Into the Wild

Your introduction to Ontario begins in Toronto, where you’ll be staying at the plush Ritz Carlton in the heart of the action. Once you’ve browsed Toronto’s cultural centre, plunge straight into adventure and brave the CN Tower’s EdgeWalk, which is elevated at 1,168ft above ground.

Alternatively, experience the heights of the city without the fear of danger on a helicopter tour of the main attractions, including the Royal Ontario Museum, the Parliament, and the inner harbour, and once you’ve ticked off the key sights head out to the city’s perimeters for a day of rock climbing, zip-lining or caving.

The town of Niagara on the Lake is bursting with old-world charm, where Victorian architecture lines cobbled streets and horse and carts stroll by. Mount one of the horses at the Niagara stables and follow the trail along the escarpment into protected Niagara woodland, or opt for a cycling tour through historic Niagara to experience the heritage of the area and the delicious wines at the surrounding vineyards.

If you’re after something a little more exhilarating, there’s the option of whirlpool jet-boat riding down Niagara’s class five white water rapids. You’ll spend the night at the historic Prince of Wales hotel, a landmark retreat offering Victorian elegance and five-star dining.

Continue your trip through quaint Ontario to Wellington, in Prince Edward County, where secluded beaches, lush agricultural plains and attractive vineyards scatter the lands. Spend two nights at the Drake Devonshire Inn, a traditional farmhouse perched on a lakeshore, and venture into the countryside to explore Sandbanks Provincial Park, which is home to three sandy beaches and a comprehensive network of trails through dune and wetland habitats – be sure to look out for the great bird migration in spring and autumn here too.

Prince Edward County is also famed for its viticulture; follow the Gastronomic Taste Trail through the bucolic agricultural lands, which links artisanal food producers, winemakers and restaurants.

The next leg of your trip will take you to Kingston: Ontario’s oldest city. Located on the intersection between Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Cataraqui River, the city is the perfect base for exploring Ontario’s famous waterways. You’ll take a cruise around the spectacular 1000 Islands that scatter the St. Lawrence River, passing Napoleon's Hat, Wanderer's Channel and the sights of Kingston en route.

Your home for the night is the Residence Inn: a water’s edge hotel with glorious views over Lake Ontario.

Continuing north you’ll depart for Ottawa for a night at the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier. This majestic, castle-like hotel is a landmark in the city and is located next door to the country’s Parliament buildings. Spend your day cycling along the Rideau Canal, and if you’re visiting during winter go for a glide along the world’s longest skating rink situated on the hotel’s doorstep.

Further afield, the Gatineau Hills offer fantastic hiking, biking and canoeing as well as plentiful cross-country and downhill skiing routes.

Delve into the wilderness in Algonquin National Park, where dense pine forest, leafy woodlands and thousands of lakes host an array of wildlife and habitats. Staying in a luxury hut at Killarney Lodge, you can look forward to seeing chipmunks frolicking on your doorstep and moose, beaver and deer roaming the wilderness. Fish for bass and trout in the Lake of Two Rivers, hike one of the 15 self-guided trails that range from easy to difficult to suit all abilities, or rent a canoe and swap land for water in your explorations.

As you make your way back to Toronto, you’ll enjoy an overnight stop in Jackson’s Point, for one last indulgent escape to the country. Staying at the The Briars, a cosy inn on the banks of Lake Simcoe, choose to wind down with an invigorating spa treatment, cooking class or round of golf, or enjoy one final adventure injection on a kayaking expedition up the lower Black River, a boat tour of Briars Bay, or a trip to the nearby zip-lines, high wires and wakeboarding spots.

The following morning, it’s a short drive to Toronto to complete the loop and catch your return flight back home.