last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Ontario
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Location Map of Ontario
Ontario
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Ontario has one site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Rideau Canal (2007)
This canal linking Ottawa to Lake Ontario is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a recreational spot, but also a vast skating rink in winter.
This canal linking Ottawa to Lake Ontario is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a recreational spot, but also a vast skating rink in winter.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Blind River
On the northern shore of Lake Huron, the town is a favorite with vacationers for its beaches and outdoor activities.
On the northern shore of Lake Huron, the town is a favorite with vacationers for its beaches and outdoor activities.
Burlington
The city is known for having the largest botanical garden in Canada, along with quite a few other parks.
The city is known for having the largest botanical garden in Canada, along with quite a few other parks.
Fort Erie
Opposite the American city of Buffalo, Fort Erie is home to one of the main British forts from the late 18th century.
Opposite the American city of Buffalo, Fort Erie is home to one of the main British forts from the late 18th century.
Hamilton
Large urban area south of Toronto on Lake Ontario. The city has several museums and a beautiful castle (Dundurn Castle), built in 1830. The Westfield Heritage Village museum is on its outskirts, as are the many wineries in the Lincoln region.
Large urban area south of Toronto on Lake Ontario. The city has several museums and a beautiful castle (Dundurn Castle), built in 1830. The Westfield Heritage Village museum is on its outskirts, as are the many wineries in the Lincoln region.
Manitoulin Island
It is the largest island in Lake Huron and an Indigenous land where local culture and traditions remain very much alive, especially during festivals. The area is also popular for its beautiful landscapes, boat trips, and trekking.
It is the largest island in Lake Huron and an Indigenous land where local culture and traditions remain very much alive, especially during festivals. The area is also popular for its beautiful landscapes, boat trips, and trekking.
St. Joseph Island
This island north of Lake Huron is Indigenous land. Hiking and a few historical sites like Fort St. Joseph are its main attractions.
This island north of Lake Huron is Indigenous land. Hiking and a few historical sites like Fort St. Joseph are its main attractions.
Kingston
This tourist city in the Thousand Islands is also the terminus of the Rideau Canal. It has a rather charming heritage with some remnants from the early 19th century, such as Fort Henry.
This tourist city in the Thousand Islands is also the terminus of the Rideau Canal. It has a rather charming heritage with some remnants from the early 19th century, such as Fort Henry.
Kitchener
The city (and its neighbours), founded by Germans and Mennonites, still retains traces of its past, notably with its major beer festival (Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest), one of the largest in the world.
The city (and its neighbours), founded by Germans and Mennonites, still retains traces of its past, notably with its major beer festival (Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest), one of the largest in the world.
Merrickville-Wolford
A charming, fairly touristy village in southern Ottawa known for its artists and artisans. It is considered "Canada’s most beautiful village.".
A charming, fairly touristy village in southern Ottawa known for its artists and artisans. It is considered "Canada’s most beautiful village.".
Niagara Falls
This is the city that is home to Niagara Falls. A unique feature is that part of the urban area is on the American side and the other on the Canadian side, with the Niagara River as the border.
This is the city that is home to Niagara Falls. A unique feature is that part of the urban area is on the American side and the other on the Canadian side, with the Niagara River as the border.
Ottawa
Canada’s capital is above all a city of museums, with a few monuments and the beautiful Parliament Hill complex. It’s from Ottawa that the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal begins, connecting the city to Lake Ontario.
Canada’s capital is above all a city of museums, with a few monuments and the beautiful Parliament Hill complex. It’s from Ottawa that the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal begins, connecting the city to Lake Ontario.
Port Dover
This lakeside town on Lake Erie is popular for its beaches, boat trips, and especially fishing. It also hosts a massive gathering of motorcyclists every Friday the 13th.
This lakeside town on Lake Erie is popular for its beaches, boat trips, and especially fishing. It also hosts a massive gathering of motorcyclists every Friday the 13th.
Thunder Bay
The main city in northern Ontario. It marks the end of the Voyageur Hiking Trail and is home to Fort William, an important fur-trading post in the early 19th century.
The main city in northern Ontario. It marks the end of the Voyageur Hiking Trail and is home to Fort William, an important fur-trading post in the early 19th century.
Toronto
Canada’s largest city is a major economic, cultural, and artistic hub in North America. It offers numerous museums, distinctive architecture (including the CN Tower), multicultural neighborhoods (Little Italy, Little India, Chinatown...), and a lively atmosphere. Just across the water, the Toronto Islands provide a popular recreational (and pedestrian-only) area, particularly known for its beaches.
Canada’s largest city is a major economic, cultural, and artistic hub in North America. It offers numerous museums, distinctive architecture (including the CN Tower), multicultural neighborhoods (Little Italy, Little India, Chinatown...), and a lively atmosphere. Just across the water, the Toronto Islands provide a popular recreational (and pedestrian-only) area, particularly known for its beaches.
Vaughan
This municipality in the northern suburbs of Toronto is home to numerous shopping centres as well as "Canada's Wonderland," the country's largest amusement park.
This municipality in the northern suburbs of Toronto is home to numerous shopping centres as well as "Canada's Wonderland," the country's largest amusement park.
Wasaga Beach
A popular "beach resort" in the Toronto region, well-loved for its long beach on Lake Huron.
A popular "beach resort" in the Toronto region, well-loved for its long beach on Lake Huron.
Natural Heritage
Thousand Islands Archipelago
Nearly 2,000 islands and islets make up this archipelago in the St. Lawrence River between Ontario and the state of New York. A popular destination, visitors come for nature, hiking or cycling, short river cruises, or to discover the charming homes tucked here and there.
Nearly 2,000 islands and islets make up this archipelago in the St. Lawrence River between Ontario and the state of New York. A popular destination, visitors come for nature, hiking or cycling, short river cruises, or to discover the charming homes tucked here and there.
Georgian Bay
This coastal area of Lake Huron is a holiday destination. Visitors enjoy its beautiful forested landscapes, swimming, and lake excursions, particularly within Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
This coastal area of Lake Huron is a holiday destination. Visitors enjoy its beautiful forested landscapes, swimming, and lake excursions, particularly within Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
Blue Mountain
These small mountains near Toronto offer mountain biking, hiking, and skiing at Ontario’s main resort (Blue Mountain Ski Resort).
These small mountains near Toronto offer mountain biking, hiking, and skiing at Ontario’s main resort (Blue Mountain Ski Resort).
Rideau Canal
This canal linking Ottawa to Lake Ontario is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a recreational spot, but also a vast skating rink in winter.
This canal linking Ottawa to Lake Ontario is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a recreational spot, but also a vast skating rink in winter.
Niagara Falls
Although they are not very tall (57 m), their width of nearly one kilometre makes them a spectacular and world-famous site. They can be viewed from both the American and Canadian sides.
Although they are not very tall (57 m), their width of nearly one kilometre makes them a spectacular and world-famous site. They can be viewed from both the American and Canadian sides.
Kawartha Lakes
A multitude of small lakes and rivers northeast of Toronto. The area attracts thousands of visitors for its nature, fishing, and various outdoor activities.
A multitude of small lakes and rivers northeast of Toronto. The area attracts thousands of visitors for its nature, fishing, and various outdoor activities.
Point Pelee National Park
This tiny park on Lake Erie is a major birdwatching hotspot in North America. Pelee Island, just across the water, is also renowned for its birds and tranquility.
This tiny park on Lake Erie is a major birdwatching hotspot in North America. Pelee Island, just across the water, is also renowned for its birds and tranquility.
Pukaskwa National Park
Like its neighbour, Lake Superior National Park, this vast forested lakeside wilderness offers trekking in a beautiful setting.
Like its neighbour, Lake Superior National Park, this vast forested lakeside wilderness offers trekking in a beautiful setting.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Forests, rivers, and lakes in this large park, a favorite among Toronto and Ottawa residents. Plenty of hiking trails, cross-country ski tracks, and canoeing opportunities in beautiful, wild nature that is home to bears, moose, and many birds.
Forests, rivers, and lakes in this large park, a favorite among Toronto and Ottawa residents. Plenty of hiking trails, cross-country ski tracks, and canoeing opportunities in beautiful, wild nature that is home to bears, moose, and many birds.
Lake Superior Provincial Park
A vast forested reserve on the shores of Lake Superior, home to abundant wildlife (moose, bears, wolves, etc.) and petroglyphs. Hiking is available here.
A vast forested reserve on the shores of Lake Superior, home to abundant wildlife (moose, bears, wolves, etc.) and petroglyphs. Hiking is available here.
Quetico Provincial Park
Bordering the United States, this park made up of countless small lakes, rivers, and waterfalls is a must-visit for canoeing enthusiasts. You can also fish and hike here.
Bordering the United States, this park made up of countless small lakes, rivers, and waterfalls is a must-visit for canoeing enthusiasts. You can also fish and hike here.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
This is one of the most popular tourist spots in the province, thanks to its sandy beaches along Lake Ontario and its dunes.
This is one of the most popular tourist spots in the province, thanks to its sandy beaches along Lake Ontario and its dunes.
Bruce Peninsula
This peninsula jutting into Lake Huron is a stunning natural area home to a few bears and many birds. It’s also a popular spot for its beach and hiking trails.
This peninsula jutting into Lake Huron is a stunning natural area home to a few bears and many birds. It’s also a popular spot for its beach and hiking trails.
Voyageur Hiking Trail
A long hiking trail following Ontario’s lakes for several hundred kilometres between Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
A long hiking trail following Ontario’s lakes for several hundred kilometres between Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
Must-see & highly recommended
Niagara Falls
★★★★ Although they are not very tall (57 m), their width of nearly one kilometre makes them a spectacular and world-famous site. They can be…
Toronto
★★★★ Canada’s largest city is a major economic, cultural, and artistic hub in North America. It offers numerous museums, distinctive…
Recommended
Thousand Islands Archipelago
★★★ Nearly 2,000 islands and islets make up this archipelago in the St. Lawrence River between Ontario and the state of New York. A popular…
Georgian Bay
★★★ This coastal area of Lake Huron is a holiday destination. Visitors enjoy its beautiful forested landscapes, swimming, and lake excursions…
Ottawa
★★★ Canada’s capital is above all a city of museums, with a few monuments and the beautiful Parliament Hill complex. It’s from…
Algonquin Provincial Park
★★★ Forests, rivers, and lakes in this large park, a favorite among Toronto and Ottawa residents. Plenty of hiking trails, cross-country ski…
Lake Superior Provincial Park
★★★ A vast forested reserve on the shores of Lake Superior, home to abundant wildlife (moose, bears, wolves, etc.) and petroglyphs. Hiking is…
Bruce Peninsula
★★★ This peninsula jutting into Lake Huron is a stunning natural area home to a few bears and many birds. It’s also a popular spot for…
Worth a look / Other
Rideau Canal
★★ This canal linking Ottawa to Lake Ontario is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a recreational spot, but also a vast skating rink in…
Hamilton (Canada)
★★ Large urban area south of Toronto on Lake Ontario. The city has several museums and a beautiful castle (Dundurn Castle), built in 1830. The…
Kawartha Lakes
★★ A multitude of small lakes and rivers northeast of Toronto. The area attracts thousands of visitors for its nature, fishing, and various…
Merrickville-Wolford
★★ A charming, fairly touristy village in southern Ottawa known for its artists and artisans. It is considered "Canada’s most beautiful…
Point Pelee National Park
★★ This tiny park on Lake Erie is a major birdwatching hotspot in North America. Pelee Island, just across the water, is also renowned for its…
Pukaskwa National Park
★★ Like its neighbour, Lake Superior National Park, this vast forested lakeside wilderness offers trekking in a beautiful setting.
Quetico Provincial Park
★★ Bordering the United States, this park made up of countless small lakes, rivers, and waterfalls is a must-visit for canoeing enthusiasts…
Sandbanks Provincial Park
★★ This is one of the most popular tourist spots in the province, thanks to its sandy beaches along Lake Ontario and its dunes.
Wasaga Beach
★★ A popular "beach resort" in the Toronto region, well-loved for its long beach on Lake Huron.
Blind River
★ On the northern shore of Lake Huron, the town is a favorite with vacationers for its beaches and outdoor activities.
Blue Mountain (Canada)
★ These small mountains near Toronto offer mountain biking, hiking, and skiing at Ontario’s main resort (Blue Mountain Ski Resort).
Burlington (Canada)
★ The city is known for having the largest botanical garden in Canada, along with quite a few other parks.
Fort Erie
★ Opposite the American city of Buffalo, Fort Erie is home to one of the main British forts from the late 18th century.
Manitoulin Island
★ It is the largest island in Lake Huron and an Indigenous land where local culture and traditions remain very much alive, especially during…
St. Joseph Island
★ This island north of Lake Huron is Indigenous land. Hiking and a few historical sites like Fort St. Joseph are its main attractions.
Kingston (Canada)
★ This tourist city in the Thousand Islands is also the terminus of the Rideau Canal. It has a rather charming heritage with some remnants…
Kitchener
★ The city (and its neighbours), founded by Germans and Mennonites, still retains traces of its past, notably with its major beer festival…
Niagara Falls
★ This is the city that is home to Niagara Falls. A unique feature is that part of the urban area is on the American side and the other on…
Peterborough
★ The city at the heart of the Kawartha Lakes is known for its impressive lift lock.
Port Dover
★ This lakeside town on Lake Erie is popular for its beaches, boat trips, and especially fishing. It also hosts a massive gathering of…
Thunder Bay
★ The main city in northern Ontario. It marks the end of the Voyageur Hiking Trail and is home to Fort William, an important fur-trading post…
Vaughan
★ This municipality in the northern suburbs of Toronto is home to numerous shopping centres as well as "Canada's Wonderland," the country's…
Voyageur Hiking Trail
★ A long hiking trail following Ontario’s lakes for several hundred kilometres between Sudbury and Thunder Bay.
- Niagara Falls
- Niagara Falls
- Blind River
- Fort Erie
- Kitchener
- Manitoulin Island
- Merrickville-Wolford
- Ottawa
- Peterborough
- Port Dover
- St. Joseph Island
- Thunder Bay
- Toronto
- Vaughan
- Wasaga Beach
- Thousand Islands Archipelago
- Kawartha Lakes
- Point Pelee National Park
- Pukaskwa National Park
- Algonquin Provincial Park
- Lake Superior Provincial Park
- Quetico Provincial Park
- Sandbanks Provincial Park
- Bruce Peninsula
- Voyageur Hiking Trail
- Kingston (Canada)
- Burlington (Canada)
- Blue Mountain (Canada)
- Hamilton (Canada)
- Georgian Bay