Find your perfect vacation by staying in one of Ontario's vacation rentals and discover all that this beautiful part of Canada has to offer. Choose between an apartment rental in major cities like Ottawa, Toronto, and Hamilton, or find a lakefront cottage rental in areas like Tobermory or Huntsville. Cottage rentals in Ontario tend to be large and are the ideal way for families and friends to go on vacation together.
The Best Food to Eat on Your Ontario Vacation
BeaverTails are the signature treat of Ottawa and many spots around Ontario. Sweet dough is flattened and fried with butter before being covered in a variety of toppings. Popular topping options include cinnamon with sugar, chocolate sauce, sprinkles, and fruit. The best place to eat a beavertail is at the booth on Rideau Canal in winter when the canal is frozen.
For fishing enthusiasts,Pickerel is a carnivorous species of fish found in the Great Lakes region. They are most common in the lakes of Northern Ontario. You can catch your own and take it back to your vacation rental to cook or you can order it in most bars and restaurants in Ontario. The pickerel is a thriving species of fish, making it a sustainable option to enjoy on a regular basis during your vacation.
Must-See Ontario Museums and Attractions
The National Gallery of Canada can be found in Ottawa and is one of the largest art galleries in North America. The permanent exhibit displays works by Canadian, American, Asian, International, and local native artists. They continuously host visiting exhibits and display additional parts of their collection, so you will always find something new to experience at the Gallery.
The Royal Ontario in Toronto houses collections and exhibits from around the world. Check their website before your visit to see if any visiting exhibits from another museum or event will be on display during your time in Toronto. A number of the exhibits are interactive making this an interesting museum for the whole family and everyone will certainly learn something.
The Best Family Activities to Experience on Your Ontario Vacation
Toronto Zoo is the largest Zoo in Canada. The zoo is home to over 460 different species of animals from around the world including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants. Find out about the different conservation and research programs run by the zoo on one of the many guided tours. There is a special children's zone with a splash park, playground, and selection of interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
Rideau Canal is fun for the family in any season. Hire a paddle boat or kayak and go exploring this historic urban waterway in the summer months. If you prefer to stay dry, hire a bike and cycle down the tree-lined path next to the canal. In winter, the canal freezes over and becomes the worlds longest skating rink. The canal was built in 1812 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Grab a hot chocolate and sweet treat from one of the food booths on the ice to help keep the whole family warm.
Ontario Nightlife: Dance the Night Away
The Orpheus Theatre in Ottawa brings Broadway musicals to the city. A number of popular Broadway shows have toured to the theatre including Dear Evan Hansen, Sister Act, and The Lion King. If you are going to be in Toronto, try some of the fantastic theatres in the city such as the Prince of Wales Theatre, the CAA Theatre, and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre for a night out filled with culture.
Head to the Rainbow Bistro in Ottawa for a night listening to some of the top Blues musicians in Canada at this legendary venue. The club has been running since 1984 and hosts mostly Blues sessions but you can also catch pop, reggae, and rock acts here.
Book an Ontario Cottage Rental Near Niagara Falls or the Thousand Islands
See the Canadian side of Niagara and marvel at the sheer size of the Canadian section and largest part of Niagara, known as Horseshoe Falls. About 90% of the Niagara River flows over the 50m drop of Horseshoe Falls. Marvel at the site from the many viewpoints or take a boat trip to get closer to the waterfall.
Just downstream from Kingston, the St. Lawrence River widens and the area is filled with over a 1000 small islands. Spend a day or two exploring this area by swimming, paddling, scuba diving or fishing in the crystal clear water. Remember to keep your passport handy as some sections of this area cross over into the United States. Rent a vacation cottage in the Thousand Islands to truly discover this unique part of Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical availability of vacation rentals in Ontario?
July has the highest availability of House rental in Ontario, so you can expect a lot of vacation rentals available, even for last-minute bookings.
What are the most popular vacation home amenities in Ontario?
The most popular amenities for rentals in Ontario include vacation homes with Pets allowed, Internet, or Pool.
Are there pet-friendly vacation rentals in Ontario?
If you're travelling with a dog, over 33% of vacation rentals in Ontario are pet-friendly.
What's the best month to book a vacation rental in Ontario?
If you're looking for balmy weather, July and August are typically the hottest months in Ontario with temperatures around 24 °C. February and January in Ontario are the coldest, with -12 °C on average.