Is Ontario Worth Visiting?

[Rifleman]

I have a friend who is planning on seeing the sites in Ontario and Quebec, but I think they will be spending most of their time in Ontario. Besides the Niagra Falls, what else is there to see in Ontario and Quebec?

I can name two other places worth seeing - the CN Tower and the Chateau De Fortenac (sp). A lot of people who visit Toronto say it's a dirty hole, and the armpit of Canada. Since I've never been there, I don't want to give that account of it, but if it's a place they should try to avoid, I'd like to know about it too.

The guy has a wife and two teenage girls, one is 18 and the other is around 15 or 16. So hitting all the Montreal strip clubs is probably out of the question.

[Hemi-Cuda]

on a semi related note, i always get a kick out of those "Visit Ontario" commercials that show all the wonderous things you can do there, without mentioning that you can do the same things virtually everywhere else. way to be unique

[Reggie Dunlop]

Too many Leafs fans. Pass.

[Table 5]

Man, Im not a huge fan of Toronto either, but that's a very poor excuse to not go there. It's definitely not a place to avoid by any means, being Canada's largest metropolis, there is a ton of things to do other than some touristy CN tower. Shopping, Museums, History, People-watching...no matter what, the place pretty much has it all.

It's not a good place to go if you don't like city living and all it has to offer. But in that case, there are plenlty of great natural areas in Ontario as well.

[Juventus3]

Go to Edmonton, it's about as nice as downtown TO.

Also, people there are in love with themselves, it's really annoying. I'm the only one that can love myself.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by Rifleman

I have a friend who is planning on seeing the sites in Ontario and Quebec, but I think they will be spending most of their time in Ontario. Besides the Niagra Falls, what else is there to see in Ontario and Quebec?

I can name two other places worth seeing - the CN Tower and the Chateau De Fortenac (sp). A lot of people who visit Toronto say it's a dirty hole, and the armpit of Canada. Since I've never been there, I don't want to give that account of it, but if it's a place they should try to avoid, I'd like to know about it too.

The guy has a wife and two teenage girls, one is 18 and the other is around 15 or 16. So hitting all the Montreal strip clubs is probably out of the question.

Nothing wrong with TO. Skydome is good. Find out what is playing and go see a broadway type show. The Royal Ontario Museum is good. Girls that age may be interested to see MuchMusic. Hockey Hall of Fame. Head up to CAnada's Wonderland (amusement park). Lots to do in TO and immediate area.

Lots to do in Ontario, plenty of lakes, lots of history. You could spend a summer there.

[HelloHockeyFans]

nm

[STeeLy]

Personally, I like historic sights... Notre Dame in Montreal is pretty cool... as is the old city in both Montreal and Quebec. I don't know what else.

[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by HelloHockeyFans

For the outdoors, I still think the Alberta rockies and the BC oceans/lakes are unbeatable.

Personally, I would put Ontario's cottage country right up there. No mountains, but the myriad of different small lakes and rivers is incredible. The camping is great. It all depends upon what you are looking for.

[kipperfan]

Is Ontario Worth Visiting?

No.

[4X4]

Ontario is definitely worth visiting, if only to drive the QEW & 401 in rush hour and marvel and how fast traffic moves.

[BlackEleven]

Montreal is a great city to visit if you're going to Quebec. Lots of cool pubs, bars, micro-breweries, restaurants, cafes, patiseries, outdoors markets, shopping, historic sites, etc. Lots to see and do for everyone.

[RoadGame]

Toronto grows on you. I thought the place was the armpit of Canada when I moved here, but there's actually an insane number of really interesting restaurants if you're into food. As for the city's overall grunginess, well it just isn't as rich as some places, and it shows. For a visit though, it kind of depends. Have they travelled overseas before? Do they enjoy foreign cultures? Toronto really is the world packed into a city, which to me is its greatest asset in terms of tourism. Otherwise it's like any other major city, really.

As for the rest of Ontario, if they're into canoe camping Algonquin can't be beat, period. I grew up in Calgary with the mountain parks as my playground, and though it lacks the mountains, Algonquin really is worth visiting even for Calgarians.

RG

[Knut]

Montreal and Quebec city are places everyone should visit..... Old montreal and old Quebec are about as close to Europe as you can get without actually going there....

[kermitology]

Toronto sucks, but I love London, Kitchener, and my favourite place in the whole world is in Ontario. West Ipperwash Beach. That's where I want my ashes spread when I die.

[nieuwy-89]

If he's going to Niagara Falls they should spend a day in Niagara on the Lake and tour the local wineries. It's a quaint and unique little part of Canada. And the 18 year old will like the free wine.

I've been to Toronto twice and enjoyed it both times. Lots to do - it is a huge bustling city compared to Calgary or Edmonton. Tell your friend to bring their hiking shoes and explore the lakeshore, CN Tower, Hockey Hall of Fame, and Nathan Phillips Square. There are great theatres, comedy clubs, and often free concerts in the public areas downtown.

[bigtmac19]

Ontario is definitely worth visiting. Toronto is a great city to visit. Tons of great restaurants, good shows, the Royal Ontario Museum is wonderful.
Niagara Falls, then Niagara on the Lake, wonderful wineries. Algonquin Park is amazing. One of my personal favourites, the Bruce Peninsula, Sauble Beach, Southampton, Red Bay, amazing sunsets, beautiful beaches. I always feel my most peaceful when I am there. Not as crowded and commercialized as cottage country (Muskoka). Manitoulin Island, French River, I think Ottawa is a beautiful city, lots of culture.
I still have my best memories of living in Calgary, and all the time spent in the Rockies, but Ontario does have a lot to offer

[Bill Bumface]

Girls that age could get into a lot of trouble (the kids call that fun these days) in Montreal. Mind you anyone could. Easily the most entertaining city to visit in Canada.

[octothorp]

It's a gorgeous province once you get away from the Toronto area; algonquin is great, and Ottawa is in my opinion the second best city in Canada to sight-see in after Montreal. The Lake of the Woods area is one of the nicest wilderness areas in the country, but it's a long way from the civilized part of Ontario. In Quebec, a few regions to consider are the Laurentians, Sagaunay, and Gaspe; all great, although Gaspe gets a little crowded in the summer.

[Berger_4_]

in a word, no

frankly, i didn't really like toronto...way too many people, and not enough spoke english...that really does aggravate me...especially when you're in a cab and the driver is talking in whatever language to his dispatcher. have the decency to speak in english!

however, some of the stuff i got to do there was cool...i did get to meet alexander ovechkin, which was pretty awesome.

if your bud has nothing to do, tell him to hit up canada's wonderland (i think that's what it's called) its a fairly decent amusement park

the cn tower is ridiculously expensive to go up...something like 25 or 45 bucks a pop i think

the blue jays are always an awesome bet, cheap too. 8 bucks gets you a seat in the upper bowl

and the hall of fame is a must see...however with 3 girls that may not be your best bet...drop 'em off in the mall and then go spend your time there...i know my sister thought it was pretty boring, and shes about that age

actually, just walking downtown is kinda fun...all the hustle and bustle and whatnot...that was sweet as well