Ontario Holidays

Best time to visit Ontario

An Ontario holiday can be enjoyed any time of year as the province is truly a four-season destination. Each season in Ontario offers its own unique experiences.

In winter, visitors are greeted with a snowy landscape of incredible beauty and chilly low temperatures of down to -7°C, perfect for winter festivals and exciting snow sports at the likes of Blue Mountain Resort.

The summer, on the other hand, sees warm, sunny days and high temperatures of 26°C, great for exploring a city or Ontario’s natural areas with the likes of biking, hiking, and kayaking all possible.

For a combination of good weather and activities, spring and autumn are both very attractive options for holidays to Ontario.

Highlights of Ontario, Canada

What is Ontario famous for?

• Toronto
• Niagara Falls
• Niagara Wine Region
• Ottawa
• Algonquin Provincial Park
• Moose
• Muskoka
• Blue Mountain Resort
• Thousand Islands
• Georgian Bay
• The Great Lakes in Ontario

Swipe left or right to learn more about each destination.

Toronto

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is one of eastern Canada’s star destinations and one of the world’s most vibrant cities. The largest city in Canada, Toronto is home to a collection of exciting attractions, such as the iconic CN Tower. Toronto is a foodie’s heaven, thanks to the likes of the centuries-old St Lawrence Market and amazing restaurants serving up local delicacies as well as global cuisine.

Toronto holidays are also perfect for shoppers thanks to locations such as the Eaton Centre – one of North America’s most popular shopping centres. Not only is Toronto the cultural and entertainment hub of Canada, it is a gateway to other stars of Eastern Canada holidays. Niagara Falls is close by and a journey from Toronto to Ottawa can easily be included in your holiday to Canada.

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Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada and a fascinating location to visit during any Ontario holiday. The historical centre of Ontario, Ottawa is home to beautiful architecture, fascinating museums, historical sites, as well as national events and festivals.

Visit Parliament Hill, home to Canada’s parliament buildings comprised of gorgeous Gothic revival architecture and take in the famous Peace Tower along with the changing of the guard. Watch pretty canal boats float down the historic Rideau Canal and, in the winter, see it become the world’s longest ice rink. The Byward Market is Ottawa’s premier destination for food and shopping and the Canadian War Museum is yet another top attraction to visit.

With all its amazing attractions and world-class cuisine, Ottawa is the perfect destination for a city break or to stop off as part of a family holiday in Ontario. No matter what type of trip you are after, our experts can help tailor-make your holiday to the city.

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Niagara Falls

Ontario holidays in 2024 are not complete without a visit to the astonishing Niagara Falls and the largest part of the falls is located in Canada’s Ontario.

Niagara’s Horseshoe Falls is simply breathtaking and there are many exciting ways to experience it; from cruising right up to the foot of falls and journeying behind the water on foot to swooping overhead via helicopter. Toronto to Niagara Falls is just a 1 hour and 45-minute drive, making this iconic location easy to get to from Niagara’s closest airport.

The city of Niagara Falls provides plenty of entertainment, from falls view restaurants to fairground rides and lovely excursions to Ontario’s wine region, Niagara on the Lake – home to over 120 wineries and the local delicacy, ice wine. Niagara Falls in Ontario will be a highlight of any trip to Canada so speak to our travel experts about adding it to your custom itinerary.

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Ontario Provincial and National Parks

Ontario is home to many stunning provincial and national parks, providing access to the province’s most scenic areas and delighting visitors with rivers, lakes, campgrounds, hiking trails and Canada’s incredible wildlife. 

Algonquin Provincial Park is the most popular and largest in Ontario, situated 3 hours north of Toronto, it is known for its hilly, craggy trails, lakes to fish in, and lovely clear rivers populated by moose, bears, wolves, and other wildlife. Whether you want to go canoeing on scenic waterways or on a wolf howling expedition, Algonquin Provincial Park can make it happen. 

Canada’s Ontario holidays can also see you visiting other parks too. Quetico Provincial Park, Killarney Provincial Park, Petroglyphs Provincial Park, and Bruce Peninsula National Park are all terrific options.

Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s only year-round mountain resort and spa, situated between the Niagara Escarpment and the shores of Georgian Bay. While Canada’s Blue Mountain Resort is mainly known as a premier ski destination, thanks to its 42 named trails, this is an attraction that can be enjoyed in every season, due to a gargantuan array of activities available.

From hiking and mountaintop segway tours to gondola rides, mountain biking, and golfing, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. The resort is only 10 minutes from the beach too so you can also enjoy a paddle during your visit. At the base of the mountain, you will find shops, lovely restaurants, and first-class accommodation, providing plenty of opportunities to relax after all the activities.

Other popular Ontario destinations

Other popular Ontario destinations include the likes of Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, a sparsely populated, idyllic oasis, renowned for its crystal-clear lakes, quiet shores, and opportunities to share the traditions of the indigenous community.

Thousand Islands is another premier Ontario destination, being a maze of islands spread across an 80km stretch of the St Lawrence River. Look forward to plenty of boating opportunities, fairy-tale-style castles, as well as rafting, cycling, and distilleries. The islands can be explored via a cruise from towns like Rockport, Brockville, Gananoque and Kingston.

We can’t fail to mention Muskoka – known as Canada’s Cottage Country – home to picturesque lakeside locations that are perfect for summer activities like swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing and water trampolines.

Ontario wildlife

Holidays in Ontario provide exciting wildlife encounters with some of Canada’s most majestic animals.

Moose is the most popular animal sighting in Ontario, with the massive Algonquin Provincial Park being one of the best places to spot one of these iconic North American titans. The moose population is very healthy, often being seen from Highway 60 which runs through Algonquin.

Other wildlife sightings include some of the most beautiful animals in the world, such as wolves, black bears, polar bears, deer, beavers, coyotes, elk, bison, Beluga whales, lynx, and 272 species of birds. With all its parks and protected areas, Ontario is the perfect holiday destination for wildlife lovers.

Other popular Ontario cities

Those seeking Lake Ontario holidays love Kingston; situated on the waterfront, it boasts a long and rich history, being the first capital of Canada, the gateway to the hugely popular 1000 islands, and home of the Fort Henry National historic site.

Thunder Bay is famous for the Fort William Historical Park, Kakabeka Falls – AKA, Niagara of the North – and Sleeping Giant Provincial Park. 

Windsor sits on the southernmost peninsular of Ontario overlooking Detroit and is perhaps most famous for its casino, Caesars - a vast and impressive entertainment complex.

Huntsville on the other hand is the gateway to the majestic Algonquin Provincial Park, the city is also famed for its art and culture, including the Group of Seven’s outdoor murals, Muskoka Heritage Place, and Arrowhead Provincial Park.

Niagara Falls experiences

Want to know what to see in Ontario, Canada? Niagara Falls must be near the top of your to-do list. There is an abundance of exciting ways to experience this astonishing attraction.

A Niagara Falls helicopter tour provides a birds-eye view, and you can also try the famed Voyage to the Falls boat tour for an up-close look at this iconic location.

How about going behind the curtain on the Journey Behind the Falls to experience the thundering Horseshoe Falls from a breathtaking observation deck?

There is even an exciting zipline experience above the water and a pretty illumination show at night. A visit to Skylon Tower is a must, 765 feet high, providing majestic views of the falls and restaurants with unbelievable views.

There are dozens of Niagara Falls attractions to look forward to and experiences to remember for a lifetime.

Swipe left or right to find out about the best things to do on Ontario holidays.

Niagara-on-the-lake winery tours

Only a few minutes from Niagara Falls in Ontario’s wine region is Niagara-on-the-Lake – a beautifully preserved 19th-century village. Stroll through the picturesque streets lined with charming boutiques, outdoor cafes, and exquisite fine dining. A visit would not be complete without relaxing in one of the many wineries and sampling rare vintages.

Wine tasting tours at elegant lounges and picturesque chateaus can be part of the special experience, with half-day tours and full-day wine and cheese tasting delightfully paired with the panoramic views of the Niagara River and harbour.

From small group tours to private experiences, the lush Niagara peninsula is the perfect spot to relax amid renowned Niagara wineries and charming eateries. Don’t forget to sample the iconic ice wine – a centuries-old delight and the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.

Iconic experiences in Toronto

Toronto is packed with iconic experiences. The CN Tower is one of the world’s most famous buildings, standing 1,815 ft above the city. You can experience the CN Tower by dining at the 360 Restaurant – serving up gastronomic delights with spectacular views, and adrenaline junkies can try the EdgeWalk – the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on the outside deck.

The Historic Distillery District is a hot spot for shopping, dining, and events, and can be visited independently or via a guided segway or walking tour. There are hop-on-hop-off bus city tours of Toronto – helping you explore the city at your own pace. A tour of the scenic Toronto Harbour won’t fail to delight, and neither will a visit to the foodie haven that is St Lawrence Market.

Ottawa’s top attractions

Ottawa is Canada’s picturesque capital city with plenty of things to see and do on an Ontario holiday. Starting off your exploration at Parliament Hill is a popular choice – the seat of Canada’s parliament is set inside a beautiful Gothic suite of buildings.

Rideau Canal is a pretty and relaxing spot to spend some time watching the boats and in winter it becomes the world’s longest ice rink.

You can learn about Canada’s history at the Canadian War Museum and the ByWard Market is a top tourist attraction and premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, and entertainment.

An Ottawa River Cruise can be both a romantic and fun way to explore the city and take in its greatest sights.

Ontario outdoor activities

Ontario is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, thanks to its sprawling nature, epic parks, and varied landscape. Ontario’s provincial and national parks are a great place to start, with the likes of Algonquin offering a startling range of activities including hiking, biking, canoeing, camping, and wildlife watching (watch out for the iconic moose during your travels). In winter you can look forward to skiing, snowmobiles, and fat biking.

At 1000 Islands on the St Lawrence River, you can enjoy boating, cruises, and cycling. Canada’s cottage country of Muskoka is an idyllic lake-side destination for swimming, water skiing, and fishing. From helicopter rides to kayaking, Ontario’s array of outdoor activities will take your breath away.

Blue Mountain Resort adventures

Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s premier ski destination and the province’s only year-round mountain resort and spa. It’s the perfect winter holiday location thanks to its 42 named ski trails and 365 acres of skiable terrain. You can also look forward to snowshoeing, mountain skating, and tubing.

Blue Mountain is also a top summer holiday destination, with great hiking trails, an adventure park, mountain biking, rock climbing and zip lines. There are even summer events to add to the list of entertainment, such as movies under the stars and concerts. When you add fine dining, a spa and first-rate accommodation to the mix, visiting Blue Mountain Resort is one of the best things to do in Ontario.

Ontario winter activities

Winter in Ontario has to be seen to be believed, not only is it a spectacular sight with the plentiful snowfall but there’s an exciting range of activities to participate in.

Blue Mountain is the top ski resort in Ontario, fat biking is one of Ontario’s biggest winter trends, and the province is the snowmobile capital of the world thanks to its 30,000 kilometres of marked trails.

Cross-country skiing is a great way to experience this winter paradise across snow-laden parks and conservation areas, and many try their hands at snowboarding, tubing, and one of Ontario’s hottest activities, dog sledding.

Ice skating is another popular choice, especially when Ottawa’s Rideau Canal is transformed into the world’s longest ice rink.

Ontario holidays

There are so many ways to explore Ontario on holiday. Thanks to its excellent network of roads combined with the beautiful scenery Ontario is famous for, exploring the province by car or via motorhome is an exciting option - our expert travel consultants can tailor-make you a perfect Ontario holiday. Don’t fancy driving? No problem, a rail holiday or escorted tour are great ways to explore Ontario and beyond.

City breaks are always a fun choice in Ontario, with single-city or multi-destination breaks to the likes of Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Ottawa all possible. If you fancy a snowbound Canada escape, we can make all the arrangements so that you can enjoy festive activities in the city before hitting the slopes at Blue Mountain Resort.

Swipe left or right to learn more about the types of Ontario holidays we offer.

Ontario city breaks

Ontario has a city for every taste – the cosmopolitan Toronto, the historic and cultural Ottawa, the charming and historic Kingston, and the well-preserved 19-century village renowned as Ontario’s wine country, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Whatever your tastes, there is a city break for you. A one town stay is a fantastic option and those visiting Toronto can still escape the city with fantastic day trips to both Niagara Falls and Niagara on the Lake.

Multi-stay city breaks are a popular option, especially for those who want to dive into the diversity of Ontario’s cities. Combining multiple nights in both Toronto and Niagara Falls is a winning formula, providing both urban excitement and stunning nature in one holiday package. Our Canada travel experts can arrange any combination of cities, however, so if you want to throw Ottawa into the mix, just let us know.

Self-drive holidays in Ontario

The best way to explore Ontario is by a self-drive Canada holiday, either by car or by motorhome. Having your own pair of wheels gives you the freedom to explore the massive expanse that is Ontario, getting a taste of all that the province has to offer. You can plot your own course to lively cities and through picturesque countryside to national parks. Or we can provide an epic route along the vast network of roads for you to experience Ontario’s forests, lakes, natural wonders, and scenic towns.

Want to jump in a car from Toronto to Niagara Falls and then Manitoulin Island and Blue Mountain Resort? We can make it happen. Fancy a motorhome holiday that includes Toronto, Ottawa, Huntsville, and Algonquin National Park? Just say the word. Your Ontario self-drive holiday can even be combined with an exploration of neighbouring Québec, including highlights such as beautiful Montréal.

Escorted tours

You don’t have to get behind the wheel yourself to enjoy the wide expanse of Ontario. Escorted tours can be the best of both worlds, providing a diverse Ontario experience without the hassle of having to drive.

Escorted tours allow you to explore Ontario via coach in a guided group, led by an expert guide who will open your eyes to hidden gems while taking you to Ontario’s famous cities and attractions.

You can also add Québec to your tour if you wish and even the cities of Western Canada like Vancouver. Just sit back and take in all that Ontario has to offer.

Via Rail holidays Ontario

Canada is famous for its truly epic rail holidays so why not hop on board Via Rail to explore this mammoth province the old-fashioned way? Via Rail has a vast network of routes in Ontario, Québec and the Maritimes, making it the perfect way to explore more than one city in Ontario.

If you are looking to take in as much as possible, Via Rail is an excellent choice but why not combine an Ontario exploration with Québec, as well, or embark on a trans-Canada journey from Ontario to British Columbia? 

You could even find yourself enjoying an Ontario holiday that is part rail adventure, part cruise. Wending your way from Toronto to Kingston and then getting onboard the St Lawrence Cruise vessel for a tour of Thousand Islands, Montréal, and Trois Rivières.

Ontario Winter holidays

Ontario is a destination for every season of the year, and this certainly includes winter. Ontario winter holidays are a magical experience, packed full of festive fun and outdoor activities.

For example, Niagara Falls is stunning in the winter with its snow-covered banks and icy river. Toronto during Christmas time is a winter wonderland of fun and activity, and adrenaline junkies will love Ontario for the epic skiing at Blue Mountain Resort. But there is also snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice skating, and one of Ontario’s biggest winter trends, fat biking.

You could climb a frozen waterfall, explore an ice cave, go dogsledding, or enjoy the majesty of horseback riding in the snow. Want to see the Northern Lights? Head up north to one of Ontario’s eight super dark areas for a chance to see this phenomenon.