Ontario, Canada

State guide with cities, regions, and key information.

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Introduction
Ontario is Canada's most populous province and its centre of gravity — home to Toronto, the national capital of Ottawa, and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, all within a few hours of one another. Beyond the cities, it spreads across the Great Lakes and an immense northern wilderness of lakes and forest. For travellers it pairs urban and natural Canada: a world-class multicultural city, a walkable capital, the continent's most famous waterfall and its wine country, and the canoe-country lakes of Algonquin and Muskoka that define the Canadian summer.

Discover Ontario

Toronto is the country's biggest, busiest and most diverse city — more than half its residents were born outside Canada, and that shows in its neighbourhoods and food. The waterfront and the CN Tower (with its glass floor and EdgeWalk) give the orientation; nearby, the Ripley's Aquarium and the ferry to the Toronto Islands — a car-free retreat of beaches and skyline views — fill a day. The Royal Ontario Museum and the Frank Gehry-redesigned Art Gallery of Ontario lead the museums; the Distillery District's Victorian industrial lanes, St. Lawrence Market, and the street life of Kensington Market, Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown and Little India give the city its texture. Toronto is also a major-league sports town and a year-round festival city, anchored by the Toronto International Film Festival each September.

Travel Types

Global City

Toronto's CN Tower, museums, islands and one of the world's most multicultural neighbourhood-and-food scenes.

Niagara Falls & Wine

The Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian side, the Hornblower cruise and the Niagara Peninsula's ice-wine country.

Capital Culture

Ottawa's Parliament Hill, national museums and the skateable Rideau Canal in winter.

Cottage Country & Canoeing

The Muskoka lakes and Algonquin Park's canoe routes, moose and autumn colour.

Great Lakes Shores

Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula's turquoise water and cliffs, the Thousand Islands and Prince Edward County beaches.

Frequently asked questions

Toronto and Niagara Falls pair easily — the falls are about 90 minutes south and make a comfortable day trip or overnight. Ottawa is farther: roughly a five-hour drive or train ride east of Toronto, or a short flight, so it works best as its own two- or three-day leg rather than a day trip. A week can cover all three at a relaxed pace.

Summer (June to September) is peak season for the cities, Niagara, cottage country and Algonquin's canoe routes. Late September and early October bring spectacular autumn colour to Algonquin and Muskoka. Winter is cold and snowy but has its own appeal — skating the Rideau Canal in Ottawa during Winterlude, and frozen Niagara. Spring is mild and quieter, with Ottawa's tulip festival in May.

For the view, generally yes — the Ontario side faces the broad Horseshoe Falls head-on and has the main promenade, the Hornblower boat cruise and the floodlit night displays. Many visitors see both sides; crossing the Rainbow Bridge between Ontario and New York is an international border, so carry your passport.

Cities in Ontario

2 cities with detailed travel information

OttawaToronto