Unfortunately, Ontario has created new tourist regions without suitable maps. As long as those are not available we use the old regions. Maps are required for sound information without making visitors of the web site feeling stupid!
I will never be able to understand why the responsible "Tourism experts" believe that an average person in a foreign country has the required knowledge. How many Canadians know for example the cantons of Switzerland?
Festivals and events are not restricted to this tourist region. You will find celebrations, theatre, concerts and other entertainment everywhere in Ontario.
If you are one of the people who believe that Canada is cold, boring and expensive (according to a market evaluation many do so) we want to correct this wrong impression even when we can not deny that our winter can be very cold, but winter can be also cold in countries such as Spain.
Just visit the "Festival Country" or "Southwestern Ontario" in summer and experience the temperatures. Just check on a world map our location and compare it with the French Riviera and other well known summer retreats and you will understand why.
Naturally, the nick name "Banana Belt" is an exaggeration - bananas don't grow here, you will find them only in super markets and normally they are green and hard unless you pick them up from the reduced shelve.
Depending from the month you visit us you should try our locally grown fruits, The southern part of Ontario is well known for apples, pears, peaches, apricots, strawberries, blue berries, raspberries, grapes etc.
Ontario became also very fast an excellent reputation for quality wines. Besides Austria and Germany it is well know for making "Ice Wine". Many of the wine growers came from Europe. You will find the wine regions here in the "Festival Country" in the "Niagara Region" and in "Southwestern Ontario" around Leamington on the "Pelee Island". Visit some of the wineries and join a guided tour.

• down vertically from Hamilton
• the other borders are Lake Ontario, The Niagara River and Lake Erie
You may be surprised to learn that you find peanuts, tobacco and ginseng growing in the "Festival Country".
However, all this is only a small part of what you should know about this region of Ontario. Follow us to all the interesting places and discover some new ones on your own. Spend a few days in Niagara Falls, enjoy a few days on one of the beaches with sun bathing, swimming, boating, wind surfing, fishing or just relaxing.
Accommodation of all kind are offered everywhere. You can stay in a Provincial Park with your motor home, a trailer or a tent. You can select a clean bed & breakfast place with friendly hosts or in one of the numerous motels or hotels. Select what you prefer and what suits your budget! Check special offers which may help you to save money. Have your business cards with you and your membership card of your automobile club. Some places may give you cooperate rates or a discount.
Check whether it is a benefit to stay in one location for several days and to explore the surroundings from this place. This applies especially for the "Niagara Region". On purpose, we described many villages in this area which are well suited to be your home for a limited time.

Please purchase a good map or get a free one at one of the tourism centers. Check for marked scenic routes or ask one of the friendly helpers in the tourist center. We recommend a tour along the Grand River.

Please do not miss to visit our new site about the Rose Parade in Welland. Welland celebrated its 150 th birthday in 2008 and the parade was dedicated to this event.
Also check out the beautiful Provincial Parks. They are great places for camping or one day visits.