With mild, warm, and comfortable weather, Ontario is a beautiful summer destination for every traveller. You can explore beaches, national parks, waterfalls, art galleries, marine parks, historic sites, and more! The province also accommodates the country’s capital, Ottawa, and one of the big cities, Toronto.
Those who have already been there know and those who haven’t yet will be amused with the diversity of food and culture. I can’t define the beauty of this place in a few words. And in summer when the bright sun and the slight heat begin, it’s exceptional. The forest and the marshlands are stunning in the summer, with bright lights going through the dense forest and mountains. Moreover, you have a chance to practice various sports, such as hiking on amazing trails, mountain biking in steep mountains, bungee jumping, rafting, kayaking, and more. In short, experiencing the fun activities is endless if you plan your trip during summer.
I’ll tell you the must-visit destinations there in summer.
1. Bruce Peninsula National Park
Nothing can replace the beauty of parks in summer. The greenery, the breeze, the water, the fragrant flowers, the children playing around, everything seems so refreshing.
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One such lovely park in Ontario is the Bruce Peninsula National Park. It’s known for its crystal blue waters, cobblestone beaches, Karst formations, and rock cliffs. It is located on the part of the Niagara Escarpment on the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario.
This park offers you a plethora of activities to do all over the year. I am sure you won’t miss anything at this lovely natural wonder.
- Enjoy outdoor activities in summer, like hiking, bird watching, kayaking, swimming, bouldering, and camping.
- In winter enjoy cross-country skiing, winter camping, and snowshoeing.
- This park is a true heaven for wildlife enthusiasts to witness Black bears, many species of birds, wild orchids, red foxes, Snowshoe horses, skunks, Massasauga Rattlesnakes, and much more.
- Or simply relax there and enjoy stargazing during the night.
2. Lake Superior Provincial Park
If one park is not enough I will tell you about one more amazing park. The Lake Superior Provincial Park is also one of the great places to visit, with a beautiful lake and forest trails. There are many recreational activities to enjoy in summer, such as swimming, boating, fishing, camping, canoeing in the interior lakes, educational boat tours, wildlife viewing, and more. There are also many great hiking trails for walks through the forest. You can also access around 11 hiking trails through campgrounds or Highway 17.
I highly recommend you explore the Coastal Trail as it is one of the famous trails. It is 65 kilometres long and reveals the beautiful Lake Superior coastline. However, you should know that completing this hike can take 5 to 7 days.
3. Niagara Falls
Next on my list is the Niagara Falls. It is a group of three waterfalls worth seeing in the summer. The Horseshoe Falls, the biggest of these, spans from Canada to the border of the USA. You can see Niagara Falls closer with the boat cruise that happens every time. So, I would recommend you plan a cruise tour with your partner. Just be careful with the flow and the climate, as the water flow can be harsh in some environments.
Also, it saves some time for outdoor activities like kayaking, horseback riding, or biking. And if you are visiting this place during holidays like Canada Day or Victoria Day, you can witness music, fireworks, and other special events!!
4. Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is another park there located between the Ottawa River and Georgian Bay. I can’t stop myself from telling you about the parks in Ontario. Actually the province boasts some of the best parks in Canada. Algonquin Provincial Park also offers outdoor activities all year round. There are more than 1900 campsites along Highway 60. One of the most famous ones is the Whitefish Lake Group Campground, which has sites that can accommodate 20 to 40 people.
Interior camping is often done inside the park at sites that you can access only by foot or boat. The park has many cultural and natural aspects. There is a big center known as The Algonquin Visitor Centre. You can spend more time here exploring the video theatre, gift shop, outdoor viewing deck, and art gallery known as The Algonquin Room, which artistically exhibits the history of this park.
5. Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County will take a day trip from Toronto, only around 2 hours from downtown Toronto. There are two parks to visit: Sandbanks Provincial Park and Presqu’ile Provincial Park. These parks offer visitors stunning views of the waters, kayaking, and boating. Recently, this county has become a favourite spot for foodies, as some world-class restaurants and foods are available. Various parts of this county host yearly music and food festivals that are simply amazing!! Prince County is also famous for its wineries and vineyards.
So, with the beautiful summer, take advantage of the climate and do adventures, visit various wineries, try many types of wines, and have great family fun times.
6. Niagara-on-the-Lake
I have to say this is one of the prettiest towns in Canada to visit in summer. The place serves the best wine in the province. If you want to have a good wine, sit on a beautiful patio, and have family fun, I suggest you explore this place. The vineyards and wineries are also very beautiful. There are many dreamy boutique places to stay and try out the local restaurants. Also, while in this town, make some time to visit one of the oldest Catholic Churches and the second-oldest Anglican churches in Ontario! To enjoy the town, you can walk or ride a horse carriage.
7. Royal Ontario Museum
You are in Ontario and you ignore the Royal Ontario Museum, this just can’t happen.
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It is Canada’s largest museum and North America’s biggest. This museum has been open for over a century and attracts more than a million visitors yearly. It reflects the past, present, and future with art, artifacts, collectibles, and treasures. The Museum assumes that every visit will allow you to experience something new or at least a new perspective.
There are also touchable exhibits, like the CIBC gallery. This area exhibits the most majestic mammals, like whales, in Great Whales: Up Close and Personal. How amazing, right? Other art gallery exhibits include Breaking the Frame, which features the earliest photographs taken by a female artist, and the artwork of Elias Sime. The Royal Ontario Museum also has many smaller galleries, such as the Gallery of Chinese Architecture, The Schad Gallery of Biodiversity, Earth’s Treasures, and a Roman Gallery.
8. Blue Mountain Resort
If you wish to relax and enjoy a wonderful resort. I would recommend you, Blue Mountain. It might be Ontario’s first ski resort, but it later blossomed and gained popularity as a fall, spring, and summer destination. So what can you do here? Well, the list is endless!
Go for a cruise tour into Collingwood or head up the Niagara range to hike and take the cool views of Georgian Bay. There is a central plaza with entertainment. Outdoor adventures like zip lining, rock climbing, and roller coasters are available at the Activity Central building, which has a base of ski settings. Simply put, this is a perfect place for families and couples that helps them relax and have a great time.
9. Toronto Islands
Who has not heard about the Toronto islands? I mean they are quite popular tourist destinations in Ontario. These islands are so close that you can see them from the famous CN Tower in downtown Toronto. The islands are home to churches, an airport, private yacht clubs, a public marina, an amusement park, several beaches, and a year-round residential neighbourhood.
Many ferries and water taxis are available to hire. These connect the mainland to the islands, and a pedestrian tunnel connects the continent to the islands. If you’re going there, I highly recommend you visit Centreville Theme Park, which has all sorts of fun, including a wooden roller coaster. There are many water sports to do as well. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. Explore the parks that are great for picnics, walking, playing, and water playing, with several gardens. Bicycles are the most preferred mode of transportation; they can be rented at the center of the island.
10. Wasaga Beach
Beaches are always my favourites and I’m sure yours too. In Ontario, Wasaga Beach is a thriving tourist destination. The beach and the summer season are an irreplaceable duo. Wasaga is also the home to the longest freshwater beach in the world. The beach is immaculate during the day, and millions visit it every summer. You can relax and drink in the local bars and restaurants. Many local hotels make you feel close to the people there. You can take a long walk in the Bay’s shallow, warm water, play football, escape the city’s spectacular stress, and feel the cool water and sand in your hands and feet. The nostalgic atmosphere will intrigue you.
There are campsites even where you can pitch a tent, have a bonfire, and have a great time. You can also rent vintage cottages or a riverside cabin. Don’t forget to witness the stellar view of Blue Mountain and six other amazing beaches. They have the biggest blue skies and soft white clouds, making this place more beautiful. You can see the protected and endangered Plovers on these beaches. There is also an old boardwalk that creaks, and you can stroll, cycle, and roll along the shore. Isn’t this amazing and exciting? I am sure spending a good amount of time there will leave you with wonderful memories.
11. Sandbanks Dunes Beach
There is one more awesome beach that I must include in this list. It’s the Sandbanks Dune Beach. These beaches are located in Sandbanks Provincial Park, which is situated on Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County near Picton. I can tell lots of things to have fun.
- This is the best place to have picnics after an afternoon on a winery tour.
- You can enjoy bird watching, cycling, camping, swimming, and fishing here.
- There is a long shoreline where you can go on long walks with your loved ones.
- The beach offers non-electrical and electrical campsites in the park across the beach.
- Naturists have used this beach for nude bathing for years.
There are huge dunes on the beach caused by the longshore currents flowing from west to east along Lake Ontario’s north shore. They are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural structures that can amaze and intrigue you.
12. Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is a quiet, beautiful, and peaceful destination on Lake Huron in northern Ontario. It is a great place to detox and relax. It is just a 3-hour drive to the north of Tobermory, Ontario.
If you love roaming in natural surroundings, Manitoulin Island is your perfect destination. The beauty of this place always succeeds in captivating a person’s attention.
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Apart from water sports and adventures, this island has many activities. You can plan a hiking tour on the Cup and Saucer trail to see the incredible beauty of these islands and the lighthouses, or you can go sightseeing.
Spend a day at the beach of Providence Bay, take a stunning canoe ride on Lake Manitou, go fishing, see the world’s largest Pow Wow Drum, Peace Pipe, and Dream catchers, and if you have extra time, explore the local specialty and wines. This is one of the definite places to visit in Ontario, as the summer sun and the natural beauty complement each other here.
Summertime in Ontario is a stunning time to explore the province. There is so much diversity in the places to visit, making it a great experience for visitors. So don’t waste your holidays searching for the best vacation spots. I suggest you just pack your bags and experience the beauty of Ontario.
Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
