5 ways to experience Canada's Ontario
New Delhi: Canada's most populous province, Ontario is home to nearly 40 percent of all Canadians. It is diverse and vibrant from the multicultural metropolis of Toronto, Canada's biggest city, to the First Nations villages on the Hudson Bay shores to the north.
Ottawa, Canada's national and cultural capital, is 450 kilometres off Toronto. Niagara, with its iconic falls and also the country's biggest wine-growing region, lies south of the city.
There are charming towns, historic settlements, a beautiful chance for cruising amid Saint Lawrence River's Thousand Islands, as well as vast wilderness in national and provincial parks like the much-loved Algonquin.
Ontario celebrates its diversity year-round, from the Stratford Shakespeare Festival to the Toronto International Film Festival and RBC Ottawa Bluesfest.
- CN Tower EdgeWalk: Aunique,sky-high adrenaline rush
One of Canada's greatest landmarks and one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the CN Tower has come to define Toronto's skyline. At 1815 feet high, the tower is home to quality dining and adventure activities. Take an elevator up to the revolving 360 Restaurant for world-class dining. Feeling a bit adventurous? Walk across the glass floor, only 2.5 inches thick, 113 storeys above the ground. Want an even bigger thrill? Travel another 33 storeys to the SkyPod lookout. Still not daring enough? Strap on a harness, head outside, and walk along the building's edge with nothing but air between you and the ground. EdgeWalk experience is notfor the faint-hearted. This adrenaline-inducing activity is the world's highest hands-free walk.
- Niagara Falls and the wine region of Niagara
Niagara is one of Canada's most popular tourist destinations for a world of reasons. Niagara Falls, at a majestic 13 storeys, is the world's second biggest waterfall with six million cubic feet of water cascading over its brink every minute. With theme parks, water parks, wax museums, a jetboat tour, the floral clock and more, Niagara Falls is always rocking. But, it's easy to change the pace and enjoy the peace by sipping your way through award-winning wine country and visiting some of Canada's most significant historical sites such as Queenston Heights and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara offers an enormous range of attractions, both natural and man-made.
Niagara Falls offer you a plethora of things to explore. You can don a rain poncho and go on a 'Journey Behind the Falls' or seek some thrillon a heli-tour of spectacular Niagara Falls. You are advised to head out to Hornblower Niagara Cruises to feel the exhilaration of getting close to one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
- National Gallery of Canada
Located just steps from Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa, the National Gallery of Canada, a spectacular architectural landmark, is the country's showcase of visual arts. Created in 1880, the National Gallery is one of Canada's oldest national cultural institutions and offers both a permanent collection as well as special exhibitions in a building designed by famed architect Moshe Safdie.The works of renowned Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson, Emily Carr, Alex Colville, David Milne, Alfred Pellan, Elizabeth Wyn Wood, and Jean-Paul Riopelle grace the walls and halls.
- 1000 Islands - An unmatched retreat
The 1000 Islands area in eastern Ontario is one of great splendour. Explore the exquisite beauty of the mighty Saint Lawrence River on a cruise that winds past tree-clad isles, palatial waterfront homes and quaint island cottages. Sightseeing boat tours of various lengths are offered from several communities; choose from a one-hour cruise or longer lunch or dinner cruise.
Explore the palaces and palisades of 1000 Islands with Rockport Cruises. On your one-hour cruise, absorb yourself in the history and culture of the area, including a visit to Millionaire's Row, home to both Boldt Castle and Casablanca.
Skywood is Ontario's largest aerial adventure and zip line park set in the midst of UNESCO designated Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. Set in the scenic 1000 Islands, Skywood offers outdoor enthusiasts a wide range of experiences such as zip lines, canopy tours, aerial games and more.
- Inniskillin Winery - Extreme Canadian icewine
Discover the secrets of icewine with Inniskillin's Extreme Canadian Icewine Experience that is designed to tantalize your taste buds and awaken the wine connoisseur within you. Learn Inniskillin's secret behind producing award-winning icewine as you indulge your curiosity and your palate with this truly unique wine adventure.
In the underground cellar, where historic icewines age, you'll be treated to a private, structured wine tasting. A comparative tasting of their Riesling and Oak Vidal icewines, using a Riedel Vinum Extreme Icewine Glass, will transform your understanding of how the shape of a glass distinctly affects the aroma and taste of the wine. It's a truly rustic experience that relates to Inniskillin's historical roots.
When it comes to culture, cuisine and sophistication, Ontario is the go-to place in Canada. The province is global, progressive and urbane. It is a blazing metropolis, overflowing with multicultural arts, entertainment and countless ethnic dining experiences.