Ontario, Canada, offers a diverse and vibrant travel experience, blending urban excitement, natural beauty, and cultural depth.
Toronto is Ontario’s bustling capital. Explore the iconic CN Tower for panoramic views – on a clear day, you might even spot Niagara Falls. Wander through the Distillery District, a pedestrian-only zone with historic buildings, art galleries, and trendy eateries.
The Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario are musts for culture buffs. For a taste of local flavour, hit Kensington Market for eclectic street food and vibrant street art. If you’re visiting in summer, catch a Blue Jays game or relax on the Toronto Islands.
Take a ferry to Centre Island for a bike ride or picnic with the city skyline as your backdrop.
A 1.5-hour drive from Toronto, Niagara Falls is a jaw-dropping natural wonder. Experience the falls up close on a Maid of the Mist boat tour or Journey Behind the Falls. For a unique perspective, try the Niagara SkyWheel or zip-line over the gorge. Beyond the falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake offers charming wineries, with ice wine being a local specialty. Stroll Queen Street for boutique shopping and cozy cafes.
Visit at night when the falls are illuminated in vibrant colours, often with fireworks in summer.
Head northeast to Ottawa, about a 4-hour drive from Toronto. Explore Parliament Hill for free tours of Canada’s government seat, especially stunning during the summer Sound and Light Show. Skate or stroll along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, depending on the season. The ByWard Market is perfect for foodies, with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and lively patios. Museums like the Canadian Museum of History or National Gallery of Canada offer rich cultural dives.
If visiting in February, catch Winterlude, a festival with ice sculptures and canal skating.
For nature lovers, Algonquin Provincial Park, about 3 hours from Toronto, is a gem. Spanning 7,600 km², it’s ideal for canoeing, hiking, or wildlife spotting—moose, bears, and wolves call it home. The Algonquin Visitor Centre offers insights into the park’s ecology and Indigenous history. Try the Barron Canyon trail for dramatic cliffs or paddle the serene Lake Opeongo. Camping under the stars here is unforgettable, with dark skies perfect for stargazing.
Join a guided “wolf howl” tour in late summer to hear wolves respond in the wild.
A 2-hour drive east of Toronto, Prince Edward County is Ontario’s laid-back wine country. Tour vineyards like Closson Chase or Norman Hardie for tastings paired with local cheeses. The region’s sandy beaches, like those at Sandbanks Provincial Park, are perfect for a summer dip. Explore quaint towns like Picton or Bloomfield for art galleries, farm-to-table dining, and cozy B&Bs.
Rent a bike to cycle the Millennium Trail, stopping at wineries and markets along the way.
About 2 hours west of Toronto, Stratford is famous for its Shakespeare Festival, running April to October. Catch a world-class play at the Festival Theatre or explore the town’s culinary scene, known for farm-fresh restaurants. Stroll the Avon River or visit local chocolatiers like Rheo Thompson for handmade treats.
Time your visit for the Stratford Chocolate Trail, a self-guided tour of sweet indulgences.
Best time to visit: summer for festivals and outdoor activities; fall for stunning foliage; winter for skating and snow sports.
Rent a car for flexibility, as public transport is limited outside major cities. VIA Rail connects Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston for a scenic train option.
Try poutine, butter tarts and local craft beers. Indigenous-inspired restaurants, like Kū-kŭm Kitchen in Toronto, offer unique dishes.
Mix it up with city hotels, lakeside cottages in Algonquin, or boutique inns in Prince Edward County.
Ontario’s appeal lies in its variety: urban vibrancy, world-class natural wonders, and small-town charm. Whether you’re hiking in Algonquin, sipping wine in Niagara, or catching a play in Stratford, the province delivers memorable moments.