9 GO RESORTING GUIDE 2017 old alike, Ontario’s all-inclusive resorts are ideal for families of any composition. Oftentimes, a family vacation becomes little more than a futile effort to keep children entertained. But at Ontario’s all-inclusive resorts, a mixture of youth- friendly amenities and entertaining activ- ity programs for children means the work is done for harried parents. Better still, with supervised children’s programs and atten- tive qualified staff you feel comfortable leaving your little ones with, parents can actually relax as well - because at Ontario resorts a family vacation means a holiday for everyone, parents and children alike. With so much diversity within our resorts, we also have smaller family-friendly inns and cottage resorts, scaled down versions of the sprawling resort properties, offering intimacy and personal touches for what they may lack in a range of amenities. At one time, family owned and operated inns dominated cottage country. Families would frequent their chosen property year after year, passing down the tradition from generation to generation, creating tight-bonds with innkeepers that became more friend than host. Thankfully, such properties still exist in Ontario and are prized for the intimacy, personal touches and familiarity they provide. Visiting a country inn or a resort is like going home again. Within a day at most, you can be sure staff will remember your names and those of your kids. One of the benefits of the all-inclusive family resort, large or small, is that, as the name implied, everything is included in the booking cost, from activities to meal plans. As a result, parents aren’t looking ahead to - and frankly, dreading - the next expense. Exhale. That’s one less thing to worry about. Another advantage is the safe and nurtur- ing environment provided by Ontario’s family-friendly resorts. Parents can be sure the only thing more important to staff than entertaining youthful guests is guarantee- ing their safety. Knowing their children are in the hands of thoroughly trained, caring staff allows parents to rest their worries and enjoy their time as well - it’s your vaca- tion too, after all. You can’t put a price on peace of mind. Ontario’s family-friendly resorts are lo- cated in natural playgrounds. The scenery will be spectacularly photogenic, the set- ting tranquil under azure skies and with a gentle breeze blowing through the trees, and you’ll come home with photos you’ll be excited to share with family and friends. Care to leave the resort for a few hours? You’re guaranteed to find attractions worthy of an afternoon’s diversion near-at- hand - quaint villages and shops along shaded backroads, summer theatre in small towns oozing with charm, or any one of the many diverse sights that make Ontario so unique. Nothing beats a vacation at one of Ontario’s family-friendly resorts. You’ll know it’s a special holiday when, at the end of the day, exhausted children drift off to a contented sleep with no need of a bedtime story. They’ve made their own adventures. Andrew Hind is a freelance writer specializing in travel and history. Together with Maria Da Silva, he has authored 17 books, including Muskoka Resorts; Then and Now and Sherwood Inn: 75 Years of Tradition. ESCAPE INDULGE REJUVENATE • Located in natural country- side surroundings • All-inclusive destinations with supervised children’s programs • Escapes to thrill all members of the family • Ranging from small to larger size resorts ( full service to do it yourself ) • Diverse accommodation choices