Ontario is one of the largest and most populated provinces of Canada. It is also the province that is home to the nation’s capital city Ottawa. Another important city that attracts people from across the globe in Ontario is its capital, Toronto. Filled with rich Victorian Era architecture and rare Oak Savannah habitat, Ontario is also popular for its stunning flora and fauna. Did you know? Ontario houses more than 250,000 lakes that accounts for approximately one-fifth of the total fresh water reserves in the whole world. There are numerous towns and cities in this province that are bestowed with nature’s greatest creations coupled with modern life. Here is our list of the best places to visit in Ontario, Canada.
1. Toronto (from USD 142.0)
Toronto is the largest city in the Ontario Province and is its capital city. It is one of the most preferred destinations among visitors from across the globe for its undying inclusivity and peace of life. on this ultimate tour of Toronto, you will check out the most popular sights of the city in small groups along with a guide. This day-long tour will get you to witness Toronto in its vibrant colors by stopping at over 11 spots including Toronto Harbor, St. Lawrence Market, Casa Loma, Queen’s Park, CN Tower, and much more. Witness the stunning views of the city’s skyline from the harbor.
Best of Toronto Small Group Tour with CN Tower and Harbour Cruise
Duration: 4 hours
2. Hamilton
Hamilton is a port city located at the western end of Ontario. This city is known for its popular Canadian HMCS Sackville naval warship lakefront museum, the Niagara escarpment also called as “the mountain”, the Hamilton harbor, and many other interesting sights. When planning a visit to Hamilton, do not forget to check out the Royal Botanical Gardens, Bruce Trail for long-distance running and hiking, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Dundurn Castle, Hilton Falls, Tew’s Falls, and Webster Falls. Filled with amazing natural beauty and a stunning shoreline, Hamilton is indeed a great place to visit in Ontario, Canada.
3. Burlington
Located at the northwestern end of Lake Ontario, Burlington is a popular municipality in the Greater Toronto Area. The town is ideally set between Lake Toronto and Niagara Escarpment, thus making the town a land of scenic landscapes. Check out the scenic views of Lake Toronto from the S-shaped Brant Street Pier. Go rock climbing or simply hike the trails on the Mount Nemo Conservation Area and check out the panoramic views that extent to the famous CN tower. You can also explore Bruce Trail and the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, on a hiking trip. Check out the Victorian and Gothic Revival architecture of the historic buildings and mansions in downtown Burlington. The town also has numerous recreational areas and over 200 restaurants that you can check out for a fun-filled experience.
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4. Windsor
Windsor is considered as the automobile capital of the country. Windsor is an Ontario city through which runs the Detroit River emerging from the United States automobile city Detroit. Hence, the city has numerous waterfront historic monuments that were predominantly used by the Canadian Armed Forces. Another significant sight in Windsor is Ambassador Suspension Bridge that was constructed in the year 1929 connecting United States and Canada. The city’s convenient position on the national border attracts numerous people for shopping and sightseeing throughout the year. Adventure Bay Family Water Park is a popular entertainment area for kids as well as adults. You can also check out Sculpture Park, prairie fields, gardens, and islands on the Detroit river when at Windsor.
5. Greater Sudbury
Greater Sudbury is another interesting city to visit in Ontario, Canada. The city is home to three beautiful lakes, the Ramsey lake, lake Laurentian and the scenic Kukagami Lake. Greater Sudbury has some of the most interesting sights to visit such as Dynamic Earth Science Center, the Big Nickel (giant 1952 Canadian Nickel), Flour Mill museum, Anderson Farm Museum, Copper Cliff Museum, Rayside-Balfour Museum and National Railroad Museum and Heritage Center. Another interesting sight in this city is the world’s second tallest (380 m/1,243 ft) independently standing chimney of Inco Superstack. Check out the scenic beauty of the city from the A. Y. Jackson Lookout, Lake Laurentian Conservation Area, Bell Park, Trans Canada Trail, and many other spots. You can also go skiing and snowmobiling in this stunning city.
6. London
Similar to London in Great Britain, this south-western Ontario city along Lake Erie also has the Thames River. The city has a number of parks and greenways adding to its picturesque beauty. Check out the art and history exhibits in Museum London, have a fun day at the interactive Children’s Museum, experience authentic history at the Eldon House, Banting House, and Fanshawe Pioneer Village, or learn interesting archaeological facts of the place at Museum of Ontario Archaeology and more. Some of the most beautiful parks in the city include the Springbank Park, Storybook Gardens, and Victoria Park.
7. Mississauga
Mississauga is a large Ontario city with a multi-cultural community and rich historic significance. The city has the perfect blend of preserved history as well as modernity. It is one of the most visited cities for shopping as it is home to several huge malls. Mississauga is known for its Living Arts Center with its live concerts, shows, public art, and sculpture exhibits. There are also numerous theme parks and golf courses. Visit the quaint cafes and shops in Streetsville Village along the Credit River. Credit Port has a working lighthouse and a breathtaking shoreline. The Mississauga Celebration Square is popular for its multi-cultural events.
8. Brantford
Yet another important city in southwestern Ontario is the city of Brantford that lies along the Grand River and is popularly called “Telephone City”. Did you know? Alexander Graham Bell lived in his father’s home - Melville House - when he invented the first ever telephone. Now called Bell Homestead and a National Historic Site, the house serves as a museum that preserves the historic turning point in the field of communication - the invention of a telephone. You can also have a fun time at Elements Casino, Brantford Twin Valley Zoo, Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant, and many other interesting sites in the city.
9. Belleville
Belleville is an Ontario city located in the Quebec-Windsor border on Quinte Bay. The city is located at the mouth of the river Moire which makes it one of the most beautiful cities in the province. The city is known for its annual mid-July Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival that attracts tourists from across the globe. You can go on a sailing and fishing expedition at Quinte Bay, try your luck at Shorelines Casino, be awed by the antique history of the 1880s mansion at Glanmore National Historic Site, and much more. You can also visit Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. Taste some of the finest wines, visit caves, and stop by historic churches, chapels, and beaches in Belleville.
10. Guelph
Considered one of the best cities in Canada to live in, Guelph is a small, upscale city on the banks of the Speed River, located at just an hour’s drive from Toronto. The city has numerous limestone buildings that are known for their architectural excellence, hence giving the city the moniker “Royal City.” Guelph is a city of dynamic culture and friendly people. You can go rowing at Guelph Lake, relax at the rock gardens, playground, and amphitheater of Riverside Park, check out the history of this beautiful city at Civic Museum, and visit the many historic monuments scattered across the city.
11. Kitchener
Kitchener is the city that is famous for the KW Symphony’s home - Center In the Square theater of performing arts. It is also popular for the flashy art and science interactive exhibit center, The Museum. You can learn the city’s history through the antique artifacts and historic buildings of Joseph Schneider Haus, Doon Heritage Village, Mount Hope Cemetery, and many other interesting sites. You can relax at the shady greens of the vast Victoria Park, go skiing at Chicopee Ski Area, attend the Oktoberfest, and much more at Kitchener.
12. Peterborough
Peterborough is the city of arts and music in Ontario Located on the Otonabee River, Peterborough is also the first town in the whole of Canada to use electric street lights. Hence, it got the nickname, “Electric City.” The city’s waterways add to its natural beauty. Check out the towering hydraulic canal lift lock at Trent-Severn Waterway. Visit Riverview Park and Zoo which is an interesting recreational area at the heart of the city with a menagerie. Learn more at Canadian Canoe Museum. The Kawarthas is a recreational community located close to the city that is perfect for romantic outings, shopping, nature walks, and more.
13. Barrie
Located along the western shore of Lake Simcoe, Barrie is a city of parks, lakes, and ski resorts. The scenic park trails, ski areas, playgrounds, and sandy beaches of the city make it one of the most visited getaways in Ontario. One of the most stunning sights in the city is “the Spirit Catcher”, a ginormous, waterfront bird-like sculpture. Go skiing at Snow Valley Ski Resort and Mount St. Louis Moonstone as you marvel at the stunning beauty of the snow-covered white mountains. Go swimming at Innisfil Beach Park, learn about the local history at Simcoe County Museum, relax with your family at Horseshoe Resort, and much more at this city.
14. North Bay
Located at the northern end of the Lake Nipissing shoreline, North Bay is historically seen as a “Gateway to the North” in Canada and hence the name. This beautiful city is located amidst two beautiful lakes, forest cover, and a small waterfall. If you are looking to get away from your busy city life and escape into nature, North Bay is the place for you. You can go skiing and snowboarding at Laurentian Ski Hill, relax by the lake shore, walk the trails of Laurier Woods Conservation Area, set up camp or a picnic at Marten River Provincial Park, and much more in North Bay. Check out the regional history exhibits and go on guided tours in the city at North Bay Museum.
15. Brampton
Located in the Greater Toronto area, Brampton is a city of multi-cultural art and architecture. One of the most popular and widely visited structures of architectural glory of the city is BAPS Shri Swami Narayan Mandir in Toronto. This temple is known for its intricate sculptural work. You can experience authentic regional history and art in Brampton at Peel Art Gallery, Museum, and Archives, Rose Theater, Garden Square, and the historic Bovaird House. The city is also home to some breathtaking nature-rich places such as Humber River, Heart Lake Conservation Park, and Chinguacousy Park.
16. Oshawa
Conveniently located on the Lake Ottawa shoreline in Southern Ontario, Oshawa is one another historic automobile city in Canada. The historic home to General Motors Canada, Oshawa was often called the “sole automobile capital of Canada’. It is also popularly dubbed as "the city that motivates Canada,” “the city in Motion”, and much more. The city is now home to the National Historic Site of The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, the biggest public art gallery in the Regional Municipality of Durham, and the famous Canadian Automotive Museum. You can also check out the neo-classical mansions of the Parkwood Estate, the beachfront scenery of Darlington Provincial Park, and more in Oshawa.
17. Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay is a northwestern Ontario city that is home to the splashing white waters of the Kakabeka Falls and Lake Superior. The city is famous for its amazing Fort William Historical Park where you can get to know about the city’s fur-trading history as you walk past the exhibits on the park’s trail. The trail leads to the panoramic views of Mount McKay and Terry Fox Memorial. Terry Fox is a famous athlete who dedicated his life and sport for cancer research activities. You can also check out various other interesting sights in the city such as Thunder Bay Museum, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Hill Crest Park, Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Centennial Botanical Conservatory and many other places.
18. Orillia
Orillia is a small, beautiful resort city located between the lakes Couchiching and Simcoe in the Simcoe County. The city is known to be in existence for several thousand years and is one of the oldest Canadian cities. Popularly called “Sunshine City,” Orillia attracts a lot of tourists from across the globe. Some of the interesting places to visit in Orillia include Lake Couchiching, Casino Rama Resort, Bass Lake Provincial Park, Mara Provincial Beach Park, and Tudhope Park.
19. Stratford
Stratford is a beautiful city in Ontario located on River Avon that resonates with the rich Canadian history and the life of its people. Filled with Victorian era buildings and monuments, Stratford is a city of art, architecture, and culture. One of the most popular events in the city is the Stratford Festival that stages Shakespeare’s plays as well contemporary plays in its many theaters. Some of the prominent Victorian buildings include Stratford City Hall, Perth County Courthouse, and Shakespearean Gardens.
20. Sault Ste. Marie
Located on the St. Marie River and near three beautiful lakes to the north of the US border, Sault Ste. Marie is home to the famous 19th-century Sault Ste. Marie Canal. The city’s amazing red sandstone buildings are a key attraction. Learn about vintage aircraft and firefighting history in Canada at Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Center. Check out the stunning views from Point Iroquois Lighthouse. Spend a day of beach fun at Pancake Bay Provincial Park.
21. St. Catharines
The largest city in Canada’s Niagara region and the sixth-largest urban area in the Ontario province, St. Catharines is a perfect blend of natural wonders and urban life. Famously called “Garden City”, St. Catharines is filled with sprawling parks, gardens, and trails. It is also the place that holds the northern entrance of Welland Canal. Short Hills Provincial Park in this city consists of a lake for fishing, a small waterfall, and green covered trails. 13th Street Winery and Henry of Pelham Estate are interesting places in the city where you can taste the best of local wines in an upscale estate ambiance. You can also visit Lakeside Park Beach for some beach fun.
22. Sarnia
Sarnia has become a major petrochemical industrial hub after the discovery of oil springs in the last few decades. The city is also popular for its great natural beauty as it is positioned on the merging of Lake Huron and St. Clair River. You can go nature-watching at Lake Huron, shopping at Lambton Mall, have beach picnics on Canatara Beach Park, visit the very interesting Children’s Animal Farm, and much more in Sarnia. You can experience the creativity of the city in places like the Imperial Theater and Judith and Norman Alix Art Gallery.
23. Vaughan
Vaughan is located to the north of Toronto and is one of the most visited urban getaways in Ontario. It is considered one of Canada’s fastest growing cities and houses Canada’s Wonderland - one of the country’s largest amusement parks. The city is home to many shopping centers, art galleries, and museums. Children would love to escape into Legoland discovery center, and Reptilia, an indoor reptile zoo in Vaughan. You can also visit Kortright Conservation Area, Black Creek Pioneer Village, Boyd Conservation Area, and David Dunlop Observatory during your visit to this amazing city.
24. Oakville
One of the most densely populated areas of the province and largest cities in Ontario is Oakville. The city is located between the cities Toronto and Hamilton, which makes it a part of the Greater Toronto Area as well. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this city is filled with scenic harbors, sprawling shopping districts, a plethora of restaurants, and an active arts community. This is the reason behind the whopping population of the city. Some of the must-go spots in Oakville include Coronation Park, Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Dundas Street West and East, and iFLY indoor skydiving center.
25. Welland
Welland, as the name suggests is the city of the Welland Canal. The city is located at the center of Niagara which places it at half an hour’s distance from the Niagara Falls and the cities St. Catharines and Port Colborne. The city is often referred to as the place where the rails and water meet, connoting to the connection of both railways and waterways in the city. The city served as a popular trading hub and hence gained great development on its both sides. The city lies on the picturesque merging of the lakes Erie and Ontario.
26. Markham
Known as the “High-Tech Capital of Canada”, Markham is yet another populous city in Ontario. The Rouge River runs along the city and is a great spot to go fishing, boating, and rowing. Yonge Street is a historical route located within the city that connects the two lakes Ontario and Simcoe. Milne Dam Conservatory Park is home to numerous migratory birds. Other interesting spots include Toogood Pond Park, Markham Museum, Reesor Farm Market, Pacific Mall, Joyride 150 Indoor Bike Park, Markham GO Station, and Frederick Horsman Varley Art Gallery.
27. Niagara Falls
The greatest panoramic views of the Niagara Falls is said to be on the Canada side of the falls. Niagara Falls is a city in Ontario province named after the falls as it lies on the western bank of the Niagara River and is home to the famous Golden Horseshoe Falls. The most expansive section of the Horseshoe Cascades is on the city. Skylon Tower has elevators that take visitors up and down, showing waterfall views. On top of the tower is the revolving restaurant with stunning views of the Niagara Falls.
28. Cornwall
The last city on our list is the City of Cornwall in Eastern Ontario. The most interesting places to visit in this city include Lamoureux Park, Lost Villages Museum, Long Sault Parkway, St. Raphael’s Ruins, Gray’s Creek Conservation Area, Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Center, Cornwall Community Museum, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Cooper Marsh Conservation Area and Visitor’s Center, Mille Roches Island, and Historic SDG Jail. It is also famous for the Ontario Power Generation - the annual winter festival of lights.
29. Ottawa (from USD 135.36)
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and is the seat of the country’s rich history as well as the highest administrative authority. Filled with numerous Victorian-era architectural marvels, Ottawa is yet another city that attracts visitors from across the globe. In this half-day guided sightseeing tour you will witness the rich culture and beauty of the land. Go on a 1.5-hour cruise tour on the Ottawa River, check out Parliament Hill, the infamous Royal Canadian Mint, as well as the Supreme Court of Canada and the Prime Minister’s house among other government historic buildings. Witness the stunning natural beauty of the Rideau Falls and much more.
Ottawa: Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise
Duration: 4.0 hour
30. Kingston (from USD 21.23)
Popularly called “Limestone City”, Kingston is filled with rich 19th-century architecture. Some of the historic buildings ideally located at the scenic lakeside area of the city include Kingston City Hall, Bellevue House, Fort Henry, Kingston Penitentiary, and more. Located at the mouth of the two prominent rivers of the Ontario province, Kingston is home to stunning natural beauty. On this hop-on and hop-off trolley tour, check out these historic sights of the city as well as the famous Queen’s University and the downtown shopping district. This is a GPS-enabled guided tour in English, French, German, and Chinese.
Kingston: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour
Duration: 75 minute
Plan your trip to Ontario right away
Almost every city in Ontario is surrounded by a lake or a river, which makes it one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada to visit. Ontario is also home to the famous Niagara Falls, which is yet another reason to visit this breathtaking province. It is a multi-cultural and welcoming province in Canada and has so many must-see spots. So, plan your Ontario trip right away and do not miss out on these top places listed here.
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