From Kingston, come off Highway 401 to discover the nearby tranquility of the Bay of Quinte and Quinte’s Isle on Lake Ontario. Although somewhat off the beaten track, it is revered by those in the know in East Ontario, who come to the area to explore the numerous quaint villages, antiques fairs, the unspoilt beaches and watersport activites available.

Before heading on to Toronto, make Presqu’ile Provincial Park near Brighton, Ontario your final port of call. The park’s long beaches on Lake Ontario have become famous for migrating birds who stop at Presqu’ile as well as being a popular site for viewing Monarch butterflies. Expect to see shoebirds, double-crested Cormornts, Caspian, Common Terns, Blue Herons, Great Egrets and several more species familiar to the area. As well as the birdwatcing opportunities, Presqu’ile boasts cycling opportunities, a nature centre and camping facilities.

Taking Highway 7 from Ottawa in the direction of Toronto will bring you to the scenic Kawartha Lake Region with its magnificent waterways and lakes.  Not surprisingly in a region whose name means “shining waters”, water based activities are plentiful; choose from kayaking, fishing and swimming or cruise the Trent-Severn Waterway.  Local attractions include a replica steamship at Stoney Lake, the prehistoric rock carvings of Petroglyph Provincial Park and numerous hiking trails. This is small-town Ontario at its best and the charming communities of Peterborough, Lindsay, Bobcaygeon and Fenelon Falls offer a warm welcome year round.  Take a browse around one of the many small antique shops or take a moment to savour a coffee at one the downtown cafes.