Here Comes the Sun – By Kari Belcourt, North Simcoe Springwater News
The long-awaited return of sunshine has finally arrived just in time for the unofficial start of summer — the May 24 long weekend. Across North Simcoe and Springwater, signs of the season are appearing almost overnight as communities come back to life under warmer skies.
Lawns have suddenly turned a vibrant green, roads are busier, and neighbours once again wave across driveways while tackling spring cleanup projects. Garage sale signs are beginning to line local streets, offering weekend adventures for bargain hunters, while trailers, boats, bicycles, and visitors return to the roads as summer activity ramps up throughout the region.
With the arrival of warmer weather also comes the reopening of many beloved local attractions and outdoor destinations that make the area such a treasured place to live and visit.
Family Fun Returns
Rounds Ranch
Rounds Ranch is preparing to welcome families back for another exciting season beginning May 22, opening Fridays and Saturdays.
The popular family attraction offers more than 25 activities, including tractor rides, a petting zoo, corn maze, Bandit’s Bubble Bash, and seasonal events throughout the year. Visitors can also look forward to baby animals in June, blooming wildflowers in July, sunflowers in August, and Pumpkin Mania and Halloween festivities in the fall.
Since purchasing the farm in 2001, owners Ken and Geri Rounds have transformed the 125-acre property into a destination focused on family fun, learning, and creating lasting memories.
Barrie Hill Farms
Another seasonal favourite, Barrie Hill Farms, has officially opened its farm market for the year, with Pick-Your-Own asparagus beginning May 16.
The family-owned farm has deep roots in the community dating back to 1968 when Adrien and Evelyn Gervais purchased the property. Originally a tobacco farm, the operation evolved over the decades into one of Ontario’s largest highbush blueberry farms while expanding into strawberries, raspberries, apples, pumpkins, asparagus, and other crops.
Today, Morris Gervais and his family continue the tradition by welcoming visitors for pick-your-own experiences, wagon rides, fresh produce, baked goods, and locally sourced products.
Elmvale Jungle Zoo
The Elmvale Jungle Zoo also opens for the season on May 16.
Established in 1967, the zoo has grown from a small reptile collection on two acres into a 30-acre wildlife attraction operated by the Persi family since 1972. Guests can explore shaded walking trails and experience animals from around the world while learning about wildlife conservation and preservation efforts.
Much of the property remains untouched to protect natural habitats for local wildlife, reflecting the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education.
Exploring Local Treasures
Awenda Provincial Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, Awenda Provincial Park continues to offer one of the most scenic natural escapes in the region.
Located along Georgian Bay, the park spans more than 2,900 hectares and features forests, wetlands, beaches, and over 31 kilometres of trails. Visitors can enjoy hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, cycling, fishing, swimming, and camping throughout the summer months.
Popular features include the towering Nipissing Bluff, Kettle’s Lake canoeing, and trails such as Beaver Pond Trail, Bluff Trail, and Wendat Trail. The park is also home to more than 120 breeding bird species, making it a favourite destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Meanwhile, Wasaga Beach Provincial Park is once again preparing for another busy summer season along the world-famous shoreline.
The park’s seven kilometres of sandy beach attract thousands of visitors each year for swimming, boating, hiking, and family recreation. Beyond the beach, visitors can explore over 50 kilometres of trails through unique dune ecosystems and forested landscapes rich with wildlife and bird species.
The Wasaga Nordic & Trail Centre also provides year-round recreation opportunities, including hiking and cycling during the warmer months and skiing and snowshoeing in winter.
Tiny Township Beaches Welcome Summer Visitors
The Township of Tiny’s stunning 70-kilometre shoreline once again becomes a summer destination for beachgoers looking to enjoy Georgian Bay’s crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches.
Tiny Township’s five major waterfront parks — Balm Beach, Bluewater Beach, Jackson Park, Lafontaine Beach Park, and Woodland Beach — continue to serve as key gathering spaces for residents and visitors throughout the summer season.
The beaches offer a wide variety of amenities including:
- Accessible beach access, Picnic areas, Playgrounds, Boardwalks, Boat launches, Washroom facilities, Swimming areas, Family-friendly recreation spaces
Throughout the summer, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit conducts regular water testing at designated public beaches to help ensure safe swimming conditions for visitors.
From relaxing beach days and waterfront walks to boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and family gatherings, Tiny Township’s shoreline remains one of the area’s greatest natural treasures during the warmer months.
Beach Parking Information for Summer Visitors
As summer visitors begin flocking to Tiny Township’s popular waterfront destinations, residents and tourists are reminded of the township’s beach parking regulations and permit options for the busy season ahead.
Resident parking permits are available to both permanent and seasonal residents of Tiny Township. The first permit is provided free of charge, while a second permit may be purchased for $30, with a maximum of two permits permitted per property.
Parking permits can be obtained: Online, In person at the municipal office, By mailing or dropping off an application
For visitors and occasional beachgoers, hourly and daily parking remains available through both the HotSpot Parking mobile app and on-site Pay & Display parking machines.
The HotSpot Parking app, available on Apple and Android devices, allows users to conveniently pay for parking, extend time remotely, and receive reminders before parking sessions expire.
Pay & Display parking machines are available at:
Woodland Beach, Jackson Park, Balm Beach, Lafontaine Beach Park
The township also offers free parking at pay parking locations for vehicles displaying Ontario Veteran Licence Plates, though the exemption does not apply in permit-only or no-parking areas.
In addition, non-resident parking permits are available to residents of:
Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay Township, Springwater Township
As the warm weather returns, officials encourage visitors to plan ahead, respect parking regulations, and help preserve the area’s beaches and waterfront spaces for everyone to enjoy throughout the summer season.
As sunshine returns and seasonal destinations reopen, communities across North Simcoe and Springwater are once again reminded why the area is such a special place to call home — especially beneath the bright light of the spring sun.