If escaping to cottage country for a much needed weekend of relaxation sounds like sanctuary, get excited! Metrolinx and Ontario Northland are teaming up on a pilot project that’s going to make it way easier to get TF out of the sweatiness of the city, and as far north as Huntsville and North Bay.
While a weekend getaway is hella nice, MOST people have the same idea, so you’re R&R doesn’t come without a price: sitting bumper to bumper on Highway 400 until all your cottage zen has gone out the window. Well… now thanks to the Metrolinx/Ontario Northland pilot project that began on August 3rd, and runs until September 3rd, you can make your way to the cottage without all the fuss.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Blnb_sTgXVu/?tagged=muskokaliving
Riders can start by hopping on the country-bound GO Train from Toronto’s Union Station that departs every Friday at 5:35. The train’s last stop is Allandale Waterfront GO Station, where cottagers can then have the option to jump on a shuttle route that reaches the Muskokas and beyond, aka the Northland Bus. Overall, including the GO Train and North Bus, the route has 14 stops, hitting up Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, and finally North Bay at 10:00 pm.
For convenience, the route is the exact same on the way back, leaving North Bay at 4:00 pm every Sunday for an arrival time of 10:03 pm at Union Station. You can also count on the same bliss of not having to worry about traffic or driving, as you experienced on the way up. Just sit back and relax some more.
What’s even more exciting is the fact that the route’s schedule accommodates Holiday weekends as well, meaning the regular Sunday service is shifted to return Monday at the same time. More cottage time for you, woohoo!
Another and final last tidbit you should know is that passengers only need to pay a single fare for the trip which is valid on both the GO Train and Northland transportation service. If you’re literally ready to purchase your ticket for your next cottage weekend rendezvous, head to the Ontario Northland website to get it now.
Ontario Northland’s CEO states on the website, “This service is ideal for those commuting to cottage country. We are lining up our services in an effort to create a seamless, convenient connection for our passengers.”
Thanks, CEO of Ontario Northland! If the pilot goes well, you can expect the same service/route to be available all summer long next year.
Check out the full schedule here:
Image via Ontario Northland
Are you going to use the service this summer? Share with us in the comment section.
Featured image: Instagram/ @railfanmatt4
Last month we attended the Canadian media launch of the all-new 2018 Buick Regal Sportsback and Regal GS in Tofino, British Columbia. For three days, we got to experience the town and drive through Vancouver Island behind the wheel of both new cars.
Photo: Lucas Scarfone
The Buick Regal line of cars is focused on athletic performance; sporty cars for sports enthusiasts. With this in mind, Buick ensures the trunks of the new 2018 line-up is spacious with a flexibility of the back seats to fold down in multiple ways to fit any other sporting equipment. At one of our pitstops along our road trip from Nanimo to Tofino, we put this to the test by easily fitting two foldable bikes in the trunk with the seats folded down.
Photo: Lucas Scarfone
Photo: Lucas Scarfone
The infotainment system in the centre felt like every other infotainment system but slightly larger with an interesting twist; an 8-inch built-in touchscreen with 4G LTE WIFI, navigation, android and apple connectivity and access to the MyBuick app. By connecting the app to your smartphone, you will be able to start your car or lock and unlock your car all from the palm of your hand wherever you are. Your phone apps like messages, podcasts, and phone calls also appear on the screen with access to voice control.
Photo: Lucas Scarfone
These features exist in both the Buick Regal Sportback and Regal GS. So what’s the difference between the two? Additional features exist in the GS like sleeker designed seats with flexibility in adjustments and back massagers, an exclusive V6 engine, and Brembo brakes. The cost difference ultimately distinguishes the two the most with the Sportback starting at $31,845 CAD and the GS at $43,845 CAD.
For an urban driver and occasionally a distance driver for travel, these cars definitely do the job. They feel luxurious for its mid-priced range, comfortable for long distances, spacious for friends or any luggage, with a reliable infotainment system.
Photo: Lucas Scarfone
Photo: Lucas Scarfone
Disclosure: General Motors provided the trip for the launch event. All opinions are my own.
Featured image: Lucas Scarfone
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To make this a truly special trip, dare to do something different – No need to lose hotel room keys, or even pay for flights at all – try out the RV life. Find yourself far away from daily life, we recommend cutting communication and constant wifi to take time and really enjoy the company (and views) around us. Cultivate a learning experience by making stops at cultural sites, museums, and attractions along the way. Make stops for local food and specialty dishes that are common to the region. Keep checking for festivals or concerts going on during the summer months in areas around Canada.
We know everywhere in Canada is obviously extremely beautiful for very different reasons, but we wanted to help you determine the perfect spot to choose to start on your road trip:
Yukon: Discover jaw-dropping mountain vistas, wild rivers, abundant wildlife and crystal clear lakes.
Saskatchewan: Find endless skies, the waving fields of wheat, and brilliant sunsets.
Quebec: Known for its rich history, geography, and culture.
Prince Edward Island: View the red sandstone cliffs, and enjoy the fresh East Coast seafood.
Ontario: Explore sculpted islands, turquoise lakes, rolling hills and lots of forests.
Nova Scotia: Embrace the Maritime culture, gorgeous landscapes, ocean views, and adorable multi-colored houses.
NW Territories: Known for its endless arctic skies where the northern lights dance and the midnight sun shines.
Newfoundland & Labrador: Adventure through the quiet coastal villages and appreciate the whales, icebergs and unique scenery.
New Brunswick: See the world’s highest tides that rise and fall the size of two-stories. Filled with rivers, mountains, forests and the Bay of Fundy which is known for extreme tides and whale-watching.
Manitoba: Uncover the incredible wildlife, rivers, lakes, and forests around the province. Don’t miss out on Manitoba’s Arctic coastline.
British Colombia: Awe-inspiring landscapes, dramatic seascapes, and pristine wilderness.
Alberta: Observe Alberta’s stunning rugged mountains and the only place in North America where the prairie, boreal forest and mountain ecosystems collide.
It’s time to rediscover your #wildhood – join the list.
Featured Image: Instagram/@GoRVingCanada
Do you have any travel story ideas or advice? Email me at julia@styledemocracy.com.
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