Highlights along the Trans Canada TrailLearn More

Ontario’s official slogan is ‘Yours to Discover’, and this is certainly true! With an area larger than Spain and France combined, it’s difficult to summarize the landscape, climate, and culture into just a few words. So, here are some favorite facts instead.

There are approximately 250,000 lakes in Ontario, including 4 out of 5 of the Great Lakes. At first glance, some of these vast shorelines could easily be confused for tropical seas.

The provincial capital is Toronto, not to be confused with the national capital city of Ottawa.. also in Ontario, the perfect starting point for many of our adventures. Ontario stretches further south than the states of Washington, Montana, North & South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Great wine-growing climate!

Niagara Falls, in Southern Ontario, is the most powerful waterfall in all of North America…and it’s just a bike ride away from over 70 wonderful wineries! Forests cover approximately two thirds of Ontario and can be enjoyed in over 300 provincial and 6 national parks including stunning Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park (a world-famous SCUBA diving destination)

The Bruce Trail is Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, spanning more than 890km along the UNESCO-designated Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory. Manitoulin Island, a short ferry ride from Tobermory on Lake Huron, is the world’s largest freshwater island.

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Find your Ontario trip

Ontario highlights

 

Why travel with us

Self Guided Active Travel Experts

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Ontario you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

Exceptional value for money

Quality services at the best price make our active Ontario hiking & cycling trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, luggage transfert and our navigation APP. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your active adventure.

Responsible travel

 

Dedicated to Canadian Trails

Included in all tour packages which use the Trans Canada Trail is a donation to support ongoing trail maintenance and continued success of the project.

100% Carbon Offset

All our trips are 100% carbon offset and will directly support renewable energy and reforestation projects across the world.

Accommodation

Charming B&B

We provide you with lodging in charming inns, B&B’s, and guesthouses chosen for their local flavour, their hospitality and their ideal location near trails.

Bike information

Hybrid Bikes

Modern hybrids suitable for road and mild off-road use with eighteen to twenty-four gears. They are provided with panniers, helmet, lock, bell, and basic tool kit.

E-bikes

E-bike upgrades are possible upon request, subject to availability. They are provided with panniers, helmet, lock, bell, and basic tool kit. Great option for a boost and extra pedal-power!

Climate

Due to Ontario’s size, temperatures may vary tremendously from region to region. The overall climate is considered ‘continental’ with humidity adding to the heat in the summer and ‘wind chill’ adding to the cold in the winter. On average, the coldest month of the year is January and the warmest is July with the shoulder seasons of spring and fall (autumn) being quite comfortable.

Northern Ontario has very long, very cold winters and short summers; however, the southern part of the province enjoys the moderating effect of the Great Lakes. In summer, temperatures can soar above 30C (86F), while in winter they can drop to below -13C (9F).

Spring brings melting snow, budding flowers, and delicious treats from March to May in the form of fresh maple syrup at the local sugar bush. Orchids grow like weeds on the Bruce Peninsula, orchards of apple trees are blossoming, and tulips decorate Ottawa, the nation’s capital. The cities come alive with food trucks popping up, Bixi bikes hitting the streets, and outdoor patios filling with happy patrons.

Summer (mid-June through September) in Southern Ontario can be hot and muggy, with temperatures from 18C (64F) to 28C (77F). With humidity it can feel much warmer than this. Summer is the time to enjoy fresh strawberries and tomatoes, ‘go to the cottage’, camp in the parks, hit the trails, and to enjoy the beautiful beaches along the Great Lakes.

Autumn (mid September to November) sweeps in with a burst of colour, aroma and flavour. Ontario is home to Red Maples, Sugar Maples, Japanese and Harlequin Maples – you name the Maple and you will find it here! They are lovely trees in any season, but in fall in Ontario they really show their colours. It is also harvest time, when you can enjoy pumpkins, apples, pears, and enjoy celebrations in Ontario’s wine regions. This is a great time for outdoor activity with crisp, dry air and brilliant blue skies.

Winter (November through March) brings an abundance of snow and plenty of opportunities for ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, or even dog-sledding. Temperatures is southern Ontario can change dramatically (-20C (-4F) to -5C (23F) and without warning in a 24-hour period, so if you’re going outside be sure to wrap up warmly: snow pants, down/fibre-filled jackets, boots, hats, mittens and so on.

We recommend visiting Environment Canada’s website for information specific to the region in which you are travelling.

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