While Ontario is famous for destinations like Niagara Falls, Muskoka, and Algonquin Park, the province is also home to countless hidden gems that offer breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique experiences—without the crowds. From secluded beaches and remote hiking trails to off-the-radar provincial parks and historic sites, these lesser-known vacation spots provide a perfect escape for travellers seeking something different.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, an adventurous backcountry excursion, or a charming small-town getaway, Ontario has plenty of undiscovered destinations waiting to be explored. This guide highlights 13 incredible hidden gems across the province, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience for those willing to step off the beaten path.
1. Manitoulin Island
Tucked away in Lake Huron, Manitoulin Island is the world's largest freshwater island and remains a hidden paradise for those seeking unspoiled nature and Indigenous culture. Despite its breathtaking beauty, Manitoulin is often overlooked by tourists in favour of more mainstream destinations. Here, you’ll find pristine lakes, stunning hiking trails, and charming small towns that embody a slower, more peaceful way of life. The island is home to numerous waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls, where visitors can take a dip in the refreshing waters.
One of the most unique aspects of Manitoulin is its rich Indigenous heritage. Visitors can experience traditional Anishinaabe culture through guided tours, storytelling events, and powwows held by local First Nations communities. The Great Spirit Circle Trail offers immersive experiences, including drum-making workshops, canoeing trips, and traditional feasts. If you're looking for a relaxing escape far from city crowds, Manitoulin Island is a perfect choice.
2. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Often overshadowed by Ontario’s more famous parks, Bon Echo Provincial Park is a true hidden gem for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located north of Napanee, this park is known for its striking Mazinaw Rock, a 100-metre-high granite cliff adorned with over 260 Indigenous pictographs—one of the largest collections in North America. The park’s serene atmosphere and stunning scenery make it ideal for hiking, kayaking, and backcountry camping.
The Clifftop Trail rewards hikers with panoramic views over Mazinaw Lake, while paddlers can explore the pictographs up close via canoe or kayak. For those looking for a quiet, off-the-grid getaway, Bon Echo offers rustic cabins, backcountry campsites, and beautiful sandy beaches that remain far less crowded than those in Algonquin or Killarney. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a history buff, this park offers a truly unique Ontario experience.
3. Agawa Canyon
Hidden deep in Northern Ontario, Agawa Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder that remains one of the province’s most underrated destinations. Accessible only by train or an extensive backcountry hike, the canyon is a remote, untouched paradise of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests. The best way to experience its beauty is aboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, a scenic railway journey that departs from Sault Ste. Marie and takes passengers through the heart of Ontario’s rugged wilderness.
During the fall, the canyon transforms into a mesmerizing display of red, orange, and yellow foliage, making it one of the most spectacular autumn destinations in Canada. Once you arrive, you can explore the canyon’s trails leading to stunning lookouts, waterfalls, and historic sites. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Agawa Canyon offers an unforgettable glimpse into Ontario’s wild and untouched landscapes.
4. Pukaskwa National Park
Located along the remote shores of Lake Superior, Pukaskwa National Park is one of Ontario’s least-visited but most breathtaking destinations. This vast wilderness area is home to some of the most rugged and untouched landscapes in the province, offering towering cliffs, dramatic shorelines, and old-growth boreal forests. Unlike the more well-known parks, Pukaskwa provides true solitude, making it perfect for nature lovers seeking an escape from crowds.
The park’s highlight is the Coastal Hiking Trail, a 60-kilometre backcountry trek that showcases the raw beauty of Lake Superior. Visitors who aren’t up for multi-day hikes can explore shorter trails, such as the Southern Headland Trail, which leads to stunning views of the lake. Pukaskwa also offers some of the best dark-sky stargazing opportunities in Ontario, thanks to its remote location far from light pollution.
5. Killarney’s Hidden Lakes
While Killarney Provincial Park is well-known among canoeists and hikers, its hidden lakes and lesser-explored trails make it a secret paradise for those willing to venture deeper. The park is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white quartzite cliffs, and dense forests, yet many visitors stick to popular spots like George Lake or the La Cloche Silhouette Trail. However, those who take the time to explore further can find incredibly secluded backcountry lakes and campsites that feel like a world away.
Lesser-known gems like O.S.A. Lake and Threenarrows Lake offer canoeists a chance to experience true wilderness, often without another soul in sight. The park’s network of canoe routes allows adventurers to paddle through hidden channels and past stunning rock formations, making it one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets for wilderness exploration.
6. Misery Bay Provincial Park
Located on the southern shores of Manitoulin Island, Misery Bay Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most underrated nature reserves. Despite its ominous name, this park is a peaceful and stunning coastal landscape filled with rare plant species, unique alvars, and scenic hiking trails. Unlike many of Ontario’s more developed parks, Misery Bay remains relatively untouched, allowing visitors to experience a raw and undisturbed natural environment.
The park features over 15 kilometres of hiking trails, offering views of Misery Bay’s shallow, crystal-clear waters and limestone bedrock formations. Birdwatchers will love the chance to spot bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and migratory songbirds, while those looking for a quiet retreat will appreciate the park’s serene atmosphere. For anyone exploring Manitoulin, Misery Bay is a hidden treasure worth visiting.
7. Sleeping Giant’s Backcountry
While Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is well-known for its famous Top of the Giant Trail, the park’s remote backcountry areas remain an undiscovered gem. Located near Thunder Bay, this vast wilderness offers some of the most stunning cliffside views and untouched forests in the province.
Many visitors hike the park’s more accessible trails, but those who venture into the backcountry can find hidden waterfalls, secluded beaches, and wildlife encounters that few others get to experience. The park’s rugged terrain is ideal for multi-day backpacking or canoeing trips, offering adventurers a true escape into nature.
8. Temagami’s Fire Tower and Old-Growth Forest
For a taste of Ontario’s ancient forests and breathtaking lookouts, Temagami is a hidden paradise waiting to be explored. This northern wilderness is home to some of the tallest trees in Ontario, including centuries-old white pines that tower over the landscape. Despite its beauty, Temagami remains far less visited than Algonquin, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.
The Temagami Fire Tower offers a panoramic 360-degree view over lakes and forests, especially stunning during the fall. Canoeing in the Temagami region is another must-do experience, with interconnected waterways that allow paddlers to explore remote campsites, hidden waterfalls, and some of the most pristine lakes in the province.
9. Inglis Falls and Harrison Park, Owen Sound
While many tourists visit Tobermory for its iconic turquoise waters, Owen Sound remains a lesser-known gem packed with breathtaking waterfalls and lush green spaces. Inglis Falls, located just outside the city, is an 80-foot cascading waterfall that flows over rugged limestone cliffs, making it one of the most photogenic falls in Ontario. The falls are easily accessible, yet they don’t see the overwhelming crowds of some of the province’s other natural wonders.
Nearby, Harrison Park offers a peaceful retreat with scenic walking trails, a historic mill, and picnic areas. Visitors can canoe along the Sydenham River, explore the park’s gardens, or visit the small yet charming bird sanctuary. For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path getaway, Owen Sound is a great alternative to busier tourist destinations.
10. The Lighthouses of Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is known for its wineries and beaches, but its historic lighthouses and hidden coastal trails make it a fantastic off-the-radar destination for history and nature lovers alike. The county is home to several picturesque lighthouses, each offering stunning views of Lake Ontario’s shoreline.
Some of the best include Point Petre Lighthouse, which stands on a rocky point with breathtaking sunset views, and Wellington’s lighthouse, located near the county’s charming harbourfront. Exploring these lesser-known spots provides a different perspective on Prince Edward County, beyond its famous wineries and Sandbanks beaches.
11. Lake Superior’s Secret Beaches
While most people think of Wasaga Beach or Sandbanks when it comes to Ontario’s best beaches, the hidden beaches along Lake Superior offer a more secluded and dramatic coastal experience. The shores of Lake Superior are dotted with remote, untouched beaches where the water is crystal-clear, and the views stretch for miles.
One of the most stunning is Old Woman Bay, a peaceful stretch of shoreline backed by towering cliffs. Another hidden gem is Pebble Beach near Marathon, where smooth, colourful stones create a unique and picturesque setting. These beaches remain a secret to most Ontarians, making them ideal for those who want to enjoy nature without crowds.
12. Devil’s Rock, Temiskaming Shores
For those who love dramatic cliffside views, Devil’s Rock near Temiskaming Shores is a hidden hiking gem that rivals some of Ontario’s most famous lookouts. This 150-metre-high cliff offers breathtaking views over Lake Temiskaming, with jagged rock formations and sheer drops that make for an exhilarating experience.
Despite its stunning scenery, Devil’s Rock remains largely undiscovered, making it a great spot for a quiet hike. The trail to the summit is relatively short, taking about 45 minutes, but the reward is one of Ontario’s best panoramic viewpoints.
13. Fossil Hunting in Rock Glen Conservation Area
For an adventure that feels like stepping back in time, Rock Glen Conservation Area in southwestern Ontario is a hidden treasure trove of ancient fossils and waterfalls. This small but fascinating park is home to some of the most well-preserved Devonian-era fossils, dating back over 350 million years. Visitors can legally collect small fossils, making it a great family-friendly activity.
Aside from fossil hunting, the park features the beautiful Rock Glen Falls, a 10-metre waterfall that cascades over layered limestone. The area’s unique geology and natural beauty make it a fantastic off-the-beaten-path destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Final Thoughts
Ontario is filled with well-known tourist spots, but these hidden gems offer something truly special—from untouched beaches and remote hiking trails to secluded waterfalls and historic sites. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat away from crowds, these lesser-known destinations provide some of the most unforgettable experiences in the province.
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