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Explore Ontario

 


1 - Southwest Ontario Shaped by nature and steeped in history, culture and charm, Ontario’s Southwest is a draw for people who enjoy festivals, dining and the great outdoors. With over 900 km of shoreline, lush Carolinian forest and parks filled with 400+ species of birds, it’s no wonder Ontario’s Southwest attracts so many nature lovers. Name your favourite music, fruit or farm animal, and we’ve probably got a festival to celebrate it. Our waters boast great fishing and boating, and the highest concentration of beaches and warm waters in Ontario; we even have a submarine, the HMCS Ojibwa. Our vineyards craft award-winning wines, and our talented chefs, hard-working farmers and food artisans offer up some of Canada’s finest culinary experiences. We have over 20,000 campsites and a growing list of glamping spots so you can connect with and experience nature in an unforgettable way. And Ontario’s Southwest is made for motorcycle travel; there are twists, turns, and scenic country roads galore, all making for fast-paced 2-wheel fun. www.ontariossouthwest.com - Back to Top


2 - Niagara Falls and Wine Country - When you go camping in Niagara, there’s more to do than roast marshmallows! Spend time in a vineyard tasting world-class wine; grab an ice cream cone and walk down the Niagara Parkway; escape a rainy day with some family fun on Clifton Hill; or trade in the canned food for a delicious dining experience at a top-notch restaurant. There’s always something to do in Niagara. Whether you are an outdoorsy type with a passion for wine, a foodie travelling with an adrenaline junkie, or parents with kids in tow, there is an event, attraction, or activity to suit you. www.visitniagaracanada.com - Back to Top


3 - Hamilton, Halton and Brant - Awe-inspiring attractions. Fantastic festivals. Knockout nature. Distinct downtowns. Canadian history and heritage. It’s all right here in the Heart of Ontario. Explore Hamilton Halton Brant and discover something new. Just a short drive from much of southern Ontario, Hamilton Halton Brant is home to signature landscapes, including the Niagara Escarpment, the Grand River, the Bruce Trail, Lake Ontario shorelines and a collection of more than 100 waterfalls. These unique natural settings create a beautiful backdrop for some of Ontario’s best trails, recreational routes and outdoor activities. The area also boasts renowned heritage sites, attractions and museums, a vibrant arts scene, diverse downtowns and delectable dining. Whether you’re planning a fun-filled family adventure, a romantic couples escape or a road trip with friends, you’re bound to be intrigued and entertained by all there is to see and do in Hamilton Halton Brant. http://theheartofontario.com/ - Back to Top
 
4 - Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington - Starting about an hour west of Toronto and stretching to Ontario’s west coast, Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington offer some of the finest professional theatre and family-oriented outdoor experiences anywhere. “Doing what you love in interesting places” is a theme that replays throughout the region, which features spectacular early-1800s towns like Elora and Fergus on the Grand River gorge; Mennonite-oriented St Jacobs; pretty Stratford, with its gardens and swans; and the west coast port towns of Bayfield and Goderich, with their beach boardwalks and ships. Three theatre companies offer something for everyone: big musicals, comedies, Shakespeare and Canadian premieres at 12 different theatre venues. The outdoor-minded can tackle 4 great mountain bike trails; fly-fish on the Grand or Maitland; go canoeing; go zip lining in Elora; take in bicycle tours through rolling farms; and explore the 16 white-sand beaches of the west coast. Tons of things to do for the young and young at heart! www.betterweekending.ca - Back to Top


5&6 - Greater Toronto Area/York, Durham and Hills of Headwaters
Pursue your passion in Ontario’s Central Counties, a regional tourism destination that encompasses York, Durham and the Hills of Headwaters. With over 21,000 tourism-related businesses, the region offers lots to see and do. Ride the Leviathan, the biggest roller-coaster in the country, at Canada’s Wonderland. Shop at the Pacific Mall, the largest Asian indoor shopping complex in North America. Explore over 220 km of protected green space in Uxbridge, the Trail Capital of Canada. Visit local farmers’ markets for locally grown produce. Shop for one-of-a-kind keepsakes from local artisans, or stop by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection to browse over 6,000 Canadian works of art, including the renowned Group of Seven collection. Revisit the 1860s at Black Creek Pioneer Village or see historic national sites such as the Parkwood Estate or Leaskdale Manse (home of Lucy Maud Montgomery). Whether you are wild at heart, laid-back, fashionable, or outdoorsy, the region is packed with exciting experiences available all year round. centralcounties.ca - Back to Top


7 - Bruce, Grey and Simcoe - Stretching from Lake Huron to scenic Lake Simcoe and bridged by the Niagara escarpment, BruceGreySimcoe is a camper’s paradise. Whether you are roughing it or travelling in style, we have camping and activities to suit all tastes. Hiking trails abound, including the renowned Bruce Trail. Cycle rail trails and back roads, or mountain bike more challenging terrain. BruceGreySimcoe is a water-lover’s dream, with beaches dotting our shorelines, including the famed Sauble Beach and Wasaga Beach. The fishing is fine here, too: Lake Huron, Georgian Bay and Kempenfelt Bay teem with many species, as do many inland lakes. Private campgrounds in a variety of settings offer a wide range of services whatever your camping style. www.BruceGreySimcoe.com - Back to Top
 
 
8 - Kawarthas Northumberland - Make camp in Kawarthas Northumberland. It really is the perfect way to enjoy this region of over 350 lakes, rivers, forest and Canada’s largest self-guided butter tart tour all just 90 minutes away from the Greater Toronto Area. While you’re here, bring a canoe, kayak or standup paddleboard. The opportunities for wet ‘n wild wandering are wide. For example, if you find yourself camping and fishing in the Stony Lake area (and you really should), head over to Petroglyphs Provincial Park and check out the ancient First Nation rock carvings. Peg-stakers looking for something intense (i.e. not in tents) near Peterborough should pay a visit to the Canadian Canoe Museum for the world’s largest collection of kayaks and Canoes. The Bobcaygeon area is another ideal place to hang your tent flap, even if your name isn’t Bob. Kids of all heights will especially love the Kawartha Dairy Ice Cream outlet located just north of town…ask for their world famous Moose Tracks flavour. Of course, no camping experience is complete without a butter tart. Sorry, s’mores simply don’t compare! Fortunately, with 50+ bakeries serving some of the province’s award-winning tarts, your campsite is never too far away from an ooey gooey filling fix.  Point your camping compass toward fun in Kawarthas Northumberland at http://kawarthasnorthumberland.ca/ - Back to Top


9 - South Eastern Ontario - The Great Waterway in southeastern Ontario offers much more than you would expect. The region includes the unique towns, villages and cities of Cornwall, Brockville, Gananoque, Kingston, Belleville and Quinte West and is laced together by the sparkling St. Lawrence River, the Rideau Canal, the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario. The region boasts an abundance of natural, cultural and heritage riches that are a source of pride for the people who call it home. It has pristine lakes, rivers and beaches, and vibrant towns and cities. Curious day-trippers, couples and families looking for a special place for their vacation will have plenty to explore. Whatever your passion or interest is, you can experience the land, water and people of the Great Waterway and let the local history come alive on your memorable journey. For more information on the activities, festivals/events, sights, sounds and tastes that the Great Waterway has to offer, visit www.thegreatwaterway.com - Back to Top


10 - Ottawa and Countryside - Get to know your Canada in Ottawa! Parliament Hill, where Canada’s business gets done, is at the centre of the city: come for free daily tours, the Changing of the Guard Ceremony and at night, the impressive Sound and Light Show, which is another free event. The Rideau Canal is Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site: stroll or bike beside it, take a boat cruise in the summer or ice skate on it in winter. Did you know that over the winter months, the Rideau Canal freezes and becomes home to the largest skating rink in the world? As Canada’s Capital, Ottawa is home to several national museums, including the Canadian Museum of History (Canada’s most visited museum), the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canadian War Museum. Plan your visit during one of the fabulous annual festivals, including the Canadian Tulip Festival in May, RBC Bluesfest in July and Winterlude in February. Ottawa residents love to be outdoors: you can explore the city on foot, on your bike, by car, by boat, by bus or even by rickshaw. There are also lots of fun athletic activities! Run in the popular Ottawa Race Weekend, explore beautiful golf courses, go whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River, or try skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating in the winter. You’ll also find great cycling routes and activities in Ottawa’s countryside. Take your bike over to the Prescott-Russell area and discover scenic routes as well as local gems such as the Domaine Perrault winery and the famous St.-Albert Cheese Factory www.ottawatourism.ca - Back to Top


11 - Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley - Throw away the schedule and follow your sense of discovery into beautiful scenery, down quaint main streets, over roaring rapids, and along the shores of serene lakes. Only 2.5 hours from Toronto or 30 minutes from Ottawa, Ontario’s Highlands offers you the chance to escape the every day and welcomes you home. Feel yourself unwind as you fall asleep with only the sounds of nature around you in one of our lush parks. Experience the breathtaking colours and fiery forests of the fall; let snowflakes kiss your cheeks as you cross country ski over a blanket of white in the winter; breathe in the wondrous new beginnings of fresh spring air; or be amazed by the summer sun sparkling off crystal lakes before diving into the deep blue to cool off. Wander the region to explore the landscape, feed your thirst for knowledge, ignite your imagination, and be embraced by the warm hospitality of locals. With something for everyone, Ontario’s Highlands is ready to amaze you. www.ontarioshighlands.ca/- Back to Top
 
 
12 - Muskoka, Parry Sound and Algonquin Park - With the Almaguin Highlands, Loring-Restoule, Muskoka and Parry Sound within its borders, Explorers’ Edge is one of the most beautiful – and popular camping destinations in Ontario. With a variety of campgrounds, all located against the backdrop of thousands of sparkling blue lakes, lush forests and the rugged terrain of the Canadian Shield, Explorers’ Edge offers a range of camping options, from back country soloing to RV and tent campgrounds, from guided trips to “glamping.” Spend your spring, summer and fall months camping in a region that will leave you breathless from the natural landscape around you, relaxed, rested and rejuvenated. And don’t forget winter camping – with cabins and various guided expeditions available (included numerous guided dog sled adventures), you can experience camping from a whole new, incredible perspective. See you around the bonfire in Explorers’ Edge. For more info, visit www.explorersedge.ca - Back to Top
 
13A - North East Ontario - Escape the bright lights of the city and experience the true brilliance of the night sky. From the majestic La Cloche Mountains of Killarney and the ancient pine forests of Temagami, to the thousands of hidden lakes further north, this area has limitless space for camping and any outdoor activity you’ve been waiting to try. More importantly, Northeastern Ontario has the power to re-connect you to the things that really matter. Choose from hundreds of potential adventures in Northeastern Ontario. Pitch a tent, roll up in your RV, or sleep under the stars. Experiences range from a relaxing recharge vacation, to healthy doses of adrenalin for the adventurous at heart. A legendary adventure awaits you. www.northeasternontario.com - Back to Top
 
13B - North Central Ontario - Algoma Country and Sault Ste Marie have exciting attractions and activities to add something special to your outdoor adventure. Visit the Chapleau Crown Game Preserve, to spot moose, bear and birds in their natural surroundings, or zip-line through old growth trees. Discover Algoma’s historical & cultural roots at Fort St. Joseph, or take an adventure aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. For excitement within the city, check out the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre or go back in time at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. www.algomacountry.com - Back to Top
 
13C - North West Ontario - Home to boreal forest, mountains, and over 100,000 lakes including Lake Superior and Lake of the Woods, Northwest Ontario is paradise for exploring natural wonders and experiencing outdoor adventures.  Northwest Ontario is home to some of the greatest camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, sailing, sightseeing, skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and scenery in the world. In Thunder Bay, the region’s largest city, relive history at Fort William Historical Park or partake in the modern cuisine created by inspired chefs and local food producers who are building an incredible culinary scene that is the envy of the region. www.visitnorthwestontario.com - Back to Top