Where Ontario really falls flat for us is our love of beautiful scenery and outdoor activity. It just doesn't seem like there's much there in terms of hiking/outdoorsy stuff, which is VERY important to us.
the access to outdoor activities of the kind we're looking for - more along the lines of serious hiking/kayaking as opposed to leisurely stroll through the park, bike ride along the canal etc.
I find your objection kind of funny, because I know people who choose to live in Ottawa out of all of Canada's urban centers
because they're outdoorsmen.
Have you looked at the Parks Ontario system? Check maps. For hiking and paddling, I'm very much partial to Killarney Provincial Park, but it's a bit of a drive* from Ottawa. Algonquin is world-famous wilderness, too, right close**. There's even express bus service. Heck, Park de Gatineau, right across the river, is actually a decent day hike.
For "serious kayaking", I'd point out that whitewater on the Ottawa River system is a major tourism draw to the area -- Ottawa is considered one of the better places to put down roots as a paddler, if you have to pick a big city. If you're one of these silly people who like big flat water instead of the fun stuff (didn't you say "serious," though? :P) the Upper Ottawa/Mattawa rivers are flat. Lake Timiskaming is amazing, huge by European standards, and not too far***.
Now, maybe you need an ocean to kayak on, and mountains to hike in. That's fine. We don't want your kind here anyway, ya salty, pointy-rock loving
weirdo.
Seriously, though, Vancouver Island is beautiful and I'm sure you'll love it there. They all have poor taste, too. :P
*"bit of a drive" -- you have to remember that this is a country where people will drive upto 12 hours to access medical care, or
just to go to the mall. It's big.
**"right close", yes, Ontario standards again.
*** It's a big province, okay?
