Located in central Canada, between the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay, Ontario is the most populous province in Canada. Ontario is home to the country’s largest city, Toronto — a vibrant and modern metropolis — as well as Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, which is revered for its parliament and the superb museums preserving Canada’s cultural treasures. Ontario also encompasses vast expanses of wilderness and pristine lakes and features one of Canada's most visited natural attractions, Niagara Falls. This huge province, about 15 times larger than the state of Texas, offers boundless opportunities for culture, natural beauty, and adventure. Experience a cruise on the Trent-Severn Waterway, water sports on Georgian Bay, or explore the Thousand Islands or Point Pelee nature reserves.

There are four international airports in Ontario. Visitors can choose between Ottawa International Airport (YOW), Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF), or John C. Munro Hamilton Airport (YHM) farther south. Ontario is quite vast, so a car is the best way to get around, especially if you want to get out and really explore the region and stay in a cottage rental. Ontario’s main ferry services are the Pelee Islander and MV Jiimaan ferries to Pelee Island, the Chi-Cheemaun ferry between Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula community of Tobermory from May to October, and 15-minute ferry excursions to the Toronto Islands from downtown Toronto. There are also trains and buses, but these mainly connect between the major cities.

During the hot summer months, many people rent a holiday apartment in Ontario to stay nearby some of Canada's top museums and galleries, relax at lakeside resorts, go wine tasting, or to see some of the region's most iconic landmarks, like the CN Tower and Niagara Falls. Late spring, from May to early June, is also a good time to travel in Ontario. If you’re planning to hike, canoe, or camp, head north in the late summer or fall. Winter, which begins in November and can continue into April, is cold and snowy, but the hearty will bundle up and venture outdoors to enjoy the ski hills, skating rinks, snowmobiling, and winter festivals. There are also great indoor activities such as hockey games, shopping, dining, shows, museums, and other cultural attractions.

Niagara Falls

Canada's most internationally recognized attraction, the falls are located right at the city of Niagara Falls, making them easy to visit. It's possible to walk down the main tourist strip in Niagara Falls, an outrageous spectacle in itself, to the edge of the gorge, where you'll find great views all along the walkway overlooking the river and the falls. It’s about 1.5 hours from Toronto by car.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Ontario has many outstanding provincial and national parks that offer access to some of the most beautiful areas of the province. In Southern Ontario, just two hours from Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the most popular parks and outdoor destinations, with an extensive network of hiking trails, and beautiful lakefront campgrounds. Farther afield but equally beautiful, Killarney Provincial Park is another great area for hiking, canoeing, and camping.

Casa Loma Toronto

Completed in 1914, this 64,700-square-foot Gothic Revival castle is a frequent filming location. Tours offer glimpses of many of the house’s 98 rooms, with opulent art and furnishings, as well as spectacular views of the city from the upper floors. You can also check out the skyline vista from the Baldwin Steps, just around the corner.