A road trip through Ontario

With its rugged and vast landscapes, Canada is a country that’s built for road trips—so if you have the time to hire a car and explore this beautiful destination at your own pace, we highly recommend a fly drive holiday.

Not only will you be able to visit multiple places in one trip, but you’ll also have the freedom to pull up anywhere and stop for as little or as long as you’d like.

In this blog post, we give you a helping hand through the popular province of Ontario, mapping out a route for you to follow (or adapt as you wish!) Of course, if you’d like us to tailor-make your dream holiday, you can call our Canada Experts.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Part of the Niagara Escarpment, the Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of Ontario’s most interesting landscapes and the perfect stop-off for your fly drive holiday. Characterised by its dramatic cliffs and scenery, it’s a great place to get lost amongst towering cedar trees while keeping your eyes peeled for the likes of black bears, rare reptiles and chipmunks who call the park home. ‘The Grotto’—a limestone cave overlooking Georgian Bay’s clear waters—is a particularly unique feature in the park and well worth a visit!

Toronto

Toronto is quickly becoming one of this year’s most desirable destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. This bright and bustling city always has something going on—whether its an ice hockey game, arts festival, or outlet sale. Its friendly locals and multicultural food scene add to its appeal as the perfect urban getaway. Looking to do something a little bit different during your visit? Why not brave the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk?

Prince Edward County

Drive two hours east of Toronto and you’ll find yourself in one of Ontario’s most relaxed and beautiful regions, Prince Edward County. This island on the northern half of Lake Ontario is not to be confused with Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island—or PEI as it’s better-known—located on Canada’s east coast. Many take a trip here to relax on the beaches of Lake Ontario’s sparkling blue waters, or sample delicious wine at some of the province’s most incredible vineyards.

Kingston

The next stop on our list is a small city established way back in 1673. But what this destination lacks in space, it more than makes up for in status. Kingston is actually Canada’s former capital, sadly stripped of its title after Queen Victoria decided it was too close to the American border to be adequately defended. It’s also the gateway to the famous Thousand Islands—a group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada. Kingston’s location makes it the ideal pit stop between Montréal or Ottawa and Toronto.

Ottawa

You can’t take a road trip without visiting Canada’s capital city, Ottawa. Located on the Québec border, it’s a city steeped in culture, full of world-class museums and galleries, as well as Canada’s Parliament buildings. You can find out more about the country’s fascinating heritage at national sites and landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rideau Canal (which freezes over between January and March to become an ice rink!) Ottawa is also home to many other exciting events throughout the year, including Winterlude in February, the Canadian Tulip Festival in May and the country’s biggest Canada Day event in July.

Bon Echo Provincial Park

Perhaps best known as one of the best camping spots in the area (especially during summer) Bon Echo Provincial Park is a must-visit on your fly drive holiday to Canada. Those who enjoy hiking can take advantage of the park’s many hiking trails, ranging from 1km to 17km in length. There are also opportunities for canoeing, as well as a range of interpretive boat tours on Mazinaw Lake and over to Mazinaw Rock—a 100-metre high cliff featuring over 260 Indigenous pictographs. Don’t miss the famous Friends of Bon Echo Art Exhibition and Sale during your visit.

Haliburton Forest

You’ll find Haliburton Forest nestled amongst over 100,000 acres of rolling hardwood forests, beautiful lakes and meandering rivers. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream, offering activities from fishing and hiking, to dog sledding and mountain biking. The forest is also one of Ontario’s best destinations for snowmobiling, with tons of groomed ATV trails for you to choice from. Thrill-seeking not your thing? you’ll also find wilderness adventure activities including the Wolf Centre, the Walk in the Clouds forest canopy tour, as well as a range of educational programs.

Arrowhead Provincial Park

Arrowhead Provincial Park is also favoured for its winter activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, skating and tubing. Of course, there’s plenty of things to keep you entertained during the summer season—rental canoes, kayaks and mountain bikes being just a few. Relax on three sandy beaches on Arrowhead Lake, or explore the 15km of hiking trails located here (one of which leads to an impressive waterfall!)

Killarney Provincial Park

The last spot on our list is home to 50 beautiful blue lakes set among Jack Pine hills, as well as extensive hiking trails including the 80km La Cloche-Silhouette Trail. Set up your tent at George Lake campground for ideal access to beaches, canoeing and kayaking. Or, for a truly special experience, stay in a Yurt for the night! A 10-minute drive from the park, you’ll stumble across the historic village of Killarney, founded in 1820! Don’t leave without visiting the famous Herbert Fisheries fish and chips…

Book your fly drive holiday to Canada by calling our Canada Experts.