Ontario, Your Next Vacation Spot
by: Shawn Everett
Ontario, Canada is the
second-largest in area of Canada's ten provinces
and is found in east-central Canada. Its capital
is Toronto. Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is
also located in Ontario. Ontario has a
population of 12,449,502, representing
approximately 37.9% of the total Canadian
population.
It's excellent
transportation links to the American heartland
has contributed to making manufacturing the
principal industry, found mainly in the Golden
Horseshoe region, the most industrialized area
in Canada. Important products include motor
vehicles, iron, food, electrical appliances,
machinery, chemicals, and paper.
Culture wise, you can
enjoy Broadway blockbuster shows or innovative
local theater on Toronto's diverse stages. Be
dazzled by Ontario's myriad museums and their
signature collections including rare ceramics,
classic canoes, fantastic footwear and more.
Whether you are moved by old masters or inspired
by avant-garde installations, you'll delight in
wide ranging art galleries.
Ottawa is the federal
capital and is situated on the south bank of the
Ottawa River facing the French-speaking city of
Hull in Québec. The imposing Gothic-style
Parliament Buildings overlook the confluence of
the rivers Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau. The
colorful Changing of the Guard ceremony takes
place here daily in July and August.
The National Arts Center,
a hexagonal complex on the banks of the Rideau
Canal, houses an opera company, theaters,
studios and restaurants. The Rideau Canal and
the Rideau-Trent-Severn Waterway are part of a
complex of recreational lakes and canals linking
Ottawa to Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay.
Outstanding among the
city's many museums and galleries are the
National Gallery of Canada, the National Museum
of Science and Technology, the Canadian Museum
of Nature, the Canadian War Museum and the
Museum of Civilization (over the bridge in
nearby Hull).
Toronto is the provincial
capital and is Canada's largest city. Its
accelerated growth in recent years, with a huge
influx of immigrants, has resulted in one of the
most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities on the
continent. The city is laid out on a rectangular
grid broken only by the Don River and Humber
River, the banks of which provide a host of
recreational amenities.
"Must See" tourist
attractions in Toronto include The CN Tower, the
world's tallest free-standing structure with its
glass-fronted elevators rising 553m (1815ft) to
indoor and outdoor observation decks that afford
a 120km- (75 mile-) panoramic view on a clear
day.
Also in Toronto is Niagara
Falls. The Falls provides a vast array of
year-round activities for the entire family.
Beautifully-maintained biking and walking trails
line the world-famous Niagara gorge while
numerous golf courses, ball diamonds, playing
fields, swimming pools and rinks are also here.
The Falls has excellent accommodation options
with over twenty Bed and Breakfast's listed with
prices to suit all needs. |