The beautiful province of Ontario, home to the national capital Ottawa, the nation’s capital sits in east-central Canada and borders the Great Lake and the United States. Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is the largest city in the country, while the province itself is 15 times larger than Texas. There are endless opportunities for the avid adventurer, traveler, and family on a fun getaway. The region is home to pristine lakes, wilderness, and the prominent Niagara Falls – Canada’s most explored attraction. Some of the landmarks you must include in your itinerary include CN Tower with picturesque views of the province and the National Gallery, featuring indigenous and Canadian art. There are lots of activities to enjoy in this graceful world’s heritage. To start with, here are the top enjoyable things to do in Ontario, Canada.
1. Visit the Niagara Falls
The famous city of Niagara Falls in Ontario is a fun-filled destination, linked with the United States by the Rainbow Bridge. While some tours cover the American part and others, the Canadian region of the city, this Niagara Falls tour lets you explore the best of both sides. Climb the 158.5-m (520-ft) high Skylon Tower or the wetter vantage point behind the falls to catch breathtaking views of the surrounding. Discover the Cave of the Winds via the Maid of the Mist boat cruise; experience Whirlpool State Park, Queen Victoria Park, and more. Make lifelong memories in this city.
2. Admire masterpieces by local artists at CCAA Museum of Art
It's a new week and time to spotlight another A3 (Art At the Airport) artist: Claremont's own Cathy Garcia! Cathy...
Posted by Chaffey Community Museum of Art on Monday, 18 February 2019
The Chaffey Community Museum of Art (CCAA) is the only fine arts museums in the Inland Empire, which made its debut in 1941. The museum was founded by a couple – Helen and Frances, after the tragic death of the daughter from a terminal illness. See the impressive artworks of local artists, accumulated since the 1920s, as well as the permanent collection of watercolors in California style, and other beautiful paintings. You can also join some ongoing art programs – including the Open Studio and the Live Model Figure Painting Sessions.
CCAA Museum of Art
Address: 217 S Lemon Ave, Ontario, CA 91761, USA
Website: CCAA Museum of Art
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free admission
3. Buy olives at Graber Olive House
Graber Olive House is a historic center founded in 1894 focused on the long-standing and careful tradition of canning, curing, and grading of Graber olives. Its location is tranquil and only minutes drive away from Ontario International Airport and the city’s business district. Tour this site to learn more about early California and even buy olives as souvenirs from any of the two shops on site. The shops also offer rare local gifts, food accessories, and fancy foods.
Graber Olive House
Address: 315 E 4th St, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
Website: Graber Olive House
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
4. Cruise along the UNESCO–listed Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal stretches 202 km (125.5 miles) from Lake Ontario’s Kingston Harbour to Ottawa south of the Cataraqui and Rideau Rivers. This beautiful monument was constructed in the early 80s and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007. Cruise this canal and appreciate the stunning views of the city’s top attractions including the National Arts Center, Dow’s Lake, Chateau Laurier, and Canadian Museum of Nature. Also, get to learn more about the centuries of Canadian history from your tour guide.
Book Tours : Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise
5. Appreciate stunning landscape views from the observation deck at Skylon Tower
Two things are most likely to attract you to the Skylon Tower – their two excellent dining options offering award-winning cuisine or the breathtaking views from the 236.2-m (775-ft) high, revolving eateries. Of course, you get free 360-degree views of Niagara Falls, as well as the Early Dinner specials when you patronize any of the restaurants. The elevator takes only 52 seconds to the top, and the dining rooms silently rotates 360 degrees hourly – availing you unobstructed views of the Great Gorge, the falls, and the fantastic skylines of Toronto, New York, and Buffalo.
6. Visit Casa Loma in Toronto
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Casa Loma is a beautiful 98-room castle perched in the heart of Toronto. The castle was built by a 19th-century millionaire – Sir Henry Mill Pellatt who went bankrupt some years after he spent a large share of his fortune in the construction. Today, the building is owned by the government and was turned into a museum and a major tourist attraction. Join several other visitors to admire its glory with its original and added features. Explore the beautiful Mahogany stables, gardens, eye-catching sculpted figures on its pillars, wooden chandeliers, stained glass ceiling, 10,000-book library, and more.
Casa Loma
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Website: Casa Loma
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 33 USD
7. Shop till you drop at Ontario Mills
This is an offer no one will want to miss – an exceptional shopping experience with special discounts from world-class brands and myriads of locally-owned stores. The climate-controlled mall offers over 200 stores – including H&M, Nike Factory Store, Nordstrom Rack, Tommy Bahama and more. Take advantage of special discounts on children’s, men’s and women’s footwear, sporting goods, jewelry, apparel, and more. That’s not all; the mall also features exclusive dinners, movies at AMC 30 Theatres, and comedy shows at the Improv Comedy Club and Dinner.
Ontario Mills
Address: 1 Mills Cir, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
Website: Ontario Mills
Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 10pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 10pm
8. Tee off at Whispering Lakes Golf Course
Tee off at this relatively flat golf course with abundant, tree-lined fairways on almost all the holes to give you an exceptional golfing experience. The renovated course, which opened in 1954, features standard facilities with 18-hole par-72, a slope of 122, and a rating of 71.4. Whispering Lakes Golf Course is excellent for professional golfers as well as beginners, with lessons offered by PGA Head Golf Professional – Gary Nichols. You can also join the Senior Men’s Club and special morning playtime, or organize a game with your group. You can’t go hungry with the on-site clubhouse offering delicious sandwiches.
Whispering Lakes Golf Course
Address:2525 E Riverside Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, USA
Website: Whispering Lakes Golf Course
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
Price: From 23 USD
9. Explore historical sites and street art at Kensington Market and Chinatown
Explore the centuries of culture and tradition at Chinatown and Kensington Market, which are neighborhoods situated in downtown Toronto. Discover Asian arts, fashion, and foods in Chinatown. The southern part of Chinatown features the Fashion District and Queen St. West with independent and mainstream shops and to the east, the Art Gallery of Ontario. The town is the second largest in North America after New York City. After you are done exploring the Asian glory of Chinatown, browse the streets of Kensington Market - filled with music stores, spice markets, old apparel boutiques, food stores, bars, and restaurants.
10. See native wildlife at Algonquin Park
Love to be among the wild? Keep Algonquin Park at the top of your itinerary and experience Canada’s most reputed provincial park. A source of inspiration for the country’s renowned Group of Seven painters, the park features scenic landscapes with close to 2,000 campsites and 2,000 kilometers (1242.7 miles) of canoe routes. Soak and unwind in any of the hundreds of sparkling lakes, admire the breathtaking color display during the fall, or indulge in a lake trout or brook trout fishing. Also, spot native wildlife around, including myriads of bird species and moose, and take Instagram-worthy pictures.
Book Tours : 3-Day Algonquin Park Canoe Trip
11. Pay a visit to Royal Ontario Museum
Experience centuries of preserved nature, culture, and art from around the globe at Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The museum was founded in 1914 and presently houses over 6,000,000 specimens and objects, spread over 40 exhibition areas and galleries on site. ROM is a prominent field research institute and a world leader with original discoveries in archaeology, material culture, visual art, earth science, paleontology, and biodiversity. Visit and broaden your understanding of global natural, cultural, and artistic heritage.
Book Tours : Royal Ontario Museum Admission
12. Touch the sky on a helicopter tour of the Thousand Islands area from Gananoque
The Thousand Island (1000 Islands) is an adventurer’s paradise that sits along the border between southeastern Ontario and northern New York (USA). The region features infinite shorelines, unique culture and rich history, and perfect spots for the avid explorer. Join the 20-minute helicopter tour to explore the 1000 Islands in all its glory. Catch picturesque views of Thousand Islands Bridge, St. Lawrence River, and the magnificent Boldt Castle – a wonder built by the owner of the Waldorf Astoria as a testament of love for his wife.
Book Tours : Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour
13. Stroll along the historic Euclid Avenue
Euclid Avenue is a major route serving the communities and cities of Western San Bernardino and stretches 23 km (14 mi). The arterial begins its northern boundary from San Bernardino Freeway, traverses the towns of Upland, Ontario, and Chino before reaching its southern terminus at Chino Valley Freeway. Stroll along Euclid Avenue and admire the scenic landscape and display along its route. Spot incredible rose gardens, fountains, planter areas, turf, trees, mule car displays, and more.
Euclid Avenue
Address: Ontario, CA, USA
Website: Euclid Avenue
14. Take a spooky stroll through Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa is a beautiful riverside of the city featuring cruise boats exploring the Rideau Canal, picturesque views from Peace Tower, and Gothic-style government structures on Parliament Hill. However, there is something more interesting about this region of Ottawa – spooky adventure sites. Enjoy a spine-chilling adventure through the capital’s haunted locations as you enjoy tales of the darker side of the city from an expert storyteller. It’s a haunted walking tour you will always remember.
Book Tours : Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa
15. Enjoy go karting at K1 Speed
Ontario Motor Speedway, which once housed a prominent motorsport venue in the 1970s, now houses an excellent indoor go-karting site – K1 Speed. The venue is family-friendly, featuring two asphalt courses in its extensive 7896.7-sq-m (85,000-sq-ft) indoor space. The first course offers technical corners for the experienced while the second track provides many slow and fast corners, ideal for the child or amateur. The site also offers two venues for organizing events; a traditional meeting room with chairs and tables, and the other room, featuring cozy leather couches. There is also a restaurant on site for a unique family dining experience.
K1 Speed
Address:5350 Ontario Mills Pkwy, Ontario, CA 91764, USA
Website: K1 Speed
Opening hours: Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 9pm; Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm
Price: From 6 USD
16. Sample local wine at San Antonio Winery
San Antonio Winery is Inland Empire’s premier wine spot, serving myriads of local and international wines for many decades. Walk into the tasting room with your small group and enjoy unique collections of wine from the winery’s vineyard in the Asti region of Italy, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Monterey. Whatever your expectations are, there is something to satisfy your palate. Their collections include the best of dark reds, earthy, and white wines. Note that if you are coming with a group of eight or more, you have to make reservations.
San Antonio Winery
Address: 2802 S Milliken Ave, Ontario, CA 91761, USA
Website: San Antonio Winery
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun - Thu: 10am - 6pm
17. Admire the splendid view of Toronto from the observation deck of CN Tower
Canada Nation Tower (CN Tower) is a renowned and award-winning entertainment and dining destination and an exceptional engineering structure with a height of 553.3 meters (1,815.4 feet). Step into the elevator for a 58-second ride to the top and enjoy a splendid view of 160 km (100 mi) of Toronto’s wonders. Your kids will find the rotating 360 Restaurant as well as the KidZone play area fantastic stops. Savor delicious Canadian cuisines from the restaurant, explore the historical exhibits, or shop for souvenirs at the on-site Gift Shop. Also, only leave when it’s dawn to admire the beautiful view of the illuminated CN Tower.
CN Tower Observation Deck
Address: 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6, Canada
Website: CN Tower Observation Deck
Opening hours: 9am - 10:30pm (daily)
Price: 53 CAD or 37.59 USD
18. Play immersive games at Levelup Virtual Reality (VR) Arcade
Engage all your senses beyond reality’s limit in this immersive virtual reality (VR) events center. This venue features an extensive game library – including an escape room, horror action, shooters, multiplayer, and single-player adventures. Levelup Virtual Reality (VR) Arcade also hosts large group game parties, business team games, and corporate events. Whether or not you are new to VR games, this center has something unique for you.
Levelup Virtual Reality (VR) Arcade
Address: inside McVeigh’s Irish Pub, 124 Church St 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5C 2G8, Canada
Website: Levelup Virtual Reality Arcade
19. Browse through world’s finest collection of hockey artifacts at Hockey Hall of Fame
Are you a fan of hockey? If yes, you won’t want to miss exploring Toronto’s premier sports site – Hockey Hall of Fame. This attraction is a great place to hang out with the whole family; it covers an area of 6,038.7 sqm (65,000 sq ft) and focuses on everything hockey. See NHL trophies including Stanley Cup – arguably the first hockey trophy competed for by professional athletes. Also explore the impressive theaters, multimedia stations, themed exhibits, notable hockey artifacts, and the collection of memorabilia and merchandise in the on-site store.
Book Tours : Hockey Hall of Fame Admission Ticket
20. Check out the interesting exhibits at Toronto’s Museum of Illusion
Get ready to experience a thrilling optical adventure at the Toronto’s Museum of Illusion. Unlike regular Asian trick art museums with 3D walls, this venue combines science and psychology – using mirrors, motion and light, offering the best effects. The 436.6-sq-m (4700-sq-ft) museum matches modern delusive art and white walls to create an interactive art gallery you won’t want to miss experiencing. You and your kids will have a fun-filled time with the 3D puzzles, game rooms, vortex tunnels, and holograms all housed under one roof.
Book Tours : Museum of Illusions Admission in Toronto
21. Watch an incredible magic show by Greg Frewin
If you love seeing magic thrills, then you won’t want to miss the chance to catch one of Greg Frewin’s one-and-a-half-hour ‘Wild Magic’ at the Greg Frewin Theatre. Greg’s compelling tricks with big parrots and beautiful tigers have amazed millions of his audiences and have earned him World Magic Awards’ ‘The Best Magician in the World.’ The venue is a serene 600-seat capacity dinner theater in the heart of Niagara Falls. Also, enjoy delicious cuisines at the luxurious restaurant on site.
Book Tours : Niagara Falls, Canada: Evolution Magic Show Ticket
22. Enjoy the unique attractions at Clifton Hill
Indulge in scary chills and thrills in the Ghostblasters Dark Ride sitting at the base of Clifton Hill. The venue uses real-time 6D graphic with animated props and animatronic characters to offer you a fun haunting experience. Grab a laser gun with your friend or partner, sit in the two-seat car (must be above (1.1 meters or 3.5 feet tall) to begin your fantastic adventure. Crack and destroy all the popping army of goblins, ghouls, skeletons, and ghosts on your way; you can even compete with other visitors for the most kills. Don’t miss this thrilling encounter , along with more of Clifton Hill’s best attractions, when you find yourself in Niagara Falls.
Book Tours : Clifton Hill Fun Pass: Top 6 Attractions
23. Build LEGO towers that will withstand an earthquake test
Let your kids have a great time in this immersive indoor playground, designed for LEGO fans aged three to ten. The amusement center features millions of LEGO bricks from which your kids can form virtually any mini structure. Aside from that, take them to MINILAND to see the fantastic LEGO constructions of prominent attractions in Toronto. Also, get to enjoy a thrilling ride at the Merlin’s Apprentice Ride or an adventure at Kingdom Quest Ride. Your kids will surely remember all the fun encounters at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Toronto.
Book Tours : LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Toronto
24. Be dazzled by the collections at Canadian Museum of Nature
Marvel at Canada’s rich natural heritage at the Canadian Museum of Nature, all housed in an incredible castle. Get ready for an immersive viewing experience with the guided tours, special exhibitions, 3D movies, as well as organized workshops at this vast arena. Try to spot the Canada Goose Arctic Gallery with real ice, a huge blue whale skeleton, and the original collection of Canada’s dinosaur fossils. You will also get to see live creatures, rare minerals, and many more.
Book Tours : Canadian Museum of Nature Admission
25. Explore exhibits at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
See over 16,000 sea animals at Ripley’s Aquarium – Canada’s most significant marine museum located in downtown. The aquarium features dive shows all year round, interactive stingray and bamboo shark touch pools, and jellyfish exhibitions. You can’t afford to miss the dazzling colors from the Planet Jellies Kreisel tanks – the largest in the world, or the terrific dance of the jellyfishes at the Dangerous Lagoon. Skip the long queue that abounds at this ever-crowded aquarium with this tour and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.
26. Sample Jewish bagels and Portuguese treats at St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market, recognized as the best food market in the world in 2012 by National Geographic, features numerous stores offering baked goods, meats, prepared foods, artisan cheeses, fresh produce, and more. The 300-year old market features three main sections, featuring fresh and prepared food vendors, the Market Gallery, and the Saturday market. Savor Jewish bagels, Italian sandwiches, Greek salad, Portuguese and other European cuisines, and more from the myriads of restaurants spread throughout the food section of the market. Also, don’t forget to shop for souvenirs at the artisan shops – including handmade clothing, jewelry, and floral arrangements.
Book Tours : St. Lawrence Market and Old Toronto Food Tour
27. Have some fun at Marineland
Enjoy a family timeout at Marineland, an attraction that features an aquarium, a zoo, and an amusement park. Enjoy thrilling amusement rides – including the Dragon Mountain Roller Coaster, Sky Screamer, Ocean Odyssey, Bumble Bee, the Orca Screamer and more, suitable for all age groups. See the dolphin shows, touch and feed the amiable beluga whales at the state-of-the-art aquarium before heading to the zoo. The zoo features native North-American land animals – including ducks, geese, deer, elk, bison, black bears and more. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Book Tours : Marineland of Canada Day Pass
28. Attend a comedy show at The Second City Toronto
Catch thrilling live sketch and improv comedy shows every night at The Second City, the world’s premier comedy arena. Laugh your heart out with the legendary comedy cast that inspired the famous Whose Line IS It Anyway, SCTV, and Saturday Night Live. The Second City’s alumni are some of the best comedians on the planet – including Colin Mochrie, Mike Myers, Andrea Martin, John Candy, and more. The theater offers exceptional entertainment at excellent value and also provide pre-show dinner packages and cheap food and bar options.
Book Tours : The Second City Comedy Theatre Admission
29. Visit the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary
Do you love the wild and its inhabitants? If yes, Bird Kingdom should be at the top of your list of places to go in Ontario–it is the largest free-flying, indoor aviary in the world. Enjoy interactive moments with incredible animal and bird species from around the planet. It features 80 species of birds, amounting to 500 birds in total, arachnids, reptiles, and fishes. Join the live feeding encounter, touch and hold these animals, and have a fantastic time with friends or family.
Book Tours : Bird Kingdom All Day Admission Ticket
30. Splash around at Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark is an ideal hangout location for the family or the fun-seeker. Covering an area of 1.2 hectares (3 acres), this waterpark boasts of Tiny Tot play area, two adult-only hot tubs, plunge bowl, private cabana for rent, sundeck, outdoor pools, 1,000-gallon (3785.4-liter) tipping bucket, 16 fast water slides, and more. The park has a direct link to top destinations like Skyline Inn, Crowned Plaza and the Sheraton On The Falls. A fun-filled time awaits you at this exceptional waterpark.
Book Tours : Fallsview Indoor Waterpark Day Pass
Experience more in Canada’s second-largest province
With all these top things to do in Ontario, Canada, you must have picked some activities that best suit your interest. However, do not forget the size of the province and how to move from one place to another. The entire length can take you 24 hours to travel by car, and some terrains are not very friendly especially during the winter period. Nevertheless, nothing stands in your way for an experience of a lifetime if you draw out your travel map carefully.
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