Summer is in full swing in Ontario, with places across the province offering a unique environment, history, and distinct character for visitors and locals to truly discover the province. Try new activities or go for the tried and true. No matter what you choose to do in Ontario, there are hundreds of fun things you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
These popular Ontario landmarks draw tons of visitors every year.
1. Chase Waterfalls
Waterfalls are some of Mother Nature’s most eye-catching features, with the opportunity to see waterfalls in many styles in Ontario – punchbowl waterfalls, plunge waterfalls, cascading multi-step waterfalls, and more. Many of them have other valuable features and historical significance, as well as hiking trails around them.
- Kakabeka Falls, Oliver Paipoonge
- Inglis Falls, 107 Falls Rd, Owen Sound
- Rideau Falls, 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa (Ottawa Area Falls)
- Niagara Falls
- Oxtongue River-Ragged Falls Provincial Park
- Hamilton Area Falls
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2. Go Lazy River Tubing
Tubing is the perfect way to float the lovely Ontario waters with a drink in hand. Relax and let the water take you down the stream at several well-known slow-flowing rivers around the province.
- Kam River (River Rat Rentals), 707 Harstone Dr, Kakabeka Falls
- Vermillion River (Chillin’ N Tubing), 5727 Nickel Offset Rd, Chelmsford
- Grand River (Tubing the Grand), 3734 King St E, Kitchener
- Saugeen River (Saugeen Springs RV Park), 173844 Mulock Rd, Hanover
3. Experience Canada’s Water Park Wonderland
No summer bucket list is complete without a classic visit to Canada’s Water Park Wonderland.
It is a 134-hectare theme park located in Vaughan, Ontario, a suburb approximately 25 kilometres north of Downtown Toronto. Opened in 1981 by the Taft Broadcasting Company and the Great-West Life Assurance Company as the first major theme park in Canada, it remains the country’s largest.
4. Visit some Provincial Park or National Park
Ontario’s provincial parks are truly yours to discover as the size of parklands to explore compares with the area of Nova Scotia. From climbing on a “sleeping giant” to walking the world’s longest freshwater beach and howling with the wolves, there are so many unique activities in Ontario’s Parks. Enhance your trip with camping. With warm weather in the day to explore and enjoy the outdoors, temperatures cool down at night, making it ideal for a summer camping trip at a provincial or national park. Having so many to choose from, each campground has its own charm and will cater to campers looking for specific features.
National Parks in Ontario
- Point Pelee National Park
- 1000 Islands National Park
- Rouge Urban National Park
- Georgian Bay Islands National Park
- Pukaskwa National Park
- Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Fathom Five Marine Park
5. Explore Caves
Explore the hidden nooks and crannies of Ontario’s caves, some popular destinations include the famous Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves – the province’s oldest natural cavern, and the incredible Bonnechere Caves.
- Bonnechere Caves, 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville
- Greig’s Caves, 407 Scenic Caves Rd, Lion’s Head
- Warsaw Caves. 289 Caves Rd, Warsaw
- Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves, 2623 Harmony Rd, Belleville
6. Drive the Long Sault Parkway
Between the major cities of Kingston and Montreal is the Long Sault Parkway, a parkway that connects a collection of eleven islands on the St. Lawrence River. The parkway is visually beautiful and has significant history surrounding it, and a drive around the area can allow you to explore the wonders and stories of the attractions along the way.
7. Visit the Lavender, Apple, Pumpkin, and/or Sunflower Farms
Opt for a calming, meditative activity out in nature this summer, with lavender farms offering up the opportunity to roam around beautiful fields of purple flowers and a place to shop for fresh lavender goodies.
- Carl Laidlaw Orchards and Farm, Brampton
- Weir’s Lane Lavender and Apiary, 223 Weir’s Lane, Dundas
- Terre Bleu Lavender Farm, 2501 25th Sideroad, Milton
- Bonnieheath Estate Lavender and Winery, 410 Concession 12 Townsend, Waterford
8. Relax and Watch the Beautiful Sunset Scenery
Feel relax and amaze by the beautiful sunset or sunrise scenery while listening to the relaxing sounds of different animals in the wild.
9. Never Miss the Toronto’s CNE Exhibition
One of Toronto’s most thrilling summer attractions is planning on making a comeback this year. The 2021 Canadian National Exhibition is officially getting ready to open in August.
Founded in 1879, the CNE is Canada’s largest community event and welcomes over 1.5 million visitors every year.
10. Lookout From Some Scenic Spots
Experience a lookout point and its panoramic views at many spots around the province, including rugged natural terrain, geological formations, country terrain, and vibrant city escapes. Trails lead you to amazing vistas, some naturally created and others man-made.
- Dundas Peak, Dundas St., Hamilton
- Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville
- Ouimet Canyon, Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, Greenwich Lake Rd, Pass Lake
- Devil’s Rock, Temiskaming Shores
- Irish Mountain Lookout, 26556 Side Road 25, Meaford
- Lion’s Head Lookout, 5 McCurdy Drive, Lion’s Head
- Eagle’s Nest, 79 Eagles Nest Park Rd, Bancroft
11. Go on a Memorable Road Trip
The best way to explore Ontario? Go on a road trip.
Circumnavigate Rice Lake, Simcoe Lake, Georgian Bay, drive from Peterborough to Ottawa on Highway 7, drive along Rideau Canal or St. Lawrence River (Highway 2), chart a path to follow Lake Erie shores from Windsor to Niagara Falls or Lake Huron from Sarnia to Tobermory.
- Niagara Falls to Ottawa
- Georgian Bay Road Trip
- Discover attractions along 401 from Toronto to Ottawa
