Moving to Canada: Yasmin’s Top Highlights Exploring Ontario
In May 2026, our Travel Consultant Yasmin set off on her biggest adventure yet along with her loyal labrador Bailey. Yasmin has moved to Canada for the foreseeable future and is setting up new life across the pond. Both Yasmin and Bailey travelled in style with a transatlantic crossing, touching down in New York for a couple of days, before starting their journey to Toronto. Follow along with Yasmin’s adventures in this first instalment of her journey across Canada – exploring Ontario!
Having recently moved from the UK to Canada with my Labrador, exploring Ontario, Canada was right at the top of my list. I’d heard so much about the province, and I was keen to get out and see some of it for myself – especially as there’s such a great mix of cities, countryside, and beaches.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own travel plans or browsing ideas for luxury holidays to Canada, Ontario delivers an amazing variety of experiences within a single region. I explored Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Sandbanks Provincial Park, and each place felt completely different from the last.
Toronto: City Lights, Neighbourhood Wandering & Great Food
I started the trip in Toronto, and one thing I’d definitely recommend is heading up the CN Tower at night. Seeing the city lit up from above is pretty special, especially when you can look out across the huge skyline and watch the city buzzing below. Afterwards, I walked over towards Ireland Park, which is a lovely spot along the waterfront to admire the Toronto skyline – it was a great way to finish the evening.
There are so many fantastic things to do in Ontario’s biggest city. You can wander around the different neighbourhoods, head down to the waterfront, explore Kensington Market, or spend some time around the historic Distillery District. I also really enjoyed simply walking around and getting a feel for the city rather than trying to tick off every single attraction.
The food scene was another big highlight for me. Toronto is such a multicultural city, so there’s an incredible choice of places to eat. I made sure to stop at La Carnita for tacos, which was exactly the sort of casual, fun place I was looking for after a day of exploring. I also found myself stopping by Fahrenheit Coffee regularly – it’s a great stop before heading back out into the city.
Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake: Big Views and Wine Tasting
From Toronto, I took the train to Niagara Falls, which was a really easy way to get there, meaning I could just sit back and enjoy the journey.
Once I arrived, I spent some time walking around the falls before heading out on the water. Seeing this enormous waterfall up close from the water was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. You get very close, and yes, you do get wet, but that’s all part of it (the red poncho is a life saver!). The boat trip gave a completely different view of the falls, and I’d definitely recommend doing it rather than just seeing them from the viewpoints.
Instead of spending my time in the town surrounding the falls, which is very commercialised, it’s only a short drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake. It feels like you’ve suddenly stepped into a completely different place, this town is beautiful and well worth the short journey. The historic buildings, pretty streets, flower-filled gardens, and little shops make the whole place feel almost too perfect. It looks like a film set, the kind of place where you don’t really need a plan. Just wander around, stop for a coffee or lunch, and take it all in.
The area is also well known for its wineries, with plenty to visit around Niagara-on-the-Lake and the surrounding wine region. I loved that you could combine a relaxed afternoon of wine tasting with exploring the town itself. The wineries are a great excuse to slow down for a few hours and enjoy the countryside, and if you’re a wine lover, it’s definitely worth allowing some extra time here. A day trip to Niagara Falls and the surrounding area should be on any list for someone exploring Ontario, Canada.
Sandbanks Provincial Park: Soft Sands and Coastal Relaxation
Around 2.5 hours from Toronto, you’ll find Sandbanks Provincial Park, offering another completely different way of exploring Ontario, Canada. After spending time in the city and around Niagara Falls, it was the perfect spot to slow the pace down and spend a day by the water.
Sandbanks is known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and clear water, and I honestly wasn’t expecting to find somewhere quite like this in Ontario. The beaches are wide and spacious, with soft sand and plenty of room to relax.
I spent the day enjoying the beach, going for a swim, and taking in the scenery. The water is lovely when the weather is right, and there’s something really refreshing about spending a few hours outdoors with nothing else planned. Bailey, who is a Labrador after all was in her element, splashing around in the water with me.
Final Thoughts on My Ontario Travel Itinerary
What I liked most about exploring Ontario, Canada was just how different each stop felt. Toronto was lively and full of great food and things to do. Niagara Falls has the wow factor while Niagara-on-the-Lake was charming and would have looked out of place on a postcard. Sandbanks gave me and Bailey the opportunity to properly switch off, after our long journey from the UK to North America.
If I had to pick my top things to do in Ontario it would probably be Niagara Falls – particularly the boat trip and visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake. But honestly, what made this Ontario travel itinerary so enjoyable was getting a bit of everything, and you never feel you’re doing the same thing twice!
