Ontario Explorer Fly Drive

Feel the power of Niagara Falls
Make a stop in Algonquin National Park
Catch a ferry the largest freshwater lake island in the world
Explore the Thousand Island region

A beautiful fly drive holiday for those looking to leave the crowds behind.

Ontario’s crystal clear lakes, remarkable islands, remote forests and cosmopolitan cities come to life in this varied circle trip from Toronto. From thundering Niagara Falls to sedate Manitoulin Island you will discover small towns, holiday resorts, vineyards and colonial heritage along Ontario’s scenic roads.

Day 1 & 2 (Arrival and overnight in Toronto)

UK to Toronto

Fly into buzzing Toronto, Canada’s largest city. Toronto’s distinctive skyline stands proudly along the shores of mighty Lake Ontario, one of North America’s Great Lakes. Spend a day exploring the districts and attractions of Toronto. It is easy to catch a ferry over to serene Toronto Island then later visit the iconic CN Tower with a trip to the top for superlative city views. Alternatively climb aboard a city bus tour to visit the regenerated Distillery District, shop at the Eaton Centre and browse the produce at St. Lawrence Market.

Day 1 & 2 (Arrival and overnight in Toronto)

Day 3 (Toronto to Niagara Falls - 80 Mi)

Toronto to Niagara Falls

Collect your car and make the easy journey out of the city toward the wonder of the world that is Niagara Falls. On the way stop at scenic Niagara-on-the-Lake, an affluent town surrounded by independent vineyards and microbreweries. Pick up a couple of souvenir bottles before arriving at your destination and getting your first glimpse of Niagara Falls.

Distance approx: 80 Mi
Time to travel approx: 1 hour 25 minutes

Day 4 & 5 (Niagara Falls to Tobermony - 235 Mi)

Niagara Falls to Tobermory

This morning join the Hornblower boat cruise that takes you into the spray of the falls. Feel the force as up to 6 million cubic feet of water flow over the falls each minute. By lunch time jump back in the car and make the journey inland toward the Bruce Peninsula which protrudes into your second Great Lake, Lake Huron. Whether your interest in outdoor pursuits is land or water based, there is plenty here to keep everyone happy. Fathom Five National Marine Park boasts incredible opportunities for wreck diving, or you can view them from a glass bottomed boat tour. Alternatively head into the Bruce Peninsula National Park for hiking or enjoy a day in the sun, lounging on the sandy beach.

Distance approx: 235 Mi
Time to travel approx: 4 hours 20 minutes

Day 4 & 5 (Niagara Falls to Tobermony - 235 Mi)

Day 6 & 7 (Tobermony to Manitoulin Island- 55 Mi)

Tobermory to Manitoulin Island

Catch the ferry to the largest freshwater lake island in the world: spiritual Manitoulin Island. This peaceful place has miles of stunning coastline, secluded coves, inland lakes and small villages for you to discover. With a whole day to explore Manitoulin Island you can travel as much or as little of it as you like. Drive the quiet country roads all the way to Meldrum Bay or join a guided tour to learn about the native Anishinaabee people’s land, culture and traditions.

Distance approx: 55 Mi
Time to travel approx: 2 hours 30 minutes (Inc. Ferry)

Day 6 & 7 (Tobermony to Manitoulin Island- 55 Mi)

Day 8 & 9 (Manitoulin Island to Huntsville-249 Mi)

Manitoulin Island to Huntsville

Follow the roads and bridges across the islands of the North Channel and back onto mainland Ontario. This remarkable area is densely forested and dotted with thousands of pancake-flat lakes that glisten through the trees. End your day at the lakeside town of Huntsville. The picturesque town of Huntsville sits at the midpoint between the scenic Muskoka Lakes and the remarkable Algonquin National Park. Just half an hour’s drive from each, decide if you would rather enjoy the water sports and beaches of the Muskoka Lakes or a day in the wilderness of Algonquin. Either way, keep your camera handy as each of these areas is a photographer’s paradise.

Distance approx: 249 Mi
Time to travel approx: 4 hours 35 minutes

Day 8 & 9 (Manitoulin Island to Huntsville-249 Mi)

Day 10 & 11 (Huntsville to Ottawa - 213 Mi)

Huntsville to Ottawa

Cross through Algonquin National Park on your way to the nation’s capital. Ottawa is a pleasant and compact city with a rich history and strong French colonial influences. Discover the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk its scenic banks through the centre of town. Check out the views from Parliament Hill and cross the Alexandra Bridge to set foot in the Francophone province of Quebec. Ottawa is also a shopper’s paradise with everything from famous names to independent boutiques.

Distance approx: 213 Mi
Time to travel approx: 4 hours

Day 10 & 11 (Huntsville to Ottawa - 213 Mi)

Day 12 (Ottawa to Kingston - 121 Mi)

Ottawa to Kingston

Follow the Rideau Canal to the St Lawrence River before tracing the banks of this mighty waterway to the evocatively named Thousand Islands region where the town of Kingston will be your base.

Distance approx: 121 Mi
Time to travel approx: 2 hours

Day 13 (Kingston to Thousand Island - 44 Mi)

Thousand Islands

Spend a day exploring some of the 1,864 islands that make up this unique area. Join a boat tour to learn how the early aboriginal communities regarded the region as the Garden of the Gods, to discover the plethora of underwater shipwrecks and see the mansions and castles that now characterise the larger islands. Return to Kingston for an overnight stay in Kingston.

Distance approx: 44 Mi
Time to travel approx: 50 minutes

Day 13 (Kingston to Thousand Island - 44 Mi)

Pricing

All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.

This fly drive itinerary runs all year round

from 1st December 2023 - 15th December 2024

from £2,359pp

Supplements

Resort Fee/Tourist Tax - required by some hotels at check in (subject to change)

Important Info

Important info

Drivers must be over 25 years old and able to provide a full valid driving license
Consider using public transport when in cities as traffic can be busy
When parking in Canada, park facing the destination of travel
All cars are covered with Platinum or Gold cover
We highly recommend checking (or requesting) a SatNav to be included in your car
Children are legally required to have the correct car seat when in Canada so please provide accurate ages of any children travelling

Inclusions

Return international flights and airline taxes
Accommodation throughout as per itinerary
Mid range hire car with insurance, complimentary first tank of fuel and unlimited mileage (if you wish to upgrade your car, please speak to us)

Exclusions