Ontario Tourism

History of Ontario  

European exploration of the region began in the early 17th century. Trading posts were established for regional domination of Ontario by the British and the French. The province became a part of the confederation on July 1, 1867. Few more districts in northern Ontario were added over the next few decades to expand its territory.

People, Language and Culture

The province’s official language is English and many of the people living in Ontario are of European descent. French is also spoken widely throughout the northern and southern Ontario. Christians make up more than half of the population with substantial percentage of Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.

Famous Food in Ontario  

Corn on the cob, wild blueberries, cheddar cheese, and pickerel fish are locally sourced popular food here. Because of the popularity of different ethnicities and their cuisines, the food scene in Ontario is an eclectic one. Caribbean Jerk Chicken, German-style sausage and Lebanese Shawarmas are very popular as well. Beaver Tail – flattened and fried dough with different flavored syrups is a delicacy in Ottawa.

Wildlife in Ontario   

Large animals such as moose, whitetail deer, timber wolves, fox, elk, and black bear are found throughout the region. Thousand Islands, Fathom Five, and Georgian Bay Islands are popular areas for recreation in Ontario. Lake Superior region is home to several provincial parks where plenty of birdlife and wildlife can be spotted.

Honeymoon in Ontario  

Not the first name everyone considers where romantic destinations are considered, but Ontario has quite a lot to offer on that front.  The Blue Mountains, Agawa Canyon, Algonquin Park, and river or lake cruises across the many water bodies like Rideau Canal, the Great Lakes or the Thousand Island region are only some of the romantic things one can do on their Ontario vacations. During winter, indulging in cross-state skiing or snowboarding or ice skating on the frozen canal are perfect activities, if you are the adventurous kind.

Major Festivals in Ontario

Ontario has simply too many festivals all around the year – art, craft, films, comedy, food, wine, science, music – the list is endless. To know when a particular event will happen, one should look up Ontario tourist information and book their trip accordingly. As for festivals like Christmas and New Year, it looks pretty magical in the snow and twinkling nights. Whether you are adventurous and want to go skiing or simply enjoy big holiday season spreads indoors – Ontario has an arrangement for everything.

Beach Destinations in Ontario

Being located by the five lakes and Hudson Bay, Ontario tourism has quite a few beaches to boast. Wasaga Beach by Lake Huron is the largest freshwater beach in the world. Some others are Sauble, Pancake Bay, Georgian Bay – Tobermory is a really spectacular hidden gem of green water, rocky grottos and occasional sandy patches here. Port Dover is quite a busy beach, while Sandbanks Park is a completely idyllic and serene one.

Here are the best tourist cities in Ontario for you to visit.

1. Toronto

Toronto, Ontario is the main city of the entire country, although not the capital. It is home to Canada’s greatest landmark – the CN Tower. It is situated in the heart of the Entertainment District, which is located a few kilometers away from the airport only. This district is always bustling with people because of the many shops, restaurants, and bars located here.

2. Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Located in the east of southern Ontario, very near to another popular city Montreal and the US border, Ottawa is among the best tourist cities in Ontario. Rideau Canal flows right through the city and offers boat and canoe rides to explore the city on a boat. During winter, the frozen river is skated on. Parliament Hill, National Gallery, Museum of History and ByWard Market are the biggest attractions here.

3. Hamilton

Hamilton has a very beautiful vantage point, being located right at the western tip of Lake Ontario. It is home to the Niagara Escarpment which is nothing but a huge forested ridge covered with lush green and waterfalls. Among must-do activities is the Bruce Trail that runs across this escarpment. Do make a not to visit the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Though often clouded by Toronto and Ottawa, Hamilton certainly deserves a spot on Ontario tourism.

4. Windsor

Windsor is located across the Detroit River from the US city of Detroit. The best attraction here is the 5-kilometer long waterfront part, including the sculpture park inside. Caesars Windsor, a casino complex overlooking the Detroit River is also a good Ontario destination.

5. Kingston

Kingston is located on Lake Ontario, right where the mouth of St Lawrence River and Cataraqui is there. Because of its 19th century buildings, Kingston is called the Limestone City. Kingston is a beautiful Ontario destination to visit, both for its urban fabric and its historical significance. Fort Henry, built in the 1800s, still has military demonstrations.

The only way to reach Ontario from India is by flight and the best way to do it simply taking a flight to Pearson International Airport of Toronto.