Golfing Getaway: Fore Play on Georgian Bay

Itinerary

• Ontario

  Ontario is a province located in east-central Canada, the largest by population and second largest, after Quebec, in total area.
   Ontario is bordered by the provinces of Manitoba to the west and Quebec to the east, and five U.S. states (from west to east): Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania (the latter two across Lake Erie) and New York to the south and east. Most of Ontario's  border with the United States runs along water.  The capital of Ontario is Toronto, Canada's most populous city and metropolitan area.  Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is also located in Ontario.

• Blue Mountain

  Blue Mountain is an alpine ski resort situated on a section of the Niagara Escarpment about 1 km away from Georgian Bay, just northwest of Collingwood. It is a major destination for skiers from Southern Ontario, and is the third-busiest ski resort in Canada after Whistler-Blackcomb and Mont Tremblant. It is one of the largest resorts in Ontario and has been extensively built out, featuring 34 runs, 13 chairlifts and 5 freestyle terrains. Majority owned by Intrawest since 1999, the resort has recently undergone major renovations, including new high-speed lifts and a new "village" similar to those built at Tremblant and Whistler at its base. The local area forms the newly incorporated town of The Blue Mountains, Ontario.

• Toronto

  Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with a wonderful network of parks, recreational and cultural facilities. It is the largest city in Canada, with a population consisting of over 2.5 million people. Toronto is the home of seven professional sports teams and the third largest English-speaking theatre district in the world, behind New York and London. It is one of the world's most multicultural cities, home to more than 80 ethnic communities (half of people living in Toronto were born outside Canada). A dominant force in the business and economy of the nation, it is also the cultural centre of English-speaking Canada. Toronto is known as a city of neighborhoods. Districts are often centered one of the main streets (Queen, College, Bloor etc), and packed tightly together, with each having something different to offer each visitor. The relative compactness of these neighborhoods makes exploring on foot easy and pleasant, especially in the warmer months.

• • Toronto
  • Splendido Restaurant
  • SoHo Metropolitan Hotel

  Day 1: Toronto

  Upon your arrival, pick up your car and make your way downtown to your home for the night, the stylish Soho Metropolitan Hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring some of Toronto’s attractions. If you arrive early enough, head up to Angus Glen Golf Club, a previous host of the Canadian Open and one of the best golf courses in the country. Play the North or South course (or both if you arrive early enough!), hone your skills at the golf academy and explore the luxurious 65,000-squarefoot clubhouse.

  Includes daily car rental. Rate includes up to 200 kilometers per day. (Any additional charges will be applied to excess kilometers).

  There are many great gastronomical restaurants to choose from in Toronto, including Ame - a Japanese focused cuisine with an extensive sushi and sashimi menu, Splendido - which serves high quality, seasonal, locally sourced products that have been traditionally prepared, and Wine Bar which offers fine dining in a more casual atmosphere.

  There is always plenty on in terms of theatre and entertainment in Toronto. All of the main theatres and entertainment venues in Toronto can be found at http://www.showmetoronto.com/toronto_theatres.htm

  Accommodation: SoHo Metropolitan (4*)

  The SoHo Metropolitan Hotel (4*) is simply Toronto's finest, whether you call it a luxury, boutique or design hotel. The moment you set foot upon the marble floors of the SoHo Metropolitan, you enter a world of exquisite delights and unparalleled convenience, where commitment to service and personal attention exceed all expectations. Travelers will be able to take advantage of the many services and amenities such as smart technology, in-room coffee and tea, fully stocked private bars, complimentary high-speed internet and in-room safe. The elegant, oversized luxury guestrooms average 600 square feet in size and feature Italian Frette linens, down filled duvets and Italian marble bathrooms. Enjoy your choice of two award wining restaurants, Senses fine dining Restaurant and Senses Bakery for all day causal dining. Also at the hotel you will find Salon Daniel and Spa, a pampering, world class team of beauty professionals who deliver leading-edge beauty treatments.

• • Westin Trillium House

  Day 2: Toronto - Blue Mountain - Collingwood

  Includes daily car rental. Rate includes up to 200 kilometers per day. (Any additional charges will be applied to excess kilometers).

  After breakfast, pack up your clubs and head North. It’s only a 90 minute drive up to Collingwood in the heart of the Georgian Triangle, rated one of Ontario’s best golfing destinations.

  Check in to the Westin Trillium, your home for the next two nights, and head straight to the course.

  With some of Ontario’s most breathtaking terrain, the landscape at the Raven Golf Club at Lora Bay is spectacular as the course drifts along Nipissing Ridge and through various wildlife preserves above the undulating shores of Georgian Bay. What makes this course unique are the deliberately preserved elements that pay tribute to historic rural Ontario. The natural contours of the rolling farmland create drama, original barns have been preserved, and a functioning apple orchard comes into play on the 14th. The club is home to the 2008 Wayne Gretzky Classic, and the design is a successful collaboration between ’06 Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman and Canadian architect Tom McBroom. (Green fees include golf cart rental).

  Enjoy dinner tonight at the Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, conveniently located in the Westin Trillium House. This exciting Blue Mountain eatery is custom

  built for full-service mountain dining, as well as some seriously indulgent culinary experiences. The large outdoor terrace offers one of the best views in the resort…so prepare for an outstanding dining experience.

  Accommodation: Westin Trillium House

  Just two hours northwest of Toronto, The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain is a relaxing retreat in a breathtaking setting. Located next to both the Georgian Bay and the majestic Niagara Escarpment, the property offers an optimal haven during any season. You'll find endless options at The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain, from skiing and snowboarding to golf to the Plunge! aquatic centre, plus great events and festivals. Or just relax on the beach, visit a spa or hike along the beautiful Escarpment. Savor the delights of a sleek mountain-side resort: warm up by the fire amidst the hues of nature. Sip a drink onto the balcony while absorbing the beautiful mountain or village view. Enjoy a hot tub dip before tucking into your Heavenly Bed®. The bedroom interiors are decorated with a natural palette of the nearby Georgian Bay which are reflected in the fabrics, linens and dark wood furnishings.

• Day 3: Blue Mountain - Collingwood

  Includes daily car rental. Rate includes up to 200 kilometers per day. (Any additional charges will be applied to excess kilometers).

  Enjoy a lisurely breakfatthis moring at the Westin Trillium hotel.

  Challenge yourself today with a round at one of Ontario’s most popular resort courses — Monterra Golf. Designed in 1989 by Tom McBroom, Monterra has proven to be a formidable challenge for golfers from North America and abroad. A traditional links course, Monterra features rolling bent grass fairways, razorback mounding and 86 bunkers, as well as ravines, creeks, seven lakes, and some spectacular elevated tee shots.

  This afternoon, take some time to stroll through the Village at Blue Mountain and check out the many boutiques and cafes, or if you prefer to unwind the kinks from the day on the course, enjoy the ultimate pampering at the Scandinave Spa. Nestled in the trees, the Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain offers a Scandinavian bath experience that cleanses the skin, improves physical and aerobic conditioning, increases general well-being and pampers the body & soul.

  If 18-holes this morning wasn’t enough for you, head out to nearby Cobble Beach, a challenging links course designed by Doug Carrick, where golfers get a breathtaking view of Georgian Bay on every hole. All greens are fast and some slope toward the bay, with pot bunkers adding to the difficulty. With rugged rough and nasty fescue to deal with off the fairways, Cobble Beach requires accuracy and strategic club selection off each tee.

  Dinner tonight is at Simcoe County Restaurant, where no-fuss country dining meets barnyard chic in this converted fish ’n’ chips shop. Chef Doug Porter makes art of local ingredients in his open kitchen, and the small menu is supplemented by specials that reflect seasonal, local ingredients.

  Accommodation: Westin Trillium House

• Day 4: Blue Mountain - Collingwood

  Enjoy a lisurely breakfatthis moring at the Westin Trillium hotel.

  Includes daily car rental. Rate includes up to 200 kilometers per day. (Any additional charges will be applied to excess kilometers).

  Chck out of your hotel this morning after enjoying a great breakfast.

  Tee-off at Batteaux Creek Golf Club, tucked into the Niagara Escarpment between Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. The course was designed by Collingwood native Stephen Young, who worked as a shaper for Tom McBroom before hanging out his own shingle, and it offers golfers one of the most scenic and playable layouts in Ontario. It’s a largely flat piece of property, bisected by marshland and creeks, and dotted with clumps of hardwoods, with fairway and green-side mounds that create depth and offer real bite.

  After finishing off a glorious 18 holes, drive back down to Toronto, where you will drop off your car and continue on with your journey.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Local Diversions

  Toronto is best explored on foot, to discover its cultural neighbourhoods, bustling markets, inspiring architecture, the unique ravine system and lush parks. More than 7,000 restaurants are scattered across the city, serving an array of cuisine from the flashy kitchens of leading edge chefs to authentic ethnic favourites. The theatre scene rivals London and New York, and festivals throughout the year draw tremendous audience for theatre, film, music and dance. Toronto is the ultimate urban destination.

• SoHo Metropolitan (4*)

  The SoHo Metropolitan Hotel (4*) is simply Toronto's finest, whether you call it a luxury, boutique or design hotel. The moment you set foot upon the marble floors of the SoHo Metropolitan, you enter a world of exquisite delights and unparalleled convenience, where commitment to service and personal attention exceed all expectations. Travelers will be able to take advantage of the many services and amenities such as smart technology, in-room coffee and tea, fully stocked private bars, complimentary high-speed internet and in-room safe. The elegant, oversized luxury guestrooms average 600 square feet in size and feature Italian Frette linens, down filled duvets and Italian marble bathrooms. Enjoy your choice of two award wining restaurants, Senses fine dining Restaurant and Senses Bakery for all day causal dining. Also at the hotel you will find Salon Daniel and Spa, a pampering, world class team of beauty professionals who deliver leading-edge beauty treatments.

  • More information
• • Westin Trillium House
  • Westin Trillium House Room

  Westin Trillium House

  Just two hours northwest of Toronto, The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain is a relaxing retreat in a breathtaking setting. Located next to both the Georgian Bay and the majestic Niagara Escarpment, the property offers an optimal haven during any season. You'll find endless options at The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain, from skiing and snowboarding to golf to the Plunge! aquatic centre, plus great events and festivals. Or just relax on the beach, visit a spa or hike along the beautiful Escarpment. Savor the delights of a sleek mountain-side resort: warm up by the fire amidst the hues of nature. Sip a drink onto the balcony while absorbing the beautiful mountain or village view. Enjoy a hot tub dip before tucking into your Heavenly Bed®. The bedroom interiors are decorated with a natural palette of the nearby Georgian Bay which are reflected in the fabrics, linens and dark wood furnishings.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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