The 7 Best Places to Visit in Ontario, Canada
So, you’re looking for the best places to visit in Ontario and don’t know where to start? I don’t blame you – Ontario is bigger than most countries.
Ontario is also the most populated province in Canada, and for a good reason. It has lively cities, spectacular national parks, as well as a diverse mix of history, culture and modern life.
I spent over 5 years living in Ontario after moving from Europe, and I acted like a tourist while I lived there. So, during my free time I explored towns and parks around the province.
I have visited all of the destinations included on my list of places to go to in Ontario numerous times and I lived in some of them too, which gave me a local’s perspective. Additionally, my partner is Canadian, and his network were able to give me expert tips that get a deeper insight into Ontario.
Ontario is the province that I have spent the most time in and have the most knowledge of, out of all the Canadian provinces.
Ontario is a wonderful destination year-round due to its distinct seasons and weather. Winter in Ontario can be an eye-opening experience for newcomers to Canada.
This article is focused on the the best places to visit in Ontario in summer. If you would like to learn about the best things to do in Ontario in winter, check out my guides on winter weekend trips, winter activities, and what to wear in winter. I can also teach you about the different seasons in Ontario and what weather it brings.
While Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, Toronto is the capital of the province of Ontario. However, there is so much more to Ontario than these cities. Do not overlook the less well-known areas, which I will include in this article on visiting Ontario.
This article discusses things to do in Southern Ontario. Southern Ontario is much more accessible to visitors, due to its airports and train stations, and is a great region to get a good feel of Ontario as a starting point.
Where to Visit in Ontario, Canada?
Ontario has a wonderful mix of city activities and sightseeing, as well as outdoor adventures and wilderness. So, if you are planning a holiday to Ontario, make sure you see a bit of both.
All of the cities I recommend below are great places to visit in Ontario for the weekend.
It is important to note that you will require a car to get around most of these locations. The exceptions are Toronto and Ottawa where there are trains, the subway, buses and street cars. The other locations are rural or without reliable public transportation.
- Toronto
- Niagara Falls
- Bruce Peninsula
- Algonquin Park
- Muskoka Lakes
- Ottawa
- Prince Edward County
If you are planning a longer trip around Canada and want to include some Western provinces in, you should consider including some of the incredible road trips, such as from Calgary to Vancouver and includes Banff and Jasper. I have an article dedicated to Jasper too.
If you are going to Ontario in winter, there are some ski resorts, but Whistler Ski Resort in British Columbia is worth a detour.
Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada, and it comes with the atmosphere to prove it.
As Winter eases and Spring emerges, Toronto opens up and the city comes alive. Enjoy drinks on a patio, see your favourite artist perform at an outdoor concert or find some respite from the heat during a shaded ravine walk.
You will soon learn your way around the city based on the location of the CN Tower in the sky. As long as you are not too afraid of heights, I recommend going up the building that gives Toronto its iconic skyline at least once.
The CN Tower is one of the best rated tourist attractions in Toronto.
Toronto can sometimes be mistaken for New York architecturally, which is why many TV shows and movies use Toronto as a backdrop, such as Suits and Kick-Ass.
Here is a list of things to see, do and visit in Toronto to help you create your Ontario travel guide.
Things to do in Toronto
- Walk around the outside of the Royal Ontario Museum and see the contrasting architecture
- Watch the Blue Jays play a baseball game at the Rogers Centre
- Go on a guided food tour of Toronto
- Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District
- Enjoy the abundance of greenery in High Park
- See a different side of Toronto in the cultural Kensington Market
- Witness the Maple Leafs play ice hockey
- Ride to the top of CN Tower and dare to stand on the see-through glass floor
- Visit the Farmers Market at Evergreen Brickworks and walk through the former quarry garden to the lookout
- Take the ferry across to Toronto Islands for one of the best views of Toronto
- Watch the champion Toronto Raptors play basketball (book with Ticketmaster)
- Walk along the Harbourfront and gaze out across Lake Ontario
- Stroll through lavish Yorkville and walk the tranquil Philosopher’s Walk and university campus
- Eat a romantic meal at Casa Loma
Accommodation in Toronto
| Hotel | Description | Book |
|---|---|---|
| The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel $$ | 4-Star hotel with great views of the ROM in Yorkville (former Intercontinental hotel) | Click here |
| Kimpton Saint George $$ | Newly renovated hotel conveniently located in between Yorkville and the Annex neighbourhood | Click here |
| Fairmont Royal York $$$ | A historic hotel in downtown Toronto, suitably located steps from the train station | Click here |
| Ritz-Carlton Toronto $$$ | What you expect from a Ritz-Carlton hotel: luxurious rooms, good service and a high price point | Click here |
| The Hazelton Hotel $$$$ | Extremely upscale hotel located in the exclusive Yorkville neighbourhood | Click here |
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a group of waterfalls located on the Canadian and United States border. This means you can visit it from either side and get a completely different view based on which side you are on. However, many agree that the Niagara Falls Canada side is better than the USA side.
While Niagara Falls is not one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, it is known for its powerful water that generates electricity for Ontario. Horseshoe Falls, the largest waterfall of Niagara Falls, reaches around 52m.
From Toronto, Niagara Falls is around an hour and a half (depending on traffic). Therefore, it is easy to visit Niagara Falls during a day trip from Toronto.
Niagara Falls is free to visit, but if you want to experience the falls fully you should participate in some of the activities around the falls. Taking a boat ride to the falls is another top-rated tourist attraction in Canada.
Book a full day tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls.
However, visiting Niagara Falls is not just about the falls, there are plenty of other tours and things to do in the area, such as visiting the beautiful nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Go on the Journey behind the Falls to see the falls up close and personal
- Stroll around charming Niagara-on-the-Lake town (much less touristy than Niagara Falls)
- See Niagara Falls lit up at night
- Indulge in a wine tour in Niagara-on-the-Lake and try some local wine
- Take the Voyage to the Falls boat tour into the majestic mist of Niagara Falls
- Visit Outlet Collection at Niagara for some deals
- Watch butterflies flutter around you at the Butterfly Conservatory
- See another perspective of the falls from the White Water Walk
Accommodation in Niagara
I recommend that you stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake because it is a more charming town than the touristy Niagara Falls.
| Hotel | Description | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Prince of Wales Hotel $$ | Hotel with a stunning exterior located in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake | Click here |
| The Pillar and Post Inn $$ | Spa hotel located in Niagara-on-the-Lake with a high-rated restaurant | Click here |
| Harbour House Hotel $$$ | A boutique hotel located in Niagara-on-the-Lake overlooking the Niagara River | Click here |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton $ | Modest hotel with an excellent view of Niagara Falls | Click here |
Please note that the hotels in Niagara Falls are not luxury hotels and typically have tired furniture and low-quality service. If you are fine with this, you should book a room with a falls view. The higher the floor in the hotel, the better the view of the falls.
Otherwise, opt for accommodation in the beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula is well-known and loved by locals of Ontario. It is also where you will find luminous green and blue waters.
Bruce Peninsula is best enjoyed over a weekend if you are travelling from the Greater Toronto Area. The drive is too far to return in a day. It will take you around 4 hours to drive from Toronto to Tobermory.
On the way to Tobermory, you could make a detour through Blue Mountain Resort.
I spent a weekend in Bruce Peninsula in a yurt, so make sure you check out my article detailing this experience. In the article, I talk more about what to expect when camping in the area and what wildlife you can expect to see. Hint: there might be snakes.
Bruce Peninsula is located in the Fathom Five National Marine Park, which is an area known for its shipwrecks, lighthouses and rock formations. The area is also part of Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
To get to Bruce Peninsula, you may need to rent a car or book a tour starting from Toronto.
There are many great activities to do in Bruce Peninsula – here are some to get you inspired for your trip to the Tobermory area.
Things to do in Bruce Peninsula
- Wander around the small town of Tobermory and purchase treats from The Sweet Shop
- Take the glass-bottomed boat to Flowerpot Island and see the shipwrecks on a sunny day
- Sleep in a yurt at Cyprus Lake with a log-burning fire to keep you warm at night
- Hike the Lions Head loop on the Niagara Escarpment
- Find the crystal-clear waters at The Grotto
- Walk around Flowerpot Island and see the impressive and natural sea-stacks
- Rent a canoe and paddle onto Cyprus Lake
- Take the 4-hour ferry ride to Manitoulin Island and see Bridal Veil Falls
- Book a tour from Toronto to Bruce Peninsula
Accommodation in Bruce Peninsula
As I mentioned before, when I visited Bruce Peninsula, I stayed in a yurt. There are not many hotels in Bruce Peninsula. You will, however, find a handful of B&Bs or holiday lettings.
Consider looking for accommodation options on VRBO where you will be able to rent an entire house to yourself. Otherwise, yurt camping is an experience you will never forget.
Muskoka Lakes
Muskoka is another place well-loved by the locals. It is known as Cottage Country and is where many Ontarians have second homes. It is located around 2.5 hours north of Toronto, so it makes the perfect weekend getaway in Ontario.
If you are lucky enough to know someone who owns a cottage in Muskoka, be sure to take them up on an offer to stay there. If not, there are some great hotels or holiday rentals that will help you get a good idea of cottage life.
Things to do in Muskoka
- Attend Bala Cranberry Festival in October and get knee-deep in the cranberry marsh
- Rent a lakefront cottage and experience Muskoka like a local (book accommodation well in advance)
- Purchase some goodies from Don’s Bakery (the fudge brownies and danish pastries are my favourites)
- Learn the maple process on a tour at Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm
- Gaze out at the view from Lions Lookout (it’s particularly impressive in autumn)
- Get out onto the water, whether it is a privately rented boat or an adventure boat tour from Parry Sound
- Try out some of the hiking trails, such as Limberlost Forest or Arrowhead
- Climb to the top of Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower for one of the most scenic views in the fall
Accommodation in Muskoka
Some vacation rentals require a minimum stay of a week. So, if you are only looking to visit Muskoka for a weekend, I recommend staying at a hotel. But, make sure the hotel is located on a lake.
Otherwise, there are some excellent options for house rentals on the lake.
I have stayed at both of the below hotels, and they provide a very lovely getaway. The décor in both is quite dated, but you are not there for the room itself, but the location of the resort and facilities they have.
| Hotel | Description | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Deerhurst Resort $$ | A hugely popular resort hotel perfectly located in Huntsville on the edge of Peninsula Lake | Click here |
| JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa $$$ | Luxury hotel perched on the edge of Lake Rosseau | Click here |
Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Park is a huge provincial park located nearly 3 hours from Toronto. Its spectacular forest landscapes are very popular with locals and people from around the country.
I have visited Algonquin Provincial Park on many occasions, and it is easily one of my favourite places to visit in Ontario. It’s a whole different environment to the built-up area surrounding the Greater Toronto Area.
Things to do in Algonquin Park
I have been in fall to see its spectacular autumn leaves. There’s truly nowhere better than Algonquin Park in autumn because there are orange trees that go as far as the eye can see.
I have also been to Algonquin Park in the summer where I have been backcountry camping several times. If you want to experience true wilderness and “real camping”, you have to try backcountry camping. You may even see animals, such as a moose, bear or loon.
There are many active things to do in Algonquin Park, such as hiking, biking, camping and canoeing. There is a 16km biking trail called Old Railway Bike Trail that goes from Rock Lake to Cache Lake.
For more information on activities in Algonquin, visit Algonquin Park’s official site.
Accommodation in Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin is a provincial park; therefore, it is not built up with hotels. There are some cottages and lodges that are close to Algonquin Park, find them under the accommodation tab on this website.
Many people who visit Algonquin Park stay the night in a tent.
However, you can also stay in Deerhurst Resort, as I recommended for Muskoka. It is only 30 minutes from Algonquin Park’s West Gate.
Ottawa
As I mentioned before, Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. Ottawa is where the Canadian Parliament buildings are, and also where the Prime Minister keeps his residence.
There’s more to Ottawa than just its politics and history. For example, it is home to the world’s largest ice-skating rink, the Rideau Canal, which is also a National Heritage Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to do in Ottawa
- Lace-up your boots and skate along all 7.8km of the Rideau Canal, a National Historic Site (winter activity)
- Tour the Parliament buildings and finish in the Peace Tower with a great view of Ottawa
- Discover Fairmont Château Laurier, whether that is by spending the night, enjoying Afternoon Tea, or stopping for a drink on La Terrasse
- Shop until you drop at the Rideau Centre
- Purchase an “Obama cookie” from Le Moulin de Provence
- Walk around Parliament Hill and take in the magnificent architecture
- Increase your sugar levels with a Beaver Tail snack (worth it)
- Stroll through Byward Market and admire the variety of market stalls
Accommodation in Ottawa
| Hotel | Description | Book |
|---|---|---|
| Andaz Ottawa Byward Market $$ | A 4-star hotel located in Byward Market with a great rooftop patio. | Click here |
| Fairmont Château Laurier $$$ | The structure of this building is iconic to Ottawa’s cityscape. A stay here is recommended if the budget persists. | Click here |
Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County, not to be confused with Prince Edward Island (the province), is a little island on Lake Ontario. It is known for its small wineries and beaches dotted along the lake.
Many people who visit Prince Edward County also make the effort to visit the Drake Devonshire too. It is a boutique hotel with a spectacular restaurant.
Book a full-day wine tour from Toronto to Prince Edward County here.
Prince Edward County is a 1.5 hour drive from Kingston, which means you could take a day trip there. In the fall you can visit Wolfe Island, the largest of the Thousand Islands, and go to the corn maze.
Some accommodation in the Prince Edward County area to consider include:
Conclusion
My personal favourite places to go in Ontario are in the nature – I have as soft spot for Algonquin Park and Muskoka.
Now you know Ontario’s best places to visit, you can read some other articles I have written about this province.
- When is the best time to visit Ontario?
- The best fall activities in Ontario
- Where to find the best fall colours in Algonquin Park
- Yurt camping in Tobermory, ON
- Backcountry camping in Rock Lake, Algonquin Park
- Best winter activities in Ontario
For information on planning a trip across British Columbia and Alberta and need more ideas on what to do in Canada, I have other articles that you will find useful.
- Things to do on the drive from Banff to Jasper
- How to plan a Calgary to Vancouver road-trip
- How to spend 1 day in Jasper National Park
- Whistler Ski Resort guide
- Whistler vs Blackcomb guide
Click here to read about what to wear in Canada in winter.
