Ontario Travel Guide

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Almost everyone's ideal summer vacation destination involves sun, sand and surf. Human instinct and the sweltering heat pushes people to the water during this season, and the wide expanse of Canada's stunning landscape offers up plenty of coastlines, lake shores and river banks from which to cool off. From the charming coast of Prince Edward Island to the cottage-country lakes of Ontario, or from the deep mountain pools of Alberta's Rocky Mountains to British Columbia's dramatic coastlines, Canada's waterfronts are the envy of the world.

And what more indulgent way to enjoy these spectacular locations than from the comfort of a luxurious waterfront hotel? The following opulent accommodations make the most of their spectacular settings and offer breath-taking vistas, lavish decor, consistently excellent service and an impressive range of amenities that add to comfort, convenience and enjoyment. These finest of Canada's waterfront hotels undeniably add to the scenery and vacation experience as a whole, and make the water's edge an ideal place to be, any time of year.


	The Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver¹

THE FAIRMONT WATERFRONT

The Fairmont Waterfront is an impressive part of downtown Vancouver's skyline. Standing tall and sleek, this modern, glass-covered structure reflects the lights and sights of its beautiful surroundings. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows in every guest room, this decadent hotel really showcases Vancouver's scenic waterfront, with 300 of its 489 suites overlooking the harbour and mountain peaks beyond, while other elegant rooms boast exciting vistas of city skylines and Stanley Park. Guest rooms, suites and specialty rooms all offer the height of comfort with luxurious furnishings and modern amenities, such as high-speed Internet access and individual climate control. And when guests finally peel their gaze from the spectacular views, they will discover that the Fairmont Waterfront also boasts a restaurant serving fine British Columbian cuisine, a health club and spa, and high-tech conference facilities.

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL NIAGARA FALLS-FALLSVIEW

This monumental hotel has been accommodating the rich and famous for over 80 years, and it's of no surprise considering the plush interior, exquisite facilities, modern amenities and most of all, the awe-inspiring location. Set directly facing the crashing Niagara Falls, this hotel boasts incredible views of this natural wonder, which can be enjoyed from many of the 234 guest rooms and from the elegant 10th floor restaurant. Situated on the Falls Avenue Entertainment Complex, the Crowne Plaza perhaps offers the very best location in Niagara Falls, Ontario. On top of the glorious views, guests have indoor access to Casino Niagara, the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, WWE Niagara Falls and various themed restaurants such as the Hard Rock Cafe and Planet Hollywood.


Deerhurst Resort²

DEERHURST RESORT

Those looking for a premier Muskoka lake experience need look no further than the Deerhurst Resort. Just minutes from Huntsville, Ontario, this ideal lakeside retreat allows full enjoyment of both the water and the beauty of the surrounding natural landscapes throughout the seasons. The resort's diverse and attractive accommodations, from cozy hotel rooms to spacious condo suites, cater to a variety of tastes and budgets. However, with all the activities and facilities that the property has to offer, one won't want to spend much time inside. Summer guests are invariably drawn to Deerhurst's exciting water activities, such as the inflatable waterpark for kids and adults, boat tours, water skiing and fishing, as well as two celebrated golf courses. And the cold won't stop guests in winter either—snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating and the neighbouring ski area are all an invitation to the outdoors. For the inevitable quiet times, Deerhurst boasts an expansive dining room overlooking the lake and pampering spa services.

AUBERGE SAINT-ANTOINE

A regular feature on Top Hotels lists, the Auberge Saint-Antoine cannot be overlooked. Built from the blocks of Quebec City's history, this boutique hotel is nestled beside the Musée de la Civilisation in the bustling Old-Port neighbourhood on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. The collection of historical buildings that make up the hotel were once warehouses, apartment buildings and houses, most of which hail from the 19th century. Today, this heritage hotel features 94 rooms and suites adorned with stylish, modern decor or historically themed furnishings and indulgent extras like goose down pillows and heated bathroom floors. Guests will enjoy the property's French Canadian restaurant and separate cafe, massage and beauty services, and displays of archaeological artifacts that were found on-site during construction. Steeped in history, the Auberge Saint-Antoine offers modern luxuries, views over the historic Old-Port, and a taste of Quebec's intrepid past.


	The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise³

FAIRMONT CHATEAU LAKE LOUISE

An icon of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise will take the breath away from anyone who sees it. The setting is second to none. Nestled on Lake Louise and enveloped by the surrounding mountain peaks, this grand heritage hotel faces the impressive Victoria Glacier across the lake's luminescent turquoise water. The Chateau is the perfect base from which to explore Alberta's Banff National Park in all its glory. Located above the alpine village of Lake Louise, the hotel lies in the heart of Canada's first national park and offers guided Mountain Heritage tours—ranging from walks around the lake to mountaineering expeditions—and is ideally situated for easy access to other park activities, including canoeing, horseback riding and skiing. Finely furnished guest rooms and suites offer mesmerizing views over the lake, mountains and beautiful hotel grounds, as well as all modern amenities. The Chateau also boasts a spa and salon, and eight exceptional dining options.

HALIFAX MARRIOTT HARBOURFRONT HOTEL

Located on the energetic waterfront of Halifax Harbour, in the heart of downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel is a traveller's oasis of comfort and convenience. This upscale hotel offers direct access to Casino Nova Scotia via an indoor skyway, and is just moments away from the best of the city's attractions, including the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Halifax Citadel. The Marriott Harbourfront's prime location allows guests to experience the vibrant pulse of this small, historic city, while the hotel's beautifully decorated waterfront and poolside rooms offer a supremely comfortable respite. A variety of rejuvenating treatments are available at the full-service spa, and on-site dining includes fine cuisine overlooking the harbour, or lively pints in a traditional Scottish pub.


The Wickaninnish Inn, Vancouver Island⁴

THE WICKANINNISH INN

Blending into the rugged western coast of Vancouver Island, Tofino's acclaimed Wickaninnish Inn is a haven of rustic luxury harmonized with its natural, unspoiled surroundings. This deluxe inn is comprised of two buildings; one on Chesterman's Beach and the other strikingly set on a rocky point, each embraced by the ocean and backed by a sea of rainforest. All of the 75 beautiful guest rooms and suites showcase sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean, and feature fireplaces, private balconies and over-sized soaker tubs. Guests will savour Pacific Northwest cuisine and the 240-degree ocean vista at the Pointe Restaurant, experience heavenly services at the Ancient Cedars Spa, breathe the fresh coastal air along the 10-minute Rainforest Beach Loop Trail, and enjoy the constant, soothing sound of the crashing waves.

DELTA PRINCE EDWARD

An ideal retreat when one is all Anne-of-Green-Gabled-out, the Delta Prince Edward is located in the heart of Olde Charlottetown, among the delightful shops along Peake's Wharf on Charlottetown Harbour, Prince Edward Island. Soothing guest rooms inspire rest and relaxation with warm, quality furnishings and peaceful views over the yacht-speckled harbour and charming Olde Charlottetown. Recognizing that there is plenty to do on this tiny island province, the Delta Prince Edward focuses on creating a refuge of comfort and convenience from which to base a day of invigorating island activities. This family-friendly hotel offers a large indoor pool and kiddies' wading pool, as well as a hot tub, gym, golf simulator and excellent day spa.


	The Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort, Kelowna⁵

GRAND OKANAGAN LAKEFRONT RESORT

Located in Kelowna, British Columbia, the Grand Okanagan Lakefront Resort is a destination in itself. This sprawling resort is situated on over 10 ha (25 acres) of park-like grounds right on big, beautiful Okanagan Lake. Guests can choose between attractive hotel guest rooms and suites, luxury villas or two-bedroom condos, most of which enjoy spectacular views of the lake, surrounding mountains or city. Offering the whole holiday package, the Grand Okanagan features sparkling, blue swimming pools, various restaurants and bars, the Lake City Casino, stylish shops, a modern fitness center, boat and water sport rentals and tours, water skiing and wake boarding lessons, and bike rentals and tours. And if one does choose to venture off the resort grounds, downtown Kelowna is just a short stroll away, and various Okanagan wineries, golf courses and hiking trails are only moments away too.

THE WESTIN HARBOUR CASTLE

Aside from its exciting, central location near many of Toronto's major attractions, including the CN Tower, this state-of-the-art hotel's main draw is its stunning views over Lake Ontario and Canada's biggest city. A beacon of comfort and modernity, the Westin Harbour Castle's gleaming twin towers rise up above inner-city architecture on the very edge of the lake. Sleek, stylish furnishings adorn the 977 contemporary rooms and suites, and guests will find everything at their fingertips with a variety of impressive amenities. A futuristic fitness centre overlooking the idyllic Toronto Islands, an outdoor tennis court and a large, heated indoor pool motivate guests to get active, while spa and massage services, and a hair and beauty salon promise to pamper. Tempting taste buds, five on-site dining options are available, including the reputable Toula Restaurant set atop the south tower, gazing over the city skyline.

Haliburton Highlands

Lace up your hiking boots for a breathtaking jaunt among lush forests, rolling hills and jagged rock faces. Find yourself atop a towering pine tree at the end of an inspiring stroll from ground level to 21 metres (70 ft.) in the air on a suspended walkway. Ride the exhilarating whitewater down the mighty Madawaska River or dare to climb a lookout that towers over the treetops. Spend a fascinating day hunting for semi-precious stones and rare minerals. And in winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing and a rousing run of dogsledding. Plan on all-season fun and adventure in the Haliburton Highlands.

Take exhilarating scenic hikes, raft down thrilling rivers, learn local lore or pick up a unique work of art. The Haliburton Highlands are hopping with hundreds of activities all year round.

Feel the inspiration and romance of a four-hour "Walk in the Clouds" along a suspended canvas walkway that ends atop a giant pine at the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve.
Climb the Dorset Lookout Tower for an unforgettable, panoramic view of the highlands and an especially spectacular look at fall's fiery foliage.
Explore a 19th-century heritage home, log barn and two excellent art galleries at the Haliburton Highlands Museum, or put your friend in the stocks and pillories at the Minden Hills Museum!
Experience beautiful Haliburton Highlands on automatic ATVs or in a military H1 Hummer by joining Back Country Tours for an unforgettable adventurous ride where you'll see scenic sites like Ritchie Falls.
Join enthusiastic spectators at the Haliburton Highlands Dogsled Derby each Winter, where you can cheer on dog teams and mushers competing for the largest purse in Ontario!
Watch the timber twirl and tumble at the Hawk Lake Log Chute, Ontario's only remaining log chute constructed to carry timber through the river systems.
Test your skills and your nerves at Wild Water Preserve, Minden's fast, narrow whitewater course offering skilled paddlers up to a Class IV challenge.
Take in some local culture at the Art Gallery of Bancroft located in a beautifully restored old Train Station, across from the North Hastings Heritage Museum dating back to over 100 years ago.
Get a healthy dose of history at the Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost Museum, the first Red Cross outpost in Ontario.
Enjoy a gem of a day in Bancroft, home to the Mineral Museum and the annual Rockhound Gemboree - Canada's largest gem and mineral show.

Kawarthas

In the rugged, forested terrain of the Canadian Shield lies an area boasting more than 50 lakes as well as rivers and canals, all connected by the Trent-Severn Waterway - A water "highway" for pleasure crafts and commercial vessels. See a masterful feat of engineering as you watch the world's largest lift-lock in operation. Be amazed by petroglyphs - ancient Aboriginal symbols carved in rock, attend a Pow Wow, take an inspiring "Spirit Walk" and shop for handmade crafts. Browse for antiques in inviting 19th-century towns and hunt for fossils hidden in caves. Discover why the Kawarthas are a renowned year-round recreation destination and a great place to plan your next vacation.

Come see a historic waterway, an ancient Aboriginal burial site, an array of shimmering lakes and rivers and history preserved in the renowned four-season playground of the Kawarthas.

Marvel at the mechanics of the world's largest hydraulic lift lock in Peterborough on the Trent-Severn Waterway.
Look at history, science and nature from an Aboriginal point of view at Aboriginal Adventures - The Missing Chapters. Guided walks encourage hands on experience with edible and medicinal plants, traditional housing, and wildlife through the seasons.
Check out the world's largest collection of canoes and kayaks at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough or learn about other historic methods of transportation at the Horseless Carriage Museum outside of Bobcaygeon.
Feel the beat of ancient Aboriginal drums as traditional Ojibway costumes, music, dancing and chanting herald the annual Curve Lake Pow Wow at the Whetung Ojibwa Centre.
Watch costumed interpreters re-enact pioneer life at the authentic 20-building village of Lang Pioneer Village Museum in Keene.
Explore 900 pictographs of birds, snakes, turtles and humans chiseled into white marble rock face 1,200 years ago at Petroglyphs Provincial Park near Burleigh Falls.
Pick up a treasure at the annual Buckhorn Wildlife Art Festival - an August exhibit and sale of fine art with wildlife, nature and Aboriginal themes.
Join the celebration of writers who have been inspired by the Kawartha Lakes area at the Lakefield Literary Festival in mid-July or take in local creativity at the Windows on Main Street art festival in September.
Tour the Kawartha waterways aboard a Fenelon Falls / Bobcaygeon Boat Cruise and take in fantastic scenery, be entertained by an informative commentary and catch a glimpse of a Great Blue Heron or an Osprey nesting site.
Feel centuries-old spirits at beautiful Serpent Mounds Park near Keene on picturesque Rice Lake - a scenic and historically significant place of Aboriginal settlement.

Sukoka

Come play in Ontario's beloved "cottage country" filled with sparkling lakes, dense forests and the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield. Base yourself at one of Muskoka's famed lakeside resorts and tee up on the area's many golf courses or experience the blissful serenity of sitting on a dock getting lost in the sunset. Enjoy a cruise on the oldest coal-operating steamship in North America as it weaves around pine clad islands. Take part in a wolf howl in Algonquin Provincial Park for a memorable "conversation" with the local inhabitants. In winter, snowmobile, ice fish or cross-country ski in a snowy playground. Plan your next vacation in this bit of heaven in Ontario.

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