Ontario is a province that comes alive in the summer, offering endless opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and exploration. From serene lakes and lush forests to bustling cities and cultural festivals, Ontario has something to delight every type of traveller. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, the summer months are the perfect time to experience the best of what this incredible province has to offer.
In this guide, we’ll explore 12 must-do activities that will make your Ontario summer unforgettable. From outdoor adventures to vibrant cultural events, these experiences capture the essence of Ontario’s warm-weather charm. Get ready to fill your calendar with fun, as this list has something for everyone!
1. Explore Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is a summer paradise for nature enthusiasts, offering a mix of breathtaking landscapes, thrilling adventures, and serene escapes. With over 2,400 lakes, sprawling forests, and countless hiking trails, it’s the perfect spot for outdoor exploration. Whether you prefer a leisurely paddle along a calm lake or an invigorating hike through rugged terrain, Algonquin delivers unforgettable summer experiences.
Wildlife enthusiasts will especially appreciate Algonquin, as the park is home to moose, black bears, beavers, and a variety of bird species. For a more immersive experience, consider camping under the stars or taking a guided tour to learn about the park’s rich natural and cultural history. Algonquin's blend of adventure and tranquillity makes it one of Ontario’s most iconic summer destinations.
2. Visit Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a quintessential summer destination that promises awe-inspiring views and an array of activities. Witnessing the sheer power of the cascading water is a bucket-list experience, and the warm summer weather makes it the perfect time to explore the area. Stroll along the Niagara Parkway for stunning views, or get up close to the falls with a Hornblower Cruise or a visit to the Journey Behind the Falls.
Beyond the falls, Niagara offers plenty of summertime fun. Enjoy a picnic in Queen Victoria Park, explore the vibrant Clifton Hill entertainment district, or bike along the scenic trails that wind through the region. With its mix of natural wonder and lively attractions, Niagara Falls is a must-see summer spot in Ontario.
3. Go on a Wine Tour in Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is a summer haven for wine enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of scenic beauty and delectable experiences. Home to over 40 wineries, this region allows you to taste some of Ontario’s finest wines while soaking in the picturesque vineyards and charming rural landscapes. Many wineries offer guided tours, tastings, and opportunities to learn about the winemaking process, making it an educational and indulgent outing.
Beyond wine, the County also boasts farm-to-table restaurants and artisan shops that perfectly complement a day of vineyard hopping. Whether you’re strolling through the vines, sampling award-winning vintages, or enjoying a gourmet picnic on the grounds, a wine tour in Prince Edward County offers a serene and enriching escape during the summer months.
4. Explore the Thousand Islands by Boat
The Thousand Islands, a stunning archipelago in the St. Lawrence River, is a must-see destination during Ontario’s summer months. A boat tour is the best way to discover this enchanting area, which boasts over 1,800 islands ranging from tiny outcrops to larger, inhabited spots. Many tours offer close-up views of historic landmarks like Boldt Castle and Singer Castle, as well as scenic passages through narrow channels and lush landscapes.
For a more personalised experience, rent a kayak or paddleboard to navigate the calm waters at your own pace. The region also features plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and spotting wildlife like ospreys and turtles. Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-led adventure, exploring the Thousand Islands is a magical way to embrace Ontario’s natural beauty.
5. Enjoy the Beaches of Ontario
Ontario is home to a diverse array of beautiful beaches, perfect for a summer day of relaxation or adventure. From the golden sands of Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world, to the secluded shores of Sandbanks Provincial Park, there’s no shortage of places to sunbathe, swim, or enjoy watersports.
For those looking for more than just sun and sand, many beaches offer excellent hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and picnic areas. Some beaches, like those at the Bruce Peninsula National Park, are surrounded by dramatic cliffs and clear turquoise waters, providing a picturesque backdrop for beachgoers. Whether you’re looking to surf, build sandcastles, or simply soak up the sun, Ontario’s beaches offer something for everyone during the summer months.
6. Go Hiking in Ontario’s Provincial Parks
Ontario is home to some of the best hiking trails in Canada, and summer is the perfect time to explore them. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there's a trail suited for every level of ability. Popular hiking spots include the challenging Bruce Trail, which offers stunning views of Niagara Escarpment, and the scenic trails in Algonquin Provincial Park, where you can explore dense forests and serene lakes.
For a more relaxed experience, consider hiking along the many shorter trails in places like Killarney Provincial Park or Bon Echo Provincial Park. These parks provide a range of easy-to-moderate trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Ontario’s natural beauty. Hiking through these lush landscapes not only offers the chance to see stunning vistas but also provides opportunities for wildlife spotting, such as moose, deer, and a variety of birds.
7. Explore Ontario’s Island Parks
Ontario is home to several beautiful islands that make for unique summer getaways. Toronto Islands, for example, is just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto and offers sandy beaches, walking trails, and peaceful picnic spots with stunning views of the city skyline. You can rent a bike or kayak, or simply relax by the waterfront.
Similarly, Manitoulin Island, located in Lake Huron, offers a more remote experience with hiking trails, fishing, and exploring indigenous cultural sites. The island is known for its natural beauty, unique wildlife, and opportunities to disconnect from everyday life. Ontario’s islands are perfect for those who enjoy nature, adventure, and stunning waterfront views.
8. Attend a Summer Festival
Ontario is renowned for its vibrant summer festivals that celebrate the province's culture, music, and food. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), held in September, is one of the most well-known, drawing film enthusiasts from around the world. However, there are also countless smaller festivals throughout the summer months.
In Ottawa, the Canadian Tulip Festival in May is a spectacle of colorful flowers, while Niagara Falls hosts the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival in September, offering wine tastings and local produce. Whether it's a music, food, or cultural festival, Ontario’s summer calendar has something for every interest.
9. Take a Scenic Drive on the Niagara Parkway
The Niagara Parkway is one of Ontario's most scenic drives, offering beautiful views of the Niagara River, lush landscapes, and charming towns. The route stretches from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie, passing through the iconic Niagara Falls. Along the way, you can stop at parks, historical sites, and picturesque spots to enjoy the natural beauty.
As you drive, you'll also come across vineyards and wineries, where you can take part in wine tastings or simply enjoy the surrounding countryside. Whether you're driving solo, with friends, or with family, the Niagara Parkway offers a relaxing yet visually stunning experience that’s perfect for a summer road trip in Ontario.
10. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Canada's largest and most renowned museums, making it a fantastic summer destination for anyone visiting Ontario. With its vast collection of exhibits spanning art, culture, and natural history, the ROM offers a diverse experience for all ages. From dinosaur fossils to ancient artifacts and contemporary art, there is something for everyone.
In the summer, the museum often hosts special exhibitions and events, making it an even more engaging experience. It’s a great indoor activity when you want to escape the summer heat while still soaking up some educational and cultural enrichment. Whether you're a history buff, art lover, or just looking for something unique to explore, the ROM is a must-visit.
11. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Niagara Falls
One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls is by taking a helicopter tour. Flying high above the falls offers a unique perspective of this natural wonder that you simply can't get from the ground. With the roar of the water below and the mist rising up, a helicopter ride provides an unforgettable view of both the American and Canadian falls, as well as the surrounding landscape, including the Niagara River and the lush green forests that line its banks.
Helicopter tours typically offer various flight packages, allowing visitors to choose between short aerial excursions or more extensive tours that fly over the entire Niagara region. These tours provide an unmatched vantage point for photographs, with panoramic views of the falls, nearby towns, and the winding river below. It’s the perfect summer adventure for thrill-seekers and anyone looking for a memorable way to see Niagara Falls from a whole new angle.
12. Embark on a Kingston Ghost Tour
Last but not least, for a unique and spine-chilling adventure, consider joining a Kingston Ghost Tour. This guided walking tour takes you through the historic streets of Kingston, one of Ontario's oldest cities, and is perfect for those with an interest in local history and the supernatural. Kingston has a rich past, and many of its buildings are said to be haunted by spirits from bygone eras. The tour guides, often dressed in period costumes, share eerie tales of ghostly encounters, unexplained happenings, and tragic events that have left a lingering presence in the city.
As you stroll through Kingston’s historic district, you'll visit some of the most haunted locations in the city, including the Kingston Penitentiary, Bellevue House, and the Kingston City Hall. The tour is an ideal summer evening activity, offering both a glimpse into the city's history and a thrilling experience. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer in the paranormal, the Kingston Ghost Tour is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you with a memorable experience.
Final Thoughts
Ontario offers an abundance of activities that cater to every type of traveller, whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway. From exploring scenic parks and hiking trails to enjoying unique attractions like helicopter tours and ghost walks, there's something for everyone to enjoy during the summer months. With so much to see and do, Ontario is the perfect place to make lasting memories with friends and family.
So, pack your bags and get ready to experience all the incredible activities this province has to offer!
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