ONTARIO, "THE PROVINCE OF OPPORTUNITY"

BY Clay Larroy

There is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or heading off to Canada for the very first time to visit a city you have always dreamed of, there are some travel basics that you should know. Travel in the off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare and hotels.  When you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!

Shopping & nightlife in Ontario

Toronto offers everything from antiques to luxury lingerie, if you have the money and time to spend. There are large suburban shopping centers (including Vaughan Mills, one of the province's newest mega-malls, with almost 200 shops). The Eaton Centre, a glass-domed galleria in the heart of the city, is linked to 4.8km (3 miles) of interconnecting underground shopping malls with hundreds of retail outlets. Toronto's villages are full of colorful streets of renovated Victoriana, with garment shops, art galleries, antique stores and open-air cafes in summer. Kensington Market and its surrounding neighborhood is a popular jumble of food stalls, vintage clothing shops, décor stores and quirky restaurants.

Ottawa also has a wide choice of shops and handicraft centers. The Byward Market is a popular area of craft shops, farmers' market stalls and cafes. The Glebe, Wellington Village and Westboro are charming neighborhoods that are home to a selection of independent retailers selling everything from art glass to yoga clothing.

Opening Hours

Shops are open daily 1000-1800 in most parts of Ontario (Thurs-Fri until 2100, Sun from 1200). Many city and suburban shops are open until 2100 Mon-Fri.

Nightlife in Ontario

Both main cities have establishments offering all forms of entertainment, from quiet clubs featuring a lone pianist, through Latin American combos to dance and rock bands and big-name international entertainers. Toronto is recognized as the third most important theatre center after London and New York, and cabaret/dinner theatres are also especially popular in Toronto. Toronto is also known as a good jazz and blues town. Both Toronto and Ottawa host jazz festivals in the summer. Theatres with classical entertainment are also found in Ottawa.

Food and Drink in Ontario

You can enjoy international cuisine in all major towns. Toronto is rated as one of the best cities for dining out on the continent. Bars and restaurants offer an international selection of alcohol. Each September, the Niagara Wine Festival is held in St Catharine’s. Alcohol is sold in Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) outlets. Domestic beer is available at outlets known simply as The Beer Store and at some LCBO stores. Domestic wines are also sold through company stores.

Regional Specialties

- Maple syrup can accompany everything, from waffles and toast to pancakes and even baked beans!
- As well as a wide range of artisanal cheeses, Ontario producers make outstanding cheddars.
- Try one of the dazzling varieties of fish from the countless lakes and rivers.

Things To Know

Liquor stores are run by the government; beer stores are run by a consortium of brewers. Licensing hours are daily 1100-0200 (although not all licensed premises are open for the full range of possible hours). It is illegal to consume alcohol unless you are in a residence or a licensed establishment.

Tipping

It is customary to tip between 15% and 20% at bars and restaurants in Ontario.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 It's amazing: it's so cool being from Brampton, Ontario, and being able to travel 

the world and being embraced by so many countries.

Alessia Cara

 
Travel  and create wonderful memories for your family!