This article is brought to you by Adventure World/Destination Canada.
There is no shortage of adventure to be had in Ontario. Lovers of the great outdoors will love white water rafting on moody rivers or kayaking on idyllic waterways, hiking through towering forests or biking on scenic pathways, and a whole lot more. These resplendent landscapes inspire people not just to go outside and enjoy them but have also inspired artists – including the famous Group of Seven – to try and capture the essence of the land.
Nature also shines in the cities, easily accessible and complementing the history, culinary gems inspired by its multi-cultural population and attractions that tell Ontario’s story. Ontario, Canada’s second largest province – covering an area the size of Spain and France combined – is endowed with an array of nature’s gifts, from verdant forests to pristine lakes and the frothy icing on its cake is the world-famous Niagara Falls. Sparkling lakes dot the province – 250,000 of them – which adds up to about one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. Even Ontario’s name is derived from the Indigenous word for “Shimmering Waters”. And shimmer they do.
A tale of three cities
Toronto, Canada’s largest city and Ontario’s capital, brims with energy and excitement. Explore diverse neighbourhoods, from upscale Yorkville to quirky Kensington Market. Stroll through the historic St Lawrence Market and the Distillery District, where Victorian architecture has been revitalized into a lively arts district with boutiques and dining. Savour globally inspired cuisine, MICHELIN recognised restaurants and local specialties
A ride to the top of CN Tower gives incredible views over the city. While up there, the heart-stopping Edge Walk will please the fearless adventure seeker who is up for the challenge of walking around the outside of the tower, 365 metres up – safely harnessed, of course. A visit to Little Canada tells the story of Canada’s cities and landscapes in miniature. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), a striking mix of heritage and modern architecture, is Canada’s largest, with 18 million artworks, cultural objects and natural history specimens.
About 90 minutes away is the Niagara Region – and the famous Falls are just the beginning, so consider staying one or two nights (day trips are available too). Or do it as part of Adventure World’s ‘Authentic Eastern Canada by Rail’ itinerary. These majestic falls are phenomenal, with multiple ways to experience them. View them from above by helicopter, on a cruise – raincoat included – and from an incredible viewing platform at the immersive Niagara Parks Power Station. Go for a hike in Niagara Glen and listen to Indigenous teachings with an audio tour. The region is home to over 100 distinctive wineries. Be sure to sample Icewine, a signature vintage harvested under very specific conditions and visit charming Niagara on the Lake.
Between Toronto and Ottawa, Peterborough is home to the new Canadian Canoe Museum which boasts the largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft in the world. The museum tells a story that helps educate about Indigenous traditions and how the canoe has played a vital role in the story of not only Ontario, but Canada as a whole. You can even paddle on site!
A blend of French and English, Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is a spirited, cosmopolitan place. The city celebrates Canada’s achievements and culture with historical sites and seven national museums, including the Canadian Museum of History – the most visited museum in the country – the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature. Stroll the grounds of Parliament Hill, shop at historic ByWard Market for a tasty BeaverTail treat and explore Ottawa’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rideau Canal, a masterpiece of engineering that runs from the Ottawa River to Lake Ontario. Hire a bike to check out the historic locks – many original from when it was built in 1832 – or do a boat tour –included on Adventure World’s ‘Ontario’s Heartland’ itinerary.
Summer loving
With its plethora of lakes, Ontario really comes to life in summer. In Toronto, take a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown to the pedestrian-only Toronto Islands – the walking and cycling trails provide the perfect vantage point to see the city skyline.
Adventure World’s ‘Ontario’s Heartland’ itinerary takes you to Owl Rafting Resort for two days of aquatic fun on the Ottawa River. Go white-water rafting, canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. This third generation, sustainably run operation also has calm pools for floating, cliff jumping for adrenaline-seekers, and a sandy beach for relaxing.
More watery fun can be had at Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake, a family-owned resort featuring individual cottages, delicious farm-to-table cuisine, friendly hosts and plenty of activities. Hike the nature trails, go fishing, have a refreshing swim, or try kiteboarding. The ‘Ontario’s Heartland’ itinerary also includes two nights in the idyllic Muskoka region, home to charming towns replete with galleries, artisans and boutiques. Nearby, embrace nature in Algonquin Provincial Park (one of Canada’s largest and oldest parks), with interpretive walking trails, canoeing on pristine lakes, and wildlife viewing. It’s exquisite in the autumn, with the colours of the trees reflected in mirror-smooth waterways.
Cool it in Autumn
As autumn unfolds, Ontario bursts into colour, a kaleidoscope of reds, golds and oranges, that are a showpiece in nature’s own gallery. It is a work of art, as leaves on deciduous trees like maple, birch, ash, tamarack, oak, sumac, and elm run the gamut of the rainbow before falling.
Set where Lake Ontario and the mighty St Lawrence River meet, Kingston is a youthful city with a rich heritage; admire 19th-century limestone architecture and historic sites. Set sail on a boat cruise from Gananoque and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the 1000 Islands, surrounded by enchanting fall colours. Take in the tranquil blue water, opulent summer homes, elaborate castles and tales of pirates from a bygone era.
In Ottawa, one of the best places to go to see a huge expanse of fall colours is Gatineau Park. Just 15 minutes or so from Ottawa, the park is actually in Québec, but local Ottawans love it like their own backyard. The park is massive – 361sq.km – with myriad trails, lakes and lookouts. Ottawa features over 800km of recreational pathways for exploring. Birdwatching is another favourite activity, with the northern cardinal, Canada goose, blue jay and American robin just some of the birds you might see. With so much to see and do in Ontario, it might be time for you to take flight to explore it.
Ontario with Adventure World
No matter whether you choose to visit Ontario in summer or autumn, Adventure World has itineraries to suit.
Eastern Canada by rail This 10-day, nine-night itinerary with connections through VIA Rail departs daily from May to October, departing from Toronto and ending in Quebec. Explore Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec, with many highlights including Niagara Falls, a Rideau Canal cruise and a visit to Little Canada. www.adventureworld.com/en-au/tours/authentic-eastern-canada-by-rail
Ontario’s Heartland This 11-day, 10-night self-guided road trip round trip from Toronto runs between mid-May and mid-September. There are many highlights, including rafting on the Ottawa River, marvelling at the beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park, and enjoying a cottage stay at Elmhirst’s Resort and its many lake activities. www.adventureworld.com/en-au/tours/ontario-s-heartland
This article is brought to you by Adventure World/Destination Canada.
