Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and home to its largest Jewish community, centered in Toronto but with vibrant life in Ottawa and smaller cities too. You’ll find a wide range of synagogues, kosher dining, and rich cultural heritage alongside classic Canadian sights.
🕍 Synagogues & Jewish Life
- Toronto – Hundreds of congregations from Reform to Chassidic. Major hubs include Forest Hill, Thornhill, and North York.
- Ottawa – Synagogues ranging across denominations, with a close-knit community and active Jewish Federation.
- Hamilton, Windsor, London – Mid-sized cities with historic Jewish roots and active congregations.
- Chabad Houses – Present in most major cities, including student centers at the University of Toronto, York, Ottawa, and Western.
🍽️ Kosher Food & Markets
- Toronto: A huge kosher scene—restaurants, bakeries, pizza shops, cafes, and butchers clustered in Bathurst Street corridor and Thornhill.
- Ottawa: Several kosher caterers and groceries, plus Chabad meals for visitors.
- Smaller cities: Limited kosher options; plan ahead and bring supplies if traveling outside Toronto/Ottawa.
📜 Jewish History & Culture
- Ontario Jewish Archives (Toronto) – Preserves community history.
- Schwartz/Reisman Centre & Miles Nadal JCC – Jewish cultural and fitness hubs.
- Toronto Jewish Film Festival – One of the world’s largest Jewish film festivals.
- Ottawa Jewish Historical Society – Documents Jewish life in Canada’s capital.
🍁 Things to Do Nearby
- Toronto: CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, bustling neighborhoods.
- Niagara Falls: Iconic natural wonder, about 90 minutes from Toronto.
- Ottawa: Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, National Gallery of Canada.
- Muskoka & Algonquin Park: Classic Canadian outdoors, summer cottages, and fall foliage.
🧳 Travel Tips
- Kosher dining is concentrated in Toronto—download a kosher restaurant map before visiting.
- Transit: Toronto has subways and streetcars, but car rental is helpful if exploring beyond the city.
- Weather: Winters are snowy and cold; summers are warm and festival-filled.
- Shabbat: Many neighborhoods in North Toronto and Thornhill are highly walkable with strong community infrastructure.