The Sights of Ontario
Ontario contains the largest population of all the Canadian provinces, following second in area after Quebec. Together the province’s seven regions offer upbeat urban culture complemented by pristine natural wilderness. Whether in search of lush forests, clear lakes or a bustling cosmopolitan city, Ontario’s many sights and attractions offer it all.
NORTHERN ONTARIO
The region known as Northern Ontario contains 90 per cent of the province’s land yet only a small fraction of the population. There are nine cities in the northern region with Sudbury dominating northeastern Ontario and Thunder Bay the northwest. Providing a beautiful place to escape the big-city hustle and bustle and explore the natural world, Ontario’s north offers numerous landscapes with a variety of exquisite views. At the north end of Lake Superior, hikers can explore the rugged coastline of the world’s largest fresh-water lake and experience the fur-trading days at Fort William Historical Park's reconstructed trading post.
Country-music lovers should check out the Shania Twain Centre in the city of Timmins, where the country superstar grew up. If in need of silence after being bombarded by country tunes, brave tourists can descend 60 m (200 ft) below ground on the Timmins Gold Mine Tour.
CENTRAL ONTARIO
Located between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay, central Ontario is a haven of beauty featuring sandy beaches and splendid fresh-water lakes. Containing Algonquin Provincial Park, the area is frequently referred to as Ontario’s cottage country as many city folks head up here to relax and enjoy the warm weather during summer.
Renowned resorts can be found lakeside in Muskoka. At Port Carling visitors can learn about the region’s past at the Muskoka Lakes Museum. Boaters (including house boaters) can explore the Kawartha region's more than 50 lakes and rivers via the Trent-Severn Waterway, which connects all the lakes together. If seeking a more adventurous water excursion, whitewater rafting offers an exhilarating experience in the Haliburton Highlands. Not only can the highlands be toured by raft, but also on foot, by bike or by dog sled at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve.
The famous 30,000 Islands can be accessed from central Ontario’s Southern Georgian Bay. To discover Lake Ontario’s shoreline and the Northumberland Hills, tourists need only make their way down to Lake Ontario Ports of Call.
EASTERN ONTARIO
Eastern Ontario’s Ottawa Valley is woven with history and culture. Old towns, established during the frontier days, offer insight into the province’s rich heritage. The Champlain Trail Museum allows visitors to go back in time and witness the hardships of the first pioneers. If interested in military history, the Royal Canadian Air Force Museum and the Cold War bomb shelter, Diefenbunker, can be explored.
Connecting the cities of Kingston and Ottawa, the Rideau Canal is an important waterway. Visitors can learn about its importance at the Rideau Canal Museum. Farther along the waterway, Murphy's Point Provincial Park combines history and nature.
OTTAWA REGION
Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is proudly home to the federal parliament buildings, which make up Parliament Hill. The buildings showcase neo-gothic architecture, bestowing an appealing scene. Visitors can catch Canada’s imitation of Buckingham Palace’s Changing of the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill.
The National Gallery of Canada hosts numerous exhibitions and contains collections of Canadian, international, indigenous and contemporary art works. Like most capital cities, Ottawa doesn’t fall short on its museums. To learn about the evolution of Canadian culture, the Canadian Museum of Civilization proves to be a popular attraction among people of all ages. The Canada Aviation Museum has interactive airplane exhibits and the Canadian Museum of Nature provides kids with a fun way to learn about Canadian animals, even prehistoric dinosaurs that once roamed the country.
GREATER TORONTO REGION
As the most populous city in Canada, Toronto expands far and wide. Taking a journey up the 341-m (1,136-ft) CN Tower via the glass-front elevator gives visitors the chance to appreciate the city’s giant skyscrapers and sprawling suburbs. The city is diverse and multicultural—almost half of its residents were born outside Canada. The Distillery District is a major arts and culture hub featuring plenty of art galleries and theatres. The area is only accessible by foot and hosts a handful of festivals throughout the year.
Toronto also caters to sports fanatics. Hockey fans will find their hearts’ desires at the Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum, while baseball fans can stop by at the enormous Rogers Centre (Skydome) to catch a Toronto Blue Jays game.
NIAGARA REGION
The Niagara Region is situated between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Its greatest attraction is the world-renowned Niagara Falls, which falls upon the Canadian and American border. Once the falls have been crossed off the tourist list there is much more to do in the area. Queenston Heights is a significant park that houses the Brock's Monument and the Laura Secord Monument. Other attractions include the Niagara Parks Greenhouse and the notable Fort Erie Racetrack.
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
This sub-region of southern Ontario extends between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. The city of London is the region’s most important city and is home to the University of Western Ontario. The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is located in London, and recognizes Canadian medical developments throughout history. The surrounding areas present a rich history, with many stories of the Underground Railroad and the African American slaves’ journey to freedom in Canada. Significant landmarks include Uncle Tom's Cabin Historical Site, John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Buxton National Historic Site, the first Canadian black settlement.
NORTHERN ONTARIO
The region known as Northern Ontario contains 90 per cent of the province’s land yet only a small fraction of the population. There are nine cities in the northern region with Sudbury dominating northeastern Ontario and Thunder Bay the northwest. Providing a beautiful place to escape the big-city hustle and bustle and explore the natural world, Ontario’s north offers numerous landscapes with a variety of exquisite views. At the north end of Lake Superior, hikers can explore the rugged coastline of the world’s largest fresh-water lake and experience the fur-trading days at Fort William Historical Park's reconstructed trading post.
Country-music lovers should check out the Shania Twain Centre in the city of Timmins, where the country superstar grew up. If in need of silence after being bombarded by country tunes, brave tourists can descend 60 m (200 ft) below ground on the Timmins Gold Mine Tour.
CENTRAL ONTARIO
Located between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay, central Ontario is a haven of beauty featuring sandy beaches and splendid fresh-water lakes. Containing Algonquin Provincial Park, the area is frequently referred to as Ontario’s cottage country as many city folks head up here to relax and enjoy the warm weather during summer.
Renowned resorts can be found lakeside in Muskoka. At Port Carling visitors can learn about the region’s past at the Muskoka Lakes Museum. Boaters (including house boaters) can explore the Kawartha region's more than 50 lakes and rivers via the Trent-Severn Waterway, which connects all the lakes together. If seeking a more adventurous water excursion, whitewater rafting offers an exhilarating experience in the Haliburton Highlands. Not only can the highlands be toured by raft, but also on foot, by bike or by dog sled at the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve.
The famous 30,000 Islands can be accessed from central Ontario’s Southern Georgian Bay. To discover Lake Ontario’s shoreline and the Northumberland Hills, tourists need only make their way down to Lake Ontario Ports of Call.
EASTERN ONTARIO
Eastern Ontario’s Ottawa Valley is woven with history and culture. Old towns, established during the frontier days, offer insight into the province’s rich heritage. The Champlain Trail Museum allows visitors to go back in time and witness the hardships of the first pioneers. If interested in military history, the Royal Canadian Air Force Museum and the Cold War bomb shelter, Diefenbunker, can be explored.
Connecting the cities of Kingston and Ottawa, the Rideau Canal is an important waterway. Visitors can learn about its importance at the Rideau Canal Museum. Farther along the waterway, Murphy's Point Provincial Park combines history and nature.
OTTAWA REGION
Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is proudly home to the federal parliament buildings, which make up Parliament Hill. The buildings showcase neo-gothic architecture, bestowing an appealing scene. Visitors can catch Canada’s imitation of Buckingham Palace’s Changing of the Guard ceremony on Parliament Hill.
The National Gallery of Canada hosts numerous exhibitions and contains collections of Canadian, international, indigenous and contemporary art works. Like most capital cities, Ottawa doesn’t fall short on its museums. To learn about the evolution of Canadian culture, the Canadian Museum of Civilization proves to be a popular attraction among people of all ages. The Canada Aviation Museum has interactive airplane exhibits and the Canadian Museum of Nature provides kids with a fun way to learn about Canadian animals, even prehistoric dinosaurs that once roamed the country.
GREATER TORONTO REGION
As the most populous city in Canada, Toronto expands far and wide. Taking a journey up the 341-m (1,136-ft) CN Tower via the glass-front elevator gives visitors the chance to appreciate the city’s giant skyscrapers and sprawling suburbs. The city is diverse and multicultural—almost half of its residents were born outside Canada. The Distillery District is a major arts and culture hub featuring plenty of art galleries and theatres. The area is only accessible by foot and hosts a handful of festivals throughout the year.
Toronto also caters to sports fanatics. Hockey fans will find their hearts’ desires at the Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum, while baseball fans can stop by at the enormous Rogers Centre (Skydome) to catch a Toronto Blue Jays game.
NIAGARA REGION
The Niagara Region is situated between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Its greatest attraction is the world-renowned Niagara Falls, which falls upon the Canadian and American border. Once the falls have been crossed off the tourist list there is much more to do in the area. Queenston Heights is a significant park that houses the Brock's Monument and the Laura Secord Monument. Other attractions include the Niagara Parks Greenhouse and the notable Fort Erie Racetrack.
SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO
This sub-region of southern Ontario extends between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. The city of London is the region’s most important city and is home to the University of Western Ontario. The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is located in London, and recognizes Canadian medical developments throughout history. The surrounding areas present a rich history, with many stories of the Underground Railroad and the African American slaves’ journey to freedom in Canada. Significant landmarks include Uncle Tom's Cabin Historical Site, John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Buxton National Historic Site, the first Canadian black settlement.
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