Many Americans think of Canada’s mountains when considering a visit to their northern neighbor. That’s why British Columbia and Alberta have more than their fair share of tourist attention, often leaving one of Canada’s most dynamic provinces – Ontario – out of consideration. But those who buck the Canadian travel trends and visit Ontario quickly discover that it has many of the jewels in Canada’s crown.
Ontario hotels can be found for every budget, even in its major cities – Toronto and Ottawa. Whether you view hotels as simply a place to lay your head between activities or as part of the destination itself, you’ll find an option that’s just right for you.
In Toronto, you’ll even have the option to stay where Ernest Hemingway once did when he was writing for the Toronto Star (the hotel is now the Clarion Hotel & Suites Selby). But even if you don’t lay your head where “Papa” once did, you’ll be able to find a place that keeps you close to Toronto’s incredible array of sights. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:
* Art Gallery of Ontario: An extensive museum that will knock your socks off with its wide-ranging collections and probably leave you rubbing your feet – a visit can easily be an all-day affair.
* Black Creek Pioneer Village: This is a great place to take the family. Adults and kids alike are fascinated by this living museum that recreates life in rural Ontario in the 19th century.
* CN Tower: This is the city’s trademark skyline feature and is not for those with a fear of heights, unless they stay firmly on the ground. Braver souls can ride the elevators all 553.3 meters up the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere to take in the vertigo-inducing view.
Ontario hotels outside of the city offer equally great value and also bring the majesty of nature and Canada’s indigenous cultures into the mix. You can head to the diverse islands within the province, from the picturesque Thousand Islands to Manitoulin Island, a rich center of First Nations culture.
One of the classic sites of North American travel is also easily accessible in Ontario: Niagara Falls. There’s no getting around the fact that it’s a popular and often crowded destination, but the awe that the falls inspire will make you forget about the throngs around you. Appropriately, there are many hotels here, and you can find everything from the bare bones and basic to grand Victorian affairs that evoke the heyday of Niagara’s reign as the go-to honeymoon destination of two entire countries (and some of the rest of the world).
Planning your trip is as easy as opening up your Web browser. Sites like Travelocity.com make it easy to save as much as possible by combining cheap hotels with low airfares (and even rental cars) in cost-saving vacation packages. You can also search the Internet to find out which parts of Ontario offer the right mix of activities to keep everyone in your travel group happy.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
