Twice as big as Spain and four times the
size of New Zealand, Ontario is exceptionally
diverse. Stretching from the shore of
Hudson Bay to the same latitude as Northern
California, and across two time zones,
Ontario offers everything from secluded
lakes and elegant wineries to raucous music
festivals and whitewater rafting. Ski or scuba
dive, hike or sail, dance or shop—Ontario
gives you endless choices.
Ontario is home to Canada's capital,
Ottawa, where you can see the grand
temporary chambers of the Senate and the
House of Commons (visit.parl.ca), see the
magnificent Canada Goose Arctic Gallery at
the Canadian Museum of Nature
(www.nature.ca) and learn about Canada's
military history at the Canadian War
Museum (www.warmuseum.ca).
Leave lots of time to explore Toronto,
the country's largest metropolis
(www.destinationtoronto.com). Book
early to see world premieres—and, perhaps,
a few Hollywood stars—at the Toronto
International Film Festival (www.tiff.net).
And don't miss the Aga Khan Museum of
Muslim culture (www.agakhan
museum.org), the Ontario Science Centre
(www.ontariosciencecentre.ca), the iconic
CN Tower (www.cntower.ca) and animals
such as the three new cheetah cubs and a
critically endangered Sumatran organgutan
baby at the Toronto Zoo (www.toronto
zoo.com). CityPASS offers a savings pass on
admissions to five of Toronto's top attrac-
tions, including many of those mentioned
above. Once activated, it is valid for nine
consecutive days (www.citypass.com).
Ottawa and Toronto are just the
beginning of what Ontario has to offer. You
can also tour wineries along Lake Erie, in
Prince Edward County or on the Niagara
Peninsula (www.winecountryontario.ca).
If outdoor adventure is more your style,
camp in breathtaking Killarney
(www.ontarioparks.com/park/killarney),
Sleeping Giant (www.ontarioparks.com/
park/sleepinggiant) or Algonquin
(www.algonquinpark.on.ca) provincial
parks, or canoe along the Grand River
(www.theheartofontario.com).
BY LAURA BYRNE PAQUET
ONTARIO
So Natural,
So Sophisticated
If you just can't decide what
sort of vacation destination
appeals to you most—wild or
urban, cultural or culinary,
active or relaxed—Ontario
may be the place for you.
14,951.825
Toronto; National Capital: Ottawa
www.destinationontario.com
Toronto Pearson International
Airport, 27 km (16 mi.) from
downtown
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport,
3 km (2 mi.) from downtown
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier
International Airport, 13 km (8 mi.)
from downtown
ON
56
TORONTO ISLANDS AND TORONTO SKYLINE • SHUTTERSTOCK/KIEV.VICTOR
