About Ontario

Ontario, Canada’s second-largest province, is a vibrant blend of natural beauty and urban charm. Situated in east-central Canada, it borders the Great Lakes, the United States and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Quebec, making it a hub of culture and commerce.

Home to the nation’s capital, Ottawa, and its largest city, Toronto, Ontario plays a significant role in Canada’s economy and history. With diverse attractions, from breathtaking landscapes to bustling cities, it’s a must-visit destination for travellers.

From weather and public holidays to currency and culture, get valuable information, practical tips and interesting facts about Ontario to help you prepare for your visit.

Weather and climate

In Canada, temperatures are officially measured in degrees Celsius (°C).

Throughout the year, Ontario enjoys four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.

From spring showers and sunny summers to cool fall winds and snowy winters, temperatures and climate undergo significant shifts. Additionally, due to Ontario’s size, temperatures can vary considerably from region to region in the same season.

On average, the coldest months of the year are January and February, while the warmest are July and August. In the summer, temperatures can soar above 30°C (86°F), while in winter, they can drop below -13°C (9°F) or even colder in the north. Humidity in the summer and wind chill in winter often make these temperatures feel more extreme than forecasted.

Weather reports

Get current conditions and timely weather forecasts by location from the Weather Network.

The Government of Canada is another resource for weather conditions, forecasts and air quality information in Ontario.

In winter, Ski Ontario reports on snow levels and conditions for skiing and snowboarding at major ski resorts in Ontario from December through to March.

Packing for the weather

To comfortably enjoy all four seasons in Ontario, it’s essential to pack versatile clothing and gear, ensuring you’re ready for everything from summer heatwaves to snowy winter adventures. Use the list below as a guide for what to pack.

Summer (June, July and August)

• Bug spray
• Sunblock
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Lightweight, breathable clothing
• Reusable water bottle

Fall (September, October and November)

• Rain jacket
• Waterproof boots
• Sweater and layered clothing

Winter (December, January and February)

• Winter coat
• Warm, waterproof boots
• Hat, scarf and warm gloves
• Warm socks
• Snow pants for outdoor activities

Spring (March, April and May)

• Light or rainproof jacket
• Waterproof boots
• Umbrella
• Layered clothing

These additions ensure travellers are prepared for the unique conditions each season brings.

Get more weather-related health and safety tips and emergency advice.

Currency and measurement

Currency, cash and credit

Canada’s currency is the Canadian Dollar. Use the Bank of Canada currency converter to view current exchange rates.

Major international credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted by most businesses. It’s a good idea to carry some Canadian cash, a debit card and a credit card.

A bank or currency exchange outlet can change your funds to Canadian dollars. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, with some open on Saturday. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are also located in most banks, and they dispense Canadian currency.

Sales tax

Ontario charges a 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on most goods and services, including purchased gifts, food and beverages. The HST is made up of a 5% federal tax and an 8% provincial tax.

Units of measurement

Canada uses the metric system for measuring temperature, volume, area, weight, distance and length.

Here’s a handy tool to convert between imperial and metric units of measurement.

Internet and mobile services

Before travelling to Ontario, check with your mobile phone provider about international roaming in Canada. Some U.S. and international carriers offer short-term roaming plans or pay-as-you-go rates.

Without a travel add-on, roaming in Canada can be expensive. Make sure you don’t accidentally roam by turning off “data roaming” in your phone settings or keeping your phone on airplane mode with wi-fi enabled.

Free wi-fi is often available at hotels, cafes, libraries, shopping malls and transit stations.

Alternatively, buy a Canadian SIM card or eSIM at Toronto Pearson Airport or a mobile carrier store like Bell, Rogers or Telus. If you’re visiting multiple countries, consider a global eSIM, which works across Canada and many other countries. Your phone must be unlocked to use a SIM card.

Also, consider downloading maps and guides before you travel for offline use.

Public holidays

The following is a list of annual public holidays in the province of Ontario. Most banks, post offices and government offices close on these holidays.

New Year’s Day: January 1

Ring in the new year at the best places in Ontario to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

Family Day: The third Monday in February

This provincial-wide holiday extends the weekend for one extra day. It was established for families to spend more time together, with there being many things to do on Family Day in Ontario.

Good Friday and Easter Sunday: The first Sunday after the Paschal full moon, Good Friday is two days before Easter Sunday. Find Family Easter fun in Ontario.

Victoria Day: The last Monday before May 25

Created to honour Queen Victoria’s birthday in Canada, Victoria Day is a nationally recognized statutory holiday. Many communities celebrate with a fireworks display.

Canada Day: July 1 

The national holiday of Canada marks the date a dominion was formed through the British North America Act on July 1, 1867. Find out how to celebrate Canada Day in Ontario.

Civic Holiday: The first Monday in August 

While not a statutory holiday, this civic holiday is wildly observed throughout the province.

Labour Day: The first Monday of September

The origins of Labour Day in Canada date back to the late 19th century, when trade unions across several cities began organizing parades and festivals on the first Monday of September to advocate for improved working conditions and higher pay.

Canadian Thanksgiving: The second Monday in October 

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated upon the completion of the harvest season.

Remembrance Day: November 11 

Ontario observes Remembrance Day to honour and show gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of members of the armed forces who have—and continue to—serve Canada during times of war and conflict. Government services are closed on this day.

Christmas Day: December 25

Celebrate the holidays at a Santa Claus parade and Holiday light festivals in Ontario.

Boxing Day: December 26

Language and culture

With a rich blend of cultures and traditions, Ontario is one of the most diverse provinces in Canada.

Official languages

The official languages of Canada are English and French.

English is the primary language spoken in Ontario, but French is also widely used, especially in the eastern and northern areas of the province. Dozens of other languages are spoken in Ontario, including Mandarin, Tagalog, Spanish and Punjabi.

Diversity and multiculturalism

Immigration has played a key role in shaping Ontario’s history and identity. The province is home to people from over 200 ethnic backgrounds, and Toronto is often described as one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Celebrate Ontario’s diversity at festivals and cultural events, including the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Top summer cultural events and Winter festivals in Ontario.

Social norms and etiquette

Here are a few common customs and social norms to be aware of during your visit.

Tipping etiquette: A tip of 15–20% is customary at bars and restaurants. Tips are also given to tour guides, taxi drivers, and for spa treatments and haircuts. Porters at airports, railway stations and hotels generally expect $1 or $2 per item of luggage.

Cigarette smoking and vaping: Smoking and vaping are not permitted at most public places, including restaurants, bars, hotels and some parks and patios. Look for designated smoking areas.

Cannabis use: Cannabis is legal in Ontario for adults 19 years and older; however, there are restrictions. Learn more about cannabis laws in Ontario.

Gender and inclusivity: Ontario welcomes 2SLGBTQI+ visitors and discrimination is not tolerated. Find safe and exciting places to visit with this 2SLGBTQI+ travel guide.

History

The history of Ontario spans thousands of years. Historical sites and museums bring the province’s heritage to life, providing insights into key events from the past and ambitions for the future.

Indigenous nations and ancestral lands

Long before European contact, many Indigenous communities, including the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Cree Peoples, inhabited the area now known as Ontario for millennia, with flourishing cultures, distinct languages and deep and sustainable connections to the land.

Learn more about Indigenous history and heritage in Ontario.

Exploration, fur trade and settlement

In the 1600s, French explorers such as Étienne Brûlé and Samuel de Champlain ventured into what is now Ontario, establishing fur trade routes with Indigenous communities. Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay is the largest living history attraction in North America, recreating life at a 19th-century fur trade post.

European colonization and settlement followed during the 17th and 18th centuries, with the arrival of the British. Niagara-on-the-Lake played a significant role in Ontario’s early development, and the town has preserved much of its historic charm.

War of 1812

Ontario played a key role in the War of 1812, when British and Canadian forces, alongside Indigenous allies, fought against American invasions.

Various historic forts and castles feature costumed interpreters, battle re-enactments and military artifacts. Sites like Fort George National Historic Site in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto were essential strongholds.

Confederation and growth

In 1867, Ontario became one of the four founding provinces of Canada. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed significant population growth, driven by immigration and industrialization.

Step into daily life in the 1860s at the Village at Black Creek in Toronto. History museums, such as the Canadian Museum of History and other must-visit museums in Ontario, exhibit the story of Canada’s formation.

Modern-day Ontario

In the 20th century, Ontario became a driving force in Canada’s cultural and technological development.

Interactive science museums, such as Science North and Dynamic Earth in Sudbury and the Canadian Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa, offer fun, hands-on ways to explore how innovation has shaped modern life across the province.

Learn more about Ontario’s history on these Historic and architecture walking tours in Ontario.

Geography

Population: Over 16 million

Size: Ontario is Canada’s second-largest province, covering more than one million square kilometres (415,000 square miles)—an area larger than France and Spain combined.

Land area: 894,639 square kilometres (344,092 square miles).

• North to south distance: 1,730 kilometres (1,075 miles).
• East to west distance: 1,680 kilometres (1,050 miles).
• Southernmost point: Middle Island off Pelee Island (Latitude 40x41’; same as Rome, Italy and Northern California).
• Northernmost point: Latitude 56x50’ at the Ontario-Manitoba border, which is close to that of London, England and Warsaw, Poland.
• Highest point: Timiskaming district (693 m/2,274 feet).
• Lowest point: Hudson Bay shore (sea level).

Water area: 177,398 square kilometres (68,490 square miles). Ontario has over 250,000 lakes, which comprise approximately one-fifth of the world’s freshwater.

• Freshwater shoreline: 3,081 kilometres (2,362 miles) along the Great Lakes.
• Saltwater shoreline: 1,094 kilometres (680 miles) along James and Hudson Bays.

Provincial emblems

Official flag: The flag of Ontario is called the Red Ensign. It includes the Union Jack, representing Ontario’s ties to Great Britain, and the Coat of Arms of the Province.

Coat of arms: The Coat of Arms of the Province consists of a green shield with three golden maple leaves surmounted by the Banner of St. George (a red cross on a silver background). The banner represents Ontario’s close ties with Britain. Above the shield is a bear, with a moose and a deer supporting the shield; all representing the rich animal life of the province. The Latin motto is translated as “Loyal She Began, Loyal She Remains.”

Official flower: The official flower of Ontario is the trillium, a delicate white three-petalled flower that grows in the wild woodlands of Ontario in early spring.

Official gem: Amethyst, the rich purple semi-precious stone, is the official gem of Ontario. Large deposits are found in Northwestern Ontario. Dig up your amethysts by rockhounding in Ontario.

Official tree: The Eastern White Pine, Ontario’s official tree, was a vital source of income and trade during the pioneering days and remains a valuable resource today. Eastern White Pine trees grow across the province, so you’ll likely spot some while connecting with nature at Ontario resorts.

Official bird: The Common Loon was adopted as Ontario’s official bird on June 23, 1994. The loon is honoured on the reverse side of the Canadian $1 coin, which is colloquially known as the “loonie.” Glimpse real loons at these bird watching places and events in Ontario.

Being prepared will help you make the most of your travels and fully experience everything this diverse province has to offer.