Are you ready?
Navigating change starts September 15 & 16, 2025!
PRESENTED BY
Join us for Resorts of Ontario 83rd Annual Season Summit
We are heading to Niagara-on-the-lake for the Season Summit, Resorts of Ontario's 83rd annual Conference and Trade Show...will you join us?
Season Summit brings together industry leaders, resort owners, marketers and hospitality professionals to explore the latest trends, marketing insights, and educational sessions as we navigate change, together.
Book today and reserve your seat at the table with the best-of-the-best in the resort industry. Space is limited.
"By changing nothing, nothing changes."
Anthony Robbins
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2025 Keynote Speaker
Husband, Dad, 9-Time TEDx Speaker
Blake's innovative sales approaches, creative connection strategies and relationship-building methods have gotten him hired to deliver speeches on over 1000 in-person stages and invited to work with companies such as Lululemon, LinkedIn and Microsoft and Disney.
2025 SEASON SUMMIT SCHEDULE
Are you ready to...
Learn?
Network?
Level Up?
Resorts of Ontario's Season Summit is the ultimate event for the Ontario resort industry to come together, discuss what's important, build real relationships, and level up their businesses through shared learning, The world is changing fast and Season Summit speakers help expose all the exciting opportunities to not only survive but thrive in this new business environment. Check out the 2025 schedule and we look forward to connecting with you face-to-face.
DAY 1: Monday, September 15
Sessions + dinner are located in Studio 10/11
Breakfast and lunch located in the Sunny Hill Dining Room
Trade Show located in the Grand Event Room
9:00 AM
Welcome
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Yvonne Stephenson, President, Resorts of Ontario/Blue Water Acres Resort
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John Langford, Chair, Conference Committee/Algonquin Log Cabin and Cottages
9:30 AM
Resorts of Ontario Strategy and Action Plan
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Resorts of Ontario Team Update, Kerri King, Executive Director, Resorts of Ontario
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Resorts of Ontario Strategy and Action Plan, Caroline Polgrabia, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
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Questions and Answers
10 AM - 11 AM
Keynote Address
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Presented by Colleen Baker, People Corporation
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Keynote Speaker: Blake Fly, Inspirational Speaker, TED Talk.
11 AM
Refreshment Break
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Enjoy some coffee, stretch your legs!
11:30 AM
Panel Discussion: Navigating Change
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Our panelists will unlock a proven framework for successful change; plan, communicate, engage, train and evaluate. Learn how these core principles drive lasting transformation—only at this year's conference.
- Moderator: Greg De Koker, Evolation
- Minnie Sung, BMS Accounting
- Leah Brammer, Executive HR Consultant, brae. HR
- Dominik Haake, Jib Limited
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12 PM - 1 PM
Lunch provided by Smart Serve Ontario
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Happening in the Sunhill Dining Room
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Welcoming Remarks, Richard Anderson, Smart Serve Ontario
1 PM - 1:30 PM
SEO Fundamentals
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Join Chantal Sweeting and Jennifer Stubbs from Destination Ontario for SEO fundamentals, laying the path where people tread.
In today's digital landscape, "search" isn't just something that happens on Google—it's a behavior that guides how travelers discover and choose tourism experiences across every digital channel. This presentation will help you rethink search as an opportunity you can optimize for, whether on your website, social media, review platforms, or emerging AI engines.
1:30 PM - 2 PM
Destination Canada - Canada’s Tourism Moment
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Joe Amati - Senior Executive Director, Global Market and Brand Intelligence
Presentation overview: Canadian tourism is shifting—fast. In this dynamic session, Destination Canada will reveal the latest insights on how geo-political changes are reshaping travel trends, sentiment, and sector performance. You’ll walk away with powerful, data-driven foresight to navigate uncertainty, spot emerging opportunities, and position your business for success in a rapidly changing market.
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2 PM - 5:30 PM
Trade Show
Location: Grand Event Room
Join Resorts of Ontario and check out all the preferred suppliers and exhibitors at this exciting trade show.
Interested in exhibiting at the trade show?
Book now to secure your opportunity to promote your products and services to resort owner-operators, General Managers and Marketing professionals.
6 PM - 7 PM
Taste of Ontario Reception
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Where? Garden Patio
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Hosted in collaboration with Culinary Tourism Alliance and Partners featuring Ontario wine
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Live music by Kyler Mackenzie
7 PM
President's Dinner
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Location: Studio 10/11
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Emcee: Kevin Forget, Breakfast TV
Kevin Forget returned to his role as the Supervising Producer for Citytv’s Breakfast Television. In this role he oversees all aspects of the four-hour broadcast every morning. Before rejoining BT he was a Broadcast Media Specialist with Destination Ontario where he worked with broadcast media from across Canada and the U.S. to promote events, attractions and resorts year-round. Kevin also regularly appeared on CTV, Citytv, CHTV, The Weather Network and other stations to promote tourism in Ontario. His radio promotional segments also include interviews with CBC Fresh Air, Corus Radio and Bell Media.
DAY 2: Tuesday, September 16
Breakfast located in the Sunhill Dining Room
Sessions located in Studio 10/11
7 AM -
8:45 AM
Breakfast
Join Resorts of Ontario and other event guests for a delicious start to the day.
9 AM
Presented by Marcelo Regan, People Corporation
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Kelsey Reidl - How to Ensure your Resort Ranks on Search Engines like Google & ChatGPT
If you’ve always dreamed of hearing “I found your resort on Google/ ChatGPT, and then booked in!” then this session is for you!
With AI-driven search engines like ChatGPT entering the scene, there’s a whole new layer to how people find businesses like yours (in addition to traditional search engines like Google!)
In this 60-minute workshop, I’ll show you how to stay ahead of the curve and make sure your website (and your brand!) are primed for visibility on Google and these new AI platforms.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
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The tweaks to make Google and AI search engines showcase your resort on page 1
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How to create content that dominates not just one, but two tiers of AI searches.
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Quick strategies to diversify your online presence and show up everywhere AI is looking for answers.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started with SEO, you’ll leave this workshop with actionable steps to boost your visibility, drive more leads, and future-proof your business against these shifts.
AI isn’t here to replace Google; it’s here to complement it. And together? They’ve got huge potential for your business.
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10 AM
Resort Marketers Forum - Marketing Challenges and Opportunities
Hosted by: Jason Stanton, Marketing Chair, Resorts of Ontario/Bayview Wildwood Resort
- Scott Hurren, Influencer - Boundlessliving.ca
- Shauna Bonterre, Influencer - Boundlessliving.ca
- Christine Chaplin - Springwood Cottage Resort
- Marcie Juliao, Deerhurst Resort - Director of Marketing
- Melanie Coates, Dimensions Retreats - Managing Director, Marketing + Business Development
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10:45 AM -
11:15 AM
Break
Enjoy some coffee, stretch your legs!
12 PM
Lunch
Enjoy some coffee, stretch your legs!
1 PM -
1:45 PM
Bear Pit
Hosted by: Mark Downing - An interactive Forum for Voluntary Discussions
Join Mark in this dynamic and open forum, where attendees are invited to engage in voluntary discussions that foster a deeper exchange of ideas and perspectives. This session, known as the "Bear Pit" is designed to create a safe space for participants to freely share their thoughts, challenges and experiences all while gaining insights from others in a collaborative and engaging environment.
Key Features:
Open Dialogue: Attendees have the opportunity to voice their opinions and ask questions in an inclusive setting, encouraging diverse perspectives.
Interactive Format: Rather than a traditional presentation, the BEAR PIT fosters dialogue-driven conversations where everyone's input is valued.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Use this platform to discuss real-world challenges, brainstorm solutions and benefit from the collective wisdom of the group.
Facilitated by Mark Downing: With Mark's expert facilitation, you'll be guided through thought-provoking discussions that encourage personal and professional growth.
1:45 PM
Closing Remarks - Yvonne Stephenson
Finish the event with closing remarks from Yvonne Stephenson
2025 Speakers
Kelsey Reidl is a Marketing Consultant, Business Coach & Speaker with a special interest in Content Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and building Experiential Campaigns.
After 10+ years working in Business Development & Marketing Roles for some of Canada’s Top Health Food Brands, Kelsey decided to leave the corporate world so that she could work with Small Businesses and help them learn and implement essential marketing success principles, so that they can work with more clients, generate more cash, and bring the joy back into their lead generation.
Through her courses, coaching, and her podcast Visionary Life, she inspires entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo, connect with customers in creative ways, and to never settle for mediocre marketing campaigns.
Kelsey is a mama to Freddie, and a wife to her adventurous husband Dave. They also have a 9 year old rescue pup named Abby.
When she’s not talking about all-things-marketing, she is always in search of the most stunning rivers and lakes to paddleboard on, the best coffee shops to sip espresso at, and the wildest adventures and experiences (sleeping in the Sahara Desert, mountain biking through Arizona Canyons, and heli-skiing in Switzerland are some of her best memories!).
Gabrielle Mueller
Gabrielle Mueller believes food is one of the most powerful connectors—and nothing beats good conversation around a table (ideally with a craft beer in hand). Growing up in Oxford County, she didn’t realize the value of local food until much later, when she saw its power to drive change and build community.​
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Certified as an Experiential Tourism Coach, Gabby helped bring several experiences to market—including the award-winning Tree to Table. Now as Marketing Manager at the Culinary Tourism Alliance, she leads a team that captures taste of place stories across the province, develops marketing strategy, and brings Canada’s food tourism experiences to life through content, campaigns, and community-building.
Scott Graham & Alexis Dean
Alexis Dean is a Master Facilitator, trust-builder, and team whisperer with 20+ years of experience helping leaders and organizations transform how they connect, communicate, and collaborate. As the founder of Two Roads Team Building & Training, she’s led training programs and executive workshops for Fortune 100 companies and global organizations, turning leadership theory into actionable, lasting change.
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Scott Graham is a high-energy facilitator and leadership trainer who has designed and delivered thousands of team-building experiences that inspire courage, collaboration, and connection. As co-owner of Two Roads Team Building & Training, he blends adventure-based leadership principles with real-world strategies to help teams thrive- on and off the clock.
Caroline Polgrabia
Caroline joined the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport in 2006. She is the Regional Tourism Advisor for the Greater Toronto Area responsible for the Greater Toronto Area. Since joining the Ministry, Caroline has also worked in the Policy & Research Division on the team leading development of the Regional Tourism Model, and more recently, supporting teams working to define pandemic and post-pandemic Recovery Planning.
Prior to working for the Ministry, Caroline worked at Destination Ontario (previously - OTMPC Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation) as Director of Industry Relations and Development, and at Niagara Falls Tourism as the Vice President responsible for Major Events and Business Travel, with her careers starting in hotel sales & convention services.
Caroline is married with two amazing children ages 12 & 14. When she is not busy working and being a mom / taxi, she is a strong community advocate for youth and education, she currently Chairs the NOTL Youth Collective and is the President of Niagara Foundation Board of Trustees for Family and Children Services.
Colleen Baker
Colleen Baker is a driving force in the Canadian group benefits landscape, known for turning complexity into clarity for HR leaders navigating today’s workforce transformation. As Vice President within People Corporation’s National Enterprise Group Solutions division, Colleen brings a powerful blend of strategic insight and hands-on expertise to the table. Colleen partners with organizations to align benefit strategies with evolving priorities around culture, engagement, and talent optimization. With a strong focus on resilience, inclusion, and long-term impact, Colleen empowers clients to build high performing workplaces that are ready for what’s next.
Magdalena Kaiser
Magdalena is a Niagara-based international wine, gastronomy, and travel consultant and writer with over 40 years in Canadian wine. Inspired by her father, Canadian wine pioneer Karl Kaiser, she has dedicated her career to championing wines that reflect a true sense of place. For the past 17 years, she has been instrumental in elevating Ontario’s global wine profile, positioning the region as a top destination for wine lovers.
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Certified by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, Magdalena is a strong advocate for sustainability in viticulture and travel. She judges for the Decanter World Wine Awards and serves as Canada’s Regional Ambassador for The Old Vine Conference, traveling internationally to evaluate and celebrate exceptional wines.
Greg De Koker
Greg De Koker is a strategist, retreat facilitator, and leadership advisor who helps organizations and resorts unlock the full potential of their brand and culture from the inside out. With over 30 years of experience, he partners with leadership teams to align people, purpose, and performance—driving engagement, loyalty, and results.
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He is the best-selling co-author of Brand: It Ain’t the Logo. It’s What People Think of You™ and author of the upcoming The Hidden Power of JOY in Leadership, a guide to building high-functioning, joy-led cultures in a fast-changing world.
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Greg’s proprietary ALIGN Framework™, developed through years of hands-on work with executives, forms the foundation of his workshops, retreats, culture realignments, and strategic brand initiatives. His process begins with a “Reality Check,” conducting confidential interviews to uncover stakeholder perspectives and guide transformation.
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Specializing in the resort sector, Greg works with properties to strengthen brands, enhance cultures, and co-create retreats that boost revenue and guest satisfaction. Known for his strategic clarity, humor, and deep insight, he helps design exceptional guest experiences that inspire loyalty and growth—fueling sustainable success from the inside out.
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Minnie Sung
I started my career in the corporate world and eventually worked my way up to Head of Finance for a global company in Canada. But after years of doing things the traditional way, I realized I wanted more - more innovation, more flexibility, and more impact. So I launched my own business to support organizations that are ready to evolve, embrace change, and use technology to make smarter financial decisions.
Today, I work with organizations as a fractional finance lead, including Resorts of Ontario, where I focus on streamlining workflows, modernizing systems, and implementing tools that make finance more efficient, accessible, and future-ready. I thrive on leading transformation and take pride in making finance feel a whole lot less intimidating along the way.
Leah Brammer
Executive Consultant and Founder of brae., where I help growing companies lead better, scale smarter, and keep their culture strong along the way.
I started brae. after 15 years leading People and Ops across Canada, the UK, and Australia. Over and over, I saw HR treated like damage control: policies, paperwork, and last-minute cleanups. But great HR isn’t reactive. It’s strategic, human, and essential to building something that lasts.
These days, I work with founders and leadership teams to make the people side of business less overwhelming and a lot more effective. From leadership support to culture shifts to the conversations no one wants to have, I bring clarity, structure, and calm to the parts of growth that tend to get messy.
My work is rooted in real-life leadership. No corporate theatre. No clutter. Just the right tools and mindset to help people lead well and teams thrive.
Dominik Haake
Dominik Haake is a Junior Sales Executive and in-house Photographer at Jib, a boutique design & advertising agency partnering with Resorts of Ontario. With a background in photo and video production since 2014, Dominik brings a unique mix of storytelling, technical expertise, and marketing strategy to his work with resorts.
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In 2024 and 2025, Dominik led the production of ROO’s new photo program. Coordinating logistics, directing shoots, and capturing high-quality visual content for over 20 ROO member groups. He’s worked closely with resort managers to plan and deliver photo assets that not only look beautiful but drive bookings and brand confidence.
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Whether through stills, video, or full-scale marketing support, Dominik’s goal is to help resorts stand out and tell their story with clarity and impact.
Chantal Sweeting
With over 15 years of digital communications and marketing experience, Chantal leads a small but mighty team dedicated to optimizing content and user experience for DestinationOntario.com, a key trip-planning resource for travellers to Ontario.
She previously led digital transformation projects across the Ontario government, including social media modernization initiatives and managing Ontario.ca content strategy.
Jennifer Stubbs
Jennifer has a formal education in Design and over 20 years of experience in web development, usability and user analytics. She has a proven track record of improving online and social conversions for companies like BDO and RBC, and now, the Ontario Public Service.
At the OPS, Jennifer led the digital strategy for high-profile projects, including Ontario.ca. Along with her technical projects, she also helped deliver award-winning marketing campaigns for initiatives such as sexual violence, harassment, and distracted driving.
Joe Amati
Joe Amati is Senior Executive Director of Global Market and Brand Intelligence at Destination Canada, where he leads the transformation of tourism insights to drive the organization’s bold 2030 vision. With over 20 years in research and analytics, Joe has leveraged insights to shape strategies for some of Canada’s most recognized brands. A trusted voice in tourism and marketing, he brings sharp analysis, big-picture thinking, and a passion for turning data into decisions that matter.
Marcelo Regen
In his role as President, Group Solutions at People Corporation, Marcelo oversees the Group Solutions Strategic Business Unit, with a dedicated focus on serving the Corporate Client Segment across Canada. He’s responsible for driving the continued growth and development of the business, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening profitability. Marcelo and his team are committed to providing clients a seamless, end-to-end experience, ensuring People Corporation’s solutions extend beyond traditional benefits coverage to provide meaningful, holistic support. With over 110 offices coast to coast, People Corporation’s clients enjoy local service backed by the strength of a national company. With 35,000+ clients, three billion in group benefit premiums, and 14 billion in managed retirement assets, they’re the leading provider of group benefits, health and wellness, disability management, wealth, and HR solutions in Canada.
Jason Stanton
Jason Stanton brings over 30 years of hands-on experience in the resort industry to his role as General Manager of Bayview Wildwood Resort, as well as three fractional cottage ownership properties: The Cottages at Port Stanton, Port Stanton Cottages II, and Tory’s Landing.
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A sixth-generation hospitality professional, Jason’s roots in the industry run deep. His leadership combines a strong sense of tradition with a forward-thinking approach, helping to shape exceptional guest experiences across all properties under his direction.
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Jason is an active advocate for Ontario’s resort sector, serving on the Board of Directors for Resorts of Ontario and as Chair of the Marketing Committee. He also enjoys working with future talent in the field, teaching part-time in the hospitality & tourism program at Georgian College.
Marcie Juliao
Marcie Juliao is the Marketing Director at Deerhurst Resort, where she leads strategic communications and brand initiatives that drive tourism and community engagement across Muskoka. With over a decade of experience in marketing leadership, she has worked with a range of local organizations to strengthen the region’s visitor economy. Marcie has served on the boards of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce, and brings a strong understanding of regional priorities. Her deep love for Muskoka is rooted in its natural beauty, creative energy, and the strong sense of place that defines the community.
Melanie Coates
What is the purpose of your trip? Melanie is as much intrigued with the narrative of the guest experience as she is with the benefits and function of the outcome.
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With past leadership roles at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Drake Hotel Properties, and Fogo Island Inn, she now advances the growth of Dimensions Retreats— Canada’s first immersive wellness centre to unite neuroscience, plant medicine, and holistic therapies. Appointed to the Resorts of Ontario Board of Directors in 2024, she has been instrumental in expanding Dimensions’ group sales and leisure guest offerings—curating wellness- and longevity-focused experiences in addition to the brand’s core clinical programs for Veterans and First Responders.
Christine Chaplin
After a successful career spanning over 20 years as a Human Resources Executive in High Tech, Military, Advertising & Craft Beer industries mostly within the Ottawa area, Christine Chaplin and her husband Ed left the corporate world behind to take on a new venture in hospitality. They purchased Springwood Cottage Resort (formerly known as Springwood Cottages) in the Central Frontenac region during the height of the pandemic and have been working tirelessly since 2021 to reinvigorate and rebrand this once rustic 1960s fishing camp. Their property now consists of 18 cottages on over 23 acres of lake and river front property with a store, beach, marina and boardgame library that rivals any boardgame café.
Mark Downing
Mark Downing isn’t just the fourth-generation owner-operator of Fern Resort — he’s practically resort royalty. Growing up in the business, Mark swapped toy boats for dock repairsand lemonade stands for guest check-ins, and he’s never looked back.
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A dedicated member of the association for years, Mark has worn just about every committee hat there is (and probably a few that didn’t even fit). He spent a solid decade on theexecutive, championing the industry through everything from red tape and water regs to insurance headaches and the curveball that was COVID.
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When Ontario resorts have a problem, Mark is that guy — on the front lines, sleeves rolled up, side-by-side with the association, lobbying, negotiating, and making sure the industrylands on its feet… preferably somewhere with a great lake view.
John Langford
Adventure Travel professional with over 30 years of experience packaging, marketing, and operating eco-tour and soft adventure trips. Creation and direction of several “best in class” adventure experiences including the Canadian Tourism Commission signature experience and “best winter package in Canada” award and “Exemplary practices of Adventure Travel and Ecotourism”.
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Director of Voyageur Quest who operate Algonquin nature based adventures for the inquisitive spirit.
Optional Afternoon Activities
Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tour (Approx. 3.5 hours. $125 +tax pp)
Visit a minimum of 3 wineries from the wide selection of the Niagara Region including tastings at each one for a comprehensive experience. Charcuterie provided by White Oaks.
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Advanced booking required, please call White Oaks Concierge at (905) 704-5608. Times vary. 18% gratuity will automatically be applied for parties of 6 or more. Now departing from the White Oaks lobby.
Niagara Helicopters. (905) 357-5672
From the sensation of lift-off, to the excitement of soaring above the turbulent rapids and cascading waterfalls, your Niagara Helicopters ride is a unique and spectacular experience. Your all-scenic flight gives you a thrilling view of Niagara’s natural and man-made wonders.
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Niagara Helicopters Limited has over 50 years of service, with experienced pilots and courteous ground crew to ensure your comfort and safety.
The 2025 Venue
White Oaks Resort and Spa
Nestled on 13 acres in the very heart of Niagara area attractions and wineries, White Oaks Resort & Spa delivers luxury hotel service and a host of outstanding amenities. A world class conference centre, Four Diamond accommodations, award-winning dining options with LIV Restaurant and Play Bar + Grill, the serene world of The Spa and the amazing fitness and racquet phenomenon The Club at White Oaks all welcome you.
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$239 +tax. Rooms will be released August 21st. Upgrades are available for an additional fee. The guest room rate for EARLY arrivals on Saturday is $339 +tax and extended stays on Tuesday will be $239 +tax per room, per night based on a single or double occupancy.
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Contact White Oaks at 1-800-263-5766 or use the button below to make your reservation.