The most popular attractions in Ontario

Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada

Ontario in East-Central Canada is a must-visit part of the country, home to some of Canada’s most iconic attractions and exciting cities like Toronto and, the capital of Canada, Ottawa. From epic natural features to parks and world-famous towers, there’s a little something for everyone in Ontario. To help you plan a future holiday to Canada, we have put together this guide to some of the most popular attractions in Ontario. So, take a look and see which locations you would like to visit during your trip to the province.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls Horseshoe Falls in Ontario, Canada

Niagara Falls is not only one of the most beautiful places in Ontario but one of the world’s most iconic attractions. Millions of people from all over the world flock to Ontario each year in order to see the majestic Niagara Falls, being both an exciting and incredibly romantic destination. Flights to Toronto will put you just a short drive away from the falls and once there you can experience Niagara in any number of ways. From a breathtaking cruise to the foot of the falls to helicopter rides and zip lines above this thundering natural spectacle, there is no question that Niagara Falls is one of the most unique things to do in Ontario and a must-visit attraction in the province.

Algonquin Park

Moose at Algonquin Park in Ontario, Canada

Located in south-eastern Ontario, Algonquin Park is one of the province’s most famous attractions, consisting of forests, hills, rocky ridges, rivers, and thousands of lakes. If you are looking to take in some of Canada’s incredible wildlife, this is the place to be, home to moose and bears as well as a brilliant network of hiking trails.

Speaking about the hiking trails in Algonquin Park, Oksana and Max from the travel blog Drink Tea & Travel, share: “Hiking is by far one of the best things to do in Algonquin Park, Canada. There are over 20 well-marked Algonquin Park trails ranging from 30mins to a few hours. Most trails are about 1-2 hours. They are perfect for day-trippers and those staying at front-country campsites within the park.”

The Lookout Trail and the Beaver Pond Trail are just two of the most popular trails that people love to experience in the park. People flock to Algonquin Park for many reasons, however, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy this peaceful slice of nature, including biking, camping, canoeing, wildlife watching, and fishing.

Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario, Canada

The Blue Mountain Resort is Ontario’s year-round mountain resort and spa and is a major destination for skiers thanks to its 42 named trails. Nestled between the shores of Georgian Bay and the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment, the Blue Mountain Resort isn’t just a beloved skiing location, however, it also offers rock climbing, ziplining, mountain biking, golf, and hiking, making it one of the best places to visit in Ontario in the summer. At the mountain’s base, you will find shops, top restaurants, and first-class accommodation, making it a lovely place to relax once you have finished your activities.

CN Tower

CN Tower in Toronto, Canada

Standing 553.33 metres tall, the CN Tower enjoys majestic panoramic views of Toronto and Lake Ontario. The CN Tower has become synonymous with the Toronto skyline, located right in the heart of the city’s exciting Entertainment District. One of Canada’s major icons, you can’t leave Toronto without experiencing this top attraction. Whether you simply want to ascend to the top in its glass elevators for the best views of the city or walk the edge of the tower with nothing but a harness to secure you, the CN Tower won’t fail to delight, and you can even sit down for a delicious meal at the revolving 360 Restaurant.

Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa is a brilliant city to visit for many reasons but as the capital of Canada, it’s home to some unique attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Parliament Hill is the face of the capital and the point where many visitors begin their exploration of the city. This area of Crown Land on the banks of the Ottawa River is the home of the Parliament of Canada, housed in a picturesque suite of Gothic Revival buildings. The Peace Tower is its most photographed structure standing 90 metres high and visitors can also witness the changing of the guard and go on a tour of the parliament buildings.

READ ALSO: Free things to do in Ottawa

Toronto Island Park

Toronto Island Park in Ontario, Canada

The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario and the area is a popular tourist and recreational destination. One of its top attractions is Toronto Island Park, consisting of four main islands sporting scenic vistas of the Toronto skyline. Here visitors can look forward to gorgeous grounds, great beaches, cafes, petting farms, an amusement park, and you can even rent boats to enjoy a lovely time out on the waterways. The park is reached via a short ferry ride from the mainland so even getting to this top attraction is an exciting event.

Jessica, from the blog, Diary of a Toronto Girl, shares this insight into the beaches available: “You can find plenty of sandy beach spots to relax at on the Toronto Islands, whether you’re looking for something more secluded or somewhere with lots of families. There are three main beaches on the Toronto Islands: Hanlan’s Point Beach, Centre Island Beach, and Ward’s Island Beach.”

Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario  

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest museums in North America and the largest in Canada. Located in Toronto, this distinctive-looking museum is Canada’s most visited, welcoming visitors into the world of art, culture, and natural history. The Royal Ontario Museum is home to more than six million objects and specimens across its 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. You can spend many hours wandering its halls, peering into history and learning something new, and the dinosaur exhibits will be a sure hit with any children visiting. There’s even a cafeteria restaurant at the museum so you truly can spend all day exploring if you can’t tear yourself away from the exhibits.

Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario

Ontario is replete with lots of fun entertainment for families and if you are planning on visiting with children, head over to Canada’s Wonderland. Located just outside of Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland is a huge theme park that opens its gates during the summer months, drawing families from across Canada and further abroad. Canada’s premier amusement park is set across 134 hectares and features a vast collection of rides and activities from roller coasters for people of all ages to a 20-acre waterpark and live shows. With thrills and splashes galore, it’s easy to see why Canada’s Wonderland is one of Ontario’s most popular attractions.

READ ALSO: Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto

Thousand Islands

Thousand Islands in Ontario, Canada

Thousand Islands is one of the oldest and most popular holiday destinations in Ontario. Spread across an 80km stretch of the St Lawrence River, with the Canada/US border running through the middle, Thousand Islands is a lovely retreat for those looking to get away from cities and embrace the outdoors. This maze of islands is very picturesque and offers a lot of relaxing activities to enjoy. Boating is one of the most popular things to do in the area with scenic, narrated boat tours taking you between the islands, under bridges, and to fairytale-style castles. Rafting, cycling, go-karts and distilleries are just some of the other activities that you can look forward to enjoying.

St Lawrence Market

St Lawrence Market in Toronto, Canada

St Lawrence Market is one of the premier landmarks in Toronto and has been welcoming visitors for more than two hundred years. This epic market is home to hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and tasty sandwiches to local honey and Canadian wines. There’s a wonderful variety of stalls meaning that everyone who wanders in will find something to pique their interest. It’s also a fantastic spot to pick up a souvenir for yourself or someone back home. If you are looking for delicious food options during your Toronto exploration, definitely stop by St Lawrence Market.

READ ALSO: A guide to Toronto’s neighbourhoods

Popular Ontario attractions to visit

– Niagara Falls

– Algonquin Park

– Blue Mountain Resort

– CN Tower

– Parliament Hill

– Toronto Island Park

– Royal Ontario Museum

– Canada’s Wonderland

– Thousand Islands

– St Lawrence Market

These are just some of the many amazing attractions to visit in Ontario, but we hope this has given you a good starting point as you plan your future holiday to Canada. No matter how you want to experience Ontario, our Canada travel experts can make it happen by helping you put together the perfect itinerary.

For more tips, guides, and advice, make sure to visit our blog.