Ontario

Lucy Maud Montgomery Home: Leaskdale Manse & Church

Visit the home of beloved Canadian author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, where she lived from 1911-1926. Designated a National Historic Site, for its significance in Lucy Maud Montgomery's life, it was here that she wrote half of her published works including Rainbow Valley, one of the books in the Anne of Green Gables series. Located next door is Historic Leaksdale Church, the place where her husband preached and the reason for their residency in the manse. 

The Briars Resort & Spa

Although The Briars is just over an hour’s drive from Toronto, arriving at this rural retreat is like taking a refreshing step into a different world. Enjoy country inn warmth, scrumptious food and extensive resort facilities on the shores of Lake Simcoe.

Wine & Cheese Cocktail Hours

These wine and cheese cocktail hours will be hosted by Tours in Canada staff. Mix and mingle with these lively personalities, while getting to know fellow travellers.

Guided walking tour of the property

The history of The Briars dates back to 1840. With buildings that date back to this time, and acres of lawns, and gardens, this guided walking tour of the property promises to be both interesting and informative.

Special Entertainment

St. George’s Anglican Church and Historical Cemetery has long been an important feature for this community, and for the Sibbald family. While there, we will be treated to some special entertainment.

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner

The Briars’ chef and culinary staff proudly offer seasonal dishes using fresh, local products, and present traditional and contemporary favourites, adding their own creative flair. This is sure to be a Thanksgiving dinner to be savoured!

Sip & Paint Painting Class

Enjoy an inspiring painting class with a local artist … sure to be a fun activity!

Wine & Chocolate Pairing!

The Briars wanted to offer something special for guests on this Thanksgiving getaway, and we came up with this:  The Briars in-house Sommelier will present a wine and chocolate pairing. With four different wines, guests will learn about tasting notes and experience, first hand, the magical flavour synergy that happens when the right wine is paired with food, in this case, chocolate!

It’s a relaxing getaway to a beautiful Ontario resort

Situated on Lake Simcoe, surrounded by lush lawns and woodlands, The Briars has a history of welcoming guests with country charm and hospitality.  In this tranquil setting, accept the invitation to slow down, feel the warmth of the wood-burning fireplaces, explore the nature trails, and breathe in the beauty of the lakeside views.  Sip and savour new flavour pairings and relax while enjoying the features of the resort. 

Spend Thanksgiving with new friends

This short getaway offers a change of scenery, a change of pace, and some friendly new faces and fun personalities.  Enjoy lively banter with new friends while exercising your artistic flair!  There’s nothing like sharing some interesting experiences in beautiful surroundings with friends.

Let someone else do the cooking!

The chef and culinary staff at The Briars are all set to work their magic, serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, featuring local organic products, adding their culinary creative flair.  Enjoy favourite seasonal flavours without the stress and work that goes into the preparation of this special meal.

• Private coach transportation
• 2 nights of accommodation
• 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Local professional guide and entry fees to listed highlights
• Services of a Professional Tour Director
• Connections Program

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include HST.

Included Highlights

• Lucy Maud Montgomery Home: Leaskdale Manse & Church 
• The Briars Resort & Spa 
• Wine & Cheese Cocktail Hours 
• Guided walking tour of the property
• Special Entertainment
• Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner 
• Sip & Paint Painting Class 
• Wine & Chocolate Pairing 

Day 1: Lucy Maud Montgomery Manse/Church & Welcome to The Briars

After boarding the coach, stop at the Lucy Maud Montgomery Manse and Church. Tour the house where Montgomery lived for 15 years and wrote 11 of her 22 novels as well as the church where her husband was the Reverand. Here, guests will enjoy lunch before departing for The Briars resort. Upon arrival, freshen up before enjoying a cocktail reception. After dinner, a tour of the hotel will acquaint guests with the history of this beautiful property on Lake Simcoe.

Stay: The Briars Resort & Spa, Jackson Point, ON

Nights: 2

Meals: L, D

Day 2: Relaxing fun & Thanksgiving

At The Briars, there are many ways to relax: there are places to settle in with a book, play some games in the games room, enjoy the pool or perhaps arrangements have been made in advance for a spa treatment, or a round of golf. With the group, there will be a morning outing to local St. George’s Anglican Church and Historical Cemetery, the resting place of author Stephen Leacock, with special entertainment, and in the afternoon, a “Sip & Paint” class will be offered. In the evening, sip and mingle some more at the cocktail reception hosted by Tours in Canada staff, but don’t spoil your appetite, since The Briars is serving a full, traditional Thanksgiving dinner. After dinner, enjoy a bonfire or maybe even a friendly game of trivia.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Free Time at The Briars, then homeward

After breakfast, walk the beautiful grounds or experience more of the amenities on the property. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine and chocolate pairing with the in-house sommelier before departing home with memories of a relaxing getaway, having spent Thanksgiving with new friends.

Meals: B, L

The Briars Resort and Spa, Jackson's Point (2 nights)

With a history that dates back to 1840, The Briars is a heritage Ontario lakeside resort surrounded by woodlands, rivers, and the Lake Simcoe shoreline. Enjoy a luxurious night’s sleep and discover the property’s many amenities including an indoor heated pool, fitness room, games room, and nature trails.

This tour includes our unique Connections Program, and follows an abbreviated Route A*. The pickup locations are:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton

*Pickup points west of Brampton are NOT available on this tour.

Spa treatments and golf tee times are available to book for an additional charge. These should be arranged in advance, directly with the property, and mention that you will be travelling with Tours in Canada. Their staff member, Mandy, will ensure that the appointment and tee times are scheduled, bearing in mind the timing of other activities for our group.

The Briars Spa

Phone: 705-928-7835, ask to speak with Mandy

www.briars.ca/en/spa/spa-menu/

The Briars Golf Club

Phone: 705-925-7835, ask to speak with Mandy

www.briars.ca/en/golf/golf-fees/