A road trip through Ontario overwhelms

Canada is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to Canada.

You'll have to forgive me channeling Douglas Adams' classic The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but my first visit to this beautiful country left me awestruck at its sheer scale – and I assure you it won't be the last time I stand on Canadian soil.

Having arrived at Pearson International Airport, 14 miles from downtown Toronto, I made my way by limousine into the bustling city.

The global economy may be teetering on a knife edge, but Toronto seems to have fared much better, with construction work stretching away to the city fringes. Yes, Toronto is quite literally on the up and it wasn't long into my journey before I caught sight of one of the city's most striking landmarks.

Standing at 553 metres The CN Tower is magnificent. Its 34-year reign as the world's tallest structure was only eclipsed five years ago by Burj Khalifa, a skyscraper in Dubai.

And it's not the only past record breaker on Toronto's skyline. My hotel of choice for a two-night stay was the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, once the tallest building in the British Commonwealth.

While today it is dwarfed by surrounding structures, its sheer quality means it remains one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.

It truly is an amazing place to stay, and it is easy to see why it is the residence of choice for Queen Elizabeth II when in Toronto.

If CN Tower is impressive from the bottom, the panoramic view of the city from the observation deck is breathtaking. All visitors can take a dizzying 342-metre look down to the streets below from the glass floor.

A great way to get a taste of Toronto is with a walking tour. Everywhere you look, old architecture blends with the ultra modern in a way that works, and the tour introduces you to much of it.

Highlights include the brilliant Royal Ontario Museum, Distillery District, St Lawrence Market, Chinatown, Financial District and Yonge Street – the longest street in the world at 1,178 miles, a major arterial route connecting Lake Ontario to Lake Simcoe. You wouldn't want to be the postman for that road.

All areas of the city have a distinct flavour, but the common feeling is almost European. I guess it must be the influence of the French and English settlers. Less brash than the neighbouring US, Canada feels more like, well, home. With two nights in Toronto gone in the blink of an eye, I picked up my hire car.

Over the years I've watched countless travel programmes. The ones that have always made me a little green with envy are road trips. You know the sort. Generally one man, behind the wheel of his car, stopping off at fascinating and varied destinations en route. I'd always wished to do the same one day. Gladly, I can now place a tick in that box on my wish list.

Venturing deeper into Ontario, I made my way to the popular Blue Mountain Resort. Just two hours northwest of Toronto, near the former industrial town of Collingwood, it is ideal for families with a sense of adventure.

A variety of hotels share the facilities which include the exhilarating Ridge Runner, a thrilling sled-type roller-coaster that you control the speed of. Full pelt is best.

Each hotel has its own pool and shares a communal lake with kayaks and pedalos aplenty. I stayed in a superb one-bed suite at the Westin Trillium House Hotel, a well-appointed lounge/diner with kitchenette, balcony, bathroom and good-sized bedroom.

Visitors can shop in the village or enjoy a tasty meal in one of its many restaurants, all for a surprisingly reasonable price. In the winter months, a gondola lift system transfers skiers to the top of the mountain. I visited in the summer and the same facility transported mountain bikers and their vehicles in much the same way.

This truly is an all-year destination.

An absolute must is a visit to the Scenic Caves. Enjoy a hike through the leafy parkland, take in the scenery and enjoy a little history as you go. A big thanks to my guide Dan and Patti from the resort who encouraged me to squeeze through an incredibly tight crevice. The aptly entitled Fat Man's Misery almost lived up to its name.

With a ribcage feeling slightly the worse for wear, it was time to visit a spa. A short drive from the resort Le Scandinave Spa has plenty to offer – including massage and sauna facilities – but I was there to try the Nordic baths. Alternating dips in very warm and icy cold water are, apparently, refreshing. It was certainly unusual – and took my mind off my aching ribs.

After a quick stop at Wasaga Beach, the longest fresh water beach in the world at 10 miles, and a popular attraction across the province, I headed for the town of Midland. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, this area was home to the Huron/Ouendat nations, considered to be among the most advanced nations in North America.

The Jesuits arrived in the 1600s and the historic site of the mission has been imaginatively brought to life at Sainte Marie Among the Hurons. Ontario's first European community may have only existed for 10 years, but the impact it made on history is immeasurable.

The 17th Century fortress and Jesuit headquarters is fascinating, with costumed characters helping to bring the story to life. And don't miss the video presentation and its surprise ending.

Fact file:

• Paul Naylor travelled to Pearson International Airport, Toronto, with Air Transat, from Gatwick. For latest prices and flight availability, see www.airtransat.co.uk

• Prior to a flight, an overnight stay at the four-star Gatwick Aoroa hotel, with eight-days' car parking at Airparks is priced from £89. Visit www.holidayextras.com or call 0800 1313 777 to book.