Ontario is yours to discover, offering endless possibilities for your next trip. The province truly has something for everyone, whether you’re a city lover or an outdoor explorer. Ontario sets the perfect stage for outdoor adventures, with over 250,000 lakes—including the four Great Lakes—providing countless water activities and beachside relaxation opportunities.
Ontario is a place where all your summer dreams can come true. There are many popular activities to keep you busy. Whether it’s a cozy weekend at a cottage building sandcastles on a beach with the kids, the vibrant nightlife or the iconic CN Tower in Toronto, at 1820 feet, is a magnet for thrill-seekers worldwide. The daring can even take the edge walk around the top of the CN Tower, an experience that will leave you breathless and exhilarated.
cntower.ca/brave-the-edgewalk↗
Museums in Canada’s capital, Ottawa, such as the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History, are popular destinations. Or all the things Niagara has to offer, including the falls, the Niagara Parks, the Butterfly Conservatory, and the Whirlpool Aero Car. You may also prefer the beauty of Muskoka, a popular destination for celebrities.
What about some smaller gems Ontario offers that we forget or don’t know about?
Here are four must-see spots for those who love to get outside and see nature at its best.
Killarney Provincial Park
Suppose you love nature and everything that goes with it. Killarney Provincial Park is about a four-hour drive from Toronto and an hour and a half from Sudbury. Killarney Provincial Park offers a bunch of different walking trails. Some are easy for beginners, and more challenging trails are for hiking enthusiasts. They have bike trails and swimming at the beaches. Offer camping sites for those who want to spend a weekend or even a week enjoying the beautiful sights. The fun doesn’t come to an end when summer does. Autumn is just breathtaking, with the colourful leaves falling from the trees. Enjoy some winter activities for those who love to snowshoe or cross-country ski.
Callander
Located just 15 kilometres south of North Bay, Callander’s lush trails, parks, sandy beaches, and breathtaking sunsets provide a perfect backdrop for the downtown core. This also makes it an ideal location for a day trip to North Bay, offering the best of both worlds.
One of my favourite places in Callander is Sunbeam Bungalows, a family-friendly fishing resort located on the bay of Lake Nipissing. If you’re looking for a place to relax while the kids play, this is it. The resort is clean, well-maintained, and run by Darren and his wife, Sara, who are always friendly and ready to help. Need something? Darren will have it delivered right to your cottage. With a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, it’s easy to see why—just step out onto the beach and you’ll understand.
Sunbeam offers a private beach with a spacious sun deck, complete with gazebos, ready-to-use BBQs, and several gas firepits. For those who love being out on the water, there’s no shortage of fun — from canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats to water skis and even a water trampoline. The resort also hosts a variety of inclusive weekly activities, and every Wednesday night features live entertainment and a beach bonfire where everyone can mingle.
To top it off, each weekly cottage rental includes a fishing boat — a real bonus for those who love to fish. The best time to visit Sunbeam is during the summer months, but it’s often booked years in advance, so getting on the waiting list is a must. If you can’t snag a summer spot, spring and fall are also wonderful times to experience one of northern Ontario’s best cottage resorts.
Tobermory
Tobermory is perfectly situated at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, offering endless things to see and do. Take a ride on a glass-bottom boat to explore the shipwrecks beneath your feet, or hop on the ferry to Flowerpot Island to discover its unique natural wonders. If you’re a scuba diver, you can explore those shipwrecks up close — and if you’re new to diving, why not take a lesson?
When it’s time for a break, stop for lunch at Little Tub Harbour, where you’ll find plenty of charming restaurants and shops. This picturesque town is truly a must-see for all.
July and August are the most popular months to visit, as most activities are best enjoyed in the warmer weather. But Tobermory is also stunning in the fall, when the landscape transforms with vibrant autumn colours. Nestled between two national parks and bordered by Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, Tobermory is a breathtaking destination for both beachgoers and hikers alike.
Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is a one-of-a-kind destination in Ontario. It has a welcoming small-town vibe and over 2,700 km of land to explore. As the world’s largest freshwater island, it’s the perfect place to book your next summer getaway. The warmer months are ideal for visiting, followed by fall if you prefer quieter hikes and breathtaking autumn colours.
If you’re staying in Tobermory, you can take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry to Manitoulin Island and spend the day, a weekend, or even a full week exploring. South Baymouth, a charming shopping spot, is home to First Nations artisans who craft handmade treasures—from dreamcatchers and woven baskets to traditional clothing—offering visitors a rich cultural experience.
A visit to Bridal Veil Falls, located in the picturesque town of Kagawong, is a must. Walk down a short set of stairs to dip in the naturally formed pool below and take in the unique view from behind the falls. After a day of island adventures, treat yourself to a classic meal at a local fish and chip stand and savour the taste of freshly caught local fish.
