Shannon O'Brien Travel Itineraries

The best destinations

Panorama of Canadian side view of Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls and boat tours in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Panorama of Canadian side view of Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls and boat tours in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

The Best of Ontario

#40 best destination in the world

Map view

Niagara Falls

Panorama of Canadian side view of Niagara Falls, Horseshoe Falls and boat tours in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Best time to visit: June-Aug

  • Niagara Falls is a renowned group of three waterfalls located at the southern end of the Niagara Gorge, straddling the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA
  • The three waterfalls are: Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls
  • Adjacent to these natural wonders is the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, which is named after the falls
  • The area around Niagara Falls offers such activities as boat tours, hiking trails, and viewing platforms that provide different perspectives of the falls

Konzelmann Estate Winery, Niagara-on-the-Lake

ONTARIO - CANADA, AUGUST 9, 2017: Konzelmann Estate Winery is located in Niagara on the Lake in Ontario, Canada. Exclusive lakefront winery.
  • Konzelmann Estate Winery is located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and is notable for being the only lakefront winery in the Niagara region
  • Established in 1984, it has roots tracing back to 1893 in Uhlbach, Germany, where Friedrich Konzelmann began winemaking
  • The winery specializes in producing wines made from 100% Niagara-grown grapes and is recognized for its commitment to quality, offering a variety of wines including their popular Peachwine
  • Visitors to Konzelmann Estate Winery can expect educational experiences through tours and tastings, showcasing scenic views of Lake Ontario

Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Ottawa Parliament Hill

Best time to visit: March-May

  • Parliament Hill serves as the home of Canada's federal government and houses the Parliament Buildings, which are the seat of the country's legislature
  • Parliament Hill has been a central part of Canadian governance since 1867 and is not only a functional space for legislative activities but also a public gathering place for celebrations and protests

St. Lawrence Market, Toronto

TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 23, 2014: View of St Lawrence Market in central Toronto. This massive 19th century brick building is home to the city�s largest market.

Best time to visit: late April-May, Sept-Oct

  • St. Lawrence Market is a historic public market located in downtown Toronto
  • Established in 1803, it has become a central hub for the community and a culinary focal point of the city
  • The market consists of three main buildings: the South Market, the North Market, and St. Lawrence Hall
  • The South Market houses over 120 specialty vendors offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods

CN Tower, Toronto

Toronto Skyline, Ontario, Canada

Best time to visit: late April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The CN Tower is a prominent communications and observation tower located in Toronto
  • The CN Tower stands at a height of 553.3 meters (1,815.3 feet), making it one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world
  • It was completed in 1976, it serves as a major tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of Toronto and its surroundings from various observation decks
  • The CN Tower includes attractions such as the 360 Restaurant, which revolves to provide diners with a view of the city, and the EdgeWalk, an experience where visitors can walk around the edge of the tower's main pod

Casa Loma, Toronto

Tulips and Casa Loma in Midtown Toronto, Ontario.

Best time to visit: late April-May, Sept-Oct

  • Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival castle located in midtown Toronto
  • It was constructed between 1911 and 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt and is notable for its lavish architecture and extensive gardens
  • The castle features twin towers, battlements, and a variety of secret passageways, making it resemble the castles of medieval Europe
  • Originally built as a private residence, Casa Loma is now a historic house museum
  • It showcases a collection of artwork and artifacts, reflecting its opulent past
  • The castle is also recognized for its role during World War II, where it served as a training facility for secret agents and was involved in research related to sonar technology

Toronto Island Park

Bridge on Toronto Central Island

Best time to visit: late April-May, Sept-Oct

  • Toronto Island Park is a collection of islands located in Lake Ontario, a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto
  • The islands offer green spaces, beaches, and views of the Toronto skyline
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, picnicking, and visiting the Centreville Amusement Park
  • The park hosts events like the Toronto Island Art Festival, showcasing local artists

Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto

Toronto, Canada - April 26, 2023: Royal Ontario Museum on Bloor Street in Toronto, Canada. The Royal Ontario Museum is a museum of art, world culture and natural history in Toronto.

Best time to visit: late April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Royal Ontario Museum, located in Toronto, is one of the largest museums in North America
  • It was opened in 1914 and showcases a vast array of exhibitions that cover art, culture, and natural history from around the world
  • The museum is particularly renowned for its collections of Chinese art, ancient Egyptian artifacts, American ethnology, and Canadian arts and crafts

Distillery District, Toronto

Toronto, Ontario / Canada - November 20 2018: Visitors explore the Distillery District during the 2018 Toronto Christmas Market

Best time to visit: late April-May, Sept-Oct

  • The Distillery District is a historic area located in Toronto, that was originally home to the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, which was established in 1832 and became one of the largest distilleries in the world
  • The district now features a unique blend of Victorian industrial architecture and modern artistic expression
  • It spans 13 acres and is characterized by its cobblestone streets, brick-lined buildings, and a variety of shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants