Curated and Written by Deborah Lau-Yu

F ather’s Day is this coming weekend, and after months of lockdowns across the country, many provinces are opening back up just in time to toast our dads! In this past year of pandemic living, we have re-engaged our gardens and homes, set foot on newly discovered trails in our own backyards, and driven to local destinations in search of interesting experiences. We’ve come up with a list of experiences to add to your idea bank, in case you haven’t figured out what to do with the family yet! While our list of venues is focussed in Ontario, the ideas are applicable wherever you reside!

TABOO MUSKOKA GOLF PACKAGE

Whether a beginner or a pro, Dad will appreciate a getaway from the city to Muskoka for some fresh air and exercise. It’s been a long year of being inside, meeting on zoom calls and being “virtual.” Get him away from the desk and onto a golf course, where the clear skies and manicured greenery is a complete change of scenery.

“Stay and play” is a package that includes an unlimited day of golf, with cart at their championship golf course. Muskoka has quickly evolved into one of the most in-demand destinations for golf in Ontario and Taboo is on the list of Top 100 Courses in Canada. With the beautiful scenic backdrop of the vibrant Canadian Shield, it’s an experience that is unforgettable, especially for a dad who doesn’t get to get out of the city much!

Please check their website for available timeslots for golf.

A BAMBOO MASSAGE AT THE FOUR SEASONS TORONTO

Dad may have been busy with a lot of yard work and tire changes recently, on top of all the hours in front of a computer in meetings. Help him to ease his achy neck and shoulders, relieve stress and be pampered at the coveted spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.

In Eastern cultures, bamboo symbolizes life, energy, prosperity and longevity. This wonderfully natural massage is known for its restorative properties. Using different-sized pieces of smooth, warmed bamboo, this firm-pressure massage reduces stress, relieves tension in the muscles and tendons, and stimulates the flow of blood and lymph – naturally healing the body and mind.

Weekdays: 60 minutes - $205 CAD | Weekend and Holiday: 60 minutes - $230 CAD

To top it off, treat Dad to a family meal together from Cafe Boulud after Dad finishes up his massage!

TWO SISTERS VINEYARD VERANDA TASTING

Another way to get Dad out of the city is of course to head over to Niagara-on-the-Lake! An escape from city life or the suburbs, this beautiful region is a place that you can never finish exploring with the many vineyards and historic district, as well as local shopping.

Two Sisters Vineyard is a truly breathtaking and unique experience in Ontario that is both beautiful and timeless. Two Sisters Vineyards emphasizes the varieties the estate grows best with the local terroir; “Cabernet Franc with its earthy structure, Cabernet Sauvignon for its rich, muscular presence and Merlot for its perfumed, elegant harmony between red and dark fruit aroma and taste." During the season, all fruit from this vineyard is tended, bunch and leaf thinning all by hand, handled with care and attention to detail from the vineyard through to bottle. Take dad for an exceptional tasting experience in the Italian renaissance inspired outdoor veranda, which overlooks the vineyards with a structured tasting of 4 award-winning wines.

Pre-paid reservation for parties of 2 to 4; Approx. $50 per person

PATIO BRUNCH OUTSIDE ON MAIN STREET UNIONVILLE, AT NEXT DOOR RESTAURANT

A PATIO BRUNCH WITH ICE CREAM TO FOLLOW

Nothing beats quality time together over a meal. With patios open, and everyone out to enjoy the sunshine, bring Dad out to a beautiful patio for a delicious brunch, such as at Next Door, in Unionville/Markham. Pour your hearts out as you are pampered with food you have missed for over a year, and share some bonding time and connecting moments with someone who loved you unconditionally since the beginning. After your sun-filled morning, continue the conversation on a walk around Forest Therapy Trail and Too Good Pond with an ice cream cone in hand. No fuss, and all quality time, dad will surely appreciate it! If you’re feeling like a workout, bring back a sport that dad taught you — bring your glove and ball, volleyball, frisbee, soccer ball, you name it, and reminisce childhood in one of the nearby neighbourhood parks!

A PICNIC AT THE PARK

PICNIC MENU ITEM FROM MAHJONG BAR, TORONTO

Many restaurants have been creative in creating snacks and kits for picnicking families throughout the pandemic. Avoid the lineups for the patio, and continue to support your local business by taking out and heading to the park. Be sure of course to pack it all up and take it with you when you are done to preserve our green spaces! Do something sweet that Dad used to do for you, whether it was preparing the food or carrying all the heavy bags and umbrellas to the beach or park so that you could have a fun day outside. You can prepare your own basket, or give a restaurant some business!

Pictured above is a menu item in the picnic kits from Mahjong Bar, a private and stunningly designed space in Little Portugal, Toronto. Packages available starting at $25 plus HST. Add some great beer/cider/wine or a cocktail kit and you have the perfect al fresco lunch! Available by pre-order to info@mahjongbar.com or by pickup while quantities last.

PORSCHE CANADA TRACK EXPERIENCE

Has Dad always loved sports cars, and perhaps even drives one, but has never taken it to the track? It’s time to sign him up for a fun and fabulous ONE DAY COURSE FOR FIRST TIME PARTICIPANTS. The historic Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (CTMP) is a track for the ages, and a place that our own editorial team can say was a phenomenal experience. CTMP is home to both the Grand Prix (GP) track and a Driver Development Track (DDT). It was two full road courses, skidpad, autocross and fully service modern buildings where you can enjoy a meal and education in a contemporary setting. Located about 90 minutes East of downtown Toronto, this historic circuit is easily accessible from either direction with regional access to highways 401 and 407 (toll). Professional instruction is available in different Porsche sports car models, all provided by by Porsche Canada. “The Porsche Track Experience programs are designed in stages to increase one of the most important aspects of dynamic driving: the driver.” The course includes Continental breakfast, briefing, Track and Paddock exercises, and departure.

Precision Dates and Pricing:
July 2, 3, 24, September 29, 30, October 1
$1,695 per person + tax (please see Porsche website for official updates and information)

We hope you all have a wonderful Father’s Day with your families this weekend! Cherish every moment!