30 Best Things to do in Ontario Canada
As the most populated province in Canada, Ontario is not just where the people are. Ontario is where the fun is at! Laying claim to the largest city in the country and the capital of Canada, locals and visitors alike will find a ton of things to do in Ontario!
Between vibrant cities, like Toronto and Ottawa, there is a wealth of incredible landscapes to explore! As a true Ontario local I’ve rounded up a list of the best places to visit in Ontario! There’s something for everyone’s interest here, from exciting city attractions to thrilling outdoor adventures! So, whether you’re planning to travel to Ontario from aboard, hop the US border, or explore more of your own backyard, here are the top things to do in Ontario!
Top 10 Things to do in Ontario
Far and wide, Ontario is filled with a long list of things to experience! Whether you’re looking for adventures in the city or outdoors, I’ve got you covered! This Ontario travel guide has everything you need to help you plan your trip, including when to visit, what to do, and more.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. By clicking through and purchasing through these links I may make a small commission to help run this blog, at no extra cost to you. Thx!
1. Experience Niagara Falls
A visit to Niagara Falls should be on everyone’s Ontario bucket list! This famous Canadian city is best known for its epic waterfalls! Niagara Fall is at the top of the list of tourist attractions in Ontario!
Niagara Falls is made up of three waterfalls, Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the American Falls. However, the most striking one is Horseshoe Falls. It plunging 170 feet and has a crest of over 2000 feet wide!
Journey Behind the Falls is a fantastic way to experience the falls! Descend down into the bedrock and visit two epic views. At one observation deck visitors have a view behind the falls. While at the other, you’ll be transported to the foot of the falls to see it in all its grandeur!
Other ways to experience the falls include boat tours and the Skylon Tower. Towering over 750 feet above the falls, the Skylon Tower is home to two restaurants as well as an indoor and outdoor observation area. Not only can you see the falls, but you’ll have sweeping views of the city and even over to the United States!
Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try an unforgettable Helicopter Tour of Niagara Falls!
A visit to the falls is one of the top Ontario things to do, but there is so many more things to do in Niagara Falls! More Niagara Falls attractions include Clifton Hill, the Butterfly Conservatory, Bird Kingdom, and Niagara Glen! All of these are family-friendly activities!
I highly recommend spending at least three days in Niagara Falls! But if you’re short on time, there are plenty of day trips to Niagara Falls from Toronto available.
2. Visit Casa Loma
Many travellers visiting Canada head to Toronto and for good reason! This diverse metropolis is full of things to do, one of which is one of the most unique things to do in Ontario – visit a castle!
While North America isn’t known for its castles like Europe is, there is one in downtown Toronto! Built by E.J. Lennox, in the early 20th century for Sir Henry Pellatt and his family, Casa Loma is one of the iconic landmarks in Toronto!
Perched atop a hill, Casa Loma is spread out over five acres and is home to nearly 100 rooms. There’s a library, conservatory, gardens, and more! This museum of sorts is filled with period pieces, artifacts from the Pellatt family, and is open every day except for Christmas Day.
Wandering its hallways and grand rooms, visitors will feel transported back in time! Casa Loma is also home to spiral staircases, towers, as well as tunnels and secret passageways. It’s no surprise why the castle is a popular spot for filming movies and tv shows.
In addition, Casa Loma hosts a variety of magical events throughout the year. Christmas at the Castle is one of the top places to go in Toronto for Christmas! The Castle transforms into a wonderland of decorated trees, holiday lights, and more!
3. Royal Ontario Museum
For a mix of culture, history, and art head to the Royal Ontario Museum. Visiting this iconic museum is one of the top things to do in Toronto!
The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the top 10 cultural institiutions in North America! It’s also the largest museum in Canada! Its collection of 13 million pieces including everything from dinosaurs to meteorites.
Also known as the ROM, the Royal Ontario Museum is a grand building, both inside and out. Most notable is the Crystal addition that literally looks like a giant crystal growing out of the museum!
A few of the best ROM exhibits include the Bat Cave, Ancient Egypt, Gallery of Birds, and Chinese Architecture. In addition, a visit to the ROM isn’t complete without checking out the dinosaurs! If you’re looking for things to do in Ontario with kids, they’ll love meeting Gordo! Gordo is an over 85-foot long Barosaurus skeleton that stands as the museum’s centrepiece. It’s also the largest real dinosaur skeleton mounted in Canada!
Local Tip: For those on a budget, you can visit the Royal Ontario Museum for free! On the third Tuesday night of each month, between 5:30 and 8:30pm, the museum if free to visit.
More museums: There’s are so many great museums in Toronto! Visitors will find a museum to suit their interests, whether it’s shoes, hockey, or textiles! Plus, there are lots of great history museums in the city. Many of which are free year-round!
4. CN Tower
When it was first constructed in 1975, the CN Tower was the tallest building in the world! It remained so for over 30 years until Dubai’s Burj Khalifa was built in 2009.
Standing over 1800 feet tall, a visit to the CN Tower is one of the top things to do in Ontario Canada! Dominating the skyline, it also offers one of the best views of Toronto!
The CN Tower offers visitors an impressive list of experiences. There are two observation decks. The first sits over 1,000 feet and the second, called the SkyPod, is one of the top 10 highest observation platforms in the world at 1,465 feet.
Sitting over 1,100 feet above the city is one of the best restaurants in Toronto for views. You can dine in the CN Tower at their 360Restaurant that revolves for an ever-changing view.
For those looking for something more adventurous then walking on the world-famous glass floor try the CN Tower EdgeWalk! At over 1,000 feet it is the world’s highest hands-free full-circle walk. EdgeWalk take you around the CN Tower along a five-foot ledge. While harnessed up your encouraged to push your limits as you lean out over Toronto!
5. Rideau Canal
One of the best places to go in Ontario is Ottawa! A visit to our nation’s capital should be on everyone’s Ontario Bucket List! And while there are a ton of things to do in Ottawa, one of the top Ontario attractions is the Rideau Canal!
The Rideau Canal, built between 1826 and 1832, travels for over 200 kilometres between Ottawa and Kingston. Plus, it’s also an UNESCO World Heritage Site!
It also offers some unique opportunities to enjoy it! During the winter the canal freezes over to become the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is the largest natural skating rink in the world! Skating it is one of the top things to do in winter in Ontario! Plus, if you visit during February’s Winterlude you’ll find plenty of other exciting events and food stalls along the canal.
For those planning a road trip to Ottawa in the summer then I highly recommend hopping about a Rideau Canal cruise! This tour takes you along the incredible waterway and includes commentary about the canal’s history, the places along it, and more interesting factoids. Plus, you’ll see some of the top attractions in Ottawa from a unique perspective, like the Château Laurier. And one of the coolest parts is the boat is the 100% electric!
6. Explore the Bruce Peninsula & Tobermory
Stretches 100 kilometres into the waters of Lake Huron, the Bruce Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Ontario for outdoor enthusiasts! Flanked on one side by Lake Huron and Georgian Bay on the other, the Bruce is home to incredible parks, natural wonders, and charming small towns.
At its tip is one of the most adorable small towns in Ontario, Tobermory! Best know as the gateway to the Bruce Peninsula National Park, there are a ton of things to do in Tobermory. The quaint village is home to a lighthouse, unique local shops, and offers the perfect spot for explore the area.
I highly recommend hopping about a boat for a day tour over to Flowerpot Island. Most tours include drop off and pick up from the island as well as a scenic cruise that takes you over some of the area’s shipwrecks. One of the top things to do in the area is go diving. With over 20 historic shipwrecks, if you’re looking for adventurous things to do in Ontario, this is the area! It’s also known as one of the best freshwater places to dive in the world!
One of the biggest Ontario tourist attractions on the Bruce Peninsula is The Grotto! Set within the Bruce Peninsula National Park, the Grotto is a limestone cave that is filled with crystal blue water. This natural wonder is very popular in the summer, but it’s just as magical in the winter without the crowds. However, you’ll want to make sure you have ice cleats!
There are so many awesome places to hike on the Bruce Peninsula! A few favourites include Lion’s Head Provincial Park, Spirit Rock Conservation Area, and Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area.
7. Take the Agawa Canyon Train Ride
How about hopping aboard a real-life Hogwarts Express right here in Ontario? You can! The Agawa Canyon tour train makes its way through an incredible canyon, over towering trestle bridges, and through some of the most picturesque scenery in Northern Ontario!
Noted as one of the best scenic train rides in Ontario and Canada, the Agawa Canyon train tour should be on everyone’s Ontario bucket list!
The train leaves from Sault Ste. Marie on an incredible 10-hour day trip. There’s also a running commentary on the region’s history, Ojibway stories, and about the various points of interests along the way.
But one of the best parts of your train journey is when it descends 500 feet into Agawa Canyon. Here it stops for around an hour so you can step out and explore. Visitors can check out waterfalls, hike to the breathtaking lookout, or relax with a snack and soak in the wild beauty. However, the train only runs from the beginning of August through mid-October. The train ride in the fall is one of the most popular things to do in fall in Ontario, so be sure to book your tickets far in advance.
If you’re visiting the area, the train tour is one of the best day trips from Sault Ste. Marie.
8. Explore Muskoka
For those in search of places in Ontario that have it all, head to Muskoka! It’s home to over 1500 picturesque lakes, Hallmark movie style small towns, and countless memories to have.
A Toronto to Muskoka road trip is ideal for those looking to get out of the big city and enjoy Ontario’s cottage country! In the summer the lakes and rivers are alive with families and friends enjoying swimming and boat cruises. Many of the area’s top hotels are situated on lakes for perfect access!
The amount of things to do in Muskoka is endless! Visits can chase waterfalls, enjoy summer festivals, explore the many small towns like Bala and Bracebridge, or just relax by the water!
One of the top Ontario activities is to set off in search of incredible autumn foliage! And one of the best places to see fall colours in Ontario is Muskoka! It’s a popular destination in September and October for scenic drives and hikes to epic views to soak in all the brilliant colours.
However, for those visiting Ontario in the winter, Muskoka is just as magical! Winter in Muskoka turns into a wonderland of fun and snow! There’s plenty to do, including skating and snowshoeing, as well as wonderful winter festivals!
9. Stratford Festival
Along the banks of the Avon River is one place that will make you feel like you’ve found Europe in Ontario! That place is Stratford! This very English town is filled with beautiful gardens, Victorian architecture, and honestly some of the best restaurants in the province!
One of the top things to do in Stratford is attend the world-famous Stratford Festival! The festival first focused on Shakespearean plays, but now, over 60 years later the shows range from Romeo and Juliet to Rock Horror Picture Show! Every season the list of shows is diverse enough to have something to suit everyone!
Festival season runs from late April until November, with four different venues. Along with seasoned local actors you’ll also catch award-winning actors from your favourite movies and tv shows gracing the stage!
10. Hike Algonquin Park
One of the best provincial parks in Ontario is Algonquin Provincial Park! As the oldest provincial park in Canada, Algonquin is also one of the most popular parks in the country.
While there are plenty of things to do in the park, like camping and a museum, most visit to hike. With over 20 trails in the park, there are so many to choose from! Many day hikers focus on the top Algonquin Park trails along the Highway 60 corridor. A few of best hikes include Centennial Ridges Trail, Lookout Trail, and the Spruce Bog Boardwalk.
With incredible lookout trails over swatches of nearly endless forests, it’s no surprise that one of the best times to visit Algonquin Park is in the fall! Many visit to hike in the fall! However, others enjoy the fact that the highway running through the park is ideal for a scenic fall drive.
As with most places in Ontario, winter is a great time to visit Algonquin! The park transforms into a winter wonderland. Plus, with fewer crowds you’ll often have the trails all to yourself!
More Things to Add to Your Ontario Bucket List
Visitors looking for what to do in Ontario Canada will find endless possibilities! While what you’ve previously read is the top things to do, below you’ll find more things to add to your Ontario bucket list!
Celebrate Canada Day in Ontario
Whether you’re from Ontario or visiting from elsewhere, celebrating Canada Day is a momentous occasion! There are so many great places to celebrate Canada Day in Ontario!
The obvious choice is in Ottawa! Throughout the city visitors will find various events and activities to enjoy! Along with live music there’s an epic fireworks display!
Another popular place to spend July 1st is Toronto! The 6, as we Torontonians affectionately call it, definitely knows how to party! During the day Queens Park hosts a variety of fun family-friendly activities. However, when the sun goes down be prepared for the skies to light up across the city! One of the best places to take in the fireworks is Mel Lastman Square!
Visit the Thousand Islands
Sprinkling the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario is one of the best places to visit in Ontario in the summer! The Thousand Islands region is an incredible destination in Ontario! This chain of islands, over which there are over 1800, make up the Thousand Islands National Park.
The Thousand Island National Park was the first national park in Canada east of the Rockies! The park is also part of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, known as the Frontenac Arch. This reserve protects a swatch of land from Gananoque to Brockville.
Summer is the best time to visit the Thousand Islands in Ontario! There are boat cruises around the islands and kayaking is another popular activity!
Dotting the scenic Thousand Islands Parkway are a number of adorable small towns to visit. One of the best places to base yourself during your visit is Gananoque! Along with exploring the Thousand Islands, there are plenty of things to do in Gananoque. This charming town is home to museums, shops, a theatre, and lots of hiking opportunities!
Indulge in a Wine Tour
Adults looking for what to do in Ontario that includes some refreshments will love all the wine tours available across the province!
One of the best places in Ontario to indulge in some wine is Niagara! Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, the Niagara wine region is home to over 50 wineries. The area is best known for Icewine, of which they even have an Icewine Festival every January!
A few top wineries in the Niagara region include Inniskillin Wines, Reif Estate Winery, and Peller Estates Winery. Or you can opt for one of the many great Niagara wine tours that include wine tastings, transportation, and more!
Another great wine region of Ontario is Prince Edward County! As one of the best road trips in Ontario, the County is a popular place to visit in the summer. There’s a long list of things to do in Prince Edward County. The list includes beaches and booze! Across the region are over 35 wineries that are ripe for taste testing!
In southern Ontario is a gem for wine lovers. One of the many hidden gems in Ontario is Pelee Island. Here, you’ll find a wealth of wild spaces and the largest private estate winery in Canada. Pelee Island Winery covers over 700 acres and a great place to visit in the summer. If you can’t make it to the island or want to try their wine in the off-season head to their Kingsville location!
Attend the Toronto International Film Festival
Every September stars descend on Toronto for one of the largest film festivals in the world! The Toronto International Film Festival is a one of those must-do attractions Ontario has to offer!
The best part is that anyone can go to the Toronto Film Festival! Unlike other bougie film festivals, the Toronto International Film Festival sells tickets to the public. So, don your best red carpet attire and grab tickets to see one of the shows!
Plus, beyond the screenings there is a ton of fun things going on related to the festival! There are workshops, lectures, fun photo-ops, live music, and so much more!
Chase Cherry Blossoms in Toronto
Spring in Ontario is a magical time to visit! The weather is starting to look brighter and temperatures are rising. Plus, it’s cherry blossom season!
One of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Canada is right here in Ontario! So, if you’re looking for things to do in Ontario in May, go in search of these beautiful blossoms!
While there are plenty of places across the province to find them, a popular spot is Toronto. There are numerous locations and parks around the city to find them. However, one of the largest collections of cherry blossom trees in Toronto is in High Park! This massive downtown park is home to hundreds of blossoming trees that usually blooms between the end of April and mid-May.
Other great destinations to find cherry trees are Burlington, Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, and Ottawa!
Hike the Bruce Trail
Stretching from Niagara to Tobermory, the Bruce Trail is one of the best hikes in Ontario! The trail is also Canada’s oldest and longest marked hiking trail. For those looking for things to do in Ontario outdoors, a hike along this iconic trail is a must!
Running along the Niagara Escarpment, the Bruce Trail is home to some of the best scenery in Ontario! Hikers will find everything from caves to cliff top lookouts along the trail. In addition, there are plenty of waterfalls too!
With over 900 kilometres to hike, that might be a bit ambitious for many! Along the trail are plenty of sections that make for awesome Bruce Trail day hikes! These day hikes range from a couple of kilometres to over 10, so there’s one for everyone’s time and ability.
Visit Parliament Hill
Sitting atop a hill in downtown Ottawa is Parliament Hill. These Gothic revival buildings are home to the Parliament of Canada. A visit to Parliament Hill is one of those iconic things to do in Ontario!
Plus, did you know you can go inside Parliament Hill? It’s true! Visitors can join group tours of the Senate and the House of Commons for free!
Along with free tours, Parliament Hill is the site of many events. For those visiting during the holidays be sure to swing by the Hill at night. When darkness descends one of the best light displays in Ontario takes place across the façade! Winter Lights Across Canada is an incredible light and sounds show that uses the buildings of Parliament Hill as it’s backdrop.
Road Trip Lake Superior
One of the best road trips is the one that takes you around Lake Superior! The scenic stretch of the Trans Canada Highway that wrap around Lake Superior from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay should be one everyone’s list!
This epic road trip north takes you through provincial parks, passed waterfalls, and to some of the best lookouts in Ontario! North of Sault Ste. Marie is the massive Lake Superior Provincial Park. You can easily spend weeks and still not see all it has to offer. However, one day in Lake Superior Provincial Park will give you a great chance to see some of the top sights like the Agawa Rock Pictographs. Plus, don’t forget to pack your hiking boots! The park is full of great trails that work for all, from light hiker to pro.
Continuing along you’ll find more parks and small towns! Plus, if you’re feeling really ambitious you can do the entire Lake Superior Circle Road Trip!
Hit the Slopes
No need to head out west for the ski season! Ontario is home to over 50 ski resorts where you can hit the slopes this winter!
There are plenty of places in Ontario to go skiing, snowboarding, or tubing if that’s more your style. A fun destination that’s close to Toronto for skiing is Barrie. One of the top things to do in Barrie in the winter is hit the slopes. There’s Snow Valley Ski Resort, Horseshoe Valley, and Mount St. Louis Moonstone.
One of the most popular places in Ontario for skiing is in the Blue Mountains! Just west of Collingwood is the charming resort town of Blue Mountain Village. This charming village transforms into a Swiss chalet-like resort in the winter. Visitors can hit the slopes, enjoy a little après ski action at one of the many restaurants, and browse the fun shops. Plus, there’s wonderful accommodation right on site!
Visit Point Pelee National Park
For those living in the northern United States, did you know you can go south by visiting Canada? How is that possible you ask. Well, there’s a place in Ontario that as far south as not only Northern California, but Barcelona! That place is Point Pelee National Park!
The park is home to the southernmost mainland point in Canada. It’s one of the smallest national parks in Canada but it’s also one of the most ecologically diverse! For visitors looking for the best birding spots in Ontario, you’ll love Point Pelee! Over 300 bird species can be found in the park. Plus, it’s a hot spot for birders during the spring and fall migrations.
Outdoor lovers will love all the things to do in the park! You can bird watch, take in the night sky (as it’s also a Dark Sky Preserve!), and hike. The park is home to one of the best boardwalk trails in Ontario, the Marsh Boardwalk.
Experience Fall Colours
Ontario is known for being one of the best places in the world to experience the fall colours! So, it’s no surprise that for those visiting between September and October, many are chasing those reds, yellows, and oranges.
There are countless places in Ontario for fall colour peeping! A few top choices are Muskoka, the Kawarthas, and the Ottawa Valley. Along with all the places for fall colour viewing, there are lots of ways to take them in.
One of the best ways to experience the colour change is to immerse yourself in the vibrant forests on a hike! A few of the top places for fall hikes include Algonquin Park, Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, and Dundas Peak close to Toronto.
If hiking isn’t your thing, then opt for a scenic fall drive. A great spot close to Toronto for a scenic fall drive is in Caldeon! Here you’ll find Forks of the Credit Scenic Road. This road is narrow and full of twists and turn and hills. Plus, it’s lined with an array of trees putting on a fantastic fall show!
Get in the Holiday Spirit at a Christmas Market
I highly recommend planning one of the many winter getaways available in Ontario! The province takes on a whole different look and feel, especially during the holiday season.
If you’re looking for things to do in Ontario in November, then you’re just in time for the market season! Starting in November many of the Christmas Markets in Ontario start popping up. A visit to one or a few is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit! Plus, you’ll find all sorts of great gift ideas, many of which are made by local artisans.
A few top markets to add to your list include the Distillery Winter Village in Toronto, Christkindl Market in Kitchener, and the Ottawa Christmas Market. If you’re looking for quaint small town markets check out Niemi Farm Christmas Market, Christmas on the Bay in Meaford, and Village Noel Temiskaming.
Walk in the Footsteps of the Group of Seven
Connect on a deeper level to the Ontario landscape through the art of the Group of Seven. These intrepid artists and travellers are iconic with painting the landscape of the province and country.
If you’re a fan, like me, then you’ll love exploring all of the Group of Seven locations in Ontario! Some of these where the inspiration for their paintings, while other places are tied to the artists in other ways.
A great stop in Ontario to learn more about them and their art is the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. This art gallery is home to a wealth of their pieces, Tom Thomson’s studio shack, and the final resting place for a few of the group.
Another wonderful place is Huntsville! Throughout downtown Huntsville and the surrounding area are around 100 murals inspired by pieces from the Group of Seven. The murals are found on buildings all over, in an open-air art gallery of sorts called the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery!
Hop Aboard a Georgian Bay Cruise
The world’s largest chain of freshwater islands I located 2 hours north of Toronto. Known as the 30,000 Islands, this area is a beautiful place to visit in the summer and fall! Nestled within these islands is also Canada’s smallest national park, Georgian Bay Islands National Park. The park consists of 63 islands, including Beausoleil Island.
The only way to visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park and the surrounding 30,000 islands is by boat. And the best way is aboard one of the incredible 30,000 Islands boat cruises. There’s the Island Queen out of Parry Sound and Landmark Cruises out of Penetanguishene.
In the summer, these cruises offer a glimpse at the astounding natural beauty this area claims. Plus, the cruises offer commentary about the specific islands and their Indigenous stories, as well as other interesting facts.
However, this fall fan highly recommends you book one of the fall cruises! On top of the already stunning scenery is an added layer with a backdrop of fantastic fall colours!
Visit Manitoulin
Ontario is home to the largest freshwater island in the world! That amazing island is Manitoulin! Home to over 100 inland lakes, charming small towns, waterfalls, and epic hiking trails, there’s lots of things to do on Manitoulin Island!
The Island is located north of the Bruce Peninsula, west of Sudbury, in Lake Huron. This incredible island is wild! It’s a great place to learn about Ontario’s Indigenous community and their deep history. Visitors can take part in numerous cultural experiences that range from guided hikes to culinary experiences.
One of the top activities on Manitoulin is hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail! The main trail is a 6-kilometre loop that brings you up and across the Niagara Escarpment. Highlights include an array of epic lookouts, adventurous wooden stairs to climb, and chance encounters with the island’s wildlife.
Canada’s Wonderland
Just north of Toronto is the largest theme park in Canada. Canada’s Wonderland is not only the largest in the country but it’s also one of the most popular theme parks in North America!
This massive amusement park is a great place in Ontario for families and thrill seekers! The park has been the go-to spot for adventure seekers for over 40 years! Canada’s Wonderland is home to over 200 attractions. There are 17 roller coasters, a 20-acre water park, two children’s areas, and plenty of great places to eat.
Plus, beyond the summer fun, Canada’s Wonderland puts on two epic seasonal events that should be one everyone’s bucket list! In the fall the amusement park transforms into the Halloween Haunt. Visitors will find various spooky attractions that include haunted mazes, scare zones, and hundreds of monsters! Then, for the holiday season it transforms into a winter wonderland for Winterfest. It’s a fun and festive spot to enjoy holiday lights, go skating, indulge in some tasty treats, and more!
Hit the Beach in Grand Bend
One of the top things to do in the summer in Ontario is to hit the beach! While Ontario is home to a boat load of great beaches, there is one grand one.
Grand Bend is known as one of the best beach towns in Canada! It’s home to one of the country’s most impressive Blue Flag beaches. This charming beach town is located on the shores of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario. It’s one of the top places to visit in Huron County!
The main beach in Grand Bend stretches for around 40 killometres. This beautiful sandy beach is great for sun bathing, swimming, and water sports. Visitors have a wide array of adventures to choose from that include parasailing, waterskiing and more.
Plus, the main street leading to the beach is lined with awesome restaurants and shops.
Explore Bonnechere Caves
Set below ground in the Ottawa Valley is one of the coolest Ontario attractions! Bonnechere Caves is a network of underground tunnels that are believed to have been carved out by water around 450 million years ago.
In the small town of Eganville, Bonnechere Caves makes for a fun day trip from Ottawa as it’s only 1.5 hours west. The caves are open seasonally from the May long weekend to the end of September. On guided tours of the cave’s visitors will wind their way through narrow passageways.
Throughout the caves are numerous interesting finds including fossils, stalagmites, and stalactites. Plus, they also offer unique events like underground dining and concerts in the caves!
The caves are cool and damp, so be prepared to pack a warm sweater even in the summer.
Fort Henry National Historic Site
Situated on a point overlooking the St. Lawrence River sits Fort Henry. Noted as one of the top things to do in Kingston, Fort Henry is both a National Historic Site of Canada and a museum.
This 19th century British military fort is a great place to dive into some of Ontario’s military history. Open seasonally from May through October, visitors can enjoy guided tours, musical performances, re-enactments, and so much more!
A favourite time to visit Fort Henry is during October for their annual Pumpkinferno. For the Halloween season the Fort is overtaken by glowing pumpkins.
This historic site also offers a unique attraction. Guests can stay the night at Fort Henry! You can book a stay in one of their large barracks rooms, making it one of the most unique places to stay in Ontario!
Head North to Polar Bear Provincial Park
One of the most epic places in Ontario is Polar Bear Provincial Park! Situated on the western shores of where James Bay meets Hudson Bay, Polar Bear Provincial Park is the most northern provincial park in Ontario! Plus, it’s the most remote as well as the largest!
The park covers 24,000 square kilometres and can only be accessed by air with advanced landing permits. This wild place is one of the most significant parks in the world! It’s home to iconic Canadian wildlife like moose, beavers, and polar bears. Along the coastal areas of the park, as many as 200 polar bears call the area home.
Remote and untamed, Polar Bear Provincial Park is an incredible place to experience the tundra and wildlife. The landscape is almost like nothing else on Earth and yet astoundingly many species call it home. Other animals that can be seen along the coast are beluga whales, seals, and walruses.
Best Time to Visit Ontario?
As someone who has lived and travelled throughout Ontario my entire life, I think it’s always a good time to visit Ontario. But for many travelers their looking to experience something different.
Fall in Ontario is spectaular as the wealth of trees put on a magical show. Summer crowds have subsided and tempertures are ideal. In my opinion, fall is the best time to visit Ontario.
Summer in Ontario is hot and full of festivals, events, and fun to be had. If beach weather is what you’re after summer is the time to travel to Ontario. But it’s also great for tackling all of the epic hiking trails. And of course summer road trips in Ontario are always a good idea.
Winter in Ontario means fun in the snow! There are tons of things to do in Ontario in the winter; snowshoeing, winter hiking, skating, festivals, and more. You can enjoy Toronto at Christmas and even see the Northern Lights!
Spring in Ontario means nature is coming alive again. You can enjoy maple syrup festivals across Ontario, catch the blooming of cherry blossoms in Toronto, and attend the beautiful Tulip Festival in Ottawa.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Ontario Canada
When planning your Ontario itinerary, you’ll likely have a few questions. Below you’ll find some of the top frequently asked questions about Ontario travel.
Where is Ontario Canada – Ontario is located in East/Central Canada. It is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes.
What is the prettiest part of Ontario? – The prettiest towns in Ontario are Paris and Goderich. However, other beautiful places in Ontario include the Thousand Islands, Muskoka, Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Bruce Peninsula.
What is Ontario best known for? – Ontario is best known for its vast natural beauty! This includes Niagara Falls as well as the many provincial parks and lakes.
What is Ontario’s #1 tourist spot? – Of all the tourist attractions Ontario has, the number 1 tourist spot in Ontario is Niagara Falls!
Fun things to do in Ontario – Skate the Rideau Canal, visit Casa Loma, Agawa Canyon train ride, CN Tower Edgewalk, scenic fall colour drive, and take in a show at the Stratford Festival.
Best Places to Visit in Ontario – Niagara Falls, Muskoka, Algonquin Provincial Park, Toronto, Ottawa, Bruce Peninsula, Thousand Islands, Georgian Bay, and Manitoulin Island.
Have you been to Ontario? What is your favourite thing to do?
PIN IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!
