It is Mark and you will learn that there is quite a bit to do in order to be law abiding. Assuming every is in order, a PAL will enable you to buy non-restricted firearms which essentially means rifles and shotguns. You may get different treatment than I did ( BTW I was 66 at the time) but retailers wouldn't even take a restricted firearm out of their case until I could show them my RPAL which gives me access to restricted firearms. In order to own a restricted, say a pistol, you either have to declare yourself a "collector" or join or say you will join an accredited shooting club. If you go with the "collector" option and everything else goes OK, you will have the privilege of getting a document that will let you take the pistol home but no where else. Unless your home is a recognized gun club, you will never get to fire the thing. Most people want to shoot and so the club is the better route.
If I were you, I would try to connect with one of the clubs in Ontario that you can reach easily. Most clubs include members that will be very happy to teach you the ropes and give you the path that you will have to follow depending on what you want to do. I'm in the US for the winter but belong to a great little club in Waterford. It's not close for you but if you want to make a connection there I will give you some additional information and a person to call. Our club is very open to new members and wants to attract younger people. While Waterford may not be close enough for you, check out the ones that are closer. Some of them have newcomer events and those will give you a lot information and help in getting started.
If you do want to drive to Orillia, Ellwood Epps is a great store with very knowledgeable people
