Geographically speaking, Quebec and Ontario, the two provinces that constitute Central Canada, are entirely east of the longitudinal centre of the country, which lies near Winnipeg. But as the two largest provinces in Canada, accounting for more than half of its population and of its GDP, they are ideologically central.
You could spend a lifetime in Central Canada’s culturally exciting cities, shopping till you drop in Montreal, parlez-ing français in Quebec City, nosing around Ottawa’s historic Byward Market, and, in Toronto, attending a different play, sporting event, or music performance every night. But if you did, you’d miss out on the beautiful and varied landscapes of lakes, forests, valleys, hills, rivers, and streams, and on the charms of the small towns and unique attractions like Niagara Falls, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, the Niagara wine region, the Laurentians, and Quebec’s Route Verte biking trails.
Both provinces experience four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and the calendar packed with outdoor events and festivals. In fall, the foliage explodes in shades of red and orange and wineries are in full swing. When temperatures drop, the cities compensate with festivals, while the ski hills and trails draw snow bunnies. Spring is maple-sugaring season and ushers in a general joie de vivre as residents shake off the cold.
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The Guide
Stay, Dine, Do
