A Long Weekend in Ontario, Canada...

Ian Le-Fevre on 03 September 2021
I love Canada and feel particularly at home on the east coast. Ontario has so much to offer, from the wonders of the Canadian wilderness to the cosmopolitan cities of Toronto and Ottawa. Let me share how to enjoy the best of both worlds incorporating city attractions and natural gems into a long weekend.

Day 1-2: Toronto city highlights Day 1: Start your visit with a trip to the top of the iconic CN Tower for a dazzling view of Canada’s largest city before heading to an interactive attraction like the Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Science Centre or Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Catch perfect views of the skyline from a harbour cruise or ride the short ferry to car-free Toronto Islands, a chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario. Spend the afternoon exploring by bike. Immerse yourself in Toronto’s multicultural mix by strolling around Greektown or Chinatown, grabbing dinner from one of the restaurants, bistros and pubs - or choose a culinary tour in Kensington Market neighbourhood.

Day 2: Shopaholics should head to the landmark Toronto Eaton Centre, and the stylish Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Couture reigns in Yorkville, while unique boutiques and galleries can be found in the Victorian-era Distillery Historic District. Spend the evening enjoying the bright lights of ballet, opera, theatre and live music performances or get in the game at a professional sporting event. Time a visit around a year-round lineup of festivals, including the star-studded Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) or Luminato, a 10-day arts celebration, to experience the city at its best.

Day 3-4: Outdoor adventure Day 3: Drive two and a half hours out of Toronto to discover the sparkling lakes, granite shores and charming towns of picturesque Cottage Country, Muskoka. Highlights include a cruise in a vintage steam-driven vessel, a dip or paddle into blue waters or simply relax by the lake. The nearby world-famous Algonquin Provincial Park is a must. With hundreds of lakes, the park is ideal for beginner or expert canoeists. There’s also an abundance of hiking trails, with the chance to spot wildlife that ranges from hawks and great blue herons to moose, beaver and deer. Visit in the fall to see the forest ablaze with colour. Thanks to limited light pollution, Algonquin Provincial Park is the perfect place for a spot of stargazing. Once the sun goes down, visitors get a clear view of the stars and planets in the Ontario sky.

Day 4: South of Algonquin, discover the sustainable experiences offered at Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, from an evening wolf howl experience to an astronomy tour to ‘bikejoring’ - the act of being pulled by a Siberian husky through the forest, whilst riding a bike! Finish on a high by heading to OWL Rafting to try white-water rafting along the Ottawa River. The rapids are great fun for all levels of experience and make for a great family bonding exercise.

Departing 09 June 2022 Flying from Manchester Direct 3-Nights 4* Toronto hotel with breakfast 1-Night 4* Eagle Lake hotel, Lake View Room 5-days Car Hire (Intermediate) From £995 per person (based on 2 sharing)

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