Ontario Travel Guide

Located in the south-central part of Canada, Ontario is the most populous province in this country. It is home to the national capital city, Ottawa and the financial capital and the most populous city, Toronto. This province can be broken down into northern and southern Ontario because of the diversity in its climate, population and geography. While the southern part borders Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, the northern part of the province borders the Hudson Bay. Most of the arable land and population is concentrated in the southern part of the province while the northern parts are bare and sparsely populated. Its diverse geography combined with the presence of two stellar cities make it an ideal vacation spot all around the year. The vast natural beauty, sprawling urban areas, a booming art scene and the numerous historical centers of Ontario offers lots of activities and excitement for every kind of visitor.

When you think of the natural wonders of Ontario, the first thing that comes to mind is the Niagara Falls. The beauty of this huge mammoth of water is sure to leave each and every visitor spell-bound. The Niagara Falls in Ontario is shaped like a horseshoe and it pours down 155 million liters of water every minute. You can experience Niagara in many ways. The maid of the mist is a boat ride that has been in operations since 1846, making it one of the oldest tours in North America. You can also enjoy the view from Skylon or Minolta towers or take a helicopter tour.

If you love adventure, camping, biking, fishing and hiking, then Ontario is the place for you. With more than 330 parks and innumerable hiking and biking trails, it is a paradise of natural beauty. One of the most popular trails is the Niagara Escarpment. Designated as a UNESCO heritage site, this 725km trail of wilderness has a unique ecology and culture that is unparalleled in any other part of the world. Another popular natural wonder is the Great Lakes. Four out of the five lakes touch the Ontario province and you can cruise through its waters or simply relax in the beaches and take in all that this place has to offer. There are also several other smaller lakes that provide ample opportunities for fishing and other water-based activities like canoeing.

Besides enjoying the natural beauty, you can also have a vibrant urban experience in the cities of Toronto and Ottawa. Numerous restaurants, taverns, pubs and bistros abound in these cities and you can let your taste palate on a wild run here. Ottawa hosts more than 60 festivals each year such as the Tulip festival and Bluesfest while Toronto is a melting pot of different cultures and this has resulted in a great number of art and cultural shows that happen all year round. The countless galleries and museums in these two cities can transport you to a different world. These two major Canadian cities are also a shopping enthusiast's ultimate destination. You can find the latest in fashion from international brand names and Canadian designers in the ample malls and boutiques in these cities.

All in all, Ontario is a vibrant and beautiful destination that is sure to make your vacation a unique and memorable experience.