GOING THE EXTRA MILE


Ontario


Famed for Niagara Falls, Ontario is


a province full of surprises and is


an ideal touring destination, says Julie Baxter


combined and one in three Canadians call the province home. In the UK Ontario is probably best


O


known for Niagara Falls, but be sure to explain to clients there is so much more to explore in the province than the famous cataract. National Parks, wine-growing


regions and no less than 400,000 lakes, offering every type of water- based activity, mean the opportunities for those venturing beyond the towns and cities are plentiful. The gateway cities for most visitors


are Toronto or Ottawa, and from either great itineraries are easy to arrange – whether three days or three weeks. Toronto is the capital of Ontario


and Canada’s largest city, while Ottawa, the nation's capital, is also


Ontario is the perfect self-drive destination; cycling in one of the province's many national parks; Niagara Falls on the Maid of the Mist


14 SPRING 2012 • SELLING CANADA


ntario is one of Canada’s largest provinces. It is the size of France and Spain


located in the province. Vibrant and dynamic, both cities


make a good starting or finishing point for a tour. Toronto is a dynamic and fast-growing city with a great buzz and a lively multicultural scene. Described as the 'New York of Canada,' one of its main attractions is its range of shops but there is also a plethora of museums and galleries, the CN Tower and quirky neighbourhoods including six Chinatowns, Little India and the largest Greek neighbourhood in North America. Ottawa has a more traditional and historic feel and is set on the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which weaves through the heart of the city and offers year-round activities from boating to cycling in summer and ice skating in winter. Famous national landmarks and historic sites are plentiful and heritage experiences also abound (see Ottawa profile, page 18). The town of Niagara Falls also ranks among the top stops for tourists, who


visit for the falls, Maid of the Mist cruises and the scenic Skylon Tower. The city is perhaps unique in being able to offer visitors the most sophisticated of tourism infrastructures right alongside the spectacular natural phenomenon of the falls. It has a well-developed tourism scene, complete with museums, fun family attractions and a thriving nightlife. But the most important thing when selling the province is to remember that Ontario is really all about the Great Canadian Outdoors. In fact, no trip to the province is


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