Page 61 - 2023-2024 Travel Guide to Canada

shops. Linger over dinner at a table overlooking
a waterfall, lake or canal, then unwind in a
quaint B&B. Ontario’s many small towns and
cities are havens of relaxation.
Take in a play or build a sandcastle on the
beach in Grand Bend (www.grandbend.com).
Explore charming shops in Niagara-on-the-
Lake (www.niagaraonthelake.com), enjoy a
spa day in Grafton (www.steannes.com) or
unwind at one of Almonte’s many festivals
(www.lanarkcountytourism.com). And
delve into Ontario’s intriguing history at
sites like the Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War
Museum in Carp (www.diefenbunker.ca),
the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in
Mount Hope (www.warplane.com) and the
Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage
Village in Kingsville.
ENJOY WATERFRONT VIEWS
When Ontarians say “cottage country,” they
generally mean any of a number of rural
regions dotted with clear lakes perfect for
canoeing, kayaking, swimming, waterskiing . . .
or just admiring from the shore while
ensconced in a comfortable hammock. Bring
your camera and binoculars, as you may well
spot deer, loons or coyotes. Popular cottage
areas include Muskoka (www.discover
muskoka.ca), Peterborough and the
Kawarthas (www.thekawarthas.ca) and
Ontario’s Highlands (www.comewander.ca).
Pamper yourself with a restful weekend at one
of Ontario’s summer resorts (www.resorts
ofontario.com).
WHAT’S NEW?
In Niagara Falls, descend 180 ft. in a glass-
paneled elevator beneath the historic
Niagara Parks Power Station to explore the
2,200-foot-long tunnel leading to an
observation deck at the river’s edge, with
immersive exhibits, restored artefacts and
interactive storytelling.
A peak-to-peak zip-line adventure is
opening at Camp Fortune in Gatineau Park
near Ottawa. Take a chairlift to the start of a
three zip-line route, 4,478 ft. long. The full
course takes 1.5 hours and has a dual track
to race a friend. End the adventure with a
50-foot free fall jump or take the stairs down.
After pandemic closures and renovations, the
patio restaurant Tavern on the Hill, in Ottawa, is
reopening this summer as is the Saintlo Jail
Hostel. Spend the night sleeping in these
unique accommodations—converted jail cells.
Vettä Nordic Spa, located in Horseshoe
Valley, opened last year. Surrounded by
nature, feel recharged as you move through
an authentic Finnish hydrotherapy cycle of
heat, cold and relaxation. Amenities include
a Finnish-inspired restaurant and in-spa
bistro (www.vettaspa.com).
The first Toronto outpost of Montreal’s
sister-owned gourmet salad chain, Mandy’s,
on Ossington Avenue, has a cult following
(www.mandys.ca).
CITY LIGHTS
Toronto is a magnet for cosmopolitan
travellers. Browse for merchandise in
flagship international stores along Bloor
Street and luxurious shops in Yorkville
(www.bloor-yorkville.com), or unique
boutiques and galleries in the restored
Victorian-era buildings of the Distillery
District (www.thedistillerydistrict.com).
Teeter 116 storeys above the city on the CN
Tower’s EdgeWalk. Relax on the shores of
Lake Ontario at Harbourfront Centre
(www.harbourfrontcentre.com), or on the
green parkland of the islands across the city
harbour (www.torontoisland.com).
Luxurious hotels, noted restaurants, and
professional baseball, hockey, basketball,
football and soccer—Toronto has it all.
In Ottawa, the first stop for many is
Parliament Hill. The Centre Block is closed
for extensive renovations, but tours of the
temporary homes of the House of Commons
and the Senate—in the West Block and the
Government Conference Centre, respec-
tively—are available (visit.parl.ca). The Hill
overlooks the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World
Heritage site that draws cyclists, boaters and
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE • SHUTTERSTOCK/ESKYSTUDIO
ON
59
Special Events
FEBRUARY
• WINTERLUDE, OTTAWA
MAY
• CANADIAN TULIP FESTIVAL, OTTAWA
• FESTIVAL OF BIRDS, POINT PELEE
NATIONAL PARK
JUNE
• LUMINATO, TORONTO
• OTTAWA JAZZ FESTIVAL
• RBC CANADIAN OPEN, TORONTO
JULY
• HONDA INDY, TORONTO
• RBC BLUESFEST, OTTAWA
AUGUST
• FERGUS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND
HIGHLAND GAMES
• SIEGE AT FORT ERIE
• TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
SEPTEMBER
• NUIT BLANCHE, TORONTO
• TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER
• KITCHENER-WATERLOO OKTOBERFEST
• PUMPKINFERNO, MORRISBURG AND
SUDBURY
NOVEMBER
• ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR,
TORONTO
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
• FIRST LIGHT AT SAINTE-MARIE AMONG
THE HURONS, MIDLAND
NOVEMBER – FEBRUARY
• WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, NIAGARA FALLS
www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca