In summer, a paradise for the outdoors
Ontario's wide open spaces, countless bodies of water, and parks and reserves provide many opportunities for outdoor activities, but the undisputed star is boating, which has an exceptional playground. With four of the Great Lakes within its boundaries, not to mention nearly 250,000 lakes, thousands of rivers and James and Hudson Bays, there's no shortage of opportunities, ranging from a leisurely paddleboarding excursion (SUP) in the Toronto Islands Archipelago to the pure adrenaline of rafting on the Ottawa River. Kayaking and canoeing are practiced throughout the province, and for those tempted by the wilderness canoe camping experience, Quetico (near Atikokan west of Thunder Bay) and Algonquin (between Ottawa and Georgian Bay) provincial parks are a must. Sailing is also very popular, but Great Lakes sailing is for the initiated (skippered trips are available at many locations). Scuba diving at Fathom Five Marine Park, world-renowned for its 20 or so shipwrecks in the crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay, is also a must.
For those who prefer to put on their boots, the province is full of walking trails, most of which are well marked. Some will opt for more rugged terrain such as the Niagara Escarpment circuit or the backcountry of Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Provincial Park, while others will prefer a short contemplative stroll along the Great Lakes. Some of these trails are also suitable for biking, including the 24,000 km Trans Canada Trail, which crosses the country from east to west along the north shore of the Great Lakes in Ontario. The province is also known for its superb golf courses, of which there are hundreds here, especially in the Muskoka region where the most select of them are located.
Of course, a host of other activities can be enjoyed in Ontario, such as kitesurfing, rock climbing, aerial or via ferrata courses, caving, skydiving, mountain biking, horseback riding... And to recover from your emotions, enjoy a moment of relaxation in the thermal facilities of one of the province's spas.
In winter, snow and wide open spaces
Thanks to exceptional snow conditions, the popularity of winter sports in Ontario is palpable. The season generally runs from December to the end of March, and even longer in the areas north of Lakes Huron and Superior.
Although the province's terrain is generally flat, a few dozen ski resorts have made their home here, including Blue Mountain Resort on the shores of Georgian Bay, by far the most popular and most complete in terms of accommodation and dining. That said, don't expect big vertical drops, as the highest resort is just over 500 metres. Cross-country skiing is also popular, as is snowshoeing, both of which are easily and inexpensively accessible in the province's provincial and national parks. Then there's ice skating, which is no surprise considering how much Ontarians love hockey. For those who would like to try it, no problem, as outdoor and indoor rinks are legion in Ontario. Our favourite is the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa, the largest outdoor rink in the world. And we can't leave out the two most popular activities for visitors: snowmobiling and dog sledding. Many tour operators and outfitters offer these unique experiences in an all-inclusive package, with cold weather equipment available upon request.
Teasing fish or game
Hunting and fishing are other popular activities. The famous outfittingcamps operate a territory while offering their services. They offer packages for fairly expensive expeditions that must be reserved well in advance, but they take care of everything: transportation, lodging, equipment and accompaniment with qualified guides. Hunting is prohibited in the parks but permitted in the reserves, provided you have a permit. Fishing is permitted in many parks, provided you also have a permit. Hunting and fishing permits can be obtained from sports stores or outfitters. Prices vary depending on the season, the territory, and the type of game or fish.
On the side of professional sport
Hockey is the number one sport in Canada. Two NHL teams - the most prestigious league in the world - share the spotlight in Ontario: the Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Toronto Maple Leafs have thesecond most championships, just behind the Montreal Canadiens, with 13 Stanley Cups to their credit.
Then there is Canadian football, which is very similar to American football except for a few rules. Three Canadian Football League (CFL) teams fill the stadiums in Ontario: the Ottawa Redblacks, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts. The latter have won 17 Grey Cups (most recently in 2017), making them simply the most successful team in the country. The regular season runs from early July to early November, followed by the semi-finals and finals for the championship. College football is also very popular with 11 teams in Ontario being members of the U Sports network which includes all teams in the country (usports.ca).
Alongside these two highly followed sports, there is also soccer (with the Toronto FC team winning the MLS, the North American championship, in 2017), baseball (with the Toronto Blue Jays) and basketball (with the Toronto Raptors, the 2019 NBA champions, a first for a Canadian team).
