Plan to hit the road this summer

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... are you counting down the days yet?

The school year is almost over; no more assignments or essays until September! I know we're all still living on a student's budget, but there are still a few ways to have an incredible time this summer.

MOTHER NATURE

If you're looking to relax outdoors far away from laptops and text messaging grab some friends for a weekend camping trip. Ontario is a beautiful place, but you really need to get out of the city to appreciate how lucky we are to live here.

WHERE TO GO: Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park features campgrounds, canoe routes, backpacking trails, walking trails and beaches all in an area that still feels relatively untouched by man. This park is gigantic, with over a dozen different camping areas to choose from, it's best to do a little research to make sure you'll be getting the most out of your trip.

The park is divided into three sections: Park Interior, Parkway Corridor and Peripheral Campgrounds.

The Park Interior (back country): Visit this area for a pure camping experience; rocky ridges, spruce bogs and thousands of lakes, ponds and streams make this a photographers dream.

Parkway Corridor: Less demanding than the Interior, the Corridor is a more family friendly area. Features include: swimming, museums, picnic areas and campground camping.

Peripheral Campgrounds: This section is made up of four intimate campgrounds; these sites offer few modern conveniences, but boast the old-fashion charm of true camping.

PLANNING AHEAD:
Algonquin Park is a popular place in the summer, especially on holiday weekends, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time to ensure you have a spot waiting for you.

If you're fishing, remember you'll require a valid Ontario Fishing License

COST:
Camping rates start as low as $30.25/night. There is a non-refundable reservation fee of $12 and a cancellation fee of $9 so plan carefully. Call 1-705-633-5572 or visit their website http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca

DRIVING TIME: 5.5 hours

OH CANADA

Where will you be on July 1, 2009? If you've never celebrated Canada Day in our nation's capital, I beg you to make this the year you do it. Canada Day isn't about wearing a red t-shirt and heading downtown for fireworks, so if that's all you've ever experienced, make this the year you do it right.

WHERE TO GO: Ottawa, Ontario
If you've never been to Ottawa before, you're in for a treat because the city is full of compelling history and gorgeous architecture. Ottawa is a very “tourist friendly” town; you're surrounded by landmarks, and their transit system is basically fool-proof. Leave your car at the hotel and hop on a bus to get around.

There are always incredible things to see in Ottawa, but July 1 isn't just anytime to be in Ottawa! On Canada Day a sea of red washes over the city as hundreds of thousands of people pack themselves into our Nation's Capitol each year to celebrate.

DON'T MISS: Parliament Hill
The focal point for the day's activities, the ceremony that takes place on Parliament Hill is broadcast into the homes of Canadians from coast-to-coast (tell your Mom to watch for you...)

The celebration includes live concerts by Canadian bands throughout the day, but activities are going on everywhere. You are literally surrounded by a gigantic birthday party for 24 hours.

You'll experience probably the largest fireworks display you'll ever see exploding over the Ottawa River. You'll want to move over to Major's Hill Park for the best view of the fireworks, don't worry if you don't know where that is; just follow the 700,000 people walking past you!

Truthfully, you'll never be able to explain to someone how great it is to be there. You'll never feel more proud and excited to be Canadian. I've been three times and it just keeps getting better.

PLANNING AHEAD:
As I mentioned, hundreds of thousands of people will be in Ottawa on July 1 and they all need a place to stay. You might need to think outside the box for accommodations. Consider renting a room at the Carlton University residence; it's clean and simple and the price is usually pretty low.

COST:
Rooms at Carlton University residence start at $80 per night. Most activities throughout the city are free of charge.

DRIVING TIME:
Seven hours... or more.

Since everyone in Ontario is going to Ottawa on Canada Day be prepared for the trip to possibly take twice that long. Once you pass Oshawa it's like driving in slow motion (you'll swearing you're in reverse!)

BEACH BUM

Who knew that the world's longest freshwater beach was right here in Ontario? Not me!

WHERE TO GO: Wasaga Beach:
It's time to hit the beach, work on your tan and get a little wild. Wasaga Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ontario with over 14km of white sand beach and warm clean waters.

DON'T MISS: Beach 1
The busiest beach in the area, this beach has tons of shops, restaurants and activities. Beach 1 also features the Wasaga Dome; a fully covered entertainment dome with live music and entertainment.

PLANNING AHEAD:
Since you'll be spending most of your time at the beach, choosing a Bed & Breakfasts or a Motel is a practical option. You might want to consider renting a cottage instead! If you're splitting the cost with friends, having a cottage for a week could be a great deal! Visit www.cottageportal.com for fantastic information on renting cottages in Ontario.

COST:
You can find a cottage for about $975/week in Wasaga Beach that accommodates six people. That's only $162.50 per person for a whole week.

DRIVING TIME: 3.5 hours

HELPFUL TIP:
Use “MapQuest Directions” when planning your route. Simply enter where you are and where you're going and MapQuest will give up step by step directions to your destination. Don't forget to print the “reverse directions” for a worry-free trip home

http://www.mapquest.com/directions