Main tourist spots

• Near North
One can choose from shimmering waterways, forest trails and/or camp out in the natural glory of Ontario's Near North. Visit the picturesque towns of the beautiful Ottawa Valley, or take to the reins for a winter adventure and dogsled through breathtaking backcountry of Temagami.

• Algoma Country
Meet wildlife roaming freely in ancient boreal forests which is the world's largest game preserve. One can travel through the Canadian wilderness by taking to the rails watching the spectacular Agawa Canyon on a day trip that brings majestic "tree-top" views and cascading waterfalls.

• Rainbow Country
Feel the wind and sunbeams bouncing off the water as one rides through the waves in one of North America's favourite sailing spots. Paddle through the lush green splendour of Killarney Provincial Park. Hop onto a boat to Manitoulin Island and explore thousands of years of Aboriginal culture.

• James Bay Frontier
Visit the hometown of singing superstar Shania Twain in North America's biggest city (in area, that is). And head north to the bay where polar bears and beluga whales play their own versions of water polo.

• Lake Superior North Shore
Discover unspoiled splendour along the rugged, craggy coast of the world's largest freshwater lake as you enjoy one of the most breathtaking drives on the continent. Relive the wild and wooly glory days of the fur trade at Fort William Historical Park - the world's largest reconstructed fur trade post.

• Sunset Country
Seek exciting adventures or serene solitude in an untouched wilderness filled with pristine lakes. Fly into a remote fishing camp for the angling experience. Watch colourful sails and spinnakers weave across the lake at LOWISA - the largest inland sailing regatta in North America.

Southwestern Ontario

Discover a land of charm, culture and diverse natural beauty set down between two Great Lakes. Venture to the southernmost point of mainland Canada or to the land's end at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Bird-watch at the world's most renowned birding spots and witness the spectacular late summer migration of thousands of monarch butterflies. Hike along towering limestone cliffs and through rare Carolinian forests. Join a chorus of resounding ovations at theatres all over the region. Visit vibrant cities and enchanting towns that celebrate their ancestry. Southwestern Ontario - Its where nature's gifts are abundant and hospitality is a way of life.

Main tourist spots:

• Black Heritage Route
Trek along the route of the secret Underground Railway that once carried American slaves to freedom in Canada. Follow the Heritage Trail from the North American Black Historic Museum to the home of Rev. Josiah Henson - The inspiration for Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.

• Grand River Country
Enjoy a leisurely float down a Canadian Heritage River or experience Aboriginal culture on its shores at Odrohekta - The Gathering Place. Celebrate a rich German heritage in Kitchener-Waterloo and venture to nearby Mennonite communities where the main mode of transportation is still horse-drawn buggies.

• Bruce Peninsula
Strap on your scuba gear to explore sunken ships and a labyrinth of sea caves in an amazing underwater marine park. Be awed by towering limestone cliffs and rock formations, rare orchids and a sky streaked with fiery hues as the sun dips behind one of the area's many lighthouses.

• Ontario's West Coast
Boat, picnic or seek out the glorious sunshine along glittering white beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Set out for a drive along the brilliant blue waters of the St. Clair Parkway where you'll discover picturesque little towns, magnificent floral gardens and 16 riverside parks.

• Lake Erie North Shore & Pelee Island
Witness hundreds of species of birds at Point Pelee National Park - one of the world's most renowned bird sanctuaries. Taste some of the finnest vintage with an award-winning wine maker on Pelee Island situated at the southernmost tip of Canada.

• Shakespeare Country
Stroll along the Avon River replete with graceful swans and later rub shoulders with the Bard at the incomparable Stratford Festival. Explore charming little ports-of-call as you make your way to a 4,000-year-old miracle of nature at Long Point Provincial Park - a designated UNESCO world biosphere region.

Ottawa

Canada's capital region has over 300 years of nation building which have blanketed the landscape with glorious heritage buildings, diverse museums and cultural venues. Meander along the banks of the historic Rideau Canal and watch boats being lifted by hand-operated locks dating back to 1832. Board an elegant Edwardian style vessel for a cruise on the Ottawa River. Go museum hopping and try a BeaverTail - a unique, sweet pastry treat. A vacation in the capital destination means endless attractions and warm hospitality that's an engaging blend of English and French.

Main tourist spot:

• City of Ottawa
Visit Parliament Hill to witness the colourful Changing of the Guard ceremony and the endless carpet of brilliant blooms during the world's largest tulip festival. Museum hop for days and include the magnificent Canadian Museum of Civilization where one can immerse oneself in a thousand years of Canadian history.

Naigara Falls and the region

Delight in a tapestry of flowering parks and gardens, bountiful orchards and lush rolling hills gracefully set down between the shores of two Great Lakes. Be awed by the mighty grandeur of Niagara Falls - rightly considered one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Feel the heart quicken as one cruises right into the basin of the famed falls aboard the Maid of the Mist. Set out for a hike and spot scores of raptors on the Niagara Escarpment. Celebrate the bounty of the vine in September at the annual Niagara Grape and Wine Festival and at January's Icewine Festival. Come and stay in charming bed and breakfasts and country inns during every season in this enchanting region.

Main tourist spot:
• Niagara Peninsula
Discover vibrant cities and charming towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake - home to delightful 19th-century streetscapes and the theatre world's only Shaw Festival. Play around at Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club - one of North America's oldest courses. Enjoy a host of fun and fascinating attractions in the Niagara Falls area including a community of over 2,000 butterflies.

Eastern Ontario

Feel the pride of a nation and the rich sense of history at the heart and soul of the country. Delve into the long-ago days of the Loyalists, faithfully preserved in towns and villages that dot the region. Cruise down wondrous waterways and past emerald islands numbering in the thousands. Pamper yourself at a Victorian country inn. Traverse rolling hills, rocky highlands and soaring sand dunes. Enjoy warm hospitality and "joie de vivre" in charmingly rural French communities. Wander through the valleys and highlands for a spectacular show of fall colours. No matter what time of the year it is, Eastern Ontario provides a rewarding retreat.

• Ottawa Valley
Arch back and look skyward at the lush canopy of leaves stretching out at the eastern entrance to Algonquin Provincial Park. Ponder the mechanics of the swinging footbridge as one strolls across the Bonnechere River. Listen for the whispers of the past as you move around Balaclava, a true ghost town.

• Rideau Heritage Route
Observe the strict precision of the Changing of the Guard on stately Parliament Hill, Canada's seat of government. Spend a relaxing day in the company of heritage homes, artisans and shops in Merrickville, considered one of Canada's prettiest villages.

• St. Lawrence Seaway
Bear witness to authentic 19th-century military drills and cannon battles as they ignite the air and the spirit at Fort Henry in Kingston. Embrace the beckoning breeze and visual splendour as the St. Lawrence River weaves onto a relaxing cruise through the famous 1000 Islands.

• Quinte's Isle
Chill out in the unmistakable summer resort atmosphere of lakeside Picton. And if pike, bass and walleye is the way of life, then Belleville would be the ultimate paradise. Visions of sky sparring and magnificent manoeuvres come to mind as one walks amongst the warplanes at the Royal Canadian Airforce Museum.

Central Ontario

Gaze out over glorious lakes, sandy beaches, rocky islands adorned with windswept pines and stunning scenery tucked around every inlet and cove. Treat oneself at a grand resort set on sparkling lakes surrounded by lush forests. Sail, scuba dive or fish in the clearest, bluest waters. Trek through dense woodlands and along towering sand dunes and limestone cliffs. Whisk away a winter day skiing, ice-fishing or snowmobile over a vast, white network of groomed trails. Central Ontario is a playground open for recreation, relaxation and adventure around the year.

Main tourist spots:

• Muskoka
Stand in awe of the Port Severn landscape and realize why it has inspired generations of painters. Relax and re-energize at grand lakeside resorts offering year-round activities. Or venture into the heart of Algonquin Provincial Park for a "Wolf Howl" where eerie "conversations" haunt the stillness of the night.

• Kawarthas
Watch the world's largest hydraulic lift lock as it raises pleasure crafts 20 metres (65 ft.) in the air. Rent a houseboat for a leisurely voyage along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Explore Petroglyphs Provincial Park where ancient symbols make up North America's largest concentration of Aboriginal rock carvings.

• Haliburton Highlands
Take in a panoramic view above the tree line atop a tower in Dorset. Enjoy the churning challenge of navigating a kayak or canoe down the white waters in Minden or Madawaska. Unpack a pickaxe to venture into the old mines of Bancroft in search of glimmering mineral-laden rocks.

• Lake Ontario Ports of Call
At Presqu'ile Provincial Park, observe sky-filling bird migrations. Delight in a juicy dessert freshly made in one of the province's best apple-growing regions. Drop a line in Port Hope, one of the "best fishing holes" around.

• Southern Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe
Feel ones eyes widen as one enters an ancient cave. Twist ones toes in the sand at Wasaga, the longest freshwater beach in the world. Walk among the lives of the Jesuits, Huron Indians and early explorers at a living museum and historic village

Greater Toronto Area

Explore Canada's largest and most exciting urban centre with museums, galleries and theatres that rival the best in the world. Globetrot to culturally diverse neighbourhoods with eclectic shops and restaurants serving delectable cuisine from all corners of the world. Follow the Lake Ontario shoreline to the Royal Botanical Gardens and awaken the senses with over 50 collections of magnificent blossoms and blooms. Hop aboard a vintage streetcar or ride historic rails through a showy display of fall colours. Combine the best of city and country life on a vacation in this glorious region - locally referred to as the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).

Main tourist spots:

• City of Toronto
Discover the city's man-made and natural amazements. Ascend to the top of the CN Tower for an overview of the city's fabulous waterfront attractions including Harbourfront, Ontario Place and Rogers Centre. Ferry over to the Toronto Islands - a peaceful green oasis with walking and cycling paths, beaches, gardens and picnic areas.

• Golden Horseshoe
Ride an elephant at the Bowmanville Zoo. Experience thrills and chills on Wildwater Kingdom's huge waterslides and the high-flying roller coasters at Canada's Wonderland. View one of the largest collection of paintings by Canada's famous Group of Seven artists.