Ontario, Canada’s second-largest province, is a destination that truly comes alive in the summer. With its vibrant cities, charming small towns, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural history, Ontario offers a diverse range of experiences for travellers. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or someone who enjoys urban adventures, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to visit in Ontario during the summer.
1. Toronto: The Dynamic Metropolis
Toronto, the capital city of Ontario, is a bustling metropolis that offers a mix of world-class attractions, cultural experiences, and vibrant neighbourhoods. Start your exploration at the iconic CN Tower, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario. For thrill-seekers, the EdgeWalk offers an exhilarating experience of walking around the tower’s edge.
Explore the Distillery District, a historic area with cobblestone streets, art galleries, boutiques, and some of the city’s best restaurants. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor patios and festivals that bring the district to life. Don’t miss the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario for a dose of culture and history.
Toronto’s waterfront is another summer highlight. Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, a tranquil escape from the city with beaches, bike rentals, and picnic areas. The Harbourfront Centre hosts a variety of events, including outdoor concerts, food festivals, and art exhibitions.
2. Niagara Falls: The Majestic Wonder
No visit to Ontario is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Summer is the peak season to witness the falls in all their glory. The iconic Maid of the Mist boat tour brings you close to the thundering waters, providing an unforgettable experience.
Beyond the falls, the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming destination known for its picturesque streets, boutique shops, and historic sites. The region is also famous for its wineries. Take a wine tour and sample some of the finest wines in Canada, including the renowned ice wine.
For a bit of adventure, explore the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, which offers hiking trails along the Niagara River and opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering. The nearby Butterfly Conservatory is another family-friendly attraction, home to thousands of colourful butterflies.
3. Algonquin Provincial Park: A Natural Paradise
Algonquin Provincial Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. Located between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, it’s one of Ontario’s largest and most popular parks. Summer is an ideal time to explore its vast wilderness, offering activities like hiking, canoeing, wildlife watching, and camping.
The park boasts over 2,400 lakes and numerous rivers and streams, making it a paradise for canoeists and kayakers. The Highland Backpacking Trail and the Mizzy Lake Trail are popular hiking routes that offer breathtaking views and opportunities to spot wildlife such as moose, deer, and beavers.
Camping in Algonquin is a quintessential Canadian experience. The park offers a variety of campsites, from backcountry sites accessible only by canoe to more developed campgrounds with amenities. For a unique experience, consider staying in one of the park’s rustic cabins.
4. Ottawa: The Nation’s Capital
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, offers a blend of historic landmarks, cultural institutions, and beautiful green spaces. Start your visit at Parliament Hill, where you can tour the historic buildings and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. In the evening, the Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill is a spectacular display of lights and projections that tell the story of Canada.
The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a focal point in Ottawa. In the summer, it’s a popular spot for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The canal is lined with parks and pathways, perfect for biking and walking.
Ottawa is home to several national museums, including the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian War Museum. Each offers unique insights into the country’s history, art, and culture.
For a relaxing day, visit ByWard Market, one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets. Here, you’ll find a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local delicacies. The market area is also packed with restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a lively spot to spend an evening.
5. Prince Edward County: A Culinary and Artistic Haven
Prince Edward County, located along the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario, has become a popular destination for its wineries, art galleries, and farm-to-table dining. The county’s rolling countryside and picturesque shoreline offer a serene escape from urban life.
Wine enthusiasts will enjoy touring the numerous vineyards and tasting rooms scattered throughout the county. Some notable wineries include Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard, and Sandbanks Estate Winery. In addition to wine, the county is known for its craft breweries and cideries.
Art lovers will appreciate Prince Edward County’s vibrant arts scene. The area is home to many artists and galleries, showcasing everything from paintings and sculptures to pottery and textiles. The annual Art in the County juried exhibition is a highlight of the summer season.
For a bit of outdoor adventure, visit Sandbanks Provincial Park, known for its stunning beaches and sand dunes. The park offers swimming, hiking, and camping opportunities. The beaches, particularly the Dunes Beach and Outlet Beach, are perfect for a summer day of sun and sand.
6. Muskoka: The Cottage Country
Muskoka, often referred to as “Cottage Country,” is a beloved summer destination known for its pristine lakes, lush forests, and charming towns. Located about two hours north of Toronto, Muskoka offers a quintessential Canadian summer experience.
The region is dotted with numerous lakes, making it a haven for boating, fishing, and water sports. Renting a cottage by the lake is a popular way to enjoy the summer, offering opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and relaxing by the water.
Muskoka is also known for its quaint towns, such as Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, and Huntsville. These towns offer a mix of historic sites, boutique shopping, and excellent dining options. Don’t miss the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, where you can take a cruise on the historic RMS Segwun steamship.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Muskoka offers excellent hiking trails, such as the Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail, which provides panoramic views of the region. The Muskoka Heritage Place in Huntsville offers a glimpse into the area’s history with its pioneer village and museum.
7. Thousand Islands: A Scenic Archipelago
The Thousand Islands, located along the St. Lawrence River, is a breathtaking region that straddles the Canada-U.S. border. This scenic archipelago consists of over 1,800 islands, ranging from small islets to larger, inhabited islands.
Summer is the perfect time to explore the Thousand Islands by boat. There are numerous boat tours that offer guided excursions through the islands, providing stunning views of the waterways and the lush greenery. Some tours also include stops at historic sites such as Boldt Castle and Singer Castle.
For a more active adventure, rent a kayak or canoe to explore the islands at your own pace. The region is also known for its excellent fishing, particularly for bass and pike. Scuba diving is another popular activity, with several shipwrecks to explore beneath the clear waters of the St. Lawrence River.
The Thousand Islands region is home to several charming towns, such as Gananoque and Brockville. These towns offer a range of accommodations, dining options, and cultural attractions. The Thousand Islands Playhouse in Gananoque is a renowned theatre that hosts a variety of performances during the summer season.
8. Bruce Peninsula: A Natural Gem
The Bruce Peninsula, located between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, is known for its rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush forests. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers some of the best hiking and swimming spots in Ontario.
One of the highlights of the Bruce Peninsula is Bruce Peninsula National Park, home to the famous Grotto, a stunning sea cave with turquoise waters. The park offers numerous hiking trails, such as the Bruce Trail, which runs along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment and provides breathtaking views of Georgian Bay.
For a unique experience, visit Fathom Five National Marine Park, which is known for its underwater shipwrecks and vibrant marine life. The park offers glass-bottom boat tours, scuba diving, and snorkelling opportunities.
The nearby town of Tobermory is a charming base for exploring the peninsula. Tobermory is known for its vibrant harbour, where you can take a ferry to Flowerpot Island, another must-see destination in the area. The island is named for its unique rock formations and offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.
9. Kingston: A Historic City
Kingston, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known as the “Limestone City” due to its many historic limestone buildings, Kingston offers a mix of historical sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities.
Start your visit with a tour of Fort Henry National Historic Site, a 19th-century fort that offers guided tours, military demonstrations, and stunning views of the city and lake. The Kingston Penitentiary, once a maximum-security prison, is now open for tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into its history.
Kingston’s waterfront is a lively area, with parks, marinas, and walking paths. The Kingston 1000 Islands Cruises offers boat tours that explore the scenic waterways and islands in the area.
The city is home to Queen’s University, one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious universities. The campus is worth a visit for its beautiful architecture and historic buildings. Kingston also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theatres, and festivals, such as the Kingston Buskers Rendezvous.
So, if you’re looking to explore Ontario, we hope these ideas help to inspire your exploration of this beautiful province I call home.
markmunroe
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