The Canadian Province of Ontario is huge! Ontario is the size of a small country, and it takes months to explore this fantastic destination truly. (even years!) Luckily, we’ve toured a lot of our home province and have rounded up the most iconic places to visit in Ontario. This list will help you plan your visit, and hopefully, it will introduce you to a few places you’ve never heard of before!
It wasn’t easy choosing; we left out many iconic places. So be sure to comment on your choices if we didn’t include them.
Best Places to Visit In Ontario
There are so many places to visit in Ontario that it’s difficult to know where to begin. So, we thought we’d start this epic list with more unique experiences and ideas. But don’t worry, as you go along, there are places in and close to Toronto and other urban centres. No matter where you are in Ontario, I am sure there is a place to visit near you!
Table of Contents
1. The Grotto
One of the best places to visit is Tobermory Grotto. We have always known about how special Tobermory was. Its shipwrecks have attracted us to its icy waters since 2000, when we started scuba diving. But we never really looked into its draw to photographers until it caught the eye of Instagrammers.
We used to have this beautiful coast on the Bruce Peninsula all to ourselves. Today, you must make a reservation to see the turquoise waters shimmering in a cave. Read more: The Best Things to Do in Tobermory, Ontario.
This day trip from Toronto takes you with a guide and driver to Georgian Bay to see the lighthouse at Big Tub Harbor, a hike along Horse Lake and the Cliffs of Georgian Bay, including hiking to Indian Head Cove, the Grotto, and Marr Lake.
2. Flowerpot Island
While you are in the neighborhood, Flowerpot Island is another iconic place in Ontario. It is located in the Fathom Five National Marine Park of Tobermory, a place we frequented while diving at the turn of the century (that sounds so weird, but it was 20 years ago!) The pillars and caves of Flowerpot Island attract hikers, daytrippers, and boat tourers who want to see the exciting formations. Read more: 25 Best Places to Camp in Ontario, Canada.
3. Wiarton Willy
Located in the waterfront town of Wiarton, Wiarton Willy is Canada’s answer to Punxsutawney Phil. Each February, crowds gather around this groundhog’s home as he predicts whether it will be an early or late spring, depending on whether he sees his shadow or not. Willy has the rest of the year off, and visitors can pop by his dwelling to say hello! Read more at the Grey Bruce Superloop
4. White River
Blink, and you’ll miss it, but White River is famous for Winnie the Pooh. Even though it is small, White River is one of the most iconic places to visit in Canada for historical reference. Way back in 1914, a hunter shot a bear cub’s mother and brought the cub back to town to keep as a pet.
A soldier going through White River by train bought the bear cub for $20 and brought it to Europe with him. When his regiment was shipped off to France to fight, the soldier gave the bear to a zoo in England, where the bear lived its life. Writer A.A. Milne frequented the zoo, and his son Christopher Robin liked the bear, giving it the nickname Pooh. “Thus Winnie the Pooh was born in White River.”
5. Diefenbunker
The Diefenbunker is definitely one of the quirkiest museums in Ontario. This underground museum was built during the Cold War for Canada’s top dogs to take cover in case of a nuclear attack.
Located strategically outside of Ottawa, it was meant to withstand a nuclear bomb. It’s like stepping back into a time capsule as you tour old computer rooms, creepy living quarters, and even medical rooms.
Touring the Deifenbunker makes you realize that you wouldn’t want to be the one called upon to live here after an attack. I’d take my chances outside.
6. Cheltenham Badlands
Dave and I stumbled upon this weird phenomenon while cycling outside Toronto in Caledon years ago. Nobody was around, and we had never known it existed before then.
Today, it’s popular for photographers. It is a piece of land that resembles the Badlands of Alberta or South Dakota. Terrible environmental practices were the result of exposing this red piece of shale, which created a lunar-like landscape.
7. The Big Nickel in Sudbury
Canada loves roadside attractions. There’s the Big Apple in Colborne as you drive east on the 401 towards Montreal or Ottawa, there’s the Big Paddle in BC, and the Canada Goose of Wawa.
But my favorite is the Big Nickel in Sudbury. Located at the Dynamic Earth Science Museum (which is a lot of fun), the Big Nickel was built in 1964 to pay homage to the mining industry of the area.
Popular Attractions in Ontario
There are so many amazing places in Ontario, and a lot of times, it isn’t easy to get out of the cities when you are a tourist. So, we thought we’d focus on a few urban landmarks in popular Ontario cities. First-time visitors to Ontario shouldn’t miss these sites.
8. Niagara Falls
It may seem like the obvious choice, but for first-time visitors to Ontario, this is the ultimate place to visit in the province! Having been to Victoria, Iguazu, Gulfoss, and other significant waterfalls worldwide, Niagara Falls does stack up against the best! What makes Niagara Falls so unique is the fact that a city is built around it. There are so many unique Niagara attractions you can spend a week taking advantage of all the adventures and scenery.
Browse all of the best Niagara Falls tours and attractions you can do on your own day trip in Ontario.
9. Niagara on the Lake
While visiting Niagara Falls, head down the road and explore Ontario’s wine region of Niagara on the Lake. Its historic downtown is a lovely weekend getaway from Toronto.
See more of the top sights in Niagara on the Lake here. Some top Niagara on the Lake activities include wine tours, the Whirlpool jetboat tour, The Whirlpool Adventure ropes course at Queenstown Heights, and helicopter tours.
10. Ottawa Parliament Buildings
Canada’s Parliament Buildings are a top draw for visitors to Ottawa. Located on Parliament Hill, these striking Gothic buildings have dominated Ottawa’s waterfront since 1859. They are a national historic site in Canada, and you can tour the buildings, walk around the grounds, and even sit in on a parliament meeting to spy on the Prime Minister!
Check out more things to do in Ottawa. Some of the top activities in Ottawa include a cruise on the Rideau Canal, The Canadian Museum of Nature, the Ottawa Hop on Hop Off Bus, and yacht tours on the Ottawa River.
11. The CN Tower
You can’t miss visiting the CN Tower when in Toronto. It is one of Canada’s top attractions! The CN Tower once held the distinction of being the world’s tallest structure. Today, it is the third highest tower in Japan, after the Tokyo Skytree and the Canton Tower in China.
While it offers some of the best views of Toronto, it also offers one of the best adventures in Toronto! Get your adrenaline pumping with the Edgewalk. You’ll cling to the outside of the structure in the world’s highest external walk on a building. Even my dad did the Edgewalk in his 70s, so you can do it too!
12. Stratford Festival
Stratford is a beautiful town located on the Avon River, two hours from Toronto. It feels like a slice of old England, with the Avon and Festival Theatres being the main draw in town, showcasing the works of Shakespeare. While the theatre attracts crowds and actors from around the world, it is also a very picturesque town in Ontario to visit.
13. Casa Loma
Another interesting landmark to visit is Casa Loma in Toronto. Casa Loma is Ontario’s castle, complete with hidden passageways, stables, and a beautiful garden. Sir Henry Pallett began construction in 1911. But thanks to The Great Depression, World War I, and financial difficulties, he lost the castle in 1923.
It has been used as everything from a hotel to a nightclub and was even abandoned for a while. Today, you can tour the castle and enjoy fine dining and high tea, and there are several regular events happening. Get your Casa Loma entry ticket here.
14. Canada’s Wonderland
I am definitely partial to Canada’s Wonderland since I worked as a singer there for four seasons. This is Canada’s largest amusement park and one of the best places in the world to enjoy roller coasters. Located just 40 minutes outside of Toronto, you can spend the day riding thrilling rides, enjoying the waterpark, watching shows, or taking the kids through Kidzville.
Ontario North – Places to Visit
Lake Superior is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. For most, it is also one of Ontario’s more unexplored places because it is so far north. Getting there is a bit of a drive, but once you are up on the North Shore of this magnificent Great Lake, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime!
15. Agawa Rocks Petroglyphs
The drive along the TransCanada Highway between Sault Ste Marie and Thunder Bay is certainly the most beautiful drive in Ontario. While you are on that road, there is a stop that many people miss along the route. The ancient Agawa Rock Petroglyphs were painted by the Ojibway People centuries ago. You have to walk out onto an outcrop while holding onto a rope to see them, and it is worth the adventure!
16. Slate Islands
Speaking of wildlife encounters, the Slate Islands are one of the top places to visit in Ontario for a unique wildlife experience. There is a herd of woodland caribou that inhabit the island. Located 13km in the middle of Lake Superior, the Slate Islands are their own little ecosystem of plants and animals. A weeklong camping trip is definitely a must! Read: Things to do on the Slate Islands
17. Sault Ste Marie
It’s time to visit a cool northern town, Sault Ste Marie. Known as “The Soo,” Sault Ste Marie is home to the Canadian BiPlane Heritage Museum and one of the best places in the world for fly fishing, according to Ernest Hemingway himself, the Saint Mary’s River.
We went fly fishing here, and it was awesome. Fly fishers worldwide put on their waders and spend hours catching and releasing bass and steelhead.
Agawa Canyon Train Tour
While in Sault Ste. Marie, you can take a train tour to see the deep and remote Agawa Canyon.
18. Wawa
The name alone makes Wawa worth visiting. But this little town on the north shore of Lake Superior packs a punch. First you must stop to say hello to the Wawa Goose. The Wawa Goose was built in the 1930s to attract visitors bypassing Wawa on the drive along the TransCanada Highway. This massive Goose is one of the most photographed landmarks in North America. (according to the Algoma County Tourism Board anyway. ) Read more: Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ultimate Two Week Itinerary
19. Pukaskwa National Park
It is one of Canada’s greatest hikes. If you are looking for a challenge in a remote region of Ontario, this is the place to go. The trip starts with an exciting boat ride on Lake Superior that takes you to the start of the trail. It is then a 5-7 day long hike back along the gorgeous Canadian Shield shoreline and through breathtaking boreal forests.
20. Terry Fox Memorial
Terry Fox is a national hero of Canada. In 1980, he started a journey running across Canada after losing a leg to cancer. Sadly, his cancer came back during his run, and he had to stop partway through in the town of Thunder Bay, located on the Trans Canada highway.
He was 143 days and 5,373 kilometers (3,339 miles) into his run, and a memorial was erected in his honor at the location he had to cut his journey short. His memory lives on, and each year, there is a charity run in his name that takes place across the country, raising money for cancer research. When you visit Thunder Bay, it wouldn’t be complete without stopping at this moving memorial. Enjoy the Best of the Lake Superior Circle Tour
21. Thunder Bay
We’ve talked about the drive to Thunder Bay along the north shore of Lake Superior, but Thunder Bay City has grown immensely over the years. It has become a popular retirement community with snowbirds enjoying their water adventures in the summer and flying south for the winter. This is truly Canada’s northern city, though, and nobody shies away from winter adventures, from cross-country skiing at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park to exploring the awe-inspiring ice caves of Lake Superior.
Georgian Bay and the Bruce Peninsula
A great place to explore Ontario in the summer is Lake Huron. Some of the most beautiful and iconic places to visit in Ontario are located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park – A long peninsula that juts into Lake Huron, dividing it from Georgian Bay. You could spend all summer up here and never see it all! Trust me, we’ve tried! Read: Things to do in Blue Mountain and Collingwood
22. Manitoulin Island
It’s the largest freshwater island in the world. Located on Lake Huron, this 2766 km2 (1167 square miles) has some of Ontario’s most iconic landmarks like Bridal Veil Falls, the Benjamin Islands, and the high lookout outcrop of the Cup and Saucer Trail.
Be sure to take part in one or all Great Spirit Circle Trail tours. Aboriginal Tourism offers the best First Nation experiences in Canada, like the voice of the drum, smudging ceremonies, traditional dancing, cooking, and canoeing! Get to know the traditions and ways of the Anishinabe People who live on Manitoulin. Read all the things to do on Manitoulin Island
23. Thirty Thousand Islands
The World’s Largest Freshwater archipelago spans along the Eastern Shore of Lake Huron in Georgian Bay. Canada’s famous band of artists, “The Group of Seven,” made this part of Ontario a major focus of their works of art that can be viewed in the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. You can take boat tours through this area, and there is some excellent shipwreck diving here as well. It’s one of Ontario’s premiere cottage country locations. See The Best of the Grey Bruce
24. Blue Mountain Village Resort
Ontario isn’t exactly known for its ski culture, but Blue Mountain Resort does host World Cup ski and snowboard events! Blue Mountain near Collingwood is an excellent weekend getaway for skiing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and watersports in the summer. Read more: Top 15 Ontario Hiking Trails
The village is an amazing place to hang out with fine dining, fudge and ice cream shops, and plenty of shopping. There are so many things to do around Blue Mountain Resort, like the Scandinavian Spa, the Scenic Caves, and cycling routes, and in the winter, it is the best place in Ontario to ski and snowboard. Read more about Blue Mountain Here.
25. Scenic Caves
Collingwood’s Scenic Caves are beautiful, and to see them, you get to cross Ontario’s longest suspension bridge. Located on the Niagara Escarpment, this labyrinth of 17 caves and formations located 70 feet below the surface of this UNESCO World Heritage Bio Reserve.
Make a day of it and do the Scenic Caves Eco Adventure Tour, where you will walk along Ontario’s Longest Suspension Bridge, offering beautiful panoramic views of Georgian Bay before going into a maze of high ropes and walkways followed by two awesome ziplines!
Algonquin Highlands
If you look at a map of Ontario, you’ll see a mass of green space that encompasses the Algonquin Provincial Park and Haliburton Forest. This Algonquin Park Adventure Tour from Toronto takes you on a full-day tour of hiking, canoeing, and swimming in Ontario’s oldest provincial park.
These are some of the more rugged places to visit in Ontario, and if you love camping, wildlife, and the outdoors, it’s the place to go! Read more: Things to do in Haliburton – A Four Seasons Ontario Escape
26. Wolf Centre
When Dave and I first discovered this, we couldn’t believe we had something so special right here in Ontario. Haliburton Forest is amazing enough to visit, but you must see the pack of wild wolves that roam the land. You can watch them from behind a glass wall that keeps human contact to a minimum. Also, Check out Parc Omega Wolf Cabins Experience
27. Algonquin Provincial Park
We’ve had a lot of wildlife encounters around the world, and taking a canoe and camping trip to Algonquin Park while looking for moose is one of the best! Booking a trip with a professional outfitter like Voyageur Quest or Algonquin Outfitters is a great way to find wildlife and have the most fun! Check out: In Search of the Algonquin Moose
28. Killarney Provincial Park
Ontario Rivers
Ontario offers some epic water adventures. With more than 250,000 lakes, rivers, and streams, Ontario is blessed with fresh and clean water that is ready and waiting to be explored. We can’t possibly cover them all. And there are several spots that are worthy of a mention, but then this post would go on and on and on. But these are the most epic water experiences for people visiting Canada and those wanting to explore their own backyard.
29. Ottawa River
The Ottawa River is one of the most legendary places to visit in Ontario. The rapids on this river are so high it attracts professional whitewater kayakers and rafters from around the world. You can book this whitewater rafting tour that includes a BBQ lunch.
The mighty Ottawa River takes you through class III to V rapids on a trip you’ll never forget. Be sure to book a two to three-night getaway at one of the resorts on the river to truly appreciate all the Ottawa River has to offer.
30. Missinaibi River
The Mssinaibi River is one of the most iconic canoe routes in Canada. This was once an important canoe route for First Nations, and it was also an important route for fur traders. It is as rugged as it gets, and canoeing or kayaking on this river requires experience.
We trekked the Missinaibi in the winter, and if we hadn’t had our guides from Lure of the North, we definitely would have perished in the cold. I have no idea how the early settlers, First Nations, and fur traders survived up here, but it is glorious today!
31. Saint Lawrence River
There is a stretch of the Saint Lawrence River that everyone traveling to Ontario should visit. From Kingston to Brockville, there are plenty of things to see and do. Snaking along the border of Canada and the United States, the Saint Lawrence River is one of North America’s most important waterways.
While touring the Saint Lawrence River, visit the picturesque town of Brockville. It is home to one of the most Instagram-worthy stops in Ontario at Canada’s oldest railway tunnel. We loved drift diving the shipwrecks that litter the floor of the Saint Lawrence. But if you want to stay above water, be sure to take a boat cruise through the 1000 islands.
Thousand Islands National Park is a beautiful stretch of the river with islands and communities spanning 50 km. Book this 1000 Islands tour where you’ll set sail for a half day cruise from Gananoque where you’ll get to explore Heart Island and Boldt Castle.
32. Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal is impressive to visit in winter or summer. The best places to see the Rideau Canal are in Ottawa or Kingston, Ontario. However, there are some small towns in Ontario, like Smith Falls, Perth, and Merrickville, where you can view them as well. Built in 1832, the Locks were designed as a supply route in case of a war with the United States. Today, it attracts boaters and tourists who marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is the oldest continuously operated canal in North America.
We’ve taken this Rideau Canal Cruise while in Ottawa, and it is a great relaxing way to see the historical attractions while listening to live commentary and taking in the sights of the city.
33. Elora Quarry
The Elora Gorge is famous for the Elora Quarry, which has been used as a location in many Hollywood movies. Most recently, in the movie “It.” Remember when the Loser’s Club jumped off the cliff? The 15-meter jump is popular with tourists. A 2km long section of the Grand River runs through the Elora Gorge, where limestone cliffs reach 22 meters into the air.
Beaches and Waterfalls
Ontario may be cold eight months of the year, but we really do love our beaches. And besides, waterfalls can be beautiful when frozen, too! These are a few interesting back and water locations in Ontario that you should check out.
34. Wasaga Beach
If you head two hours north of Toronto, you’ll discover the longest freshwater beach in the world! Wasaga Beach is Ontario’s premier beach town, with an astounding 14km of sandy beach that allows you to walk along the shores of Lake Huron.
35. Sauble Beach
If you love beaches, Sauble Beach is the second-longest freshwater beach in the world, 11km long. What we love about Sauble Beach is that the water is shallow. They are sandbars out from shore, keeping the water shallow and warm.
36. Scarborough Bluffs
Less than an hour from downtown Toronto are the stunning Scarborough Bluffs towering over Lake Ontario. Spanning 14 km and reaching 90 meters into the air, the Scarborough Bluffs are an outdoor lover’s dream. But be careful, every summer there are rescues along its trails as hikers fall over the steep cliffs.
37. Sandbanks – Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County has become one of the most popular places in Ontario thanks to its thriving wineries. With boutique hotels and fine dining, it’s an excellent weekend getaway. But Sandbanks Provincial Park houses one of the best beaches in Ontario. So don’t miss it!
38. Hamilton Waterfalls Falls
Who knew Ontario had so many beautiful waterfalls? Just outside of Toronto, in the Hamilton area of the Niagara Escarpment, there are several scenic waterfalls that are awesome to visit.
You can spend a day or weekend checking them all out! There are 100 waterfalls to explore in the area. Webster Falls is probably our favourite, but there are so many waterfalls in the area because of the Niagara Escarpment. Read The Best Things to do in Hamilton, Ontario
- A few of the best Hamilton waterfalls:
- Albion Falls
- Balls Falls
- Devil’s Punchbowl
- Tew Falls
39. Toronto Islands
The tranquil Toronto Islands are located a short ferry ride from Toronto. It’s a little escape from the city where you can rent bicycles, go for a picnic, or hang out on the beach. There’s even a nude beach if you dare!
This Toronto Islands and Harbour Cruise takes you on a tour to visit the Toronto Islands and enjoy the spectacular Toronto skyline from Lake Ontario.
Lake Erie
I grew up on Lake Erie. My family boated the waters, and I spent many weekends waterskiing out to Pottahawk Island. To this day, my nieces and nephews still go out to Pottahawk on Lake Erie for the annual “Pottahawk Pissup.” (how Canadian is that?) Here are a few hot spots for the average visitor to see on Lake Erie.
40. Port Dover
Located on Lake Erie, Port Dover is a popular day trip from Toronto. Grab a foot-long hot dog at The Arbor and walk the streets to do some shopping. There’s a great sandy beach here too. Port Dover has gained fame over the years from the thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts who flock to the beach on Friday the 13th.
41. Long Point
Long Point Provincial Park is a designated world biosphere reserve thanks to its being one of the largest areas in North America for birds migrating. This narrow 40km long sand spit juts out so far into Lake Erie that once you round the bend of Long Point, you are nearly halfway to Erie, Pennsylvania. Enjoy this Niagara Road Trip: One of the best places to drive in Ontario
And that ladies and gentlemen are the best places to visit in Ontario. According to Dave and Deb. We are exploring more of Ontario this summer and are taking advantage of having to stay put for a bit. When you are forced to check out your own backyard, you find some of the most exciting hidden gems.
Facts About Ontario
Ontario houses four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. It is home to the Niagara Escarpment a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and Niagara Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
Ontario is larger than Ukraine, France, and Spain. Three of Europe’s largest countries! It is home to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and Canada’s largest and most exciting city – Toronto. When visiting Canada, a trip to Ontario is a must, and these are all of the best places in the province! Read more facts at – Fun Facts About Canada That Will Make Smarter
- Read More Ontario Travel
- 19 Most Epic Things to do in Ontario
- 25 of the Best Places to Camp in Ontario, Canada
- 59 Things to do in Toronto – A Guide to the Top Attractions
- Things to do in Niagara Falls – What to do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay
- 33 Things to do in Ottawa – A Complete Guide to the City
- Top 11 Things to Do on Manitoulin Island
What hidden gems in Ontario have you found this summer?
What a lovely read to find the best places to see in Ontario !!!
Ontario is a good place for travel. Canada is always the best place to travel and for sports activities. Subscribed your blog..
Canada is always one of the best place to travel and for a very beautiful picture taking for social media. Thanks for sharing this information, subscribed your blog.
Great article, you should have included Pelee Island. Furthest point south habitated in Canada!
Thanks,
Hey! When I write about something, I always look-up to blogs like your for inspiration. I am writing about inner Canada travelling as well. And I really enjoyed your article, you have really done your homework. I tried going to the grotto this summer, but is was closed due to (that which will not be named). I wish you well, and keep up the great work.
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Very interesting blog! Amazing destinations with very thoughtful descriptions along with it! The photos look beautiful too! Thanks for sharing these very informative and helpful guide on which places are a must to check-out and visit in Ontario, Canada!
Amazing blog. breathtaking travel destinations. I really enjoyed reading it. I love all the beautiful photographs Thanks for sharing 🙂