Q: Could you suggest some Ontario regions for good fall drives?
-- R. Madden, Newmarket
A: Fall road trips are a favourite past-time for many of us. I love to see the thick canopies ablaze in fiery red, deep burgundy, pumpkin orange and burnt sienna shades as we make our favourite treks around Niagara and the "Hills of Headwaters" area, which includes picturesque Caledon, Dufferin, Erin and Orangeville.
North of Toronto in Muskoka and Haliburton, the fall colours normally reach their peak around late September and early October. Many communities also have events that coincide with the changing leaves.
These include the annual Images Thanksgiving Studio Tour in Simcoe County, where more than 20 artists throw open the doors of their studios from Oct. 8-11. It's a great opportunity to enjoy a wonderful fall drive while discovering fine Canadian art. For more information, download a map and brochure at images-studio-tour.com or call 705-728-3691.
In addition, the website 400Eleven.com has suggestions for several fall colour road trips with information on driving directions, places to stay and attractions along the way. Suggested drives include Georgian Bay Fall Colour Routes, Muskoka Fall Colour Road Trips and the Haliburton Huntsville Fall Colour Routes. Go to 400eleven.com and click on Fall Colour Road trips for details.
Q: I don't have a car but I am hoping you might know of a way to see the fall colours north of the city without driving.
-- T. Christie, Toronto
A: Parkbus.ca has a fall foliage trip to Algonquin Park from Sept. 24-26. Round trip bus fare is $84 plus tax. Camping is available for an extra charge with advanced reservations highly recommended. The bus will stop at the Lake of Two Rivers Campground -- one of the largest campgrounds in the park with showers and flush toilets, coin laundry. You can reserve your campsite online at ontarioparks.com or by calling toll-free 1-888-668-7275.
Park Bus has several passenger pick-up locations in the city. For details and reservations, call 1-705-645-2583 ext. 27.
Q: My husband and I will be taking our grandson on a vacation abroad. Could you provide me with some resources to consult about necessary travel documents, etc.
-- D. Lehane, Toronto
A: Travel with children should be planned carefully to ensure things go smoothly as there are regulations that could affect your trip. For instance, children need their own passports and when taking a child out of the country you should have a notarized letter of permission signed by the parents.
Fortunately, Canada's Foreign Affairs department has a checklist for travelling with children. For more, visit voyage.gc.ca and click on the link, "Children and Travel." Foreign Affairs also publishes a brochure -- Tips for Travelling with Children -- that can be viewed and downloaded at voyage.gc.ca/publications/children_enfants-eng.asp.
In addition, Passport Canada provides some valuable information on travel documents for children. For more, visitppt.gc.ca and click on the "Frequently Asked Questions" link then the "Travelling with Children" sub-link at the Travel Information section.
Q: We'll be visiting London, Ont., for a weekend. I used to go to their farmer's market on the weekends. Is it still open?
-- T. Biladeau, Toronto
A: London's Covent Garden Market is hopping with seasonal activities. This outdoor farmers' market is chock-full of vendors selling fresh produce, meats and baked goods. Open since 1845, this local treasure is at 130 King St. and is open each Thursday and Saturday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. until November.