Ontario

Stretching from the Great Lakes to the frozen shores of Hudson Bay, Ontario is Canada’s second-largest province and one of its most rewarding, offering up everything from the trappings of Toronto to the roar of Niagara Falls.

Toronto blends global sophistication with vibrant culture, offering world-class dining, fabulous shopping at Bloor-Yorkville and the Toronto Eaton Centre, heritage buildings like Old City Hall and panoramic views from the top of the CN Tower.

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.

Nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake is a 19th-century gem with elegant homes, parks and boutique hotels. It’s also the heart of Ontario’s wine country, home to standout producers like Peller Estates and Inniskillin, famed for its exquisite ice wine.

A few hours north, Blue Mountain is Ontario’s premier four-season resort, offering skiing in winter and hiking in summer, while Algonquin Provincial Park is a pristine wilderness with over 1,600 kilometres of designated canoe routes. To the east lies Ottawa, the nation’s capital, whose attractions include seven of Canada’s nine national museums. Perhaps visit in winter, when the Rideau Canal transforms into the world’s largest natural ice rink.