20 Best Places You Can Visit In Ontario

There are innumerable places to visit in Ontario, from museums and galleries to waterfalls and national parks.

Ontario, Canada, is home to endless forests, over 250,000 lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. From small towns to big cities, this province can provide the best destinations which you are looking for. 

Stay tuned and be ready to get an amazing glimpse of Ontario and its must-visit places:

1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is Canada’s one of the top internationally recognized attractions and natural landmarks located on the Canada-US border . You can definitely enjoy the serenity, the calming sound of the water, and the chilly haze that fills the air.

There are actually three sets of falls. The largest section, called Horseshoe Falls, also referred to as the Canadian Falls; a crescent-shaped cataract measuring 77 feet in height, drops nearly 57 meters. It creates a great wall of water that stretches between Niagara Falls, United States of America, and Niagara Falls, Canada. 

What To Do

• Ride the Niagara SkyWheel
• Beautiful Drives.
• Go up the Skylon Tower (which offers a unique view of three falls).
• Get festive at the Festival of Brightness and lights.
• See the beauty of fall lights at night and enjoy the breathtaking view.
• See it all from a helicopter ride.

2. Niagara On The Lake

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It is located on the Niagara Peninsula at the place where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, across the river from New York, United States of America(USA).

Niagara on the Lake (or NOTL for short) is an attractive lakeshore town famous for visitors in the summer. Nevertheless, it becomes even more spectacular when the snowfall starts, and is one of the most captivating places. The town is only a 20-minute away from Niagara Falls, so it is worth a quick side visit.

What To Do

• Explore Historical Queen Street.
• Explore Fort George.
• Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride.
• Drive the Niagara Parkway.
• Enjoy a Play at the Shaw Festival.
• Catch a drive to Niagara Falls.

3. Toronto’s CN Tower

CN Tower, also known as Canadian National Tower, telecommunications and broadcast tower in Toronto, is one of Canada’s most imperative and recognizable icons, standing tall along the Toronto skyline. 

It’s pretty sure the incredible height of the CN Tower is the reason why it’s Canada’s National Tower. It’s an incredible 1,814 feet (553.3 meters) tall! When it was built in 1976, the CN Tower at that time was officially the tallest tower in the world and the tallest free-standing structure.

Visitor Areas

• The Glass Floor is known as the ” Outdoor Observation Terrace.”
• The Indoor Lookout Level is known as the “Indoor Observation Level.”
• The higher SkyPod is known as “Space Deck.”

Open Hours – The CN Tower is open the whole year from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hours may vary seasonally.

What To Do

• The view is spectacular and captivating from behind a window nevertheless
• If you really want to be adventurous, try out the Edge Walk.
• Lean back from the rim of the tall building attached to a cord. 

4. Blue Mountains

by sergey02/ depositphotos

The Blue Mountains is a town in Grey County that consists of a plethora of small communities. That includes Thornbury, Clarksburg, Heathcote, Christie Beach, and Ravenna. This location is picturesque in the summer months and phenomenal during “apple season” in the autumn, but the town is most popular for its mountains.

It is known to have not the greatest, but simply the best, ski village in Ontario. If you aren’t in the mood for skiing or snowboarding, then take a look at Blue Mountain Village and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the cafes or a meal in one of the many restaurants in the village.

What To Do

• Explore and Shop in Blue Mountain Village.
• Go Downhill Skiing and skyboarding.
• Gondola Ride
• Try Ziplining
• Head-Up the Climbing Wall.
• Try a Spin on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster.
• Hike the Trails.
• Mountain Biking.

5. Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park was established to protect this unique land. It is an integral part of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. The park includes the longest stretch of undeveloped Niagara Escarpment and Lake Huron shoreline, protected for upcoming generations.

What To Do

• Hiking
• snowshoeing 
• There are numerous trails to enjoy and explore.
• Rugged cliffs
• Forests covered with snow, icicles
• loads of wildlife
• Eye-catching views of Georgian Bay
• The large pieces of ice floating on Lake Huron are also beautiful. 

6. Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is basically a provincial park located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River in Ontario.

What To Do

• Lake of Two Rivers Picnic Ground and Beach (LTRPGB).
• Western Uplands Backpacking Trail.
• Hemlock Bluff Trail.
• Brent Crater Trail.
• Canisbay Lake Day Use Area.
• Tea Lake Dam Picnic Area.
• Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail. Biking Trails.
• Leaf Lake Ski Trail. Ski & Snowboard Areas.

7. Manitoulin Island

Manitoulin Island is a beautiful island in Lake Huron settled at intervals on the borders of the Canadian province of Ontario, in the bioregion known as Laurentia. It’s the Largest fresh island on the globe.

What To Do

• Great Spirit Circle Trail.
• Horseback Riding.
• Bridal Veil Falls.
• Cup and Saucer Trail.
• Hiking Trails of Manitoulin Island.
• Medicine Walk and Talk.
• Sunset Canoe.
• Misery Bay Provincial Park.

8. Petroglyphs Provincial Park

Petroglyphs Provincial Park is situated in Woodview, Ontario, Canada. It is one of Canada’s archaeological and cultural treasures.

What To Do

• Several illustrations of turtles, snakes, human beings and other objects.
• The petroglyphs form the largest known single concentration of aboriginal rock art in Canada.
• Witness the carvings which are supposed to range in age from 600 to 1100 years old.

9. Pelee Island

by Tuchong-Microstock3/ depositphotos

Pelee Island, Ontario, is an amazing island in the western half of Lake Erie. Pelee Island is joined to the Canadian and United States mainland via ferry service. Pelee Island provides visitors with several opportunities. Pelee Island can satisfy your desire for calm and quiet or for new sights and sounds.

What To Do

• Historical sites to shops
• Nature walks
• Experience nightlife
• Take a bike tour
• go for a swim
• explore the local shops
• indulge in the food and drink.

10. Hamilton

Hamilton is one of the greatest places to visit in Ontario during the winter season because of its festive downtown area. Also, there are over 100 waterfalls within the city limits.

Hamilton is one of the famous places in Ontario for its industrial heritage. It has a unique urban feel, an arts scene, and a bustling downtown situated between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment.

What to do

• Hike at nature trails
• Have a picnic at the parks
• Indulge in the soothing sound of waterfalls
• Visit picture galleries and art galleries
• Enjoy Christmas trees, light displays, exceptional events, and Christmas carol parade.

11. Kingston

Kingston is a small city located on the shore of Lake Ontario, approximately 3 hours east of Toronto. This pleasant university town was the nation’s first capital city, even before it was referred to as Canada.

What To Do

• Try ice skating at Springer Market Square, especially at night. The neighbouring city lights and the views of Kingston City Hall in the backdrop make a perfect combination!
• MacDonald Park and Lake Ontario Park are within the city area. They are the perfect place to enjoy nature and the beautiful waterfront without much travelling.
• FEB FEST-Several activities to enjoy here like -ice hockey games, light shows, free events, ice sculptures, and even ice slides.

12. Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square is an urban plaza situated in the heart of Toronto. It is the city’s second most iconic landmark ( after the CN Tower)and one of the favourite tourist places to visit in Ontario.

What to do

• During winter seasons, the big water fountain in front freezes beautifully into a public skating rink, and this is one of the best urban skating rinks.
• Enjoy the city’s yearly events,
• Be a part of its concerts,
• Shop at Farmers’ markets, and
• Be mesmerized by the art displays.

13. Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is the most visited city in all of Northern Ontario. The drive can be difficult for those living in southern Ontario, but this tiring tour to northern Ontario is worth it for you.

Lake Superior and the Thunder Bay area provide some of the best natural beaches, waterfalls, and cliff sights in the province. Activities over winter at Lake Superior and Thunder Bay are various.

One of the most liked ice-fishing hotspots at Thunder Bay is Lac des Mille Lacs near Upsala. Other activities that are unique to the Thunder Bay region include fat biking, skating, and many more.

What To Do

• Ice fish on the frozen lake.
• See a sleeping giant
• Enjoy the views of the Lake Superior
• Surround yourself with the lush greenery
• Explore the city center
• Surround yourself with history
• Go to the fair

Tourist Attractions

• Terry fox Monument.
• Fort William Historical park
• The Blue Point Amethyst Mine 
• Mount Mckay
• Marina Park

14. Parliament Hill in Ottawa

Parliament Hill is a region of Crown land on the southern banks of the Ottawa River in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Those who are fortunate enough to be visiting Ottawa on July 1 can enjoy some of the biggest Canada Day celebrations in the nation.

During the summer, visitors can enjoy the Changing of the Guard on the lawn in front of the Houses of Parliament.

15. Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve

Torrance Barrens Conservation Area is the world’s 1st Dark Sky Preserve. Located far away from large cities and their bright light, Torrance Barrens is able to preserve the natural darkness of the night. Torrance Barrens is, undoubtedly, one of the perfect places to watch the night sky which is captivating and soothing to the eye.

What to do

• See the Andromeda Galaxy and the Milky Way with your naked eyes
• Spot the various planets in the Solar System
• Observe the rings of Saturn with the help of the telescope
• If you are lucky enough, you may see a glimpse of the northern lights (aurora borealis). September and October are perfect for this phenomenon to appear.

16. National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa has one of the finest collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world; it houses some of the country’s most important collections .

It contains a specifically strong selection of works by Canadian designers, from the Group of Seven to Emily Carr and many other famous names. The gallery also displays crucial pieces by well-known international artists.

17. Rideau Canal, Ottawa

The Rideau Canal is one of the perfect places you can visit in Ontario during winter. This spectacular engineering feat stretches for 200 km from Kingston to Ottawa and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the world’s largest skating rink.

18. Thousand Islands

Thousand Islands is actually over 1800 islands situated in the St. Lawrence River between the United States of America and Canada.

The elegance is all around the St. Lawrence river, and the mesmerizing blue water renders such a staggering contrast to all of the islands of green.

What to do

• Catch fishes
• Boating
• Relax at a cottage
• Enjoy lighthouses and castles

19. Tobermory

From the extremely blue-green waters at Indian Head Cove and the epic Grotto swimming spots to the hollowed shipwrecks and stone wonders of Flowerpot Island, you will need to free up some space in that camera roll before you reach here.

The community is referred to as the “freshwater SCUBA diving capital of the world” because of the abundant shipwrecks in the surrounding waters, especially in Fathom 5 National Marine Park.

What To Do

• Grab some ice cream.
• Check out Flowerpot Island in Fathom Five National Park.
• Check out some Ship Wrecks.
• Check out some lighthouses.
• Take a Cruise.
• Enjoy a sunset.
• Discover local Flora and Fauna.
• Eat some fantastic fish tacos at Fish & Chip Place.

20. Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival-style castle or mansion and garden in midtown Toronto. The place is worth visiting at any time during the year.

The interesting fact about Casa Loma is that it is a famous location for use in film and television. It has served as a location for famous movies such as Warehouse 13, Strange Brew, Chicago, The Tuxedo, X-Men, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Crimson Peak, and Casa Loma can be rented in the evenings after the museum closes to the public.

End note.

Did the article help you to sort places according to your interest? Ontario Province is one of the favourite getaways for Canadians. List these places and when you are to have a vacation, be sure to visit them all without any second!

Also, check out “17 Best Quebec City Hotels “

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