The Province Of Ontario
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Travel Leisure -> subcategory Destinations.
Exploring Ontario: Canada's Vast Province
Overview
Ontario, whose name originates from the Iroquoian word meaning "vast body of water," is the second largest province in Canada, covering about one million square kilometers. It stretches from the Great Lakes to the icy shores of Hudson Bay and is situated between Manitoba to the west and Quebec to the east. The province borders the United States to the south.
Natural Beauty and Parks
Ontario is home to six national and 280 provincial parks, offering endless recreational opportunities. The renowned Algonquin Park, famous for its black bears and iconic Canadian beavers, boasts breathtaking scenery. Most of Ontario is in the Eastern Time Zone (GMT -5 hours), with some parts in the Central Time Zone (GMT -6 hours). The province experiences four distinct seasons, with hot summers, cold, snowy winters, and rainy springs and falls. Southwestern Ontario is milder, while Northern Ontario is colder due to Arctic winds.
Geography and Landmarks
Northern Ontario features forests and rocky landscapes as part of the Canadian Shield. The province is bordered to the south by four of the five Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. A notable landmark is the majestic Niagara Falls, located near the city of St. Catharines on the US-Canada border. This natural wonder attracts tourists worldwide and can be viewed from both the US and Canadian sides.
Key Cities in Ontario
Ontario has a significant population, with Ottawa, the nation’s capital, located in the southeast. The Greater Toronto Area is Canada's industrial and economic hub, home to the provincial capital, Toronto. The majority of Ontario's population resides in the south, with the 2001 census recording 11.4 million residents. Toronto's Lester B. Pearson International Airport is Canada's largest airport and a major airline hub.
Additionally, cities like Hamilton, London, Kingston, and Windsor are rapidly growing, boasting over a million residents collectively. The auto manufacturing and aerospace industries are key employers, featuring major North American manufacturers such as Ford, GM, and Dodge/Chrysler. Thunder Bay, located on Lake Superior, is a significant commercial port.
Ontario's Government and Economy
The Ontario government is led by Premier Dalton McGuinty's Liberal party, overseeing healthcare, vehicle registration, driver licensing, education, and welfare. The province charges an 8% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on top of the 7% Federal GST, a hotel room tax at 5%, and provincial income tax.
Historical Background
Ontario has a rich history, becoming a vital entry point along the St. Lawrence River after the arrival of Western settlers with Confederation in 1867. Native Algonquian and Iroquoian peoples lived off the land long before French explorers and other settlers arrived. Once known as Upper Canada, the area was extensively settled by English, Scottish, Irish immigrants, and loyalists from the USA after their independence war. Initially flourishing through fur trading, Ontario's prosperity grew further with the discovery of gold, nickel, and iron ore.
Ontario is an extraordinary place to live or visit, brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. For more information, visit [Ontario's Official Website](http://www.onestopimmigration-canada.com/ontario.html).
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