The Canadian Explorer
The Canadian ExplorerDiscover Canada · Explore Beyond
Ontario

Central Canada · ON

Ontario

Thundering falls and lantern-lit cities.

Canada's most populous province packs Niagara's roar, Toronto's skyline, and Algonquin's loons into a single circuit.

Region

Central Canada

Best time to visit

September–October for color; May–June for falls.

Suggested itineraries

2 curated routes

01 — Key Attractions

What you came for.

No. 01

Niagara Falls

Three falls, six million cubic feet of water per minute, a single unforgettable mist.

No. 02

Toronto

A skyline city of 200 neighborhoods, the CN Tower, and Lake Ontario beaches.

No. 03

Algonquin Provincial Park

Canoe-country wilderness of 2,400 lakes and howling wolves.

No. 04

Ottawa

Canada's capital — Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and world-class museums.

02 — Suggested Itineraries

Routes that flow.

Niagara to Algonquin Loop

8 days

Wine country, big city, and canoe wilderness.

  1. 1Niagara-on-the-Lake
  2. 2Toronto
  3. 3Algonquin
  4. 4Ottawa

Great Lakes Circle

10 days

Lake Superior's wild northern shore.

  1. 1Sault Ste. Marie
  2. 2Lake Superior PP
  3. 3Thunder Bay

03 — Signature Experiences

Only here.

Iconic

Voyage to the Falls

Mist-soaked boat ride into the heart of Horseshoe Falls.

Wilderness

Algonquin canoe trip

Multi-day routes through portages and loon-haunted lakes.

Winter

Ice skate the Rideau Canal

The world's largest naturally frozen skateway.

04 — Seasonal Highlights

A different country each season.

Spring

Tulip festival in Ottawa; whitewater in Algonquin.

Summer

Cottage country, festivals, and Great Lakes beaches.

Autumn

Algonquin's legendary fall colors.

Winter

Niagara ice, Toronto markets, Rideau skating.