1. Explore Kensington Market, Toronto

When exploring the cultural capital of Ontario and arguably the whole of Canada, stick to your budget by shunning the pricey shopping districts such as Bloor-Yorkville and instead head for the city’s Chinatown and Kensington Market, which blend into one another to the west of the city centre. Before sampling the mouth-watering (and wallet-friendly) delights of Chinatown, take a few hours to explore Kensington Market’s selection of clothes shops, bookstores and organic food stores. The area has its roots as an immigrant working-class neighbourhood but has developed into a hip, vibrant neighbourhood centred around alternative-culture.

1. Swim at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park

At just two and half hours’ drive from Toronto and boasting the longest freshwater beach in the world (8.7 miles in case you were wondering), Wasaga Beach is a hotspot for city dwellers looking to chill out and catch some rays. Swimming is a popular activity here, with Torontonians understandably preferring the warm, clear water of Georgian Bay over the somewhat polluted Lake Ontario that their city overlooks.

1. Wine Tasting on the Niagara Peninsula

Assuming you manage to successfully re-attach your jaw following a trip to the falls (they don’t disappoint), take a change of pace with a visit to one of the peninsula’s many vineyards. Access by car is your best bet, but once there, parking is free and many of the vineyards offer free tasting. Bring your own cheese and biscuits.

1. Cycle the Thousand Islands Bikeway

Sporting opportunities are abundant throughout the province, with Ontario golf courses, hiking trails, watersport centres, baseball fields and of course, ice hockey arenas, providing residents with their fix of exercise and competition. The most rewarding experience of my trip was hiring a bike and riding a section of the Thousand Islands Bikeway. This 35km route runs alongside the Parkway of the same name and clings to the coast, offering epic views of the rugged Thousand Islands archipelago. Great fun and a good way to burn off some of the excesses of your time in Toronto!

1. Visit The National Gallery, Ottawa

An absolute must-see for visitors to Ottawa seeking a dose of culture, The National Gallery of Canada houses over 36,000 works of Canadian, Inuit and International art from all eras. The glass and granite building is a work of art in itself, and also encompasses the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography. Tickets usually cost a reasonable $9, but if you can, head there on a Thursday evening, when admission is free.

Author Bio: James Rathmell

James Rathmell is a Geography graduate currently working in Manchester as a Transport Planner. He can often be found city-hopping across Europe or gigging with his band at a venue near you.

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Arriving in Vancouver in late spring, I found the trees awash of candyfloss-pink blossom and the air scented with saltwater and flowers. I love seeing a city from above, so my first point of call was the Lookout, (only $10 with student i.d. or $15 without). Riding up on the sexy glass elevator was cool in itself but once at the top the view was breathtaking. 360 degrees of everything you can want from a city. Below; beautiful parks, a vibrant downtown and the glimmering ocean lapping at the coastline, the backdrop; a lush green landscape of rolling snow capped mountains. I couldn’t wait to explore further. Heading into the metropolis I moseyed over to Gastown, you gotta love anywhere that’s named after a ‘gassy’ sea captain who opened the districts first saloon. If you’re looking for culture, history or nightlife, it’s all there, and if you’re a foodie then you won’t be disappointed in some of the best British Columbia restaurants to be found.

I wish I’d had time to visit Vancouver Island, but as the size of England, it’s a whole trip of its own. Instead I was heading inland by train. The Rocky Mountaineer is one of the world’s most famous rail journeys, running several routs through the Rocky Mountains, funnily enough. If money doesn’t stretch to the five star carriages and glass roof, don’t despair, Canada’s VIA Rail runs along the same routs, is far more affordable and has more opportunities to stop along the way.

With just a week I only had time to visit a couple of the stunning national parks B.C. has to offer and there are so many nature watching opportunities it’s hard to know which to choose. One must see is Lake Louise, the lime-bright turquoise water is utterly mesmeric, but my particular favourite experience was a bear spotting river safari from Blue River (between Kamloops and Jasper) it wasn’t especially cheap but it was well worth the $72.

Image: Courtesy BW Connections Inc

Author Bio: Liah S Thorley

Liah S Thorley is a travel writer and novelist from the UK. She has travelled extensively and particularly enjoys history and the arts.

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Not many people know that Canadian wine exists. I certainly didn’t. But it does, and to the lips of a self-professed wine dunce it tastes rather good. Ontario is home to an impressive number of wineries and vineyards, thriving within an area that sits on the same latitude as other well-known wine regions such as Burgundy and Bordeaux in France, where the Ontario weather is temperate. If you’ve already drunk your way around the world’s premier wine regions, get over to Canada and visit the following:

1. Casa-Dea Estates Winery

The winery of Casa-Dea Estates is almost brand new, capitalising on a well-established vineyard which previously supplied other winemakers. Their philosophy of ‘good wine, good food, good friends, and a great location’ shines through, and could be used as the mantra of Ontario’s entire wine region. A welcoming atmosphere ensures wine tasting sessions here are relaxed and accessible to all, elucidating the baffling (and, I sense, completely imaginary) combination of flavours and tastes that only the rhetorical winos seem to detect, which is perfect for the parched vagabond. Try the 2009 Chardonnay Reserve, and see if you can taste toast and a hint of matchstick…

2. Legends Estate Winery

To some people, wine is less about taste and more about location, and they certainly would not be disappointed with the Legends Estate Winery. On the edge of the vast Lake Ontario, Legends presents its guests with an expansive panorama to regard while they sample a fine selection of wines, including a couple that are poured from striking, electric-coloured bottles bearing tattoo designs. Be sure to try the 2008 DIVA Semillon-Sauvignon Blanc, part of a new range of Legends wines aimed at female wine consumers, some of the proceeds of which go to the Women’s place of South Niagara charity.

3. Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery

Wineries are, stereotypically, places rich with heritage, with a long tradition of wine production. Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery breaks this mould, however, and does so with aplomb. Having opened in 2000, Peninsula Ridge offers a rare insight into the genesis of a winery, for it is still establishing itself and refining its wine. This does not mean to say the wines are poor however; on the contrary. Find out for yourself by trying the 2008 Inox Chardonnay, perfect for any frugal traveller.

4. Oak Heights Estate Winery

Further off the beaten track than its contemporaries, Oak Heights is ‘the little winery that could’, concentrating on the quality of its wine rather than the size of its vineyard, and prospering against all odds upon the Northumberland hills. Backpackers will likely feel right at home here, for the tasting sessions are devoid of pretension and the staff friendly and down to earth. Try the 2007 Merlot for a divine chocolaty experience… that’s right, chocolate wine.

By Kirk Shackleton : Kirk was reared in Australia’s Outback before travelling extensively across the globe, eventually settling in London.  He is passionate about food, travel and any sport that isn’t cricket!

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