Southwestern Ontario and Niagara

Southwestern Ontario and Niagara

South Central Ontario

Central Ontario

Eastern Ontario

Map of Ontario's Finest Inns and Spas
Regional Travel Guide Map

Enjoy the delights of Central Ontario by staying at one of the following inns:

EASTERN ONTARIO

From whitewater rafting to leisurely sightseeing cruises along historic canals, this is a place of majestic rivers. Explore the 1,000 Islands in the St. Lawrence River, paddle the powerful Ottawa River or cruise the historic Rideau Waterway a UNESCO world heritage site where wooden locks are still turned by hand. Rich farms, outstanding cheeses and a fast-growing wine region make this a favourite destination with foodies. Small towns boast fine dining in historic inns.

Prince Edward County

Known to locals simply as “the County” this rural peninsula thrusts into Lake Ontario, separated from the mainland by the Murray Canal. The County’s famous beaches—Sandbanks and North Beach Provincial Parks boast spectacular sand dunes dunes, making them some of the most popular in Ontario. Visitors enjoy a bucolic landscape is dotted with wineries, cheese factories, art galleries and studios.  Country roads lined with asparagus farms, vineyards and strawberry fields are perfect for cyclists. Follow the Taste Trail some lip-smacking encounters at Slickers County Ice Cream (made with local cream and fruit), the Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company (for local chèvre) the County Cider Company (for award winning cider made from local apples) and a dozen or more wineries. Make it a gourmet getaway with great meals and accommodations at these Taste Trail inns: Claramount Inn & Spa, Merrill Inn and Waring House Inn. Maybe it’s the natural beauty or the folksy feeling of the County’s historic villages, but something here inspires artists. Discover the region’s vibrant arts scene on the Arts Trail, where you can take courses in glass blowing or blacksmithing at The Red Barns or purchase works by such acclaimed craftsmen as Bill Reddick whose elegant porcelain is Canada’s official state dinnerware. In Picton, the Crystal Palace is home to the annual food fest, Taste the County. The historic Regent Theatre is known for its year-round concerts.

Kingston

With its 19th-century architecture, its universities and museums, Kingston delights culture buffs. Many historic limestone buildings now serve as downtown galleries, restaurants and shops. Cooke’s Old World Shop is famous both for its selection of freshly roasted coffee beans and its historic interior. From the tin ceiling to the creaky wooden floors, little has changed since Cooke’s opened in 1865. Behind the magnificent city hall, Kingston’s farmer’s market is the oldest continuously run outdoor market in Canada, dating back to 1801. During it’s the site of an outdoor skating rink. The recently restored historic Grand Theatre hosts performance year-round. Discover the home of Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first prime minister. The centrally located Rosemount Inn is handy to downtown shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Situated at the point where Lake Ontario flows into the St. Lawrence River, Kingston is known for its great sailing. Even if you don’t know a jib from topsail, Ahoy Rentals will take you out for a great day on the water. For those who prefer to stick to their cars, the free ferry to Wolfe Island offers stunning views of Kingston and historic Fort Henry from across the harbour. Beach buffs and nature lovers enjoy Wolfe Island’s Big Sandy Bay, where a spectacular beach curves round a quiet bay.

Nineteenth century military manoeuvres stir visitors during the sunset ceremonies at the waterfront Old Fort Henry where even the restaurant offers a true taste of history.

Gananoque and the Thousand Islands

The pre-Cambrian granites and myriad lakes that characterize the Canadian Shield stretch south to form the scenic natural playground of the Rideau Lakes and the Thousand Islands. For more than a century, the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River has drawn city dwellers in search of a summer getaway. Great blue herons fish from islands barely big enough to support a tree while visitors tour magnificent mansions on islands that were once a millionaire’s playground. See them on Gananoque Boat Line day cruise. Enjoy professional theatre at the Thousand Islands Playhouse situated on the St. Lawrence River. Whether you drive or cycle, the Thousand Islands Parkway offers some stunning scenery as it links historic riverfront towns, including Brockville where you can tour the Olmstead-designed gardens and elegant rooms of Fulford Place an Edwardian mansion. Both the Gananoque Inn & Spa and the Trinity House Inn are conveniently located in the riverfront town of Gananoque.

Rideau Canal

Kingston is the southern entrance to the Rideau Waterway, a 202-km long network of lakes, rivers and canals stretching from Lake Ontario to Ottawa. Recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s also a magnificent drive. Discover historic towns, notably Perth, Westport along the Rideau Heritage Route. Enjoy the scenery on a picnic at Jones Falls lock station or take one of the Rideau Canal Boat Tours to pass through the hand-turned locks on an electric boat.


Ontario's Finest... in Eastern Ontario

Uniquely Ontario

Museums & Historic Sites

From national treasures to quirky local museums, you’ll find fascinating stories.

Art Galleries

  • Discover an impressive collection of 17th-century Dutch painting at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in Kingston.
  • From the iconic Group of Seven wilderness landscapes to the controversial Barnett Newman Voice of Fire, Ottawa’s National Gallery of Canada displays significant collections and blockbuster travelling exhibits.
  • See outstanding contemporary art at the Oeno Gallery, Prince Edward County. Discover more on the Arts Trail.
     

Shopping & Antique Hunting

  • From country shops to big city markets, antique-hunting opportunities abound in Eastern Ontario. Prince Edward County is known for its history and easy small-town shopping.
  • Located behind the historic town hall, the Kingston Sunday Antique Market is a local favourite. Downtown shops offer excellent clothing, jewelry and gifts.
  • The Ottawa Antique Market is one of the largest in Eastern Ontario.
     

Farm & Vineyard

Theatre

Outdoor Pursuits

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