Ontario is the region of Canada that is home to the country's capital city Ottawa and is the gateway to the natural splendor of the Canadian wilderness and Niagara Falls. But Ontario really has a lot more to offer, than just the falls alone.

The Falls

Visiting Ontario is a chance to get up close to the thundering power of Niagara Falls. The view is actually better than from the US side as the Canadian side of the Falls is so much larger (there is an old local joke about the Americans having Waterfall Envy). Nonetheless, being within shouting distance of the larger part of the Falls (and you really will need to shout to be heard above the pounding) inspires the same kind of awe as a trip to the Grand Canyon. Some places really do need to be seen to be believed. The best view of the Falls in from the Maiden Mist, a tour boat that takes visitors as close to the base of the falls as its possible to safely get. She began life as a 19th century paddle steamer but has a little more power below decks now. This is an exhilarating ride to take, and rainproof coats are provided (not for the weather, but for the drenching spray of Niagara).

Ottawa

Aside from the obvious draw card of the Falls, Ontario has plenty to offer the visitor. Ottawa Walking Tours offer a 2.5 hour tour of the city that gives an overview of the architecture, history and culture of Ottawa and its surrounds. You can peel off at any point, but the time goes surprisingly quickly – the guides are knowledgeable and engaging.

Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is one of the oldest attractions of Ottowa, and every summer is packed with boats and other leisure-craft that cruise up and down. The Canal freezes over in winter and becomes 'The World's Longest Skating Rink' – if you're visiting Ontario in the colder months, don't miss it, it's not only a lot of fun but is also one of the best places to people-watch.

St Lawrence Market

St Lawrence Market in Toronto is a combination of cultural icon and shopping. Formerly the home of Ottawa's city hall, St Lawrence is now a flea market and curio emporium that spills out onto the street in the warmer months. The combination of beautifully kept Victorian architecture and stalls of treasure to browse are hard to resist on a lazy Saturday morning.

Off the Beaten Path

To get off the beaten path, head for The Beaches. This is the name of a very cool little neighborhood that borders Lake Ontario – for live music, good coffee and some incredibly inexpensive meals served in 'tatty velvet' surrounds, Queen East Street is your best bet.

Scarborough is another good, bohemian, neighborhood to help you get away from the tourist hordes. Zen is a well-loved Japanese restaurant in this area, although you may want to go with friends as the location isn't the most inviting after dark (think dark alleyway).

The hiking and bike trail that runs from the foot of Galloway Road in Scarborough is one of the best kept secrets in Toronto. Part of the reason for this is that its so hard to find. At the end of Galloway Road, through the parking lot is a discreet path – take this path and its a little like finding a new world. Practically in the middle of Toronto is this wilderness area that is home to deer, foxes and huge numbers of birds. Not even locals use this place a lot, so if you are looking for a little peace and solitude, you'll find it here.

Hotels

Hotels in the cities of Ontario sit in the $100 - $200 per night range, depending in quality. If you're staying at Niagara Falls, be prepared to pay around $300 for a two-night package at the Sheraton in a falls-view room. One tip when booking accommodation – get a confirmation in writing that your room overlooks the Falls. Although Fallsview Avenue runs alongside Niagara Falls, not all Fallsview rooms are also falls-view rooms and plenty of disgruntled tourists have realized too late their room overlooks a parking lot.

Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Ontario, Canada.

(Photo:iStockPhoto/ntn)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (1)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

...
written by MariaR, June 08, 2010

The Falls are gorgious! I've visited both the US and the Canadian sides, both are great, and have unique elements to it. If you have to choose of course I recommend that you see the Canadian side. But if you have the time you must go on both sides.

• 
• +0
• 
•