You’ll never be short of things to do on a trip to Ontario. City-lovers can dive into the entertainment and energy of Toronto, or soak up the grandeur and history of Ottawa. Enjoy a laidback day in quaint Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you can enjoy a leisurely brunch or afternoon tea. Then continue on to Niagara Falls itself, where you can marvel at the thundering waters of Horseshoe Falls.

Ontario is great for a road trip, too, if you’re keen to explore more. Drive to the small towns and waterside resorts along the St. Lawrence River and sail to the fascinating Thousand Islands from Gananoque. Learn about Ontario’s history at Fort William on Thunder Bay, or take the family for an afternoon of theme park thrills at Canada’s Wonderland. Head north for a steamboat cruise on Lake Muskoka, and witness the ancient art of Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Or escape to the wilderness when you explore Algonquin, Killarney and the Bruce Peninsula.

Toronto is a must-visit during your trip to Ontario. You can climb the famous CN Tower to peer over the bustling streets of Canada’s biggest city. Beneath your feet, theatres offer the best of Toronto’s live music, shows and comedy. Culture-seekers will also love the Art Gallery of Ontario, while the Royal Ontario Museum is all about history and science. And you can see how Toronto is rejuvenating its heritage buildings in the Distillery District, which is filled with galleries, jewellery stalls and coffee shops.

Have a sporting day out cheering on the Maple Leaves at ice-hockey, the Raptors at basketball, or the Blue Jays at baseball. Enjoy the lively art scene of Kensington Market, or step into Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Wander the Gothic halls of Casa Loma, which was used as a filming location for movies like Chicago, X-Men and The Pacifier. Or sail to the Toronto Islands for a day of cycling and kayaking.

When you fancy a daytrip, Niagara Falls is just a 90-minute drive to the south. You’ll meander past Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake and pin-striped vineyards, before reaching the falls’ dramatic mists.

Canada’s capital city oozes historical charm. You can tour the magnificent government buildings of Parliament Hill, visit the National Gallery of Canada, browse the Canadian Museum of History, and see the palace of Rideau Hall.

Browse the stalls, restaurants, and boutiques of ByWard Market, which stands in the shadow of the grand Fairmont Château Laurier and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. You can try your favourite cuisines from across the globe and taste the flavours of Canada. Popular bites range from hearty poutine to sweet maple pastries.

Stretch out on Petrie Island’s beaches in summer, or skate the frozen Rideau Canal in winter. Enjoy a morning stroll through the hip streets of Westboro Village and grab a fresh pastry with artisan coffee. At sunset, you can see the beautiful Art Deco architecture of the Supreme Court of Canada, as it lights up over the Ottawa River. Why not end the day with an eerie ghost tour of Ottawa’s Old Jail after dark?

There’s never a bad time for a trip to Ontario. With year-round entertainment – including live music, sporting events and festivals – Toronto always has something going on. Similarly, Ottawa is beautiful throughout the year. Parks, beaches, and outdoor markets are ideal for summer, while the frozen canal offers ice-skating in winter.

Away from the cities, the countryside comes alive in spring. Smaller resorts and outdoor attractions usually open in late-May and remain busy until the end of September. Temperatures during this time range from 10°C to 25°C, and rain is sporadic throughout the year. June and August are peak-time for festival. Toronto is especially lively with annual Jazz and Fringe festivals, and Pride. September brings the Toronto Film Festival – one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world – while Christmas starts early with the Cavalcade of Lights in the last week of November.