Centauri Summer Arts Camp is ideally located just 1.5 hours from Toronto, and in the middle of the beautiful Niagara Region. Increasingly, we’re hear that families from further afield choose to combine their child’s camp experience with a family vacation. If you are thinking of staying nearby and enjoying some of what the region has to offer, here are a few tips and resources to get you started…
Centauri Summer Camp is only 35 minutes from Niagara-on-the-Lake. Check out this historic town, enjoy the quaint shops, visit local wineries and take in some theatre at the world famous Shaw Festival. Niagara-on-the-Lake also offers some of the most luxurious hotels in Ontario. https://www.niagaraonthelake.com/
Meander down the Niagara Parkway to Niagara Falls. There’s the butterfly conservatory, lovely river walks, farm fresh produce to browse, vineyards to visit, the floral clock, the Laura Second house, the Brock Monument, and much more. http://www.exploringniagara.com/places_to_explore/attractions/niagara_river_parkway.html
Visit Niagara Falls! Take the Hornblower boat to the base of the Falls, or e
njoy spectacular views from the top of the Sky Wheel. https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/
Visit St. Catharines and Port Dalhousie. There’s a great beach and some fantastic shopping and dining options – all just 30 minutes from camp. http://www.tourismstcatharines.ca/
If you like beaches, we have some great options close to camp. Grimsby is just 20 minutes from Centauri and has a pleasant beach: https://www.theswimguide.org/beach/51?set_language=en. There are many more options, too: http://naturallyinniagara.ca/articles/top-5-beaches-in-niagara/2562/
Dunnville is the closest small town to Centauri – just 10 minutes away – and it’s very pleasant. There’s a 60s diner, several appealing gift shops and Byng Island conservation area just outside of the town. Check out The Minga coffee shop – run by our camp doctor – and the excellent book sale at the library. When a camper stays for more than one session, Dunnville is a great option for an ice cream and a family meal on stayover.
Fonthill is another lovely community closeby – 15 minutes from camp. There’s a music festival held there each summer, and plenty of dining options. Neighbouring Pelham has a lovely row of heritage shops, and plenty of farmers’ markets to visit.
If you’re hoping to camp, and you love the outdoors, I would recommend Rock Point Provincial Park, just 20 minutes from camp: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/rockpoint
Finally, Hamilton is only 35 minutes away from camp. This city has a huge amount to offer – great hotels, a thriving arts scene and the Royal Botanical Gardens. For Hamilton: https://tourismhamilton.com/
From small heritage towns like Dunnville, Pelham and Fonthill, to bustling cities like St Catharines and Hamilton, and world class tourist attractions like Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake, there’s plenty for parents to see and do while their kids explore the arts at Centauri!