Get up close to wild animals in a naturally created habitat—not just the native wildlife of Canada (like bears, wolves, and bisons) but those from faraway lands. 

Just an hour’s drive west of Toronto, the African Lion Safari offers more than lion sightings—the popular zoo also hosts a menagerie of exotic and domestic wildlife. You can drive through the park in the comforts of your car, or opt to hop onto the Safari Tour Bus. 

The safari park spans 250 hectares (620 acres, or 310 soccer fields) with seven reserves where animals roam in large enclosures while visitors are “caged” in their cars. Unlike other less enlightened zoological gardens, the animals are far from shy at this wildlife park setting. 

Baboons are known to hop up to car hoods to fiddle with the windshield wipers and stare at curious passengers, while giraffes occasionally poke their heads close to the bus windows! Go a little slower if you welcome this close observation by the animals. Aside from lions, the safari zoo is also home to animals such as elephants, white rhinos, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, bison. 

Directions to the African Lion Safari

Nothing says back to nature like a visit to the Algonquin Provincial Park, where wildlife is abundant, and views, picturesque. Wolves, deers, bears and moose are known to call this natural sanctuary home. Gleaming lakes, lush temperate forests and serene rivers paint a calming sight here. 

Named a National Historic Site of Canada in 1992, Algonquin Provincial Park forms the perfect backdrop for hikers and canoeists, offering a lush respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city. 

If you love talking to animals (ala Dr Doolittle), you would love participating in the Wolf Howl (available on Thursday nights in August and Early September). This one-of-a-kind wildlife programme involves guests howling in the forest at the wild wolves that inhabit the park, and listening for them to howl back. The event typically lasts three hours and makes a unique experience. 

Experience different wildlife and natural encounters depending on the time and season of the year. Springtime sees moose lingering at the side of the roads, licking up their fill of salt deposits. The sight of these huge members of the deer family crowding the roadside makes a visually arresting sight—perfect for snapping memorable holiday photos from your car. 

During the summer months, visitors can explore the lakes and rivers in rented canoes and kayaks. If you like, you can choose from an abundance of campsites to rest and relax after your watery adventure. 

You can also go on foot and take on the hiking trails around the shores of the lake. On the lookouts at the high points, you will be rewarded with sweeping and tranquil views of the park. 

Autumn casts a blanket of warm colours over the park. The trees turn into shades of red, orange and yellow, creating a perfect canvas for nature photography enthusiasts. 

Directions to the Algonquin Provincial Park

Wish to dive into an intricate network of crevasse caves carved 450 million years ago by glacial ice? Make a day trip to the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. Steeped in heritage and natural splendour, this natural attraction is one of Canada’s UNESCO biosphere reserves. 

Explore the labyrinth of natural caves and caverns that was once home to the Petun people—one of Canada’s indigenous tribes (also known as the First Nations). As you descend 70 feet below the surface, you will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of limestone cliff edges. 

For your safety, visitors are required to wear hiking or running shoes to enter the caves. Trail maps are available if you wish to explore these natural formations on your own. Self-guided trails are also marked clearly for easy exploration. 

To comfortably explore the caves, we recommend that you allocate at least two hours for your subterranean sojourn. 

After your cave adventure, head over to the 42-foot long suspension bridge nearby to get a generous view of Georgian Bay. Suspended 82 feet above the forest, you will feel the illusion of floating above the verdant greenery while soaking in the majestic sights. 

Directions to the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

Did you know that Hamilton is labelled as the waterfall capital of the world? Just west of Toronto, the area is home to over 100 natural waterfalls. 

To make full use of your day trip, make time to visit the Hamilton Waterfalls—the three most significant ones are the classic Tiffany Falls, Albion Falls, and Devil’s Punchbowl. 

Begin your waterfalls adventure at the vast cascading Tiffany Falls—a natural attraction with a beautiful forested trail that makes a pleasant hike. The falls itself is 21-metre tall, and the sight is especially stunning in Spring, when melting icy waters come roaring down the falls. In Winter, the gushing falls are frozen in place, making a surrealistic sight. 

The stepped Albion Falls, at 19-metre tall, is slightly shorter than the Tiffany Falls, but no less majestic. The falls is one of the region’s most famous falls, as water streams down the stepped cliffs into the stream below, creating a mesmerising pattern of flowing waters over step-shaped rocks.

Last, but certainly not least, is the stunning Devil’s Punch—a steep and multi-coloured gorge, with a 33.8-metre high ribbon waterfall. The gorge is a history lesson in geology and a photographer’s dream. The gorge was created from erosion of the recession of the glaciers from Lake Ontario basin some 10,000 to 12,000 years ago. 

Close to the falls is a nearby lookout that offers spectacular views of the Hamilton Harbour. On a clear day, you may even see the Toronto skyline. 

Tip: To capture the incredible sights of the falls, bring along a tripod. It will allow you to use slower shutter speeds, giving a feeling of flow to the waterfalls. Shutter speeds of 1/15 to ¼ of a second will capture the photos of the falls with a silky look. 

For an uninterrupted experience of the falls, consider visiting early in the mornings. If you are famished after admiring the falls, head to the Punch Bowl Market and Bakery, where you can tuck into a wide range of delicious freshly-baked goods such as pies, tarts and cookies. 

Directions to Hamilton Waterfalls

Beyond being close to the world-famous Niagara Falls, Toronto also boasts one of Southern Ontario’s treasures—the lovely historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. The close-knitted neighbourhood has more than 20 wineries next to each other. 

Voted by TripAdvisor as Canada’s number one Food and Wine Destination, the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake is an oasis for those looking for the ultimate wining and dining experience.  

Each winery has its unique character, so take your time to tour the vineyards on your own, or go on a wine tour through the region. Do try the ice wine—a saccharine-sweet wine made from grapes after the first frost, this delicious alcoholic beverage is a Canadian classic. 

Prefer to book a winery tour? Keep in mind to book in advance to ensure that places are available. 

The Trius Tour is known to be one of the most instagrammable winery tours around. An immersive wine and sparking tour, a trip to the Trius Winery will see you visiting Canada’s largest underground sparkling wine cellar. Thereafter,  you can chill with a glass of Rose wine while admiring out-of-this-world art installations. 

If you are interested to know more about the differences between wines and beers, go for the Swirls Sips and Hops tour, which gives an insight into the similarities and differences between these drinks. You can enjoy three tastings at each winery on the tour.

The All About Icewine Experience offers an in-depth look and taste into different award-winning Canadian Ice Wines, paired with a small food sample. Curious about the Icewine making process? This tour experience will bring you on a behind-the-scenes look into its creation process.  

Beyond the wine experience, Niagara-On-the-Lake is also well-known for its culinary destination. One of the must-try places here is Treadwell—a farm-to-table style restaurant which prides itself on offering the finest seasonal fresh local food and wine in a quaint and charming environment. 

Directions to Niagara-on-the-Lake

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