Comprehensive Ontario: From Toronto to Scenic Lakes & Forests

Ontario's capital and Canada's largest city lies on the shores of Lake Ontario, halfway between the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes. Toronto has an exceptional concentration of skyscrapers as well as the largest collection of Victorian buildings in North America. 'Diversity Our Strength' is the city's motto, and it's true that cosmopolitanism is one of its charms. Besides, nothing characterises Toronto better than its diversity.
Included in the itinerary - Private tour of Toronto. Accompanied by a private guide, you'll explore iconic neighbourhoods and buildings such as the CN Tower and the Distillery District. A 1,750ft arrow in typical 70's style, the CN tower long held the world height record; the observation deck is about 1,150ft above street level. It's from the grand old Gooderham and Worts distillery, killed off by the war and the Ontario Temperance Act of 1916, that the Distillery District got its name. It's now been converted into entertainment venues, trendy restaurants, and art businesses.
Don't miss- The Royal Ontario Museum, a monument to natural sciences - a trip to the Saint Lawrence Market and the Kensington Market - the Distillery District - taking in a game at the Rogers Centre, also known as SkyDome - the Hockey Hall of Fame, the spiritual home of Canada's national sport - the modernist architecture of City Hall, designed by Viljo Revell - Mount Pleasant Cemetery, for the rendition of the Goldberg Variations on Glenn Gould's Tomb - the Enoch Turner School, a beautiful neo-Gothic school founded in 1848 for the education of poor children, and today turned into a museum.
Optional - Cycle the Toronto Islands.

Pick up your hire car and drive to Tobermory, on the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula , a long strip of land stretching between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. Two-night stay on Little Tub Harbour and Georgian Bay. With handcrafted cedar furniture and printed fabrics, comfort reigns in the guestrooms and common areas of your hotel. The simple, harmonious atmosphere makes this hotel a charming stopover.

This spectacular area is surrounded by many parks, including Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. The outdoor activities are obvious: cedar forests nearly tumble over the cliffs; abundant wildlife occupies the diverse protected areas. You may encounter flying squirrels, raccoons, porcupines, skunks, white-tailed deer, and snowshoe hares. The striped owls prey on the local chipmunks, as do the red-shouldered hawks. The red plumage of the scarlet tanager is striking Botanists can spot orchids, rare irises, ferns...
Optional - Cruise to Flowerpot Island.

Ferry ride to South Baymouth, on Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron. Two-night stay in Providence Bay, a stone's throw away from the sandy beach. The house, with its terrace, veranda, flowery garden and Adirondack chairs, is quintessential Canada. The cottage-style decor, the friendliness of its owners, the tasty breakfast and beautiful location all contribute to a a feeling of intense well-being.

Manitoulin Island is the world's largest fresh water island in terms of land area and combines woods, lakes, meadows, fields and villages. Hawthorn is common and provides fruit for the local cuisine, to the point where locals are called hawthorn eaters. Your first destination is Providence Bay Beach. Then you can walk the spectacular Cup and Saucer Trail, which runs along 230-foot cliffs; the M'Chigeeng Trail, the North Chanel Trail; and Misery Bay Nature Reserve. Or admire Bridal Veil Falls, where the Kagawong River harmoniously drops thirty feet. Dating back to 1913, the Little Current Swing Bridge is a masterpiece of mechanical design. Golfers who have practised in Toronto can play in the outdoors here.

Drive to the small village of Noelville, on the French River. Two-night stay in a comfortable cottage to get as close to nature as you like and experience the trapper life - with all the modern conveniences. The property features wooden cottages arranged around a main lodge, which houses the restaurant (including an elongated terrace), bar and lounge. It's a place to socialise, talk about your day, and get some good hiking and fly-fishing tips.

At the entrance to the lodge are old pine trees, pink granite cliffs, peaceful beaches on the waters of the French River. And a little further west, Killarney Provincial Park is one of the most beautiful places in Ontario - old white mountains emerge from densely green forests, which in the autumn change to red, orange and yellow. From horizon to horizon, the lake is a shining expanse of blue. In the crystal clear water of this canoeing paradise, you can see trout, whitefish, and pike swimming by. The well-marked trails invite you to put on your hiking boots. Whatever the chosen activity, the park brings you into contact with the exceptional, pristine nature emblematic of Central Canada.

Head to Algonquin Park and stay two nights within the park border. The hotel started as a lodge in the 1930s. Pine cottages look out over the lake, with cosy bedding and a most suitable bathroom. In front of each cottage, a canoe is available to guests. The rooms are decorated in rustic Canadian style. A nice log fire heats up the dining room, where they serve hearty cuisine. A reading room welcomes anyone who wants to go back to the world of The Last of the Mohicans. And anyone who wants to attract squirrels or chipmunks can buy a few packets of seeds on site...

The natural beauty of this area, at the edge of the coniferous and deciduous forests, was recognised early on, and the park was established by Ontario authorities in the late 19th century to curtail the effects of logging and agricultural development. Since then, a balance has been struck between conservation and economic activity. Hiking, walking and cycling are the primary attractions here. There's also trout and black perch fishing. For animal watchers, there are moose, beavers, and white-tailed deer. Loons and ducks are numerous; if you're lucky, you might see a great grey owl. A logging museum recalls the heroic times when alligator boats, amphibious tugs, sailed on the lakes and crawled on the land.

Road to Grafton, on the north shore of Lake Ontario . Two night stay in a trendy tent camp nestled in the hills of the Shelter Valley, a few miles from the lake. It's an opportunity to get acquainted with the concept of glamping. It's a kind of digital detox treatment. Safari tents are set up in the wilderness - but never far from the lounge, with its cosy hearth and warm fire. The tents are furnished in rustic style, with large bed and beautiful bedding, a bathroom, a private barbecue and dining area on a wooden deck. Breakfast is brought to the tent every morning; for the rest, you're encouraged to use the available equipment and to eat outdoors in accordance with Canadian tradition.

Your daily activities are dictated by your environment: the forest, lake and Adirondack chairs. You can also take yoga lessons or hand yourself over to the very professional masseurs. A little further west: Prince Edward County. Prince Edward County is home to beautiful beaches, numerous vineyards (some of which are world-renowned), farms and markets with quality fresh produce, artists' workshops and antique dealers, and excellent restaurants.
Optional - A helicopter tour of the Thousand Islands Archipelago, a natural border between Canada and the United States made up of nearly two thousand tiny islands on the St. Lawrence River.