150 years ago, Canada became a Nation. 2017 marks a major milestone in our country’s history. And while celebrations have been under way since January, this summer is when the real parties will kick off. You don’t need to go far to find something happening -- almost every city in the country has put together a range of events to celebrate. From appreciating Canada’s vast natural landscape, to music and the arts, there’s something for everyone. Check out these great ways to celebrate our country’s 150th from Timbercreek.

Go to a National Park

Parks Canada has stepped up to help ring in our 150th by offering free admission to National Parks across the country.  From BC to Newfoundland, our Nation’s vast landscape is free to explore for one year only. Check out the Parks Canada website for availability and regulations as the Discovery Pass covers park entrance, but not all fees like camping and guided tours. Learn more here.

Get Active

Challenge yourself with the ParticipACTION 150 Play List. It was created from the results of over 465,000 votes from people across Canada and includes 150 physical activities that make us uniquely Canadian. The Play List is a challenge to Canadians in communities, schools, workplaces, and even abroad to see how many different activities they can complete in 2017. Learn more here.

The Maritimes

Confederation happened in three stages starting in 1864. While it was initiated by the potential union of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI, those provinces actually waited to join the rest of Canada until the third leaders’ meeting in 1867. As such the maritimes has a rich past and important role in the country’s history.  The east coast is also just a sensational part of the country, both in terms of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From New Brunswick’s flowerpot rocks to the Bay of Fundy, Halifax, and PEI’s red sand beaches, there’s a lot to do and see.  And, like across the rest of the country, there are no shortage of events and celebrations to make the most of our 150th in the Maritimes. Learn more here.

Stay In Town

There are fun activities to enjoy right in your own hometown this year if you want to celebrate Canada’s 150th close to home. Check out your city’s website for events and ideas. Most cities coast to coast are offering a wealth of spectacles all year long.

Get out, enjoy and celebrate the great white north for its 150^th!

For more information about Timbercreek Communities in your city, please visit our website.  

Let’s face it, dads are hard to buy for. With Father’s Day just around the corner, Timbercreek has put together a list of common and not-so-common Father’s Day gift ideas for your Dad this year.

A New Tie

Ties have been a go-to Father’s Day present since the tie was invented. If your Dad wears ties, they still make a great gift and can be purchased on just about any budget. Be sure to look through your dad’s closet to see what he likes before grabbing one at the store.

Gift Card

Never underestimate the gift card. While it may sound a little impersonal, a targeted gift card can hit a homer -- especially now that everyone from Shoppers Drug Mart to Indigo to gas stations sells them. Dinners, movies and popcorn, alcohol/LCBO, iTunes, books, prepaid VISA cards, restaurant chains - there’s not a lot you can’t get anymore. Consider one from your dad’s favourite store.

Golf Lesson

For the dads who love to golf, this one’ll take the cake. For beginners and seasoned players alike, Dad will love some focused swing analysis on the local driving range. If a lesson is too specific or pricey (they can get into the triple digits per hour depending on the club), get him some range time, or buy him a 9 or 18-hole round.

Craft Beer Pack

With the craft beer explosion of the past 3-5 years, types and styles of beer have gone through the roof.  Whether your Father is a lager man or an IPA lover, a 6-pack of tasty brew will be sure to please.

Netflix For A Month (Or A Year)

Netflix has revolutionized not only what we watch, but how we watch it. It’s even become a verb. From movies to tv, there’s little you can’t get.  And as their monthly rates are cheaper than two Starbucks coffees, you might consider 6 months to a year of a membership for dear old Dad this Father’s Day.

Slippers

While perhaps not #1 on the must-get Father’s Day gift list, slippers are one of those things you never buy yourself, but love once you have them. And though dollar stores sell them for cheap, a quality, cushy, puffy pair will make your Dad’s morning coffees better than ever. If you check outdoor stores too, you can find those insulated ones that make cool hardwood floors feel warm and plush.

Car Detailing

No one likes to clean their car. Well, some do. But for most, cars function as equal parts transport device and garbage can. While picking up the coffee cups and gum wrappers counts as “cleaning”, vacuuming the seats tends to be that elusive “thing I have do”.  With Dads who drive a lot and are short on time, a detailing gift can be just the thing they need.

Lawn Mowing Service

Though on the surface this one might not sound exciting, having someone else mow the lawn will prove satisfying, especially on a beautiful Saturday morning. Even if your lawn is small, having a professional service manicure your Father’s outdoor space will give him a break and maybe even make the place look decent for once. Cost might be a factor if you intend to cover an entire summer, in which case, you can offer to do it yourself.

Coffee Mug

Perhaps #2 on the all-time Father’s Day gift list, coffee mugs are equally underestimated. For Dads who like coffee, you can’t have enough of them. Planes, trains, automobiles, music notes, hand crafted, bedazzled; as long as you know your Dad’s tastes this one can’t be overdone.  Just make sure it has a good, big handle.

Tickets To A Local Sporting Event

Baseball, football, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, MMA -- you can see nearly every sporting type known to man shy of Monster Truck Racing these days so long as you’re within driving distance of a city center. While it might take some planning, and various sports differ in price, you can usually find some nosebleed seats somewhere that won’t break the bank and will provide a fun and memorable way to celebrate Dad.

Timbercreek hopes these great gift ideas help you find the perfect present for Dad this Father’s Day. For more information about Timbercreek Communities in your city, please visit our website.

Mothers are amazing. We wouldn’t exist without them! Mother’s Day gives us pause to be thankful for our parent and to reflect on our childhood. While we may occasionally argue, nitpick, obsess, or regress, it’s our mothers who understand us, know us, and love us the best. Mother’s Day is just around the corner, on Sunday May 14, 2017. To celebrate, Timbercreek Communities has created this Top 10 Mother’s Day Gift Guide to help you celebrate your mom.

Flowers

Simple, classic, fragrant and loveable -- flowers really do say it all. From roses to a simple grocery store bouquet, flowers show your love and give your Mom a splash of color and fragrance that will brighten her whole week.

A Bottle of Wine or a gift card

Wine is almost always a great gift. Best of all it can be cheap yet thoughtful. If you don’t trust your own taste in wine, ask for help at your local wine store or the LCBO or skip the guesswork with a gift card like this.

Massage or Reflexology

While upping the price point to between $50 and $120, a massage or reflexology session is a solid Mother’s Day gift option. If full body massage is too intense, the more minimal but no less effective foot reflexology can be a great alternative. Look for businesses like Massage Addict which only employ well trained Registered Massage Therapists.

A book or gift card

If your mom is a reader, she will love a new book or an Indigo or Amazon gift card. You might need to drop some subtle hints to tease out a title that she wants without spoiling the surprise, but whether hard copy or gift card, it’s an inexpensive gift that goes a long way. 

Fitbit

The Fitbit is a solid gift idea for fit moms. Though it’s a slightly pricier option, the Fitbit is a thoughtful gift that simply and effectively encourages fitness by measuring steps per day. Get more info here.

Chocolate

One word for this one: Toblerone. Or maybe two words: Ferrero Rocher.

Scandinave Spa Day

An offshoot of our massage and reflexology idea, Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountain, Ontario is a full body, full day, pampering experience. From hot pools to saunas, steam bath and massage, Scandinave is a spa day Mom will love. Check the Scandinave website here.

Beauty Products

From bubble bath to soaps and moisturizers, it’s pretty easy to hit a Mother’s Day home run with a few bath and/or beauty products. The Body Shop is a great place to grab pre-made gift packs. Learn more here.

A Card

Last but not least is a simple card. From handmade to Hallmark, a card can accompany every gift, or be a gift in itself for Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day from Timbercreek Communities!

To learn more about Timbercreek Rental Communities in Canada, please visit our website.

It’s Canada’s 150th birthday this year! Celebrate living in one of the greatest countries in the world with a free 2017 Parks Canada Discovery Pass. As part of numerous activities celebrating our century and half birthday, Canadians can enter and explore Canada’s incredible National parks coast to coast, free of charge.

To participate in this amazing opportunity, we recommend that you order your pass online before your arrival for faster entry and greater convenience. Canadians can access all of Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada, including historic canals and waterways (including free lockage, a pass similar to the parks pass).

Please keep in mind that regular fees still apply for other experiences and services including the following: camping, backcountry, and other accommodations, admission to Canadian Rockies Hot Springs, boat mooring, reservation fees, guided tours and hikes, and programs not usually included with admission, firewood, and backcountry overnight use.

With spring’s arrival, and summer just around the corner, there’s no better way to celebrate our country’s birthday than by exploring its majestic landscape with a Parks Canada pass. With 46 national parks to choose from, Timbercreek Communities brings you this shortlist of our favourite national parks to visit in Canada.

Banff National Park

In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains. From that humble beginning Banff National Park was born, Canada's very first national park. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destinations. Get more info here.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park is an incredibly beautiful national park in Northern Ontario. It features rocky terrain, steep cliffs and panoramic views of the bright turquoise waters of Georgian Bay. The area is home to black bears and rare reptiles. The park is full of ancient cedar trees, orchids and ferns. If you plan to camp there, you’ll get a free show from the stars above in this Dark Sky Preserve.

Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site

On the southern tip of Nova Scotia lies Kejimkujik, an old growth national park and historic site. There’s a bit of a debate about the name’s meaning, ranging from the Mi'kmaq translation for "attempting to escape" or "swollen waters", and the park's official stance that Kejimkujik is a Mi'kmaq word meaning "tired muscles". Either way, Kejimkujik’s hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow aspens, quartzite shores, and white sand beaches won’t disappoint. Paddle the waters, hike the trails and discover the rich diversity of Kejimkujik this summer. Learn more here.

Point Pelee National Park

For central Canadians, Point Pelee National Park is not to be missed. Located at Canada’s most southerly point, Pelee boasts a lush Carolinian forest oasis, complete with canoeable marshes, miles of boardwalk, and incredible wildlife. Point Pelee is full of songbirds in the spring, and the hum of cicadas in summer, it flutters with Monarchs in the fall and is a peaceful place to retreat inn  the winter. For wine lovers, the area is also home to numerous VQA wineries. See more here.

Forillon National Park

Forillon National Park is arguably one of the most breathtaking national parks in Canada. It offers the best of land and sea, featuring cliffs with jaw dropping ocean views and dense forest land. Located in Eastern Quebec near New Brunswick, Park Forillon is a great place to hike or go snorkelling and watch seals play.

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity while you can.

For more information on Timbercreek Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

Spring has sprung and it’s almost time for Easter! The big day falls on Monday April 17th this year. If you’re planning a feast with family and friends at your Timbercreek home, Timbercreek Communities wants to help out in the kitchen with some delicious recipes for the best Easter main courses.

Crown Roast of Lamb

This Crown Roast of Lamb is an impressive cut of meat for a special culinary occasion. It’s perfect for an Easter dinner. It’s prepared in about 45 minutes by arranging two racks of lamb in semi-circles and cooking for 8 to 12 minutes per pound with minced garlic, fresh thyme, coriander, and rosemary. The video will help guide you along.

Sugar Glazed Ham

An old fashioned Sugar Glazed Ham, with it’s sweet golden brown coating, is a fabulous main course for Easter. The sweetness of the brown sugar is complemented perfectly by the mustard and vinegar. Best of all, it only takes 5 minutes to prepare, so you’ll have more time to spend with your family while it bakes for 1 ½ to 2 hours.

Wild Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna

This hearty Wild Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna is an excellent vegetarian Easter entree.

It’s loaded with five pounds of fresh (or frozen) spinach and 3 pounds of wild mushrooms, and topped with a Madeira wine and parsley sauce. Frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh in this recipe.

Salmon with Dijon Dill

This Salmon with Dijon Dill will make a refreshing change to your Easter Holiday meal. The rich sauce is made with butter, dill, Dijon mustard, shallots and white wine. The sauce is a rich addition to the delicate flaky fish. This dish only requires 20 minutes of hands on time and another 20 minutes of cooking time.

Lemon-Thyme Split-Roasted Turkey

The classic pairing of lemon and thyme gives this Split-Roasted Turkey a springtime feel that is perfect for your Easter feast. The split-roasting method also saves time when compared to a traditional roast turkey. You’ll need 30 minutes of prep time and only an hour and a half to 2 hours in the oven.

Happy Easter from Timbercreek Communities!

To learn more about Timbercreek Rental Communities across Canada, please visit our website.

March Break in Montreal is the perfect time for a bit of wintertime fun and excitement. Timbercreek Communities has some ideas to help you have an amazing March Break in Montreal.

Hit the Slopes

Let’s face it, the winters can be harsh here, but don’t hide away and hibernate! Embrace your environment and enjoy ski and snowboard season. The Laurentians region is the closest ski destination to Montreal and home to Mont Tremblant, voted the best overall resort in Eastern North America by Ski Magazine for the last 19 years. It’s a great place to visit, whether you plan to be on or off the slopes, and is less than a 2 hour drive from Montreal.

Nuit Blanche and Montréal en Lumière

Montréal en Lumière is on now until March 11th. It’s a celebration of food, fun, wine, winter and lights. The highlight of the festival is Nuit Blanche on Saturday, March 4th. The party goes until 6am on Sunday March 5th! It draws 350,000 people for a mostly free night of over 200 cultural, culinary, arts and just plain fun activities. Not to be missed!

Underground Art in the Underground City

If you need some relief from the cold, you're in luck! Montreal is home to the underground city and from March 4th to March 11th you can revel in the creative and thermal energy underground, during Art Souterrain. It’s a 7 km underground circuit featuring 107 contemporary art projects.

Jazz it Up

Jazz is not a fairweather friend in Montreal. You don’t have to wait until the summer Jazz Fest to enjoy some live. Get your fix from March 18th to 25th at Jazz en Rafale, a mini festival during the last weekend of winter and the first weekend of spring.

To find your home with Timbercreek Communities in Quebec, please visit our website. Timbercreek offers several residence options in the Montreal area including: Cote St-Luc, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Montreal Downtown and Southshore, Pointe Claire, St. Laurent and Verdun.

Make a fashion statement at your next holiday party! Discover the hottest trends of the season in today’s post from the fashion and lifestyle experts at Timbercreek Communities.

Add a little sparkle

Sparkles just scream holiday. Make any outfit pop with a sequin piece (a top, or skirt, or jacket). Not comfortable wearing a sparkly piece of clothing? Accessories, such as a purse or headband, will do wonders for your look without being overwhelming.

Embrace the LBD

The Little Black Dress, affectionately known as the LBD, is truly timeless and the perfect go-to for your next holiday party. Add that sequined headband you found on Etsy and your outfit is complete.

Day-to-night leather

You’ll thank yourself for choosing leather as you rush from the office to your holiday party. Leather leggings are especially easy to dress down or dress up, depending on where you’re headed. Now all you need is a pair of high heeled shoes that you can comfortably run from one event to the next in.

Pretty in tweed

Tweed is never out of style, especially during the winter. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate it into this season’s wardrobe lineup, check out this adorable sparkled tweed coat, perfect for the holidays—and looking pretty.

Blazers and jeans

A business casual dress code can be the worst. What does it mean?! Before you demolish your closet looking for the perfect (not too formal, not too corporate) look, consider blazers and jeans. This pairing is always in style and an excellent option for men and women alike. Ladies, check out this warm and classy look complete with a camel blazer and seasonally-appropriate plaid scarf.

Killer suits with lace-up shoes

Men, this one’s for you: The ultimate way to look your best this holiday season is to find that killer suit that compliments your body. It might be easier than you think. GQ has created a breakdown of what you should wear depending on your height, weight and body structure. 

We hope these style tips help you look amazing at your holiday parties this season! If you’re on the hunt for an amazing apartment to match, start with Timbercreek Communities. Our rental communities are located in five provinces and over two dozen cities. For more information, visit our website today. 

We love how many fun places there are to visit in October! From picturesque apple orchards to terrifying fear farms, today’s list of five local destinations for fall fun includes a little something for everyone.

Kitchener-Waterloo Fear Farm

Prepare to be scared. The Kitchener-Waterloo Fear Farm (936685 Blenheim Road) is not for the faint of heart — or anyone under the age of five. This terrifying destination is recommended for fearless 15+ year olds. Fear Farm is open Fridays through Sundays, 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., all month long. If you survive one of the farm’s five terrifying haunts, treat yourself to the Creep-tastic Candy Park, The Gruesome Autumn Grill, The Freakish Fritter House or the brand-new Blood-Curdling Bakery. Check out this amazing farm early in the evening to avoid lines.

Bingemans Screampark

So you survived the Fear Farm, are you ready for something a little more intense? Bingemans Screampark (425 Bingemans Centre Drive) in Kitchener is just a 15-minute drive from Mooregate Apartments (50, 66 & 80 Mooregate Crescent). Last year over 7,000 guests were too scared to complete the haunt. Can you handle it?

Clovermead Honey and Adventure Farm

For those who prefer not to be terrified this fall but still want to enjoy a memorable daytrip, Clovermead Honey and Adventure Farm (1302 Imperial Road) is the quintessential family-friendly October outing. Their adorable slogan, “Jump, Play, and Bee Happy,” tells you just about everything you need to know about this Alymer attraction. Activities include a corn maze, wagon rides, jumping pillows and farm animals. Online reservations are encouraged to avoid long lines.

Kustermans Fall Festival

Located near London, Kustermans (23188 Springwell Road) is the perfect mix of family-friendly fun (during the day) and spooky festivities (at night). While the sun shines, visit Kustermans for fun for all ages including train rides, giant jumping pillows, zip lines, farmcade games and more. At night, if you dare, take part in your choice of two horrifying haunt tours. Visit Kustermans on weekends in October. The venue will also extend its opening hours on Thursday, October 27th.

Apple Land Station

One of the best things about fall is fresh, delicious apples. Pick your own apples, find the perfect fall pumpkin and say hello to the friendly farm animals at Apple Land Station (329 Richmond Street) -- a first-generation farm located near Thorndale. If you pay the farm a visit, be sure to take home a sweet treat from the bakery. Fall festivities run daily with different hours depending on the day. Visit the Apple Land website to learn more.

We hope you explore these fun places near London and Waterloo this October. Best of all, they are located within a short drive from your Timbercreek Communities Apartment. Want more information about Timbercreek Communities? Simply visit our website today. 

The Canadian National Exhibition, CNE, The Ex is an end of summer tradition. From August 19th to September 5th, The EX helps us say goodbye to summer with a grin on our faces. Timbercreek Communities is here to help you make the most of the EXperience this year.

The Food

More than one million people visit the Toronto Star Food Building every year to sample cuisines from around the world. It’s truly become a Toronto institution. Foodies take note: this year Food Truck Frenzy is returning to the CNE with a wide variety of trucks to suit every taste. It will take place at the same time as Craft Beer Fest.

The Exhibits

In addition to the rides and the food, the EX is about the exhibits. Some of the great ones this year are the amazing international Sand Sculpting Competition, you won’t believe what these artists can do with sand! Trekkers, don’t miss Star Trek: 50 Artists, 50 years -- a global art exhibition featuring artists from 10 countries commemorating the 50th anniversary of the iconic series. You can also catch Augmenting Reality and experience how technology is enhancing, and maybe even altering, our reality.

The Air Show

The 67th annual Canadian International Air Show will once again take to the sky above Lake Ontario this Labour Day Weekend (September 3rd - 5th) from 12pm -3pm. It’s a heart-pounding display not to be missed, with performances by the Breitling Jet Team, The Canadian Forces Snowbirds and more. Click here for more details!

Summer in Toronto just wouldn’t feel complete without a trip to the CNE. It’s an annual pilgrimage to say farewell to summer. It’s about a 45 minute drive (or an hour and half by TTC) from your apartment at 274 - 278 Cedar Avenue, Richmond Hill and easily accessible by TTC from your Timbercreek Toronto apartment or just a 7 minute walk from Lord Dufferin Apartments (200 Dufferin Street, Toronto).

For more information on Timbercreek Communities, please visit our website, today!

Fiestaval Calgary turns 10 this summer! Check out this one-of-a-kind downtown event, featured in today’s blog post from Timbercreek Communities, happening within walking distance of Calgary apartments.

Coming this July

Fiestaval is a free event designed with families in mind. Held at Calgary Olympic Plaza (228 8 Avenue Southeast), this year’s 10th rendition is scheduled for July 22nd through 24th. Expect a true multicultural celebration that will showcase Latin American Culture. The Plaza is located conveniently less than a 10-minute walk from both First on Tenth Apartments (123 10 Avenue Southwest) and Lofts on First Apartments (1010 First Street Southwest).

This year’s lineup

Live music is one of the central components of Fiestaval. Concerts include music and dance from Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. On Saturday, July 23rd, check out the eight-piece band, San Andres and Providencia, heralding from the Caribbean Islands. Talented local artists, both from Alberta and across Canada, will round up a fun lineup of vibrant Latino music.

A feast for the family

Another attraction of Fiestaval are the vendors. With over 60 community organizations slated to participate, including over a dozen authentic Latin American food vendors, there is certain to be something for everyone to enjoy. Explore the beer gardens and don’t miss your chance for a handcrafted souvenir at the artisans market. Don’t forget to treat your littlest festival goers to the kids-only play area.

Timbercreek Communities hopes you will mark Fiestaval Calgary on your calendar. It’s the perfect way to get to know Calgary’s Latin American community and is a wonderful free family-friendly event within walking distance of your backdoor. For more information about Calgary apartments, visit our website today.