Getting around — Ontario

In Ontario, internal travel is organised by trip. The VIA Rail train efficiently links the three main cities: Toronto-Niagara 2h (CAD 30-50 return), Toronto-Ottawa 4h30 (CAD 60-150 return), Toronto-Montreal 5h (CAD 100-200 return), Ottawa-Montreal 2h (CAD 50-100 return). Comfortable, wifi onboard, departures from Union Station in Toronto (downtown). GO Transit (Toronto + suburbs regional network) also reaches Niagara (1h45, CAD 18 return, departures from Union Station).

Car rental (CAD 50-80/day for a compact, agencies at Pearson YYZ airport and downtown) offers maximum freedom for off-city excursions (Algonquin Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thousand Islands, Lake Superior scenic route). Right-hand driving, highways in good condition but highway A407 ETR is tolled (CAD 30-50 electronic toll to cross Greater Toronto). Speed limit 100-110 km/h on highway, 50 km/h in town. Winter tires not mandatory in Ontario (but recommended) — unlike Quebec.

In Toronto, public transport TTC (metro 4 cross lines + tram + bus, CAD 3.35 ticket, CAD 13.50 day pass, rechargeable Presto card recommended) covers the essentials. The UP Express (fast train Pearson Airport YYZ → Union Station, CAD 12.35, 25 min) is the best option from the airport. Uber omnipresent and reliable. Downtown walks well (compact between Harbourfront and Bloor Street).

Access from Europe is mostly by direct flight to Toronto-Pearson (YYZ), Canada's main hub: Air France and Air Canada daily from Paris CDG, several weekly from London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Zurich. 7h45 direct outbound, 6h30-7h return. Paris-Toronto return fares: €450-700 in low season (November-March excluding holidays), €800-1,000 in high season (June-August, October Indian summer).

For Ottawa, YOW airport mainly receives domestic flights. From Europe, fly via Montreal (50 min) or Toronto (1h), or VIA Rail train from Toronto/Montreal. For Niagara Falls, YYZ Toronto airport + train/bus/car to Niagara (2h). No international airport in Niagara Falls.