The cities

TORONTO
With more than 5,000 restaurants, theatres, museums and galleries by the dozen, Toronto, the largest of Canada's cities, has everything needed for your enjoyment. Amid all the soaring glass towers and grand old buildings is a city that beckons to be strolled, seen and savoured. Follow the sandy shore of Lake Ontario to the area called The Beaches and amble along the boardwalk. Board the ferry at the downtown docks for a 10-minute ride to the Toronto Islands. Don’t leave Toronto without a visit to High Park, Allan Gardens and Edward Gardens, to name but a few of the city’s horticultural gems. And head to nearby Brampton, filled with wonderful parks and gardens.

Toronto is alive with museums and art galleries, visit the Art Gallery of Ontario that houses over 20,000 works. Drop by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Head across the street to the George R. Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, the first museum of its kind in North America. For something completely different, the Bata Shoe Museum, North America’s first museum dedicated to shoes, containing 10,000 footwear artifacts, including Elvis’ blue and white patent loafers.

OTTOWA
The seat of the government is here, it is a mixture of French and English, old heritage buidings and modern architecture, cosmopolitan, elegant and whimsy.
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Ottawa River, the Parliament Buildings are a site of architectural beauty, a place of historical significance, and the centre of the Government of Canada. Complete your visit with a tour of its grand chambers and hallowed halls. Intriguing artifacts detail the history of Parliament Hill. In the 'Footsteps of Great Canadians' outdoor guided tour leads visitors to statues of Canada’s former prime ministers, revealing the national significance of their actions.

MUSEUMS The Ottawa Region is a treasure trove of museums and the largest of them all is the Canadian Museum of Civilization. In this building is the Grand Hall that houses the most impressive collection of totem poles in the world. In the Canada Hall, steep yourself in a thousand years of our country’s history in a series of walk-through settings. And visit the Canadian Children’s Museum and the Canadian Postal Museum. Get a taste of country living at the Agricultural Museum and Central Experimental Farm. Touch down at the National Aviation Museum for a look at one of the world’s finest collections of vintage and modern aircraft, including the Avro Arrow. Really get into the hands-on exhibits at the National Museum of Science and Technology. Visit the Canadian War Museum and see how conflict has shaped and defined Canada from our birth as a nation to our modern peacekeeping efforts. Drop by the Royal Canadian Mint to see commemorative coins and medals. Trace the evolution of our natural world at the Canadian Museum of Nature with everything from dinosaurs to modern-day beasts. Delve into the past through books, paintings, engravings, photographs, audio recordings, films and historic documents at the National Archives of Canada. Admire inspired photographs at the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, housed in a reconstructed train tunnel. And do stop by the RCMP Musical Ride Centre, almost more of an institution than a museum, and watch the most famous trained horses in Canada prance through their paces.

The Rideau Canal winds its way magnificently through Ottawa and is a focal point in Canada’s capital. Meander along its historic banks on a romantic evening stroll. Drop by Dows Lake Pavilion, a year-round recreational centre on the Rideau where you can rent bicycles, in-line skates, paddle boats, canoes and kayaks. Come in winter and try carving some figure-eights when the Canal becomes the world’s longest skating rink. In May, Canada’s Capital Region is awash in brilliant colour as 3 million tulips bloom at the Canadian Tulip Festival. Head to the Ottawa Greenbelt for a spot of biking, hiking, or in-line skating. Considered a phenomenon of urban planning, this glorious stretch of natural and urban land bordering the city boasts the longest network of connected paths in North America.

Smaller Cities

KITCHENER/WATERLOO
hosts the world's largest Oktoberfest outside Germany. While driving around the area, don't be surprised if you share the road with a Mennonite family in their horse-drawn buggy.

NIAGARA FALLS
which boasts one of the world's greatest natural wonders, is also home to scenic gardens, historical sites, unique museums and family-oriented attractions.

ST. CATHARINES
known as the Garden City of Canada, is located on the famous Welland Canal System and is proud of its heritage which dates back to the War of 1812. Enjoy its lush vineyards, abundant orchards, specialty shops, attractions and special events.

THUNDER BAY
is the largest freshwater port in the world. While you're here, Old Fort William, the world's biggest reconstructed fur trading post, is worth exploring.

SAULT STE. MARIE
or "The Soo," as we call it, is linked to its sister city in Michigan by an impressive bridge. Here you can board the Agawa Canyon Train for a journey through breathtaking Algoma country.

NORTH BAY
known as a four-season playground, offers you fine fishing, canoeing, camping, hiking and, in winter, snowmobiling... all only minutes from downtown.

FORT ERIE
lies at the the junction of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, and is a major port of entry from the United States. Named for its famous fort built in 1764, the city celebrates history and heritage through festivals and attractions.

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