places to visit in ontario at night

27 Fun Things To Do In Toronto At Night In 2024

Looking for what to do in Toronto at night that’s unique to this top Canadian city?

We’ve spent many nights as tourists in Toronto. We’ve lived up incredible evenings watching the Raptors, Blue Jays and Marleys play in their home city, have walked the downtown streets lit up at night, attended late night concerts at the docks, and have even seen the city lights from some of the most spectacular places.

We’re all about having a good time exploring the unique features of this city from a different lens than during the day, and that’s the kind of activity list we want to provide you with.

Keep reading if you want to find out which Toronto attractions are worth visiting after dark, as well as where to go for a night drive, which parts of the city to go for incredible night views, and where to stay in Toronto after your night out.

Last updated Dec 28, 2023.

27. Take a Night Drive Through Toronto

Where are the best places to visit in toronto at night for a view, best things to do in toronto at night: quick guide.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick list of our favourite evening and late night activities Toronto has to offer according to your interests:

• View the city lights from the CN Tower ( Check out this night t our ) – A must-do if you’ve never done it
• Spend the evening on Toronto Island – Best for a unique and romantic evening out if you have the time
• Walk the downtown/midtown streets at night – Ideal for budget-travelers
• Head to a Major League game – Our favourite way to catch the vibe of the city
• Evening Harbourfront Boat Cruise – Ideal for first-time travelers looking for a memorable tour
• Go skating at Nathan Phillips Square – Perfect free thing to do in Toronto in winter

Staying overnight in Toronto? Book one of the top downtown Toronto hotels here:

✅ Best Luxury Hotel: Ritz-Carlton Toronto ✅ Best Budget Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown

Best Evening and Late Night Activities in Toronto

This list will take you all across the city (and even to some nearby attractions), but the majority of Toronto’s late night activities are found in the downtown core and nearby neighbhourhoods.

Whether you’re heading to a game at the Rogers Centre or Scotiabank Arena, looking for the best eats after work, or spending a romantic evening with your special someone, here’s our ideas of what to do in Toronto after dark.

1. Head to the CN Tower to See the City Lights

Visiting the CN Tower is easily one of the top night attractions in Toronto’s downtown core. As the city’s tallest structure, the CN Tower is a great place to go for panoramic views of Toronto that is especially captivating at dusk.

With the city’s lights twinkling below, you’ll feel like you’re standing on top of the world.

This small group night tour of the CN Tower and historic Old Town is an awesome way to see the city lights and one of Toronto’s most visited after neighbhourhoods. Tours are the best way for us to get the most out of our travels as tourists. This tour is highly-rated and also includes pick-up and drop off from your downtown Toronto hotel.

And if you’re visiting Toronto as a tourist, picking up some iconic Canadian souvenirs from the CN Tower gift shop is a great way to bring a little piece of Canada back home with you.

If you’re looking for a romantic night out, the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant is the perfect spot for an evening meal. Located at the top of the tower, you’ll be treated with a fabulous meal while the city circles around you below.

⭐ Check Toronto Night Tour to CN Tower and the Old Town

2. Visit the Toronto Islands for a Scenic Skyline View 

Visiting the Toronto Islands at night can be a magical experience, giving you the chance to escape the busy city streets and to take in the skyline from (in our opinion) the best spot in the whole city.

While most visitors head to the islands during the day for outdoor activities, the islands take on a completely different atmosphere at night. With fewer people around and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Just be sure to catch the last late night ferry back to mainland!

One of the best things to do on the Toronto Islands at night is to take a bicycle tour around the island while the sun is setting.

This top-rated 3 hour, guided small group evening bike tour is a convenient way to visit the island without having to worry about all of the logistics of ferries and bike rentals. You’ll get to see the main sites of the island, stop for dessert, and have a friendly guide share stories of the island you wouldn’t otherwise hear.

⭐ Check Toronto Island Evening Bike Tour Availability

The Centreville Amusement Park, located on Centre Island, is also open until 8pm on weekends in the summer months, making for a fun activity for families and groups. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the island’s restaurants.

Regardless of what you do on the island, we highly recommend stopping and taking in the stellar sunset with the glowing skyline and reflective waterfront. There’s nothing quite like Toronto Island at night, so make sure to get the most out of your visit before catching the last ferry back to downtown.

Tip: The islands are home to a few of the best places to go in Toronto for a night view. We’ll touch on this more below.

3. Take an Evening Tour of Niagara Falls

There’s no denying that Niagara Falls isn’t in Toronto, but it is relatively close! Instead of driving 1.5 hours, we recommend the simplicity of booking this full-day and evening tour of Niagara Falls from Toronto .

What we love about taking a tour of Niagara Falls from Toronto is that all of the logistics are taken care of and you know you will be taken to see the best sites in Niagara Falls. While most tours only run in the daytime, this one extends into the evening so you have time to see the falls illuminated at night.

This tour also includes an optional buffet dinner at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel’s Fallsview Restaurant, one of the best Fallsview hotels in Niagara Falls . This hotel is known for its jaw-dropping views of the falls, including from its stunning restaurant.

If you’re just arriving in Toronto by plane and want to start your first evening in Ontario with this activity, getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto Pearson Airport isn’t hard either. You can take a bus, GO Transit, shuttle service or arranged tour with pick up and drop off.

⭐ Check Niagara Falls Day & Evening Tour from Toronto Availability

4. Walk the Glowing Downtown Toronto Streets

There are some really great places to take a walk in the downtown Toronto city at night.

One popular spot to walk is along the Harbourfront (Queen’s Quay), where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Ontario while taking in the city’s skyline. The area is well-lit and is considered a safe and enjoyable place to walk. 

Another great area to walk in downtown Toronto in the evening is the Distillery District. This pedestrian-only area is home to a collection of restored Victorian-era buildings that now house art galleries, restaurants, and shops. 

This Old Town Toronto district is lit up with charming string lights, creating a cozy and romantic ambiance. With its narrow cobblestone streets, quaint shops and historic architecture, the Distillery District is a uniquely picturesque spot to explore after dark.

For us, we love walking the streets of Toronto’s Entertainment District at night. There’s so much energy around you, especially if there’s a game or event happening that night. It’s a free thing to do and an easy way to absorb the vibe of the big city.

5. Attend a Blue Jays, Raptors or Maple Leafs Game

Attending one of Toronto’s professional league games is one of the best evening activities in the city – whether you’re a diehard fan or not (like us).

The electric atmosphere at any major league game is thrilling and contagious, and is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and your heart racing. If we (self-proclaimed non-sports fans) can get hyped up for a game, you know it’s legit.

Depending on the sport, games are usually held at the Scotiabank Arena or the Rogers Centre, both located in the downtown core.

Even if you don’t have tickets in advance, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to grab some at the door or from people reselling them on the street before the game – just be prepared to pay for the convenience.

6. Catch a Performance at the Iconic Ed Mirvish Theatre

One of the most iconic experiences you can have in during an evening visit to Toronto is catching a performance at the Ed Mirvish Theatre. Here you will find both stunning architecture and design, as well as world-class productions, making this theater truly a Toronto bucket list stop for anyone who loves the arts. 

Whether you’re into classic musicals or contemporary dramas, you can bank on the performances here being well worth your time.

After the show, the fun doesn’t have to end. Toronto’s Entertainment District is filled with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, making it the perfect place to continue your night out. 

7. Visit the ROM After Dark

Visiting the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)’s 19+ monthly ROM After Dark events is a fun way to switch up your usual date night or evening out with your friends. ROM After Dark is a special event that takes place on select Fridays throughout the year, offering extended hours and fun 19+ entertainment throughout the museum.

During the ROM After Dark, you can explore the museum’s galleries and exhibits after hours and in a more intimate setting with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. The event also features special programming, including live music, featured interactive displays, and great food and drink.

Spending the evening exploring ROM After Dark is a fantastic opportunity to explore the museum in a new and exciting way, and the perfect date idea or social event for anyone who loves a little intrigue and thought provoking conversation.

8. Explore the Diverse Food Scene of Kensington Market

Exploring Kensington Market at night is a fun alternative to the bar and nightclub scene.

The market is known for its assortment of independent shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a fun neighbourhood to explore for an evening stroll. The colorful streets come alive with twinkling lights, live music and busy patios (during the summer).

Kensington Market at night is an excellent spot for foodies, with a variety of street food vendors and restaurants serving up cuisine from around the world. If you like exploring unique neighbourhoods after the sun sets, Kensington Market is a must-visit night spot in downtown Toronto.

9. Stroll Through Toronto’s Quaint Parks

Taking a walk at night through Toronto’s quaint parks is a peaceful way to enjoy nature in the concrete jungle, and one of the best free things to do in Toronto at night.

Some of the best parks for walking at night include the Toronto Music Gardens (at the Harbourfront), High Park, and Riverdale Park East (where you can see a sweet view of the Toronto night skyline). 

The Toronto Music Gardens , designed in collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, offers a unique experience for visitors, with its winding paths, water features, and musical motifs inspired by Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major. 

High Park , located in the heart of the city, gives you a chance to escape the busyness of the city, with its wooded trails, ponds, and cherry blossoms in the spring. 

Riverdale Park East , located along the Don Valley Parkway, is home to one of the best lookouts over Toronto, making it the perfect spot for a romantic evening stroll or a peaceful solo walk. 

10. Shop at the Eaton Centre

Shopping at the Eaton Centre is a low-key way to spend the evening in Toronto when the weather makes you want to stay indoors. This massive shopping mall located in the heart of downtown features over 230 stores and restaurants, making it downtown Toronto’s biggest shopping centre. 

The Eaton Centre is also conveniently located near many of Toronto’s other top attractions, so it’s a great way to round off your day after hours of sightseeing.

11. Walk Along the Vibrant Bloor-Yorkville Neighbourhood

Walking along the vibrant Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood is another free evening activity in Toronto for all ages. This upscale neighborhood is known for its high-end shopping, trendy vintage thrift stores , gorgeous architecture, and lively cultural scene.

The area is home to some of Toronto’s most popular shops, including designer boutiques, luxury brand stores, and independent retailers. Visitors can also explore art galleries, museums, and cultural attractions, including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Bata Shoe Museum.

If you’re spending the evening in this mid-town Toronto neighbourhood, you can look forward to enjoying a leisurely stroll along tree-lined streets, and stopping for a coffee or a bite to eat at one of the area’s many chic cafes and restaurants. 

12. Visit a Toronto Night Market

Consider visiting Toronto’s night markets if you want to get immersed in the city’s cultural street food and market scene. These outdoor markets feature vendors selling everything from delicious street food and handmade crafts to fresh produce and unique gifts.

The night markets are typically held on select weekends during the summer months. You can expect a lively atmosphere with music, entertainment, and cultural performances.

You can browse stalls, sample delicious food from around the world, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Here’s a couple Toronto night markets to check out:

🥡 Night Market Toronto: Halal Food Tour (stops in various cities across GTA) 🥡Stackt Market: BACKYARD Asian Night Market  🥡 Distillery Winter Village

13. Enjoy an Evening Patio

There’s something magical about enjoying the evening on a restaurant patio in downtown Toronto. As you sit outside on a warm summer evening, the hustle and bustle of the busy streets fades into the background, and you’re left to savor the moment with good company and delicious food.

A city the size of Toronto has lots of great patios to check out in the warm weather. Some restaurants in downtown Toronto with a reputation for the best patios include:

🍹Kost – 80 Blue Jays Way 🍹The One Eighty – 55 Bloor Street West 🍹Kasa Moto – 115 Yorkville Ave 🍹El Catrin – 18 Tank House Lane 🍹Lavelle – 627 King St West 🍹 Epoch Bar + Kitchen Terrace – 181 Wellington St W

14. Rent a Bonfire Pit Across the City

Having a bonfire at a designated bookable fire pit in Toronto is a fantastic way to spend an evening with friends or family. There’s something so down to earth and comforting about gathering around a fire, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying good conversation.

In the heart of the city, it can be hard to find a place where you can experience the tranquility of nature, but these fire pits offer just that.

The city of Toronto has several designated fire pits that can be booked ahead of time, many of which are in public parks or beaches. Check out a map of the city’s designated firepits that you can book for your next night out in Toronto.

Note: A permit is required, but the application is quite simple by calling 416.396.7378, then dialing 2.

15. Take a Boat Tour of the Toronto Harbourfront

Get out on the water for a top evening cruise along the Toronto Harbourfront with one of the city’s top touring companies. As you cruise along the waterfront, you’ll be treated to sunset views of the city skyline, seeing downtown from a perspective you just can’t get on land.

During this tour , you’ll also typically learn about the history of the city and the Toronto Islands. Many tour operators offer guided commentary, pointing out notable landmarks and sharing interesting stoires about the city’s past. 

A Harbourfront Cruise is a great after dinner activity in Toronto for all ages and abilities, and a totally memorable way to spend your time in Canada’s largest city.

⭐ Check rates and availability for this top evening cruise along the Toronto Harbourfront

16. Embark on a Night Tour of Old Toronto

Taking a night tour of Old Town Toronto with See Sight Tours is a great way to experience the city’s rich history and culture after dark.

As you walk through the cobblestone streets and alleyways of the Distillery District, you’ll hear stories about the area’s past and have the chance to shop and see this pedestrian-only area by foot.

You’ll also see some of the city’s highlights by car in a driving tour through downtown, as well as take in the most scenic lookout of the city from the top of the CN Tower.

17. Spend the Evening at the Rec Room 

For a fun evening in downtown Toronto, check out The Rec Room just south of the CN Tower, on Bremner Boulevard. This massive entertainment complex is filled with all kinds of activities, including an arcade, virtual reality experiences, bowling, and more. 

There’s also a bar and restaurant onsite, and a sweet outdoor patio with views of the CN Tower. Catch live performances in the evenings or watch the game on their big screens. 

There are also a number of similar type of indoor arcades and games centres that cater to both adults and kids across the GTA. If you’re up for a drive just outside the city, check out Playdium, Activate or Glow Zone 360, some of the best evening activities in Brampton .

18. Go Ice Skating at Nathan Phillips Square in Winter

Skating at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto is a quintessential winter activity that any tourist to the city should do. The square’s outdoor ice rink is the most iconic skating spot in the city, as it’s surrounded by Toronto’s skyscrapers and the exciting energy of the city.

The rink is open from in the winter months and is free to use. Downtown Toronto is one of the top Ontario destinations to visit during winter , and getting in some ice time at Nathan Phillips Square should be high on your priority list.

During the winter months, the square is decorated with holiday lights and a massive Christmas tree. The rink is open late into the evening, and is definitely a must-do winter activity in Toronto that’s perfect for all ages.

19. Attend a Live Show

Attending a live show in Toronto is an experience definitely worth having at least once during your stay in the city. As you may well know, Toronto is home to a thriving arts scene, with a huge variety of live shows taking place on any given night.

Some of the many iconic venues in Toronto include the Mirvish Theatre, Massey Hall, Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

Attending a live show in Toronto is not just about the performance itself, but also about the energy and atmosphere of the city. The streets are alive with excitement as people flock to their favorite show spots.

20. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium for a Night Event

It’s one thing to visit Ripley’s Aquarium in the day time, but visiting in the evening is that much cooler . Whether you arrive late for their regular evening hours (until 9pm) or attend a special night event, spending the evening with majestic sea creatures is a magical way to experience Toronto at night. 

Whether you’re with family, friends, or on a romantic date, the aquarium provides a unique and unforgettable backdrop for your evening in the city. The combination of sea creatures, interactive exhibits, and deep sea lighting are perfectly suited for a nightime outing.

We’ve visited Toronto’s Ripley’s Aquarium a few times now, and while we haven’t personally seen it alive at night, we know how awesome it is by day. We can only imagine the magic of seeing it after dark.

21. Experience the Magic of the Distillery Winter Village

One of the most exciting things to do in Toronto at night in the winter is visiting the Distillery Winter Village (rebranded from the Toronto Christmas Market).

The market is set up in the historic Distillery District, which is transformed into a winter wonderland from mid-November until the final hurrah of the New Year’s Eve celebration.

Some of the highlights of the Distillery Winter Village include shopping from dozens of unique vendors, enjoying late night eats, and making it out for live musical performances during the Christmas week.

You can also experience the lighting of the giant Christmas tree, and stroll blissfully along the quaint cobblestone streets filled with festive decorations.

22. Take a Self-Guided Graffiti & Mural Tour

One of the more unique free things to do in Toronto at night is to embark on a free self-guided graffiti and mural art tour, curated by Artworx TO. Pick your tour, arrive at the first stop, and walk around to each city stop to find out the stories behind the street art you see around you.

Each tour will give you an estimated length of time you’d need to complete all stops, and includes online descriptions you’ll listen to or read along the way.

If you’ve been looking for a fun and interactive way to get to know the city of Toronto, this is it. Check out the full listing of walking tours by Artworx TO to take your pick!

23. Enjoy Late Night Street Food

This next idea of late night activities in Toronto might sound a little bizzare, but hear us out. Toronto is a city that never sleeps – and therefore always eats – and some of the best foods from all cultures can be found after dark!

Whether you’re grabbing some comfort food from a food truck in the Entertainment District, or sitting down for dim sum in Chinatown, eating out is a fun late night activity not to be underrated. Just look for the crowds after dark and you’ll know which restaurants are worth your business.

One of my most fond memories in Toronto is eating out at a classy Turkish restaurant close to downtown at night.

I still remember the mood lighting, the warm evening breeze and the excitement of trying a new cuisine. It felt like I had been transported right into Turkey – which is the power of amazing food and the right atmosphere!

24. Walk Along the Beach

Believe it or not, you can actually walk along a few tranquil beaches in Toronto, taking in the cooler night air and lower crowds when compared to the day.

If you love the feeling of escape from the city but don’t want to drive hours out of town, then head to Cherry Beach, Canada’s Sugar Beach, Bluffer’s Beach or one of the other sandy shorelines along Lake Ontario that line the city. 

Top your night off on the beach by renting a fire pit or grabbing an ice cream, and you’ll feel like you’re in cottage country without even leaving the urban centre.

If you’re a lover of great beaches, consider heading less than two hours outside of the city for a getaway to Wasaga Beach – the longest freshwater beach in the world!

25. Enjoy a Dinner Show at Medieval Times

Sit back and enjoy a meal and show both fit for a King at the Medieval Times Toronto. You will be transported back in time to the era of knights and jesters as you watch a live performance of jousting, falconry, and much more, while enjoying a four-course meal.

The venue is designed to resemble a medieval castle, complete with stone walls, suits of armor, and a throne room, adding to the overall atmosphere of the show. The show is an impressive and thrilling display of skill and athleticism, and is easily entertaining for all ages.

Medieval Times in Toronto is a winning place to go in Toronto for both adults and kids. In fact my first experience with this show was for a school field trip!

26. Take a Private Sunset Flight Over the City

If you want an exhilarating way to see the city from a new perspective, then consider taking a private sunset flight over Toronto. From the air, you’ll enjoy incredible views of Toronto’s landmarks, including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the waterfront, all with the beauty of a colourful sunset around you.

One of the highlights of a your private flight over Toronto is the opportunity to see the city’s skyline in a way that’s simply impossible from the ground. The tour will also display the city’s many neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront areas, giving you the chance to appreciate the scale and diversity of Toronto. 

Perfect for a high-ticket date idea or a special way to remember your trip to Toronto, this evening activity will definitely impress.

Experience the city at night by driving through some of Toronot’s most interesting neighbourhoods as they come alive after the sun sets.

Take in the city lights of the downtown skyscrapers and busy storefronts in the Entertainment District, or make a point of driving by the city’s top landmarks lit up at night, like the CN Tower, Casa Loma, or the ROM. 

If you want to go to a great lookout point over the Toronto skyline at night, head a bit further north to Riverdale Park East where you can look down at the lights of downtown below.

Driving through the streets of Toronto at night is also a great way to get feel for the vibe of the different downtown neighbourhoods that you’ll want to explore by day, without having to contend with busy traffic.

Whether it’s the hipster vibe of Queen West, the upscale boutiques of Yorkville, or the eclectic mix of Kensington Market, you can discover a lot about the city while taking an evening drive.

FAQs: Toronto by Night 

What can you do at night in toronto.

There’s plenty of things to do in Toronto after dinner for all ages and budgets. If you have time to plan in advance, you can get tickets to a live show, or book an evening walking tour of some of the unique downtown neighbourhoods.

You can even visit many of the main attractions in Toronto in the evening hours, including Ripley’s Aquarium and the CN Tower.

If you’re feeling adventurous, we recommend taking the ferry to the Toronto Islands Park where you can watch the sunset and see the skyline from the best viewpoint in the city.

Is Toronto safe at night?

Generally, most areas of Toronto are considered safe at night. Like any other major city, there are certain areas that may be less safe than others, and you should always apply common sense to avoid stepping into danger or lowering your awareness of your surroundings.

The downtown Entertainment District, where many tourists will be at night is usually quite busy with foot traffic and open venues, making it generally quite safe to walk at night. Toronto also has an extensive public transportation system that operates 24/7, making it easy for you to get around safely at night.

As with any city, exercise street smarts and take precautions such as staying in well-lit areas, avoiding deserted streets, walking with others or having your phone in hand, and being aware of your surroundings.

Is Toronto a late night city?

Yes, Toronto is a late night city with a thriving nightlife scene. Many restaurants, bars, and clubs stay open late, especially on weekends, and the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) public transportation system operates 24/7.

Toronto also hosts lots of late night events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts, and cultural events.

What are some beautiful places in Toronto at night?

Some beautiful places to visit in Toronto to see the city lights include the CN Tower, Toronto Islands, Nathan Phillips Square, the Distillery District, and the Harbourfront. These locations each give you a unique night experience in the city, making them great spots for a nighttime stroll or to get a glimpse of the skyline lights.

We’ve managed to see the lights of Toronto at night from a number of different viewpoints. Here are the best we’ve come across: ✔️ CN Tower: The observation deck at the top of the CN Tower offers stunning panoramic views of the city. ✔️ Toronto Islands: A ferry ride to the Toronto Islands provides breathtaking views of the city skyline from across the water. ✔️ Polson Pier: This area on the waterfront offers a great view of the city skyline, particularly at sunset and during the evening. ✔️ Riverdale Park East: This park on the east side of the city offers a beautiful view of the downtown skyline, particularly at night when the city is lit up. ✔️ Hotel Rooftop Bars: Several hotels in the city have rooftop bars with amazing views of the skyline, including the Thompson Hotel, the Broadview Hotel, and the Bisha Hotel.

Wrap Up: Toronto at Night

If your visit to Toronto includes an evening on the town, then you can rest assured that there are plenty of night activities and great places to go for you to experience. Even if you’re not big on the typical nightlife scene, Toronto has almost endless things to do for tourists and locals of all budgets.

Having spent countless nights in Toronto ourselves, our recommendation is to spend time walking around the downtown Toronto neighbourhoods to soak in the vibe of the city. From there, and depending on your budget and timeframe, have a little spontaneity and see what kinds of interesting places you find around you to explore.

We hope the night life of Toronto will give you as much of a night to remember as it does for us!

Erie is the owner and author of Everywhere Ontario. She’s lived and traveled around Ontario for over 30 years, visiting small towns and big cities from the shores of Lake Erie to the crisp northern air of Hearst along the Trans-Canada Highway. She is passionate about maximizing fun and supporting local tourist businesses and is always looking to provide the best recommendations to her fellow Ontario travelers. Read more about Erie here .

Journey Beyond Borders: Discover, Explore, And Cherish with ToNiagara

• Destinations
• Niagara Falls

Things to do at Niagara Falls at Night

Niagara Falls is an awe-inspiring wonder of nature with a wide range of activities like fun at Clifton Hill, watching fireworks, and illuminations during the night or, outdoor shows in front of Horseshoe Fall, which spews out a million gallons of water every year.

Niagara Falls is one of the top tourist attractions in New York State. One can expect a wide range of options for entertainment when they visit Niagara Falls and its surrounding areas. These options include dining, lodging, and other services at any time of day or night.

Furthermore, Niagara Falls is a fantastic place with tons of activities and things you can do all year round, like shopping, dining out, etc., and it never gets old what one would need apart from all the above. You will not be disappointed visiting this beautiful sight even after dark, and there is a lot more excitement going on than just watching the water flow over huge rocks! There are many things to do at Niagara Falls at night so get ready to witness these world-famous landmarks lit up by spectacular light shows. At the same time, everyone receives VIP treatment, including drinks service right next to the spectacle!

Explore Niagara Falls at Night

Visit Niagara Falls at night when the sun goes down to explore all the fun-filled activities and attractions. The falls come alive with different colors and light displays!

Step out to enjoy the nightlife by staying overnight in Niagara Falls, Canada. There are so many things to do at Niagara Falls at night. From fun activities and superb restaurants to pubs, 24-hours casinos, and nightclubs, Niagara Falls, Canada, has entertainment suitable for every type of visitor.

Lundy’s Lane, Clifton Hill, and Falls Avenue have a lot of attractions.

Here is the list of things to do in Niagara Falls at night

1. Witness The Illuminations At Niagara Falls In The Evening

If you think the Falls put on a show by day, wait until you see Niagara Falls at night. Enjoy the fantastic illumination at night. Niagara Falls comes alive in the evening. You can see illuminated water with exciting colors, and during the summer months, fireworks (weather permitting) provide another reason to visit Niagara Falls at night. This scenery will truly amaze you! The Niagara Falls illuminations transform the water wonder into a kaleidoscopic cascade of color. This transformation occurs 365 days a year so that you can see it anytime during your stay! You’ll have abundant opportunities for perfect social media shots as well with these gorgeous lights that last until 2 a.m. in the summer months. A trip to Niagara Falls is a great way to get away from every day and celebrate special occasions. The nighttime truly is the right time when visiting the Falls! To book your evening tour with ToNiagara click here .

2. Niagara Falls Fireworks

Visitors to the Falls can watch over 100 free fireworks shows every night of their visit, streaking across the sky above Niagara.

The famous fireworks display at Niagara Falls is a must-see event for travelers, with over 100 shows taking place in the night sky this summer. During the tourist season of May-October, fireworks are set off over the Falls on select days at 10:00 p.m. The best places to watch the fireworks are Niagara Parkway and Queen Victoria Park.

3. Niagara Falls Fireworks Cruise

On this 40-minute sightseeing cruise, you will be able to experience the beauty of an illuminated Niagara Falls at night. You will also get a chance to travel through the Niagara Gorge on a state-of-the-art double-decker catamaran ship and view three different waterfalls, including Horseshoe Falls, which Canada and America share. The evening includes a fireworks display as well.

• Experience Niagara Falls up close from the water below.
• Choose either an indoor or outdoor deck
• See the falls and city illuminated in the evening
• Explore a spectacular fireworks display, weather permitting
• See both sides of this natural wonder lit in different colours at night with mobile tickets that allow direct entry onto your cruise.

4. Niagara’s casino is the perfect place to spend a fun evening.

If you’ve already seen the night views and are still wondering what to do in Niagara Falls at night, visit Seneca Niagara Resort &amp Casino. Niagara’s casino has a unique ambiance that you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Its design makes it special, which mixes traditional Canadian elements with modern amenities and features to create what might just be one of the most beautiful casinos you will ever set foot into. This Vegas-vibed, Seneca Nation-inspired colossus is gilded by ornate features, animal iconography, and lights confetti. There’s also an abundance of gaming options with 95 poker tables and 3100 slot machines for players who have set limits or going all out!

5. Dine at a Fallsview Restaurant,

You can enjoy dinner while having a view of Niagara Falls at the Revolving Dining Room and Summit Suite Buffet, Sheraton on the Falls, Morton’s Grille Prime Steakhouse, or Watermark.

Dine at a restaurant with amazing views of Niagara Falls at The Revolving Dining room & summit suite buffet in Skylon Tower, located near Canadian Horseshoe falls that offers spectacular views from every angle inside its glass walls for the dining experience. The Sheraton On The Falls hotel houses Canada’s most refined buffets serving regional specialties alongside traditional favorites. Morton’s Grille prime steak house is situated on the top floor, giving a tremendous sky-high dining experience with beautiful waterfalls views.

6.  Magic Shows At Night is also one of the best things from the bucket list of things to do at Niagara Falls at Night

The Wild Magic Illusion Show performed nightly at the Greg Frewin Theatre is a fantastic family-friendly show.

When you want to escape from all of your daily troubles and enjoy some great, magical entertainment with friends or loved ones, make sure that you see The Wild Magic Illusion Show by watching it every night at The Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls! This is perfect for adding to your bucket list of things to do at Niagara Falls at night. This year has been an exciting one for this theatre company. It is on the list for “Best Entertainment Group” Tourism Well and Niagara hosted this past Springtime Awards ceremony; now there’s something worth bragging about!

7. Plan A Perfect Date Night At Niagara Falls

Make it a classic date night by going to the movies at Niagara Falls. You can watch all of the latest Hollywood releases and not have to worry about dinner plans beforehand because the last show starts around 9:30 p.m., giving plenty of time for an intimate meal ahead. Other options include Regal Niagara Falls, The Historic Palace Theatre in Lockport, The Sunset Drive-In in Middleport, or Movies Under the Stars at Veterans Memorial Community Park during summertime.

8. Clifton Hill Attractions

This street, close to Niagara Falls, is one of the central tourist attraction areas in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Walkthrough the promenade to see the dazzling lights and various activities, as well as the fun and adventure in Clifton Hill, continuing into the wee hours of the night. One of the best ways to enjoy Clifton Hill attractions is at night. There are many different types of shows and activities that take place on the street after dark. This makes it’s a great time for parents with younger children or teenagers who want something fun during their visit to Niagara Falls.

Great Canadian Midway: This 70,000 square foot entertainment complex is open till 2:00 a.m. every day of the week. Furthermore, it has arcade games, rides, and a Boston Pizza outlet on the upper level.

Niagara SkyWheel:  This 175-foot high Ferris wheel provides perfect views of the Falls. Its climate-controlled enclosed gondolas provide a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy the ride and the view. It stays open till 1:00–2:00 a.m.

9. Nightclubs

Niagara Falls, Canada, has clubs that offer plenty of action until late at night. This is perfect for—your bucket list of things to do at Niagara Falls at night. Moreover, there are pubs, wine bars, karaoke bars, and nightclubs. You can add nightclubs to your bucket list of things to do at Niagara Falls during the night. Dragonfly Nightclub, The Beer Garden, Hard Rock Night Club. Moreover, the R5 Lounge in Fallsview Casino Resort is one of the places you can visit.

10. Join the front row with some of music’s biggest stars

Set high atop the Niagara River Gorge, a magnificent celebration of the arts that happens every summer at Art park. With over 20 concerts scheduled throughout July and August, audiences can enjoy some amazing music. People can enjoy fantastic performances by music’s biggest stars, including Steven Tyler and Loving Mary Band, Barenaked Ladies with Better Than Ezra, and KT Tunstall, OAR, among many others.

Other Attractions

Most of the attractions and eateries in Clifton Hill stay open till midnight. After a day of sightseeing, you can wander around this neighborhood and step into some of the places.

• Dinosaur Adventure Golf
• Movieland Wax Museum
• Fudge Factory
• Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
• Niagara Speedway
• Zombie Attack

If you visit in winter, you can enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights. This is an event where lighting displays are put up all over the tourist districts, as well as, and colored lights will cover iconic landmarks.

Every evening beginning at dusk, Niagara Falls is illuminated in various colors, making it one of the most majestic places on earth. Enjoy a nightly Falls Illumination in stunning Niagara Falls with its beautiful lights set against this world-famous natural wonder. Click here to book Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour

with ToNiagara

Popular Destinations

• British Columbia
• Eastern Canada
• Nova Scotia

Most Popular

What Airport Is Closest To Niagara Falls In Canada?

NIAGARA FALLS WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Why Is Niagara Falls Important To Canada?

What Time Are The Fireworks In Niagara Falls On New Years Eve?

Canadian Side Tour of Niagara Falls with Optional Maid of The Mist Boat Ride

Fallsview Casino Resort

Most popular niagara falls tours.

Niagara Falls, ON, Canada">Voyage To The Falls Boat Tour Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Boarding Time 9:15 pm, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada">Falls Fireworks Cruise Boarding Time 9:15 pm, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

(Pickups From Toronto & Mississauga)">Best Value Toronto to Niagara Falls Day Tour (Pickups From Toronto & Mississauga)

(Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)">Toronto To Niagara Falls Day Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)

(Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)">Toronto To Niagara Falls Day and Evening Tour (Small Group. Includes Boat Cruise & Wine Tasting)

(April 8, 2024)">Niagara Falls Total Solar Eclipse Day Tour From Toronto (April 8, 2024)

Insert/edit link.

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

Categories > Guides and Tips

14 Fun Things To Do in Hamilton At Night

Check out hess village, ​catch a show at the firstontario concert hall, go stargazing at the royal botanical gardens, ​visit the art gallery of hamilton, take a ghost walking tour, enjoy some cocktails at bar sazerac, play bowling at splitsville entertainment.

• Try night skiing at Devil's Punchbowl Conservation Area

Explore Dundurn Castle

Play arcades at arcade hamilton (moodys), ​dine in at the powerhouse, watch live music at this casbah, stroll along pier 4 park, ​head to levity comedy club & lounge.

Get ready to light up the night, because Hamilton truly comes alive after the sun goes down! The party is far from over, my friend—in fact, it’s just beginning.

So grab your pals, put on your dancing shoes, and join us as we explore the most entertaining things to do in Hamilton at night. 100% guaranteed, you won’t want to miss out on the fun!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jesús González (@lgsus1979)

Website: https://nexthome.ca/neighbourhoods/hamilton-hess-village/

Address: 30 Hess St S, Hamilton, ON 

Contact Details: +1 905-523-8881

Operating Hours:

• Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 3 AM

Hess Village is the spot to be when the sun goes down. It’s basically a whole street lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants, all ready to make your night one to remember. 

Plus, the atmosphere is just so lively and friendly, you’ll feel like you’re part of one big party. Seriously, it’s impossible not to have a blast.

What’s even better is that the whole area is pedestrian-only, so you can stroll from one place to the next without having to worry about traffic. That means you can easily hop from bar to bar, trying out different drinks and vibes without any hassle. 

Local tip: If you’re visiting on a weekend, try to arrive early to avoid long lines at the popular spots.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Martinus Geleynse (@martinusg)

Website:   http://www.coreentertainment.ca/venues/detail/firstontario-concert-hall  

Address: 1 Summers Ln, Hamilton, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-546-3100

FirstOntario Concert Hall is a beautiful, historic venue with amazing acoustics, making it the ideal place to enjoy live performances. The moment you step inside, you’ll be blown away by the stunning architecture and the overall atmosphere. 

One of the best things about this venue is the variety of acts it attracts. You could catch a performance by your favorite band, laugh your heart out at a comedy show, or even be mesmerized by a ballet or an orchestra. 

It’s the perfect spot to experience a wide range of artistic talent, all under one roof. And hey, don’t forget to check out the bar for some pre-show or intermission drinks. 

It’s a great way to mingle with fellow concert-goers and make some new friends. 

Local tip: Parking can be a bit tricky around the venue, so consider taking public transit or arriving early to secure a spot.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christian | Koblenz | WW (@chris.kblnz)

Website: https://www.rbg.ca/  

Address: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-527-1158

• Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM

The Royal Botanical Gardens offer a stunning location to just lay back, relax, and gaze at the stars. Plus, you’ll be amazed by the variety of plants and flowers around you, making the whole experience even more magical.

The garden also occasionally hosts special stargazing events, so be sure to check their calendar before you go. These events often include guided tours and local astronomy experts who set up telescopes for everyone to use.

And if you’re worried about getting hungry during your stargazing adventure, fear not! The Royal Botanical Gardens have got you covered with their on-site café, offering delicious snacks and beverages to keep you fueled throughout the evening .

Local tip: If you’re visiting during the summer months, make sure to check out the Perseid Meteor Shower in August—it’s an absolutely spectacular sight at the Royal Botanical Gardens!

Website:   http://www.artgalleryofhamilton.com/  

Address: 123 King St W, Hamilton, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-527-6610

• Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
• Friday – 11 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM

The AGH is the oldest and largest public art gallery in southwestern Ontario, so you know it’s got some serious cred. The gallery features over 10,000 works of art, including contemporary and historical pieces, and it’s got a little something for everyone.

And the best part? The AGH hosts a bunch of cool events throughout the year, like artist talks, film screenings, and even live music performances. You never know what you might stumble upon!

Though it’s not just about the art, it’s also a great spot to meet new people and socialize. Grab a drink at the Horse and Train Bistro or the Annex, both located right inside the gallery, and strike up a conversation with fellow art enthusiasts.

Local tip: Check out the AGH’s website for their “Free Friday” events, where admission to the gallery is free on the first Friday of every month from 4 pm to 8 pm!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matt Lawrence (@ml_productions)

Website: http://ghostwalks.com/  

Address: 82 King St E, Hamilton, ON

Contact Details: +1 855-844-6787

• Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 8:30 PM

These Ghost tours are led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides who’ll take you through the city’s most haunted spots while sharing chilling tales of ghost sightings, unexplained events, and creepy legends. 

You’ll stroll through historic neighborhoods and eerie alleys, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a ghost or two (if you’re lucky—or maybe unlucky?).

The best part is that you don’t have to be a paranormal enthusiast to enjoy this tour. It’s a unique way to see the city and learn about its history from a different perspective.

And hey, even if you don’t believe in ghosts, you’ll still have a blast uncovering the spooky side of Hamilton. Just make sure to bring your bravest friends along for moral support!

Local tip: Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes; you’ll be on your feet for about 1.5 to 2 hours during the tour!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Elizabeth D (@elizabethdubec)

Website: http://www.barsazerac.ca/  

Address: 278 James St N, Hamilton, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-869-1144

• Monday to Sunday – 4 PM to 2 AM

Bar Sazerac is the place to be if you’re into craft cocktails and a laid-back vibe. This New Orleans-inspired bar is all about good times, great drinks, and even better company.

The bartenders at Bar Sazerac are like mad scientists when it comes to crafting the perfect cocktail. And if you’re not sure what to order, just ask the bartender for a recommendation—they won’t steer you wrong!

Local tip: Don’t miss their weekly live music nights; it adds an extra layer of fun to the already awesome atmosphere!

Website: https://splitsville.ca/hamilton-bowling  

Address: 1525 Stone Church Rd E, Hamilton, ON 

Contact Details: +1 905-387-3660

• Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 12 AM
• Thursday – 10 AM to 12 AM
• Friday – 12 PM to 1 AM
• Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM

Splitsville Entertainment is like a playground for adults (and kids too!) with bowling, arcade games, and more. They have a bunch of bowling lanes, so you won’t have to wait too long to get your game on.

And even if you’re not a pro bowler, you can still have a ton of fun trying to knock down those pins. Plus, they’ve got this awesome cosmic bowling thing going on with glow-in-the-dark lanes and cool music.

Splitsville also has a rad arcade area with tons of games, from classic favorites to the latest releases. You can challenge your friends to a game of air hockey, try your luck at the claw machine, or race your way to victory in a driving game.

Local tip: Keep an eye on their website or social media for special promotions and discounts on bowling and other activities!

Try night skiing at Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andy – Travel photos/vids (@avrextravel)

Website: https://conservationhamilton.ca/conservation-areas/devils-punchbowl/  

Address: Ridge Rd, Stoney Creek, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-627-1233

• Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM

The Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area offers a variety of trails for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, so you can choose your own snowy adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a total newbie, there’s a trail that’ll suit your skill level. 

Plus, the trails are well-maintained and lit at night, so you can enjoy a safe and exhilarating experience. The Devil’s Punchbowl itself is a stunning natural wonder that you’ll get to admire as you glide through the snow.

This 37-meter waterfall, formed by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago, is a sight to behold, especially when it’s surrounded by a winter wonderland. Don’t forget to snap a few pics for the ‘gram!

Local tip: Dress in warm layers and bring a headlamp for extra visibility while you’re skiing through the trails!

Website: https://www.hamilton.ca/dundurn-national-historic-site  

Address: 610 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-521-3168

• Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM

Dundurn Castle is a real gem in the city , and it’s got a fascinating history that’ll transport you right back to the 19th century. Plus, who doesn’t love a little bit of mystery and intrigue?

This castle is actually an Italianate-style villa that was once home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, one of Canada’s first premiers. Today, it’s been beautifully restored and turned into a museum, with over 40 rooms filled with period furnishings and artifacts.

But here’s the really cool part: Dundurn Castle occasionally hosts special nighttime events, like candlelit tours and themed evenings, where you can explore the mansion after dark. 

These events are super popular and offer a unique way to experience Dundurn Castle’s history and atmosphere. You might even hear a ghost story or two while you’re there!

Local tip: Keep an eye on the Dundurn Castle website or social media pages for updates on their special nighttime events, and make sure to book your tickets in advance!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Moodys Pizza Bar & Arcade (@moodyshamont)

Website: http://www.arcadehamont.ca/  

Address: 107 George St #2, Hamilton, ON 

Contact Details: +1 289-309-6449

• Monday to Thursday – 3 PM to 12 AM
• Friday and Saturday- 12 PM to 2 AM
• Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM

At Arcade Hamilton, you’ll find a sweet collection of classic arcade games, pinball machines, and even some console games. Whether you’re a fan of Pac-Man, Street Fighter, or Donkey Kong, there’s something for everyone.

All the games are set to free play, so you can play to your heart’s content without worrying about running out of quarters! They’ve also got a super chill bar area where you can grab a drink, catch up with friends, or just take a break between gaming sessions.

Local tip: Keep an eye on their social media for special events like themed nights and gaming tournaments—they’re a great way to meet fellow gamers and have even more fun!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Powerhouse Restaurant (@powerhouse_restaurant)

Website: http://www.thepowerhouse.ca/  

Address: 21 Jones St, Stoney Creek, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-930-7381

• Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 11 PM
• Friday – 11 AM to 2 AM
• Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
• Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM

The Powerhouse got a great selection of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. Plus, their drink menu is on point with a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and wine. 

They often host local bands and musicians, so you’ll get to experience some of the best talent Hamilton has to offer. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring the city. 

Oh, and one more thing! The atmosphere at The Powerhouse is just perfect for a night out with friends or a date night.

Local tip: If you’re visiting on a weekend, try to arrive a bit early to grab a good spot, as it can get quite busy and lively!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Casbah Hamilton (@casbahgram)

Website: http://casbahlounge.ca/  

Address: 306 King St W, Hamilton, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-741-7625

• Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
• Friday – 5 PM to 2 AM
• Saturday – 2 PM to 2 AM
• Sunday – 2 PM to 11 PM

The Casbah showcases a diverse range of musical acts from local bands to touring artists. You’ll find everything from rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop. 

It also has a pretty sweet bar where you can grab a drink while enjoying the music. They’ve got a solid selection of beers, wines, and cocktails to keep you refreshed throughout the night.

In short, if you’re looking for a night filled with great music and good vibes, you can’t go wrong with The Casbah in Hamilton. It’s the kind of place where you’ll make some unforgettable memories and maybe even meet some new friends. 

Local tip: Keep an eye on their social media pages or website for upcoming shows and events, so you don’t miss out on your favorite artists!

Address: 64 Leander Dr, Hamilton, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-546-2489

• Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours

Pier 4 Park is a lovely green space with walking trails, benches, and picnic areas. As you walk along the pier, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the harbor and the city skyline. 

Plus, the park is beautifully lit at night, creating a magical atmosphere that’s perfect for a romantic walk or some quiet reflection. 

Pier 4 Park is also home to some pretty cool attractions, like the HMCS Haida, a historic naval ship that you can admire from the outside even during the evening hours.

And if you’re in the mood for a bite to eat, there are some great restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a snack or a meal to enjoy by the water.

Local tip: Bring a light jacket or sweater, as it can get a bit breezy by the water in the evening.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Levity Comedy Club & Lounge (@levitycomedyclub)

Website: http://www.levitycomedyclub.com/  

Address: 120 King St W, Hamilton, ON

Contact Details: +1 905-308-7888 

• Wednesday, Friday and Saturday – 7 PM to 2 AM

Levity Comedy Club and Lounge is a total blast! Not only do they have some of the best stand-up comedians from all over the country, but they also have a super cool lounge area where you can chill and have a few drinks with your friends.

You know what’s even better? The atmosphere at Levity is so laid-back and welcoming that you’ll feel like a local as soon as you walk through the door.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the drinks! Levity has a fully stocked bar with all your favorite beverages. And if you get a little hungry during the show, no worries; they also serve some delicious light snacks that are perfect for sharing with your buddies.

Local tip: If you want to score the best seats in the house, make sure to arrive a bit early—the place can fill up pretty quickly on popular nights!

A Local’s Guide to Lake O’hara

A Complete Guide to The Iceline Trails 

The 8 Best Neighbourhoods in Toronto

Beauvert Lake: What You Can Do Here

Top 12 Museums in Edmonton 

The 5 Best Tattoo Removal Clinics in Toronto

Immerse yourself in the performing arts

Listen to live music and concerts, cheer on professional teams at sporting events, visit iconic toronto attractions, laugh at comedy shows, enjoy diverse genres of movies, play to win at games and bars, dine with drinks and amazing views , dance to the beat at nightclubs, on this page, things to do in toronto at night.

If you are wondering where to go out in Toronto at night, look no further than the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. 

You will encounter a unique ambience when exploring Toronto at night. The city offers a diverse range of activities, including many bars, restaurants, clubs, and music venues. From stunning views of the skyline and a lit-up CN Tower, to live nighttime festivals and cultural events, there are plenty of fun things to do in Toronto at night.

Here are the top nighttime activities in Toronto.

In the heart of the downtown core, the beautiful glass design of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts holds exceptional opera and ballet performances as the permanent home of the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company . With brilliant lights, soaring acoustics, and a variety of premium and accessible seating options, you are sure to enjoy a top-quality show. Roy Thomson Hall is another iconic venue that features a variety of symphonies and musical entertainment.

Originally founded in 1986, Mirvish Productions is one of Canada’s most recognized and trusted theatre production companies. It operates four grand theatres in downtown Toronto: the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Princess of Wales Theatre, CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre and CAA Theatre. Each regularly hosts a range of dynamic performances, including acclaimed Broadway plays, across many genres. You are sure to find a play you will love. 

Insider Tip: Mirvish sometimes offers same-day rush tickets: a limited number of tickets sold at a discounted price on the day of the performance. These tickets are available online, over the phone and in person, on a first-come first-served basis.

When going out in Toronto, you will find plenty of small, intimate, venues where you can enjoy concerts and live music, up close to the performers.

Along Queen Street, soak in the Cameron House’s bohemian vibes and enjoy this cultural hub for musicians. The Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar is Toronto’s longest running jazz club where some of the genre’s top musicians in the world come to perform. At Massey Hall , one of Canada’s most iconic music venues, you will find a wide variety of musical and entertaining performances. This popular hall has hosted famous stars such as Glenn Gould, U2, Bryan Adams, Jann Arden and more. 

Classical detailing, patterned brickwork and opal glass windows decorate the Danforth Music Hall . Originally a movie theatre, this historic music hall has hosted both local and international entertainers, including Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Lorde, Iggy Azalea and more. For a contemporary Toronto entertainment experience, History offers incredible close-up, live music shows with high-quality sound and lighting, plus a bar close to the stage. 

You can also catch large-scale concerts and cultural events at Scotiabank Arena , Rogers Centre , and Budweiser Stage , which often feature popular artists like Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift and more.

For more amazing events happening in Toronto, check out the city’s Festival & Events calendar.

Ice hockey is Canada’s national winter sport, and the best way to get in on the seasonal fun is by joining the hometown fans in cheering on their teams. At Scotiabank Arena, you can get tickets for a Toronto Maple Leafs   NHL (National Hockey League) game or to a Toronto Raptors NBA (National Basketball League) game. The MLB’s (Major League Baseball) Toronto Blue Jays play at the nearby Rogers Centre while further out, in Exhibition Place, you can catch a football match of the Toronto FC at BMO Field. All these sporting event spaces are close to downtown and easily accessible by car and public transit. 

Insider Tip: Sports tickets, especially Toronto ice hockey tickets for the Leafs, sell out fast. Buy them early!

Consider visiting top tourist attractions in the evening when they are less crowded and you can enjoy the bright city lights.

Experience natural history and architectural artifacts at the Royal Ontario Museum, located in the heart of Yorkville. Whether you are interested in ancient civilizations, world cultures or fossils and minerals, there is a lot for you to learn and see at the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum). Nearby, the Art Gallery of Ontario features an ever-changing collection of stunning art exhibits. Take your time and marvel at the works on display by artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, The Group of Seven and more. 

The iconic Casa Loma in Toronto is open every day and allows you to explore this Gothic-style mansion originally built in the early 20th century. Tour the period rooms, climb winding stairs to the top of the castle tower, walk along the 240-metre long underground tunnel that connects to a hunting lodge, stroll through the 2-hectare estate gardens and more. 

Near Union Station, check out the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Here you can walk through more than a hundred years of hockey history and displays about famous inducted hockey players. 

Get transported through an aquatic adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium , where you will see over 20,000 freshwater and saltwater animals. Then walk through an underwater viewing tunnel as fish swim overhead; you will even get the chance to touch and interact with stingrays. 

Go for an unforgettable adventure and take a sunset paddle around the Toronto Islands with Toronto Canoe . 

Insider Tip: Several of these attractions offer special/themed public events on select evenings. Please refer to each attraction’s main website for tickets and more info. 

Thanks to its thriving comedy scene and talented comedians, comedy shows in Toronto are popular events that draw people every night. You may even spot some popular Canadian comedians like Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Mike Myers, or Seth Rogen.

Originally opening in Chicago in 1959 as a small comedy cabaret, the Toronto location of The Second City has expanded into a premiere comedy club and improv theatre, dazzling longtime fans and newcomers alike with its vibrant, humorous nighttime showings. 

A legion of the funniest Canadian comedians nurtured their talent in the Comedy Bar . With about 150 sketch and stand-up comedy shows running every month, seven nights a week, drop in whenever you want to enjoy a night of nonstop laughter in this cozy space. 

Enjoy the intimate atmosphere at Yuk Yuk , one of downtown Toronto’s top comedy clubs. Yuk Yuk regularly hosts amateur nights, giving new performers the chance to launch their careers—and you can sit right up close to the stage for their performances.

With five cinemas and over one thousand seats, the TIFF Bell Lightbox is an iconic symbol of Toronto’s film culture showing over 200 films all year-round. The building was awarded the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada’s Award of Excellence in Architecture, making this a perfect spot for film lovers seeking commemorative photo-ops.

Insider Tip: The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) runs every September. If you are near the TIFF Bell Lightbox during this time, keep an eye out for celebrities!

Love documentaries? Check out Hot Docs , featuring some of the world’s best documentaries. It also hosts the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival every summer, which includes over 200 breakthrough films from around the world as North America’s largest documentary festival. 

Look for the classic theatre marquee in Little Italy and you will find The Royal , which features intimate, private screenings of everything from comedy shows to community film events. If you are seeking a more casual, drop-in affair, Cineplex has a wide range of movies available, which can be viewed on a regular screen or in 3D, IMAX and UltraAVX.

If you are downtown, The Rec Room is a short walk south of the CN Tower and has one of the best arcades in Toronto. Enjoy a variety of games, virtual reality experiences and live entertainment in this vibrant location. It has two restaurants, each with a diverse menu. 

Alternatively, The Ballroom Bar is close by. With 10-pin bowling, live music, delicious pub food and a rooftop patio with a stunning view of the downtown skyline, this giant interactive venue is the perfect place to hang out with friends. 

For the more sports-minded folks, Track & Field offers bocce ball, tabletop shuffleboard, a photo booth, two whole floors of party space and a 30-foot bar. This lawn games bar in Little Italy also has an extensive cocktail menu, ideal for a fun night out. 

If you are looking to combine drinks with your love of ping-pong, SPIN has a dozen ping-pong tables set up in semi-private rooms for you and your party to enjoy. Everyone’s favourite pop classics play overhead thanks to the DJ. Make sure to take some photos at the photo booth to commemorate your best ping-pong shots. 

Just want to enjoy some amazing beer? Get Well features a wide range of local, craft and imported beers, as well as 13 rotating taps. One of the best bars in Toronto, this vintage taproom near Trinity Bellwoods Park also sports exciting pinball machines and arcade games, perfect for livening up your night out.

With such a breathtaking cityline, it’s no wonder there are so many great bars with a view in Toronto. 

Harriett’s Rooftop has a rooftop patio where you can take in a spectacular view of the Harbourfront while enjoying the restaurant’s light farm-to-table cuisine and signature cocktails. You can even dine poolside and take a dip in the water under the stars.

Get a captivating view of Toronto’s bustling entertainment district at Kōst, Bisha Hotel’s rooftop restaurant sitting at 44 stories high. Inspired by the California coastline, Kōst offers casual outdoor dining with modern, delicious seasonal dishes.

Valerie at Hotel X is situated near the Exhibition Place, with a rooftop patio that overlooks the stunning cityline. You will love the restaurant’s fresh, creative sushi menu paired with a vibrant ambience.

Visiting during the winter? Lavelle in the King West neighbourhood is open year-round and offers close-up views of the CN Tower and the lakefront. This trendy restaurant features comfortable poolside seating beside its three rooftop pools, which are enclosed when the weather turns cold. 

The Drake Sky Yard offers affordable drinks and snacks for you to enjoy with this award-winning rooftop patio’s live music and gorgeous views. It’s open year-round with heating in the winter, so pop in during any season. 

Alternatively, visit Rendezviews, just a short walk away. Benches painted in neon colours are scattered around this bright parking lot-turned-patio. You can watch a sports game, movie, or live event on the summer restaurant’s giant jumbotron as you eat and drink your way through the scrumptious menu of pub food, beer, and cocktails. 

Offering one of the most iconic views in Toronto, 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower is located in the city’s most famous tower. Enjoy Canadian fine dining as the restaurant slowly spins, completing one full rotation every 72 minutes and providing you with an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city. 

Insider Tip: If you are visiting the 360 Restaurant, book a reservation ahead of time so you can skip the CN Tower’s admission fee and still get to take in the breathtaking view from the top of this signature Toronto landmark. You can take in the views at the tower’s public viewing platform after your meal, at no extra cost. 

Toronto has a vibrant and diverse nightclub scene, and these nightclubs in Toronto cater to a wide range of tastes. 

Dress in your best clothing and hit the dance floor at REBEL Toronto . With two floors, a 65-foot stage, multiple bars and over 45,000 square feet of space, this popular nightclub will have you partying all night long. 

As its name suggests, the Toybox Nightclub has an adult playground theme. It offers two floors with large dance floors, a comfortable seating lounge and a big DJ booth. Popular among locals, this energetic nightclub is known for playing classic hip-hop and rap music.

One of Toronto’s top music venues, Drake Underground offers a range of live music concerts, DJ sets and comedy shows by local artists. Its underground location and indie vibe makes this place perfect for those seeking an unique, off-the-beaten path experience. 

Stone walls, exposed pipes and dim lighting accentuate the industrial aesthetic of Bambi’s in Trinity Bellwoods Park. Great for casual night outs, you can look forward to a diverse drinks menu while enjoying the local musicians who regularly get the dance floor moving. 

If you are searching for great dance songs, check out Coda in the Mirvish Village neighbourhood. Many of Coda’s events focus on electronic music. With the club’s high-quality sounds system, you can enjoy the lively drop-in dance parties until five in the morning. 

Related content

Iconic live music venues in Ontario

MICHELIN Star restaurants in Toronto

The Culture Lover's Guide to Opera in Toronto

Last updated:  December 28, 2023

Looking for Ontario travel advice?

Our experts are here to help you plan your perfect trip. Call or book today.

NIAGARA FALLS

Niagara Falls at Night

The 2024 schedule for the fireworks and nightly illumination of niagara falls..

This view from Prospect Pointe in Niagara Falls State Park shows the American Falls with the Canadian Falls in the distance. Enjoy the nightly illumination of Niagara Falls every night of the year. A recent multi-million dollar upgrade makes them even better!

To find out what attractions are open in Niagara Falls USA or Canada visit Now open in Niagara Falls .

THE LIGHTS ON THE FALLS ARE DISPLAYED EVERY NIGHT OF THE YEAR 

What time do the lights turn on at Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls Illumination schedule for 2024

January: 5:00PM – 1:00AM

February 1 to March 11: 5:30PM – 1:00AM

March 12 to March 31: 7:30PM – 1:00AM

April, May, June & July: 8:30PM – 2:00AM

August: 8:00PM – 2:00AM

September: 7:00PM – 2:00AM

October: 6:30PM – 2:00AM

November & December: 4:30PM – 2:00AM

FIREWORKS OVER NIAGARA FALLS!

2024 FIREWORKS AT NIAGARA FALLS

Join us for a spectacular free fireworks display. The fireworks are displayed at 10:00pm directly in front of the American Falls over the Niagara River every evening beginning Friday May 17th 2024 until Monday October 7th 2024.

There will be a fantastic fireworks display on Monday July 1st at the Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls NY beginning at dusk.

Travel tip: If you view the fireworks from Queen Victoria Park during peak season be sure to position yourself with a clear view overhead before they start. Then watch out for the stampede of people who did not!

Local Holidays 2024

Victoria Day, Monday May 20th Memorial Day, Monday May 27th Canada Day, Monday July 1st Independence Day, Thursday July 4th Civic Holiday, Monday August 5th Labor Day, Monday September 2nd New Years Eve, Tuesday December 31st

The best place to view the Fireworks over the Falls is from Queen Victoria Park in Canada or Prospect Point Park in the USA.

Day to night timelapse at Niagara Falls from the Rainbow Bridge

Please visit our home page for the most up to date Niagara Falls tourism information.

30 Exciting Weekend Getaways in Ontario: Your Top Places to Visit in Ontario for the Weekend

Planning weekend getaways in Ontario is a great way to see all the beauty of our province bit by bit. We’ve put together a list of 30 different ideas for weekend getaways in the province. We’ve organized the list by region, but make sure you check out all the ideas to help plan the perfect weekend for you to hit the road and savour Ontario.

If you’re looking for ways to mix up your day-to-day routine at home, then consider taking one of these exciting weekend getaways in Ontario.

Ontario is full of so many fantastic options for things to do. The main thing to keep in mind when you’re planning weekend getaways in Ontario is to choose something that’s close enough to justify going there for a weekend.

That’s why we’ve organized this list of weekend getaways into regional areas in the province, so you can think about how far you’re looking to go, and plan accordingly.

Putting together this list was a lot of fun, and there are so many different types of getaways on this list: quaint and quiet, zen and natural, unique and creative, or urban and entertaining.

Please note that this post may contain some affiliate links. This means we get a small commission for sharing our recommendations, at no cost to you.

Weekend Getaways in Ontario’s Southwest

Go on a bike tour around the lake erie north shore wine region.

On this weekend getaway, stay in Kingsville for the weekend. Jaunt out to the Lake Erie North Shore wine region for one of your two days.

There are over thirteen wineries and five restaurants in the region, along with some great shops in Kingsville and some of the surrounding hamlets. There are some breweries in the area, too.

If you’re looking to add a little something extra, this weekend getaway in Ontario can also lead you over to Leamington for some great beer , food, and views of Lake Erie at the Point Pelee Observation Tower.

Head to the Southernmost Points in Mainland and Island Canada

Start your weekend in the region by heading to Point Pelee National Park. The scenic drive down to the southernmost tip of mainland Canada is a neat experience. There are hiking trails and boardwalk paths you can explore. If you’re short on time, head to the Observation Tower .

Next, take the ferry from Leamington (make sure you book your ticket for the ferry well in advance!) to Pelee Island. The ferry ride is about 90 minutes, depending on weather conditions. Make sure you bring a book. We are big fans of The Wandering Dog Inn on Pelee Island, and there are plenty of great places to check out once you’re there.

Carve out some time to rent a bike, explore the island, go swimming, head to some restaurants, and enjoy living the island life. A Point Pelee winter getaway is another great way to experience this incredible park.

Dip Your Toes into Exciting Outdoor Experiences and Delectable Wineries in Norfolk County

Welcome to “Ontario’s Garden.” Stay at Long Point Eco-Adventures or the Port Rowan Inn* as your base for a weekend in the region .

To book your stay at Long Point Eco-Adventures, click here .

While you’re in Norfolk, head to different wineries and breweries, check out some lavender fields if you visit in the summer months, or enjoy many of the farm-fresh markets and roadside farm stands. This is, after all, a great growing region, so whether you visit in the summer or fall, the heaps of farm-fresh foods are a delight.

Make sure you plan to stop at Burning Kiln Winery during your stay–their famous “Kiln Hanger” is award-winning and one of the top-rated wines in the province. Long Point Eco-Adventures also has some exciting outdoor activities like zip-lining and mountain biking, or educational experiences like apiary tours and mushroom foraging hikes.

*Note: The Port Rowan Inn is closed for renovations as of May 2023.

Go “Retro” in Chatham and Nearby Small Towns

Stay at the Retro Suites Hotel in Chatham. This neat hotel has over twenty suites, each with its own unique theme. It’s a destination in and of itself. If you happen to visit in June, or if you love learning about and seeing vintage cars, then make sure you check out their annual Retro Fest .

To book a memorable stay at the Retro Suites Hotel, click here .

Head to their restaurant, the Chilled Cork, for breakfast or dinner, and head to Sons of Kent brewing before you walk around town.

After you’ve enjoyed some time in Chatham, there are some adorable towns in the region to check out, too. Dresden is one of our favourites!

Relax on the Shores of Lake Huron in Grand Bend

Head to Grand Bend for the weekend. This spot is one of the most charming towns in Ontario . Grand Bend is a great place to visit in the warmer months to enjoy the beaches and its access to Lake Huron.

We’re also big fans of Pinery Provincial Park, which is just down the road. It’s a great park for taking long, scenic walks and enjoying more of what the shores of Lake Huron have to offer.

A Weekend in London, And Then Some

A weekend getaway in London is a great option for those looking for an experience in the city. Stay at The Park Hotel; it’s a really impressive property.

To book your stay at The Park Hotel, click here .

London is home to a ton of great restaurants. There are also a lot of unique and local things to do in the area .

If you’re looking to explore a few fun nearby places, there are some great golf courses near London . The town of Strathroy is also beautiful. The Clocktower Inn is a great place to stay overnight or enjoy a meal. MJ’s Roadhouse in Lucan is also a restaurant worth stopping at.

To book a stay at the historic Clocktower Inn, click here .

If you’re keen to venture a little further, the town of Port Stanley is also very charming!

A Weekend in Windsor

Windsor is another great city in Ontario’s Southwest. The range of different activities and things to do in Windsor is pretty exhaustive! If you’re looking for a Las Vegas-style getaway without the flight, Caesar’s Palace in Windsor is an excellent place to stay. They even have their own casino!

If you want to experience Caesar’s Palace right here in Ontario for yourself, click here .

Aside from casinos, Windsor’s Ford City is a neighbourhood well worth checking out .

A weekend in Windsor can also easily be combined with an extension to Pelee Island Wine Country if you have the time.

Weekend Getaways in Ontario’s South Central

Take in the Scenic Rolling Hills and Hamlets of Mulmur

There are so many beautiful hamlets to be explored on this weekend getaway in Ontario. This is more of a relaxed pace for a weekend escape than others. Stay at Foxingham Farm B&B in Mansfield to enjoy the rolling hills in the spring and summer, brilliant fall colours in autumn, or downhill skiing in the winter.

To book your stay at the charming Foxingham Farm Bed & Breakfast, click here .

Head to Mrs. Mitchell’s Restaurant for a delicious breakfast, dinner, or afternoon tea. Explore the Dufferin Museum and plenty of shopping and farms in the region. Don’t forget to visit the Schitt’s Creek Rosebud Motel and the region of Hockley Valley while you’re here, too.

Head to Lake Scugog and its Surrounding Charming Towns

Regardless of what time of year you visit, this corner of Durham Region is a pretty place. In the warmer months, heading out kayaking off of Lake Scugog is the perfect way to get out on the water. During the winter, ice fishing on the same lake is a favourite local pastime.

Round out your visit by spending some time in Port Perry. Learn various crafts in art classes at Meta4. Sample some delicious local craft beer at Old Flame Brewery. Or enjoy lunch or stay overnight at the Piano Inn and Cafe, or head just outside town to the charming Nestleton Waters Inn.

On your way in our out of Port Perry, you can head to Uxbridge. Make sure you stop at a local favourite, Haugen’s, on your way. Their rotisserie chickens have been spinning for over 60 years! Stop in Goodwood, too, before arriving in Uxbridge. Goodwood is the home of downtown Schitt’s Creek–think Cafe Tropical and Rose Apothecary .

In Uxbridge , there are a lot of great restaurants, hiking and biking trails. You can catch your breath at The Second Wedge for a pint after your adventures.

Enjoy a Weekend of Neighbourhood Culture in Toronto

Of course, it’s challenging to cram all the ideas for things to do in Toronto into a little blurb, but we’d recommend planning your weekend based on a region. We’ve outlined a few neighbourhoods and ideal hotels you can stay at in each one.

Maybe you’d like to book a stay on the waterfront at the Westin Harbour Castle and check out the surrounding areas. Or, perhaps you’d like to stay in the eastern neighbourhoods of the city and book yourself into the Broadview Hotel in Leslieville .

Or maybe you plan to stay more centrally, like booking a stay at The Chelsea Hotel . And if you head to the west, you might be happier booking a few nights at The Drake .

Regardless of which direction you choose on this weekend getaway, Toronto is chock-full of fun-filled activities , water sports , hiking trails , fun facts , and bars for you to check out on your visit.

It’s always fun to see what’s on at the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario when you visit the town, too! There are even some ways to visit these Toronto museums for free .

If you’re looking to take a tour while you’re in Toronto, we’d highly recommend taking an evening helicopter tour of the city. You can book your ticket here.

Head to one of the Most Charming Towns Near the Grand River

This is a bit of a stretch, since not all of these towns connect to the Grand River, but take your pick between a charming weekend in either Stratford, Elora, or Paris.

Both Elora and Paris, while distanced, are situated on different spots along the Grand River. Both are scenic and charming. Stratford is a little further west along Lake Victoria.

Take in the History and Nature of Niagara

This weekend getaway combines the historic charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake with family fun and excitement in Niagara Falls. Depending on the type of weekend getaways in Ontario you’re looking for, you can easily pick one or the other, or do a combination of both.

Begin with all the excitement that Niagara Falls’ attractions offer. You can do exhilarating things like:

• Zip-Line over the falls (you can book your ticket here )
• Take a jet boat tour of the Niagara Rapids (make sure you book your tour here )
• Head to the Butterfly Conservatory

To round out the exciting portion of the weekend, take a breath in charming Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rent a bike and visit local wineries or nature paths along the Niagara River, or simply stroll around town, stopping to shop, have a bite to eat , or just admire the beautiful buildings in the area. Either Niagara Falls or Niagara-on-the-Lake can be its own weekend getaway, but if you’re interested in both areas, it’s definitely worth it to find time to work them both in.

Relax and Enjoy the Outdoors in Collingwood and The Blue Mountains

This is one of the weekend getaways in Ontario that takes you to the scenic mountains of southern Ontario. Collingwood is a wonderful jumping-off point to see the region. They have a lot of great breweries and restaurants, and plenty of fun things to do.

Just a stone’s throw away, The B lue Mountains also offer a ton of fun things to do in the region. If you’re keen on outdoor activities, it is a great place to be. If you prefer more of a relaxing weekend getaway in the surrounds of nature, then this is also the right spot. This is especially true since there are plenty of relaxing spas in the area for you to enjoy during your stay.

To book your stay at Blue Mountain Resort while you’re in town, click here .

Relaxation and Neighbourhood Walks at Langdon Hall and Cambridge

For those who have visited this corner of Waterloo Region, it is certainly a very special place. Langdon Hall is a well-known and renowned place to stay. This historic and impressive estate will certainly leave a lasting and memorable impression on you well after you leave. They offer packages that include spa credits and multi-course meals on the property.

Book your unforgettable stay at Langdon Hall by clicking here .

When you’re ready to explore beyond the relaxing environment and grounds at Langdon Hall, the city of Cambridge, most specifically in the town of Galt, makes for a great place to walk around and explore. Galt has beautiful views of the Grand River, and a lot of great coffee shops, pubs, and restaurants in the area.

For TV and film enthusiasts, its historic homes and charming streets are the places of numerous filming locations, namely for Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale and Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit . Keep an eye out for these locations as you walk around town. And don’t forget to stop at Foundry Brewing before heading back to Langdon Hall.

Take in the Food, Culture and History of St. Jacobs and Kitchener

Plan to stay in or near the quaint town of St. Jacobs over the weekend. The brand new Hampton Inn & Suites is an impressive building with great design and functionality, and it’s right across from the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.

If you’d like to book a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in St. Jacobs, click here .

Enjoy a walking tour of the town of St. Jacobs and check out street art, shops, and great public spaces along the way. Plan to head to the famous St. Jacobs market on a Saturday for plenty of farm-market goods and freshly baked and cooked foods from different corners of the world. The market is famous for its apple fritters, but be prepared for long lines on Saturdays the longer you wait. Aim to go early, if it’s possible! Head to their Antique Stores, too. You’ll be sure to find something unique.

Finish the weekend with a guided Stroll Walking Tour around an area of your choice. Their Downtown Kitchener Mural Arts walk is a great way to learn about local artists in the region. Downtown Kitchener is also home to several wonderful places to grab a coffee or a drink, and restaurants for after you’ve finished your walk.

Weekend Getaways in Ontario’s Highlands, Kawarthas & Northumberland

Relax at St. Anne’s Spa and Visit Charming Local Towns

Plan an Ontario weekend getaway at the spa! St. Anne’s Spa in Grafton is a renowned and relaxing place to get away. While you’ll likely want to spend most of the weekend soaking in the relaxing delights of the spa, make sure you carve out some time to explore one of the local charming towns.

To book your relaxing stay at St. Anne’s Spa, click here .

Port Hope and Cobourg both made our list of the most charming small towns in Ontario ! Each is set on the shores of Lake Ontario and is worth exploring in its own right. Depending on the time of year, each town also has its own theatre with local shows, which would well be worth checking out during your visit.

Meander Through the Charming Small Towns of Lanark County

This region of Ontario is chock-full of charming small towns. We are big fans of Perth, Westport, and Almonte in Lanark County. Each of these towns has historic charm, great restaurants, and local businesses to support, and they are excellent for walking around.

Consider staying locally at a charming bed and breakfast. Clyde Hall B&B is a great place to stay , and its owners are talented pastry chefs.

To book your stay at Clyde Hall B&B, click here .

On top of being home to beautiful small towns, Lanark County is home to both the Lanark County Chocolate Trail , in addition to being the maple syrup capital of Ontario!

Wheeler’s Pancake House is a local favourite sugar shack to visit, with great walking trails through their sugar bush on the property. If the historic charm of the region isn’t enough to convince you, then we hope these sweet culinary delights will be.

Weekend Getaways in Ontario’s Southeast

Take Your Own Personal Food Tour in Belleville and the Bay of Quinte

Belleville is a great place for a weekend getaway in Ontario. Their downtown district is full of great places to eat, with everything from authentic Mexican food to gourmet restaurants. A bonus is that it’s very walking and bike-friendly, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy the fresh air as you wander.

Take some time to head out of the downtown core to Zwick’s Park or north to Signal Brewery on the Moira River. South to the harbour area is also great for beautiful views over the Bay of Quinte. We’re big fans of grabbing a sunset bite to eat or a drink at The Pier Patio Bar and Grill. This weekend could also easily be combined with…

A Weekend in Prince Edward County

Start your weekend by staying overnight in the charming small town of Picton, or at one of the cute bed and breakfasts across the region.

Merrill House is an incredible historic bed and breakfast in Picton, and makes for an excellent place to stay. Click here to book your room .

You can plan your days around spending time in nature, like at Sandbanks Provincial Park or Lake-on-the-Mountain. Aside from that, the adorable hamlets in the area are great to explore while you’re sipping your way through some of the most amazing wineries and breweries in this region.

Enjoy Quiet Island Life on Amherst Island and Mainland Bath

This is a special little corner of Lennox and Addington County. Amherst Island is a relaxing island, just off the coast of mainland Bath, Ontario.

Stay at The Lodge on Amherst Island in Stella. Make sure you check out all the things to do on Amherst Island . Either on your way there or on your way back from the island, be sure to stop in Bath for a coffee and a snack or lunch at The Lodge Coffee House . The owner is wonderful, and the food and coffee are worth the stop. It’s a great excuse to check out the small and charming historic town of Bath, too, and patronize their local businesses in the region.

Spend a Weekend in Canada’s Intended Capital City

Kingston is a great place to get away for the weekend in Ontario. Its history is one of great importance to our province and country, and the views from downtown out to Wolfe Island and Lake Ontario are beautiful. There are plenty of historic places to check out, and beautiful neighbourhoods to walk around.

Queens University campus also makes for a great place to explore and wander. There are plenty of other awesome things to do in Kingston that you can choose from on your weekend away.

We’d recommend booking your stay at The Smith Hotel , or booking a few nights at The Secret Garden Inn .

Boat and Wander Through the Thousand Islands and Gananoque

Gananoque is the perfect access point to the famous Thousand Islands region. Stay at the Comfort Inn and Suites in downtown Gananoque (we know, this sounds like an odd choice, but it’s honestly the best location to visit the area!) or a local inn or bed and breakfast downtown.

To book your stay at The Comfort Inn and Suites Gananoque, click here .

From central Gananoque, you can head on a boat or kayaking tour of the islands. There are long and short boat tours, some of which go all the way across to the mansions on the American side of the islands.

For a complete list of all the different types of tours your can take to see the Thousand Islands, click here .

You can also rent bikes and bike along the Thousand Islands Parkway, which is a beautifully paved and preserved road along the Canadian shore of the St. Lawrence River.

Gananoque also has a wonderful restaurant scene and a great brewery. While you’re in town, check out what’s on at the Thousand Islands Playhouse.

On your way out of town, be sure to stop at BUSL Cider in Mallorytown for some scenic rural views and tasty samplings at this modern cidery.

Weekend Getaways in Ontario’s East

Explore Canada’s Capital

Ottawa is a fantastic city to visit on a weekend. There are so many fun things to do and see that would easily fill up more than a weekend. We’d recommend pinpointing what makes you tick when you plan one of your weekend getaways in Ontario based in Ottawa.

Plan to stay at a central hotel. The Andaz Hotel in the Byward Market is a great option, with beautiful views of Parliament from the top floor. If you’re looking to splurge a little, staying at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a very special experience.

To book your stay at the Andaz Hotel, click here . To book your stay at the Chateau Laurier, click here .

You can use this list of fun facts about Ottawa to help you plan. Ottawa is home to many informative tours , walks, experiences, markets , and finer things . If you plan to visit in the spring, that’s the perfect time to experience Ottawa’s famous tulip festival while they’re in bloom. You’re sure to find something that’s just right for you when you visit Ottawa.

If you are a fan of guided tours, there are also so many exciting ways to see Ottawa by tour. You can take biking tours, river cruises or walking tours, and far more. To discover all the great tours in Ottawa, click here.

Hire a Houseboat to Cruise the Rideau Canal

This is a very neat experience that would lend itself well to a weekend getaway. If you weren’t aware that you could rent a houseboat in Ontario, then you should definitely check out Le Boat Vacations. Le Boat offers experiences all over the world, but their boat trips along the Rideau Canal between Ottawa and Kingston are not to be missed.

You are essentially given a boat, instructed on how to use it, and you’re off! You’ll need to bring your own food and supplies, so it’s kind of like an elevated camping experience on the water. Plus, you’ll take in the sights of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Rideau Canal the way it was intended: from the water.

Weekend Getaways in Ontario’s North (Sudbury and Beyond)

Spend a Weekend in “The Soo”

Sault Ste. Marie is a great place for a weekend getaway, especially for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. There are so many awesome things to do in “The Soo” . Make sure you save some time to check out the many great restaurants in town while you’re there, too!

Enjoy the Urban and Natural Attractions in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is home to some really fun activities and outings . You can go sailing in the summer months, or hiking and downhill skiing in the winter.

It has some pretty phenomenal historical sites to check out in the region , too. And their food scene and culinary delights aren’t to be missed.

Plan to Take in Some Stars in the Dark Sky

We are so lucky to have some incredible places for stargazing in Ontario . Not only can we enjoy the stars from so many different parts of the province, but we have several designated dark-sky preserves right here in the province of Ontario.

One of the newest official dedicated preserves is in Quetico Provincial Park . It’s a rugged park, located north of Lake Superior and bordering Minnesota. It’s one of several excellent places to see the Northern Lights in Ontario .

Head to Enchanting Manitoulin Island on Lake Huron

Manitoulin Island is another excellent island worth checking out on an Ontario weekend getaway. You’ll likely want to make a long weekend out of it if time permits, but it will certainly be worth it.

There are plenty of cruises and hikes that you can take to fully immerse yourself in the nature of the island. There are also several ways for you to learn about the Indigenous peoples of the island, and better understand the history of the place you’re visiting. The North Channel Cruise is especially one of our favourites to take in on this weekend getaway in Ontario.

Enjoy Science and Nature in Sudbury

There are so many exciting things to do in Sudbury . With everything from “sciencey” sites like The Big Nickel and Science North, to the Bell Park Walkway and the Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, it’s perfect for a family weekend getaway.

Sudbury is also an excellent destination for restaurants and delicious food . You’ll be sure to leave happy and satisfied after a visit to some of their amazing restaurants.

The Importance of Taking Weekend Getaways in Ontario

We are so thrilled that you’ve taken the time to read through our list of weekend getaways in Ontario.

The options are truly endless for exploring this province, and with each trip, you’ll encounter small business owners, passionate hosts in hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and places perfect for reflection.

Our emphasis on “slow travel”, and taking in local delights is a philosophy we truly hope will stick at Ultimate Ontario. We see it as the future of travel here, and we hope you do, too.

There’s a lot worth exploring in this province. We hope you find that by the end of your weekend getaways in Ontario, you’ll come back happy for what you’ve seen, but also yearning for your next opportunity to get back on the road.

We’ll see you there.

Bri Mitchell is a travel writer and content creator from Toronto, Ontario. She loves to highlight all things nature, food, wellness, history and adventures in her work. Bri writes and shares her travel experiences from across Canada and beyond on Instagram and TikTok @brimitchelltravels, and in her articles for travelingmitch.com , Ultimate Ontario, and here on We Explore Canada.

Tuesday 24th of August 2021

Spelt Lake Erie incorrectly, " the Lake Eerie North Shore Wine Region

On this weekend getaway, stay in Kingsville for the weekend. Jaunt out to the Lake Eerie."

Kevin Wagar

Thursday 26th of August 2021

Thanks for catching that!

Privacy Overview

35 Iconic Places to Visit in Ontario, Canada

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: February 19, 2024

The Canadian Province of Ontario is huge! It’s the size of a small country and to see it all takes months. (even years!) Luckily, we’ve toured a lot of our home province and have rounded up the most iconic places to visit in Ontario.

This list will help you plan your visit and hopefully it will introduce you to a few places you’ve never heard of before!

It wasn’t easy choosing, we definitely left out many iconic places. So be sure to leave a comment with your choices if we didn’t include them.

Best Places to Visit In Ontario

Table of Contents

Facts About Ontario

Ontario houses four of the five Great Lakes: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. It is home to the Niagara Escarpment a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and Niagara Falls , one of the largest waterfalls in the world.

Ontario is larger than Ukraine, France, and Spain. Three of Europe’s largest countries! It is home to Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and Canada’s largest and most exciting city – Toronto. When visiting Canada, a trip to Ontario is a must and these are all of the best places to visit in the province! Read more facts at – Fun Facts About Canada That Will Make Smarter

Unique Places in Ontario

There are so many places to visit in Ontario, it’s difficult to know where to begin. So we thought we’d start of this epic list with the more unique experiences and ideas. But don’t worry, as you go along, there are places in and close to Toronto and other urban centres. No matter where you are in Ontario , I am sure there is a place to visit near you!

1. The Grotto

One of the best places to visit is Tobermory, Grotto. We have always known about how special Tobermory was. Its shipwrecks have attracted us to its icy waters since 2000 when we started scuba diving. But we never really looked into its draw to photographers until it caught the eye of Instagrammers.

We used to have this beautiful coast on the Bruce Peninsula all to ourselves. Today, you need to make a reservation to see the turquoise waters shimmering in a cave. Read more: The Best Things to do in Tobermory, Ontario

This day trip from Toronto takes you with a guide and driver to Georgian Bay to see the lighthouse at Big Tub Harbor, a hike along Horse Lake and the Cliffs of Georgian Bay including hiking to Indian Head Cove, the Grotto, and Marr Lake.

2. Flowerpot Island

While you are in the neighbourhood, Flowerpot Island is another iconic place in Ontario. Located in the Fathom Five National Marine Park of Tobermory, a place we frequented while diving at the turn of the century (that sounds so weird to say, but it was 20 years ago!) The pillars and caves of Flowerpot Island attract hikers, daytrippers and boat tours to see the interesting formations. Read more: 25 Best Places to Camp in Ontario, Canada

3. Wiarton Willy

Located in the waterfront town of Wiarton, Wiarton Willy is Canada’s answer to Punxsutawney Phil. Each February crowds gather around this groundhog’s home as he predicts whether it will be an early or late spring depending if he sees his shadow or not. Willy has the rest of the year off, and visitors can pop by his dwelling to say hello! Read more at the Grey Bruce Superloop

4. White River

Blink and you’ll miss it, but White River is famous for Winnie the Pooh. Even though it is small, White River is one of the most iconic places to visit in Canada for a historical reference. Way back in 1914, a hunter shot a bear cub’s mother and brought the cub back to town to keep as a pet.

A soldier going through White River by train bought the bear cub for $20 and brought it to Europe with him. When his regiment was shipped off to France to fight, the soldier gave the bear to a zoo in England and that is where the bear lived out its life. Writer A.A. Milne frequented the zoo and his son Christopher Robin liked the bear giving it the nickname Pooh. “Thus Winnie the Pooh was born in White River.”

5. Diefenbunker

The Diefenbunker is definitely one of the quirkiest museum in Ontario. This underground museum was built during the Cold War for Canada’s top dogs to take cover in case of a nuclear attack.

Located strategically outside of Ottawa, it was meant to withstand a nuclear bomb. It’s like stepping back into a time capsule as you tour old computer rooms, creepy living quarters and even medical rooms.

Touring the Deifenbunker makes you realize that you wouldn’t want to be the one called upon to live in here after an attack. I’d take my chances outside.

• The Best Ottawa Museums
• Top Things to do in Ottawa

6. Cheltenham Badlands

Dave and I stumbled upon this weird phenomenon while cycling outside Toronto in Caledon years ago. Nobody was around and we never knew it existed before then.

Today, it’s popular for photographers. It is a piece of land that looks like the Badlands of Alberta or South Dakota . Terrible environmental practices were the result of exposing this red piece of shale creating a lunar-like landscape.

• Read more: 25 Day Trips from Toronto to Escape the City

7. The Big Nickel in Sudbury

Canada loves roadside attractions. There’s the Big Apple in Colborne as you drive east on the 401 towards Montreal or Ottawa, there’s the Big Paddle in BC, and the Canada Goose of Wawa.

But my favourite is the Big Nickel in Sudbury. Located at the Dynamic Earth Science Museum (which is a lot of fun) the Big Nickel was built in 1964 to pay homage to the mining industry of the area.

Popular Attractions in Ontario

There are so many amazing places in Ontario and a lot of times it is difficult to get out of the cities when you are a tourist. So we thought we’d focus on a few urban landmarks that are located in popular Ontario cities. First time visitors to Ontario shouldn’t miss these sites.

8. Niagara Falls

It may seem like the obvious choice, but for first-time visitors to Ontario, this is the ultimate place to visit in the province! Having been to Victoria, Iguazu, Gulfoss and other major waterfalls around the world Niagara Falls really does stack up against the best of them! What makes Niagara Falls so unique is the fact that a city is built around it. There are so many amazing Niagara attractions, you can spend a week taking advantage of all the adventures and scenery.

Browse all of the best Niagara Falls tours and attractions that you can do on your own day trip in Ontario.

9. Niagara on the Lake

While visiting Niagara Falls, be sure to head down the road and explore Ontario’s wine region of Niagara on the Lake . Its historic downtown is a lovely weekend getaway from Toronto.

See more of the top sights in Niagara on the Lake here. Some of the top Niagara on the Lake activities include wine tours, the whirlpool jetboat tour, The Whirlpool Adventure ropes course at Queenstown Heights, and helicopter tours. Browse tours here.

• The Best Things to do in Niagara Falls
• Romantic Places to Visit in Ontario
• Toronto to Niagara Falls by Bus

10. Ottawa Parliament Buildings

Canada’s Parliament Buildings are a top draw to visitors of Ottawa. Located on Parliament Hill, these striking Gothic buildings have dominated Ottawa’s waterfront since 1859. They are a national historic site in Canada and you can tour the buildings, walk around the grounds, and even sit in on a parliament meeting to spy on the Prime Minister!

Check out more things to do in Ottawa. Some of the top activities in Ottawa include a cruise on the Rideau Canal, The Canadian Museum of Nature, the Ottawa Hop on Hop Off Bus, and yacht tours on the Ottawa River. See more tours here.

• The Best Things to do in Ottawa
• Ottawa Winter Activities

10. The CN Tower

You can’t miss visiting the CN Tower when in Toronto. It is one of Canada’s top attractions! The CN Tower once held the distinction of the world’s tallest structure. Today it is the third highest tower after the Tokyo Skytree in Japan and the Canton Tower in China. Check out more Toronto tours here.

While it offers some of the best views of Toronto it also has one of the best adventures in Toronto! Get your adrenaline pumping with the Edgewalk. You’ll cling to the outside of the structure in the world’s highest external walk on a building. Even my dad did the Edgewalk in his 70s, so you can do it too!

• CN Tower EdgeWalk
• Where to Stay in Toronto – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

11. Stratford Festival

Stratford is a beautiful town two hours from Toronto located on the Avon River. It feels like a slice of old England with the Avon and Festival Theatres being the main draw in town showcasing the works of Shakespeare. While the theatre attracts crowds and actors from around the world, it is also a very picturesque town in Ontario to visit.

12. Casa Loma

Another interesting landmark to visit is Casa Loma in Toronto. Casa Loma is Ontario’s castle complete with hidden passageways, stables and a beautiful garden. Sir Henry Pallett began construction in 1911. But thanks to The Great Depression, World War I and financial difficulties he lost the castle in 1923.

It has been used as everything from a hotel to a nightclub and was even abandoned for a while. Today you can tour the castle, enjoy fine dining and high tea and there are several regular events happening. Get your Casa Loma entry ticket here .

• The Best Things to do in Toronto
• Where to Stay in Toronto

Ontario North – Places to Visit

Lake Superior is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. For most, it is also one of the more unexplored places in Ontario due to it being so far north. Getting there is a bit of a drive, but once you are up on the North Shore of this magnificent Great Lake you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime!

13. Terry Fox Memorial

Terry Fox is a national hero of Canada. In 1980, he started a journey running across Canada after losing a leg to cancer. Sadly his cancer came back during his run and he had to stop partway through in the town of Thunder Bay located on the Trans Canada highway.

He was 143 days and 5,373 kilometres (3,339 miles) into his run and a memorial was erected in his honour at the location he had to cut his journey short. His memory lives on and each year, there is a charity run in his name that takes place across the country raising money for cancer research. When you visit Thunder Bay, it wouldn’t be complete without stopping at this moving memorial. Enjoy the Best of the Lake Superior Circle Tour

14. Agawa Rocks Petroglyphs

The drive along the TransCanada Highway between Sault Ste Marie and Thunder Bay is certainly the most beautiful drive in Ontario. While you are on that road, there is a stop that many people miss along the route. The ancient Agawa Rock Petroglyphs were painted by the Ojibway People centuries ago. You have to walk out onto an outcrop while holding onto rope to see them and it is worth the adventure!

15. Slate Islands

Speaking of wildlife encounters, the Slate Islands are one of the top places to visit in Ontario for a unique wildlife experience. There is a herd of woodland caribou that inhabit the island . Located 13km in the middle of Lake Superior, the Slate Islands are their own little ecosystem of plants and animals. A weeklong camping trip is definitely a must! Read: Things to do on the Slate Islands

16. Sault Ste Marie

It’s time to visit a cool northern town, Sault Ste Marie. Known as “The Soo,” Sault Ste Marie is home to the Canadian BiPlane Heritage Museum and one of the best places in the world for fly fishing, according to Ernest Hemingway himself, the Saint Mary’s River.

We went fly fishing here and it was awesome. Fly fishers from around the world put on their waders and spend hours catching and releasing bass and steelhead.

The name alone makes Wawa worth visiting. But this little town on the north shore of Lake Superior packs a punch. First you must stop to say hello to the Wawa Goose. The Wawa Goose was built in the 1930s to attract visitors bypassing Wawa on the drive along the TransCanada Highway. This massive Goose is one of the most photographed landmarks in North America. (according to the Algoma County Tourism Board anyway. ) Read more: Lake Superior Circle Tour – Ultimate Two Week Itinerary

19. Pukaskwa National Park

It is one of Canada’s greatest hikes. If you are looking for a challenge in a remote region of Ontario, this is the place to go. The trip starts with an exciting boat ride on Lake Superior that takes you to the start of the trail. It is then a 5-7 day long hike back along the gorgeous Canadian Shield shoreline and through breathtaking boreal forests.

Georgian Bay and Bruce Peninsula

A great place to explore Ontario in the summer is to head up to Lake Huron. Some of the most beautiful and iconic places to visit in Ontario are located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park – A long peninsula that juts into Lake Huron dividing it from Georgian Bay. You could spend all summer up here and never see it all! Trust me, we’ve tried! Read: Things to do in Blue Mountain and Collingwood

19. Manitoulin Island

It’s the largest freshwater island in the world. Located on Lake Huron, this 2766 km2 (1167 square miles) has some of Ontario’s most iconic landmarks like Bridal Veil Falls, the Benjamin Islands and, the high lookout outcrop of the Cup and Saucer Trail.

Be sure to take part in one or all Great Spirit Circle Trail tours. Aboriginal Tourism offers the best First Nation’s experiences in Canada like the voice of the drum, smudging ceremonies, traditional dancing, cooking, and canoeing! Get to know the traditions and ways of the Anishinabe People who live on Manitoulin. Read all the things to do on Manitoulin Island

20. Thirty Thousand Islands

The World’s Largest Freshwater archipelago spans along the Eastern Shore of Lake Huron in Georgian Bay. Canada’s famous band of artists “The Group of Seven” made this part of Ontario a major focus of their works of art that can be viewed in the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. You can take boat tours through this area, and there is some excellent shipwreck diving here as well. It’s one of Ontario’s premiere cottage country locations. See The Best of the Grey Bruce

21. Blue Mountain Resort

Ontario isn’t exactly known for its ski culture, but Blue Mountain Resort does host World Cup ski and snowboard events! Blue Mountain near Collingwoods is an excellent weekend getaway for skiing in the winter and hiking, mountain biking, and watersports in the summer. Read more: Top 15 Ontario Hiking Trails

The village is an amazing place to hang out with fine dining, fudge and ice cream shops and plenty of shopping. There are so many things to do around Blue Mountain Resort like the Scandinavian Spa, the Scenic Caves, cycling routes, and in the winter it is the best place in Ontario to ski and snowboard. Read more about Blue Mountain Here.

22. Scenic Caves

Collingwood’s Scenic Caves are beautiful and to see them you get to cross Ontario’s longest suspension bridge. Located on the Niagara Escarpment, this labyrinth of 17 caves and formations located 70 feet below the surface of this UNESCO World Heritage Bio Reserve.

Make a day of it and do the Scenic Caves Eco Adventure Tour where you will walk along Ontario’s Longest Suspension Bridge offering beautiful panoramic views of Georgian Bay before going into a maze of high ropes and walkways followed by two awesome ziplines!

Algonquin Highlands

If you look at a map of Ontario, you’ll see a mass of green space that encompasses the Algonquin Provincial Park and Haliburton Forest. This Algonquin Park Adventure Tour from Toronto takes you on a full day tour of hiking, canoeing, and swimming in Ontario’s oldest provincial park.

These are some of the more rugged places to visit in Ontario and if you love camping, wildlife and the outdoors, it’s the place to go! Read more: Things to do in Haliburton – A Four Seasons Ontario Escape

23. Wolf Centre

When Dave and I first discovered this, we couldn’t believe we had something so special right here in Ontario. Haliburton Forest is amazing enough to visit, but you really must go to see the pack of wild wolves that roam the land. You can watch them from behind a glass wall that keeps human contact to a minimum. Also Check out Parc Omega Wolf Cabins Experience

• Read: Haliburton Wolves
• Dogsledding in Haliburton

24. Algonquin Provincial Park

We’ve had a lot of wildlife encounters around the world, and taking a canoe and camping trip to Algonquin Park while looking for moose is right up there as one of the best! Booking a trip with a professional outfitter like Voyageur Quest or Algonquin Outfitters is a great way to find wildlife and have the most fun! Check out: In Search of the Algonquin Moose

Ontario Rivers

Ontario offers some epic water adventures. With more than 250,000 lakes, rivers and streams, Ontario is blessed with fresh and clean water that is ready and waiting to be explored. We can’t possibly cover them all. And there are several spots that are worthy of a mention, but then this post would go on and on and on. But these are the most epic water experiences for people visiting Canada and those wanting to explore their own backyard.

25. Ottawa River

The Ottawa River is one of the most legendary places to visit in Ontario. The rapids on this river are so high, it attracts professional whitewater kayakers and rafters from around the world. You can book this whitewater rafting tour that includes a BBQ lunch.

The mighty Ottawa River takes you through class III to V rapids on a trip you’ll never forget. Be sure to book a two to three-night getaway at one of the resorts on the river to truly appreciate all the Ottawa River has to offer. See more Ottawa River tours here.

• whitewater rafting
• Learning to Whitewater Kayak the Madawaska River

26. Missinaibi River

The Mssinaibi River is one of the most iconic canoe routes in Canada. This was once an important canoe route for First Nations and it was also an important route for fur traders. It is as rugged as it gets and canoeing or kayaking this river requires experience.

We trekked the Missinaibi in the winter and if we didn’t have our guides from Lure of the North , we definitely would have perished in the cold. I have no idea how the early settlers, First Nations, and fur traders survived up here, but it is glorious today!

27. Saint Lawrence River

There is a stretch of the Saint Lawrence River that everyone traveling Ontario should visit. From Kingston to Brockville, there are plenty of things to see and do. Snaking along the border of Canada and the United States, the Saint Lawrence River is one of North America’s most important waterways.

While touring the Saint Lawrence River, visit the picturesque town of Brockville. It is home to one of the most instagram worthy stops in Ontario at Canada’s oldest railway tunnel. We loved drift diving the shipwrecks that litter the floor of the Saint Lawrence. But if you want to stay above water, be sure to take a boat cruise through the 1000 islands.

Thousand Islands National Park is a beautiful stretch of the river with islands and communities spanning 50 km. Book this 1000 Islands tour where you’ll set sail for a half day cruise from Gananoque where you’ll get to explore Heart Island and Boldt Castle.

28. Rideau Canal

The Rideau Canal is impressive to visit winter or summer. The best places to see the Rideau Canal are in Ottawa or Kingston Ontario. But there are some small towns in Ontario like Smith Falls, Perth and Merrickville to view them as well.Built in 1832, the Locks were designed as a supply route in case of a war with the United States. Today it attracts boaters and tourists who marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the oldest continuosly operated canal in North America.

We’ve taken this Rideau Canal Cruise while in Ottawa and it is a great relaxing way to see the historical attraction while listening to live commentary and taking in the sights of the city.

• See the Rideau Canal in Winter at: Winterlude in Ottawa
• Amazing Rideau Canal Cruise – A Unique Cruise Holiday with Le Boat
• Amazing Places to Visit on the Rideau Canal

29. Elora Quarry

The Elora Gorge is famous for the Elora Quarry that has been used as a location in many a Hollywood movie. Most recently in the movie “It.” Remember when the Loser’s Club jumped off the cliff? The 15 meter jump is popular with tourists. A 2km long section of the The Grand River runs through the Elora Gorge where limestone cliffs reach 22 meters into the air.

Beaches and Waterfalls

Ontario may be cold eight months of the year, but we really do love our beaches. And besides, waterfalls can be beautiful when frozen too! These are a few interesting back and water locations in Ontario that you should check out.

30. Wasaga Beach

If you head two hours north of Toronto, you’ll discover the longest freshwater beach in the world! Wasaga Beach is Ontario’s premier beach town with an astounding 14km of sandy beach to walk along the shores of Lake Huron.

31. Sauble Beach

If you love beaches, Sauble Beach is the second longest freshwater beach in the world at 11km long. What we love about Sauble Beach is that the water is shallow. The are sandbars out from shore keeping the water shallow and warm.

32. Scarborough Bluffs

Less than an hour from downtown Toronto are the stunning Scarborough Bluffs towering over Lake Ontario. Spanning 14 km and reaching 90 meters into the air, the Scarborough Bluffs are an outdoor lover’s dream. But be careful, every summer there are rescues along its trails as hikers fall over the steep cliffs.

33. Hamilton Waterfalls Falls

Who knew Ontario had so many beautiful waterfalls? Just outside of Toronto in the Hamilton area of the Niagara Escarpment, there are several scenic waterfalls that are awesome to visit.

You can spend a day or weekend checking them all out! There are 100 waterfalls to explore in the area. Webster Falls is probably our favourite, but there are so many waterfalls in the area because of the Niagara Escarpment. Read The Best Things to do in Hamilton, Ontario

• A few of the best Hamilton waterfalls:
• Albion Falls
• Balls Falls
• Devil’s Punchbowl
• Tourism Hamilton has a good list here.

34. Toronto Islands

Located a short ferry ride from Toronto are the tranquil Toronto Islands. It’s a little escape from the city where you can rent bicycles, go for a picnic or hang out on the beach. There’s even a nude beach if you dare!

This Toronto Islands and Harbour Cruise takes you on a tour to visit the Toronto Islands and enjoy the spectacular Toronto skyline from Lake Ontario.

I grew up on Lake Erie. My family boated the waters and I spent many a weekend waterskiing out to Pottahawk Island. To this day, my neices and nephews still go out to Pottahawk on Lake Erie for the annual “Pottahawk Pissup.” (how Canadian is that?) Here are a few hot spots for the average visitor to see on Lake Erie.

35. Port Dover

Located on Lake Erie, Port Dover is a popular day trip from Toronto. Grab a foot long hot dog at The Arbor and walk the streets to do some shopping. There’s a great sandy beach here too. Port Dover has gained fame over the years from the thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts that flock to the beach on Friday the 13th.

36. Long Point

Long Point Provincial Park is a designated world biosphere reserve thanks to it being one of the largest areas for birds migrating in North America. This narrow 40km long sand spit juts out so far into Lake Erie, that once you round the bend of Long Point, you are nearly half way to Erie Pennsylvania. Enjoy this Niagara Road Trip: One of the best places to drive in Ontario

And that ladies and gentlemen are the best places to visit in Ontario. According to Dave and Deb. We are exploring more of Ontario this summer and are taking advantage of having to stay put for a bit. When you are forced to check out your own backyard, you find some of the most exciting hidden gems.

• 19 Most Epic Things to do in Ontario
• 25 of the Best Places to Camp in Ontario, Canada
• 59 Things to do in Toronto – A Guide to the Top Attractions
• Things to do in Niagara Falls – What to do, Where to Eat & Where to Stay
• 33 Things to do in Ottawa – A Complete Guide to the City
• Top 11 Things to Do on Manitoulin Island

What hidden gems in Ontario have you found this summer?

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

20 Best Things To Do in Windsor, Canada in 2024

Glamping in Ontario: 14 Best Luxury Camping Sites To Visit In 2024

The 15 Best Spas in Ontario: Wellness Retreats To Pamper Yourself

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

7 thoughts on “35 Iconic Places to Visit in Ontario, Canada”

What a lovely read to find the best places to see in Ontario !!!

Ontario is a good place for travel. Canada is always the best place to travel and for sports activities. Subscribed your blog..

Canada is always one of the best place to travel and for a very beautiful picture taking for social media. Thanks for sharing this information, subscribed your blog.

Great article, you should have included Pelee Island. Furthest point south habitated in Canada! Thanks,

Hey! When I write about something, I always look-up to blogs like your for inspiration. I am writing about inner Canada travelling as well. And I really enjoyed your article, you have really done your homework. I tried going to the grotto this summer, but is was closed due to (that which will not be named). I wish you well, and keep up the great work.

-julzlaporte.com

Very interesting blog! Amazing destinations with very thoughtful descriptions along with it! The photos look beautiful too! Thanks for sharing these very informative and helpful guide on which places are a must to check-out and visit in Ontario, Canada!

Amazing blog. breathtaking travel destinations. I really enjoyed reading it. I love all the beautiful photographs Thanks for sharing 🙂

Dark Sky Preserves in Ontario: The Best Ontario Stargazing Locations

Posted on Published: March 1, 2021  - Last updated: July 13, 2023

Categories Blog , Canada , Ecotourism , Kind Travel , Ontario , Outdoor Adventures

There are many amazing dark sky preserves in Ontario where you can view the stars and the night sky without light pollution. Generally speaking, the farther you can get away from bigger cities, the better. However, there are designated dark sky reserves in Ontario that are truly the best places to go stargazing in the province.

There are so many incredible places to view the night sky in Ontario. In fact, you may want to plan a massive Ontario road trip to view them all! By day, check out the best small towns in Ontario on the way.

Posts may be sponsored. Post contains affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase using my link.

Table of Contents

What is a Dark Sky Preserve?

A dark sky preserve is a protected space that reduces or eliminates light pollution , and makes a commitment to preserve the night sky. You’ll have the best chance at seeing the most stars, the moon, galaxies, constellations, and other special night sky occurrences like the Northern Lights .

There are 22 official dark sky preserves in Canada, and there are only 62 in the entire world. This means that there are so many places to go stargazing in Canada. Many of these incredible locations are right here in Ontario. Parks Canada has 13 dark sky preserves in national parks , there are three Ontario Parks dark sky reserves (provincial parks), and several other sites around the province.

Many dark sky preserves in Ontario have special events and nights where they host astronomy talks and telescope viewing parties. It’s best to follow the websites or social media accounts for the parks to stay up to date.

Benefits of Dark Sky Preserves in Ontario

You might be wondering about the benefits of having dark sky preserves in Ontario. Well, the first one is most obvious: the best places to go stargazing in Ontario are the dark sky reserves. You’ll likely be able to see more stars than you ever have before in your life. Plus, it might be possible to witness the beauty of the northern lights, distant planets, and far-off galaxies.

Dark skies are important to many species of animals, too. Many birds, plants, insects, and even humans have evolved over millions of years to rely on periods of darkness each night. The amount of darkness each night changes with the seasons and affects how plants grow, when the birds migrate, breeding cycles of animals, and more.

As light pollution increases and we lose our naturally dark skies, this can disrupt both flora and fauna. The human body also thrives on having a regular circadian clock. Having regular sleep patterns and experiencing true darkness helps us have better sleep and can protect us from many harmful chronic conditions.

How to Use Responsible Lighting Practices?

Some of the most responsible dark sky viewing practices include:

• Turn off any lights when they aren’t in use
• Don’t install any lighting on your campsite
• Don’t use solar-powered garden lights that stay on all night
• Use red cellophane over your flashlight as it helps retain night vision and is less disruptive than white light

Even though we might not be able to escape cities as much as we like, it is beneficial to have natural environments that are protected from light pollution. It’s better for animals, plants, and us! Here are some dark sky preserves in Ontario that are perfect to unwind in nature and admire the night sky.

Newest Ontario Dark Sky Preserve: Quetico Provincial Park

The newest dark sky reserve in Ontario is Quetico Provincial Park , designated as such on February 23rd, 2021. It is now the third Ontario provincial park to receive the high acclaims and prestigious certification from the International Dark Sky Association.

The park created an extensive light management plan to minimize the amount of light pollution. They used sky quality meters throughout the park to take readings in 2019 and 2022. These readings exceeded the guidelines set to become an internationally recognized official dark sky preserve.

Quetico Provincial Park plans to host educational programs, and they’ll also create signage and displays to highlight important facts and details about maintaining dark skies. Be sure to look out for special events in the future!

Ontario Stargazing at Lake Superior Provincial Park

Lake Superior Provincial Park was the second Ontario park to achieve the official status of dark sky preserve back in 2018. It’s one of the darkest preserves in Canada and even the world. Lake Superior Provincial Park’s remote location has very little light pollution, so it’s naturally one of the best places to go stargazing in Ontario.

Its location and dark skies make it one of the top places to see the Northern Lights in Ontario (and all of Canada!). The park is also home to many nocturnal animals, including owls, wolves, bats, beavers, and Northern Flying Squirrels.

The Agawa Bay Campground, near the visitor center, is one of the best places to go stargazing in the park. You can also view the captivating night sky from the Rabbit Blanket Lake campground.

By day, go for a hike on the Voyageur Trail, one of the longest hiking trails in Ontario with spectacular scenery. In the evening, don’t miss a brilliant sunset over Lake Superior. And then at night, you can soak up the scenery of the dazzling night sky.

Dark Sky Preserves in Ontario: Killarney Provincial Park

Killarney Provincial Park is the first provincial park to be designated as an official dark sky preserve in Ontario by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. You’ll be able to enjoy unbelievably awesome scenery of the night sky at Killarney with minimal light pollution.

Killarney is one of only two provincial parks with an observatory, and they host several astronomy programs throughout the summer months. The park has a research-grade 16″ telescope with an attached 5″ refractor for incredible astro-photography. The astronomy programs have demonstrations by guest astronomers, including an astronomer-in-residence on Tuesday nights.

There’s also a self-use program for anyone to explore the night sky. Individuals and families can sign out the observatory to spend an evening exploring the night sky together. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never used a telescope before. Beginners are welcome!

Beyond the three provincial parks that are designated as dark sky preserves in Ontario (Killarney Provincial Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and Quetico Provincial Park), here are more provincial parks that make for fantastic Ontario stargazing locations:

• Algonquin Provincial Park
• Charleston Lake Provincial Park
• Rushing River Provincial Park

Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve

Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve is one of the best places to go stargazing near Toronto, as its only a two hour drive from the city. You’ll also escape all of that Toronto light pollution! It is the first dark sky preserve in Ontario and Canada.

The distance from urban centers and the natural surroundings make Torrance Barrens the best place to see stars in Ontario. The undeveloped land surrounding the reserve acts as a buffer from light pollution. The hard, granite surface of the ground is immune to vibrations, which makes night sky photography and telescope viewing even better.

From the Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve, it’s possible to view numerous stars, constellations, and planets. You’ll be able to see the Milk Way Galaxy, visible to the naked eye, without any equipment. Through a telescope (and quite possibly seen in the distance without one), you can spot the Andromeda Galaxy, which is two million light years away. On occasion, you can see the Northern Lights here, too!

Bruce Peninsula National Park / Fathom Five National Marine Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park and the Fathom Five National Marine Park are among the best places to go stargazing in Ontario. They also happen to be fantastic dark sky preserves in Ontario, too. Definitely add stargazing and night sky observing to your Tobermory road trip itinerary .

There are numerous places to observe the night sky on the Bruce Peninsula. At the viewing platform at the harbour in Lion’s Head, the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association hosts the free Bayside Astronomy program. Their events take place every Friday and Saturday night between Canada Day and Labour Day.

Another fantastic place to view the night sky is at Flowerpot Island, part of the Fathom Five National Marine Park. There are only six campsites on Flowerpot Island, so you’ll want to reserve this one well in advance. View the magnificent night sky on an island containing unique rock formations.

Point Pelee National Park

Point Pelee National Park became an official dark sky preserve in 2006. You’ll be able to view millions of stars, visible to the naked eye. Even though Point Pelee National Park is an extremely southern point in the province, it’s still one of the best places to see the stars in Ontario.

The best times to see the stars at Point Pelee National Park are during the new moon (when you can’t see the moon in the sky). During these nights, the park will stay open until midnight, which are longer operating hours than usual.

When you reach the park, you can pick up a seasonal star chart to help identify the celestial objects in the sky. Binoculars and a telescope are great to bring, too. For the best car accessible viewing locations, visit West Beach or the Visitor Centre parking lot.

Gordon’s Park in Manitoulin Island

Gordon’s Park is an official dark sky preserve in Ontario, as certified by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. It is the first private, commercially owned dark sky preserve, and you’ll find it on Manitoulin Island. This is where you’ll be able to experience one of Ontario’s darkest skies without any light pollution.

You won’t experience any light pollution or glow around the 360 degree observing horizon. It’s quite remarkable. The park is open from May to October for stargazers, astronomers, and campers. You can sleep beneath the stars here, and you’ll be treated to seeing millions of them!

Gordon’s Park hosts many events throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Some of these events include: Star Parties, Women’s Outdoor Weekend, Aurora Borealis Events, Astronomy Nights, the Moonlight Hike and Wolf Howl, and more. There are astronomy nights several times a week throughout the summer, and you can even book your own private astronomy sessions.

North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve

The North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve is about two hours from Ottawa and four hours from Toronto / Montreal. It received official status in 2013 and has continued to wow visitors with one of the darkest skies in Canada. This is a public space with amenities, parking, and electrical services. Anyone can visit, set up their telescope on their large cement pad, and look at the night sky.

The North Frontenac Dark Sky Preserve has regular events between May and October that are free for everyone to attend. Bring your binoculars and telescopes. There are special events to view the Annual Perseid Meteor Shower, the Moon, constellations in the summer and autumn, the planets, and even an event during the day to learn more about the Sun.

Blue Water Outdoor Education Centre

The Blue Water Outdoor Education Centre in Wiarton, Ontario became an official dark sky preserve in November 2012 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. There are many events, hosted by the Bluewater Astronomical Society, that are open to the public.

The Bluewater Astronomical Society, affiliated with the Blue Water Outdoor Education Centre, owns a large 28-inch Webster Dobsonian reflector. They use this telescope regularly at the park’s observatory, which also happens to be Ontario’s largest publicly-accessible roll-off observatory.

It is possible to see numerous stars, planets, constellations, and galaxies from the Blue Water Outdoor Education Centre and the ES Fox Observatory. You might even be lucky enough to observe the Northern Lights here, too.

Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area

The Lennox and Addington Dark Sky Viewing Area is not one of the official dark sky preserves in Ontario, but it’s definitely worth mentioning. It is one of the southernmost dark sky sites in Ontario, near Napanee .

There’s a large parking lot and a concrete pad to set up your camera and telescope. You don’t need to register in advance and admission is always free. Just show up between dawn and dusk for an opportunity to view the night sky. It’s one of the best places for stargazing near Toronto with little light pollution.

They also host events between May and September, such as laser-guided stargazing tours, Astrophotographers Assemble events (geared towards night sky photographers), Perseid Meteor Shower events, and the chance to see the Moon through a high powered telescope.

Tips for Dark Sky Viewing

Thinking about heading out to any of these dark sky preserves in Ontario? Here are a few tips to help you have the best experience.

• Check the weather before heading out. This can help avoid disappointment if there are clouds or stormy weather in the forecast.
• Download the Google Sky Map app to help identify stars, planets, and more (keeping the app closed to reduce light pollution when you aren’t using it)
• Bring a pair of binoculars or a telescope for a heightened experience

How many of these dark sky preserves in Ontario have you visited?

Lauren is the full-time travel blogger and content creator behind Justin Plus Lauren. She started Justin Plus Lauren in 2013 and has travelled to 50+ countries around the world. Lauren is an expert on vegan travel as one of the very first vegan travel bloggers. She also focuses on outdoor adventure travel, eco and sustainable travel, and creating amazing travel itineraries for cities and small towns.

Great Ideas for Weekend Getaways in Ontario (+ Mini Itineraries)

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here

There Are Plenty of Great Ideas for Weekend Getaways in Ontario!

If you’re looking for a weekend getaway in Ontario, you’re certainly in luck! Ontario is loaded with amazing places to visit , attractions to explore, and things to try so there is no shortage of weekend trip ideas.

No matter where you are travelling from – Ottawa, Toronto, etc – and whatever your style – romantic, fun, relaxing, adventure – there is a getaway for you.

We really like exploring Ontario on mini-vacations or weekend road trips since there are essentially endless options. While we usually travel as a couple, lots of the getaway ideas mentioned below can also work for families with kids or even groups of friends.

We’ve done our fair share of last-minute weekend getaways and still managed to find great ideas with nice accommodations for a good price!

So, whether you are looking for romantic getaways near Toronto or staycation getaway ideas that take you on an adventure, here are our detailed mini-weekend itineraries for you to enjoy.

From hiking and beaches to wineries or spas, here’s our detailed guide on some of the best weekend getaways in Ontario – in summer or winter!

Table of Contents

Relax at an Ontario Resort, Inn, or Spa

If you’ve been working hard and just want to get away and indulge in total relaxation, there are plenty of resort or inn-style accommodations in Ontario to do that!

Ontario has a nice mix of inns with spas as well as quiet lodge resorts that can take you away from the city and exchange it for nature. This goes for the summer or the winter season!

Below are a number of resorts and inns that you can have a look at. Many of these also make for a great girls’ weekend getaway in Ontario. You can find these accommodations all around the province from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Collingwood, the Ottawa Valley, Muskoka, and more.

We even have a whole guide dedicated to where to stay in Muskoka (with great resorts) if that is where you are looking to go. If you want great inns all around Ontario, we have also a round-up on the best inns in Ontario .

Blue Mountain Resort

As the largest ski resort in Ontario, Blue Mountain certainly has a reputation to be a fantastic weekend getaway in any season. If you’re looking to relax, they offer spa packages and bundles that are sure to make you forget the stressful work week.

If you want to head up to Collingwood for the weekend, you can stay right in the main village at Blue – and don’t forget about booking a time at the famous Scandinave Spa .

Pillar and Post Inn & Spa

For a great getaway inn/hotel located in a top wine region, head for the Pillar and Post Inn and Spa .

Located just a short walk from the heart of downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake, Eric has stayed here before and loved it. They have pools, onsite dining, and spa facilities.

Heather Lodge Inn

For a more remote and tranquil escape, head for Heather Lodge Inn . Located in Minden, this more lodge-style getaway is adults-only and offers onsite dining as well as boat rentals and canoeing.

The Haliburton Highlands are a great place for a getaway to reconnect with nature and enjoy peace and quiet.

JW Marriott at Lake Rosseau

Last but not least, you can have a classic Muskoka resort experience at The JW Marriott at Lake Rosseau . Perched on a granite bluff, the Marriott is a secluded resort tucked away in Ontario’s wilderness overlooking Lake Rosseau.

They offer spa packages for couples that include the usage of their “couples-designated” spa areas – making the JW a good stop for a spa weekend getaway in Ontario. Also good to note: This kind of weekend trip can be done in summer or in the winter!

Subscribe to Ontario Away!

Receive updates & our monthly Ontario Events Calendar straight to your inbox.

• I agree to receive email updates and promotions. | For more details, review our  Privacy Policy . *

You can unsubscribe anytime. No spam.

Discover one of Ontario’s Wine Regions

Did you know that Ontario is one of Canada’s top wine-producing areas? You’d be surprised how many didn’t! When it comes to producing great wine, we can thank the geography of the province.

The lakes, the soil, the geographical feature that is the Niagara Escarpment – there are so many factors that allow Ontario to make wine. And that means that you get to enjoy it!

We really like wine (and beer, for that matter) so it’s fun for us to go to wineries, learn about them, and enjoy a few tastings. Winery hopping can also be a part of a romantic weekend getaway in Ontario or a classic girls’ weekend getaway.

So if you are looking to indulge in the province through its wine and the locals who make it, here are a number of suggestions for top wine regions in Ontario. These also make for great fall getaway ideas since you get to enjoy the autumn colours and the harvest season!

Niagara on the Lake

Yes, Niagara on the Lake is first. This fertile area is a mecca for wine-making – and the greater Niagara Peninsula has even more wineries to visit. You can drive around to the dozens of Niagara on the Lake wineries or you can hop on a guided winery tour (recommended). There are many to visit but we like Ravine if you are looking for a suggestion. To make the most of the weekend, you should stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake (the historic town). That way, you can enjoy the town as well as the wineries around.

We like the Pillar and Post Inn and Spa but we also have a guide on Niagara on the Lake accommodations if you want to learn more!

Prince Edward County

Another great wine region is Prince Edward County. There are a number of wineries to visit like Sandbanks Estate or Trail Estate . There are dozens so check out our article on wineries in Prince Edward County . You can join a guided tour to the wineries but you can also drive or bike to them yourself. If you head for The County, there are lots of other things to do while on a weekend trip. You can stay in the town of Picton for easy accessibility to restaurants and shops. Stay at the Merrill House for a great location in Picton or the Newsroom Suites for a nice stay in the town of Wellington. We have a guide on where to stay in Prince Edward County if you are interested. Those interested in beer should read our PEC breweries and cideries guide !

Grey County

When people think about Ontario wine, many don’t know that the area just south of Georgian Bay – Grey County – is home to a number of wineries (as well as breweries and cideries). The vast amount of shoreline is also a nice draw to this region and makes for a lovely weekend getaway for couples in Ontario. With top stops like Coffin Ridge Vineyard & Winery and Mudtown Station Brewery and Restaurant in the heart of Owen Sound, it’s a great area to wander about.

The Inn at Cobble Beach makes for a wonderful getaway by the water.

Have an Outdoor Action Adventure

Considering Ontario is huge and full of different terrain – dense forests, tall cliffs, and raging rivers – there are lots of great locations in Ontario to get away and enjoy being a kid again in the outdoors.

Specifically, there are a number of adventure-based activities you can try out all over the province.

The nice thing about adventure getaways in Ontario is that there is a good offering of things to do in all seasons – so don’t think for a second you’re out of luck when it comes to weekend winter getaways in Ontario!

From treetop trekking in the summer to snow tubing and snowshoeing in the winter , check out these active weekend ideas.

Hardwood Hills Ski & Bike

If you’re keen on some physical activity, we suggest heading to Hardwood Hills . Just north of Toronto about two hours driving, this ski and bike facility offers over 80 kilometres of rolling trails through pine forests for mountain biking and cross-country skiing. They also offer disc golf, volleyball, hiking, and running. You can stay nearby in Oro-Medonte at Carriage Hills Resort which comes with its own amenities.

Horseshoe Valley

It may not be the largest ski hill in Ontario, but Horseshoe Valley Resort is a personal favourite. The grounds offer adventurers so many activities from treetop trekking and golf in the summer to skiing/snowboarding and having the longest snow tubing hill in Ontario in the winter. The nice thing about a weekend at Horseshoe is that you can book your stay close to where you get to play!

Rafting the Ottawa River

For an river rafting adventure, head north of Ottawa to either Wilderness Tours or Owl Rafting ! Eric went rafting with both of these companies before and both companies made for a super fun weekend getaway in Ontario. Both companies have a waterfront resorts with meals, bar, and accommodations (from camping to cabins and even select cottages) so you can stay overnight and make a whole weekend out of it after you enjoy the action-packed rafting tour.

Treetop Trekking in Huntsville

Back to the idea of adventure in the trees, Treetop Trekking (mentioned in Horseshoe Valley) also has a course up in Huntsville, too. The Huntsville location is just off of Highway 60 so it’s easy to get to. The area is beautiful if you are looking for a good dose of nature over the course of a weekend. There are other great things to do in Huntsville if you end up spending a weekend there. We’d recommend a stay at Morgan House B&B  which is not too far from the trekking.

Scuba the Ontario Wrecks

If you want to try something a little different, Ontario is actually a great place to go SCUBA diving. This is because some lakes contain a unique underwater environment – including a high concentration of shipwrecks. Tobermory is apparently the “SCUBA capital of Canada” with Fathom Five National Marine Park having over 20 protected wrecks to explore. If you are new to SCUBA, you can always try a SCUBA training course ! If you stay up in Tobermory, check out the Grandview Motel for a popular and cozy accommodation with Georgian Bay views just a short walk from “downtown” Tobermory.

Explore Ontario for Beautiful Waterfalls

Oddly enough, Ontario’s unique geography also makes it a home to many gorgeous waterfalls. A big reason for this is the Niagara Escarpment – that large rocky ledge that runs from Georgian Bay all the way to the Niagara Region.

Of course, you can go and see the most famous of them all – Niagara Falls – but there are lots more to explore that are tucked away in nature.

Exploring waterfalls can make for a good cheap weekend getaway in Ontario because the costs are usually just things like the parking fee and/or the entrance fee for the conservation area (on top of some food and a place to stay).

That said, we’ll highlight two main areas for waterfalls in Ontario but know that there are a few others scattered all over the province. For example, you can go up to near Thunder Bay to experience Kakabeka Falls which is quite a wonder!

Hamilton Region

It’s been said that Hamilton – and the area surrounding it – is the Waterfall Capital of the World. This area has over 200 waterfalls to explore with some being more popular and accessible than others. We wrote up a whole post on our experience checking out Hamilton waterfalls but for those wondering, Tiffany Falls is quite popular, as is Albion Falls. We also liked Felker’s Falls!

Another great area that has a number of waterfalls and conservation areas is Grey County. There are a number of popular ones to head for like Eugenia Falls and Hogg’s Falls . While all of the waterfalls are accessible to hike to in the summer, most of them are also accessible in the winter. To stay nearby, check out the Traverston Retreat B&B !

Dive into Ontario’s Rich History

If you are looking to spend the weekend exploring something you didn’t know about, why not dive into Ontario’s past? From Indigenous peoples and European settlers to war with the Americans and modern-day advances in medicine – Ontario has quite the backstory. Around the province, there are a number of museums and attractions where you get the chance to dive into history. We don’t think history is boring and many of these ideas can be used to fill just one piece of a weekend itinerary whether you’re a couple or a family with kids!

Not to talk about Niagara on the Lake again but the area is popular for Ontario history given the proximity to the US border and waterways.

This region has numerous attractions like Fort George Historic Site and other places like the Laura Secord Homestead , the Mackenzie Printery Museum , and the Queenston Heights Park , among others. We mention most of these museums and historic things to discover in our guide on things to do in Niagara on the Lake !

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

If you want to step back into the 17th century, head for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons . Located in Midland, this re-created settlement and museum represents the spot of the oldest European community in Ontario. To stay nearby in Midland, you might like 1875 A Charters Inn Bed & Breakfast which is a historic home located right in the heart of the town centre.

Diefenbunker Museum

Did you know that Ontario has a secret underground Cold war-era bunker that was for the Prime Minister and is now a museum you can tour?

If you didn’t, visit the Diefenbunker Museum outside of Ottawa in the small town of Carp. We went and it was honestly awesome! You can read more about our experience when visiting the Diefenbunker . If you want to stay nearby, aim for the Brookstreet Hotel which is in Kanata between the bunker and downtown Ottawa (can make a weekend out of a visit to this area)!

1000 Islands History Museum

If the history of the waterways calls to you, head for Gananoque to explore the 1000 Islands History Museum . It’s located right at the waterfront and you can also use this weekend trip to hop on a beautiful 1000 Islands Boat Cruise !

We cruised the 1000 Islands from Kingston but have heard the cruises from Gananoque offer more island time. To stay just a short walk from downtown Gananoque/the waterfront to catch a cruise, we suggest the Sleepy Hollow B&B in an old historic house!

Check out Top Ontario Attractions

Then there are the Ontario weekend getaways that are centred around going to see or do something specific. We call these top Ontario attractions – and Ontario has a number of things to visit that are worth building a weekend around!

For this guide, we tried to stick to things that are unique experiences to Ontario so you won’t find any chain companies or brands below!

Niagara Falls

We couldn’t leave a weekend getaway in Niagara Falls, Ontario out of this post. This city – with three magnificent waterfalls to check out – is loaded with things to do and see besides the falls themselves.

From the famous Hornblower Cruise to the White Water Walk and attractions on Clifton Hill, there’s something for everyone here. We have written extensively on the subject including a post on top things to do in Niagara Falls and a guide on where to stay .

We stayed at  A Moment in Time B&B and good hotels with views of the falls are  Marriott Fallsview  or  The Oakes Hotel Fallsview .

Bonnechere Caves

To explore another natural wonder that Ontario has been hiding, plan a visit to the Bonnechere Caves . This incredible cave system is a unique way to learn about nature while also going on a bit of an adventure! They are located close to Eganville (not far from Highway 60). To stay nearby, you can check out the Bide-A-While Bed & Breakfast which is in Renfrew (a short drive from the Caves).

Dynamic Earth & Big Nickel

Lastly, if you are keen to learn more about what goes on underground in Ontario, head up to Sudbury to Dynamic Earth and to see the Big Nickel! Part of the Science North group, these science museums are world-renowned. Plus, nearby you get to visit the largest coin in the world so that’s pretty cool. Don’t count out Sudbury for a great weekend getaway. There are other outdoor-based attractions to draw you up there. We’d suggest a stay at the Northbury Hotel close to the city centre.

Catch Some Sun at an Ontario Beach

It’s no secret that with enough lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water dotting the Ontario landscape, there are bound to be some great beaches in Ontario. Millions of years of erosion for you mean many places to lay on the comfortable sand and let the summer sun do its thing!

Of course, there are very popular beaches in Ontario like Wasaga Beach and Sauble Beach – but there are lots of other great beaches to head for as well. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in Ontario in summer, a beachside retreat might be for you.

We’ve listed just a handful of other beaches you might want to make a point of heading to on a weekend.

They are generally located in nice little towns with restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere. Beaches also make for a sure-fire idea for weekend family getaways in Ontario because the beach has something for everyone!

Grand Bend Beach

Located close to Pinery Provincial Park , Grand Bend Beach is a very popular stop for weekend getaways in southwestern Ontario. There are lots to do in the area activity-wise in both the summer and the winter season. You can stay close by to the beach at a resort or campground like the Oakwood Resort .

Long Point is actually also a Provincial Park – but the sandy beaches are well-known to those familiar with Lake Erie. As the fourth oldest park in Ontario, there’s 1.5 km of sand-covered beach. Lake Erie is also typically warmer than Lake Ontario. To stay close by, you can book the Normandale Century Inn in Normandale which is a quick drive from the beach at Long Point. There are also other beaches all over that area of Lake Erie!

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Looping back to cover Prince Edward County, a trip to Sandbanks Provincial Park is a great way to hit the beach. There are actually three different beaches here – we cover them in our mega guide to exploring Sandbanks . With the option to camp overnight or make use of the day-use dune areas and stay nearby, there are options for most weekend trippers. We’ve covered where to stay in Prince Edward County before in this post but to stay close to the actual beaches check out Our Space the Perfect Place B&B  which is not far.

There are other beaches in this region like Wellington Beach or North Beach if you want to skip Sandbanks!

Hike/Camp at a National/Provincial Park

Speaking of Provincial Parks – you can absolutely make a weekend getaway out of exploring the great outdoors.

Luckily, you’ve got 340 regulated Provincial Parks to choose from – and that doesn’t include National Parks or conservation areas! While this may seem like a difficult task, there are definitely some that are more popular than others.

Everyone is likely familiar with Algonquin Provincial Park , Forks of the Credit , Arrowhead , or even Killarney , but there are so many other parks in Ontario to explore. Many of these green areas make for dog-friendly weekend getaways because they have “bark parks” attached.

If you stay for a weekend (and depending on which one you choose) you might decide to camp overnight (if you can). Alternatively, you can also just do day hikes but stay close by outside the park. You can even visit more than one in a weekend. It’s really up to you!

Petroglyphs Provincial Park

For a unique park experience in Ontario, head for Petroglyphs Provincial Park . Located just to the northeast of Peterborough, the park is special since you’ll find a large collection of Indigenous rock carvings as well as get the chance to enjoy nature and learn about the traditions of the Ojibway people.

This is a place for learning and connecting and we are so looking forward to visiting. To make a weekend out of it, you could stay at the Burleigh Falls Inn which is in our post on best Ontario inns!

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Often referred to as “heading to Tobermory”, Bruce Peninsula National Park is a popular but unique stop in Ontario. The Bruce Peninsula is a gorgeous area on Georgian Bay with a variety of unique aspects like the Grotto – a famous geological attraction. You can camp in the park but you can also stay close by in the heart of Tobermory if you just want to day hike. The Grandview Motel is a great option for that.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park

Lastly, Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is another great park in Ontario located up near Bancroft. We tried to feature more of “The Kawarthas” since the Muskokas always get the credit when it comes to amazing outdoor areas in Ontario. The park is fantastic to visit for camping, hiking, canoeing, and much more. It is actually the second largest park in Southern Ontario next to Algonquin. It’s actually pretty close to Petroglyphs Park (mentioned above) so a stay at the Burleigh Falls Inn would make sense if you didn’t want to camp overnight.

Explore a Small Ontario Town

You don’t have to head to a city to have an amazing weekend. In fact, those of you in the city are likely looking to leave it for the weekend.

So, exploring a small Ontario town might be perfect for you. In fact, we’d argue that the right small town can offer you more to do on a long weekend getaway in Ontario than just heading for an Ontario beach!

Ontario is loaded with small towns that actually have lots of offer visitors like local history and hikes, artisan shops, restaurants, and breweries. Local accommodations that make for a nice overnight getaway can be the piece that brings it all together to create a nice weekend getaway.

Having both of us come from small towns, we definitely have an affinity for discovering smaller places. Below are a number of great small towns to check out – some have rivers running through while others have hiking trails or lakes to enjoy!

Last, but certainly not least, we have the small town of Elora. Located close to Guelph, Elora is known for the Grand River running through it. It’s the home of the luxurious Elora Mill Hotel and the town is a great stop for a quiet weekend full of relaxing, getting out on the river, or hiking/tubing in Elora Gorge Conservation Area . We’ve written a whole detailed guide on what to do in Elora if you want to read about our experience. Aside from the Elora Mill Hotel and Spa , another place to stay close to the town centre would be Etherington Suites – very close to the Grand River!

If you are searching for a cute little town with historic stone buildings, a number of places to eat, a museum or two, local shops, and some green space by the water, you might want to have a look at Perth. This little town is located a short drive north of Kingston and makes for a nice quiet Ontario getaway – especially in spring with the flowers blooming.

If you want to stay right in the heart of Perth, we’d suggest the Perth Manor Boutique Hotel !

Gravenhurst

For those wanting to hit up a smaller town but up in the Muskokas, Gravenhurst would be our go-to suggestion. Featuring a great little town centre with a nice brewery and the famous Muskoka steamships cruise down at the Muskoka Wharf, there’s lots to see and do in Gravenhurst . For a nice place to stay, that is close to downtown but also close to the lake, you can check out  The Inn on Bay .

Get Lost in an Ontario City

It goes without saying that Ontario is huge and there are a number of cities that can definitely make for a nice weekend getaway.

Depending on your interests (and your starting location), some cities might appeal to you over others. Cities also make for a great solo weekend in Ontario because you can kind of blend in among city life and enjoy it at your own pace!

There are a number of cities we really like visiting around Ontario – and all for basically different reasons.

We left Toronto out since (you have to admit) many people are usually looking to leave Toronto for the weekend, not enter it! Below are some of our favourite cities to visit, things to do in each, and accommodations to check out.

For a historic city right on Lake Ontario, Kingston makes for an excellent weekend trip since it’s a doable drive from both Ottawa and Toronto. Kingston is fantastic in the summer: You can get ice cream and walk the downtown core to check out the small shops. There are historic trolley tours and even an island boat cruise you can do. In the winter, it’s a bit chilly but still great. You can go ice skating at Springer Market Square. There are also so many bars, breweries, and restaurants in Kingston to satisfy any cuisine in any season. We’d suggest the Hochelaga Inn for a historic bed and breakfast walkable to downtown and The Delta for a downtown hotel on the Kingston waterfront. Having lived in Kingston for a combined decade, that’s why we know and love it. You can read up on things to do , best restaurants , best bars and pubs , coffee shops , and even where to stay in Kingston .

If you feel like you aren’t in touch with Canada’s roots, a trip to Ottawa can fix that! In the summer, you can do a river cruise of the Ottawa River , explore Parliament, or visit one of the many museums like the Canadian War Museum or National Gallery of Canada . Pints in ByWard Market are also a great way to enjoy the weather! In the winter, the city gets cold but there’s always Winterlude and skating on the famous Rideau Canal to enjoy! Whichever season you visit, we’d recommend the Andaz ByWard Market for a central hotel with a stunning rooftop bar. We love exploring Ottawa and have a number of posts to get you started: things to do in Ottawa , one day in Ottawa , best Ottawa bars and pubs , and where to stay in Ottawa !

Last but not least – a trip to Guelph, Ontario is actually a great option! Located not too far from Toronto, Guelph can make for a nice weekend getaway in southern Ontario. The city has a lot of natural beauty with green spaces and the rivers that run through. The area is good for hiking and being outside, in general. There is a nice downtown with bars and pubs , shops, and great restaurants. Of course, there are other things to do in Guelph like renting a boat at The Boathouse and getting ice cream or high tea! If you head for Guelph, the  Norfolk Guest House Inn  makes for a lovely stay a short walk to downtown.

Indulge On A “Food or Drink Trail”

If you want your weekend getaway to revolve around enjoying Ontario’s vibrant gastronomy scene, then you can definitely make that happen! Ontario prides itself on its local growers, bakers, brewers, and restaurant owners who have created more than one “foodie” hot spot across the province.

While a stop at St. Lawrence Market in Toronto is definitely a noteworthy adventure, there are a number of Ontario weekend trip food routes that are basically just asking you to join. From sweet treats to delicious craft beer, here are a bunch of Ontario food tours/trails that you can follow!

The Butter Tart Tour

Are you a fan of butter tarts? The Canadian classic dessert can be enjoyed in the Kawarthas Northumberland (around Peterborough) at over 50 different locations! You can eat your way across the region sampling butter tarts – find the full details for the Butter Tart Tour here . You can also complete a version by boat! If you do make the tour over the course of a weekend, you will need a place to sleep off those butter tarts. Stay in Bobcaygeon to be in the heart of the butter tart tasting region and check out Riverside Caygeon B&B for a great bed and breakfast!

Oxford County Cheese Trail

Is cheese your thing? Then the Oxford County Cheese Trail is for you! Consisting of 24 stops ranging from cheese shops, restaurants, and other vendors around Woodstock (close to London), the cheese trail is definitely something you’ll want to spend a weekend doing! You can learn all about The Cheese Trail here ! As you will be filled with cheese, stay in Woodstock for a central location to drive to other places on the trail. The Château la Motte Guest House is a super cool-looking historic bed and breakfast that might do the trick.

Brewery Tour

Since Ontario is a hot spot for craft breweries, there are many different ones situated in regions that you can explore. Prince Edward County breweries are great or you could even make a tour out of breweries around the Muskoka region (like Muskoka Brewery in Bracebridge!). Please enjoy responsibly if you do this. Once again, the heart of the region is arguably Gravenhurst so perhaps stay at The Inn on Bay to make your brewery crawl easier to accomplish! This would also work well for a one-night getaway in Ontario.

And there you have it – a pretty detailed list of ideas for weekend getaways in Ontario! Of course, there are so many more weekend ideas to add here.

Also, not all of these will work for you because we have no idea where you are starting from. That said, we hope this is a helpful guide to most. You know we’ll be adding to it as we explore more of Ontario!

As always, Keep Exploring, eh? – E&L

Pin it for later!

Eric Wychopen

Hi, we're Eric and Lisa - an Ontario-born Canadian and a German! After settling in Ontario together, we realized that there is lots more to explore in this beautiful Canadian province! On Ontario Away, we as well as local contributors cover everything from cities and hikes to wineries, attractions, accommodations, and more.

Connect With Us On Social

If you'd like to join the conversation and get more tips, you can find us on social media as well!

19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ontario

Written by Lana Law Updated May 3, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lana Law grew up in Northwestern Ontario and currently lives in Southern Ontario.

Ontario is home to the nation's largest city, Toronto, and the capital city of Ottawa, but it also encompasses vast expanses of wilderness and pristine lakes and contains one of Canada's most visited natural attractions, Niagara Falls. This huge province, about 15 times larger than the state of Texas, offers boundless opportunities for travel, adventure, and family fun.

During the hot summer months , people visit Ontario to see some of Canada's top museums and galleries; spend family time at the amusement parks; relax at lakeside resorts; paddle or fish in the lakes and rivers; camp in the parks; and see some of the country's most iconic landmarks, like the CN Tower.

In winter , while some venture outdoors to enjoy the ski hills, skating rinks, snowmobiling, and winter festivals, most turn their attention indoors to hockey games, shopping, dining, Broadway shows, and other cultural attractions.

From small towns to big cities, this province can deliver whatever you're looking for in a vacation. Plan your trip and discover the best places to visit with our list of top tourist attractions in Ontario.

1. Niagara Falls

2. toronto's cn tower, 3. parliament hill in ottawa, 4. ontario's provincial and national parks, 5. royal ontario museum (rom), 6. canada's wonderland, 7. national gallery of canada, 8. toronto international film festival (tiff), 9. art gallery of ontario, 10. thousand islands, 11. fishing in northern ontario, 12. trent-severn waterway national historic site of canada, 13. muskoka and cottage country, 14. fort william historical park, 15. lake of the woods, 16. blue mountain resort, 17. stratford festival, 18. sainte-marie among the hurons, 19. rideau canal national historic site, map of tourist attractions in ontario.

Niagara Falls is Canada's most internationally recognized attraction, visited by millions of tourists each year. While there are actually three sets of falls, the largest section, known as Horseshoe Falls , drops approximately 57 meters, creating a great wall of water that stretches between Niagara Falls, Canada , and Niagara Falls, USA . The falls are famous primarily for the large volume of water flowing over them, but combined with the huge drop, they are truly a magnificent sight.

The falls are located right in the city of Niagara Falls, making them easy to visit. It's possible to walk down the main tourist strip in Niagara Falls, an outrageous spectacle in itself, to the edge of the gorge, where you'll find great views all along the walkway overlooking the river and the falls. Day trip tours can be easily arranged from hotels or hostels in Toronto. By car, the trip from Toronto takes about 1.5 hours.

The CN Tower is one of Canada's most iconic structures, standing tall along the Toronto skyline. The 553-meter tower is lit up at night and can be seen from all over the city and surroundings at any time of day or night, but visitors will likely want to take a trip up the tower to fully experience it.

An elevator allows access to the observation deck and restaurant , located about three-quarters of the way to the top. The view is astounding, looking out over the city and Lake Ontario. On clear days, it's possible to see all the way to the plume of mist rising off Niagara Falls . In the evening, looking out over the sparkling city lights is also an impressive sight.

Thrill seekers will want to give the EdgeWalk a try. Strapped in, you'll step outside the SkyPod, and spend 30 minutes strolling around the tower, 166 stories above the ground. It's not for the faint of heart or those afraid of heights but adrenaline junkies will be entirely in their element.

The tower is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, and at the base is the new Ripley's Aquarium and Rogers Centre , two of Toronto's top attractions .

Parliament Hill in the nation's capital is where most visitors begin their sightseeing in Ottawa . The buildings reside in a lovely setting on a rise above the Ottawa River. The Peace Tower is the most obvious and the most photographed structure, standing more than 90 meters high between the Senate and the House of Commons.

In front of the Parliament buildings is the Centennial Flame . During the summer, visitors can see the Changing of the Guard on the lawn in front of the Houses of Parliament, while those who are lucky enough to be visiting Ottawa on July 1 can enjoy some of the biggest Canada Day celebrations in the country.

Daily guided tours of the Parliament Buildings, including the Senate, House of Commons, and the East Block are available free of charge. Tickets are available same day, although it's strongly advised that you book well in advance online.

Ontario has many outstanding provincial and national parks that offer access to some of the most beautiful areas of the province. In these parks, you'll find Ontario's best lakes , where you can fish, swim, and go pleasure boating. If hitting the beach and laying in the sand is more your thing, the parks are also hot spots for Ontario's best beaches .

In Southern Ontario, just two hours from Toronto, Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the most popular parks and outdoor destinations, with an extensive network of hiking trails , and beautiful lakefront campgrounds . Further afield but equally beautiful, Killarney Provincial Park is another great area for hiking , canoeing, and camping .

On the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, Bruce Peninsula National Park offers its own attractions, and nearby but offshore, boaters and divers can find adventure exploring Georgian Bay Islands National Park and the Fathom Five National Marine Park .

You can also find history in some of the parks. The petroglyphs of Petroglyphs Provincial Park, just a short drive northeast of Peterborough, offer an easy and close-up look at an outstanding collection of 500 to 1,000-year-old Aboriginal rock carvings. Somewhat more difficult to access, but also impressive, are the pictographs that line the cliff walls on the shoreline of Lake Superior in Lake Superior Provincial Park .

Those who are looking for a truly remote experience will find invitingly pristine lakes and forests in Quetico Provincial Park in Northwestern Ontario. This is a popular area for backcountry canoe trips and fishing trips.

• Read More: Top-Rated Ontario Parks: Exploring Ontario's Great Outdoors

The Royal Ontario Museum in downtown Toronto 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.

The Royal Ontario Museum is within walking distance of the fascinating Gardiner Museum and the tony shops of Bloor Avenue.

About 30 kilometers northwest of Toronto's city center is Canada's Wonderland , a huge theme park, which operates during the summer months . For local residents with kids, an annual visit to Canada's wonderland is one of the top things to do in summer. But, as Canada's premier amusement park, this attraction draws families from across the country.

Roller coasters and thrill rides for children of all ages, as well as a water park, dinosaur park, and live shows, are just some of the attractions. Canada's Wonderland is planning on opening two new rides in 2023: the Tundra Twister and Snoopy's Racing Railway .

Visiting Wonderland is an easy day trip from Toronto .

The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa houses some of the country's most important collections. It contains a particularly strong selection of works by Canadian artists , from the Group of Seven to Emily Carr and many other famous names. The gallery also displays important pieces by well-known international artists.

The National Gallery building is housed in an ultra-modern architectural masterpiece designed by Moshe Safdie.

After you visit this fascinating museum, continue your museum tour by heading across the bridge to the Canadian Museum of History , or stroll over to the wonderful ByWard Market for a bite.

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is the most famous event on Ontario's calendar, attracting some of the biggest movie stars across North America. This 10-day festival, held in early September in Toronto, is one of the best-attended film festivals in the world , with almost a half million visitors annually.

Tourists and locals descend on the city to watch a film or catch a glimpse of some of their favorite actors, and the city is a buzz of activity. At this time of year, the weather is still hot, and evenings are pleasant. The streets are full of people, restaurants are booked well in advance, and outdoor patios in the city are crowded until late at night. If you are visiting Toronto at this time of year, make sure you book your hotel and restaurants well in advance.

In downtown Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of Canada's most prestigious art galleries. It hosts a particularly impressive collection of Canadian paintings with a focus on artists from Ontario and Toronto. It also holds Canada's largest collection of African and Oceanic Art displayed in a museum.

Other highlights include paintings and sculptures by European masters and Modern and Contemporary collections from North America and Europe. Temporary exhibitions are held throughout the year, check the AGO's website for the most current list.

Spread over an 80-kilometer stretch of the St. Lawrence River is a scenic natural area known as the Thousand Islands. The islands are on a granite shelf extending from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains in the United States, with the US-Canada boundary actually running between the islands. It is one of the oldest and best-known holiday areas in Ontario , popular with cottagers, boaters, and those looking to get away from the cities of Southern Ontario during the hot summer months.

One of the most popular things to do in this area is a Thousand Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise through the maze of islands. Cruises run from mid-April to mid-October.

Gananoque is the principal resort town in the area and the main gateway to the Thousand Islands.

Northern Ontario is one of the best places in Canada for fishing. Walleye, pickerel, bass, northern pike, and muskies are some of the most sought-after catches, and people from all over North America come here to try their luck. And you don't have to be all that lucky if you know where to go.

Fishing lodges in Ontario range from luxury resorts to rustic cottages, but most offer everything you need to make your trip a success, including boats, guides, meals, and cabins. The best fishing is often found on remote northern lakes , and accessed by small float planes. Resorts either offer fly-in packages or, in some cases, boat pickup. You can also find a number of good drive-to resorts.

The historic Trent-Severn Canal, built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, is a system of waterways linking Lake Ontario with Georgian Bay on Lake Huron . The canal winds its way through a series of rivers and lakes, such as the Trent River and Lake Simcoe, in the east of Ontario. The changing levels are met with more than 40 locks, including the world's highest hoist , built in 1905 at Peterborough, covering a height of 20 meters.

In the past, the canal was mainly used for carrying grain and timber, but today, the Trent-Severn Waterway is a part of Parks Canada and is officially called the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada . It is used largely for tourism and recreational boaters. At some of the locks, there are camping facilities and grassy areas for picnics.

A great way to experience the Trent-Severn Waterway is on a Kawartha Voyageur Cruise. These multiday cruises allow you to see the sights and the locks at a leisurely pace, by basking on the sundeck or stopping at various ports,

One of Ontario's most famous summer hot spots is an area known as Cottage Country or Muskoka. Located north of Toronto, this region is centered around Lake Muskoka and a number of other popular lakes in the area.

Although you can find areas of equal beauty all over Ontario, this region's proximity to the city, just two to three hours from Toronto, has made it extremely popular. The lakes are surrounded by high-end cottages and summer homes of Torontonians. On weekends, the highways to Cottage Country are clogged with traffic as people flee the heat of the city, to relax around the lakes.

This is also a fun area to visit, with many people renting cottages here or staying at luxury resorts. There are a number of small communities in Cottage Country, although the primary town is Gravenhurst , located on the shores of Lake Muskoka. From here, visitors can hop on historical steamships for a short cruise and tour of the lake.

Fort William Historical Park is the reconstruction of the inland headquarters operated by the Northwest Company of the Canadian fur trade from 1803 to 1821. Situated on the banks of the Kaministiquia River in south Thunder Bay , the Fort comprises 57 buildings on 250 acres.

Each summer, fur traders, voyageurs, and first nations people would converge upon the Fort for the annual "rendezvous," which saw the transfer of tons of furs coming in from western posts with trade goods coming from Montreal, all conveyed by birch bark canoes within one season. This system enabled the Nor'Westers to emerge as a dominant force in the fur trade.

The Fort offers a fascinating looking at fur trade life, touching upon themes from furs and food to muskets and medicine, and highlighting a cultural mosaic of Scottish fur traders, French Canadian voyageurs, farmers and artisans, and aboriginals and Métis.

The park is not all about the fur trade, though. On the same grounds is the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory (DTAO) . The observatory is home to one of Canada's largest public telescopes.

To discover Ontario's remote wilderness landscapes, one of the best places to visit is Lake of the Woods and the surrounding areas. This huge body of water lies on the lightly populated provincial borders of Manitoba and Ontario and also dips into the state of Minnesota . This beautiful lake provides an incredibly scenic setting and pristine wilderness experience for those interested in venturing into the backcountry.

Many people have cottages on Lake of the Woods, but its distance from major cities and the size of the lake mean cottages are few and far between. It is also a prime destination for tourists who come to Canada to go on fishing trips .

Lake of the Woods provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and simply escaping into the Canadian wilderness . Islands fringe the heavily indented Canadian north shore, while the south shore is flat, sandy, and marshy in places. Beginning in 1688, the lake provided trappers and voyageurs with a passage westwards.

The main town on Lake of the Woods is Kenora , Ontario. This is where you can find lodging, plan charter flights, hire fishing guides, and get supplies.

Blue Mountain Resort , just outside the town of Collingwood , on the shores of Georgian Bay, is one of the most popular ski resorts in Ontario. Blue Mountain Village, at the base of the hill, features fine-dining restaurants, top-end shops, and first-class accommodations. The hill itself is family oriented and extremely popular with Torontonians.

The resort is open year-round and almost as busy in summer as it is in winter, with activities that range from rock climbing and ziplining to mountain biking and hiking.

William Shakespeare would be proud of the fine folks who live in Stratford who, each summer, put on an incredible internationally renowned summer festival celebrating his works. Stratford is just 60 kilometers northeast of London , Ontario, and draws particularly large crowds from the Toronto area.

The 2,250-seat Festival Theatre has been staging plays between May and October since 1953, with pride of place going to Shakespeare. There are now four theater venues, and plays by other famous writers, along with up-and-coming playwrights, are also presented. Most seasons, at least 12 productions are performed at the Stratford Festival .

The reconstruction of the mission station of Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is about five kilometers east of Midland on the Wye River. It was founded by the Jesuits in 1639 and served as a mainstay for 10 years for Europeans in "Wendat," the land of the Huron. As time went by, there was constant conflict with the Hurons, who were also decimated by diseases imported by the Europeans. In 1649, the Jesuits abandoned their settlement and returned to Québec.

The mission was reconstructed in the 1960s and was later designated a national monument. Today, it's open to visitors daily from May to October, and provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of the station and pioneer life in Canada.

Nearby and also worth visiting for more period history is Discovery Harbour. Here, you'll see two restored sailing ships: The H.M.S. Bee and the H.M.S. Tecumseth . In addition to the ships, historical maritime homes can be toured. These include the Sailor's Barracks, the Commander's Home, the Assistant Surgeon's House, the Surveyor's Home, the Keating House, and the Officer's Quarters.

One of Canada's most famous man-made waterways, the Rideau Canal is a must-see when visiting Ottawa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates from the early 19th century and has been meticulously maintained over the years and appears much as it did when it was first built.

Stroll along the pathways on either side and watch the boats pass through the locks. A popular thing to do in Ottawa is to take a Rideau Canal cruise . This 90-minute tour takes place on a 100 percent electric-powered passenger vessel and passes all the city's top sights, including the Château Laurier , National Arts Centre , and the Canadian Museum of Nature .

If you find yourself in Ottawa in the winter, be sure to rent some skates and try out the world's largest skating rink. Each winter, in January, the Rideau Canal is transformed into a 7.8-kilometer-long skating route. Along the way are warming huts and food vendors selling the iconic (and super tasty!) Beavertails.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Canada Adventures: Make Ontario part of your larger trip through Canada. For ideas on how to incorporate Ontario into your plans, see our Canadian itineraries . Another great resource is our list of best places to visit in Canada , which gives a good overview of cities and destinations across the country.

More on Canada

Rides Are Us

Airport transfer and taxi transportation in ottawa, ontario.

Places to visit in Ottawa at night

Both the sites and activities that can be done when traveling are varied. This means that as long as there is space, one is not limited to enjoying only certain attractions. Many times, seeing a new area involves connecting with the locals and soaking up the vibe. The greatest spots to experience Ottawa’s vibrant nightlife culture are among the best things to do in the city after dinner. You may spend the day perusing local goods in well-known shopping areas before going out to some bars in the evening. However, a clever individual can improve their experiences by doing research and understanding what the best things are to do. Here are some must-do night activities for tourists in Ottawa.

• ByWard Market :

ByWard Market has a variety of bars, galleries, and shops to visit, making it a pleasant place to take a stroll in the evening or enjoy bar hopping after supper. It is one of Canada’s oldest and biggest public marketplaces, having opened its doors in 1826. With a farmer’s market and a vibrant assortment of indoor and outdoor vendors offering anything from gourmet meals to crafts, the retail district spans about 4 blocks of the city. ByWard Market is most alive in the summer, when people throng to its nightclubs for outdoor drinking and dancing to live DJ performances.

• The National Art Center :

The National Arts Center in Ottawa is a great spot for a night out if you like the arts, dance, and music. The location, 53 Elgin St. near Confederation Square, is quite entertaining. A night at the center is a memorable one because it has three auditoriums with a variety of performances. The most alluring activity is the NAC Orchestra’s performance.

• An Ottawa River sunset cruise :

By taking part in an Ottawa River sunset cruise, you can take in a distinctive view of the city while learning about its landmarks and history. These leisurely guided tours are available all summer long. A guide, transportation, and stops at other locations are common additions to tours. There are also dinner cruises available, or you can simply unwind on a tour boat’s roomy deck while sipping cocktails, nibbling on appetizers, and listening to live music. On a typical tour, you’ll pass by famous sites in Ottawa like 24 Sussex, the official residence of the prime minister, and the Gatineau City waterfront on the Quebec side of the river. The best part is that you get to come back just in time to witness the Parliament Buildings illuminate.

• Clocktower Brewpub :

One of the nicest spots to go out at night in Ottawa is The Clocktower Brewpub. It is the city’s oldest and most established craft brewery, and if you enjoy beer, it will quickly become a favorite. Along with an extensive meal menu, the pub offers more than 45 different types of beer. The beers are made locally and freshly, giving them a distinctive flavor that makes them worth the price. From extremely smooth to robust, you will find all varieties of beer available here. Clocktower Brewpub also hosts a variety of bands, musicians, and comedians to play at the pub frequently for the patrons, which will surprise you to learn.

• City at Night :

The City at Night is unquestionably one of the top nightclubs in Ottawa. It’s a chic, up-to-date location where you may dance till the wee hours and enjoy yourself greatly. Nearly every weekend, the City at Night club hosts well-known DJs and live bands for the entertainment of their guests. Beer and ale are pretty famous here and either of them is a must try. Even though the club isn’t very spacious, the small corners offer a much more intimate atmosphere and experience to everyone around. The interior of the club is well lit with funky lights and that sets the mood absolutely right for enjoying the party.

• Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino :

Why not give the Rideau Carleton Raceway Casino a try if you have a flexible spending plan for the evening? You will undoubtedly have the pleasure of your life while winning more money by outsmarting other players at the casino’s thousands of slot machines, roulette cards, and gambling tables. Although the casino is spread out across a vast area and includes a racetrack, the majority of horse races are only held during the day. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated by drinking some of the cold beer that is offered to all visitors here. Expect to be requested to play and demonstrate Craps, Roulette, and Blackjack with other players as soon as you enter this casino.

Transportation service at night

For late-night/early-morning commuters, especially those without cars who need access to employment and other services, late-night transportation choices are essential. Riders may occasionally have access to public transportation at the beginning of their shift but not at the conclusion. Since households working second- and third-shift occupations, many of whom are low-wage earners, benefit most from late-night services, and for whom these services constitute a mobility lifeline to employment, late-night transportation services can serve a vital purpose. As a result, late-night transportation can serve as a crucial economic rung on the ladder of opportunity for households with low incomes.

Explore Various Late-night Travel Alternatives

• Shuttle Bus :

Passengers are shuttled between two set points using this service. They can travel together with others while traveling in the same direction using the most space-efficient mode of transportation. In addition to offering shuttle services to the campus communities, the institution can design its own permanent routes. Riders can easily reserve the service whenever they need it after midnight.

Riders can go to their location thanks to this service. The shuttle van service organized by the students can prove to be convenient and secure group transportation for small groups of persons heading in the same direction. This service often includes set pick-up and drop-off locations, preset routes, and fixed times.

Romantic Getaways Ontario | Weekend Trips for Couples

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, love and all things romantic, here at Road Trip Ontario, one of us is thoroughly excited, and the other is already dreading all the cheesiness. We’ll let you guess who’s who! Despite this, Ontario is such a beautiful province that some places scream romance; outdoor campfire cuddles, indoor fireplace snuggles, long hikes while holding hands, luxury resorts and couples massages and more.

This Canadian province is ideal for a family trip and a romantic getaway for two. With the perfect balance of cities, towns and nature, there are many places to visit in Ontario that will make for a memorable weekend getaway filled with romance. 

Whether you’re in the mood for an Ontario road trip or even a quick day trip , this province has it all with some of the best romantic getaways Ontario offers!

Table of Contents

Weekend Ontario Getaways for Couples

There are so many places to visit in Ontario that offer adventure, serenity, and of course, that romance and intimacy you’re looking for. To help you find the perfect couples getaway, here are twelve of our top picks for a weekend getaway in Ontario.

The capital of Canada, Ottawa, offers everything from history to local culture and even a bit of city life. If you’re looking for a romantic weekend in Ontario, this city is the perfect place to be. 

Things to Do

There is so much to do when visiting Ottawa . If you’re in the mood for a peaceful afternoon, stroll through the town while sightseeing or visiting a few local museums like the Canadian War Museum . 

You could even spend the day at the Au Natural Spa for a relaxing treatment or a round of golf. Finish it off with a soak in the outdoor saltwater pools.

If you’re looking for adventure and outdoor excitement, grab your skates (or rent some) and glide along the Rideau Canal Skateway hand-in-hand with your partner. Then you can say you’ve been to the world’s largest natural skiing rink, according to the Guinness Book of World Records .

Top Accommodation Picks

If you’re planning on staying in Ottawa for your romantic getaway in Ontario, here are some stunning hotels and resorts we recommend:

• Fairmont Chateau Laurier
• Ramada by Wyndham Ottawa on the Rideau
• Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
• The Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa
• Glamping Hub

If you prefer going small for romantic getaways, Ontario has you covered with plenty of small towns.

Killarney as a couple’s getaway is perfect for that suburban lakehouse holiday. This Canadian gem boasts displays of shining crystal quartzite along the La Cloche Mountain Range, where the waters reflect its shimmer. There is no way not to feel the love of a fairytale being surrounded by such beauty. 

Killarney offers you many outdoor activities, plus the little treasure of a castle to explore.

While in Killarney, you can enjoy your time outdoors at their National Park, taking lake boat tours or exploring the Torc Waterfall. Cycle, walk or hike as your preferred form of moving about. Whatever you choose, we guarantee you’ll enjoy every minute of it. 

If the outdoors is over-exhausted, enjoy a sighting of Ross Castle or take a trip to Muckross House or Abbey, where you can enjoy a nice picnic. Killarney is a beautiful place to be with your partner as you enjoy making many more memories. 

When visiting Killarney, you can choose between many different lodges and hotels. Here are our romantic recommendations in and around the area:

• TownePlace Suites Sudbury
• Sportsman’s Inn
• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sudbury
• Killarney Mountain Lodge
• Holiday Inn Sudbury

Taking a break from the glimmering views of Killarney, Muskoka offers a fresh, rugged, and natural atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy all that nature has to offer. With pines swept by the wind, rocky shores, and incredibly blue waters at Georgian Bay through the thick forest and vast wildlife, Muskoka truly is an incredible sight. 

Being a place full of nature, Muskoka offers an array of activities to enjoy within the natural settings of the world around you. 

On the azure waters, try out paddling as a pair or enjoy a luxurious boat cruise, taking in views of the surrounding cityscapes. This is especially romantic on New Year’s Day, as the skies are lit with colourful fireworks.

You can also enjoy many of the different live festivals in Muskoka for a night to remember. The festivals include the Muskoka Music Festival, the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show, and many more. 

And when you and your lover need daybreak, enjoy the spas and dining of the beautiful Muskoka.

If you’ve got Muskoka on your list of destinations, add these accommodations as well for your next romantic getaway:

• Bayview Wildwood Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection
• JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort and Spa
• Trillium Resort and Spa
• Rocky Crest Golf Resort
• Sir Sam’s Inn and Spa

Huntsville and Algonquin Provincial Park (Muskoka)

Huntsville is the ultimate getaway for couples who love to embrace nature. Located just a few hours from the busy city of Toronto, this gorgeous part of Ontario will keep you busy in both summer and wintertime.

Huntsville and Algonquin Provincial Park have loads, ensuring you and your significant other have an unforgettable experience.

Hiking is one of the more popular activities to enjoy while visiting the Huntsville area . However, there are many other outdoor activities for you to partake in, regardless of the season. You can enjoy a more leisurely driving tour or other outdoor activities like canoeing and paddleboarding in the summer. And when winter arrives, you can embrace the cold and go skiing or snowmobiling. 

No matter what season you choose to spend your upcoming couples getaway in Huntsville and Algonquin Provincial Park, you are guaranteed a romantic and fun-filled trip with the one you love. 

Next time you visit Huntsville and Algonquin Provincial Park, be sure to book yourself and your partner into one of these romantic accommodations:

• Bartlett Lodge
• Algonquin Eco-Lodge
• Arowhon Pines 
• Blue Spruce Resort
• Hidden Valley Resort, Ascend Hotel Collection

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has long been one of the first places to pop up in the minds of anyone thinking of Ontario honeymoon ideas. In turn, it has also become a fantastic destination for short romantic getaways in the province with the falls and scenic strolls ahead.

The world-renowned Niagara Falls has to be one of Ontario’s most breathtaking attractions. Not to mention that there’s just something extra romantic about it. Whether you want to stroll along the walkways hand-in-hand or experience the views more excitingly, a trip to Niagara Falls will make for the memory of a lifetime. 

There are many ways to embrace Niagara Falls’s beauty with your loved one. It all depends on what type of romantic adventure you’re in the mood for.

Perhaps ziplining over the Niagara River Gorge might catch your attention if you feel adventurous. Experience a brief dose of adrenaline as you soar 67 meters above the river and get a close-up of the falls.

Maybe you want to soak up the views slowly, which you can do from the Niagara SkyWheel . This also provides the perfect combination of adventure and intimacy. 

And if merely observing the falls isn’t enough for you, dive right in as you go on a Niagara River Jet Boat Tour . This tour will speed you through Class 5 rapids as you embrace the excitement and the scenery of Niagara Falls.

When visiting Niagara Falls, these are some of our top recommendations for a couples getaway in Ontario:

• Hilton Niagara Falls / Fallsview Hotel and Suites
• Oakes Hotel Overlooking the Falls
• Tower Hotel at Fallsview
• Peller Estates 
• Blue Gables Bed and Breakfast

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a historic town that doubles as one of the best Ontario weekend getaways for couples. It is less popular than the globally renowned Niagara Falls, but this may be to your advantage as it means you aren’t met with the touristy crowds that frequent the former.

Things To Do

Start your visit with a stroll down the town’s glorious streets with your partner in one hand and a beverage from one of the cafes in the other. The walk is made interesting by some of the beautiful, historic buildings that line these streets with an architectural style from days past. 

While you can tell which building is new and which is old, keep your eyes open for the plaques on the walls that shed a little light on how old a building is. Additionally, you can learn about the small town’s history at Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, home to some 8 000 artifacts and around 2 500 photographs.

As an alternative to walking the town, you can view the town by bike or while getting transported by a horse-drawn carriage. We recommend the latter above all else because you’ll have a knowledgeable guide taking you around town and telling you all they know about it.

If you and your partner are fans of art galleries, you can have a fun little tour as the town has many galleries. Whether you visit the All in the Wild Gallery, the Edward Spera Gallery, or Upper Canada Native Art Gallery, the exhibitions are sure to blow your mind.

Top Accommodation Pick

Niagara-on-the-Lake doesn’t have a shortage of accommodation options, and it can be hard to choose one. Of those choices, we recommend a stay at the Staybridge Suites Niagara-on-the-Lake .

Since Road Trip Ontario is based in Toronto , we spend most of our time planning trips away from Toronto. Still, Toronto is easily one of the top places to visit in Ontario for the weekend of your dreams with your partner in crime. Ontario’s capital has a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor activities for the hot and cold seasons.

Toronto, the capital of Ontario in Canada, is a favourite amongst those visiting the province. It’s your typical city with skyscrapers and high-rise buildings, almost as tall as those in New York City. Visiting Toronto will offer you a different kind of romantic getaway, where you and your partner can enjoy dining out and a night in the city. 

Toronto has loads of history behind it, so it has many historical and artistic sights to observe and enjoy. We’ve compiled quite an extensive list of the top 35 places to visit in Toronto .

If you want to appreciate the city, embrace romantic sunsets on the top floors of some of the city’s highest skyscrapers. Or enjoy the lovely and very ancient castles found in the city. 

Toronto also boasts an aquarium, museums, and a theatre where local plays are performed regularly. Even with all the hustle and bustle of the city, Toronto will inspire romance and intimacy as you spend a weekend away with your partner. 

If you’re planning on visiting Toronto, there are endless possibilities for places to stay. Here are some of our top romantic picks:

• DoubleTree by Hilton, Toronto Downtown
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto  
• The Westin Harbour Castle
• Fairmont Royal York Hotel
• Courtyard by Marriott Toronto

Prince Edward County

There’s just something about the rolling hills and small-town sensations of Prince Edward County that provide both nostalgic and romantic feelings. Plus, it’s a major well-known wine region . Found only a few hours away from the vibrant city of Toronto, this area offers peace and serenity, making for an ideal romantic weekend getaway. 

Set just a few hours from Toronto is this incredible area renowned for its rolling hills and fascinating small towns. It’s one of the best places to go in Ontario for a weekend full of nothing but serenity with touches of romance.

Prince Edward County is the perfect place for an intimate weekend spent relaxing in romance. Although there’s not much to do, the county is home to many small towns, each boasting unique attractions. This includes occasional festivals and events which bring the towns to life.

Prince Edward County offers typical small-town attractions, from boutique stores to cozy cafes, art galleries, and even antique shops. Spend the day strolling through the towns doing some sightseeing and shopping, and pop into a few quaint restaurants for local eats and treats. 

You can even quickly drive to Sandbanks Provincial Park for a summer beach day.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Prince Edward County, here are some quaint and romantic spots to choose from:

• The Lakeside Motel in Wellington
• The Backcountry Inn and Hostel
• English Rose Holistic Healing Centre Bed and Breakfast 
• The Manse Boutique Inn & Spa
• Newsroom Suites 

Perfect for a romantic getaway near Toronto, but if you’d prefer to stay closer to the hustle and bustle of the city, then be sure to take a private tour of Prince Edward County .

Blue Mountain Resort

The Blue Mountains have to be one of the most romantic places in Ontario. With enchanting pedestrian-only streets and high-end stores and restaurants, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular ski resorts and romantic getaways near Toronto. 

Being a popular ski resort, Blue Mountain is known for its slopes and apres-ski. This vibrant part of Ontario is the perfect place for a couple who enjoys a fun vibe and being active while also embracing the romance the resort has to offer. 

You might think this ski resort is only worth visiting in the wintertime. Lucky for you, Blue Mountains is the perfect holiday destination all year round. In the fall and the summertime, the slopes are still plenty fun for strolling or hiking along the Niagara Escarpment. Wandering along these trails will lead you to stunning waterfalls and widespread views. You can even rent a mountain bike if you prefer. 

And if you’d prefer a relaxing afternoon, cozy up to your partner on the patio as you sip on a coffee or a cocktail and embrace the beautiful Blue Mountain views. 

When visiting the Blue Mountains area, you’re guaranteed a romantic and intimate getaway no matter where you stay. Here are some of our top picks:

• Blue Mountain Resort Inn and Village Suites
• Mountain Walk Condos
• Love Cabins
• Mountain Whispers Leura Rose
• Embarc Blue Mountain

This historic small town is perfect for couples who enjoy a bit of entertainment and literature. Stratford is known for its excellent theatre productions all year round making it one of the best getaways in Ontario . This quaint village offers leisure, history, and romance in one weekend. 

Although Stratford is one of the smaller towns in Ontario, it will certainly keep you entertained for as long as you choose to stay. With many lush parks and gardens, including the Shakespearean Gardens, strolling through Stratford will be a peaceful and intimate experience with your loved one. 

After a relaxing day spent strolling, check the theatre roster for different plays and shows and book your seat for a night full of delight. 

If you’d like to visit Stratford on your next couples weekend away, here are some of our top picks for quaint accommodation:

• Forest Motel and Woodland Retreat
• Duggan Place
• Majers Motel
• Arden Hotel 
• The Parlour Inn

Tobermory is the beach destination you have been looking for, especially with its crystal-clear waters, rocky cliffs and the Fathom Five National Marine Park. 

Things to Do 

Spending time in Tobermory with your significant other is a romantic, beautiful, and must-do experience. 

This little harbour village has many secret shipwrecks to explore as well. It is also known commonly as the scuba-diving capital of Canada. So grab your goggles and dive into the blue waters as you explore the shipwrecks and more.

Choose a full-day tour at Flowerpot Island or a different kind of day trip in the Bruce Peninsula for you and your partner. Opt for bird-watching, walking along trails, or even boating for shorter activities to enjoy. There is plenty to enjoy together in the little land of Tobermory. 

Tobermory is a beautiful beach town to visit, and here are our top recommendations for places to stay:

• Adventure the Bruce Inn
• The Forest House Adults Only Bed and Breakfast
• Peacock Villa Motel
• The Tobermory Hotel
• Escarpment Heights Motel & Cottages

Elora, a beautiful name, is a little community in central Wellington that is very picturesque and somewhat out of a movie. It is well-known for its 19th-century limestone architecture, unlike anything you’ve seen before. 

Elora offers various activities to keep you and your loved one busy and entertained during your stay. This little town has everything from museums to farmers’ markets to art galleries. It all depends on what you’re in the mood for. 

If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to spend your day, there’s much to do throughout the town. The Wellington County Museum and many other art galleries around Elora will leave you with a new appreciation for art and history in a truly romantic setting.

Elora offers trails, farmers’ markets, and hiking opportunities if you’re more of an outdoors person. It has a beautiful gorge lookout where you and your loved one can spend a romantic afternoon watching as the sun sets and the stars come out. 

If you want to experience Elora and all it has to offer, be sure to book yourself and your partner in at one of the following:

• Elora Mill Hotel and Spa
• Elora Heritage House
• The Mercantile Manner
• The Village Inn

Just outside North Bay, Temagami welcomes visitors to its small and serene town, surrounded by luscious forests, towering granite rocks, and glistening lakes.

Spend a romantic weekend in this dreamy location by visiting a lodge or resort and enjoying hiking and canoeing. Gather around a campfire in a Muskoka chair at night and wish as the stars twinkle in the sky or plot the right time to get on one knee… A home-cooked meal in the lodge’s dining room will make the perfect evening.

Jackson’s Point

Jackson’s Point is a rather small destination located in Georgina, on Lake Simcoe in Ontario, Canada. Upon entering Jackson’s Point, you will find a summer resort harbour, providing the perfect place for a romantic getaway with the one you love. 

Spending a weekend (or longer) away at Jackson’s Point will offer its fair share of busy and not-so-busy days. Regardless, each day spent together here is sure to be a memorable one. 

For a more relaxed atmosphere, grab your SPF and towels to enjoy some sunshine at Jackson’s Point’s many beaches. What better romantic getaway than sunbathing and feeling sleepy under the sun with the one you love? 

For something a little more adventurous or active, explore the many casual walks or bike trails. And be sure to pack a picnic basket for when you find that perfect spot for you and your partner to spend a relaxing afternoon. 

Jackson’s Point also has a few little museums to visit if you’re in the mood to take a deep dive into the rich history of this little town. Stroll arm in arm through these historical archives as you embrace all the town has to offer.

If you’re planning on spending your next couples’ getaway in Jackson’s Point, here are some romantic accommodation picks closeby:

• The Briars Resort and Spa
• Four Points by Sheraton Barrie
• Best Western Plus Orillia Hotel
• Ramada Jacksons Point 
• Gypsy by the Lake Bed and Breakfast

This picturesque little town is not quite as extravagant as the city by the same name in Europe, but it can be just as romantic. The town has gorgeous stone buildings to admire, beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy, and charming restaurants to dine at.

Paris is also on the list of weekend getaways from Toronto since it’s just about an hour’s drive away. And if you’re spending time in Burlington , you’re even closer to this town.

Paris, Ontario, may look small to those entering the town, but there is still plenty to do and see here. Your whole weekend could be filled with outdoor activities, or you could take things slower and enjoy the tranquil spaces in town.

Stroll through the town and discover why this is often called the Cobblestone Capital of Canada. There are cobblestone streets and even a few small garden walls all throughout Paris. 

Visit Lion’s Park, which has gorgeous gardens and space for picnics and hiking trails. There are also swimming pools and an amphitheatre to check out. 

Take an intimate trip down the Grand River – you can do this in a kayak, canoe, or river tubing! The river is magnificent, and for a proper sight of it, you should stop at the viewpoint of ​​Paris Main Street.

There are also plenty of hiking and cycling trails, and you’ll find more than one quiet spot along the trails and near the dams and river for a romantic picnic. 

This is a small town, so accommodation choices are not endless. But you will find cozy and welcoming hotels and B&Bs for your Ontario romantic getaway.

• Arlington Hotel
• The Carriage House Flat – Downtown Paris Canada
• River Ridge Bed and Breakfast

Manitoulin Island

This island is thought of as “Northern Ontario’s best-kept secret,” and just by that, you can be sure it’s a fantastic place to spend a romantic weekend getaway in Ontario.

Right across the lake from Tobermory, Manitoulin Island is remote and seemingly untouched. There is endless natural beauty to be found and plenty of tranquil settings to set the mood for your romantic weekend.

The island is ideal for the couple who wants to spend their time together, but outdoors, exploring each corner and unturning every rock. It’s a good idea to have your own transport while here since the activities can be a little far apart.

Seek out Bridal Veil Falls – one of the island’s top attractions. This beautiful natural wonder can be found in the village of Kagawong. The falls are around 12 metres high, cascading over a limestone cliff and the pool below is stunning to cool down in. 

The lake surrounding the island offers tons of fun on the water. You can go kayaking, canoeing, or even spend some quiet time together fishing.

Find a viewpoint to look out over the island and appreciate its magnificence. There is the Cup and Saucer Trail, which you can hike, or you can find Ten Mile Point Scenic Lookout.

And if your romantic couples’ getaway in Ontario coincides with a rainy day, or you need a break from outside, there are several museums on the island. 

Choose from your standard island inn, or a homely B&B, or book into a self-catering cottage for your couple’s getaway.

• Jannah’s Cottages
• My Friends Inn Manitoulin
• Twin Peaks B&B

Souix Narrows

Located in the far western region of Ontario, Souix Narrows is a picturesque rural town that comes alive in the summer months.

If your special someone loves to fish, they can take a boat out to the lake and try to catch the big one. You can bask in the sun on the beach and relax in a Muskoka chair.

Nearby, Totem Resorts offers three different accommodations: Totem Lodge, Yellowbird Lodge & Chalet, and Wiley Point Lodge. These lodges have modern rooms and cabins that face the tranquil waters of Lake of the Woods, some with screened-in patios.

Guests can bring their boat or rent one at the lodge and explore the lake with a guide. When the day is over, the waterfront dining room at the lodge provides the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.

Romantic Weekend Getaways Ontario Accommodations + Map

Romantic weekend getaways ontario.

Well, there you have it. It turns out you don’t need to go to Europe or an island to find solace in the nature around you or art from a place out of this world. Ontario has it all, right on the footstep of Canada and close to America. 

We all need a moment to ourselves, and what better way to recharge than with a weekend away as two people take time to enjoy one another? Ontario is a simple place in the Canadian borders, but what it offers in all its cities will surprise you. 

Now you know where to book your next romantic getaways in Ontario. Whether you prefer a small-town vibe with quaint B&Bs and cozy little cafes or the vibrance of a big city, there’s something for everyone.

Pick a place that sounds perfect to you and fall more in love with the world and your partner while you enjoy your romantic getaway. There is a place dying to welcome two lovebirds for the weekend, so you might as well enjoy it.

Similar Posts

5 Tips For A Successful Road Trip With Dogs Or Cats

Heading out on a road trip to check out the beautiful destinations here in Ontario is an exciting experience, but that becomes even more memorable when you can share that journey with your best furry friend.   Over the last 20+ years, we have had the opportunity to take countless road trips and adventures with our…

15 Best Ski Resorts in Ontario | Top Ski Hills Around the Province

When it comes to Ontario ski resorts, the province has over 50 of them. So, you’ll have no problem finding a place to catch freshies down the hills. But what are the best ski resorts in Ontario for your ideal winter break? Knowing which resort best suits you can be challenging if you’re a beginner…

18 Fun Things To Do In Laval, Quebec | Outstanding Food, Nature & Family Fun

Every time we return to Quebec, we get exposed to something exciting, historical, delicious, and, sometimes, out of our comfort zone! We flew over the Mauricie Region via helicopter in Trois-Rivieres and Shawinigan. Out in the Lanaudiere Region, we stayed in this incredible dome with all the amenities out in the woods. In the Laurentians,…

Explore Haliburton Ontario: A Nature Lover’s Dream

Haliburton Ontario, is a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of cottage country with vast forests, pristine lakes, and a unique small-town spirit. Here, you will be able to truly experience the outdoors in a way you simply can’t in the city. From camping at a rustic campsite on one of Haliburton Forest’s many…

Places To Visit In Toronto – Top 35+ Toronto Attractions

If you are looking for places to visit in Toronto, we got your back!Toronto is all about art, culture, multicultural experiences, food, green urban spaces, museums, sports, and friendly locals (like us, eh). So what’s not to love? As you know, Road Trip Ontario is based in Toronto and locals (one of us born and…

Huntsville Hikes, ON | 10 Best Muskoka Hiking Trails

Huntsville, Ontario, is the largest town in the Muskoka area. The Muskoka forest and river give Canada a lush, green utopia waiting to be explored. And the many hiking trails near Huntsville showcase the beauty of the land and make for a great active activity.  Whether you’re into challenging hikes or easier walking trails, Ontario,…

• Pingback: Best Wineries in Prince Edward County (1 Weekend, 11 Exquisite Vineyards) - Road Trip Ontario
• Pingback: 7 Places To Visit in Fall in Ontario | Best Autumn Activities - Road Trip Ontario
• Pingback: Apple Picking Ontario | Pick-Your-Own Orchards to Visit this Fall – Road Trip Ontario

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please Enable JavaScript in your Browser to Visit this Site.

THE 10 BEST Couples' Activities & Things to Do in Ontario

Best things to do in ontario for couples.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Old Toronto
• Waterfront Communities-The Island
• Downtown West
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Niagara Falls Canada

2. CN Tower

3. St. Lawrence Market

4. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

5. Toronto Island Park

6. Konzelmann Estate Winery

7. Parliament Hill and Buildings

8. Royal Ontario Museum

9. Casa Loma

10. Chateau des Charmes Winery

11. Distillery Historic District

12. Canadian War Museum

13. Butterfly Conservatory

14. Reif Estate Winery

15. Skylon Tower

16. Journey Behind the Falls

17. Art Gallery of Ontario

18. Steam Whistle Brewery

19. Rideau Canal National Historic Site

20. Horseshoe Falls

21. White Water Walk

22. Hockey Hall of Fame

23. Niagara SkyWheel

24. Rogers Centre

25. National Gallery of Canada

26. Peller Estates Winery

27. Canadian Museum of Nature

28. Bird Kingdom

29. High Park

30. Sandbanks Estate Winery

What travellers are saying

Avid adventurer, travel blogger, and experience seeker. Starting each morning with a desire to see the world through a different lens.

Breathtaking Places to Visit This Fall in Ontario

Ontario is filled with great places to visit this fall, ranging from provincial parks to charming towns throughout the province. There are so many breathtaking places to admire fall foliage, whether you enjoy hiking through the forest or relaxing near one of the lakes.

The picturesque parks are amazing to visit during the fall as the temperature cools and the leaves change colours. Hiking during the fall is an absolute must with the colourful red and orange trees! Whether searching for a day trip or a fall weekend escape, there’s definitely an amazing destination for you in Ontario!

Continue reading to explore incredible places in Ontario to visit this Fall!

**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in Ontario in Fall

Algonquin provincial park.

By Mikaela of Voyageur Tripper

Algonquin Provincial Park is the quintessential autumn destination for backcountry camping in Ontario . Rich boreal forest and shimmering lakes cover nearly 8,000 sq km and offer more than 2,000 km of canoe routes. While a trip to Algonquin is excellent anytime of year, it is especially magical in the fall. Leaves of the many species of deciduous trees, most notably birch and maple, change to yellows and reds. Set against a backdrop of dark green pine and spruce, the hills come alive with the colourful pallet.

Although the evenings may get a little chilly, autumn is still an excellent time to be camping in the backcountry. There are tons of canoe routes suitable for all levels (including beginners) and there are three backpacking trails. For those not wanting to spend the night in the wilderness, there are also day hikes and day paddles available in the park.Visitors to Algonquin will want to bring a camera to capture the beautiful foliage. A tripod is also recommended for capturing the Milky Way at night and fog on the lake in the mornings. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy the park, Algonquin in autumn is sure to be a beautiful adventure!

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the best places to visit in Ontario during the fall season due to the incredible hikes and stunning scenery. Located about 300 km from Toronto, it is a great choice for a weekend fall trip! As it is one of the most beautiful places in Ontario , the park can be quite busy this time of the year with travellers desiring to see the beautiful fall foliage. It is best to arrive early so you can enjoy the park with little people around.

On a day trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park , you can hike, swim in the cool waters by the grotto, canoe, take a ferry to Flowerpot Island, and so much more! There are many hiking trails with varying difficulty levels, but they are all scenic routes through the forest and along the cliffs in the park.

Inglis Falls

Located within Inglis Falls Conservation Area near Owen Sound, Inglis Falls drops over an 18-meter cliff and is a cascading type fall. The paths are great to explore the surrounding nature and are very well maintained. It is a great spot to take the family for a day in nature and a picnic!

It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southern Ontario and the best in the area. The viewing platforms are right off of the parking lot, making it a quick stopover on your way to your fall destination.

Who doesn’t love visiting Toronto during the fall? The city is lively and full of events during the fall, just as it is every season. Visitors love to explore High Park for scenic walks and picnics with the beautiful fall foliage, along with visiting the shops along King Street or Queen Street. During the fall, it’s a great time to go bar-hopping and visiting one of the many patios in the city for a drink.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

By Sarah of In Search of Sarah

Tucked away on the shores of Lake Ontario and sitting at the mouth of the Niagara River lies Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming Victorian town well known for the Shaw Festival Theatre and the abundance of wineries, all unique in their own way. It makes for a popular tourist destination and a wonderful weekend getaway, whether you choose to stay in a vintage hotel or bed and breakfast.

Fall is an incredible time to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake and offers fun activities to do like wagon tours through the vineyards at Small Talk Winery (be sure to try their Pumpkin Cider too!), and guided tours through wineries throughout harvest season (there’s lots to learn about with winemaking!), or enjoying a meal at one of many restaurants along Queen Street. There are almost 30 wineries to explore, leaving limitless options for winery visits and tastings.

You can also take guided ghost tours through town, and what better time to do this than the fall with the lead-up to Halloween? 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is only 20 minutes from Niagara Falls as well, and offers numerous hiking paths which are perfect for witnessing the changing colours of the fall season!

Not a wine drinker? See this list of 12 unique things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake that aren’t wineries!

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Lake Superior Provincial Park is a great place to visit this fall in Ontario due to the amazing lake and scenic trails through the forest. This is one of the largest parks in Ontario, covering over 1500 square kilometres. It is located near Sault Ste. Marie and is definitely one of the best places in Northwestern Ontario to visit in fall.

Within the park, you can hike, swim, boat, fish, and so much more. The many hiking trails make for great walks through the stunning fall foliage! Depending on where you are travelling from, you can visit the park on a day trip, or opt to camp in the area for a night or two. Backcountry camping is a popular activity in this area and is definitely enjoyable during the cooler fall weather!

The park is home to a long stretch of beach, where you can set up a picnic and admire the amazing views of Lake Superior. Depending on the weather, you may be able to jump into the lake for a swim. It definitely gets cold later in the year, though!

Arrowhead Provincial Park

By Brianna of Curious Travel Bug

Arrowhead Provincial Park is a fantastic destination to experience the fall colours of Ontario. Located in the Muskokas outside of Huntsville, it’s only a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto so it can be done as a day or weekend trip.

The  fall colours of Arrowhead  are vibrant with bright red and golden yellow leaves. At the park, there are two things not to miss on your visit. The first is Big Bend Lookout. This viewpoint looks out over a huge bend in the river and is beautiful with the fall colours around it.

After Big Bend, take the short hike to Stubbs Falls. This 3.9km hike takes you to a scenic bridge with a small waterfall. It’s a really pleasant hike and easy enough that it is accessible to most people. This is the most popular hike in the park so you likely won’t get it to yourself but there are beautiful autumn leaves to be seen here. If you have time, you can end your time at Arrowhead by canoeing around the lake.

On the way to or from Arrowhead, you should get off the highway and take one of the scenic drives here. One of the prettiest is from Baysville to South Portage Road. It’s a small detour but gives plenty of scenic views along a lake and with bright fall colours.

The area around Huntsville is perfect for a fall destination, with lots of viewpoints and scenic drives to explore.

Ottawa is one of the best places in Ontario to visit in fall due to the stunning photogenic buildings and great events throughout the city. Outdoor markets are still lively during the early fall season, with ByWard Market being a great place to explore. Visitors can explore the city on foot, enjoy outdoor music, or even take a cruise along Rideau Canal.

The cool weather comes quick in Ottawa, so be sure to visit early on in the fall if you are looking for foliage and exploring comfortably outdoors!

Places to stay in Ottawa:  Holiday Inn Express & Suites  |  Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel  |  Fairmont Chateau Laurier  |  …and more!

Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is one of the best places in Ontario to visit to experience fall foliage and enjoy the outdoors before winter hits. It’s an ideal destination for a day trip from Toronto as it is only about 2.5 hours away and located right off the highway.

Here, you can visit two beautiful parks – Sandbanks Provincial Park and Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Both offer fantastic fall hiking trails through the forest and views of the water. Sandbanks is the most popular park to visit due to the great beaches and roaring hills of sand in the park. At the tip of Presqu’ile Provincial Park, there is a neat lighthouse overlooking the water. Both are great options, but you’ll likely only have time to visit one on a day trip.

Prince Edward County is also known for its wineries and vineyards. The cooler fall weather makes for a great winery hopping adventure, where you can taste wine at one or more of the over 40 wineries in the area. Most wineries offer snacks and small meals to enjoy while you taste many varieties of wine that the county has.

After wine tasting, head to one of the amazing restaurants in the area to enjoy before heading back to your hotel or back home!

Niagara Falls

By Christina of Travel2Next

Fall season is one of the best times of year to visit Niagara Falls, which straddles both the USA and Canada. The Fall colours in this iconic region are spectacular and one of the best times to go on a trip is in September or October. Throughout Niagara Falls, the leaves of the maple trees turn into brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. It’s possibly the most beautiful time of year for photography.

One of the fun  things to do in Niagara Falls  during this season is going on a Hornblower cruise to the base of the Falls. And if you take the journey at night, you’ll be amazed to see the waterfall illuminated by colourful lights. Another favourite tour is exploring behind the Falls on the ‘Journey Behind the Falls’. The weather in Fall is warm and sunny, making it a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor activities such as zip lining, hiking, cycling, jet boating and doing yoga beside the falls.

Kawartha Lakes

By Oksana & Max of  Drink Tea & Travel

The Kawartha Lakes region explodes with colour in the fall. It is one of the best places in the province to experience local culture and fall foliage. You can go for a scenic drive, attend one of the region’s many fall fairs or explore lesser known places along the Arts and Heritage Trail.

The Kawartha Lakes region encompasses Balsam Lake Provincial Park. This beautiful park has camping available, a robust fall activity program and a plethora of hiking trails. The lookout trail is 2.6 kilometers and is a great way to take in the fall foliage.

The Arts and Heritage Trail is not a physical trail. Instead it is made up of a series of local shops and attractions that have been given the Arts Trail designation for their cultural importance. You’ll find galleries, historical sites, and artisan shops along the “trail”. 

The Bobcaygeon Fall Fair is one of the most anticipated fairs in the region. It is a celebration of local agricultural businesses and first began in 1858. You can find rides, vendors, entertainment, music, competitions and more at the Bobcaygeon Fall Fair. 

While you’re there don’t miss your chance to sample Kawartha Lakes ice cream. The region’s namesake ice cream has a long history in the area. 

Hamilton is a great destination in Ontario for a fall trip due to the 100+ waterfalls in the area and the scenic hiking trails. Conveniently located just over an hour from Toronto, the city makes for a great day trip via car or Go Train. Hamilton is home to some of Ontario’s most stunning waterfalls , most with beautiful hikes through the forest in the area. Due to the large number of waterfalls, you can definitely visit multiple in a single day!

Some of the best waterfalls with scenic fall hikes in Hamilton include:

• Albion Falls
• Webster Falls
• Devil’s Punchbowl

After enjoying a scenic fall hike in the area, head to downtown Hamilton to explore the charming downtown area. There are plenty of different restaurants to choose from with numerous different cuisines. You can also opt to checkout one of the many bars and clubs in the city too!

What are your top places to visit in Ontario during Fall? Let me know in the comments!

Book an Excursion in Ontario

Book your hotel stay now, discover more, be sure to pin this post for later.

You might also like

• 9 Stunning Waterfalls to Visit in Southern Ontario

Inglis Falls: The Most Beautiful Waterfall in Grey County, Ontario

• One Day in Montréal: How to Spend an Amazing Day Exploring Highlights
• A Scenic Day Trip to Prince Edward County
• The Most Beautiful Place in Ontario – Bruce Peninsula National Park
• A Day Trip Guide to Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Best Fall Hikes Near Toronto

Subscribe to my blog to get updates on my latest posts

Enter your email address

Related Posts

16 of the Absolute Best Day Hikes In Canada

19 Incredible Places to Visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

48 comments.

Steve Collins

Looks fun! I’d go for some ice cream in Kawartha

deventuretime

My favourite season in Canada! The good thing too is that the colour peaks come at different times in different regions, so there’s plenty to keep you busy for several weeks. Follow for example on https://www.ontarioparks.com/fallcolour

My favourite season as well! The fall colours are so beautiful.

What a great list. I think I only ever traveled through Ontario after going to Niagra Falls. But now I want to go back and see other places like Hamilton. Thanks for sharing.

Hamilton is such a great city. There are so many amazing waterfalls!

Nichole the Nomad

I love these beautiful spots! I have yet to make it to Ontario, but it is on my bucket list! I am going to use this helpful guide when I visit (hopefully next fall!).

Ontario is such a beautiful place to visit 🙂

I would never have thought of Ontario for a fall destination but it looks incredible and now I want to go!!

It is such a great fall destination!

Fall is my favorite season to explore. All these locations look beautiful! Adding Bruce peninsula national park to my bucket list now 🙂

Bruce Peninsula National Park is definitely my favourite park in Ontario!

Wow! All of these spots are so beautiful Devin! I didn’t realize Ontario has so many hidden gems. Once the borders open, I’m totally going. 🙂

There are so many amazing places to visit in Ontario! 🙂

Beautiful pictures! I never would’ve guessed Bruce was in Canada.

Right! It is so beautiful.

How pretty the colours of Autumn. I’ve never been to Canada but have added many places in your post to my bucket list.

Canada is beautiful to visit, especially in fall!

So many great places here. My in-laws are in Ontario so I’m refineries using this guide for when we visit them. I’ve been to Niagara falls but that’s it.

Niagara Falls is great! Very pretty during the fall.

Would love to visit Ontario in Fall time to see the foliage. I’loved Algonquin Provincial Park, we visited in Spring time years ago and saw a moose just outside the park.

That’s amazing! I’ve yet to see a moose 🙁

I’m with you in that Ontario is so incredible for fall exploration. Lake Superior PP is easily one of my fave places to go in the autumn season!

It is definitely a beautiful park. Such a gorgeous lake!!!!

Elena Pappalardo

Wow, Ontario looks so beautiful in the fall! You’re post has really inspired me and I just pinned it for later!

It sure is! Thanks for reading. 🙂

I visited Ontario during the very depths of winter (February), and it was gorgeous, but I can see that I missed out on a lot and I have to get back there in Autumn now!

Ah it is beautiful in February but definitely cold! Fall is a totally different experience. 🙂

Wow, so beautiful! I loved Canada in the fall, it was stunning – but I never made it to Ontario. I will need to come back for sure!

Ontario is so beautiful in the fall!

I would love to see Ontario in the fall! I have only been to Toronto once so I really want to explore other parts of the province and this year might be the perfect time since we are all sticking to travel within the country 🙂

Ah yes! There are so many beautiful places to visit in Ontario!

I would love to visit this year; the fall just looks incredible in Ontario!

It really is incredible!

Congratulations, Devin!

I have nominated your blog for the Real Neat Blog Award.

More about this nomination is at

https://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2020/10/04/real-neat-blog-award-congratulations-5/

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Maps of the April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

By Jonathan Corum

On April 8, the moon will slip between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow across a swath of North America: a total solar eclipse.

By cosmic coincidence, the moon and the sun appear roughly the same size in the sky. When the moon blocks the glare of the sun, the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, will be briefly visible.

Below are several maps of the eclipse’s path as well as images of what you might experience during the event.

Where Can I See the Total Eclipse?

The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Pacific Ocean, then cut through Mexico and cross the United States from Texas to Maine. Most of North America will see a partial eclipse, but viewers within the deepest shadow — a band sliding from Mazatlán, Mexico, to the Newfoundland coast near Gander, Canada — will experience a total solar eclipse.

Percentage of

the sun obscured

during the eclipse

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Viewers inside the path of the total eclipse may notice a drop in temperature , a lull or shift in the wind , the appearance of bright planets in the sky, and the quieting of birds and other wildlife.

Many cities lie inside the path of the total eclipse, as shown below, the width of which varies from 108 miles to 122 miles.

20% partial eclipse

NEWFOUNDLAND

SASKATCHEWAN

Fredericton

Minneapolis

San Francisco

90% partial eclipse

Los Angeles

Mexico City

EL SALVADOR

Explore our interactive cloud outlook for eclipse viewing times and average cloud data at your location.

What Will I See?

A composite image of the 2017 solar eclipse over Madras, Ore.

Aubrey Gemignani/NASA

If the sky is clear, viewers in the path of the total eclipse should see a “diamond ring” effect a few seconds before and after the total eclipse, as the edge of the sun slips in and out of view.

The “diamond ring” effect during the 2017 solar eclipse.

Rami Daud/NASA, Alcyon Technical Services

The sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, is normally hidden by the sun’s glare. These tendrils and sheets of gas, heated to a million degrees Fahrenheit or more, are in constant motion and shaped by the sun’s swirling magnetic field.

The sun’s corona during the 2017 solar eclipse.

The sun is relatively active this year and is nearing the expected peak of its 11-year solar cycle . Researchers at Predictive Science are using data about the sun’s magnetic field to predict and model a dramatic corona for the April eclipse.

A prediction of how the sun’s corona might appear during the April 8 total eclipse.

Predictive Science

What Colors Should I Wear?

As the sky darkens, light-sensitive cells in human eyes become more sensitive to blue and green hues than to reds and oranges. This shift in color perception is known as the Purkinje effect , after a 19th-century Czech scientist, and is typically seen at twilight.

Watching the 2017 total eclipse at Southern Illinois University.

Andrea Morales for The New York Times

To take advantage of the Purkinje effect, wear green clothes or a contrasting combination of greens and reds. Blue-green colors (shorter wavelengths) will appear brighter, while red colors (longer wavelengths) will appear to recede into the darkness.

What If I Miss It?

The next two total solar eclipses in the United States won’t occur until 2044 and 2045 . But eclipse chasers might catch one in 2026 in Greenland, Iceland and Spain; 2027 along the coast of Northern Africa; 2028 in Australia and New Zealand; or 2030 across Southern Africa and Australia.

A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming. Here’s What You Need to Know.

These are answers to common questions about the April 8 eclipse, and we’re offering you a place to pose more of them.

By Katrina Miller

What’s the Cloud Forecast for Eclipse Day? See if the Weather Is on Your Side.

April 8 could be your best opportunity to see a total solar eclipse for decades. But if clouds fill the sky, you may miss the spectacle.

By Josh Katz, K.K. Rebecca Lai and William B. Davis

• Share full article

Advertisement

What time is the total solar eclipse on April 8? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide

Get ready for a spectacular show: A total solar eclipse will occur above the U.S. on the afternoon of April 8 .

Most Americans will be able to see it in some form, but the distance between your location and the path of totality will determine how much of the sun will be covered by the moon. Many places in the U.S. − Rochester, N.Y., Cleveland, and Austin, Texas, to name a few − will see a total eclipse, in which the sun is completely obscured. Other locations will see a partial eclipse. Search for your ZIP code below or select a major city to reveal the time, duration, peak and percentage of the eclipse in your area .

2024 solar eclipse news: Surprising early cloud forecast; 10 days to get eclipse glasses

What to know about the solar eclipse: time, how long it will last, what it will look like

Can't see our graphics? Click here to reload the page.

When is the solar eclipse?

On April 8 the moon will travel along the path of totality in North America starting in northern Mexico. The shadow of the moon will pass into Texas a little before 1:30 p.m. local time. It will then cover portions of the Midwest and East Coast and touch southeast Canada before it moves out to sea, according to NASA .

Learn more: What is the path of totality for the total solar eclipse? Follow as it crosses the US.

Lea en Españo l: ¿Cuál es la trayectoria de totalidad del eclipse solar total? Siga mientras cruza México y los EE. UU.

How do I know solar eclipse glasses are safe? How can I view the eclipse safely without glasses?

If you buy or are given eclipse glasses, be sure they are made by companies the  American Astronomical Society  has certified as safe .

NASA does not certify glasses , so be wary of any manufacturers claiming that to have the space agency's approval.

Eclipse glasses should all have the "ISO" (International Organization for Standardization) icon. The glasses also must have the  ISO reference number 12312-2 .

If you cannot find certified glasses , there are other ways to view the eclipse, including with a shadow box you can make yourself. Whatever you do, don't look at the sun without proper protection.

Learn more : What happens if you look at a solar eclipse? A viewing guide for this year's sky show.

Lea en Españo l: ¿Qué pasa si miras un eclipse solar? Una guía para ver el espectáculo celeste de este año.

How does an eclipse work? How often do eclipses occur? Where can I learn more about the science?

A total eclipse occurs when the moon appears the same size as the sun and blocks the entire disk, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. The resulting "totality," when observers can see the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere, known as the corona, confuses animals – nocturnal creatures stir, and bird and insects fall silent.

Learn more : A total solar eclipse will cross the US in April: Here's where and when to see it

Lea en Españo l: El eclipse solar total cruzará EE. UU. en Abril: dónde y cuándo verl

Contributing: Janet Loehrke, Javier Zarracina and Shawn J. Sullivan

• Earth Science

‘Severe’ geomagnetic storm may spark auroras over Canada Sunday night

Forecasters see the potential for auroras to fill the night sky over Canada late Sunday—but clouds might obscure the show for many across the country

A geomagnetic storm washing over Earth could spark a vivid display of auroras in the skies over Canada late Sunday night.

Forecasters with NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) announced on Sunday that a G4 ‘severe’ geomagnetic storm arrived as the weekend drew to a close.

While the peak of the storm is expected to produce the best show over parts of Asia and Europe, the latest forecasts call for solid odds of photogenic auroras for sections of Canada expecting clear skies Sunday night.

DON'T MISS: Everything you need to know for April's spectacular and rare solar eclipse

Sunday’s aurora potential arrives courtesy of a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME), a release of plasma and magnetic field from the Sun’s exceptionally hot outer atmosphere.

A CME hitting Earth allows charged particles to seep into the upper atmosphere around the magnetic north pole, ionizing gasses like oxygen and nitrogen in a striking display of colours that wiggle across the night sky.

This weekend’s geomagnetic storm was powerful enough to register as a ‘severe’ G4 on the G-scale, which scientists use to measure the intensity of a geomagnetic storm. The scale ranges from from G1 (minor) on the low end to G5 (extreme) on the high end.

Sunday night’s activity is expected to approach a Kp 7 after sunset across much of Canada, which is near the high end of the Kp scale used to measure the disruption to Earth’s magnetic field.

Forecasters expect the potential for auroras to continue through much of the night over Canada.

MUST SEE: The next few years could be the opportunity of a lifetime to witness auroras

This could make auroras visible across most of the country away from light pollution, with the potential for spectacular colours over parts of interior B.C., the Prairies, and northern sections of Ontario and Quebec.

Some areas may have to contend with thick clouds, especially as a sprawling storm begins pushing into the eastern Prairies and Great Lakes region. Low clouds are also likely across coastal B.C. and portions of the Alberta foothills. Cities where clouds may obscure the sky include Toronto , Winnipeg, and Calgary .

The best opportunity to see the aurora will likely exist across portions of interior B.C., the northern and central Prairies, and sections of northern Ontario.

Skies could clear out enough in eastern Ontario for folks away from the lights of Ottawa to see a bit of colour. Good viewing will be possible for much of southern and eastern Quebec, as well as much of Labrador.

Let us know if you spot the aurora! Tag @weathernetwork on X (Twitter) and Instagram , use #ShareYourWeather, or submit your best weather images to our photo gallery to share your wonderful skies with the world.

WATCH: How to capture the beauty of the auroras

Full Worm Moon brings 1st lunar eclipse of 2024 tonight. Here's how to see it

Two weeks before the total solar eclipse, during the overnight hours of March 24 - 25, it will be the moon's turn to undergo an eclipse.

During the next two weeks, there will be two eclipses on the astronomical docket. The main event, of course, will be the Great North American Eclipse on April 8 that will stretch from the Pacific coast of Mexico, on to Texas and across southern and eastern portions of the United States and Atlantic Canada, before coming to an end over the north Atlantic Ocean. 

But two weeks before the total solar eclipse , during the overnight hours of March 24-25, it will be the moon's turn to undergo an eclipse; a prelude to grand event coming our way in early April. That final full moon before the total solar eclipse, March's Worm Moon , will quietly slip into Earth's outer shadow, known as the penumbra. 

The continents of North and South America are in the best position to see this lunar eclipse , as it occurs high in their sky while the night of March 24 transitions to March 25. The moon will take 4 hours and 40 minutes to glide across the pale outer fringe ( penumbra ) of Earth's shadow, never reaching the shadow's dark umbra.

Related: March full moon 2024: The Worm Moon gets eclipsed Read more: Lunar eclipses 2024: When, where & how to see them

Looking for a telescope to see the features of the full Worm Moon up close? We recommend the  Celestron Astro Fi 102  as the top pick in our  best beginner's telescope guide . Don't forget a  moon filter !

Both the lunar and solar eclipses are, of course, related. A solar eclipse can occur only when the moon is at a node of its orbit. (The nodes are the two points where the moon's path on the sky crosses the sun's path, called the ecliptic). During the solar eclipse on April 8, the moon will cross the ecliptic from south to north. But a half orbit earlier, on March 24-25, the moon will cross the opposite node from north to south, encountering the Earth's shadow. The timeframe when this geometry can allow for eclipses to occur is called an " eclipse season " and in this case runs from March 16 through April 23. All this is a fine example of how an eclipse season works. 

In this particular case the moon is going to pass very deep into the penumbra . In fact, at the moment of the deepest phase/greatest eclipse (7:12 UT) the penumbra will reach to an extent of 95.8 percent across the lunar disk. Put another way, the lowermost limb of the moon will be 282 miles (453 km) away from the unseen edge of the Earth's umbra. 

However, penumbral eclipses are rather subtle events which are usually difficult to detect; the shadow is pale. In fact, first contact with the penumbral shadow is all but impossible to detect. But a little over an hour later, those with exceptionally acute perception might be able to detect an ever-so-slight shading of the moon's lower left limb.

Get the Space.com Newsletter

Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

Roughly for about a half hour on either side of the time of maximum eclipse, at least 70 percent of the moon's diameter will be immersed in the shadow; a distinct diminution of light corresponding to a "smudged" or "soiled" appearance; a slight grayness on the lower part of the moon should then be fairly plain to see. 

Admittedly, however, a rather underwhelming event.

The schedule 

Our timetable below gives the moments for the key events of the eclipse for five time zones: Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific and Hawaii. All times are for the calendar date of March 25, except when accompanied by an asterisk (*), in which case the calendar date is March 24.

For the eastern U.S., maximum darkening occurs about a couple of hours before the break of dawn on March 25. Along the West Coast, it will be just past midnight, while for Alaska and Hawaii it will be during the mid-to-late evening hours of Sunday, March 24. 

The penumbral eclipse from the moon  

It might be easier to understand why the penumbral shadow of Earth is so faint, by imagining actually being on the moon when Monday's event takes place. An astronaut on the moon during this time will see an eclipse of the sun , but it would all depend on where on the moon our hypothetical moonwalker is located. 

Near the moon's upper limb is the region known as Mare Frigoris — the "Sea of Cold." From here, the Earth's silhouette will appear to take a small nick out of the top of the sun; hardly enough to cause any noticeable diminishing of light on the surrounding lunar landscape. That's why the upper part of the full moon will appear to shine normally. 

In contrast, as seen from Tycho, the famous brilliant lunar impact crater whose rays make it appear like a sunflower on the southern part of the moon, Earth will appear to cover more than nine-tenths of the sun's diameter; consequently, the brilliant solar illumination of the surrounding lunar landscape will turn considerably more somber. 

And this diminished effect of the glare and illumination of sunlight on the moon's surface is precisely what assiduous sky watchers will be trying to detect during the deepest phase of the eclipse when concentrating their gaze toward the lower rim of the moon during the maximum phase of Monday's early eclipse. 

Coming attractions 

Another lunar eclipse is scheduled for later this summer. On the evening of Sept. 17, the moon will slide through the lower part of the Earth's shadow , with its uppermost limb giving a glancing blow to the dark umbral shadow of Earth. At greatest eclipse, 8.5-percent of the moon's diameter will be within the umbra, giving the impression that the top of the moon is slightly dented. 

Next year, on the night of March 13-14, 2025, the moon will undergo a total eclipse. For 65 minutes, the moon will become completely immersed in the Earth's shadow ; always a most interesting, and usually, colorful spectacle. Once again, the Americas will have a ringside seat, with all the action taking place high in the late winter sky; during predawn hours in the East and around midnight in the West. 

Mark your calendars!

If you're interested in taking photographs of the penumbral lunar eclipse of the Full Worm Moon, check out our helpful  how to photograph the moon  guide for the best lunar photography tips and tricks. We also have guides to the  best cameras for astrophotography  and  best lenses for astrophotography  if you need to gear up for this or other celestial events.

Joe Rao serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's  Hayden Planetarium . He writes about astronomy for  Natural History magazine , the  Farmers' Almanac  and other publications. 

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Joe Rao is Space.com's skywatching columnist, as well as a veteran meteorologist and eclipse chaser who also serves as an instructor and guest lecturer at New York's Hayden Planetarium. He writes about astronomy for Natural History magazine, the Farmers' Almanac and other publications. Joe is an 8-time Emmy-nominated meteorologist who served the Putnam Valley region of New York for over 21 years. You can find him on Twitter and YouTube tracking lunar and solar eclipses, meteor showers and more. To find out Joe's latest project, visit him on Twitter.

March's Full Worm Moon wriggles its way through a subtle lunar eclipse in stunning photos

Amazing photos of 'horned' comet 12P/Pons-Brooks from around the world

NASA's Parker Solar Probe peers into a coronal mass ejection for the 1st time

Most Popular

By Tereza Pultarova April 01, 2024

By Josh Dinner April 01, 2024

By Jeff Spry April 01, 2024

By Robert Lea April 01, 2024

By Daisy Dobrijevic April 01, 2024

By Tariq Malik March 31, 2024

By Robert Lea March 31, 2024

By Meredith Garofalo March 31, 2024

By Samantha Mathewson March 31, 2024

By Keith Cooper March 31, 2024

• 2 Total solar eclipse 2024: Live updates
• 3 I'm taking the train to see the solar eclipse in Canada. Here's why I'm riding the rails
• 4 Stars, planets and more will be visible during the total solar eclipse on April 8. Here's where to look
• 5 Why I'm going to Missouri near the centerline for the solar eclipse on April 8