTO COURTESY OF SCANDINAVE SPA

Stay local for reading week
By Floriana E. Paonessa
Oct. 20, 2011

While sipping piña coladas on a white beach in Punta Cana seems like the ideal place to spend the much-anticipated week off in October, it’s not likely to be the case for most students.

For those looking to let loose from exam stress, there are many local attractions just waiting to be discovered.

Unwind at the spa
Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountain brings an affordable alternative to hundreds of dollars spent as the spa norm.

Among regular spa treatments, their Scandinavian baths are what makes the experience special. Hot bath followed by cold bath, or a roll in the snow (weather permitting), makes for a relaxing and cleansing day. At only $46 for the day, students can unwind in this breathtaking environment.

“As the only outdoor Baths Spa in Ontario, the experience at Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain is truly unique,” said the co-owner and director of marketing and sales, Mylisa Henderson, in an email. “The natural environment with expansive views of the Niagara Escarpment provides a stunning backdrop for relaxation and wellness.”

The spa is situated two hours away from the city, but it’s just close enough to make it a feasible day trip.

“Its location is perfect for a one-day getaway for myself from the city,” said Ivana Macri, former student and Scandinave enthusiast.

Talking is not permitted in the bath area, making the experience as serene as possible.

Macri says the peace and quiet in the baths is a refreshing change from the buzz of the city.

“Our bodies go through so much strain and tension at school,” said Macri. “We need to release that tension with simple pleasures like a day at the spa.”

No interest in relaxing? Take a walk in the clouds.
Haliburton’s Canopy Tour is a breathtaking experience for anyone looking for a scenic adventure in the midst of October’s fall colours.  

“It simply provides access for people who usually don’t climb trees anymore to remember or experience life in the tree tops.”

A guided four-hour excursion through Haliburton forest is filled with activities including a canoe ride, half-kilometer walk through the Pelaw River and finally, the boardwalk over the trees,10-20 meters above the forest floor.

“The Canopy Tour is special because it simply provides access for people who usually don’t climb trees anymore to remember or experience life in the tree tops,” said David Bishop, general manager of Haliburton Forest. “This is an adventure but in a safe environment.”

The tour runs all summer, up until late October, just in time for students to make the trip during their break.

For those unable to sit still, staying active in the wild is always an option.

“The Canopy Tour provides an opportunity for students to relax, and learn with no pressure,” said Bishop. “The fully trained guides are not only look after your safety but are there to provide an experience full of information and excitement.”

Aside from the Canopy tour, Haliburton is filled with many more outdoor activities including snowmobiling, dog sledding, astronomy and mountain biking.

Haliburton is also conveniently situated near enough to be a day trip for students on a budget.

Wine tasting is an experience for everyone.	PHOTO BY FLORIANA E. PAONESSA

For the wine connoisseur
Italian vineyards are hard to come by.

Niagara’s wine region, however, is not.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is conveniently situated a short distance away so that Sheridan students may partake in the ever-growing tradition of wine tasting.

Hillebrand Winery has been part of Ontario’s wine country for more than 30 years. Their tours make for a wine and culinary experience combined. A day at Hillebrand may consiss of wine tasting as well as dining in their restaurant, which has lunch and dinner options.

At Hillebrand they offer a Wine Country Touring Pass, which gives visitors a VIP wine tour and tasting at four locations including Hillebrand, Peller Estates, Wine Country Vintners and Thirty Bench Wine Makers.

“The great thing about the Wine Country Touring Pass is it's only $20 per pass for $40 worth of tastings and tours,” said Heather McEwen, communications specialist for Hillebrand. “For students on a budget, it's an excellent choice to get the most out of their wine country visit.”

Hillebrand’s tours will take visitors behind-the-scenes into the world of wine-making, where they can watch the wine press at work and walk through the vineyards, tasting their favorite blends.

For the beer lover
Oliver Dawson loves beer.

He has a genuine interest in helping the general public love beer as well and so founded the Beer Lovers' Tour in Toronto, which is not only an journey into the world of beer but also an educational walk through Toronto.

“It’s something about being together, enjoying beer in a non-threatening and fun environment.”

The Beer tour has been in Toronto for 10 years.	PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BEER LOVERS TOUR

“Millions of people drink beer in North America [but] how many people know the difference between a lager and an ale?” he said.

Dawson takes groups through four different breweries, sharing his passion in hopes of giving those interested, a new perspective on beer.

“As long as Toronto has been a city, the brewing industry has actually been intimately involved in its growth and its culture,” said Dawson.

The Old Toronto Beer Tour is $99 for a full day excursion, with the option of dinner at an additional charge. Dawson has a wide variety among his audience from late teens to retirees.

“If someone wanted to just get hammered, it’s way cheaper to buy a two-four and sit under a tree,” said Dawson.

There may be no pints of Guinness in old Dublin pubs this break, but Dawson is offering an unforgettable experience within Toronto’s beer history.

“It’s something about being together, enjoying beer in a non-threatening and fun environment,” said Dawson. “This is like a wine tour for beer lovers.”