Ontario

If you don’t think “worldly” and “sophisticated” when you hear “Canada,” you haven’t been to Ontario. Canada’s most populous province shatters ice-fishing images with multicultural metropolises, vibrant festivals and an urbane population as stylish as it is friendly. Canada’s largest city, Toronto, is star of the Ontarian show. Waves of immigration have created a dynamism best experienced through its ethnic restaurants, its arts festivals and its uniquely distinct neighborhoods. The city swells with culture and celebrities during the autumn Toronto International Film Festival, when the artsy and stylish outdo themselves. But the culture doesn’t stop there. Capital Ottawa’s modern museums and hip eateries will warm you through the tough winters. Small town Kingston oozes historical ambiance with its 19th-century churches and military fortifications, while its pub scene familiarizes you with its animated present. But it’s not all cosmopolitanism—Ontario’s national parks, lakes and boreal forests are ripe with outdoor activities. Families will want to head to Wasaga Beach, the world’s longest freshwater beach, while those in need of a restful weekend respite will love sandy oasis Pelee Island. And then there’s the roaring, gushing, epic power of Niagara Falls, adding a bit of jaw-dropping to Ontario’s wow-factor. As if you needed it.