For centuries visitors have traveled thousands of miles to witness Eastern Canada's yearly Technicolor display. The maples serve as the opening act, reaching their colorful peak from mid-September to early-October. The aspens, tamaracks and red oaks dutifully follow suit, saving their grand finale until about mid-October.

From Algonquin Park to the Niagara Parkway (once dubbed by Winston Churchill as "the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world"), Ontario serves as the focal point for these grand shows provided by Mother Nature. But travelers don't have to plan their Canada vacation around such a short window in time to enjoy Eastern Canada's many natural wonders.

Blue Mountain ski resort and the lovely town of Collingwood draw adventure seekers in all seasons. Blue Mountain, Canada's third most-visited ski resort, provides the latest in technology to go with quaint village-style dining and shopping. Hit the slopes during the height of winter, or go mountain biking, swimming and spa-hopping during the "green season."

Other Eastern Canada escapes popular any time of the year include the metropolitan city of Toronto, the romantic, walled Quebec City and the pub-filled town of St. John.

Eat...

Duncan's Café (Collingwood). Once strictly a soup-and-sandwich shop, Duncan's has made the seamless transition to a full range of restaurant fare. Other highlights include Sunday brunch and live music on Friday nights.

Canadian Mist Whiskey (Collingwood). Try the best-selling Canadian whiskey in the United States at the place where it is carefully crafted.

Play...

Ski Blue Mountain. Canada's third most visited ski resort offers 34 runs for the novice to advanced skier. Like other popular ski attractions such as Whistler and Mont Tremblant, Blue Mountain has high-speed lifts and village-style shopping, dining and entertainment.

Pedal Blue Mountain. The fun continues well into the summer months at this popular ski destination. After the snow melts, mountain bikers and their gear ride the Silver Bullet Express to the top, then make their way back down at harrowing speeds.

Cut loose at Calabogie Lake. Enjoy paddleboating , tennis, fishing, hiking, biking and canoeing-not to mention Calabogie's sandy beach-during the summer months. Ice sports such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling take over when the temperatures dip.

Work on your forehand (Collingwood). Get elite coaching at the Thomson Tennis School where former David Cup captain Richard Thomson and his son Michael teach a new generation of tennis stars.

Explore...

All things Elvis. Each July the Collingwood Elvis Festival, sponsored by SIRIUS, celebrates the King in a major way. The world's largest Elvis festival includes an "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest" with cash and prizes.

Shop...

Blue Mountain Pottery (Collingwood). This famous pottery company closed its doors in 2004, but collectors' items remain in shops in and around Collingwood. The town also hosts annual conventions for Blue Mountain pottery collectors.

Everything Niagara Falls. From the plaza to the two-level Marketplace to The Shops of Table Rock, you'll find an expansive selection of souvenirs, nautically themed collectibles and exclusive Canadian gifts, such as items dedicated to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Bullfrog Vintage (Collingwood). Shop here for authentic vintage clothing and accessories for the entire family. But in case you aren't feeling retro at the time, Bullfrog also sells "gently used" current fashions.

This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.