Book Description

Unforgettable Ontario explores Ontario at its best. This beautifully illustrated guide celebrates 100 of the communities, events and festivals that help to make a visit to Ontario unforgettable. Author Noel Hudson reflects the province's rich cultural and geographic diversity as he travels Ontario's countryside, from its villages, towns and cities to cottage country and the north. Each entry offers a fascinating glimpse into Ontario's dynamic past and present, its spectacular landscape and the spirit of its citizens. Among the 100 destinations: Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park, 114 miles (183 km) northwest of Sault Ste. Marie, is accessible only by trail or aboard the historic Algoma Central Railway, a memorable 10-hour round-trip excursion with stops to view the waterfalls and climb to the Lookout 250 feet (76 m) above the canyon floor. The well-appointed train features a GPS-activated tour commentary in English, French, German, Japanese and Mandarin. Goderich is well known for its breathtaking sunsets, beaches, parks and historical museums. You can wander the main street lined with heritage buildings, stroll the boardwalk that connects the three beaches, visit the Marine Museum and the Huron County Museum and Gaol built in 1841 and catch a play at the Livery Theater. The village of Perth is nestled along the Tay River in Lanark County, and its picturesque downtown boasts craft stores, antique stores, specialty shops and restaurants, as well as some of the finest examples of heritage buildings in the province. Toronto's Bata Shoe Museum possesses what may be the world's most comprehensive collection of footwear -- over 13,000 artifacts spanning 4,500 years of history: Ancient Egyptian sandals, French chestnut-crushing boots, a Japanese samurai's bear-fur shoes, Native American footwear, celebrity and royal shoes, sneakers -- it's all here. Aga Khan Museum and the Ismaili Centre in North York holds over 1,000 artifacts and works of art -- including manuscripts, drawings, paintings, ceramics, metalwork, garments and tapestries -- dating from the 8th century to the 21st century. Music and dance performances delight visitors and contribute to a deeper understanding of the values, culture and heritage of Ismaili Muslims. With the exchange rate still favorable for Americans and Canada still high on the must-see list for overseas travelers, Unforgettable Ontario: 100 Destinations is the perfect reference for travelers in search of a single guide to the province's many attractions.