Cities to visit in Ontario

Kingston

I fell in love with the old city of Kingston many years ago because of the architecture, history, and the people which make up this community. The suburbs as you get off the highway can be a bit less desirable, but as you make your way down to the water and city center there is so much to see and do. Lots of touristy things can keep you busy or just walk the streets back-and-forth looking at the houses and historical plaques. If you are a diver there is much to discover under the waters of Navy Bay or the shipwrecks off the coast of Wolfe Island. We make regular mini-vacations to the area all the time and always find some great things to do while in town. Yes, Sir John A, has made his mark on this city, but so have so many others who built upper Canada. I compare it always to being the Ontario version of Halifax (another city I love).

Niagara-on-the-Lake

I spend a few years of my childhood in the Niagara region and now live just outside of the area. You really don’t want to miss the opportunity to see this historic town at the mouth of the Niagara River. Known for being the backdrop to the war of 1812, Fort George sits within the town, which has kept much of its historical features. High tea at the Prince of Wales hotel, a Shaw show at The Royal George Theatre, or sipping wine at a multitude of vineyards in the area, is really the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the town has to offer. Downtown, has some outstanding cuisine for both a cause night out or those looking to dress for a night of glitz-and-glimmer. We enjoy making a day trip and stopping at one of the parks along the Niagara river to have a picnic and watch the boats going by. For those who relish in masonic history, the oldest lodge of the Grand Lodge of Canad, Niagara No. 2 is located downtown Niagara-on-the-lake.

Thunder Bay

Everyone needs to experience the great white north of northern Ontario, and what better way to do it than visit Thunder Bay. If you are going that far then you must stop on the side of the road to visit the Terry Fox Memorial and lookout. All Canadian know who this determined young man was and his legacy still lives on today. You can also get an amazing view of the Sleeping Giant that is the foundation of Sleeping Giant Provincial Park from the city. Finally, you do need to stop into Fort William to see in real life what the history books showed us a trading Fort of Canada looked like in the days of early Canada settleman.

Stratford

I do love theatre whether it be a night at the orchestra, opera, or plays and Stratford is the where you go when you want to see the latter. The drive through the countryside to Stratford is always a breathtaking adventure with a few stops along the way to stretch your legs. Boutique shops, elegant culinary experiences, and of course the Starford festival being the pinnacle of this location. If you have not seen a show there, you must make every effort to do so, make an afternoon or evening of it with friends. I really don’t think you will regret it! I do advise booking a reservation at a restaurant beforehand, as it can be a bustling little town.

Ottawa

Who wouldn’t want to go see Canada’s capital city? Whether it’s skating on the canal in the winter, a visit to the Byward market, eating beaver tails, or visiting one of the numerous museums there are so many things to see and do in Ottawa. Sadly not known for having a great flow of traffic, but once your downtown there is lots to see and do within walking distance. There is a great stationery store in Ottawa that I like to stop into The Papery on Bank street. A hidden gem around the Byward market is The Toy Soldier Market which has an outstanding collection of lead soldiers. So many places to eat the list is endless, but I do fancy the Rideau Club.

Fergus

The trip to Fergus is always a fun day trip from Hamilton during the summer months. If you like architecture, walking downtown will have you looking up admiring the quality and uniqueness of years gone by. Having lunch on the water’s edge is always a pleasant afternoon and of course just down the road from the quaint little town is Elora Gore, which you will not want to miss out on. There are a number of historical plaqued laid across the downtown area and the stonework along the edge of the river is spectacular. If you enjoy the physical touch of books, there is a great used bookstore in town you may want to take a look into and see if there is something that interests you.

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