Ontario Travel Guide
Ontario is Canada's most varied province with its large southern
cities, tranquil farm country and wild remote northern areas where
polar bears outnumber humans. It is in the eastern central area of
the country, bordered by Manitoba and Quebec, bounded in the north
by James and Hudson Bay, and bordering on the United States in the
south. Ontario hosts the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, but also
has Canada's largest city, Toronto, within its borders.The province has a wealth of water, being the site of four of
the five 'Great Lakes' of North America, as well as the mighty St
Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers and about 200,000 inland lakes. Last,
but by no means least, in the far south is the most famous water
spectacle of all, Niagara Falls. Ontario is home to one third of
Canada's population and has amassed great wealth from its mineral
resources, heavy industrialisation, forestry, agriculture and
fishing.
Ontario Travel Guide
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Ontario Travel Guide
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Description:
Canada's own castle, Casa Loma, is today owned by the City of
Toronto and draws plenty of interest standing in medieval splendour
on its hilltop site. The castle was formerly the home of Canadian
financier, Sir Henry Pellatt, who engaged the noted architect E J
Lennox to help him realise a life-long dream of building a castle.
Construction started in 1911 and it took 300 men nearly three years
to complete the impressive Casa Loma. Inside visitors can see the
magnificent decorated suites, secret passages, and 800ft (244m)
long tunnel, while outside it is possible to stroll through the
beautiful five-acre estate gardens. Self-guided audio tours are
available and the castle is open every day.
Address:
1 Austin Terrace
Postcode:
Telephone:
(416) 923 1171
Email:
info@casaloma.org
Website:
www.casaloma.org
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Description:
Standing 1,815ft (553m) high, Toronoto's landmark CN Tower is
the world's tallest building, a celebrated icon, an important
telecommunications hub and the centre of tourism in Toronto. About
two million people visit the tower each year to take in the
panoramic view and enjoy all its attractions. The tower was built
in 1976 by the company Canadian National, who undertook the project
simply to prove the strength of Canadian industry and solve the
city's communication problems. Since then tourist attractions and
facilities have been added, and the revitalised tower opened to the
public in 1998, proving a hit with locals and visitors alike. The
tower has four look out levels. At the first at 1,122ft (342m) is
an outdoor observation deck with a spectacular glass floor;
somewhat higher at the next level is an indoor observation deck and
the Horizon's café, offering light meals high in the sky; at the
1,150ft (351m) level is a revolving restaurant, which rotates once
every 72 minutes, allowing a stunning view of the city below while
dining on the award-winning fare; finally comes the top level, at a
dizzying 1,465ft (447m), known as the Sky Pod. At the top of the CN
Tower visitors stand on the world's highest public observation
deck. The tower is situated in the heart of Toronto's entertainment
district, on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
Address:
301 Front Street West
Postcode:
Telephone:
(416) 868 6937
Email:
Website:
www.cntower.ca
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Description:
The pride of this large and varied museum is the golden mosaic
ceiling inside the main entrance to the building in Queen's Park,
Toronto. The ceiling is adorned with patterns and symbols
representing cultures from around the world throughout the ages,
and is made from cut squares of imported Venetian glass. The museum
consists of three buildings housing 200,000 square feet (18,581 sq
m) of galleries and exhibitions. The more than 40 galleries
showcase art, archaeology and science exhibits. Among the most
popular are dinosaurs, galleries of Chinese Art, a bat cave, a gem
and gold room, exhibits about Ancient Egypt and Nubia, and the
Samuel European Galleries.
Address:
100 Queen's Park
Postcode:
Telephone:
(416) 586 5549
Email:
Website:
www.rom.on.ca
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Description:
The Toronto Zoo covers 710 acres (287 hectares) and is divided
into 'zoogeographic' regions. It features four major tropical
indoor pavilions and several smaller indoor viewing areas, plus
numerous outdoor exhibits with more than six miles (ten km) of
walking trails. The zoo houses more than 5,000 animals representing
more than 450 species; it draws more than 1,2 million visitors each
year. It is located north of Highway 401 and is easily accessible
by public transport.
Address:
Meadowvale Road, Scarborough
Postcode:
Telephone:
(416) 392 5900
Email:
torontozoo@zoo.metrotor.on.ca
Website:
www.torontozoo.com
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Description:
Straddling the Canadian-United States border and sited between
the province of Ontario and the US state of New York, the awesome
Niagara Falls attracts about 12 million tourists a year. It makes a
spectacular day's outing from Toronto. The Niagara River has been
flowing for about 12,000 years but the eroded escarpment over which
the falls flow today is much older, having been formed during the
ice age. The river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale to
make it the second largest waterfall on earth, after the Victoria
Falls in southern Africa. Apart from appreciating the mighty
torrent of the falls itself, perhaps from a spray-filled boat tour,
there is plenty more to see and do on the Niagara peninsula,
including indulging in some wine-tasting at one of the local
wineries; visiting the exotic butterfly conservatory, marvelling at
the floral clock in the Niagara Parks Greenhouse; visiting the
Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum, or playing a round of golf on
one of the 34 courses that dot the peninsula.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
npinfo@niagaraparks.com
Website:
www.niagaraparks.com
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Description:
Parliament Hill in Ottawa is a place for decision-making, but
also a place for people. Visitors can tour the buildings, watch
Parliament in action, and enjoy ceremonial spectacles like the
Changing of the Guard ceremony. There are three buildings making up
Canada's parliament complex. The centre block with its distinctive
Peace Tower houses the chambers of the House of Commons and the
Senate. Visitors can watch either chamber in action, take a tour of
the building, and climb the Peace Tower for a view of the capital
city region. The historic east block contains the restored offices
of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A Macdonald, and other
early statesmen. Tours are offered of these historic rooms and
visitors can also interact with historical characters from the
period. The west block houses the offices of members of parliament
and are not open to the public.
Address:
1 Wellington Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(613) 996 0896
Email:
Website:
www.parl.gc.ca/Default.aspx?Language=E
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Description:
One of dozens of museums in Canada's capital region, the Museum
of Civilisation is one of the most fascinating with its artefacts
on display including interesting things such as the world's oldest
known boat, several mummies, and the story of the 'bog people' of
north-western Europe. The museum celebrates the diversity of
humankind and showcases the achievements of cultures, past and
present, using not only exhibits but live performances, giant
screens and animations. The complex incorporates the Canadian
Children's Museum, Canadian Postal Museum, an IMAX Theatre and a
restaurant.
Address:
100 Laurier Street, Gatineau
Postcode:
Telephone:
(819) 776 7000
Email:
web@civilization.ca
Website:
www.civilization.ca
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Description:
Gatineau Park is a giant wedge of land measuring 140 square
miles (363 sq km) to the northwest of Canada's Capital Region. It
is a recreational haven for locals and visitors alike, and contains
many features of interest. The Luskville Falls are inspiring; the
Lusk Cave made of marble can be explored with a hard hat; the King
Mountain Trail has 10 observation points and takes an hour to
complete; the Mackenzie King Estate, a 231-hectare landscaped space
in the heart of the park, was the summer residence of William Lyon
Mackenzie King, Canada's 10th prime minister.
Address:
40 Elgin Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(819) 827 2020
Email:
Website:
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Description:
Visitors can travel back in time to 1815 at an authentic
duplicate of Old Fort William, the inland headquarters of the North
West Company of Montreal, located at Thunder Bay just nine miles
(14km) upstream from the site of the original fort on the bank of
the Kaministiquia River. The North American fur trade is a part of
Canada's colourful past that has been brought to life at the fort,
with recreations of the characters, sounds, sights and smells of
the operating fort as it would have been almost two centuries ago.
The sprawling 20-acre site contains more than 42 fully-equipped
historic buildings to be explored, among the assortment of fort
inhabitants who include Ojibwa Natives, Scots gentlemen, French
Canadian voyagers, craftsmen and farm labourers, dressed in period
costume and busy with their daily chores.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
(807) 473 2344
Email:
Website:
www.fwhp.ca
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Description:
Ontario's official gemstone, amethyst, is one of the many
natural resources found on the north shore of Lake Superior. The
coloured crystalline silica mineral quartz found in this area comes
in beautiful shades, like Precious Purple and Thunder Bay Lavender.
Visitors can mine their own amethyst at the Panorama Mine, 35 miles
(56km) east of Thunder Bay, which is the site of the largest
deposit of amethyst in north America, discovered in 1955. The mine
currently produces 40 percent useable amethyst by volume and has a
large digging area open to the public that contains 20 percent
useable amethyst. All one needs is a bucket and spade to enjoy a
mining experience.
Address:
East Loon Road
Postcode:
Telephone:
(807) 622 6908 (Amethyst Gift Centre)
Email:
info@amethystmine.com
Website:
www.amethystmine.com
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Description:
This 24,400-hectare provincial park is set on a rugged peninsula
near Thunder Bay resembling a sleeping giant. Known as the 'park of
legends' it was inhabited for 9,000 years by natives who fished and
hunted in the rolling, forested terrain dotted with lakes, which is
still roamed by lynx and wolf. It is possible to hike to the top of
granite cliffs for spectacular views of Lake Superior, or in winter
to explore the trails on skis or snowshoes. The park also supports
an exceptional mix of plant life, and in a bog in the park's
southern end grow two rare orchids, the Adder's Mouth and the
Striped Orchid. There are 24 types of orchid growing here
altogether, and ferns abound. More than 190 species of bird have
been recorded in the park, which is also home to white-tailed deer,
red fox, porcupine, moose, bears, wolf and lynx.
Address:
Thunder Bay
Postcode:
Telephone:
(807) 977 2526
Email:
Website:
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Description:
The brick-paved streets of the pedestrianised village have been
designated a National Heritage Site, containing the finest
collection of Victorian era industrial architecture in North
America. The historic Distillery District, spread across 13 acres
(5 hectares) in downtown Toronto, is a development dedicated
entirely to arts, culture and entertainment with its plethora of
art galleries, restaurants, bars and live music venues. Founded in
1832, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery became the largest
distillery in the British Empire until it ceased operations in 1990
after 153 years of production, and was opened in 2003 as the
pedestrian-only village it is today. It is also a popular film
location and its numerous festivals and special events attract
thousands of people every month.
Address:
Mill Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(416) 364 1177
Email:
jb@thedistillerydistrict.com
Website:
www.thedistillerydistrict.com
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Description:
Formerly the Art Gallery of North York, the Museum of
Contemporary Canadian Art opened its doors in 1999 keen to display
modern Canadian art that addresses current Canadian narratives.
Situated in trendy downtown Toronto, Mocca boasts a collection of
400 artworks by 140 different Canadian artists, despite its small
size. With most works created since 1985, Mocca offers great
insight into contemporary Canadian society. A country once renowned
for its loose immigration laws, Canada is home to a mix of
cultures, which makes for a stimulating art world. Look out for
group exhibitions with international artists and the annual Mocca
Award in Contemporary Art.
Address:
952 Queen Street West
Postcode:
Telephone:
(416) 395 0067
Email:
Website:
www.mocca.ca
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Description:
A chain of small Lake Ontario islands just offshore from the
city, the Toronto Islands were created from a series of continually
moving sandbars connected to the mainland by a frail peninsula,
which finally disintegrated after a major storm in 1858. Only a
short ferry ride from the mainland, the Toronto Islands provide a
peaceful green refuge from the hubbub of the city and afford
attractive panoramic views of downtown Toronto. Hire a bike or
relax on the beach, take the kids for a day at Centreville
Amusement Park or have a languid picnic in one of the many
designated leafy areas.
Address:
Toronto Island Ferry Docks, foot of Bay Street and Queens
Quay
Postcode:
Telephone:
Toronto Island Ferry: (416) 392 8193
Email:
Website:
www.toronto.ca/parks/island/
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Description:
Housed in an attractive building across from the Royal Ontario
Museum, the Gardiner Museum of Ceramics is one of the city's finest
examples of modernist architecture. Giving visitors a glimpse into
a universal art form that has spanned centuries, the Gardiner
Museum exhibits over 3,000 historical and contemporary ceramic
pieces. With earthenware of all different shapes and sizes from the
ancient Americas, China, Japan, the Italian Renaissance and more, a
tour through the museum will shape visitors' understanding of the
development of the ceramic process. On Friday evenings visitors can
try their hand at sculpting and wheel throwing in the open clay
studio or attend free films and seminars.
Address:
111 Queen's Park
Postcode:
Telephone:
(416) 586 8080
Email:
Website:
www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
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Description:
A National Historic Site, Kensington Market embodies Toronto's
multicultural society. Founded in the early twentieth century by
eastern European Jewish immigrants and Italians, the area was
renowned for its open-air market, evocative of those found in
Europe. Home to immigrants from the Caribbean, China, East Africa
and Vietnam War veterans, Kensinton Market is an infusion of world
cultures, all of whom have left an imprint in the music, shops and
restaurants of the area. A hybrid of cheap eclectic clothing
retailers, fresh produce stores, cheese merchants, fishmongers,
cafés and general bric-a-brac stores, the Kensington Market area
offers a rambunctious downtown atmosphere. The most prominent
streets are Augusta Avenue and Kensington Avenue.
Address:
Area bordered by Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street, Bathurst
Street and College Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.kensington-market.ca
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Description:
With an idyllic setting right beside the lake, the Harbourfront
Centre is the spiritual heart of the city where locals gather on
weekends for some gallery hopping, shopping, biking and concerts.
Used as an industrial docklands for decades the abandoned
warehouses and disintegrating factories have been transformed into
a treasured recreational and cultural public space. Stroll along
the waterside promenade, indulge in theatrical performances and
browse craft boutiques or head to Queen's Quay Centre for some
superb shopping. Year round events at this urban playground include
film, dance, theatre, music, children's events and marine
events.
Address:
235 Queen's Way
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.harbourfrontcentre.com
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Description:
Any avid hockey fan must make a turn at Toronto's Hockey Hall of
Fame, an ode to hockey's greatest players and most prized teams. A
shrine to Canada's national sport, visitors can learn about the
history of the game through memorabilia from every era, hockey
artefacts from around the world, interactive exhibits and images of
great moments in hockey history. Marvel at Terry Sawchuck's goalie
gear, Newsy Lalonde's skates and the stick used by Max Bentley. The
Stanley Cup never fails to delight visitors and most fun is had
trying a hand at shooting or goalkeeping in the interactive
displays. You won't be disappointed.
Address:
30 Yonge Street, Brookfield Place
Postcode:
Telephone:
(416) 360 7765
Email:
info@hhof.com
Website:
www.hhof.com
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Description:
The largest theatre for young audiences in Canada, the Lorraine
Kimsa Theatre for Young People is also a drama school, creating
theatre for the youth, by the youth. The productions put on here
aim to have a lasting emotional and educational impact on the youth
of today. Children will love watching performances here.
Address:
165 Front Street East
Postcode:
Telephone:
416 363 5131
Email:
online@lktyp.ca
Website:
www.lktyp.ca
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Description:
Children of all ages will love the African Lion Safari where
they can take a drive through the game reserve, cruise on the
'African Queen' boat, watch bird and animal performances,
experience an 'elephant round up', pet some baby goats, or even
enjoy the Misumu Bay Wet Play area.
Address:
1386 Cooper Road, Flamborough
Postcode:
Telephone:
(519) 623 2620
Email:
admin@lionsafari.com
Website:
www.lionsafari.com
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Description:
A fantastic day out for the kids and the family, Ontario Place
offers hours of action packed entertainment and some exhilarating
rides that kids of all ages will enjoy. Attractions at Ontario
Place include the0 Generation Station, the Atom Blaster, First Flight, Free Fall
and Super Slide, to name a few.
Address:
955 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Postcode:
Telephone:
416 314 9900
Email:
info@ontarioplace.com
Website:
www.ontarioplace.com
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Description:
Boasting over 200 attractions and more than 65 exhilarating
rides, Splash Works and a huge variety of roller coasters,
Paramount Canada's Wonderland is Canada's favourite theme park.
Kids will enjoy the fastest and biggest roller coaster, the
Behemoth as well as carousels, train rides and Canada's only flying
roller coaster, the Time Warp. This park is a must for a great day
out with the family.
Address:
9580 Jane Street, Vaughan
Postcode:
Telephone:
(905) 832 8131
Email:
guestservices@canadaswonderland.com
Website:
www.canadaswonderland.com
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Description:
High Park is Toronto's largest park and features sporting,
cultural and educational facilities, gardens, playgrounds and a
zoo. A great place for a stroll or a family picnic, High Park also
features two children's playground, a communal swimming pool which
is manned by lifeguards, and plenty of open space to tire the
little ones out.
Address:
1873 Bloor Street West
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.highparktoronto.com
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Description:
Just 45 minutes east of Toronto on Highway 115, Jungle Cat World
Wildlife Park is one of Ontario's most popular tourist attractions.
The Park is home to a diverse collection of mammals, such as
wolves, skunks, lemurs and chimpanzees - though it is the
collection of big cats that truly makes Jungle Cat World Wildlife
Park special. When it opened in 1983, the purpose of the Park was
primarily recreational; however, in latter days, Jungle Cat World
has taken on a more pronounced environmental education role.
Housing rare and endangered cats - such as snow leopards and
Siberian tigers - the park runs a variety of fun, kid-friendly
programs, designed to further the ends of wildlife conservancy, by
educating visitors about the dire need to protect the lives and
habitats of the magnificent animals on display. Be sure not to miss
the Park's Feeding Tour, which occurs at 1.30pm daily.
Address:
3667 Concession Road 6, Orono
Postcode:
Telephone:
(905) 983 5016
Email:
info@junglecatworld.com
Website:
www.junglecatworld.comý
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