Destination overview

This is the place to visit when you want a mixture of stunning wilderness and cultural sophistication. Thanks to a temperate climate, the Great Lakes and the magnificent Niagara Falls, the area around Toronto is a holiday-maker’s paradise. Stretched across the border with the United States, Niagara Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. The three sets of falls may not be all that high, but they’re incredibly wide and powerful.

On the Canadian side, the aptly-named Horseshoe Falls draws people in their millions. If gazing at the Falls from every conceivable angle isn’t enough, there is the Marineland theme park and three indoor water parks. Those who like heights can go up on the SkyWheel to the top of the Skylon Tower, and a must-do is a boat ride on Maid of the Mist, which hovers a few feet off the Falls.

Wasaga Beach, with the longest freshwater beach in the world, Thornbury and Collingwood all cluster around the southern shores of Lake Huron on the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, a world biosphere preserve. Fishing is year-round and in summer, it’s sun, swimming, water sports, diving the countless wrecks in Georgian Bay, walking, biking or playing golf. The adventurous can traverse a web of zip lines, walkways hovering above 200 year-old maples and oaks, as well as a suspension bridge to the labyrinth of caves and crevices at Scenic Caves.

At Keppel Henge you can drive along the beautiful, winding shore and make sure you stop at Cave Point Cliffs and Grotto Underwater Passage. In winter, ski or snowboard the hills, especially Blue Mountain, negotiate the trails cross-country on skis, shoes or snowmobile, or you can snow tube or dog sled. Kids will love the Candy factory, go-carts and Botanical Park. You will also enjoy the great restaurants in Thornbury - the Dam Pub has a huge selection of scotches. Or go on a shopping spree in Collingwood. All are close enough to Toronto for a day trip.

A little east is Lake Simcoe where you’ll find Barrie and Shanty Bay. The beaches are great and there are more hill ski runs here than anywhere else in Ontario. If you’re not here for the lovely setting and the summer or winter fun, you’ll be here for Barrie’s two 18-hole championship golf courses. Otherwise, go rock climbing, tree-top trekking and motorbike riding.

On Lake Simcoe’s opposite shore is peaceful Brechin, with eight miles of navigable waterways and great beaches. Apart from the usual snow and water sport opportunities, try your hand at paddle-boating or bicycle your way around the inlets and coves. The countryside here is simply stunning.

Nearby Coboconk, in the scenic Kawartha Lakes region has a fine sandy beach, boardwalk and charming waterfront area. With over 250 lakes for you to fish and play, you can explore in canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats. This is a holiday playground. Wine buffs should make the journey to the wineries at Prince Edward County on Lake Ontario. Severn Bridge and Gravenhurst are also part of this historic Trent-Severn Waterway, so boats are everywhere. And, the kids will go crazy for the toboggan run. Skate the frozen lakes in winter and definitely go ice fishing. In summer, you can fish the weirs at the narrows in Orillia and play the casino after dining at one of the superb restaurants all year-round.

Georgina Island, with its First Nation population, wildflowers and wildlife, is worth a visit. Go on a Lady Muskoka cruise, fish, sail and swim Sparrow Lake and take the kids to drive-in movies. Golfers must play Mike Weir’s championship golf course – it’s one to be remembered.

Dwight and Baysville edge the Lake of Bays, on the Haliburton Water Trail. Again, this is about winter snow and summer water sports. Of course, autumn is a glorious splash of red, gold and orange leaves. When seen against the green pines and blue lake, it’s unforgettable. Check out the lookout tower in Dorset, as well as the general store and ice-cream parlour. Dwight is known for its canoes, antique shops and trading posts, while Baysville’s gallery has lovely watercolour paintings and gourmet homemade jams. The waterfront is also well worth a visit. Explore the wilderness of Algonquin Park, venture into the ruins of Bigwin Island’s historic inn, and swim at Dwight’s sandy beach. Catch fish at any one of the many lakes and cook it for a picnic at Oxtongue River Provincial Park. You can finish the day off by taking photos of stunning Ragged Falls. Go shopping in Huntsville, and drive past old log cabins and stone houses to Utterson where you can play hockey on the pond.

Haliburton is a great place to explore the highlands. There are all the summer and winter sports you could wish for, as well as a host of other things to do. The trails heading north to Whitney are excellent. Tour Lake Kashagawigamog, watch car racing on ice in Minden and go back in time at the Hawk Lake Loge Chute. At the Forest and Wildlife Reserve you can walk among the clouds up in the tree canopy or get up close and personal at the Wolf Center. Nestled in the York River Valley is Bancroft. Like Haliburton, the fishing and snowmobiling are great. And those who like rocks and minerals will be in Heaven. Eagle’s Nest has a breathtaking view of the valley, Egan Chute Waterfall is worth the walk, and you’ll pick up nice souvenirs at Madonna House and the Princess Sodalite Mine.

Further off the beaten track is Lake Nipissing and Monetville in the heritage French River area. Renowned amongst anglers, its many islands, bays and inlets, rivers, rapids and waterfalls will entrance you. Catch up on the history of this old trading post or go hunting for game, visit Sturgeon Falls, the Elevated Lake and Parry Sound. Way on the eastern edge of Ontario, you’ll find Calabogie and Cobden. Surrounded by rolling hills and shining lakes, this is another holiday paradise in summer or winter.

When you’re not playing in the sun or snow, ride the Ottawa River’s rapids at Beachburg, or take the kids to Logos Land waterpark. Ottawa, with its casino, exciting hockey games and live theatre, is only 80 minutes away. While you’re there, meander through the historic Rideau Canal. In winter you can look out for ice sculptures and lose yourself in the pleasures of the historic ByWard Market – open day and night. If you’ve got the appetite to travel for another two hours, go on to Montreal for Inuit carvings and exquisite furs.

Not nearly as mountainous as Alberta or British Columbia, the softer hills of Ontario hold abundant charms of their own. With so much to see and do, you might need to spread your holiday over a few visits, just to make sure you make the most of it.