Ontario

Stretching from the Great Lakes to the frozen shores of Hudson Bay, Ontario is Canada’s second-largest province and a joy to discover. Toronto is one of the most visited cities in North America, and for good reason. Visitors will find varied and rewarding restaurants as well as theatres to rival London and New York. Shoppers can run wild in the designer boutiques of Bloor-Yorkville or 230-plus shops of the Toronto Eaton Centre, Canada’s premier shopping destination. And heritage buildings like Old City Hall, built in 1899, stand in contrast to modern marvels like the iconic CN Tower. Views from its top take in not just the city but Lake Ontario as well, whose offshore islands make for wonderful day trips.

South of Toronto, the biggest draw is undoubtedly Niagara Falls. Canada meets America here and comes away the winner: by far the best views are north of the border, where 90% of Niagara’s water takes its dive. There are several ways to see the Horseshoe Falls, from classic boat trips to jetboat rides through Niagara Gorge and helicopter flights above the thundering deluge.

After taking in the falls, it’s worth travelling north to the 19th-century town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, full of elegant historic homes, Victorian storefronts, beautiful parks and some lovely hotels. It’s also the heart of the Niagara wine region, which accounts for around 80% of Canada’s wine output. Favourite stops include Peller Estates, Château des Charmes and Inniskillin winery, a leading producer of ice wine, the honeylike dessert wine made from grapes left to freeze on the vine.

Just a couple of hours north of Toronto, Blue Mountain is Ontario’s premier four-season resort, offering skiing for all levels in winter and boundless opportunities for hiking, biking, climbing, swimming and other outdoor pursuits in summer. Further north still is Algonquin Provincial Park, a natural paradise of maple and pine woodlands, wildflower meadows and sparkling clean lakes. For many, Algonquin comprises the quintessential Canadian landscape, and with over 1,600 kilometres of designated canoe routes, it’s one of the best places in the world to pick up a paddle.

To the east of Algonquin lies the Canadian capital of Ottawa, whose attractions include seven of Canada’s nine national museums, a gorgeous riverside setting and superb cultural facilities like the National Arts Centre. It’s a great summer destination, with miles of cycling and jogging paths (many of them along the river) and great rafting opportunities nearby. In winter, the city’s Rideau Canal freezes, creating the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink.