The Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Burlington, Ontario and Pickering, Ontario
Overview
Canada's southern Ontario is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant cities. A road trip from Burlington to Pickering, a journey toughly around 100 kilometers, explores the heart of Southern Ontario and offers an experience of a lifetime. The trip takes anyone through urban landscapes, lakeshores, and small towns. Toronto, the halfway point of the journey, has a charm that everyone should witness. The city takes pride in being the cultural and economic capital of the country, offering a wide range of things to do.
Top Five Things to Do
Visit the Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls is a must-visit for anyone travelling from Burlington to Pickering. It is a magical sight that leaves tourists awestruck. The waterfalls, over 50 meters high and 800 meters wide, are the largest in North America. At night, they are spectacularly illuminated by colorful LED lights, adding to the attraction. The falls can be viewed from the surrounding areas, such as Queen Victoria Park, Clifton Hill, and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Get close-up views of the falls by hopping on the Maid of the Mist boat tour.
Interesting Fact
The Niagara Falls is not just a beautiful sightseeing spot, but it also generates a vast amount of hydroelectric power. The Canadian Niagara Power plant is one of the earliest hydroelectric power stations in the world.
Tour the Casa Loma
The Casa Loma is a Gothic-inspired mansion located in mid-town Toronto. The castle, constructed in the early 1900s, boasts over 100 beautiful rooms and chambers. Its beauty and grandeur have attracted visitors from all over the world and have made appearances in several popular movies. Visitors have a chance to explore everything from secret passages to underground tunnels. Children under eight can have just as much fun as their parents exploring the castle.
Interesting Fact
The Casa Loma was initially built for Sir Henry Mill Pellatt, a wealthy Canadian financier, industrialist, and military officer. Despite its unique architectural design and lavish interior decor, Sir Henry only resided in the castle for ten years before losing it due to financial struggles.
Visit the Canadian War Museum
The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, located about 350 kilometers east of Pickering, is unsurprisingly a must-visit for anyone keen on Canadian history and culture. The museum showcases significant historical moments of Canada's military history, from the country's early days to current peacekeeping missions. Visitors are drawn to the museum, with numerous artifacts, historical re-enactments, and interactive exhibits showing Canada's contributions to global conflicts.
Interesting Fact
The Canadian War Museum is home to nearly 500,000 artifacts, including vehicles, aircraft, weapons, uniforms, and personal memorabilia. These artifacts are a testament to the history of Canada's military contributions and the sacrifices made by soldiers from the country.
Visit the Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum, located in Toronto, is one of Canada's greatest museums, offering a fascinating mix of art, culture, and history. The various exhibitions of the museum have something that grabs the attention of every visitor, with over six million artifacts and collection pieces. The museum also has a planetarium that treats visitors to a space journey, examining the universe, stars, and galaxies.
Interesting Fact
The Royal Ontario Museum is home to the world's largest-ever dinosaur fossil, found in southern Alberta in 2014. The fossil belongs to a dinosaur species named "Dreadnoughtus schrani," measuring up to 26 meters long and weighing up to 65 tons.
Visit the St. Jacobs Country
St. Jacobs Country, located between Burlington and Pickering, is a perfect complement to any road trip. Visitors can enjoy the simplicity of rural living and scenic landscapes, including historic landmarks, farmers' markets, and renowned bakeries. The Mennonite community in the region has kept its unique cultural practices and heritage, with horse-drawn wagons and carriages a common mode of transportation.
Interesting Fact
The Mennonites of St. Jacobs Country originated from Europe in the 16th century, seeking religious freedom and separation from the Catholic Church. They fled to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, settling in several American states and provinces in Canada.
Conclusion
A road trip from Burlington to Pickering unveils Canada's appeal and simplicity. The ten stops on this journey offer a mix of tranquility, culture, and history, providing the perfect road trip for anyone. The trip typically takes around five hours, but this time might vary depending on the number of stops visitors make on the way.