Niagara Falls is one of those iconic travel spots everyone’s heard of, but not everyone has had the opportunity to see. Television doesn’t do this natural wonder justice. When you take a spray-soaked boat ride to the base of Horseshoe Falls and see for yourself the violent pool Niagara Falls makes when 739,682 gallons drop in a matter of seconds, you’ll certainly know why it’s a top spot in Ontario. Take guided tunnel tours that take you behind the fall, or get up close and personal by taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist ship that cruises right up to the base of Horseshoe Falls.
Ottawa’s quaint attractions and museums could keep you and your entire family busy for a full day. From plush estates to heritage museums and mills, guided tours give you a taste of the history and government that makes up Ontario. Visit the Changing of the Guard ceremony hosted in the summer. Step back in time by visiting some of Ottawa’s renowned museums, including the Canadian Science and Technology Museum, the Museum of Civilization, Canada’s Cold War Museum, or the Cumberland Heritage Village Museum. In total, Ottawa has 11 museums to share with tourists. Don’t forget to stop in at the Billings Estate for high tea in the summer, and catch one of many public programs or special events going on.
Algonquin Provincial Park is an impressive mixture of national parks, wildlife areas and lakes. From canoe trails to hiking to outdoor campsites, the park has plenty to offer families and couples. The Algonquin Visitor Centre showcases exhibits on the park’s natural and human history. Pick up a few books at the on-site bookstore, or enjoy a quiet meal in the quaint restaurant. The Algonquin Logging Museum teaches the history of Ontario logging and even has a steam-powered amphibious tug on display.
In London, Ontario, you’ll find the Grand Theatre. Built in 1901, it’s one of Canada’s oldest theaters -- and it’s still in operation. Catch a show featuring one of Ontario’s many talents, or catch a show with some celebrity faces, such as Sandra Oh or Sarah Bernhardt. The Grand Theatre is open from September to mid-June.
Running along the border of Lake Erie and up to Crystal Beach is Fort Erie. This popular vacation spot has more than 200 years of history and takes you back to the time of the redcoats. Learn about how Fort Erie helped in the War of 1812 at the Fort Erie Historical Museum. Take a load off and enjoy the sun at the famous Crystal Beach; if you’re looking to see Niagara Falls, you’ll have a short drive, which makes these two locations great to pair in the same day.
Parliament Hill is located in Ottawa. Here, there are three Gothic-style buildings set on a 170-foot bluff. These buildings hold the offices for parliament members, the House of Commons, and the country’s senate. Guided tours are available and free, so you can learn the government of Canada and a few not-so-well-known facts about Canadian history.
From zoos and museums to shopping, you could spend a week in Toronto always finding something new to do. The CN Tower is a colossal 1,815-foot tower overlooking the Toronto area. Once one of the tallest buildings in the world, the CN Tower offers tourists an elevator ride and the view to look out over the city.
