Bounded 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.
(43 reviews)
Eastern Canada's provinces draw the eye and capture the soul with their bountiful allures. Some of its best elements lie ahead as you explore the land and the sea - French Canada's cities and the dramatic coastlines of Maritime Nova Scotia. Spend time sightseeing and tasting your way through Montreal and Quebec City before venturing to the scenic...
A spectacular overland adventure showcases the beautiful and varied landscapes for which the world's second largest country is famed. Starting in characterful Vancouver, we explore the majestic west coast's jaw-dropping Rocky Mountains, rushing rivers, glacial lakes, and pristine forests before boarding the iconic Canadian train for a three-night...
(58 reviews)
Discover the romance of rail travel on this unforgettable 12-day journey from Vancouver to Toronto, featuring two iconic train experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Begin your adventure aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer, where you'll travel through the majestic Canadian Rockies in all-daylight comfort, soaking in stunning views of towering...
A magnificent small-group tour across the remarkable landscapes of Canada. This vacation features stays in the country's grandest hotels and is connected by spectacular journeys with private cabins on VIA Rail's Ocean and Canadian, and the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer. From Quebec City's world-famous Le Château Frontenac and on to Toronto, Jasper...
(18 reviews)Let the rails guide your adventure on this 17-day coast-to-coast Canadian tour. The journey begins in Vancouver, where you board the Rocky Mountaineer for a scenic ride into the Rockies. Soak in all the beauty of Banff and Jasper National Parks and Lake Louise before boarding VIA Rail's Canadian for a three-day rail journey to Toronto. After time...
(39 reviews)A marriage of classic travel options, this perfectly planned rail and cruise voyage presents the highlights of the United States and Canada's Eastern Seaboards. Each port of call infuses your travels with sightseeing opportunities and elements of cultural heritage unique to the region through which you are traveling. Join the ship in Boston, MA,...
(34 reviews)Begin this tour of Canada's heartland as you depart Toronto for a daylong trip to the majestic Niagara Falls. Try to stay dry as you enjoy the views of thundering waterfalls before returning to Toronto to explore the thriving nightlife of this diverse city. Start the train portion of your journey as you embark on VIA Rail's first-class...
(14 reviews)Delve into the remarkable landscapes of Canada on world-famous trains. Our exploration begins with a guided tour of beautiful Vancouver on the Pacific coast before we enjoy two daytime trips on the amazing Rocky Mountaineer to the astonishing Canadian Rockies. Based in Banff and Jasper, we admire the awe-inspiring Lake Louise and the Athabasca...
(12 reviews)Experience a contemporary take on old-school luxury travel. On this transcontinental rail trip from Vancouver to Toronto, you'll enjoy the elegance and comfort of VIA Rail's Prestige Class. From the sleek leather sofa in your roomy cabin, you can put your feet up and take in the beautiful views of the Canadian wilderness. VIA Rail's Prestige...
(29 reviews)An exciting train journey across the country connects two of Canada's most popular cities to create one fantastic vacation. Enjoy all the pleasures of train travel as the Canadian takes you from Vancouver through an ever-changing landscape east to Montreal. You'll have amazing views of vast prairies, calm lakes, and snow-capped mountains. Kick...
(14 reviews)Two cosmopolitan cities, breathtaking landscapes sprawled across five provinces, a veritable wildlife sanctuary within a renowned National Park, and sleek train travel in comfortable first-class accommodations. These are the highlights of your 10-day rail vacation across Canada. Your tour includes a full day of sightseeing in Jasper, first-class...
May 13, 2025 · By Co-Founder Todd Powell
This iconic overnight journey offers scenery, serenity, and a sense of timeless adventure — Bookended by a vibrant coastal city and a mountain town nestled in one of the world’s most beautiful national parks.
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May 07, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Find your ideal adventure by discovering the best places to visit in Canada in the fall, from cultural cities with fewer tourists to the stunning Canadian Rockies.
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May 06, 2025 · By Vacations By Rail
Spend the remaining months of the year ticking off your travel bucket list while traveling to top last-minute destinations for 2025 from the U.S. to Europe.
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Jun 06, 2023 · By Vacations By Rail
Find inspiration for your bucket list in this selection of travel destinations for 2024 that spans throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond.
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