Home America Canada
A symbol of North America's great outdoors, Canada's province ofOntario offers a harmonious blend of wilderness and cutting-edge urban spaces.Ontario is home to Canada's capital, Ottawa, as well as the city of Toronto, renowned for its futuristic architecture.Ontario is also home to one of the world's most famous tourist attractions: Niagara Falls, on the border with the United States. A region of magnificent scenery that is best visited in spring or autumn. The more courageous will not be disappointed by a trip in winter, however. Ontario is home to two of Canada's most important cities: the capital, Ottawa, and Toronto, known for its dynamism. Travelling here, you can also discover the famous and majestic Niagara Falls...
Identity card
Bank holidays : 1st July
Official language : English
Religion : Most people inOntario are either Catholic or Protestant.
Population : The province ofOntario has a population of approximately 13 million.
Land area: Ontario covers 917,741 km².
Main cities : Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener, Peterborough, Sudbury, Oshawa km²
Continent
America
Countries
Canada
Main city(ies)
Toronto
Currency
The currency used in Ontario is the Canadian dollar.
Weather
-5 °C
Geography
Ontario is a Canadian province in the south-east of the country.
Bordered by Hudson Bay to the north and Quebec to the east,Ontario shares its southern border with the United States in the Great Lakes region (Lake Superior, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario).
Ontario is made up of three main regions:
- a region rich in minerals and dotted with lakes and rivers in the west and south
- the Hudson Bay region, mainly marshy and wooded, in the north-east
- the Great Lakes and St Lawrence region, where the majority of the population lives
Abundant Wildlife and Diverse Flora in Ontario
The beautiful wilderness of Ontario offers rich opportunities for wildlife encounters and exploring diverse vegetation. In Chapleau reserve, located in Ontario, you can come across magnificent creatures like deer, black bears, and wolves, while avid birdwatchers flock to Point Pelee National Park to witness its renowned avian diversity.
Additionally, the extraordinary Polar Bear Park situated on the shores of Hudson and James bays houses over a thousand polar bears, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience for visitors.
The province of Ontario boasts two distinct forest types. The boreal forest in the north comprises dense vegetation dominated by softwood species such as white spruce, balsam fir, and larch. Whereas, in the south, the landscape is adorned with a mixture of conifers and hardwood species, offering a visually captivating and varied plant life.
Experience the Vibrant Festivals and Celebrations in Ontario
Ontario is alive with a wide array of exciting festivals and festivities throughout the year, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a lover of music, culture, or seasonal celebrations, there's bound to be an event that captures your interest.
To make your visit even more captivating, consider staying at one of the vibrant Ontario hotels in North York. Strategically located near to event venues, they'll ensure you are never too far from the action.
February: Toronto Winter City Festival - Embrace the beauty of winter in Toronto with this captivating festival. From snow sculptures to ice skating, immerse yourself in the winter wonderland atmosphere.
June: Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival - Get ready to groove to the rhythm of the city during this lively jazz festival. Indulge in the soulful melodies and experience the vibrant music scene of downtown Toronto.
1 July: Bastille Day - Commemorate French culture and heritage on Bastille Day in Ontario. Join in the festivities and relish in the French-inspired cuisine, music, and entertainment.
Early July: Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival - Immerse yourself in the world of performing arts with the Toronto Fringe Theatre Festival. Experience a diverse range of theatrical performances from emerging artists.
1st Monday in August: Civic Holiday - Take a break and celebrate the Civic Holiday, a day dedicated to enjoying the beauty of Ontario's natural landscapes. Explore hiking trails, relax by lakes, or have a picnic in one of the province's stunning parks.
August: Canadian National Exhibition (Toronto) - Join in the excitement of Canada's largest fair, the Canadian National Exhibition. Experience thrilling rides, indulge in delicious food, and enjoy live music performances.
1st Monday in September: Labour Day - Mark the end of summer with the Labour Day holiday. Take this opportunity to unwind, spend time with family and friends, and reflect on the achievements and contributions of workers across Ontario.
September: Toronto International Film Festival - Celebrate the art of cinema at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival. Immerse yourself in the world of movies, catch premieres of highly anticipated films, and perhaps even spot your favorite celebrities.
Second Monday in October: Thanksgiving - Gather with loved ones and give thanks during the Thanksgiving holiday. Indulge in a delicious feast, partake in traditional festivities, and appreciate the beauty of autumn in Ontario.
11 November: Remembrance Day - Pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the veterans on Remembrance Day. Attend commemorative events, observe moments of silence, and reflect on the significance of this solemn day.
Experience the exhilaration and diversity of Ontario's festivals and make everlasting memories. Mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry that Ontario has to offer.
Climate
Ontario has a continental climate, with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers.
Gastronomy
Canadian specialities in Ontario include :
- tartinade: maple butter spread on farmhouse bread
- poutine: Chips and fresh cheese topped with barbecue sauce
- pâté à la râpure: meat pie with grated potatoes
- Pork chops with apples and maple syrup
- tourtières: meat pies made with minced pork or beef, potatoes and onions
- peach cobbler, flavoured with cinnamon and brown sugar
Canadian specialities in Ontario include :
- tartinade: maple butter spread on farmhouse bread
- poutine: Chips and fresh cheese topped with barbecue sauce
- pâté à la râpure: meat pie with grated potatoes
- Pork chops with apples and maple syrup
- tourtières: meat pies made with minced pork or beef, potatoes and onions
- peach cobbler, flavoured with cinnamon and brown sugar
When should you leave?
The best time to visit Ontario is from May to October.
What is there to see? What is there to do?
Not to be missed during your stay in Ontario:
- visit Toronto, the province's capital: Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, CN Tower, Kensington Market, City Hall, SkyDome, Casa Loma castle, the shores of Lake Ontario, Bata Shoe Museum
- visit to Ottawa, Canada's capital: Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery, Gatineau Park, Byward Market, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Laurier House, boat trip on the Ottawa River
- Niagara Falls
- parks: Point Pelee National Park, Chapleau Reserve, Polar Bear Park, St. Lawrence Parks, Pukaskwa National Park
Glossary
Médecin : Doctor
L'addition : The check
Combien coûte ? How much is... ?
Merci : Thank you
Je ne comprends pas : I don't understand
S'il vous plaît : Please
Au revoir : Goodbye
Bonjour : Hello
Toilettes : Restrooms
Oui / non : Yes/No
How to get there
It takes around 8 hours to fly from Paris to Toronto, the capital of Ontario.
Administrative formalities
Embassy of Canada in France
35, avenue Montaigne - 75008 Paris
Tel.: 01 44 43 29 00
Fax: 01 44 43 29 99
Web : http://www.amb-canada.fr
Embassy of France in Canada
42 Sussex Drive - Ottawa ONT. KIM 2C9
Tel: [16] (13) 789 17 95
Fax: [16] (13) 562 37 35
Web: http://www.ambafrance-ca.org
Consulate General of France in Toronto
2 Bloor Street East, suite 2200 - Toronto, ON, M4W 1A8
Tel: [16] (13) 416-847-1900
Ontario has a well-developed rail network with links to the main cities.
The road network is in very good condition, although beware of extreme weather conditions in winter.
Numerous bus routes connect Ontario's cities.
A valid passport is all you need to travel to Ontario.