Ontario is among the most populated regions in Canada. It is culturally, historically, and naturally rich, ranging from the metropolitan cities of Toronto and Ottawa to natural parks, which makes it cover a wide area of interest for tourism. Whether you are an adrenalin freak, a historian, or a laid-back beach lover, Ontario has something for you. Below is a list of attractions most recommended when in Ontario.
Niagara Falls is perhaps one of the most famous natural sights of Ontario. This beautiful show attracts millions of tourists to this place every year. Niagara Falls is situated at the border of Ontario in Canada and New York in the USA, and is well acclaimed for its magnificent natural beauty as well as energy.
The falls consist of three sections: Horseshoe, the American, and the Bridal Veil. The Horseshoe Falls which are on the Canadian side are larger and are the most famous of the three. The large quantities of water flowing down cause a mesmerizing and thunderous effect on the viewers. Tourists can take a boat ride in the Maid of the Mist that takes them right beneath Niagara Falls.
Apart from Niagara Falls, there are other places of interest and things to do in the Niagara region. Clifton Hill is a nightlife precinct with many arcades, museums, eateries, and boutiques. If you want to take things a bit easier, then Niagara-on-the-Lake is the place to visit, offering beautiful scenery, wine, and historic architecture as well as some excellent shops.
Toronto is the largest and most multicultural city in Canada and the capital of Ontario. Being home to a pulsating arts quarter, culturally diverse districts, and famous landmarks, Toronto is always alive and is a must-visit destination for any traveler visiting Ontario.
CN Tower is currently among the tallest free-standing structures globally and provides incredible and panoramic views of Toronto and Lake Ontario. The Royal Ontario Museum or ROM is an international museum of art, culture, and nature. Another attraction is the Toronto Islands – a few small islands with beaches, parks, and facilities for recreation; it is reached by a short ferry crossing from Toronto’s downtown. Kensington Market and Distillery District are also must-visit neighbourhoods providing shopping, dining and cultural tourism experiences.
Ottawa city is the capital city of Canada and is situated at the point where the Ottawa, Gatineau, and Rideau river meets. Ottawa, a city with deep historical backgrounds and magnificent buildings, is a perfect place for cultural and tourist attractions as well as for various kinds of activities outdoors.
Key Attractions
Parliament Hill is the centerpiece of Ottawa, featuring stunning Gothic Revival buildings where Canada's federal government convenes. Visitors can tour the Parliament buildings, watch the changing of the guard, and enjoy views of the Ottawa River. The Rideau Canal, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a popular spot for boating in the summer and transforms into the world’s largest skating rink in winter.
Algonquin Provincial Park is well-known as the oldest park in the province of Ontario in Canada. Covering an area of more than 7600 sq km, the park is a protected area that is famous for its beauty, the variety of species of plants and animals, and tourism activities.
Algonquin is a perfect place for those people who like to enjoy the beauty of nature and do some active rest. The park has such features as a forest, river, lake, and highland, which make it a home to many animals. Bird watchers, hikers, and canoeists especially consider it a very popular destination. The park also provides a good camping, fishing, and wildlife photography destination.
The Thousand Islands is a beautiful area located on the St. Lawrence River containing many beautiful and historical sites. It is made up of more than 1,800 islands of different sizes – from small rocks and shoals, which are often never inhabited to large islands, most of which are private property.
Thousand Islands are very famous for boat tours as they provide scenic views and one can also go sightseeing and visit places like Boldt Castle and Singer Castle. These old castles are situated on the American side of the river and can be reached by boat; they give a rather interesting insight into the history of the area.
Muskoka known as “cottage country” is a favourite tourist attraction area for cottages, lakes, towns, and other recreational activities. Muskoka can be found approximately two hours north of Toronto and it is a perfect destination for those who are in search of a laid-back vacation with stunning views of Ontario nature.
Muskoka is famous for water activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking among others. In the area, there are a couple of provincial parks, which provide excellent opportunities for hiking and scenic viewpoints. The towns of Bracebridge and Huntsville are great for exploring the downtown cores with shops, cafes, and art galleries. It also has a feature in fall foliage, where the trees change color and tourists flock to the region to have a view of the same.
Kingston is also known as the “Limestone City” because of the many buildings and structures in the city made from limestone. It has a historical background since it was once the capital of the United Province of Canada. Presently, Kingston is a vibrant city that boasts of its arts and culture, waterfront, and restaurants and shops.
Kingston Penitentiary is one of the significant places of interest. It was a maximum security prison for prisoners in Kingston and it has been turned into a tourist attraction where tourists can be taken round the prison. The tours give the client a detailed view of the history of the prison and its most influential prisoners.
Another significant historical site is Fort Henry, a military fort from the 19th century, with historical reconstructions of the soldiers’ lives, as well as presentations of the military history of the city. The waterfront area is quite picturesque, and people can stroll around or take a boat tour in the vicinity.
Prince Edward County is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario and is famous for its wine, local farms, and scenery.
The region is suitable for viticulture because of the good soil and climate of Prince Edward County. The area boasts of many wine producers who produce and sell different wines for tasting. Besides wine, the county offers food tourism that includes restaurants sourcing their ingredients locally, farmers markets and food producers that range from cheese makers to chocolatiers.
Ontario is a province that truly has something for everyone. Plan your visit to discover the rich culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality that make Ontario a top travel destination.