last edited Dec 11, 2019
Overview of Ontario
Location Map of Ontario
Ontario
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Overview
Ontario is located in the central-eastern part of the country. It is bordered to the east by Quebec, to the west by Manitoba, to the north by Hudson Bay, and to the south by the United States (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania). A large portion of the shared border with the United States is formed by the Great Lakes: Erie, Huron, Ontario, and Superior. Ontario is not Canada’s largest province, but it is the most populous. Its capital is Toronto, which is also Canada’s largest city.
Ontario’s economy is primarily driven by manufacturing (automobiles, steel, food, electrical appliances, and much more) and the high-tech sector. Agriculture, mining, and hydroelectric power also play significant roles in the province’s economy.
Tourism in Ontario is a booming sector, ranking first among Canadian provinces in terms of tourism revenue. When people think of Ontario, the first tourist destination that comes to mind—and rightly so—is undoubtedly Niagara Falls, a UNESCO biosphere reserve. However, Ontario also has fifteen tourist regions offering opportunities for wonderful family vacations, outdoor adventures, or simply discovering numerous historical sites.
Key Facts
- Type of place: province.
- Local time: Most of Ontario is in "Eastern Time" (, UTC-5). Only the northwestern part of the province is in "Central Time" (, like neighboring Manitoba).
- Capital: Toronto.
- Official language: English de facto.
- Population: 13,792,052 (2015).
- Area: 1,076,395 km².
- Density: 13 inhabitants/km².
- Highest point: Ishpatina Ridge (693 m).
- Lowest point: sea level.
- Coastline: 4,175 km.
- Driving: on the right.
Tourism
With over 250,000 lakes and vast areas offering ideal conditions for wildlife and birdwatching, as well as many other activities, this region inevitably attracts nature lovers. Niagara Falls is undoubtedly a must-see. Ottawa, the federal capital, and Toronto, the provincial capital and metropolis, boast a wealth of museums, galleries, shops, theaters, and restaurants, catering to visitors seeking cultural or culinary discoveries.
Travel Essentials
- Destination: for beginner travelers.
- By air: Paris-Toronto for 500/1,200 € round trip.
- Backpacker daily budget:
- Best for accommodation:
- Best way to get around: car or, alternatively, bus/train.
- Risks: very low health risks and relatively low safety risks.
- Best time for climate/crowds/prices: May-June and September-October.
- Interests (out of ): Nature ; Adventure /; Culture ; Relaxation/Holidays .
- Website: - Tourist Office available online. Several regions also have their own tourism representation.