10 Popular Getaways in the United States & Canada: Adventures in Your Own Backyard
Mar 30, 2022 · By Vacations By Rail
Our thoughtfully planned getaways include everything you need for a North American adventure to remember.
Read moreBounded by the Hudson Bay to the north and the Great Lakes to the south, Ontario is poised in a prime position right in the heart of Canada's interior. This fascinating province is a juxtaposition of landscapes, offering over 250,000 lakes, boundless forests, prolific countryside, and impressive mountain ranges alongside diverse cities that house over 40 percent of Canada's population. Things to do in Ontario are perhaps just as varied as its terrain and include options for those that enjoy the amenities of city life and travelers that appreciate the laid-back ambiance of nature.
Ontario tour packages often focus on the southeastern portion of the state where Toronto and Ottawa shine. In Toronto, attractions like the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum adjoin a dynamic culinary scene. Niagara Falls - one of the seven wonders of the world - is located just outside the city. Whether on a guided Niagara Falls tour or exploring independently, travelers who visit this show-stopping destination enjoy a full range of moments to remember, including a trip on the Hornblower that takes them so close, they can feel the mist on their faces. Outside the falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is renowned for its small-town splendor, and the surrounding Niagara region is beloved for its wine production. Train tours from Toronto may also feature a trip on VIA Rail's Corridor Service to connect Toronto with cities to the north, like the nation's capital, Ottawa. The stunning buildings of Parliament Hill draw visitors from near and far, and there are wonderful festivals in nearly every season. UNESCO World Heritage-protected Rideau Canal is another notable attraction with year-round appeal as a tranquil retreat from the city's noise in summer and a huge ice-skating rink in winter. Ontario tourism regions extend further north into the more remote stretches of the province. Deep in Ontario's center, Algonquin Provincial Park is astounding with its pristine maple forests, beautiful lakes, and a wide variety of wildlife, including bears and moose. Huntsville, home to the alluring Deerhurst Resort, is also popular among travelers. Deerhurst is the oldest of its kind in the region and includes all the activities visitors could desire from a high-end traditional resort property. At the very top of the state, where Ontario adjoins the Hudson Bay, the landscape becomes even more untamed, and polar bears can be spotted waiting for the ice to freeze over on the bay. Whether focusing on the natural side of the province or exploring the urban offerings, an Ontario tour opens up a world of possibilities.