Explore Ontario with the experts
Bigger than France and Spain combined, Ontario is a Canadian province where you can be in cosmopolitan Toronto one minute before diving into its vast wildernesses the next – the experts at Canadian Affair are here to help you make the most of its wonders on a fly-drive adventure.
A city may not be the most obvious place to start the road trip of a lifetime but Toronto is not just any city.
Take a short flight from London and you will soon be basking in the cosmopolitan energy of Toronto’s world-famous attractions, museums and restaurants.
Let the city lights lead you to the open road which will take you to see majestic white waters cascading down waterfalls, blue lakes sparkling under the sun and chocolate box villages sitting pretty across Ontario’s thrilling landscape.
Canadian Affair is your award-winning local team, who’s flown over one million passengers to Canada for more than 25 years. Let Canadian Affair plan every detail of your multi-day, fly-drive itinerary; car hire, accommodation, food and experiences. Your tailor-made holiday will be ready for you to experience from the moment you arrive.
How to spend three days in Toronto
Day One
Enjoy the culinary delights of Toronto
Toronto is truly a haven for foodies, from MICHELIN-rated restaurants to the endless small cafés and hole-in-the-wall spots, your mouth is sure to be watering.
As an easily walkable city, exploring on foot will take you to artisan coffee shops and independent bakeries at every corner.
For the ultimate foodie experience, head to St. Lawrence Market. Arrive early and follow the aroma of hot-out-of-the-oven bread with freshly-brewed coffee at the bakeries. St. Lawrence Market is the best place to try Toronto’s signature dish: peameal bacon. This cured and trimmed bacon, traditionally rolled in ground yellow peas but commonly rolled in cornmeal, is eaten in a slightly sweet bread known as a country roll. No one should leave the city without trying one.
In addition to the city’s iconic sandwich, the Market is a celebration of Toronto’s diverse and rich cuisine. Work up an appetite as you walk around and enjoy lunch at an oyster bar, where you'll sample fresh oysters or smoked salmon while learning about the history of St. Lawrence Market from vendors who have traded there for over half a century.
End your first day at the Entertainment District. Take in a musical, play or theatre production performed at the Ed Mirvish Theatre or the Royal Alexandra Theatre in this lively part of town. With restaurants and bars open for a late supper or post-theatre drinks, the area is a great way to experience the magic of Toronto after dark.
Alternatively, treat yourself to a movie at TIFF Bell Lightbox; the home of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Regular exhibitions and special screenings are held at the venue. Next, discover Canada's Walk of Fame, with over 270+ Inductees. The permanent sidewalk Stars are located at King and John Streets in Toronto's Entertainment District.
Day Two
See the signature sights
The best way to kick off your second morning in Toronto is with a harbour tour, which lets you enjoy the scenic Toronto skyline, and gives you an up-close look at the leafy Toronto Islands and waterfront. The trained guides will teach you all about the history of Toronto's iconic skyline.
An alternative way to take in the skyline and visit the Toronto Islands is by taking a Public Ferry - the 13-minute trip operates from the Toronto Ferry docks and will carry you across to the 15 inter-connected islands. Toronto Island is a vast and tranquil park made up of quiet green spaces ideal for picnics (a peameal bacon sandwich from St. Lawrence Market would be perfect for this), where birds and other wildlife share pebbled beaches and streams with people. Benches around the Island boardwalk are the perfect place for people watching or taking in the scenery or, if you get itchy feet, try one of the many water sports you can do here like sailing and stand-up paddleboarding.
Spend the afternoon getting up close and personal with Toronto by touring downtown. The iconic CN Tower is arguably the most striking amongst the famous buildings. From the top, enjoy panoramic views of the city, where on a clear day, you will see as far as Niagara Falls and New York State.
For the more adventurous, you can scale to the top of the CN Tower with EdgeWalk, the the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk and the first of its kind in North America. Within the tower, a main observation deck, restaurant, and a glass floor level offer a great experience for all the family.
Day Three
Enjoy arts, culture and shopping
Hop on a segway to explore the historic Distillery District. This collection of Victorian industrial buildings were transformed to become one of Toronto’s major arts and culture destinations.
The car-free area is a combination of spaces used by artists, artisans and entrepreneurs. Upmarket jewellery stores, vintage boutiques and independent clothing brands here offer an alternative and more personal shopping experience. Chocolatiers and skincare are also available. Be sure to visit the micro breweries and enjoy craft beer and great food.
In the walkways between the buildings, a giant spider-shaped installation towers over and other symbolic sculptures represent the diversity and creativity showcased within the Distillery. Arta Gallery, Beauchamp Art Gallery and Canadian Sculpture Gallery all exhibit in the district and are joined by several other notable names. If supporting local arts and crafts is on your travel itinerary, this is a great place to do it. Several stores sell the work of Indigenous artisans and support local communities which makes the Distillery District a great place for finding unique and meaningful gifts. Enjoy the Distillery District Film Tour. From mega blockbusters to cult favourites – rediscover the Distillery District through a film lens. This walking tour brings you the highlights of Distillery District’s vast film history.
After a long day of shopping, spend the rest of the day exploring other cultural venues: Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, the Aga Khan Museum and the Bata Shoe Museum.
Wrap up your final evening in Toronto in a fitting tribute to your time in the city. Enjoy a rooftop dinner and ice cold cocktails at a restaurant overlooking Toronto while watching the sunset over the city.
Beyond Toronto
Your fun-packed three nights in Toronto are only the beginning of the adventure; beyond the city, the rest of Ontario waits to welcome you. Canadian Affair’s fly-drive itinerary will be elegantly curated to suit your travel needs. Whether it’s attraction tickets, helicopter rides or water sports the dedicated travel team will help you discover and be awed by Ontario’s staggering wilderness.
Mountains, lakes and magnificent forests connect you from one experience to another in an itinerary that is as individual as you. From Niagara Falls and the Blue Mountains to Tobermory and Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario will surprise you at every step.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital is a perfect blend of English and French cultures, and features impressive Parliament buildings, national monuments and six national museums, including the Museum of History, which is the most visited museum in all of Canada. The city is scenically situated where the Ottawa River meets the Rideau Canal. Don’t miss the chance to take a cruise on the River.
Rent a bicycle to explore the city and surrounding areas on its 800 kilometres of trails. Enjoy restaurants and shopping in the oldest public market in the country, the Byward Market district. Ottawa is host to many festivals throughout the year, from the Tulip Festival to Blues to Canada Day on July 1 or Winterlude in January. Take in a sports game, the Ottawa Senators NHL Team or the Red Black American Football team.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, arguably Ontario’s most dramatic site and one of the greatest natural wonders of the world is just a short 90-minute drive from downtown Toronto. Drive at leisure along the Niagara Parkway to then explore the region's quaint 19th century town Niagara-on-the-Lake. With vineyards surrounding it and well-preserved buildings in the centre it is a slow travel experience to be cherished.
Take to the skies to admire the beauty of Niagara Falls. A helicopter tour above the falls is the best way to appreciate the world’s most famous waterfall. Alternatively, take a boat to the foot of the Falls, explore the Journey Behind the Falls or visit the new Power Station with the viewing platform at the end of the one kilometre tunnel.
The Blue Mountain
Only two hours from Toronto, Blue Mountain Resort offers stunning landscapes located within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee and Wendat-Wyandot-Wyandotte peoples. The Mountain terrain is 720 feet above sea level with 43 trails and 30 lit night trails. Here you'll find Blue Mountain Village, a quaint cobblestoned pedestrian village lined with vibrant bars, great restaurants and shops.
The family friendly aquatic centre is open year-round. For adults we recommend the Scandinave Spa with its hot and cold pools and incredible views of the Niagara escarpment. Or try adrenaline fuelled adventures such as zip lining and the mountain coaster, climbing or high ropes. The resort is a pedestrian village, with access to its own beach front on Georgian Bay.
Muskoka
Rocky shorelines around mature forests encapsulates this vast rugged landscape that is ripe for spotting moose, beaver and herons. Dotted around Muskoka are 1,600 lakes open to the public. Popular activities in and around the lakes include fishing with some of the best conditions in Ontario.
Visit the Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery to learn about their Cranberry operations - the popular bog to bottle tour is available year round. You can explore one of the many waterfalls in the area, or hike one of the many trails for a great view.
Huntsville
Huntsville offers a grand mix of indoor, outdoor, creative and adventurous activities. Art galleries curated by passionate local artists and artisans in Huntsville are renowned. Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is unique amongst them. This outdoor gallery has 103 murals, inspired by the landscape and local people, painted by artists along a long trail.
For a different kind of craft, head to one of Muskoka’s six different microbreweries. The latest to open in Huntsville is Canvas Brewing Co which offers 20 varieties in its taproom.
With a calendar of events and festivals throughout the year, accommodation options that range from cosy lakeside cabins to luxury resorts and dining options that vary from farmers’ markets to food trucks and cafes, Huntsville is an unforgettable and immersive experience in Ontario.
Tobermory
Home to over 20 shipwrecks, the crystal clear water of Tobermory boasts a variety of underwater experiences at Fathom Five National Marine Park, including some of the best freshwater diving opportunities in Canada. If you don't wish to get wet, you can view the wrecks from. a glass bottom boat.
In addition, Bruce Peninsula National Park is marked by steep cliffs surrounded by turquoise waters. Wetlands and the cedar trees of the forests within are home to diverse wildlife such as black bears and reptiles. Wild orchids, ferns and endemic flora and fauna add beauty to this rugged landscape.
MS Chi-Cheemaun (the big canoe) is the passenger ferry, transformed to make being on the water an experience of its own, connecting Lake Huron, Tobermory and Manitoulin Island; great for exploring Ojibwe culture and stories on Manitoulin Island.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Canada’s oldest provincial park, Algonquin is 7,600 square kilometres of outdoor space with 20 hiking trails and three bike trails. Canoe through the 1,200 kilometres of streams and over 1,500 lakes of Algonquin Provincial Park. Book a guided trip or get outfitted to embark on a self-guided trip, where companies take care of all the gear, food instructions and your camping permit. Treat yourself to a wonderful stay at one of the traditional lodges in the Park, for example, Arowhon Pines or Bartlett Lodge. Or, treat yourself to a wonderful stay at one of the traditional lodges in the Park such as Arowhon Pines and Bartlett Lodge.
Winter activities in the park include skiing, sledding and several ice hockey rinks offer access to buildings with changing facilities and canteens. Choose a clear evening and skate under the stars for an unforgettable time. (Local expertise should always be sought when skating in outdoor rinks).
Kingston
Set between Ottawa and Toronto, on Lake Ontario, the city of Kingston – also known as Limestone City – was once thought to be the capital of Upper Canada. Discover the impressive City Hall Building, browse Canada’s oldest farmers market, take a guided tour of the SS Keewatin, a Titanic era Steam Ship, freshly restored and docked at the Great Lakes Museum. Soak up Kingston’s historic sights such as Belvedere House and Fort Henry, The Royal Military School and Queens University Grounds. The many students make Kingston a vibrant place with a lively local music scene, breweries, cafés and restaurants.
Gananoque and the 1000 Islands
These islands nestled in the St Lawrence River feature endless adventures as well as two UNESCO sites, castles, shipwrecks and national parks.
Hop on a cruise through the 1000 Islands from Kingston, Rockport or Gananoque or take a helicopter ride from Gananoque to view this incredible landscape. Visit in the autumn (mid Sep to mid Oct) to take in the fiery colours of the leaves.
Head onto the river in a sea kayak to hop between the islands, camping in national parks along the way. Or seek out the village of Stella on the island of Amherst to make the most of the birdwatching. Don’t leave without a visit to the duo of UNESCO Sites: the Rideau Canal and the Frontenac Arch Biosphere. And then there is the incredible history which can be soaked up at the likes of Heart Island’s Bold Castle and Dark Island’s Singer Castle.
Northern Ontario
Roads wind through the ancient forests of Northern Ontario and along the coast of Lake Superior, where the seemingly endless forests change colour seasonally. It is little wonder that travellers from around the world arrive here in the autumn to see alluring yellows, burnt oranges and vibrant reds. These contrast against the deep green pines for miles along the way as the road snakes around this vast and unspoilt wilderness. Hire a motorhome and explore at your own pace to discover parks, forests, lakes and small towns where you can get a taste of local life.
This wilderness is also great for hiking – find rocky cliffs, waterfalls, expansive bays and townships where locals welcome you to rest. With only 6% of Ontario's population living in this region which makes up over 80% of the landmass, you can expect truly pristine wilderness and unspoilt landscapes.
With so much nature on offer, it’s hard to know where to begin but the parks make for a good start. Killarney Provincial Park boasts more than 50 sparkling lakes set between the undulating La Cloche Mountains. Stay at the Killarney Mountain Lodge, or go camping in the park. Make sure you visit Sault Saint Marie, and take the scenic drive along Lake Superior to Thunder Bay.
In Thunder Bay, hiking the Top of the Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is worth it for the views over Lake Superior. You can take a Zodiac boat from the harbour across the lake to the trail head for an exhilarating start to the walk. Nearby Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park features the second highest waterfall in Ontario at 40m high which you can see from all angles by following the park’s trails. Quetico Provincial Park is catnip for canoeing, with over 2,000 lakes to explore. You can join Naturally Superior Adventures in Wawa, on a guided kayaking trip across the largest freshwater inland sea in the world – Lake Superior.
Feeling inspired?
For more information and to start planning your fly-drive adventure to Ontario, get in touch with Canadian Affair today.
Email enquiries@canadianaffair.com, call 0203 424 9799 or explore their website below.
