More For Visitors

This page offers links to a wide variety of services and information related to travel and tourism in general.

• Vacationing in Ontario - Where to Go, What to Do
  This information about Ontario will help you to plan your next visit.
• People and Culture - Population Densities
  With a population of more than 12 million, Ontario is home to about one in three Canadians. Eighty per cent live in urban centres, largely in cities on the shores of the Great Lakes.
• About Ontario - Overview
  Welcome to Ontario, the province that one in three Canadians calls home.
• About Ontario
  This section provides links to detailed information about the people, places and events in Ontario.
• Tourism Business - Start and Run a Tourism Business
  The information provided here is sourced from other government departments, industry associations and tourism partners to help you start and run your tourism business.
• G8 Summit in Huntsville: June 25-27, 2010
  The G8 (Group of Eight) Summit, an annual meeting of the leaders of eight of the world's most industrialized nations, is an economic and political forum aimed at finding common ground on key topics and solutions to global issues.
• Ontario's Great Outdoors
  Take gentle forest walks or trek the rugged terrain along an original Voyageur portage route. Backpack in the unspoiled splendour of provincial and national parks. Pedal along an abandoned rail line, through vast orchards and down country lanes. The sky's the limit for climbers, whether you're clawing your way up a steep icy crag or testing your mettle on a challenging vertical rock face. Ontario beckons.
• Seasonal Fun
  Come and discover the rhythm and beauty of Ontario's changing seasons. Get away to vibrant cities and charming towns that herald each season with boundless festivals and events. Experience the joys of change in Ontario's renowned four-season playground.
• The Great Ontario Outdoor Adventure
  Walk hand-in-hand along romantic, sandy beaches. Dive into waters so crystal clear, you can see shipwrecks in their depths. Spot a moose or discover a bird-watching haven. Go on an owl prowl or a wolf howl that'll make your neck hairs rise.
• OntarioTravel.net
  As the official Website of Ontario Tourism, we have everything you need to know about visiting and vacationing in Ontario, from road maps to wine tours to family fun in the province. Ontario, there's no place like this!
• Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership
  The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation (OTMPC) is a government agency created in 1999 to partner with Ontario tourism operators to showcase Ontario as a four-season must-see travel destination at home and internationally. The OTMPC website boasts a wealth of helpful information for those who are interested in learning more about the OTMPC or are interested in partnership opportunities.
• National Marine Conservation Areas of Canada
  National Marine Conservation Areas, or NMCA for short, are marine areas managed for sustainable use and containing smaller zones of high protection. They include the seabed, the water above it and any species which occur there. They may also take in wetlands, estuaries, islands and other coastal lands.
• Science North
  Science North is a science centre and family attraction that opened in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada in 1984 and has since welcomed millions of visitors from around the world.
• Tourism Sector in Ontario
  Tourism is Ontario's 7th largest export industry and the Government of Ontario recognizes its importance as an economic generator and contributor to a higher quality of life. Discover why Ontario is an unparalleled tourist destination – and the investment opportunity you've been looking for.
• Indian and Inuit Art Centre
  The Indian and Inuit Art Collection, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, represents works of art by Canada's most prominent Indian (First Nations), Métis and Inuit artists as well as works by young emerging and mid-career artists.
• Ontario Science Centre
  Since its opening September 26, 1969, the Ontario Science Centre has been a pioneer in creating interactive experiences that make science accessible. It has attracted over 40 million visitors from around the world and is one of Canada’s most visited attractions.
• Royal Ontario Museum
  The Royal Ontario Museum is among the world’s leading museums of natural history, and of world cultures. On this website, you have access to thousands of photographs and summaries from the ROM’s collections, results of its research activities, information on current programs and exhibitions, and means to download information, watch podcasts and purchase tickets to the museum and its events.
• Francophones in Ontario
  The French presence in Ontario dates back nearly 400 years. Today, Ontario's francophone community represents the largest francophone community in Canada outside of Quebec.
• NEXUS
  Cross often? Make it simple. NEXUS is designed to expedite the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travellers into Canada and the United States.
• Canada-U.S. Border - Travellers
  Canadian Border Services information for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and non-residents visiting, settling in, or doing business with Canada.
• Cultural Attractions Fund
  The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fun helps cultural and heritage organizations increase and diversify their earned revenue sources by attracting tourists and other visitors to new attractions and special events.
• Fish Ontario
  Few outdoor experiences can compare with fishing in Ontario’s 250,000 lakes and the thousands of rivers and streams. It is a favourite activity that Ontario residents and visitors enjoy year-round.
• Arts and Culture
  Take your seat for a stellar performance. Enjoy Broadway blockbusters or innovative local theatre on Toronto's diverse stages. Discover summer theatre and music festivals that bring the entertainment outdoors where you can see great singers perform from a floating stage or drama coming to life on a picturesque farm stage.
• Public Holidays
  A list of holidays in Ontario
• History of Aboriginal People
  Visit these websites to brush up on your knowledge of the history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit.
• Uncovering Aboriginal Places and Events
  Steep yourself in time-honoured traditions of an Aboriginal culture that's older than recorded time. Celebrate Aboriginal culture, history and traditions during Ontario's Heritage Week held each year during the last week of February.
• History Comes to Life in Ontario
  Slip back into time at Aboriginal gatherings where the air is still pungent with wood smoke and sweet grass. Thrill to the sounds of marching and musket fire at a stone fortress or paddle a Voyageur canoe at a fur trading post. Experience history in Ontario.
• Ministry of Tourism
  The Ministry of Tourism supports delivery of high quality tourism and recreation experiences to Ontarians and visitors to Ontario.
• Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation
  Welcome to the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation's (OTMPC) web site for industry partners - your valuable source of tourism news, marketing opportunities, research and resources.
• Information and Assistance for Canadians Abroad
  This website provides information on some difficult situations that Canadian travellers may encounter while abroad, and includes issue-specific recommendations to assist you in dealing with them.
• Currency Converter
  Canada has one of the world's most secure currencies, and a very low incidence of counterfeiting. It is recommended that visitors use Canadian funds in Ontario.
• Ontario Events Calendar
  A huge array of diverse festivals and events take place all across the province - and all through the year in Ontario. You can view events by location, type or date and can also change months by using the Next and Previous links on the calendar.
• Ontario Maps / Driving Directions
  Getting to an Ontario event, activity or location is a breeze when you have a bit of help from the mapping tool we're providing to you. By using this special function, you'll be able to:Create a map which includes driving directions from a current location to a selected location; Determine an optimal route between two locations and have this route displayed.
• Ontario transportation
  Ontario boasts a number of extensive and efficient transportation systems offering the traveller an array of ways to get around the province, from air to land to water. Airports and airlines provide speedy travel within Ontario, to other parts of Canada, and overseas.
• Alcohol
  In Ontario, anyone 19 years of age or over may buy liquor and imported or domestic wine and beer from government liquor stores known as LCBO stores. These stores are open daily including some holidays (exceptions may apply). A large selection of domestic beer is available from Beer Stores throughout Ontario.
• Boating
  Parks Canada operates two historically significant waterways - the Trent-Severn Waterway and Rideau Canal. They are usually open from mid-May until mid-October. You can buy canal vessel permits; including lockage, overnight mooring and boater camping permits, for a small fee at lock stations during the navigation season. The Ontario Marine Operators Association provides a list of marinas across the province.
• Border Crossing
  A number of resources available at the following websites can provide you with up-to-date information about border crossing to and from Ontario/Canada: Ministry of Transportation; Canada Border Services Agency.
• Camping
  With more than 272 unspoiled natural provincial parks dotting the province, Ontario is indeed a camping paradise. You can relax with family and friends in your camper, hooked up in a fully serviced campground, or you can have a backcountry experience in the serenity of the wilderness with nothing but the great outdoors.
• Credit Cards
  Most major credit cards are welcome in Ontario and Canada, including American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Diners Club, enRoute and Carte Blanche.
• Customs and Immigration
  Citizens of other countries, except Greenland, and residents of St-Pierre and Miquelon, must have a valid passport (some also require a visitor's visa).
• Travel Distances
  Approximate driving and flight times have been listed and are to be used only as a guide when travelling to or within Ontario.
• Emergency Services
  In many areas of the province, 911 is the emergency services telephone number for fire, ambulance and police. For other types of emergency not serviced by 911, you should contact the operator by dialing zero (0) and saying, ""This is an emergency.""
• Firearms and Ammunition
  As a rule, weapons are not allowed into Canada. However, you may bring a hunting rifle or shotgun into Ontario as a visitor for hunting or competition purposes if you are 18 years of age or older, plus 200 rounds of ammunition for hunting, or 1,500 rounds for use at a recognised meet.
• Gambling
  In Ontario, there are 18 horse racing tracks, 4 resort casinos, 5 OLG casinos, 13 lottery games sold through more than 10,000 vendors across the province and 4 province wide Bingo games.To deliver gaming entertainment and maximize economic benefits for the people of Ontario in an efficient and socially responsible manner, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is responsible for the management and conduct of gaming operations in four divisions: lottery products, OLG casinos, resort casinos and slots-at-racetracks.
• Getting Around
  Ontario is laced with a transportation network of regional and national airline routes, railways, bus routes and ferries.
• Gifts
  Visitors to Ontario can send gifts to friends or relatives in Canada, or can bring the gifts with them, and no duties will apply, provided the value of each gift does not exceed $60CAD (Canadian funds), and they do not consist of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or advertising material. Gift packages sent by mail should be plainly marked ""unsolicited gift"" and the value should be indicated. Gifts valued at more than $60CAD (Canadian funds) are subject to duties on the excess amount.
• Health Insurance
  Visitors are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home province or country. (Your health insurance plan may not extend coverage outside your country of residence.) If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, bring an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Ontario. For further information and insurance details, contact your travel agent or insurance agent.
• Hunting
  In addition to the world's finest freshwater sport fishing, Ontario provides outdoors enthusiasts with the opportunity to hunt deer, moose, wild turkey, bear, waterfowl and a variety of other game species. Special packages and hunting trips are available throughout the province.
• Immigration
  Find answers to any questions you have about Immigration to Ontario or to Canada at the following links.
• Land Use Laws
  The Occupier's Liability Act reduces a rural landowner's responsibility for the safety of non-paying visitors. Signs can be erected to indicate which activities are allowed on the property. Publications Ontario provides an explanatory brochure detailing these acts.
• Hospitals and Medical Services
  The Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) provides a complete list of hospitals across the province.
• Ontario Tourism Signs
  To help visitors find their destinations easily, Ontario has introduced a new system of specially designed signs to indicate a wide range of tourism attractions along provincial highways. The blue and white signs indicate the distance to the closest attractions.
• Pets
  You'll find some helpful information about bringing pets into Canada in this section of this web site. All animals are subject to veterinary inspection on arrival in Canada, and information about this procedure is available through Canada Food Inspection Agency.
• Postage
  Canadian postage stamps must be used on all mail in Canada. Rates are 52 cents for postcards and letters up to 30 g (1oz.) destined for Canada (93 cents for those 30-50 g), 96 cents for mail destined for the United States and $1.60 (up to 20 g) for other countries. Detailed information is available through Canada Post.
• Public Transportation
  In Toronto, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is an efficient and convenient way to get around the city, seven days a week. A subway system links to buses, streetcars and a light-rail transit providing a one-fare one-way ride to anywhere in the city.In Ottawa, the OC Transpo provides public transit services around the city.For information about other public transit systems across the province, call the municipality that you will be visiting.
• Rules of the Road
  Ontario traffic rules may be a bit different than the ones you're used to. So here's a list of traffic tips to help you get around the province safely.
• Sales Tax
  Ontario has an 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST), a 5% federal value-added General Services Tax (GST), special taxes on food and liquor in restaurants and a room tax on visitor accommodation.
• Ontario Weather
  Due to Ontario's size, temperatures may vary tremendously from region to region and even within the regions themselves. Generally, the weather is considered continental, with January being the coldest month of the year and July being the warmest. Temperatures are given officially in degrees Celsius (C) with the Fahrenheit equivalent (F) often added.You'll find more detailed information about Ontario's climate, including helpful tips on what clothing to bring when you visit, by clicking on Weather Travel Tips.
• Ontario Parks Campsite Vacancies
  Campsite vacancies for Ontario parks including options to view information about a specific park and checking for closing dates.
• National Parks of Canada
  National Parks are a country-wide system of representative natural areas of Canadian significance. By law, they are protected for public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment, while being maintained in an unimpaired state for future generations. National Parks have existed in Canada for well over a century.
• Ontario Parks
  Find out what a beautiful province we live in - go for a hike or go camping! Check out the Ontario Parks Web site for a list of parks, information on discounted rates for seniors or to make a reservation.
• Ontario Parks Guide
  2008 Ontario parks guide index with link to download the 2008 parks guide.
• Ontario Place
  Ontario Place is an internationally acclaimed cultural, leisure and entertainment parkland located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The complex extends throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront.
• Accommodations
  After a day of exploring Ontario's wonders, you can rest assured that there are plenty of welcoming places to spend the night - accommodations that suit any taste and every budget. Stay at a luxurious, big city downtown hotel. Complement small town touring with a night at a charming bed and breakfast or country inn where hospitable hosts make you feel right at home.
• Discover Arts and Culture in Ontario
  From performance stages to gallery walls, exhibition halls and displays, explore and be thrilled by great expressions of art and culture in Ontario.
• Fishing
  Come to an angling paradise where more than 400,000 lakes, rivers and streams are brimming with the most desirable freshwater fishing experiences in the world.
• Gardens
  Let your senses be awakened by a tapestry of bright green foliage, sweetly scented blossoms and magnificent stretches of brilliantly coloured daffodils, pansies and tulips. Celebrate with festivals and flower shows in greenhouses, arboretums and gardens of every size, shape and purpose.
• Golf
  Ontario is a golfer's paradise! Tee off on lush fairways weaving through wilderness that just dares you to drive one over the water. Sink a putt on emerald greens that cleverly hide their slope.
• Natural Wonders
  Come and explore a vast and diverse landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. Look out upon the rugged beauty of canyons gouged deep in the earth. Feel the mist on your face as majestic waterfalls thunder down from incredible heights. Follow hiking paths and canoe routes through glorious outdoor havens where moose, caribou and bears roam freely.
• Spas
  Slip into a thick terry robe and surrender to total relaxation. Whether you seek an urban oasis or rural retreat, Ontario's spas will cater to your well-being. Find tranquility amid the green hills at a yoga retreat.
• Sports and Gaming
  Whoop and holler for the home team at a major league game or grab some ice level seats and catch spirited amateur hockey action. Feel the roar of the Indy cars as you watch the world's best drivers play cat and mouse.
• Urban Experiences
  Let Ontario's vibrant urban energy sweep you to amazing new experiences. Tease your palate in trattorias and taverns, bistros and bars. Toronto, alone, offers 5,000 restaurant choices. Swing to the beat of jazz, salsa, big bands and pops or prepare yourself for perpetual motion during an international festival.
• Food and Wine
  If you have a taste for the pleasures of great food and drink, Ontario offers a tempting menu for your next culinary adventure. Share the passion of epicurean experts who present the finest seasonal offerings. Discover the secrets of celebrated culinary masters at classes designed to make learning a delicious pleasure.
• Tourism & Forestry
  The resource-based tourism industry is an important component of Ontario’s forest-based economy. Ensuring that the needs of the resource-based tourism industry are effectively addressed is a key part of a forest management plan.
• Fishing Licence (Outdoors card)
  Fast Facts about Ontario Outdoors Cards and Fishing Licences.
• Outdoors Card - Licensing, Renewal, and Change of Address
  Information on how to renew your Outdoors Card
• Fish and Wildlife
  Wildlife, such as mammals (large and small), birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and fish, is important to Ontario. These natural resources are an important part of the province's biodiversity that provide us with ecological, social and economic benefits.
• Official Road Map of Ontario
  A web version of one of our most popular publications - the Official Road Map of Ontario - which the ministry has been proudly producing, in paper version, since 1923.
• Transit Systems in Ontario
  Links to websites for all public transit systems operating in Ontario.
• Guide to Ontario Museums
  Browse museums by name, type, city or region. Search for a museum in Ontario.
• Niagara Parks
  The Niagara Parks Commission is a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism. The Niagara Region offers an unparalleled variety of sights and sounds, from the majestic Niagara Falls to theatres, festivals and wineries. All the Niagara Falls & Great Gorge attractions, like Journey Behind the Falls and the Whirlpool Aero Car, and beautiful gardens like Oakes Garden Theatre are owned and operated by Niagara Parks.
• Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
  the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is a provincial agency operating and managing province-wide lotteries, casinos and slots facilities at horse racing tracks.
• Travel Guide Order Form
  The Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation produces a number of helpful and informative free publications that showcase Ontario's unique and diverse range of travel experiences.