Culture, heritage and legend, magnificent fall colours, breathtaking scenery and an abundance of wildlife, Ontario offers unparalleled diversity. The province has more than one million square kilometres of land, 400,000 lakes, rivers and streams and a history spanning thousands of years making it the perfect destination for exploration and adventure. The cities of Toronto and Ottawa are worthy additions to a holiday in Ontario and for first time visitors, a trip to Niagara Falls is essential.
Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city and the provincial capital of Ontario, located in southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. Toronto's most prominent landmark is the CN Tower, which stood as the world's tallest free-standing land structure for over 30 years. Toronto is home to many museums and galleries, such as The Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo, The Art Gallery of Ontario and the Ontario Science Centre. The Yorkville neighbourhood is one of Toronto's most elegant shopping and dining areas, whilst Greektown on the Danforth boasts one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per kilometre in the world. Other notable neighbourhoods and attractions include The Beaches, the Toronto Islands, Kensington Market, Fort York, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the second largest city within the province of Ontario. Located in the Ottawa Valley, in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario, the city lies on the southern banks of the Ottawa River. Ottawa, has a wealth of museums, art galleries and historical monuments showcasing Canada's history and culture, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Canadian War Museum, the National Gallery, and Parliament Hill. It is home to spring tulips and fall foliage, sweeping parkways and rugged hiking trails - a destination that offers something for everyone.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Frozen lakes, waist deep snow, wildlife tracks, the howl of a wolf and the crisp clean air are just a few of the delights of a winter experience in the famous Algonquin Provincial Park. Covering approximately 8,000 square kilometres this one of Ontario’s oldest provincial parks and is home to abundant wildlife including otters, beavers, raccoons, wolves, moose and bears. The summer opens up the vast forested interior of the park creating an array of canoeing opportunities on the 2,000 kilometres of canoe trails connecting the lakes.
1000 Islands
The 1000 Islands region encompasses communities along the St. Lawrence River and the eastern shores of Lake Ontario. The region takes its name from the more than 1000 islands that dot the lake and river along this international waterway. From cruises to kayaking and canoeing 1000 Islands is the perfect location for water based activities and as part of a tour.
Lake Huron - Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay is rich in aboriginal history and outdoor adventure. Visit Manitoulin Island, which encompasses eight First Nations' communities and head to Killarney Provincial Park for picturesque scenery of the LaCloche Mountains and forests, an ideal destination for canoeists and hikers.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is an inland sea containing 10% of the earth’s freshwater and sprawling across an area larger than Scotland. The 1,000-kilometre-long Canadian shore is a wilderness of stark contrasts, protected by a series of national and provincial parks. Crystal clear water (you can drink it), stalwart headlands, sand beaches and 200-metre cliffs attest to glaciation and eons of erosion by the elements. Moose, bear, wolf, beaver, otter, woodland caribou and peregrine falcon occupy the surrounding boreal forest. Lake Superior remains central to Native Canadian spirituality and was pivotal in the fur trade. Today, it is as remote as ever, with a sparse human population, no upscale resorts or tour boats, and patchy mobile phone coverage. Adventurers come here to experience the big wild.
