Canada · Americas

  • Code:ON
  • Type:province

Introduction

Ontario is Canada's most populous province and its centre of gravity — home to Toronto, the national capital of Ottawa, and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, all within a few hours of one another. Beyond the cities, it spreads across the Great Lakes and an immense northern wilderness of lakes and forest. For travellers it pairs urban and natural Canada: a world-class multicultural city, a walkable capital, the continent's most famous waterfall and its wine country, and the canoe-country lakes of Algonquin and Muskoka that define the Canadian summer.

Discover Ontario

Toronto is the country's biggest, busiest and most diverse city — more than half its residents were born outside Canada, and that shows in its neighbourhoods and food. The waterfront and the CN Tower (with its glass floor and EdgeWalk) give the orientation; nearby, the Ripley's Aquarium and the ferry to the Toronto Islands — a car-free retreat of beaches and skyline views — fill a day. The Royal Ontario Museum and the Frank Gehry-redesigned Art Gallery of Ontario lead the museums; the Distillery District's Victorian industrial lanes, St. Lawrence Market, and the street life of Kensington Market, Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown and Little India give the city its texture. Toronto is also a major-league sports town and a year-round festival city, anchored by the Toronto International Film Festival each September.

Ways to Experience This Destination

Global City

Toronto's CN Tower, museums, islands and one of the world's most multicultural neighbourhood-and-food scenes.

Niagara Falls & Wine

The Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian side, the Hornblower cruise and the Niagara Peninsula's ice-wine country.

Capital Culture

Ottawa's Parliament Hill, national museums and the skateable Rideau Canal in winter.

Cottage Country & Canoeing

The Muskoka lakes and Algonquin Park's canoe routes, moose and autumn colour.

Great Lakes Shores

Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula's turquoise water and cliffs, the Thousand Islands and Prince Edward County beaches.

Frequently asked questions

Toronto and Niagara Falls pair easily — the falls are about 90 minutes south and make a comfortable day trip or overnight. Ottawa is farther: roughly a five-hour drive or train ride east of Toronto, or a short flight, so it works best as its own two- or three-day leg rather than a day trip. A week can cover all three at a relaxed pace.

Cities in Ontario

Visaja keeps this page's contact details and visa guidance under continuous review — still, requirements can change at short notice, so confirm the essentials with the mission or the official government portal before you travel.