The first time I stood at the edge of Niagara Falls, the sheer power of the water actually made my knees weak. No joke. I thought I knew what to expect, but Ontario has this way of completely catching you off guard. From watching moose wade through misty lakes at sunrise in Algonquin to seeing the Northern Lights dance across the sky, this place keeps surprising me.
After road tripping across the province, I can tell you the beautiful places in Ontario go way beyond the obvious. Whether I’m kayaking past Toronto’s glittering skyline or camping under stars so bright they look fake, this corner of Canada just hits different. Here are 12 spots that stopped me in my tracks.
Spectacular Spots to See in Ontario
Looking to explore Ontario’s most beautiful places? From the majestic waters of Niagara Falls to the vibrant city life of Toronto, Ontario is packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the historic streets of Ottawa, marvel at the natural beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park, or explore the cultural richness of Kingston. Discover the serene allure of Thousand Islands, the tranquil landscapes of Muskoka, or the breathtaking views from Bruce Peninsula. Whether you’re into waterfalls, cityscapes, or outdoor adventures, here are 12 of Ontario’s most breathtaking spots!
1. Algonquin Provincial Park
- 📍 Location: Central Ontario, about 3 hours northeast of Toronto and 3.5 hours west of Ottawa
- 🏆 Best For: Canoeists 🛶, wildlife watchers 🦌, hikers 🥾
- 📸 Top Experiences: Paddling pristine lakes, hiking scenic trails, wildlife viewing (especially moose and wolves)
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October for summer activities, late September to mid-October for spectacular fall colors 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Algonquin Eco-Lodge – Sustainable wilderness retreat offering solar-powered comfort and direct access to pristine trails in Ontario’s iconic provincial park
Escape the digital world as you glide across Algonquin‘s mirror-like lakes with nothing but the sound of your paddle breaking the silence. Ontario’s oldest provincial park offers over 2,400 lakes and 1,200 kilometers of canoe routes through untamed wilderness. The extensive network of trails ranges from easy boardwalks to challenging backcountry paths. I’ve never seen so many moose in one place, especially at dawn along Highway 60.
Don’t miss the panoramic views from Lookout Trail or almost-guaranteed wildlife sightings on Beaver Pond Trail. The Visitor Center provides fascinating exhibits on park ecology, while the Logging Museum tells the story of the area’s timber heritage. For the full experience, spend at least one night under the stars at a backcountry campsite.
- For more living options, check out: 12 Bucket List-Worthy Places in Ontario to Call Home
2. Bruce Peninsula National Park
- 📍 Location: Northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, about 4 hours northwest of Toronto and 3 hours west of Barrie
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, photographers 📸, nature lovers 🌲
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming at the Grotto, hiking the Bruce Trail, stargazing at the Dark Sky Preserve
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for swimming and hiking, weekdays to avoid crowds 🏊♀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Tobermory Princess Hotel – Charming accommodations with harbor views and easy access to park shuttles
Dive into the Caribbean-blue waters of The Grotto, a sea cave carved by waves that will have your Instagram followers questioning if you’re still in Canada. This natural wonder sits where ancient forests meet the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Georgian Bay, within Bruce Peninsula National Park. Get there early, as daily visitor permits are limited. The Cyprus Lake Trail leads to this iconic spot along with Indian Head Cove’s cobblestone beach and natural stone arch.
For breathtaking views, hike portions of the legendary Bruce Trail winding along towering cliffs above Georgian Bay. The stars seem close enough to touch when you visit this Dark Sky Preserve on clear nights. Nothing beats cooling off in the refreshing waters after a day of exploration through this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
3. Thousand Islands
- 📍 Location: St. Lawrence River between Ontario and New York State, about 3 hours east of Toronto and 2 hours south of Ottawa
- 🏆 Best For: Boating enthusiasts ⛵, history buffs 🏛️, island hoppers 🏝️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a boat cruise, visiting Boldt Castle, kayaking among the islands
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for warm weather activities on the water 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel – Upscale waterfront accommodations with panoramic St. Lawrence River views and easy access to island cruises and attractions
Float through Thousand Islands, a playground where billionaires once built castles on their own private islands and pirates hid contraband among the narrow channels. This magical archipelago features over 1,800 islands dotting the St. Lawrence River. Board a boat cruise from Gananoque or Kingston for tales of rum runners and Gilded Age tycoons. The most fascinating story belongs to Boldt Castle, an epic monument to love built by hotel magnate George Boldt. Renting a kayak offers a more intimate experience paddling through secluded passages between islands.
The 1000 Islands Parkway provides stunning river views for those preferring to stay on land. Make time to explore the charming waterfront town of Gananoque with its thriving arts scene. The region’s beauty has inspired artists and adventurers for generations.
- Plan your visit with official information from Visit 1000 Islands.
4. Niagara-on-the-Lake
- 📍 Location: Where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario, about 1.5 hours from Toronto and 20 minutes north of Niagara Falls
- 🏆 Best For: Wine enthusiasts 🍷, history buffs 🏛️, theater lovers 🎭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wine tasting at award-winning vineyards, attending Shaw Festival productions, strolling the historic downtown
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October for outdoor dining and winery experiences, September-October for harvest season 🍇
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Prince of Wales Hotel – Historic Victorian elegance overlooking Niagara-on-the-Lake with refined accommodations and classic afternoon tea in a prime location near wineries and theaters
Sip world-class wines while surrounded by vineyards in what might be Canada’s most perfectly preserved 19th-century town. Niagara-on-the-Lake offers a sophisticated escape with its flower-filled gardens and tree-lined streets. The surrounding region boasts over 40 wineries producing award-winning vintages, especially icewine. Follow the Wine Route to visit establishments ranging from boutique family operations to grand estates like Peller Estates. Culture thrives here at the renowned Shaw Festival, presenting works in beautiful historic theaters.
History comes alive at Fort George through costumed interpreters and military demonstrations. My favorite afternoon involves a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Heritage District followed by dinner at a vineyard restaurant. This charming town provides the perfect romantic getaway or girls’ weekend escape just minutes from the famous falls.
5. Tobermory
- 📍 Location: Northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, about 4 hours northwest of Toronto and 3 hours north of London
- 🏆 Best For: Scuba divers 🤿, boaters ⛵, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cruising to Flowerpot Island, diving shipwrecks, exploring the Grotto
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for water activities and clear visibility for diving 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Tobermory Resort Inn & Suites – Comfortable lakeside lodging with modern amenities just minutes from Bruce Peninsula National Park and the famous Flowerpot Island ferry dock
Peer through crystal-clear waters at perfectly preserved shipwrecks that tell tales of Great Lakes maritime history without getting your feet wet. Tobermory serves as the gateway to Fathom Five National Marine Park, Canada’s first underwater preserve protecting 22 shipwrecks in water with visibility up to 80 feet. Join a glass-bottom boat tour or don scuba gear to explore these time capsules below the surface.
No visit is complete without a trip to Flowerpot Island, famous for its natural rock formations shaped by wave erosion over millennia. The island also features caves, hiking trails, and a historic light station. The village’s colorful downtown offers shops and restaurants around Little Tub Harbour, perfect for watching the sunset after a day of adventure in what locals call “the freshwater scuba diving capital of the world.”
6. Ottawa
- 📍 Location: Eastern Ontario along the Ottawa River, about 4.5 hours northeast of Toronto and 2 hours west of Montreal
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, cultural enthusiasts 🎭, political junkies 🏢
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring Parliament Hill, visiting world-class museums, skating on the Rideau Canal in winter
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round for indoor attractions, February for Winterlude Festival ❄️, May for stunning tulip displays 🌷
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Fairmont Château Laurier – Iconic grand hotel with French Gothic architecture offering luxurious accommodations in downtown Ottawa, steps from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal
Glide along the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink with a hot chocolate in hand before warming up inside one of Canada‘s magnificent national museums. Ottawa blends stately government buildings with vibrant urban culture along the banks of the Ottawa River. Parliament Hill dominates the city center with its stunning Gothic Revival architecture. Take a free guided tour of the Senate and House of Commons for panoramic city views. The changing of the guard ceremony provides pageantry reminiscent of British traditions. Ottawa boasts an impressive collection of museums, including the Canadian Museum of History and the striking National Gallery of Canada.
Don’t miss the vibrant ByWard Market, one of Canada’s oldest public markets, offering local produce, crafts, and restaurants. The capital truly shines during the Canadian Tulip Festival when millions of bulbs burst into bloom each spring.
- For a fun day out in Ottawa, read this: 12 Things to Do in Ottawa for Young Adults
7. Kingston
- 📍 Location: Eastern Ontario, situated on Lake Ontario’s northeastern shore, about 2.5 hours east of Toronto
- 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, foodies 🍽️, boating enthusiasts ⛵
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Fort Henry, touring Kingston Penitentiary, sailing the Thousand Islands
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through October for pleasant temperatures and waterfront activities 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Frontenac Club – Boutique hotel in a historic 19th-century building downtown
Kingston isn’t just Ontario’s former capital – it’s where history buffs and foodies can experience Canada’s vibrant past while indulging in modern pleasures. This limestone city boasts more heritage buildings than nearly anywhere else in Canada. The UNESCO-designated Fort Henry offers an immersive journey into military history with spectacular demonstrations during summer.
The infamous Kingston Penitentiary tours fascinate me with stories of Canada’s most notorious criminals housed there until 2013. The spectacular Thousand Islands region awaits exploration by boat, with cruises showcasing palatial island mansions against stunning landscapes. Foodies will love the thriving culinary scene featuring waterfront patios and farm-to-table restaurants.
Plan two days to experience Kingston’s perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and sophisticated dining. The waterfront pathways offer beautiful lake views that perfectly complement this historic city’s charm.
8. Blue Mountain
- 📍 Location: Southern Georgian Bay, approximately 2 hours north of Toronto
- 🏆 Best For: Skiers ⛷️, hikers 🥾, adventure seekers 🧗♀️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Skiing or snowboarding the slopes, hiking the scenic caves, enjoying the pedestrian village
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-March for winter sports ❄️, June-October for summer adventures and fall colors 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Westin Trillium House – Upscale hotel with prime access to mountain activities
Blue Mountain transforms with the seasons to become Ontario’s ultimate playground for active couples and friend groups seeking memorable adventures. In winter, Ontario’s largest ski resort offers 43 runs ranging from gentle slopes to challenging black diamonds dropping 720 vertical feet.
Summer reveals a different kind of adventure park. The Scenic Caves Nature Adventure features suspension bridges with breathtaking Georgian Bay views. I could spend hours exploring the fascinating limestone caves and soaring through forest canopies on zip lines. The Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster thrills with speeds up to 42 km/hour.
The European-inspired Blue Mountain Village provides après-adventure enjoyment with restaurants and boutiques year-round. For recovery, the nearby Scandinave Spa offers outdoor pools overlooking the escarpment. Whether seeking winter thrills or summer adventures, Blue Mountain has Ontario’s most complete resort experience.
- Learn more about activities and accommodations at Blue Mountain Resort.
9. Hamilton Waterfalls
- 📍 Location: Southern Ontario, nestled along the Niagara Escarpment about 1 hour southwest of Toronto
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, photographers 📸, hikers 🥾
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Webster’s Falls, exploring the Bruce Trail, visiting Dundas Peak for panoramic views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for powerful flows during snowmelt, autumn for spectacular fall colors 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Barracks Inn – Boutique hotel in nearby Ancaster with easy access to waterfall trails
Hamilton surprisingly holds the title of “Waterfall Capital of the World” with over 100 cascades perfect for nature-loving urbanites seeking weekend escapes. This unique city offers Ontario’s most Instagram-worthy natural spectacles just minutes from downtown.
The crown jewel, Webster’s Falls, features a magnificent 30-meter-wide curtain surrounded by picturesque stone bridges. Nearby Tew’s Falls plunges 41 meters, rivaling Niagara’s height. I find the dramatic Devil’s Punchbowl most impressive with its 37-meter ribbon of water dropping into a colorful rocky gorge. The famous Bruce Trail connects many falls, while ambitious hikers should trek to Dundas Peak for sweeping valley views.
Many falls are accessible via short walks from parking areas, making Hamilton perfect for natural wonders at every fitness level. Plan a full day of waterfall-hopping or spread visits across a weekend.
10. Stratford
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Ontario, approximately 2 hours west of Toronto
- 🏆 Best For: Theater lovers 🎭, foodies 🍽️, architecture enthusiasts 🏰
- 📸 Top Experiences: Attending world-class Shakespeare productions, strolling along the Avon River, enjoying the culinary scene
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April through October during festival season, particularly gorgeous in late spring and early fall 🌺
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Bruce Hotel – Elegant boutique hotel within walking distance of theaters
Stratford captivates culture-seeking travelers with North America’s largest classical repertory theater company in an unexpectedly charming riverside setting. This picturesque community has transformed itself into a world-renowned arts destination that punches far above its weight.
The acclaimed Stratford Festival runs from April to October, drawing theater enthusiasts for professional Shakespeare productions across four stunning venues. Between shows, wander the meticulously landscaped Shakespearean Gardens or rent a paddleboat on the serene Avon River, where swans glide peacefully.
I always make time for the Stratford Bacon & Ale Trail to sample regional craft brews and artisanal pork products. Stratford has emerged as a culinary powerhouse, with the Stratford Chefs School fueling restaurants focused on locally-sourced ingredients. Book accommodations well in advance and plan at least an overnight stay to catch both matinee and evening performances.
- Discover more about performances and events at Stratford Festival.
11. Muskoka Lakes
- 📍 Location: Central Ontario, approximately 2 hours north of Toronto
- 🏆 Best For: Cottage vacationers 🏡, boaters ⛵, outdoor enthusiasts 🌲
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cruising the lakes, visiting Muskoka’s iconic wooden boathouses, hiking forest trails
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June-September for summer lake activities, late September-October for spectacular fall foliage 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka – Luxury lakeside resort with panoramic views
The Muskoka Lakes region offers harried professionals the quintessential Canadian summer escape across three main lakes: Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph. This playground features over 1,600 lakes dotted with pine-covered islands and ringed by distinctive Canadian Shield granite shorelines.
Exploring by boat is essential, whether aboard a classic wooden Muskoka vessel, kayak, or the heritage RMS Segwun steamship. The region’s famous boathouses have become architectural icons of prestigious waterfront living. Every time I visit, I’m captivated by these unique structures perfectly framed against rocky shores and towering pines.
The charming towns of Port Carling and Bala offer unique shops, galleries, and the fascinating Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh. For spectacular views, hike Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail atop one of the world’s oldest rock formations. Whether renting a cottage or visiting for the day, Muskoka offers the ultimate Canadian lakeside experience.
12. Windsor
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Ontario, directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, Michigan
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, casino enthusiasts 🎰, craft beverage connoisseurs 🍷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Walkerville historic district, visiting Point Pelee National Park, enjoying waterfront views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-September for outdoor adventures, year-round for casino entertainment and culinary experiences 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Caesars Windsor – Hotel and casino complex in the heart of downtown with river views
Windsor draws border-curious travelers as Canada’s southernmost city with a fascinating blend of industrial heritage, multicultural influences, and unexpected natural attractions. Its location across from Detroit has shaped a unique character where Canadian and American cultures converge.
The historic Walkerville neighborhood showcases Hiram Walker’s whisky empire with preserved buildings and distillery tours revealing prohibition-era smuggling tales. I particularly enjoy strolling the scenic Windsor Riverfront for perfect views of Detroit’s skyline across the water. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss Point Pelee National Park, just 40 minutes away, Canada’s southernmost mainland point and crucial stopover for migrating birds.
The expansive Caesars Windsor casino offers Vegas-style gaming and entertainment. With excellent dining reflecting the city’s diverse population and an emerging craft beverage scene in nearby Essex County, Windsor offers surprising experiences in Canada’s deep south.
- You may also like: 12 Stunning Hidden Gems in Toronto You Need to See
