This elegant watch from OMEGA makes a great gift for Dad
On Jun. 19 it’s all about Dad. Spoil him with a classic timepiece from OMEGA Boutique, such as the DeVille 41mm ($6,200, pictured). If an award-winning novel or photography book is more his speed, stop by Chapters. Help him channel his inner Wolfgang Puck with a cookbook from Barbara-Jo’s Books to Cooks.—Jennifer Patterson
Hamilton Street Grill photo by KK Law
How do you celebrate a 14th birthday in style? If you’re the Hamilton Street Grill in Yaletown, you offer a steal of a deal: an eight-ounce sirloin steak with garlic smashed potatoes and veggies, all for $14. The special runs all month long, even on Father’s Day (Jun. 19), so treat Dad to a nice dinner. We won’t tell him how little it cost.—Sheri Radford
The candy cane fountains at Santa's Village
1. There’s only six months until Christmas! See how Saint Nick’s preparing for his 2011 toy delivery—or perhaps he’s still relaxing in the Muskoka sun—by visiting Santa’s Village, where kids can ride the Christmas ball ferris wheel, cool off under candy cane showers, get crafty in the elves’ workshop and more.
2. Witness the Kee to Bala be transformed into the “dogg pound” as legendary rapper Snoop Dogg enlivens cottage country with his distinctly brand of West Coast hip hop on June 17.
3. If you can handle the black flies and mosquitoes—and really, if you’re in Muskoka, that should be a given—then consider planning a camping trip to really experience the Canadian Shield. Well-known retailers like Algonquin Outfitters and Muskoka Outfitters can equip you with all the latest outdoorsy gear.
4. All aboard! Locomotive enthusiasts are sure to get a kick out of the Huntsville Train Station Society’s first annual model train exposition, June 18 and 19. Numerous demonstrations and working layouts allow guests to explore the history and artistry of creating model trains and tracks.
5. The golf course is sure to be calling dads—and perhaps moms, too—as Fathers Day approaches on June 19. Why not give him the gift of a round at the Muskoka Bay Club?
6. Enjoy some quality time June 19 at Butson’s Boat Shop, which hosts a build-a-boat challenge and race (plus barbecue lunch) for dads and their children. While you’re at it, check out the shop’s own finely honed wooden boats on a tour of the facilities.
7. The time-honoured concert tradition, Music on the Barge, starts up for another season. The Gravenhurst music series features bands that perform on a floating platform on Gull Lake. The Muskoka Concert Band and Muskoka Big Band kick things off on the evening of June 19.
• June 8 to 25: Dartmouth Players wraps up a season of community theatre with Be My Baby by Ken Ludwig. Warm and funny, it’s the story of an irascible Scotsman and an uptight English woman, travelling from Scotland to San Francisco to pick up a baby for their young relations.
• June 10: The Cottars return to their Maritime roots, performing their unique fusion of Celtic, folk and pop music at Casino Nova Scotia on Upper Water Street.
• June 19: Take a 45-minute drive down the Eastern Shore to Memory Lane Heritage Village for a Father’s Day outing that’s ideal for car buffs. The Father’s Day Antique Car Show showcases a range of vehicles, and features special prize draws and live music.
Golf cleats by Ecco
With Father’s Day (Jun. 20) just around the corner, here are some great gift ideas for Dad.
1 Support his golf obsession with a pair of turf-loving shoes from Ecco (pictured).
2 Iconic Canadian menswear shop Harry Rosen doesn’t just carry suits; find ties, socks, tees and more, straight from the pages of GQ.
3 Perfect for the outdoorsman: a fleece vest, pocketknife or much-needed compass from Mountain Equipment Co-op.—Jennifer Patterson
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