Hostels in Ontario

The province of Ontario is home to one of Canada's most popular cities, Toronto. This city has a little bit to offer everyone if you take the time to look for it. It's one of the most amazing cities that you will experience in the world during the summer months. However, during the winter, the whole city shuts down and goes into hibernation mode. There is an abundance of hostels the entire way around the city in all of the different hoods. Make sure you do your research about where it is that you want to be before booking your trip.

Ontario is also home to the capital city of the country, Ottawa. This city has a quaint charm about it and there is quite a lot to do here in the summer and there are plenty of hostels. During the winter, the Rideau Canal will often freeze over and you can skate down the length of it. It's also a city that is much closer to the mountains in Quebec if you are planning on any skiing in the eastern parts of Canada while you are here.

One of the most popular and stunning natural features in Ontario is the Algonquin Provincial Park. Many of the locals love to come camping and kayaking through this area during the summer months and there is an abundance of lakes and rivers for you to explore. Watch out for bears in this region too as they are quite a common sighting during certain times of the year.

Heading up north from Toronto, situated on Lake Huron is the popular Bruce Peninsula National Park which has some stunning lake views and rock formations around the area. The Bruce Trail is a great route to walk if you are an avid hiker and want to spend some more time through this area.

As you continue north, rest up in the small town of Sault Ste. Marie, known by locals as 'The Soo', before heading along through to your Thunder Bay hostel. Along the way, make sure that you take in the popular Wawa Goose, the statue of Winnie The Pooh at White River. You can also see the dedication to the amazing Canadian, Terry Fox, who ran from the most eastern point in Canada to just outside of Thunder Bay to raise money for cancer. There is a marker on the road of where he reached when they discovered his cancer had returned and he had to abandon his run. He eventually lost his battle with cancer, but became a national hero and inspiration to many Canadians who run every year in his name and honour.

Heading down south towards the United States border you will find the stunning Niagara Falls. There will be hostels that you can stay in here that are a small way off the main strip that you can base yourself from as you explore the falls. The falls are worth seeing, but after a day you'll probably be ready to move on to your next destination.

Handwritten by local expert for Ontario hostels Globetrotter