Ontario, Canada’s second-largest province, is home to six national parks, 280 provincial parks and an amazing 250,000 lakes. Add to these natural assets the cosmopolitan culture of Toronto, Canada’s largest city, and historic Ottawa, Canada’s capital  which stands at the confluence of three rivers, and you have a destination of  hard to beat diversity.

Once known as boring old Hogtown, Toronto is now the most happening hub in the country. Shopping is a big draw, in the chic boutiques along Queen Street, in elegant department stores like Holt Renfrew, Kensington Market and the enormous Eaton Center. Then there’s the CN Tower to climb, museums to inspect and nights alive with theatres, comedy clubs, music venues and scores of restaurants.

Nearby Toronto are Niagara Falls, an essential sight when visiting the region (some would say Canada in general). Located where the country borders the USA, Canada boasts the most stunning views of the Falls and 90 percent of the thundering waters. Also a short drive from the city you’ll find vineyards producing some of the best wine in North America (it’s on the same latitude as Bordeaux), and a number of parks and lakes which are well stocked with resorts and charming guest houses (we’d recommend a trip out to these parks during the week when they are less crowded).

This area is called the Muskokas which stretches from the vast Algonquin Park in the east to the rugged windswept shores of the Georgian Bay Islands in the west. It includes the treasured towns of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Huntsville and the townships of Georgian Bay, Lake of Bays and Muskoka Lakes. Each offers a unique experience with an abundance of activities, attractions, outdoor adventures and accommodations.

Spring boasts superb trout fishing, and moose are plentiful for those who enjoy wildlife viewing. Fall brings a spectacular display of colour, which is why many locals consider it to be the most beautiful time of year in the parks. In winter there’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; it’s also a prime time to view wildlife, including deer, moose, foxes, otters and wolves.