Ultimate Ontario - Ontario Tourism

Y O U R
C A NA D I A N
A DV E N T U R E
Ultimate
Ontario
6 iconic outdoor
experiences
Hike the
Bruce Trail
Parklife
Discover the natural beauty of
Ontario’s parks and reserves
500 miles of rugged footpaths
PLUS
6 G R E AT WA L K S I N T H E W I L D E R N E S S
DISCOVER ONTARIO
1
Welcome to...
Ontario
A vast playground waiting to be explored
D
o you yearn to experience the heart-pumping excitement of white-water rafting
on a river in full flow? To hike in a remote wilderness where you can walk all
day without encountering another soul? Do you dream of biking along paths
less travelled, of paddling a canoe through the early-morning mist in search of moose
or bear, or kayaking on a crystal-clear lake as big as the ocean? All this and so much
more awaits you in the vast year-round adventure playground of Ontario in Eastern
Canada. The size of France and Spain combined, Ontario is a beautiful land of forests,
lakes and rivers with endless opportunities to connect with nature and a new adventure
round every corner. The cities will dazzle you, the small towns and quaint villages
will charm you, and the mouth-watering cuisine and award-winning wines promise to
satisfy the most sophisticated palettes. And let's not forget the mighty Niagara! Just 90
minutes from Toronto, Niagara Falls is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders
of the world. Amazingly, you can find many of these incredible outdoor experiences
close to Ontario's energetic cities: within just a couple of hours you can be in pristine
wilderness and totally at one with nature.
Contents...
4 ULTIMATE ONTARIO
6 PARK LIFE
10 Bruce Almighty
12 hikers' paradise
14 Urban adventure
16 further afield
18 GETTING THERE
19 Win!
5 iconic outdoor adventures
ontario's magnificent 7 parks
discover the wonders of the bruce peninsula
6 great ontario walks
explore the thrills of toronto and ottawa
stunning places, exciting experiences
... and getting around
a 13-night holiday in ontario
If you’re looking for adventure in the great outdoors, you’ll find it in Ontario!
PRODUCED BY
Double A Media Ltd.
Editor
Roger Fulton
Art Editor
Olly Skinner
In association with
/OntarioTravel
@share_ontario
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DISCOVER ONTARIO
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
DISCOVER ONTARIO
3
Ultimate
ontario
Ultimate
ontario
ULTIMATE ONTARIO
Ontario is a vast adventure playground just waiting to be explored and experienced
in many exciting ways. Pull on your walking boots, grab a paddle or hop on a bike and
enjoy the beauty of Ontario’s stunning landscapes
2 Visit Niagara Falls
5
ou cannot come to Ontario without visiting the
province’s most famous attraction – Niagara
Falls. The falls sit on the border between Canada
and the US, and you can take in their thundering
power by land, water and air. Soak up the
excitement (literally!) by getting right up close to
the crashing waters as they plunge 170ft over the
Horseshoe Falls, with a 30-minute ride on a boat that
takes you into the heart of the mist and spray.
OTTAWA
1
LAKE HURON
Y
3
4
TORONTO LAKE ONTARIO
0mi
0km
2
LAKE ERIE
100mi
100km
Driving distances:
Toronto – Ottawa
4hrs
Toronto – Niagara Falls
1.5hrs
Toronto – Algonquin Park 3.5hrs
Ottawa – Algonquin Park 3.5hrs
1 Kayaking
in Georgian bay
T
his ruggedly beautiful bay isn't
on the sea – it's actually part
of Lake Huron, one of the five
Great Lakes on the Canada/US
border. Paddling it is spectacular,
not least because the eastern
shore is dotted with 30,000 islands
to explore (really, there are that
many!). Don't worry about having
the right kit to go kayaking:
outfitters throughout the province
can supply all you need, including
food, equipment, guided tours and
instruction.
HIGHLIGHTS
33%
of the world's
fresh water is in
Ontario's lakes
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DISCOVER ONTARIO
Ontario has
more than
250,000 lakes
and the world's
longest system
of canoe routes
Ontario has over
10,000
moose, which
can grow to 7ft
in height
The famous
Niagara Falls
is one of
the 10 most
visited places
on the planet
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
3 White Water Rafting
on ottawa river
Experience the rush of adrenalin just 90 minutes
from the heart of Canada's capital city. The
Ottawa River is known as one of the best white
water rafting destinations in the world, and
whether novice or expert, you'll be able to enjoy
the thrill of shooting the rapids, from gentle floats
to extreme runs with huge vertical drops. Tour
operators running white water packages include
Wilderness Tours (www.wildernesstours.com), Owl
Rafting (www.owl-mkc.ca) and RiverRun Rafting
(www.riverrunrafting.com)
4 Hiking
The bruce trail
A
t 500 miles long, the Bruce Trail
is Canada’s oldest and longest
footpath. It winds all the way along
the Niagara Escarpment from
Queenston on the Niagara River to
Tobermory on Georgian Bay. If you
don’t have time to do the whole
thing you can hike any part of it, and
it’s commonly split into nine shorter
sections. Stay at charming b&bs or
campgrounds. www.brucetrail.org
5 Canoeing in algonquin provincial park
T
his spectacular park the size of Devon, criss-crossed by thousands of
inter-connected lakes, rivers and streams is just three hours from Toronto.
And with 950 miles of canoe routes, paddling a canoe is the way to see it at its
best. For ambitious adventurers, the Petawawa River provides thrilling whitewater fun, while Rain and North Tea Lakes almost guarantee moose sightings.
Canoeing packages are available from Voyageur Quest (www.voyageurquest.
com) or Algonquin Outfitters (www.algonquinoutfitters.ca)
DISCOVER ONTARIO
5
parklife
ontario style
parklife
ontario style
KILLARNEY PROVINCIAL PARK
Park Life
ONTARIO STYLE
Ontario has more than 300 parks,
from family-friendly areas with
first-rate amenities and guided tours
to challenging wilderness parks with
uninterrupted stretches of ancient forests
dotted with rocky outcrops
and tranquil lakes. Here are our
magnificent seven
Killarney is one of Ontario’s crown jewels. This
majestic, mountainous wilderness of sapphire
lakes and jack pine ridges so captivated
Canada’s ‘Group of Seven’ landscape artists
that they persuaded the Ontario government
to make it a park. From the campground at
George Lake, canoeists and hikers can explore
birch, maple, oak and pine forests among
the ancient white quartzite rocks of the La
Cloche Mountains. The canoeing and kayaking
is superb, while in winter this is a paradise
for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Animals roam wild here, so expect to catch a
glimpse of moose, deer, foxes and otters. If you
are really lucky, you may see the odd bear. The
Killarney Mountain Lodge (www.killarney.com)
offers a programme of guided activities every
day – including hikes, canoe trips, kayak trips,
shore lunches and sailing trips – all tailored
to participants' fitness levels. Killarney is a
five-hour drive from Toronto, but expect to feel
a million miles from anywhere in this magical
spot. (www.ontarioparks.com)
Try this: Granite Ridge Trail An easy, one-hour, 2km trail provides views of
the rocky ridges of the La Cloche Mountains.
This two-billion-year-old ring of mountains once
towered higher than the Rockies, before being
worn away by four ice ages!
THE FRENCH RIVER
PROVINCIAL PARK
An historic route of ‘the voyageurs’, from early
French explorers to settlers and fur traders,
the French River links Lake Nipissing with
Georgian Bay along a 105-kilometre span of
lakes, gorges and rapids that provide a variety
of water routes, scenery and leisure water
activities. Nipissing is derived from a native
language meaning ‘little water’ but for much of
its length, the French River is a broad, treelined expanse of open water, although it also
features falls, rapids, and steep, narrow gorges.
Where steamboats once journeyed, canoes
and motorboats now travel the waterway,
lodges and cottages dot the landscape, and
anglers and hunters enjoy their sport. There
are also numerous campsites where paddlers
and boaters will find opportunities for fishing,
swimming, photography, or just relaxing.
(www.ontarioparks.com)
Try this: Lodge Living
For the complete Canadian experience, take a
canoe trip and stay in one of the cosy lodges or
cottages found along the river. For for the more
intrepid, there are 230 backcountry campsites.
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DISCOVER ONTARIO
Holiday Offer
'Paddle To The
Bay' – Voyageur
Adventure On The
French River
Cost: From £485pp
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Operator: Windows on the Wild
Follow the Voyageur fur trade
route down the French River
from Wolseley Bay to Georgian
Bay. Like the Voyageurs, this
journey will cover 100 kilometres
in 4 days! Price includes: Three
nights camping accommodation,
tasty meals, all equipment
(except sleeping bags), permits,
and services of a professional
wilderness guide.
For more information, go to
ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
DISCOVER ONTARIO
7
parklife
ontario style
parklife
ontario style
ALGONQUIN
PROVINCIAL PARK
Algonquin is the oldest, most famous park
in Ontario. An average three-hour drive from
both Toronto and Ottawa, it’s a wilderness
playground for city-dwellers and a popular
choice for visitors combining a city break
with nature. Algonquin is best-known as
a canoeing and kayaking paradise, but is
ideal for mountain biking and hiking (there
are 19 ‘interpretive’ walking trails). In winter,
you can go dogsledding and snowshoeing.
Accommodation in and around the park ranges
from campsites, cabins, lodges and even yurts,
to resort-style properties such as the
JW Marriott Lake Rosseau Resort and Spa.
The scenery is captivating: rocky outcrops,
glacial valleys, and an abundance of lakes. And,
of course, there's the park's wildlife, including
moose, bear and wolf. Algonquin is unequalled
in Ontario, perhaps even in North America, for
moose-watching. (www.algonquinpark.on.ca)
TRY THIS: Calling the Wolves On Thursdays during August, park naturalists help
visitors learn about wolves with a ‘wolf howl’,
which wolves may respond to.
Georgian Bay Islands
National Park
Wasaga Beach
Provincial Park
Often referred to as the sixth Great Lake, Georgian
Bay doesn’t do things by halves. Within its waters
are more than 30,000 islands and it has 2,000km
of shoreline. Windswept pines, towering cliffs,
endless beaches and clear blue water all create a
serene destination. Relax on a beach, or explore the
great outdoors by road or water. Take the Georgian
Bay Coastal Route and discover the rich marine
heritage and lighthouses that dot the coastline. On
the water, Georgian Bay is perfect for experienced
kayakers. Beausoleil Island is the largest of the
islands that make up the national park, with three
camping areas to choose from.
Just 90 minutes north of Toronto, Wasaga is a
great destination for families. The recreation park is
nestled at the southernmost point of Nottawasaga
Bay and boasts the longest freshwater beach in
the world. This 14km safe, sandy beach attracts
thousands to enjoy swimming, boating, fishing,
hiking and biking. Nottawasaga Bay is suitable for
many types of water craft, including motorboats,
sailboats and windsurfers. Boats can be rented from
one of several marinas at Wasaga. In winter the park
becomes an adventure playground for snowmobiling
and cross-country skiing. (www.ontarioparks.com)
TRY THIS: Geocaching
Geocaching is a fun, outdoor treasure-hunting game.
You use GPS units to find hidden containers called
caches. When you find one, you will learn why that
place is so important! (www.geocaching.com)
Hike this: The Blueberry Plains Trail
Wasaga has the largest number of parabolic sand
dunes in Ontario, which make for a challenging yet
rewarding climb with unforgettable views. Around
700 different types of plants and 230 species of birds
can be seen in this fragile dune area.
Holiday Offer
Toronto and
Algonquin special
Lake Superior
Provincial Park
One of Ontario’s largest parks, Lake Superior
Provincial Park is celebrated for its rugged
landscape. Rushing rivers plunge from the interior
highlands to the Lake Superior shoreline, creating
rapids and dramatic waterfalls. The steep-walled
valleys of Agawa Canyon and Old Woman Bay
provide breathtaking scenery. A short hike to Agawa
Rock, which towers 98ft above the lake, is worth
doing to see the Indian rock paintings that decorate
the cliff – many are centuries old. The Agawa
Canyon Tour train (www.agawacanyontourtrain.
com) skirts the eastern edge of the park. Travelling
114 miles alongside lakes and rivers and through
awesome granite rock formations and vast mixed
forests, it's one of the most popular railway journeys
in North America. (www.lakesuperiorpark.com)
Try this: Ice-climbing
In winter, if you’re made of tough stuff, head to
Batchawana Bay on Lake Superior’s eastern shore.
The Batchawana Bay-Agawa Canyon area has more
than 10 separate ice climbing areas featuring a
variety of graded routes ranging from 10m to 200m.
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DISCOVER ONTARIO
Cost: From £1,605pp
Duration: 7 nights
Operator: Frontier Canada
Experience the urban pleasures
of Toronto and the rustic delights
of the Canadian wilderness of
Algonquin Park in one summer
holiday, as well as a visit to the
iconic Niagara Falls.
Available 31 May-31 October.
Winter Adventure
in ontario
Cost: From £1,011pp
Duration: 5 nights
Operator: Discover the World
Explore Toronto and visit Niagara
Falls before heading into the
Ontario wilderness at Algonquin
Provincial Park. Join other
adventure seekers to experience
husky-sledding, backcountry
skiing and snowshoeing.
For more information on both
of these holiday offers, go to
ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve
Two and a half hours from both Toronto and Ottawa lies a privately-owned forest
on more than 70,000 acres of rolling hardwood trees, beautiful lakes, meandering
rivers and extensive wetlands. In the summer, you can observe wild grey wolves
at the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre or go hiking and mountain biking along
300km of well-prepared trails. In the winter months, Haliburton is covered
in a blanket of snow, ideal for winter sports such as cross-country skiing,
orienteering, dog-sledding and snowshoeing. Ontario has the world’s largest
interconnected snowmobile trail system with more than 30,000km of wilderness
trails, and more than 350km are in Haliburton, which is rated as one of the Top
10 snowmobiling destinations in North America. (www.haliburtonforest.com)
Try this: Canopy Walk
A Haliburton highlight, the Walk in the Clouds canopy boardwalk is one of the
longest in the world, winding through the treetops for more than 500 metres.
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
DISCOVER ONTARIO
9
Bruce
Peninsula
Bruce
Peninsula
Bruce ALMIGHTY
Just 90 minutes from the bustle of Toronto, ‘The Bruce’ is one of Ontario’s most
remarkable natural wonders, containing not one, but two national parks
A
peninsula jutting northwest
from southern Ontario with
the main basin of Lake Huron
on one side and Georgian Bay on
the other, 'The Bruce' is part of the
Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO
World Biosphere Reserve. It contains
the largest remaining area of forest
and natural habitat in Southern
Ontario and is home to some of
the oldest trees in eastern North
America. An important stopover for
migrating birds, the peninsula is also
the precious habitat for a variety of
animals, including black bear, northern
flying squirrel and barred owl. It’s
also stunningly beautiful – each
year thousands of visitors come to
enjoy the massive rugged cliffs of
the Bruce Peninsula National Park,
where 1,000-year-old cedar trees
overhang the clear waters of Georgian
Bay. Activities within the park include
boating, canoeing/kayaking,
In the area...
BLUE MOUNTAIN
If you want a soft, family adventure package with a multitude
of activities on your doorstep, Blue Mountain Resort is ideal
L
ocated on the Niagara
Escarpment, near Collingwood,
a 90-minute drive from Toronto,
Blue Mountain is a year-round
family adventure resort. The
diverse menu of activities includes
mountain biking, tree top walking,
ziplining, high rope challenges,
sightseeing gondola rides, a
mountain rollercoaster, rock
climbing wall, aquatics centre, golf
and Segway tours. And in the winter
Blue Mountain turns into a ski
resort, with 36 downhill runs from
beginner to double black diamond.
10 DISCOVER ONTARIO
Blue Mountain also has its own
private beach on the shores of
Georgian Bay, a 10-minute drive
from the resort village. Spend the
morning paddling along the serene
shoreline, grab lunch fresh off the
grill and then take the afternoon to
relax in the sand or challenge the
kids to a game of beach volleyball.
Accommodation is in hotels,
condos and town and mountain
houses centred on Blue Mountain
Village which is home to a variety
of boutiques, restaurants, spas and
nightlife. (www.bluemountain.ca)
swimming, bouldering and hiking – on
the Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and
longest footpath (see page 4).
At Tobermory, on the tip of
the peninsula, you can board
a glass-bottom boat and observe
century-old shipwrecks and the
dramatic Flowerpot Island, all part
of the Fathom Five National Marine
Park of Canada. Known as the scuba
diving capital of Canada, Fathom Five
has 22 shipwrecks offering thrills for
both novice diver and expert. The
wrecks, mostly schooners, barges and
steamers, are amongst the oldest and
best-preserved wrecks in Canada –
many dating back to the mid-1800s
before lighthouses were erected in the
area. Some of these are so shallow
that you can just snorkel to them.
Tobermory is also the gateway to
Northern Ontario – from here, board
the Chi-cheemaun Ferry to Manitoulin
Island (see pages 16-17). Make your
reservation at www.ontarioferries.com
as they get booked up over summer!
HOLIDAY OFFER
Ontario hike
and drive
Cost: From £664pp,
Duration: 7 nights
Operator: Discover the World
This leisurely paced self-drive
holiday takes you right off the
beaten track to the little-visited
Bruce Peninsula, a haven for
hikers, bikers and kayakers. With
plenty of leisure time at Blue
Mountain Resort and Tobermory,
you can choose to be as active
or as lazy as you wish!
For more information, go to
ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
DISCOVER ONTARIO
11
6 great
hiking holidays
BRUCE TRAIL HIKING
Where: Bruce Peninsula
Distance: up to 156km
Duration: 8-9 days
When: May-October
Start point: Bruce County
Cost: will vary
You can put together your own
multi-day itinerary for hiking the
spectacular 156km section of
the Bruce trail that runs through
Bruce county itself, via the Home
to Home Network, which will take
care of messy details such as food,
lodging and luggage transfers.
Costs will vary: hikers should
contact the individual b&bs. Note:
it's considered easier walking south
to north, ending in Tobermory. See
www.hometohomenetwork.ca
6 great
hiking holidays
La ClocheSilhouette Trail
Coastal Hiking
Trail
Beyond the Giant
Hiking Holiday
Pukaskwa’s
Coastal Trail
Western Uplands
Trail
Where: Killarney Provincial Park
Distance: 78km
Duration: 7-10 days
When: Late April to early
Where: Lake Superior
Where: Sleeping Giant
Provincial Park
Distance: up to 100km
Duration: 2-7 days
When: March to October
Start point: Thunder Bay, Lake
Superior (daily flights from Toronto
and Ottawa)
Cost: from $300
Where: Pukaskwa National Park
Distance: 60km
Duration: 5-10 days
When: Year-round
Start point: Heron Bay
Cost: $10 pp per night
Where: Algonquin Park
Distance: 32-88km
Duration: 2-7 days
When: mid-May to mid-October
Start point: Whitney
Cost: Camping and day use
November (based on weather).
Some sections suitable for
snowshoeing in winter.
Start point: Killarney
Cost: Camping and day use
fees apply
This rugged backpacking trail is
widely regarded as one of Canada’s
most challenging, and most
rewarding, hikes. Although the
trail takes up to 10 days to do in
its entirety, hikers can take shorter
hikes starting from two trailheads
in George Lake Campground. The
west section of this trail is moderate,
over rolling forested hills. The north
and east sections are considered
strenuous, passing through forests
and wetlands and over rocky ridges.
Provincial Park
Distance: 65km
Duration: 5-7 days
When: early May to October
Start point: Wawa
Cost: Camping and day use
fees apply
The most challenging and
demanding trail in Lake Superior
Provincial Park, the Coastal Trail
takes you along the high cliffs and
rocky beaches of Lake Superior,
the world’s largest freshwater
lake, from Agawa Bay to Chalfant
Cove, ascending and descending
over cliffs, rocky outcrops,
cobblestone beaches, boulders and
driftwood. Keep your eyes peeled
for bald eagles, especially along
the Sand and Agawa rivers. Several
access points give you a choice of
spending one or several days on
the trail.
Explore the extensive hiking trails
of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park,
which sits on a peninsula jutting
into Lake Superior in Northwestern
Ontario, while staying in a private,
solar powered log cabin on the lake
shore. Beyond the Giant Nature
Retreat is the perfect base camp
for exploring the rugged coastal
landscape of northern Lake Superior.
The 40km Kabeyun Coastal Trail
starts at Thunder Bay Lookout,
rounds the tip of the peninsula – the
Sleeping Giant’s feet – and ends at
the trailhead at Highway 587. Many
people choose to hike sections,
rather than do the whole trail.
Pukaskwa National Parks Coastal
Hiking Trail is quite possibly the
finest backpacking experience
available in all of Ontario. This 60km
(one way) trail, which winds along
the Lake Superior coast, provides
some truly spectacular views and
scenic campsites. The trail can
either be done as a 'there and back'
trip, or arrangements can be made
to be dropped off or picked up at
the far end. This is a demanding hike
and requires appropriate planning
and completion of a backcountry
orientation briefing.
fees apply
Algonquin has some wonderful
walks for both novices and more
experienced hikers. This trail
has three loops of 32, 55 and
88 kilometres with designated
campsites along its route, in an area
that contains the best examples of
Algonquin’s hardwood forests. You
can also expect to see beaver and
moose and, occasionally, you may
hear the howling of wolves. The trail
is rated moderate to strenuous and
includes some steep climbs.
6 GREAT
HIKING
HOLIDAYS
Ontario offers hikers enjoyment and adventure in
every step, along quiet trails and wilderness treks
12 DISCOVER ONTARIO
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
DISCOVER ONTARIO
13
Urban
adventure
URBAN
ADVENTURE
Ontario has not just one but two capital cities – Ottawa, the nation’s capital, and
Toronto, the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital. Both cities are great
destinations in their own right, dazzling visitors with their culture, history, nightlife
and cuisine – and both come with exciting adventures of their own
Urban
adventure
Ottawa: A City for all seasons
O
ne of the world’s most beautiful
capital cities, bilingual Ottawa
is home to 1.1 million people. It’s
a vibrant, cosmopolitan place that
celebrates Canada’s achievements
and culture with historical sites,
national museums and festivals, plus
shopping and fine dining.
It’s an intimate walkable city, which
is quick to reveal its adventurous
side, having one of North America’s
most extensive networks of cycle
routes. Rent a bike (www.rentabike.
ca) and explore some of the hundreds
of kilometres of paved pathways
alongside the Rideau Canal, Rideau
River and Ottawa River (www.
canadascapital.gc.ca).
You can also take a canoe trip
along the 202km length of the canal
from Kingston, at the head of Lake
Ontario, to Ottawa. The Rideau – A
UNESCO World Heritage Route – is
Holiday Offer
Toronto: life on the edge
Toronto and
Ottawa city break
T
Cost: From £485pp
Duration: 3 nights/4 days
Operator: Canadian Affair
This city break combines two
of the most popular cities in
Ontario – Ottawa, Canada’s
capital, bursting with culture and
history for you to discover; and
the popular and cosmopolitan
shopping destination of Toronto.
You will stay in two of the top
downtown hotels so you have
easy access to all that each city
has to offer.
For more information, go to
ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
14 DISCOVER ONTARIO
the oldest continuously operated
canal in North America. And from early
January until March, the Rideau Canal
is transformed into the largest natural
ice rink in the world.
You can also learn how to
whitewater kayak through The
Madawaska Kanu Centre’s MKC in the
City programme. This offers entry level
classes from early June to the end of
September. (www.owl-mkc.ca)
Festivals and events are a
year-round affair in Ottawa. Admire
a city awash with colour during the
Tulip Festival every May. Celebrate
Canada Day (1 July) on Parliament Hill
with outdoor concerts and fireworks.
Groove to international acts and local
artists under the summer sun at the
Ottawa Blues or Jazz Festivals. And
embrace winter at Winterlude, the
world's largest skating party, held
every February.
ake part in Toronto’s newest and
tallest extreme urban adventure!
Atop the CN Tower’s restaurant, at
1,168ft above the ground, you can
step outside and walk The EdgeWalk,
a five-foot wide ledge encircling the
circumference of the tower. Visitors
walk in groups of six, attached to an
overhead safety rail via a trolley and
harness system. Book your spot at
www.edgewalkcntower.ca.
It’s just one of the highlights of
any stay in Toronto, a cosmopolitan
waterfront city of 5.6million, brimming
with iconic architecture, fascinating
museums and galleries, exciting
nightlife and luxury hotels.
A great way to see the city is to
take a walking tour with the Tour
Guys (www. tourguys.ca) a venture
launched by two Toronto tour guides
ten years ago. Their tours will help
visitors get under the skin of Toronto
and explore its unique multicultural
and historic neighbourhoods, each
with its own character and charm.
For a bit of peace and quiet, take
a 10-minute ferry from downtown
to Toronto Islands, a car-free green
space perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
You can also get around on two
wheels on a Toronto Bicycle Tour
(www.torontobicycletours. com),
or try exploring yourself by BIXI bike
(www.toronto.bixi.com), Toronto’s
version of London’s Boris bikes, with
rentals just $5 for 24 hours. Toronto's
islands are the perfect space for riding.
Toronto is handily placed for day
or weekend trips out of the city – with
Niagara Falls a prime destination.
A trip here can be combined with a
visit to historic Niagara-on-the-Lake,
often called Ontario’s prettiest town.
Its attractions include historic sites,
theatres, a marina, golf courses, parks
and the 28 distinctive wineries of
Ontario’s best-known wine-growing
region. The wineries are all clustered
together, some just minutes apart.
Find tailor-made itineraries at
(www.winecountryontario.ca).
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
DISCOVER ONTARIO
15
even more to
explore
even more to
explore
Even more to
explore
In Ontario you’re never far from amazing scenery, from the emerald
and amber rolling hills and dense boreal forests, to the 250,000 lakes
and endless rivers, paths and hiking trails. Getting active outdoors
couldn't be easier. And with so many ways to tap into your inner
explorer, Ontario has adventures to suit everyone
CHAPLEAU
C
MANITOULIN ISLAND
L
ocated on the Northern Ontario
side of Georgian Bay, a ferry
ride from Tobermory on the Bruce
Peninsula, Manitoulin is Northern
Ontario’s best-kept secret. The
world’s largest freshwater island,
it is the gateway not only to the
north, but also to Canada’s First
Nations heritage. Here you can follow
the Great Spirit Circle Trail, which
encompasses eight First Nations
communities. Browse Aboriginal
galleries and stores, sample authentic
cuisine and attempt traditions such
as beading or spirit rock painting.
Year-round opportunities for outdoor
adventure abound here too, with the
island a beacon for for cyclists and
hikers, drawn to enjoy the scenic
winding roads and magnificent trails.
In the winter it's a favourite spot
for cross country skiing, ice fishing,
snowmobiling, skating and curling.
(www.manitoulin-island.com)
THE 1,000
ISLANDS
NORTHERN
ONTARIO
I
f you want to get right into
the middle of nowhere, board
the Polar Bear Express from
Cochrane to Moosonee and
Moose Factory, a rail excursion
through some of Ontario’s
most spectacular wilderness.
Moosonee is just 19km south of
James Bay, Canada’s gateway to
the Arctic. Oddly, though it’ll feel
like you are way up north, it’s on
the same latitude as London! The
train ride is a six-hour trip and as
you pass mile upon mile of dense
forest, it will feel as if you've
reached the heart of nature.
16 DISCOVER ONTARIO
T
MUSKOKA
F
ondly referred to as ‘cottage
country’, Muskoka is just two
hours north of Toronto – yet offers
an unplugged pace that’s a world
away from Canada’s largest city,
making it perfect for visitors who
wish to combine urban and outdoor
experiences into one fantastic holiday.
Muskoka has many things to do and
see year-round. Enjoy a steamship
cruise; ride a trail on a horse, sled,
snowmobile or mountain bike;
perfect your golf swing; tube, board
or ski down a hill of fresh powdered
snow; zip-line through majestic pines;
get a closer look at wildlife; fish for
that big one; savour local beer and
wine; swim in crystal-clear lakes.
The 2,500 square-mile natural
playground includes 8,699 miles of
shoreline, 17 charming small towns
and villages, more than 2,000 lakes
and countless waterfalls and rivers.
And with more than 80 resorts to
choose from – including five-star
hotels, family-run lodges, quaint
inns, historic Bed and Breakfasts and
rustic cottage resorts – Muskoka has
accommodation to suit all tastes and
pockets. (www.discovermuskoka.ca)
he 1,000 Islands is a sightseer’s
paradise. It's actually an
archipelago of 1,864 islands that
straddles the Canada-US border in the
St Lawrence River as it emerges from
the northeast corner of Lake Ontario.
This UNESCO World Biosphere
Reserve is a region of endless
shorelines, rich history and unique
culture. First-time visitors should take
a 1,000 Islands Boat Tour – the easiest
and fastest way to learn some of the
amazing history of the islands. But the
most refreshing and rewarding way to
explore the islands is by kayak:
the region offers world-class sea
kayaking for all levels of paddlers.
(www.visit1000islands.com)
hapleau is situated within
the boreal forest and Arctic
watershed region of Northern
Ontario, and is home to the
world’s largest Crown Game
Preserve. Established in 1925, it
covers 700,000 hectares, and is
an exciting destination for nature
and wildlife travellers.
Every indigenous creature
known to Ontario is found here,
including 2,000 black bears,
and the region is a mecca for
wildlife photographers who can
take trips with rangers and stay
in a typical wilderness lodge.
Chapleau also offers beautiful
scenery, best explored by 4x4,
canoe, kayak, mountain-bike
and on foot. Other activities
include bird watching and fishing.
HOLIDAY OFFER
Northern Ontario
Wilderness
Adventure
Cost: From £2,132pp
Duration: 12 nights
Operator: Discover the World
This unique holiday offers an
introduction to the spectacular
wilderness of northern Ontario.
Search for wildlife in the world’s
largest game reserve, experience
a personal encounter with First
Nations culture and explore
lakes, mountains and forests by
road, rail, boat and bushplane.
For more information, go to
ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
DISCOVER ONTARIO
17
Getting there
getting around
ONTARIo
Competition
Ontarioinfo
Air Canada (www.aircanada.com)
and British Airways (www.ba.com) fly
daily direct services to Toronto (Pearson
International) from London Heathrow. Air Transat
fly to Pearson year-round with Canadian Affair
from a number of UK regional airports. Air Canada
also fly direct to Ottawa International Airport.
Internal flights are available via Air Canada as well
as Porter Airlines (www.flyporter.com) operating
from Billy Bishop airport Toronto, and West Jet
(www.westjet.com)
Flying time UK-Ontario: Average 7 hours.
Getting about
O
ntario is vast – you could fit four United
Kingdoms alone inside its boundaries and still
have land left over - so a car is essential if you really
want to make the most of your adventure beyond
the main cities. Driving is safe and easy and you can
find many sample itineraries on Ontario Tourism’s UK
website. (www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure)
Car hire: Car rental is available at the major
airports and in cities across the province. Familiar
names include Budget (www.budget.ca), Enterprise
(www.enterpriserentacar.ca) and Avis (www.avis.ca). A
UK driver’s licence is valid for three months in Canada.
Trains: VIA Rail (www.viarail.ca) run throughout
the province and Ontario Northland (www.
ontarionorthland.ca ) run a mix of rail and coach
services, including the Polar Bear Express.
Canoeing: The Paddling Ontario Alliance is
a fusion of the most respected adventure travel
providers in Ontario, Canada, offering a range of 83 canoe
and 61 kayak breaks, courses and adventures for people of
all ages and levels. (www.paddlingontario.com)
Cycling: For cyclists, the Welcome Cyclists
Network (www.welcomecyclists.ca) offers a variety
of information on cycling in Ontario, inspiring visitors to
explore more by bike. Find great places to cycle, links to
useful cycling maps and plan your day trip or multi day
cycling itineraries with stops at certified bicycle friendly
businesses enroute. The website includes an online map
with links to accommodations, restaurants, cafes, wineries,
attractions, bike stores, tours and rental locations that all
offer cyclists extra services.
Hiking: For details on walking trips go to
Ontario Outdoor (www.ontariooutdoor.com). Also,
for hundreds of hiking trails, as well as mountain bike,
snowshoeing and canoe trails the Ontario Trails Council is
an invaluable resource (www.ontariotrails.on.ca)
18 DISCOVER ONTARIO
For hotel inquiries and booking, the Canadian Hotel
Guide is useful (www.canadianhotelguide.com).
Resorts of Ontario have details of great hotels and lodge
accommodation near the parks and outdoor activities
(www.resortsofontario.com).
Ontario's Finest Inns offer about 30 individually-owned
quaint unique inns and hotels located across the province
(www.ontariosfinestinns.com).
For a directory of campgrounds and details of
special offers, go to Camping in Ontario (www.
campinginontario.ca). Parks Canada, the body
responsible for all Canada’s national parks, runs its own
reservation service (www.pc.gc.ca)
Book it!:
In the UK:
• Canadian Affair (www.canadianaffair.com)
tel: 020 7616 9184
• Discover the World (www.discover-the-world.co.uk)
tel: 01737 214250
• Frontier Canada (www.frontier-canada.co.uk)
tel: 020 8776 8709
• Trailfinders (www.trailfinders.com)
tel: 020 7368 1200
• Windows on the Wild (www.windowsonthewild.com)
tel: 020 8742 1556
In Canada: • Voyageur Quest (www.voyageurquest.com)
TOUR
cruise canada MOTORHOME
Duration: 11 days Cost: From £789
Operator: Trailfinders
A Cruise Canada Motorhome tour is a great way to get
around Ontario in comfort. A typical 11-day itinerary
sees you starting in Toronto and driving first to Niagara
Falls. Then spend a couple of nights at Wasaga
Pines Resort on Georgian Bay, before driving through
Muskoka to Algonquin Provincial Park. From there you
go to Ottawa, and travel the Rideau Heritage route to the
1,000 Islands, before the final leg along the Lake Ontario
shoreline back to Toronto.
For more information, go to
www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
WIN!
A 13-night northern ontario
wilderness adventure Worth
T
his fantastic holiday prize
is courtesy of Discover
the World, and will see you
and a companion head down
roads less travelled into the
spectacular wilderness of
Northern Ontario. Search for
wildlife in the world’s largest
game reserve, experience a
personal encounter with First
Nations culture and explore the
spectacular lakes, mountains
and forests of the province.
Travelling by road, rail, boat
and bushplane, this unique
adventure provides the chance
to see some of the natural and
cultural highlights of Canada’s
most populous province.
Beginning in the multicultural
city of Toronto, your journey
will take you through the heart
of the Great Lakes region to
Sault Ste Marie, one of North
America’s oldest settlements.
View rolling landscapes from
the Agawa Canyon Train as you
head into the vast Chapleau
Crown Game Reserve, home to
Ontario’s largest population of
black bears.
Continue to Manitoulin Island,
home to a number of First
Nations communities. Here
you will gain an authentic
insight into the history and
culture of Ontario’s Aboriginal
people. Back on the mainland,
a two-night stay in Killarney
offers a final immersion in the
wilderness before returning to
Toronto. And, of course, no trip
to Ontario would be complete
without a visit to the mighty
Niagara Falls – a fitting way to
end your holiday.
TO ENTER, GO TO:
www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
Climate:
Average spring and summer temperatures for Ontario
range from 10C to 27C. In southern Ontario summer
temperatures can top 40C. Spring is usually short,
while autumn features spectacular leaf displays.
Ontario's most northerly communities are on or about
the same latitude as London, while its southernmost
point is roughly parallel to Barcelona!
Discover the World have been creating inspirational
tailor-made holidays for nearly 30 years and are proud of
their reputation as one of the UK’s leading specialist tour
operators. To discuss your dream trip to Ontario contact
Discover the World on:
01737 214 250 or visit
www.discover-the-world.co.uk
£5,000!
Prize includes:
• Two Air Canada return flights from
London to Toronto
• Domestic flights
• Return airport transfers in Toronto
• 7 nights hotel accommodation and 5
nights lodge accommodation
• 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
• Agawa Canyon train journey
• 2 days of guided activities in Errington’s
Wilderness Island Lodge
• Floatplane flight from Errington's
Wilderness Island Lodge to Hawk
Junction
• Private transfer from Hawk Junction to
Sault Ste. Marie
• 5 days car rental
• History and Culture Walking Tour with
Intro to Song & Drum
• Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto,
including Maid of the Mist, buffet lunch
& free time in Niagara on the Lake
• Exclusive travel documentation
package including personalized maps,
itinerary and driving directions.
To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
Full terms and conditions can be found at www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure
Getting there
Accommodation:
DISCOVER ONTARIO 19
Discover Ontario
With the Canada tailor-made holiday experts
Whether you want to go in search of black bears in Chapleau Game Reserve, hike the scenic trails of
Bruce Peninsula, kayak on the sapphire blue lakes of Killarney Provincial Park, or sample the delights
of vibrant Toronto, experience a taste of the real Canada this year.
Choose from our wide range of year-round Canadian itineraries, including independent self-drives,
wildlife holidays, special interest tours, city breaks and much more.
Contact our Travel Specialists for a tailor-made quote or to request a brochure.
Visit
discover-the-world.co.uk
Call
01737 214 285
ABTA No.V2823