Discover Ontario - Ontario Tourism

YOUR CANADIAN ADVENTURE 

Ultimate 

Ontario 

6 iconic outdoor 

experiences 

Hike the 

Bruce Trail 

500 miles of rugged footpaths 

Parklife 

Discover the natural beauty of 

Ontario’s parks and reserves 

PLUS 

6 GREAT WALKS IN THE WILDERNESS 

DISCOVER ONTARIO 1

Welcome to... 

Ontario 

A vast playground waiting to be explored 

Do 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 

6 

10 

12 

14 

16 

18 

ULTIMATE ONTARIO 

5 iconic outdoor adventures 

PARK LIFE 

ontario's magnificent 7 parks 

Bruce Almighty 

discover the wonders of the bruce peninsula 

hikers' paradise 

6 great ontario walks 

Urban adventure 

explore the thrills of toronto and ottawa 

further afield 

stunning places, exciting experiences 

GETTING THERE 

... and getting around 

19 Win! 

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 

2 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 

LAKE HURON 

4 

1 

5 

3 

OTTAWA 

You 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. 

TORONTO 

LAKE ONTARIO 

0mi 

100mi 

0km 

100km 

2 

Driving distances: 

HIGHLIGHTS 

33% 

of the world's 

fresh water is in 

Ontario's lakes 

LAKE ERIE 

Ontario has 

more than 

250,000 lakes 

and the world's 

longest system 

of canoe routes 

1 

Ontario has over 

10,000 

moose, which 

can grow to 7ft 

in height 

Toronto – Ottawa 

4hrs 

Toronto – Niagara Falls 1.5hrs 

Toronto – Algonquin Park 3.5hrs 

Ottawa – Algonquin Park 3.5hrs 

Kayaking 

in Georgian bay 

This 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. 

The famous 

Niagara Falls 

is one of 

the 10 most 

visited places 

on the planet 

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 

At 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 

This 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) 


To plan your Ontario Adventure go to www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure DISCOVER ONTARIO 5

parklife 

ontario style 

parklife 

ontario style 

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 PROVINCIAL PARK 

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. 

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 

6 



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 

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. 

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) 

Holiday Offer 

Wasaga Beach 

Provincial Park 

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) 

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. 

Lake Superior 


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. 

Toronto and 

Algonquin special 

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 



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 


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. 

8 



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 

Apeninsula 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, 

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! 

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 

Located 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. 

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) 

HOLIDAY OFFER 

Ontario hike 

and drive 

Cost: From £664pp, 



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! 





6 great 

hiking holidays 

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 

La Cloche- 

Silhouette Trail 

Where: Killarney Provincial Park 

Distance: 78km 


When: Late April to early 

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. 

Coastal Hiking 

Trail 

Where: Lake Superior 




When: early May to October 

Start point: Wawa 


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. 

Beyond the Giant 

Hiking Holiday 

Where: Sleeping Giant 


Distance: up to 100km 


When: March to October 

Start point: Thunder Bay, Lake 

Superior (daily flights from Toronto 

and Ottawa) 

Cost: from $300 

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’s 

Coastal Trail 

Where: Pukaskwa National Park 



When: Year-round 

Start point: Heron Bay 

Cost: $10 pp per night 

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. 

Western Uplands 

Trail 

Where: Algonquin Park 

Distance: 32-88km 


When: mid-May to mid-October 

Start point: Whitney 


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 



Urban 

adventure 

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 

Ottawa: A City for all seasons 

One 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 

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. 

Holiday Offer 

Toronto and 

Ottawa city break 

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. 



Toronto: life on the edge 

Take 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). 



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 

MANITOULIN ISLAND 

Located 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) 

CHAPLEAU 

Chapleau 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. 

THE 1,000 

ISLANDS 

HOLIDAY OFFER 

NORTHERN 

ONTARIO 

If 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. 

MUSKOKA 

Fondly 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 

Tparadise. 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) 

Northern Ontario 

Wilderness 

Adventure 




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. 





Getting there 

getting around 

Getting there 

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 

Ontario 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) 

Ontarioinfo 

Accommodation: 

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) 

cruise canada MOTORHOME TOUR 

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. 


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! 

WIN! 

ONTARIo 

Competition 

A 13-night northern ontario 

wilderness adventure Worth 

This 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 

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. 

Full terms and conditions can be found at www.ontariotravel.net/ukadventure 



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

Discover Ontario - Ontario Tourism

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