Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
M
Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours:
ChallengetherapidsoftheNiagaraRiverinanopen-
air jet boat (
click here
).
M
Lock 7 Viewing Complex:
Enjoy the spectacle of massive freighters gently glid-
ing by as they navigate the locks of the Welland Canal (
click here
)
.
M
Old Fort Erie:
Guarding the mouth of the Niagara River, Fort Erie's buildings
and grounds survived Canada's bloodiest battle. Historical reenactments bring the
drama to life (
click here
).
The two indigenous groups that dominated Ontario prior to European exploration were the
Algonquins and Iroquois. At times, these groups struggled against each other, and they
eventually sided with each of the two main European powers that explored the region.
By 1615, both the French and the English were exploring Ontario with an eye on
trade and colonization. The Algonquins primarily allied themselves with the French, while
the Iroquois sided with the English. Following much bloodshed, the English defeated the
French during the Seven Years' War, also known as the French and Indian War. By 1780,
more than 9,000 English loyalists settled in Ontario, along with many Iroquois who fled
New York State following the American Revolution.
OntariowasinthebreachduringtheWarof1812,witnessingthebloodiestengagements
of that conflict. In the end, no land was lost or gained, but the region began moving toward
a unified country of Canada. By 1867, Ontario was declared a province and Canada was an
autonomous dominion, eventually becoming an independent nation with historic and sym-
bolic ties to England.
Southern Ontario is culturally diverse. Immigrants from Europe and elsewhere settled
here to seek opportunities in agriculture and industry. The region has successfully balanced
thechallenges andbenefitsofitsthreemajorindustries—tourism, farming,andlightmanu-
facturing. Transportation is another important economic driver, due to the region's interna-
tional border and proximity to Toronto, the fourth-largest city in North America.
