Discover Ontario: Your Adventure Awaits

Your complete guide to exploring the wonders of Ontario, from vibrant cities to pristine wilderness.

Plan Your Perfect Itinerary

Ontario Itinerary Builder

Create your perfect Ontario trip by selecting attractions and organizing them by day

Annual Ontario Signature Events

Winter

  • Winterlude (Ottawa, February)
  • Winter Festival of Lights (Niagara Falls, Nov-Jan)
  • Icewine Festival (Niagara, January)

Spring

  • Canadian Tulip Festival (Ottawa, May)
  • Maple Syrup Festivals (Province-wide, March-April)
  • Cherry Blossom Festival (Toronto, April-May)

Summer

  • Toronto Caribbean Carnival (July-August)
  • Canadian National Exhibition (Toronto, August)
  • Ottawa Bluesfest (July)

Fall

  • Toronto International Film Festival (September)
  • Fall Colours Weekends (Algonquin, September-October)
  • Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest (October)

Essential Ontario Travel Tips

Practical advice for planning a smooth and enjoyable adventure in Ontario.

Quick Reference

  • Driving in Ontario is on the RIGHT side of the road.
  • Canada uses the metric system (km, °C, litres).
  • Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Ontario
  • Download a weather app – Ontario weather can change quickly
  • Alcohol is sold at LCBO stores, Beer Store, and some grocery stores
  • Get a PRESTO card for easy public transit payment in Toronto and other cities
  • Tipping (15-20%) is standard in restaurants and for services.
  • International visitors may need a Type A/B plug adapter.
  • Tim Hortons is Canada’s iconic coffee chain – try a ‘double-double’
  • Cannabis is legal but has strict rules – must be 19+ and use in private spaces only
  • Smoking/vaping is banned in all indoor public spaces and many outdoor areas
  • Consider a Parks Canada Discovery Pass for multiple national park visits

What Kind of Ontario Explorer Are You?

Categories

Entry Requirements

Passport, visa, and customs info for international visitors

Getting There & Around

Flights, in-province transport, driving, and public transit

Money & Costs

Currency, payments, tipping, and budgeting tips

Connectivity & Communication

Phone, internet, and power adapters

Weather & Packing

Seasonal weather and packing advice for Ontario's climate

Health & Safety

Healthcare, insurance, and general safety tips

Culture & Etiquette

Local customs, diversity, and social norms

Practical Information

Time zones, business hours, and other useful details

Must-Know Before You Go

Check Visa & eTA Requirements

International visitors should check if they need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Requirements vary by country of citizenship. Visit the official Government of Canada immigration website for the most accurate information before booking your trip.

Passport Validity

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. It's a good practice to have at least six months of validity remaining on your passport from your planned date of departure from Canada.

Major Airports

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the main gateway. Other key airports include Ottawa (YOW) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) for regional flights.

Currency (Canadian Dollar)

The currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). While some tourist areas might accept USD, the exchange rate will not be favorable. It's best to use CAD for all transactions.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Contactless 'tap' payment is very common. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid your cards being blocked for foreign transactions.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is customary for service. Standard rates are: Restaurants 15-20%, Bars $1-2 per drink, Taxis 10-15%, Hotel staff $2-5 per day/bag. The amount is calculated on the pre-tax total.

Electrical Outlets & Adapters

Canada uses Type A and B electrical outlets (120V, 60Hz). Visitors from outside North America will likely need a plug adapter. Most modern electronics are dual-voltage, but always check your device's label.

Layering is Key

Ontario's weather can be unpredictable. Packing layers (e.g., t-shirt, fleece, waterproof jacket) allows you to adapt to changing conditions, especially in spring and fall.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is crucial for international visitors. Healthcare in Canada is high-quality but can be very expensive for non-residents. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and personal belongings.

Emergency Number: 911

The universal emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance services across Canada is 911. This is a free call from any phone.

Highly Recommended

Customs & Declarations

All travellers must complete a customs declaration. Be aware of restrictions on goods like alcohol, tobacco, food, and plants. Declare any currency over CAD $10,000. The ArriveCAN app can sometimes be used to submit your declaration in advance.

Car Rentals & Driving

Driving is on the right side of the road. A valid driver's license from your home country is usually sufficient for short-term rentals, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended. Winter driving (Dec-Mar) requires caution and often snow tires.

Inter-City Travel

VIA Rail connects major cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Kingston. Bus services like Megabus and GO Transit (regional) are budget-friendly options for travel between cities and towns.

Mobile Phones & SIM Cards

International roaming can be expensive. Consider purchasing a Canadian prepaid SIM card upon arrival (available at airports and mobile stores) or an eSIM if your phone supports it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Ontario?

It depends on your nationality. Many countries are visa-exempt but may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. Always check the official Government of Canada immigration website for your specific requirements before you travel.

It depends on your interests. Summer (June-August) is best for warm weather, festivals, and lake activities. Fall (September-October) offers spectacular foliage. Winter (December-February) is ideal for winter sports. Spring (April-May) has fewer crowds and blooming nature.
Yes, you can typically use a valid driving license from your home country for short-term visits. However, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your license is highly recommended, especially if your license is not in English or French.
The legal drinking and cannabis consumption age in Ontario is 19. A valid government-issued photo ID (like a passport) is required to purchase alcohol/cannabis or enter bars.
For long distances, flying is fastest. VIA Rail offers comfortable train travel along the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal corridor. Driving provides the most flexibility for exploring. Budget-friendly bus services like Megabus also connect major centres.

Ontario Visual Gallery

Explore Ontario’s breathtaking landscapes and attractions through our curated photo collection

Browse by Category

Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Falls

CN Tower Skyline

Toronto

Algonquin Fall Colors

Algonquin Provincial Park

Horseshoe Falls

Niagara Falls

Algonquin Fall Colors

Algonquin Provincial Park

The Grotto

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Flowerpot Island

Tobermory

Muskoka Lakes

Muskoka

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Prince Edward County

CN Tower Skyline

Toronto

Blue Mountain Village

Collingwood

Parliament Hill

Ottawa

Distillery District

Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto

Ontario Science Centre

Toronto

Boldt Castle

Thousand Islands

Parliament Hill

Ottawa

Stratford Festival Theatre

Stratford

Distillery District

Toronto

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto

The Grotto

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Blue Mountain Village

Collingwood

Flowerpot Island

Tobermory

Muskoka Lakes

Muskoka

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Prince Edward County

Killarney Provincial Park

Killarney

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