This response will seem out of context but Fleuvee and I had continued our conversation on this topic under an earlier thread (Muskoka's Cottage Country).

Fleuvee, let us know how your trip to the Bayfield area was.

You mentioned you're going to Tobermory in future. Stop in at the National Park Visitors Centre on the outskirts of town. I would also suggest you consider walking the relatively short hike from the Bruce National Park parking area down Cypress Lake Road to the shore for some spectacular rock formations and lovely views. Ask them at the gate to point out which trail leads to "the Grotto". The shoreline does get crowded here in summer with walkers, picnickers and swimmers (especially weekends) but still worthwhile. I mentioned Glass-bottomed boats, but there are also boats that will drop you off on Flowerpot Island a little offshore (more spectacular rock formations). Dinner cruises are also offered. You may also want to do the very scenic drive from Dyers Bay to Cabot Head Lighthouse which runs between incredibly blue Georgian Bay and the white Limestone outcrops and ridges of the Niagara Escarpment.

The restaurant at the Grandview Motel has fair food, pretty good service, but gorgeous views and spectacular sunsets. Try for their patio, or a window table inside.

Well, we drove to Bayfield for the day. Cute town with some shops but not enough there to make us want to stay overnight.
Stopped by the beach at Grand Bend- bigger than I thought . Quite nice .
Thanks Mat for the info on tobermory .
As you can tell we are trying to find places we like ad much as New England.

If you like beaches, you might check out Wasaga Beach. Very popular long stretch of sand on Georgian Bay. Used to visit more when my kids were young, not much in recent years, but it was getting more and more developed and I imagine this has continued. Nearby is the Collingwood/Blue Mountain area - originally a ski resort region but now 4 seasons with golf and other outdoor activities. Little towns worth a quick visit in the area include Creemore and Thornbury. Especially pretty in the fall with colours on the ridges and hills of the Niagara Escarpment (you might include a drive through the Beaver Valley from Thornbury at that time of year).

Too bad you didnt get to Pinery Provincial Park when you were in Grand Bend. Some nice hiking trails, canoe and kayak rentals and very nice beaches.

New England is quite different than Ontario. I think you cant compare them.

Agree with irecommend that Pinery is nice, extensive shallow beach and forests. But I have the impression that hiking may not be of interest as you didn't mention it in reference to your Algonquin trip? (Nature/hiking trails are one of the major attractions of Algonquin).

Did I mention Stratford earlier? The Theatre Festival is a major draw http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/ but the town is charming with many shops, cafes and excellent restaurants to browse, a pleasant walking path in the riverside park and outdoor art market summer Wed, Sat & Sun. You could fill out a couple of days in the area with a stop en route in Waterloo Region to visit the village of St. Jacobs with it's shops and Mennonite history, and/or the very large and popular nearby St. Jacobs Famers Market, Tues (summer), Thurs & Sat.

Thanks for all the suggestions.
I am keeping a file of all these places .
Would you know anything about finger lakes -NY ?
Thanks

If you haven't already, you might post your Finger Lakes inquiry to the U.S.A. Board, tagged for New York.

I spend an evening and overnight in the Finger Lakes back in the mid to late 90's. I really don't remember too much. We stayed in a spot overlooking one of the lakes which was pretty enough, partly because it was fall and the height of leaf colour. I think there were a lot of summer homes and cottages around the lake. I don't remember too much else which may be because of the short time spent there.

In Ontario, the Kawartha Lakes are of similar geography/geology. But they are very much part of the Toronto "Cottage Country" experience especially as they tend to be relatively close for a weekend commute.

Mat,
I figured you might know something about the Finger Lakes area.
I did post on the us site ,but wanted to see what you would say.

Back to cottage country: the Marriot red leaf on lake Rousseau was recommended to me.
You are right that I am not into hiking (or camping).

We cruise alot- more than 60 in 20 years, so I am well versed in that area!!

A suggestion in the Kawarthas is Elmhirsts Resort on Rice Lake.

The food is excellent and there is lots to do. They have float planes that will take you over the Kawartha Lake area, wine tasting, spa, and great dining.