Explore Ontario Canada

Explore Ontario

What is the best time to travel to Ontario

The best time to travel to Ontario depends on your preferences and what you want to do while you’re there. Here are some factors to consider:

Weather: Ontario has a varied climate, with hot summers and cold winters. If you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and water sports, then summer (June-August) may be the best time to visit. If you’re interested in winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, then the winter months (December-March) may be a better choice.

Festivals and events: Ontario has several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Toronto International Film Festival in September and the Winterlude Festival in Ottawa in February. If you’re interested in attending one of these events, then plan your trip accordingly.

Crowds: Summer is the peak tourist season in Ontario, which means that popular destinations like Niagara Falls and Toronto can be crowded. If you prefer to avoid crowds, then consider traveling during the shoulder season (May-June or September-October).

Budget: The cost of travel and accommodations can vary depending on the time of year. If you’re traveling on a budget, then consider visiting during the off-season when prices may be lower.

How to get to Ontario

Ontario is a large province in Canada, and there are several ways to get there depending on your starting point. Here are some common ways to get to Ontario:

By air: Ontario has several international airports, including Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ottawa International Airport, which offer flights to and from major cities around the world. There are also several regional airports throughout the province.

By train: VIA Rail operates passenger train services that connect Ontario to other provinces in Canada and the United States. The Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor and the Toronto-Windsor corridor are two of the main routes that operate within Ontario.

By bus: Several bus companies, such as Greyhound and Megabus, offer services to and from Ontario from other parts of Canada and the United States.

By car: Ontario is easily accessible by car, as several major highways, including the 401 and the 400, run through the province. If you are driving from the United States, you can enter Ontario through several border crossings.

How to get around Ontario

Ontario is a large province, so there are several ways to get around depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some common ways to get around Ontario:

By car: If you want to explore Ontario’s cities and countryside at your own pace, renting a car is a good option. Ontario has several major highways, including the 401, which runs from Windsor to the Quebec border, and the 400, which runs from Toronto to Sudbury.

By public transit: Ontario has several public transit systems, including Toronto’s subway and streetcar system, GO Transit (which connects the Greater Toronto Area with other parts of the province), and the Ottawa Transitway. Public transit is a good option for traveling within cities.

By train: VIA Rail operates several passenger train routes within Ontario, including the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor and the Toronto-Windsor corridor. Train travel is a good option for traveling between cities.

By bus: Greyhound and other bus companies operate several bus routes within Ontario, as well as between Ontario and other parts of Canada and the United States.

By plane: If you need to travel long distances within Ontario, or to other parts of Canada, flying is a good option. Ontario has several international airports, including Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ottawa International Airport.

National Airports

Ontario is a large province in Canada with many airports, both international and regional. Here are some of the major airports in Ontario:

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): Toronto Pearson is the largest and busiest airport in Canada, serving millions of passengers each year. It’s located in Mississauga, just west of Toronto, and offers flights to destinations all over the world.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ): Located on Toronto Island, Billy Bishop Airport is a smaller airport that primarily serves regional flights. It’s known for its scenic location and convenient access to downtown Toronto.

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW): Ottawa’s main airport is located south of the city and offers flights to destinations across Canada and the United States.

Hamilton International Airport (YHM): Located in Hamilton, just west of Toronto, Hamilton Airport is a regional airport that serves several airlines and offers flights to destinations across Canada and the United States.

London International Airport (YXU): London International Airport is located in London, Ontario and offers flights to several Canadian and US destinations.

Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT): Thunder Bay International Airport is located in Thunder Bay, in northwestern Ontario, and offers flights to several Canadian and US destinations.

Windsor International Airport (YQG): Located in Windsor, in southwestern Ontario, Windsor International Airport offers flights to several Canadian and US destinations.

Trains in Ontario

Ontario has several passenger train services that offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel within the province and beyond. Here are some of the main passenger train services in Ontario:

VIA Rail: VIA Rail is Canada’s national passenger rail service, and offers several routes within Ontario, including the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor, the Toronto-Windsor corridor, and the Sudbury-White River route. VIA Rail also offers long-distance train services that connect Ontario to other provinces, such as the Canadian, which travels from Toronto to Vancouver.

GO Transit: GO Transit is a commuter rail service that operates in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions. It offers train services to several destinations in Ontario, including Hamilton, Niagara Falls, and Barrie.

The Ontario Northland: The Ontario Northland offers passenger train services to several destinations in northeastern Ontario, including Cochrane, Hearst, and Moosonee. Its most famous service is the Polar Bear Express, which travels from Cochrane to Moosonee and is a popular tourist attraction.

Buses in Ontario

Ontario has an extensive bus network that provides affordable and convenient transportation throughout the province. Here are some of the main bus companies that operate in Ontario:

Greyhound: Greyhound is a long-distance bus company that operates throughout Canada and the United States. In Ontario, Greyhound offers services to several cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Kingston.

Megabus: Megabus is a budget bus company that offers services in Canada and the United States. In Ontario, Megabus operates services to several cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Kingston, and London.

Coach Canada: Coach Canada is a bus company that operates in Ontario and Quebec, and offers services to several destinations in Ontario, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Kingston.

Ontario Northland: The Ontario Northland operates a bus service that connects several communities in northeastern Ontario, including Sudbury, North Bay, and Timmins.

GO Transit: GO Transit also operates bus services in addition to its train services. Its bus services provide connections to several destinations in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions.

Accommodations in Ontario

Ontario offers a variety of accommodations for travelers, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Here are some options to consider:

Hotels and motels: Ontario has a wide range of hotels and motels, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Popular hotel chains include Hilton, Marriott, and Best Western. Motel chains such as Motel 6 and Super 8 are also available.

Bed and breakfasts: Ontario has many charming bed and breakfasts, particularly in the countryside and smaller towns. These accommodations offer a more personal experience and often include breakfast.

Vacation rentals: If you’re looking for more space or privacy, vacation rentals such as cabins, cottages, and apartments are a good option. Websites such as Airbnb and VRBO offer a wide selection of vacation rentals in Ontario.

Campgrounds: Ontario has many campgrounds for travelers who enjoy the outdoors. Ontario Parks operates several campgrounds in the province, including Algonquin Provincial Park, which is one of the most popular parks in Canada.

Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, hostels are a good option. Hostelling International operates several hostels in Ontario, including in Toronto, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls.