When to Go

When to Go

In winter Ontario's weather veers toward the severe, making road travel difficult away from major highways, and many museums and attractions are closed or have limited hours. If you like to ski, skate, snowmobile, or ice fish, there's no better time to visit: the province offers some of the world's best winter activities. Otherwise, it's best to visit from April through September, when the Stratford and Shaw festivals are in full swing and most sights are open longer. (Try to avoid the highways over the busy July 1 Canada Day weekend.) The warmer months also bring other outdoor action, such as boating and hiking—or opportunities for resting on a beach or eating at an outdoor café. The increasingly popular Niagara Wine Festival takes place in late September.