Destinations in Ontario

Fast Facts

Population: 12,851,821

Size: 1,076,395 sq. km. (415,598 sq. mil.)

Capital City: Toronto

Time Zone(s): Eastern/Central DST

Minimum Age for Unrestricted Driver’s License: 16 years, 8 months

In Ontario motorists proudly display the phrase “Yours to Discover” on their license plates. Incredibly vast and diverse, Canada’s second largest province truly offers something for everyone. Ontario stretches over one million square kilometers, and the diversity of landscapes will make your adventures one-of-a-kind.

An eastern-central province, Ontario is bordered by Manitoba and Québec. To the north lies a largely untouched landscape of forests and lakes, while the most heavily populated areas around Toronto and Ottawa are located in the southern region of the province.

“Ontario” is thought to have originated from the Native Iroquoian word "Kanadario,” which means “beautiful waters.” With more than 250,000 lakes and thousands of kilometres of rivers and streams, the province is home to a quarter of the world’s freshwater sources.

More than brochures and websites, the natural beauty of Ontario comes to life in popular tourist destinations like Algonquin Provincial Park, Pukaskwa National Park, and Niagara Falls.

The major urban centres of Ontario show the true ethnic diversity of the province. As one of the largest cities in the world, Toronto is home to over 80 different ethnic groups. With an exciting night-life, thriving music scene, and professional sports teams the city offers non-stop action. The Royal Ontario Museum, which displays world-renowned art, history and science collections, continues to make Toronto a hub for world-class culture.

In Ottawa, the Canadian Capital, tourists get a chance to visit some of the province’s most historically significant buildings. Home to Parliament Hill and the Prime Minister of Canada, Ottawa is a major stage for the Canadian political system.

Be awed by one of the wonders of the world – Niagara Falls. Also discover the charming towns and villages and answer the call of the wild in a vast, unspoiled land of forests, lakes and rivers.

Today, ongoing waves of immigration continue to shape Ontario’s culture, allowing the province’s cities to represent the world with their rich ethnic variety.

Find top Destinations in Ontario