Travel Guides: All Countries / North America / Canada / Ontario
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| | | Land of lakes |  | Why go on holiday there?
The native peoples called Ontario "land of shining waters" after its 450,000 lakes or possibly after that great natural wonder, Niagara Falls. From sophisticated cities like Toronto and Canada's historic capital, Ottawa, to sandy beaches, unspoilt wilderness areas and wonderful wildlife, there's something for every interest in this central Canadian province.
How much does it cost?
At time of writing, a two-night city break to Toronto is from £400. Flights only to Toronto are from £260 and to Ottawa from £300. A three-star hotel in Toronto is from £50 a night, a four-star in Ottawa from £65. Stay in a rural farmhouse B&B from £25 a night. A 14-day escorted tour featuring the St Lawrence Seaway, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa and Quebec starts from around £1,100.
When should I go?
Ontario covers over a million square miles so temperatures vary greatly from one region to another. The province generally has warm and fairly dry summers. The east coast is usually cooler and has more rain. Southern Ontario has the hottest summer temperatures. Average July temperatures range from 23C (74F) in south western Ontario to 19C (64F) in eastern Ontario. In winter, the province is blanketed by snow, with the highest snowfall east of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, where up to 134 in (339cm) can be found, keeping skiers happy.
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| | | Dramatic Niagara | | What should I do when I'm there?
Visit Niagara Falls, among the province's biggest draws. The 56m drop never disappoints - check out the view from the observation deck or get soaked on a boat trip for great views looking up at the falls. Toronto is famous for its 533m landmark CN Tower - on a clear day catch the glass lift to the top for spectacular views. The city also offers great shopping, parks and entertainment. Ottawa houses the impressive Canadian Parliament building and in summer you'll see the famous Canadian Mounties out on parade. In May, Ottawa stages its huge annual Tulip Festival. The city has good galleries and museums including Canada's top art collection at the National Gallery and the small but interesting home of two former prime ministers, the Victorian Laurier House. Chill out with a mini-cruise on one of the provinces' thousands of lakes.
What activities can I do?
The brave and hearty shouldn't miss whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario. A little tamer is canoeing round some of the scenic trails including the Barron Canyon in Algonquin Provincial Park. Skiing is good between Barrie and Collingwood and hikers will be in their element on the trails in numerous national parks including Pukaskwa on Lake Superior and Bruce Peninsula Park - the Bruce trail along the rugged shoreline is especially scenic. Fishing is big and in the clear waters, diving coastal wrecks is also an option.
Where can I get close to nature?
There's a huge choice of national and provincial parks in which to camp out under the stars and look for moose, caribou (in the Lake Superior region) and black bears. There's also some great birdlife - the lake at Wawa in Northern Ontario sees the mass migration of thousands of geese each year.
Any good historical sites?
Visit the Six Nations Indian Reserve near Brantford, south western Ontario. Established in the 18th-century, it gives a fascinating insight into the lives of the Iroquois people. Another site worth seeing is the Huron Indian Village and Museum near Midland in the Georgian Bay and Lakelands region. At Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario, check out Old Fort William, an 18th-century fur trading post. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, the town's main street - Queen Street - has been restored to its 19th-century origins. The historic town of Kingston, in Eastern Ontario, is also worth a visit and includes the early 19th-century Fort Henry.
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| | | A fruity tipple | | Where's good for nightlife?
Toronto has Canada's biggest theatre scene and rivals that of London and New York, plus plenty of nightclubs and bars. Ottawa has a good live music scene and its own symphony orchestra. When things quiet down in Ottawa, locals cross the river to Hull in Quebec where the action goes on in bars and at the casino until 3am.
What's the food like?
International - especially in big cities. Ontario is big on fresh fish and is a major fruit grower - apples are excellent. Apart from the good wines produced in the region, the Ontario fruits are also used to make delicious apple and cherry ciders, many alcohol-free. Wild rice, which accompanies many Native Indian foods, is grown along the Ontario border.
What should I buy?
Bed quilts and produce made by the Mennonite religious communities whose goods are sold at local farmers markets and some local stores in Kitchener-Waterloo, St Jacob's and Elmira. Wines from the Niagara region are good and Canada is famous for its rye whiskey. Outdoor clothing is a good buy, with a bigger selection than in the UK. In Toronto, choose from some 300 shops and cafes at the covered Eaton Centre or check out the speciality stores in trendy Yorkville, as well as the markets of St Lawrence and Kensington. In Ottawa, try the ByWard market for crafts, small shops, fresh produce and cafes or hit the Sparks Street pedestrian mall.
What is there for children to do?
Let them see chocolate being made on a tour of the Hershey Chocolate Factory at Smith Falls in eastern Ontario then join in sampling the discounted bars. In Toronto, check out the Children's Own Museum for two to eight year olds and the Ontario Science Centre for older youngsters. Ottawa has the hands-on National Museum of Science. Ontario offers plenty of great outdoor activities for youngsters, including rollerblading, snowboarding, canoeing and camping. Or take them for a trip on the Polar Bear Express train, in Northern Ontario, in former fur trading Hudson Bay country. Learn about early life in the province from costumed staff at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village in London, south west Ontario.
Tourist office
Ontaria Tourist Board 1 Battersea Church Road, London SW11 3LY. Tel. 020 7771 7004.
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| | Available rental properties in Ontario |
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