Meredith Howell ITA

My Ontario Must-See….Ontario Provincial Parks!

Ontario’s provincial parks are filled with breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, forests, waterfalls, and endless outdoor adventure. From canoeing through the wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park and hiking the white quartzite cliffs of Killarney Provincial Park to relaxing on the beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park and watching sunsets along Lake Huron at Pinery Provincial Park, these parks showcase some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Canada. Whether you’re looking for camping, hiking, wildlife, paddling, or peaceful escapes into nature, Ontario’s provincial parks offer unforgettable experiences in every season — and don’t forget to stop at a local craft brewery along the way for the perfect Ontario road trip experience.

10 Hidden Gems to Explore in Ontario

1. Stratford Festival
One of Canada’s most famous theatre festivals featuring world-class Shakespeare productions, musicals, and live performances.

2. Niagara-on-the-Lake A charming town known for wineries, historic streets, boutique shopping, and beautiful lakefront scenery.

3. St. Jacobs Farmers' Market
Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market filled with local food, handmade goods, and Mennonite culture.

4. Toronto Islands
A peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Toronto with beaches, biking trails, skyline views, and picnic spots.

5. Manitoulin Island
The world’s largest freshwater island, offering waterfalls, hiking, Indigenous culture, and peaceful small-town charm.

6. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
A breathtaking northern Ontario destination with dramatic cliffs overlooking Lake Superior.

7. Elora Gorge
A scenic gorge known for tubing, hiking trails, limestone cliffs, and the charming village of Elora.

8. Bonnechere Caves
An underground natural wonder filled with fascinating caves and geological history.

9. Agawa Canyon
A spectacular northern Ontario destination best experienced by scenic train ride through rugged landscapes.

10. Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park
A dramatic canyon with towering cliffs and scenic boardwalk viewpoints near Thunder Bay.

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Ontario

1. Niagara Falls
One of the most famous waterfalls in the world and Ontario’s top tourist destination.

2. CN Tower
Toronto’s iconic skyline landmark offering panoramic city views and the thrilling EdgeWalk experience.

3. Toronto
Canada’s largest city is packed with entertainment, shopping, museums, and waterfront attractions.

4. Experience a major league sporting event in Toronto. Catch the excitement of the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, or Toronto FC and feel the energy of Toronto’s passionate sports culture.

5. Algonquin Provincial Park
A stunning wilderness destination known for canoeing, hiking, wildlife, and fall colours.

6. Parliament Hill
Visit Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, to experience a historic national landmark featuring stunning Gothic architecture and year-round celebrations, including ceremonies, festivals, and cultural events that showcase the heart of the country.

7. Tobermory
Famous for turquoise waters, shipwreck diving, and access to Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park.

8. Thousand Islands
A scenic region filled with islands, castles, cruises, and waterfront beauty along the St. Lawrence River.

9. Blue Mountain Resort
One of Ontario’s most popular four-season resorts for skiing, hiking, golfing, and village entertainment.

10. Muskoka
Ontario’s famous cottage country destination known for lakes, luxury resorts, boating, and relaxing escapes.

Ontario — yours to discover!

Ontario is a province filled with world-famous attractions, vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and unforgettable hidden gems. From experiencing the energy of Toronto and the iconic beauty of Niagara Falls to exploring the rugged wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park and the crystal-clear waters of Tobermory, Ontario offers something for every type of traveller. Visitors can relax along the beaches of Wasaga Beach, discover charming small towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake, or paddle through thousands of islands in Georgian Bay. Hidden gems across the province include scenic waterfalls, cottage country escapes, northern adventures, and vibrant festivals throughout every season. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, food and wine, or peaceful lakeside retreats, Ontario is packed with unforgettable experiences waiting to be explored.

My Manitoba Must-See….Churchill Polar Bears!

Churchill, Manitoba is one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations in the world and is proudly known as the Polar Bear Capital of the World.

Each fall, wild polar bears gather along the shores of Hudson Bay as they wait for the sea ice to form, creating an unforgettable opportunity to see them in their natural Arctic environment.

Traveling through the tundra in a specially designed buggy offers a safe and awe-inspiring way to witness these incredible animals up close against a backdrop of vast northern wilderness.

A visit to Churchill is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that showcases the raw beauty and power of Canada’s north. If this isn't on your bucket list, it should be!

Top 10 things you must-do in Manitoba!

1. Explore Winnipeg
Manitoba’s capital city is filled with museums, local restaurants, festivals, markets, and cultural attractions including The Forks and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

2. Visit Churchill
Known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World,” Churchill is famous for polar bear viewing, beluga whales, and spectacular northern lights.

3. Discover Riding Mountain National Park
A beautiful mix of forests, lakes, wildlife, and hiking trails that’s perfect for outdoor adventure and peaceful escapes.

4. Relax at Clear Lake
One of Manitoba’s favourite summer destinations for boating, swimming, beaches, and cottage life.

5. Explore Whiteshell Provincial Park
A hidden gem filled with lakes, forests, waterfalls, hiking trails, and incredible camping opportunities.

5. Visit Gimli
This charming lakeside town on Lake Winnipeg is known for its Icelandic heritage, beaches, fishing, and summer festivals.

6. Experience the Northern Lights
Manitoba is one of the best places in Canada to see the aurora borealis, especially in northern regions like Churchill.

7. Explore Lake Winnipeg
One of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, offering beaches, fishing, boating, and scenic lakefront communities.

8. Visit Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park
A peaceful island escape with hiking, wildlife, beaches, and relaxing resort experiences.

9. Take a Scenic Prairie Road Trip through Manitoba
From sunflower fields and charming small towns to endless prairie sunsets, Manitoba’s open roads offer some of Canada’s most underrated scenery.

Our next stop is Manitoba, where vibrant cities, endless wilderness, and unforgettable northern adventures come together.

From exploring the cultural attractions and food scene in Winnipeg to spotting polar bears in Churchill, the province offers experiences unlike anywhere else in Canada.

Nature lovers can relax on the beaches of Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park, paddle through scenic lakes and forests, or witness the northern lights dancing across Manitoba’s dark skies.

Hidden gems like the colourful town of Gimli on Lake Winnipeg and the remote beauty of Whiteshell Provincial Park showcase the province’s mix of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re chasing wildlife encounters, prairie sunsets, or peaceful cabin escapes, Manitoba is filled with experiences waiting to be discovered.

“I like mine with lettuce and tomato, Heinz 57 and french-fried potatoes…” 🍔🌴🎶

A cheeseburger in paradise is the only way to celebrate National Hamburger Day! Whether it’s a beachside grill, a poolside bite at an all-inclusive resort, or your favourite local burger spot, today we celebrate the burger in all its glory.

What’s your ultimate topping?

My Saskatchewan Must-See….Athabasca Sand Dunes!

The Athabasca Sand Dunes in northern Saskatchewan are one of Canada’s most breathtaking hidden gems and an absolute must-see for adventure lovers.

Stretching along the shores of Lake Athabasca, these massive dunes are among the largest active sand dunes in North America and create a landscape that feels more like a desert than the Canadian wilderness.

Remote, wild, and incredibly unique, the area is known for its rare plant species, endless sandy ridges, and unforgettable scenery.

For travellers looking to experience one of Saskatchewan’s most extraordinary natural wonders, the Athabasca Sand Dunes offer a true off-the-beaten-path adventure unlike anywhere else in the country.

Saskatchewan is packed with experiences that showcase the beauty of the Canadian prairies. Here are 10 amazing things to do while exploring Saskatchewan.

1. Explore Prince Albert National Park
One of Saskatchewan’s most beautiful outdoor destinations, filled with forests, lakes, hiking trails, and wildlife. Spend time at Waskesiu Lake, go canoeing, or spot elk and black bears in the park.

2. Visit Grasslands National Park
A stunning prairie landscape known for rolling hills, roaming bison, and some of the darkest skies in Canada for unforgettable stargazing.

3. Float in Little Manitou Lake
Known as “Canada’s Dead Sea,” the lake’s mineral-rich waters make floating effortless while offering a relaxing spa-like experience.

4. Discover Saskatoon
Saskatchewan’s largest city is known for its beautiful riverfront trails, local restaurants, festivals, and vibrant arts scene.

5. Explore Moose Jaw’s Historic Tunnels
Step underground and discover the fascinating tunnels tied to stories of bootlegging and immigration history in this charming prairie city.

6. Visit the Athabasca Sand Dunes
One of the largest active sand dune fields in North America, offering a surprising and remote wilderness adventure.

7. Relax in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
A unique destination with rolling hills, forests, camping, hiking, and scenic viewpoints rising above the prairie landscape.

8. Explore Regina
Visit the province’s capital city for museums, parks, local culture, and the beautiful Saskatchewan Legislative Building grounds.

9. Spend Time at Lake Diefenbaker
A favourite summer getaway for boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and relaxing along the water.

10. Experience Saskatchewan’s Prairie Sunsets
One of the province’s most unforgettable experiences is simply driving through the open prairies and watching the endless sky light up with vibrant sunset colours.