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Information About Ontario
The economic engine that powers the Canadian economy, Ontario is a mighty province in so many ways. Ontario, which joined Confederation in 1867, also has over half of the country's highest quality agricultural land and the over 67,000 farms in the province generate almost one-quarter of all farm revenue in Canada.
Ontario's capital city, Toronto, is home to both Canada's premier stock exchange and its financial hub on Bay Street has become the Canadian counterpart to New York City's Wall Street.
In terms of population, Ontario is Canada's largest province, home to about one in three Canadians. Eighty per cent of Ontario's residents live in urban centres. More than five million Ontarians reside in the Greater Toronto Area and half of those live in the city of Toronto proper, Canada's largest municipality where more than 100 languages can be heard on the streets every day.
And though Ontario, which covers more than one million square kilometres, places second in terms of land size behind its neighbour Québec, it still covers a considerable chunk of territory. Ontario's most northerly communities roughly share the same latitude as London and Warsaw, while its southernmost point in Lake Erie, is about parallel to Barcelona or Rome.
Ontario's statistical lead in geography is more impressive when the province's 250,000 lakes (including much of the Great Lakes, shared with the United States), and numerous rivers and streams are considered. Together, they hold about one-third of the world's fresh water.
Vacationing in Ontario - Where to Go, What to Do
This information about Ontario will help you to plan your next visit.
Tourism Business - Start and Run a Tourism Business
The information provided here is sourced from other government departments, industry associations and tourism partners to help you start and run your tourism business.
About Ontario - Overview
Welcome to Ontario, the province that one in three Canadians calls home.
Cultural Attractions Fund
The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fun helps cultural and heritage organizations increase and diversify their earned revenue sources by attracting tourists and other visitors to new attractions and special events.
Fish Ontario
Few outdoor experiences can compare with fishing in Ontario's 250,000 lakes and the thousands of rivers and streams. It is a favourite activity that Ontario residents and visitors enjoy year-round.
Arts and Culture
Take your seat for a stellar performance. Enjoy Broadway blockbusters or innovative local theatre on Toronto's diverse stages. Discover summer theatre and music festivals that bring the entertainment outdoors where you can see great singers perform from a floating stage or drama coming to life on a picturesque farm stage.
Public Holidays
A list of holidays in Ontario
History of Aboriginal People
Visit these websites to brush up on your knowledge of the history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
Uncovering Aboriginal Places and Events
Steep yourself in time-honoured traditions of an Aboriginal culture that's older than recorded time. Celebrate Aboriginal culture, history and traditions during Ontario's Heritage Week held each year during the last week of February.
History Comes to Life in Ontario
Slip back into time at Aboriginal gatherings where the air is still pungent with wood smoke and sweet grass. Thrill to the sounds of marching and musket fire at a stone fortress or paddle a Voyageur canoe at a fur trading post. Experience history in Ontario.
Information and Assistance for Canadians Abroad
This website provides information on some difficult situations that Canadian travellers may encounter while abroad, and includes issue-specific recommendations to assist you in dealing with them.
Science North
Science North is a science centre and family attraction that opened in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada in 1984 and has since welcomed millions of visitors from around the world.
Ministry of Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism supports delivery of high quality tourism and recreation experiences to Ontarians and visitors to Ontario.
Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation
Welcome to the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation's (OTMPC) web site for industry partners - your valuable source of tourism news, marketing opportunities, research and resources.
Firearms and Ammunition
As a rule, weapons are not allowed into Canada. However, you may bring a hunting rifle or shotgun into Ontario as a visitor for hunting or competition purposes if you are 18 years of age or older, plus 200 rounds of ammunition for hunting, or 1,500 rounds for use at a recognised meet.
Ontario Weather
Due to Ontario's size, temperatures may vary tremendously from region to region and even within the regions themselves. Generally, the weather is considered continental, with January being the coldest month of the year and July being the warmest. Temperatures are given officially in degrees Celsius (C) with the Fahrenheit equivalent (F) often added.You'll find more detailed information about Ontario's climate, including helpful tips on what clothing to bring when you visit, by clicking on Weather Travel Tips.
Ontariotravel.net
The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership (OTMPC) is a government agency created in 1999 to partner with Ontario tourism operators to showcase Ontario as a four-season must-see travel destination at home and internationally. The OTMPC website boasts a wealth of helpful information for those who are interested in learning more about the OTMPC or are interested in partnership opportunities.
Ontario Parks Campsite Vacancies
Campsite vacancies for Ontario parks including options to view information about a specific park and checking for closing dates.
National Marine Conservation Areas of Canada
National Marine Conservation Areas, or NMCA for short, are marine areas managed for sustainable use and containing smaller zones of high protection. They include the seabed, the water above it and any species which occur there. They may also take in wetlands, estuaries, islands and other coastal lands.
National Marine Conservation Areas by Province
List of National Marine Conservation Areas of Canada by Province/Territory.
National Parks of Canada
National Parks are a country-wide system of representative natural areas of Canadian significance. By law, they are protected for public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment, while being maintained in an unimpaired state for future generations. National Parks have existed in Canada for well over a century.
Gambling
In Ontario, there are 18 horse racing tracks, 4 resort casinos, 5 OLG casinos, 13 lottery games sold through more than 10,000 vendors across the province and 4 province wide Bingo games.To deliver gaming entertainment and maximize economic benefits for the people of Ontario in an efficient and socially responsible manner, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is responsible for the management and conduct of gaming operations in four divisions: lottery products, OLG casinos, resort casinos and slots-at-racetracks.
Getting Around
Ontario is laced with a transportation network of regional and national airline routes, railways, bus routes and ferries.
Gifts
Visitors to Ontario can send gifts to friends or relatives in Canada, or can bring the gifts with them, and no duties will apply, provided the value of each gift does not exceed $60CAD (Canadian funds), and they do not consist of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or advertising material. Gift packages sent by mail should be plainly marked ""unsolicited gift"" and the value should be indicated. Gifts valued at more than $60CAD (Canadian funds) are subject to duties on the excess amount.
Health Insurance
Visitors are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home province or country. (Your health insurance plan may not extend coverage outside your country of residence.) If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, bring an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Ontario. For further information and insurance details, contact your travel agent or insurance agent.
Currency Converter
Canada has one of the world's most secure currencies, and a very low incidence of counterfeiting. It is recommended that visitors use Canadian funds in Ontario.
Ontario Events Calendar
A huge array of diverse festivals and events take place all across the province - and all through the year in Ontario. You can view events by location, type or date and can also change months by using the Next and Previous links on the calendar.
Ontario Maps / Driving Directions
Getting to an Ontario event, activity or location is a breeze when you have a bit of help from the mapping tool we're providing to you. By using this special function, you'll be able to:Create a map which includes driving directions from a current location to a selected location; Determine an optimal route between two locations and have this route displayed.
Hunting
In addition to the world's finest freshwater sport fishing, Ontario provides outdoors enthusiasts with the opportunity to hunt deer, moose, wild turkey, bear, waterfowl and a variety of other game species. Special packages and hunting trips are available throughout the province.
Immigration
Find answers to any questions you have about Immigration to Ontario or to Canada at the following links.
Land Use Laws
The Occupier's Liability Act reduces a rural landowner's responsibility for the safety of non-paying visitors. Signs can be erected to indicate which activities are allowed on the property. Publications Ontario provides an explanatory brochure detailing these acts.
Hospitals and Medical Services
The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) provides a complete list of hospitals across the province.
Ontario Tourism Signs
To help visitors find their destinations easily, Ontario has introduced a new system of specially designed signs to indicate a wide range of tourism attractions along provincial highways. The blue and white signs indicate the distance to the closest attractions.
Ontario transportation
Ontario boasts a number of extensive and efficient transportation systems offering the traveller an array of ways to get around the province, from air to land to water. Airports and airlines provide speedy travel within Ontario, to other parts of Canada, and overseas.
Alcohol
In Ontario, anyone 19 years of age or over may buy liquor and imported or domestic wine and beer from government liquor stores known as LCBO stores. These stores are open daily including some holidays (exceptions may apply). A large selection of domestic beer is available from Beer Stores throughout Ontario.
Boating
Parks Canada operates two historically significant waterways - the Trent-Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal. They are usually open from mid-May until mid-October. You can buy canal vessel permits; including lockage, overnight mooring and boater camping permits, for a small fee at lock stations during the navigation season. The Ontario Marine Operators Association provides a list of marinas across the province.
Border Crossing
A number of resources available at the following websites can provide you with up-to-date information about border crossing to and from Ontario/Canada: Ministry of Transportation; Canada Border Services Agency.
Camping
With more than 272 unspoiled natural provincial parks dotting the province, Ontario is indeed a camping paradise. You can relax with family and friends in your camper, hooked up in a fully serviced campground, or you can have a backcountry experience in the serenity of the wilderness with nothing but the great outdoors.
Pets
You'll find some helpful information about bringing pets into Canada in this section of this web site. All animals are subject to veterinary inspection on arrival in Canada, and information about this procedure is available through Canada Food Inspection Agency.
Postage
Canadian postage stamps must be used on all mail in Canada. Rates are 52 cents for postcards and letters up to 30 g (1oz.) destined for Canada (93 cents for those 30-50 g), 96 cents for mail destined for the United States and $1.60 (up to 20 g) for other countries. Detailed information is available through Canada Post.
Public Transportation
In Toronto, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is an efficient and convenient way to get around the city, seven days a week. A subway system links to buses, streetcars and a light-rail transit providing a one-fare one-way ride to anywhere in the city.In Ottawa, the OC Transpo provides public transit services around the city.For information about other public transit systems across the province, call the municipality that you will be visiting.
Rules of the Road
Ontario traffic rules may be a bit different than the ones you're used to. So here's a list of traffic tips to help you get around the province safely.
Sales Tax
Ontario has an 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST), a 5% federal value-added General Services Tax (GST), special taxes on food and liquor in restaurants and a room tax on visitor accommodation.
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards are welcome in Ontario and Canada, including American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Diners Club, enRoute and Carte Blanche.
Customs and Immigration
Citizens of other countries, except Greenland, and residents of St-Pierre and Miquelon, must have a valid passport (some also require a visitor's visa).
Travel Distances
Approximate driving and flight times have been listed and are to be used only as a guide when travelling to or within Ontario.
Emergency Services
In many areas of the province, 911 is the emergency services telephone number for fire, ambulance and police. For other types of emergency not serviced by 911, you should contact the operator by dialing zero (0) and saying, ""This is an emergency.""
Ontario Parks
Find out what a beautiful province we live in - go for a hike or go camping! Check out the Ontario Parks Web site for a list of parks, information on discounted rates for seniors or to make a reservation.
Ontario Parks Guide
2008 Ontario parks guide index with link to download the 2008 parks guide.
Ontario Place
Ontario Place is an internationally acclaimed cultural, leisure and entertainment parkland located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The complex extends throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront.
Accommodations
After a day of exploring Ontario's wonders, you can rest assured that there are plenty of welcoming places to spend the night - accommodations that suit any taste and every budget. Stay at a luxurious, big city downtown hotel. Complement small town touring with a night at a charming bed and breakfast or country inn where hospitable hosts make you feel right at home.
Aerial Adventures
Get an exciting new view of Ontario's beauty as you fly through the air with the greatest of ease. From air associations to independent companies, experienced flyers are ready to take you and your spirit soaring.
Discover Arts and Culture in Ontario
From performance stages to gallery walls, exhibition halls and displays, explore and be thrilled by great expressions of art and culture in Ontario.
Fishing
Come to an angling paradise where more than 400,000 lakes, rivers and streams are brimming with the most desirable freshwater fishing experiences in the world.
Gardens
Let your senses be awakened by a tapestry of bright green foliage, sweetly scented blossoms and magnificent stretches of brilliantly coloured daffodils, pansies and tulips. Celebrate with festivals and flower shows in greenhouses, arboretums and gardens of every size, shape and purpose.
Golf
Ontario is a golfer's paradise! Tee off on lush fairways weaving through wilderness that just dares you to drive one over the water. Sink a putt on emerald greens that cleverly hide their slope.
Land Adventures
Take gentle forest walks or trek the rugged terrain along an original Voyageur portage route. Backpack in the unspoiled splendour of provincial and national parks, some larger than countries.
Natural Wonders
Come and explore a vast and diverse landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. Look out upon the rugged beauty of canyons gouged deep in the earth. Feel the mist on your face as majestic waterfalls thunder down from incredible heights. Follow hiking paths and canoe routes through glorious outdoor havens where moose, caribou and bears roam freely.
Outdoor Escapes
Walk hand-in-hand along romantic, sandy beaches. Dive into waters so crystal clear, you can see shipwrecks in their depths. Spot a moose or discover a bird-watching haven. Go on an owl prowl or a wolf howl that'll make your neck hairs rise.
Spas
Slip into a thick terry robe and surrender to total relaxation. Whether you seek an urban oasis or rural retreat, Ontario's spas will cater to your well-being. Find tranquility amid the green hills at a yoga retreat.
Sports and Gaming
Whoop and holler for the home team at a major league game or grab some ice level seats and catch spirited amateur hockey action. Feel the roar of the Indy cars as you watch the world's best drivers play cat and mouse.
Urban Experiences
Let Ontario's vibrant urban energy sweep you to amazing new experiences. Tease your palate in trattorias and taverns, bistros and bars. Toronto, alone, offers 5,000 restaurant choices. Swing to the beat of jazz, salsa, big bands and pops or prepare yourself for perpetual motion during an international festival.
Water Adventures
Glide silently along magnificent wide-open lakes nestled deep within lush forests and flanked by awesomely imposing cliffs. Thrill to the exhilarating rush of swirling, gurgling rapids and chutes on legendary whitewaters. Explore the endless wonders of the Great Lakes shorelines by kayak. Take the plunge and uncover fascinating secrets held by hundreds of sunken ships.
Food and Wine
If you have a taste for the pleasures of great food and drink, Ontario offers a tempting menu for your next culinary adventure. Share the passion of epicurean experts who present the finest seasonal offerings. Discover the secrets of celebrated culinary masters at classes designed to make learning a delicious pleasure.
Winter
Zoom along ""snow highways"" comprising more than 46,000 km (28,500 mi.) of interconnected groomed snowmobile trails. Carve your way through fresh powder or cross-country ski through the silent solitude of an ancient forest. Take the reins of a sled dog team, reel in some ice fishing memories or skate across the glass-like surface of a frozen lake.
Niagara Parks
The Niagara Parks Commission is a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism. The Niagara Region offers an unparalleled variety of sights and sounds, from the majestic Niagara Falls to theatres, festivals and wineries. All the Niagara Falls & Great Gorge attractions, like Journey Behind the Falls and the Whirlpool Aero Car, and beautiful gardens like Oakes Garden Theatre are owned and operated by Niagara Parks.
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is a provincial agency operating and managing province-wide lotteries, casinos and slots facilities at horse racing tracks.
Tourism & Forestry
The resource-based tourism industry is an important component of Ontario's forest-based economy. Ensuring that the needs of the resource-based tourism industry are effectively addressed is a key part of a forest management plan.
Fishing Licence (Outdoors card)
Fast Facts about Ontario Outdoors Cards and Fishing Licences.
Outdoors Card - Licensing, Renewal, and Change of Address
Information on how to renew your Outdoors Card
Fish and Wildlife
Wildlife, such as mammals (large and small), birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish, is important to Ontario. These natural resources are an important part of the province's biodiversity that provide us with ecological, social and economic benefits.
Official Road Map of Ontario
A web version of one of our most popular publications - the Official Road Map of Ontario - which the ministry has been proudly producing, in paper version, since 1923.
Transit Systems in Ontario
Links to websites for all public transit systems operating in Ontario.
Guide to Ontario Museums
Browse museums by name, type, city or region. Search for a museum in Ontario.
Travel Guide Order Form
The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation produces a number of helpful and informative free publications that showcase Ontario's unique and diverse range of travel experiences.
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