Itching for some foreign travel without the time or expense needed to cross an ocean?
Canada’s province of Ontario is a perfect compromise between the comfort of being close to home and an exciting new land to explore. This area of Canada offers a treasure trove of diverse experiences, including everything from breathtaking natural wonders to the bustling cities of Ottawa and Toronto.
Ontario is home to both, Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and Toronto, the province’s dynamic capital. It is also home to four of the 5 Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. To capture a true understanding of what Ontarians call home, I suggest experiencing a bit of each city, along with a healthy dose of splendor found outside their borders. Though the options are limitless for an exciting trip, the following are sights and activities that should not be missed.
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is the perfect place to explore its rich history and culture. Visit captivating exhibits in the renowned Canadian Museum of History and stroll through Parliament Hill to see the spectacular Gothic-Styled Parliament Buildings, dominating the waterfront since 1859. Walk around this historic site and even sit in on a meeting of Parliament if timing allows. Be sure to catch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony if visiting during the summer months. Cruise the Rideau Canal and take a yacht tour on the Ottawa River for some beautiful scenery.
Toronto is home to the iconic CN Tower, which used to be the tallest structure in the world and currently holds title to being the third highest. Check out the commanding views and if feeling up for an adrenaline rush, conquer the CN Tower EdgeWalk by stepping out and clinging to the structure. Enjoy a fine dining experience or take high tea in Toronto’s Casa Loma. This beautiful castle was built in 1911 and is open for touring. Hop on a ferry for a short ride to the Toronto Islands to take in the views of the Toronto skyline, rent bikes for an enjoyable ride, or even visit a nude beach.
Local beaches are worth a visit. While many Americans wouldn’t consider a Canadian province to be a desirable beach location, Ontarians would disagree. Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. Located 2 hours north of Toronto along the shore of Lake Huron, this sandy beach is a favorite hangout in the summer. Ontario is also home to the second longest freshwater beach in the world, Sauble Beach. Known for its warm, shallow water dotted with sandbars, this beach is perfect for families!
Niagara Falls is equally spectacular on the Canadian side as on the USA side. Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of these famous waterfalls from various viewpoints. Enjoy a Maid of the Mist boat tour to experience the thundering cascades from up close. If an overnight stay is planned, there are Ripley’s and various wax museums to stay entertained. Equally beautiful on a smaller scale is Niagara-on-the-Lake, located less than 20 miles north of the Falls - home to Ontario’s wine country. Enjoy a relaxing stay in a local B&B and sample world-class wines at the many local wineries. Take in the abundant scenic beauty of local vineyards, the town’s historic sights, and indulge in one of many available gourmet dining experiences. Another exciting activity to try is a Whirlpool jetboat tour, and if feeling adventurous, the Whirlpool ropes course at Queenstown Heights as a fun option.
Bruce Peninsula National Park is home to many spectacular sites and activities. From here, catch a glass-bottom boat tour to Flowerpot Island. This small island is in the Fathom Five National Marine Park of Tobermory and is home to pillars and many types of interesting formations. The water is crystal-clear for swimming. Book the boat tour in advance and be sure to pack insect repellent, food, and drinks, since nothing is available on-site. Tobermory Grotto is a local cave where turquoise water shimmers from inside and is open for touring. While in the area, catch the lighthouse at Big Tub Harbor and enjoy hiking along Horse Lake, Cliffs of Georgian Bay, Indian Head Cove, and Marr Lake.
White River is an iconic Canadian place to visit with an interesting background story. A hunter shot a bear cub’s mother in 1914 and returned home with the baby to keep as a pet. Soon after, a soldier traveling through White River bought the cub from the hunter and gave it to a zoo in England. Writer A.A. Milne visited this zoo often with his son, Christopher Robin, who nicknamed it Pooh and began creatively writing his tales for young readers.
The Collingswood’s Scenic Caves are located on the Niagara Escarpment, 70 feet below the surface of the UNESCO World Heritage Bio Reserve. Walk across Ontario’s longest suspension bridge to get to the cave entrance.
Once there, navigate through the labyrinth of 17 caves and formations and dare to experience the on-site zipline adventure!
By Lisa Osborne Blalock
Footloose Travel & Tours