Ontario is Canada’s southeastern province, situated between the high range of Quebec to the west and the vast plains of Manitoba to the east. The most populated region in Canada, being home to bustling cities like Ottawa and Toronto, Ontario is a fantastic destination that begs to be explored.
Larger than both Spain and France combined, Ontario is a beautiful blend of great cities and glorious outdoors – over 250,000 lakes are found in the province, including the world-famous Great Lakes. Wherever you stay in Ontario, you’re sure of a trip that combines the wonder of nature with all the thrills and excitement of urban attractions.
Why Visit Ontario?
Ontario is a must-visit destination for a number of reasons. The province is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in Canada, including the magnificent Niagara Falls. During your stay here, you can take a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Ontario or explore the rugged beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park.
Ontario is also a great destination for culture and entertainment. Toronto, the province’s largest city, is a hub for arts and entertainment, with a thriving theater scene, world-class museums, and music festivals throughout the year. Gaming fans will also be pleased to know that, at present, Ontario is the only province in which you can legally dive into the best online casino games in Canada. Meanwhile, the capital city of Ottawa is home to numerous museums and galleries, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History.
Ontario is also renowned for its culinary scene, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and food festivals showcasing local cuisine and international flavors. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty or cultural experiences, Ontario has something to offer everyone.
The Hottest Things to Do in Ontario for 2023
If you need further convincing to make Ontario your top destination to visit in 2023, here’s the lowdown on 10 of the best things to see, do and experience in the provinces.
Climb the CN Tower
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, you’ll find the legendary CN Tower. This giant structure that pierces through Toronto’s skyline is the tallest building in the Americas and the third tallest freestanding tower worldwide, standing at an impressive height of 1,815 feet. It’s even been recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
In addition to serving as a telecommunications hub, the CN complex is also home to five unique attractions and three dining spaces, with the highlight being the revolving restaurant 360 with its ‘cellar in the sky’.
The views from the tower are truly unparalleled. Hit the SkyPod, and the LookOut Level for mesmerizing panoramic views or you can check out the EdgeWalk if you dare. Toronto’s most daring urban attraction, will you be brave enough to take a hands-free stroll along the 150-meter outside ledge?
Visit the Winter Garden Theatre
The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is truly one of the most unique venues for live performance in Canada. The last operational double-decker theater in the world was first constructed in 1913 before being revamped by the Ontario Heritage Trust in the 1980s.
A theater like no other, on the lower deck you’ll find the splendid Elgin Theater, which was created in the Edwardian style and is adorned in red and gold. Upstairs lies the Winter Garden, a one-of-a-kind botanical rooftop garden that blooms throughout the year.
Visitors can enjoy a 90-minute paid guided tour throughout the year on Mondays, while the Doors Open festival in May offers free access to the building. Another option is to book a show and experience the theaters in their original glory. Shows are a rarity, however, with only a few performances per month, so get your skates on if you want the best seat in the house.
Brave the Sewers of Toronto
For something a little more obscure, why not head underground and discover Toronto’s fascinating sewer system? This well-preserved network of cavernous tunnels has silently removed the city’s waste for centuries, yet they remain an unsung marvel.
Each section of the underground network has a unique tale to tell. The Garrison Creek Sewer, located underneath the city’s west end, was originally a creek that flowed above ground. However, as it became increasingly polluted with human waste in the late 1800s, the city decided to bury it underground.
While you cannot simply enter the tunnels from one of the many entrances above ground (including manholes, spillways, water treatment offshoots etc.), it is possible to visit the network with permission and guidance from a public works employee.
Discover the Great Lakes
Anyone looking to explore the great outdoors simply has to head to the Great Lakes territory. Lakes Ontario, Superior, Huron and Erie have within their boundaries some stunning provincial and national parks.
Georgian Bay, for instance, which is located on Lake Huron, contains several ranges to explore, each with its own distinct attractions. French River Provincial Park is a fantastic destination for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts, while Killbear Provincial Park is a popular choice for families, thanks to its beaches and shallow waters.
