Ontario Attractions

Explore The Top 10 Attractions in Ontario, Canada

Ontario, the heart of Canada, boasts a treasure trove of attractions that cater to all kinds of interests. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or art lover, this province has something special in store for you. In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a journey through the captivating Attractions in Ontario, to embark on an unforgettable adventure!

Reading Time

5 Mins

View

65 Views

Publish Date

November 14, 2023

Discover the best attractions in Ontario, from urban hotspots to natural wonders.

Ontario is a province in Canada home to the country’s most populous city, Toronto, and the country’s revered capital, Ottawa. However, this vast province is not limited to urban hubs; it boasts expansive stretches of untamed wilderness and pristine lakes, along with one of Canada’s most commonly viewed natural wonders, Niagara Falls. Ontario is a massive province, over 15 times the size of the state of Texas, and it opens up a world of limitless opportunities for travel, adventure, and fun family outings. Let’s explore the top 10 attractions in Ontario.

What is the best time to visit Ontario, Canada?

Tourism peaks in the summer because of the wide range of things to do in Ontario. From visiting some of Canada’s best museums and galleries to enjoying a day at an amusement park with the family. Unwinding at a resort on the shores of a lake, paddling a canoe, fishing in a river, and camping in a state park. During the winter, some brave the chilly outdoors to savor the delights of ski slopes, ice rinks, snowmobile adventures, and winter galas. The majority redirect their focus towards indoor pursuits. This includes indulging in exhilarating hockey matches, retail therapy, fine dining experiences, Broadway spectacles, and many cultural diversions.

Discover the Top 10 Attractions in Ontario

10. Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada

The illustrious Trent-Severn Canal was a construction endeavor spanned the late 1800s and early 1900s. Forms a complex network of water. Routes connecting Lake Ontario’s vast expanse with the pristine shores of Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. This intricate canal meanders its way through a tapestry of rivers and lakes, including the Trent River and Lake Simcoe, nestled in the eastern reaches of Ontario. The world’s tallest hoist is a remarkable invention from 1905. In Peterborough, Raises boats to an astounding height of 20 meters. It punctuated the canal’s impressive array of more than 40 locks to accommodate the constantly fluctuating water levels.

Peterborough lift lock photographed in the fall. This lift lock is the highest hydraulic liftlock in the world

9. Thousand Islands

Spanning a picturesque 80-kilometer expanse along the St. Lawrence River lies the enchanting natural wonder, the Thousand Islands. These islands are perched upon a granite bedrock stretching from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains in the United States, with the international border between the US and Canada weaving its way amid these captivating isles. This locale stands as one of Ontario’s most storied and cherished holiday destinations, alluring vacationers, mariners, and city-weary souls seeking respite from the bustling metropolises of Southern Ontario, particularly during the scorching summer season.

a tour boat with tourists passing between islands at Thousand Islands National Park, St Lawrence River, located between Ontario Canada and New York State USA

8. Art Gallery of Ontario

Nestled in downtown Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario, often abbreviated as AGO, ranks as one of Canada’s most esteemed art institutions. It proudly curates an awe-inspiring assortment of Canadian paintings, with a particular emphasis on artists hailing from Ontario and Toronto. In addition, it proudly houses the most extensive collection of African and Oceanic art in the country, presented within the museum’s hallowed halls.

Art Gallery of Ontario Toronto Canada

7. National Gallery of Canada

The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa is the repository for some of the nation’s most pivotal collections. Within its walls, Canadian luminaries’ exceptionally robust array of artworks, ranging from the celebrated Group of Seven to the renowned Emily Carr and a host of other illustrious figures, takes center stage. Additionally, the gallery proudly showcases significant creations by globally acclaimed artists. The National Gallery’s building, a testament to Moshe Safdie’s visionary design, is notable for its ultra-contemporary architectural brilliance.

National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa

6. Canada’s Wonderland

Approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Toronto’s urban core lies Canada’s Wonderland, an expansive amusement park that springs to life during the summer. For local inhabitants with young ones in tow, an annual pilgrimage to this fantastical realm ranks among the top summertime pursuits. However, this distinguished amusement park, Canada’s preeminent attraction of its kind, magnetically draws families from every corner of the nation.

People riding the Behemoth rollercoaster at Canada's Wonderland amusement park

5. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

It’s in downtown Toronto. It is one of the premier museums in the province, featuring a broad range of collections, from natural history and science to cultural exhibits from around the world. Commonly referred to as the ROM, this museum underwent an expansion in 2007, which saw the addition of a modern and unique extension known as the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal. The building is now a mix of old and new architecture with a striking appearance.

Royal Ontario Museum with red double decker bus.

4. Ontario’s Provincial and National Parks

Ontario boasts a plethora of remarkable provincial and national parks. Ontario’s most pristine lakes are within these natural sanctuaries, providing fishing and swimming opportunities and leisurely boating adventures. For those inclined to sunbathe and relish sandy shores, these parks also serve as prime destinations, hosting Ontario’s most idyllic beaches.

Aerial view of Rouge National Urban Park and Rouge River, Toronto, Canada

3. Parliament Hill in Ottawa

Parliament Hill is located in the heart of the nation’s capital. It is the inaugural destination for most tourists exploring Ottawa. These edifices find their abode in a picturesque locale, perched gracefully upon an elevation overlooking the serene Ottawa River. Dominating the scene. The Peace Tower, soaring to over 90 meters in height, is the most conspicuous and frequently captured architectural masterpiece, positioned between the Senate and the House of Commons. It’s one of the most essential attractions in Ontario.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

2. Toronto’s CN Tower

The CN Tower ranks among Canada’s most symbolic edifices. This colossal 553-meter structure is brilliantly illuminated after sundown, casting its radiance far and wide. Visible from every corner of the city and its environs. Whether in the brilliant light of day or the stillness of night. However, visitors are strongly encouraged to embark on an ascent to its summit for an all-encompassing encounter with this architectural marvel.

CN Tower Toronto Skyline at Night

1. Niagara Falls (One of the best attractions in Ontario)

Niagara Falls is the most globally renowned gem in Canada’s treasury, drawing in millions of tourists annually. Although it comprises three distinct cascades, the grandest among them, Horseshoe Falls, descends a remarkable 57 meters. This mesmerizing spectacle forms a formidable water barrier that extends across the border of Niagara Falls, Canada, and Niagara Falls, USA. These falls earn their acclaim for the substantial expanse of water coursing over them and the sheer, staggering plunge they offer, making them an utterly splendid spectacle.

Overlooking the Niagara Falls Horseshoe Falls in a sunny day in autumn foliage season. Niagara Falls City

Map of Ontario

The map of Ontario, Canada, showcases the province’s diverse geography and critical features. Located in east-central Canada, Ontario is bordered by the Great Lakes to the south and is characterized by vast forests, numerous lakes, and the iconic Niagara Falls. Major cities such as Toronto, the provincial capital, and Ottawa, the national capital, are prominently displayed. The map also highlights essential landmarks, transportation networks, and local parks, providing a visual overview of Ontario’s rich natural and cultural attractions.

ontario road vector map

Conclusion

attractions in Ontario offer a remarkable blend of culture, nature, and history. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a family seeking adventure, attractions in Ontario are your perfect destination. Explore and create lasting memories in this beautiful province.

What are the top attractions in Ontario?

Ontario offers a wide range of attractions, including Niagara Falls, Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park, Kingston's historic sites, Ottawa's cultural scene, and many more.

What is the best time to visit Ontario for outdoor activities?

The best time for outdoor activities in Ontario is during the summer and early fall when the weather is pleasant, and nature is at its finest.

Are there Indigenous cultural experiences in Ontario?

Yes, Ontario has Indigenous cultural centers and experiences that provide insight into the rich heritage of First Nations peoples.

Which city in Ontario is known for its theater festival?

Stratford is renowned for its annual theater festival, featuring Shakespearean plays and contemporary dramas.

Where can I enjoy bird watching in Ontario?

Point Pelee National Park is a great destination for bird watchers, especially during the spring migration.

How can I witness the Northern Lights in Ontario?

Head to the northern regions of Ontario to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights display in the night sky.