Ontario Travel Guide

A visit to Canada’s largest province, located in the mid-eastern section of the nation, presents vacation possibilities of grand proportions. Ontario is home to Canada’s capital, Ottawa; its largest city, Toronto; and the most famous falls in the world, Niagara. The highlight – literally – of your vacation is likely to be a stay in Toronto, home to the world’s tallest building, the CN Tower. From there you can look down on Toronto’s many charms: eating, shopping, and gallery-taking. Enjoy Ottawa, Canada’s birthplace, the seat of its government, and home to the most delightful architecture in the country. Even if you’re not planning a honeymoon be sure to save time to visit Niagara Falls, a natural wonder that nearly all have heard about but few have had the pleasure of visiting.    

Airports and Ground Transportation

Although visitors can fly in to Ottawa, you’ll likely get the best discount airfare to Ontario by flying in to Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Toronto. Quick, nonstop flights are available from several airlines offering discount airfare to Ontario. For example, choose American Airlines from Chicago (ORD) and you may get a cheap flight of less than $400 US round trip. If you’re flying from Los Angeles, (LAX) you can get an even cheaper flight to Ontario by flying Air Canada, as low as $300 if your flight time is flexible. Other airlines offer cheap flights to Ontario as well; from New York (JKF) you might book with Delta Airlines and fly for less than $500 US round trip. Because Toronto is a major global city, discount air fare to Ontario is likely to remain constant no matter what season you choose to take your vacation.

If you’re connecting flights to Ottawa or Niagara, discount airfare within Ontario can be found by using many smaller carriers or you may choose to use Air Canada.

Ground transportation options while on your Ontario vacation are varied, notably tidy, and relatively inexpensive. It’s easy to get around Toronto using the Toronto Transit Commissions famously clean subways, streetcars, and buses. Taxis are plentiful and worthwhile if the weather doesn’t cooperate with plans for a walkabout. Renting a car is always an available choice, and a good one if you plan to visit large swathes of Ontario. The Toronto-Kingston-Ottawa train using VIA Rail Canada is a delightful option for those who appreciate the slower pace of train travel.

Best Times to Go, Best Things to Do

An Ontario vacation is delightful no matter what time of year you choose to visit. Summer is best for those who wish to spend time outdoors. You might choose to rent (and captain!) your own boat on one of the mighty Great Lakes. Perhaps you’ll take a more leisurely float aboard the Island Queen, or another of Ontario’s sightseeing cruise ships.  A quick hike up north might take you past deer, moose, or caribou. Ride the Maid of the Mist to the very edge of Niagara Falls in spring, summer, or fall - autumn offers the best display of turning leaves. While in Toronto you won’t want to miss the nightlife – the club scene is one of the hottest in a cool climate. Winter or summer offers the same urban appeal in Toronto, lots of shopping, dining, and museum visiting. Toronto in the cold months offers a unique pleasure – outdoor ice skating at the renowned Harbourfront Centre. Hockey fans can visit the Hockey Hall of Fame year round. And keep your stick on the ice!

Hotels and Lodging

There are many fine places to stay while on your Ontario Vacation. Sleek, modern architecture dominates Toronto – you might try the glassy Residence Inn Downtown. Ottawa, known for its stately architecture, offers the beautiful, castle-like Chateau Laurier. And what could be better, when in Niagara, than a romantic B & B? Wherever you stay, wherever you go, your Ottawa vacation promises a lifetime of good memories.