Guide To Visiting Ontario For First Time Visitors

Welcome to Ontario! If you’ve found this page, chances are you’re planning your very first trip to Ontario. I’m excited for you! As a life-long Ontarian (60 something years), I’ve explored Ontario’s hidden backroads, charming small towns, and most of its cities, more times than I can count. My goal is to provide you with a guide to visiting Ontario for the first time which will help to make decisions easier before your visit.

I love writing content for my fellow Ontario road trippers. However, there is a cost to run a website. There may be affiliate links scattered throughout the website. If you click on a link, don’t worry, there is no cost to you.

Ontario isn’t just about Toronto’s towering skyline or Niagara Falls’ bucket-list-worthy splash (though those are pretty great too). It’s also about cozy roadside diners, lakes and sunsets like you’ve never seen before, and trails that make you forget you ever owned a phone – although you’ll want it for pictures 🙂

In this post, you will find a guide to visiting Ontario for the first time, which will provide all of the important facts. While it will contain some recommendations on what to see, the main objective to to provide you with as much information as possible so that you’re able to make an informed decision on when to visit, and what part of Ontario to visit, as well as all the boring legal stuff you need to know.

A Little About Ontario

Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and a total choose-your-own-adventure kind of place.

It’s where big city buzz meets backroad charm…think Toronto’s skyscrapers and multicultural eats, Ottawa’s political history, and then bam! You’re paddling across a peaceful lake in Algonquin Park or wandering through a tiny town with the best butter tarts you’ve ever tasted.

Ontario’s got a little (or a lot) of everything for every kind of traveller. Where to go, what to see, and what to do is an individual choice. Hopefully this post will answer all of your questions and make it easier for you to decide.

Entry Requirement Guide To Visiting Ontario

Entry into Ontario will vary depending on the destination you are arriving from. However, below is a quick outline of what’s needed:

🛂 Visa or eTA?

• From the U.S.? No visa needed. A valid passport for 6 months after departure is required.
• From other countries?
  • You might need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Check Canada’s official immigration site to be sure.
  • eTA is required for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada (it’s cheap, quick, and easy to apply online).

📄 You’ll Need:

• A valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay, plus 6 months longer)
• Proof of return or onward travel
• In very rare cases proof of sufficient funds for your stay

⏱️ How Long Can You Stay?

• Most visitors can stay up to 6 months. The border officer will let you know upon entry if there is a time restriction

🛬 Driver’s Tip: Always double-check the Government of Canada’s official website before you travel, as requirements can change!

Driving In Ontario

I’m not going to sugar-coat things. Driving in Ontario can be a nightmare! This is especially true when driving in a city (especially Toronto).

The larger cities such as Toronto and Ottawa have fantastic transit systems, and a car isn’t necessary. However, to venture outside of these cities, a rental car will definitely be required;

If a rental car is necessary when you’re visiting Ontario, here are some things you will need to be aware of:

• driving age is 16 with limitations
• we drive on the right side of the road
• miles are measured in kilometers
• gas is priced per litre, not gallon
• must carry proper insurance
• if visiting for less than 3 months, you can use your own valid driver’s license. If more than 3 months, you will need to obtain an Ontario driver’s license through the usual channels Ontarian’s use OR obtain an international driver’s license from your own country

Best Time To Visit Ontario

Ontario is truly an all-year destination. It will all depend what your interests are when choosing the right time to visit Ontario.

Summer and Winter are considered to be the tourist season, with Summer topping the list. Fall and Spring are considered to be the shoulder seasons, with less tourists.

Visiting Ontario is an individual choice, however, hopefully this post will help you to decide when the best time for you is. Here’s a breakdown:

Summer (June–August): Warm and perfect for lakes & road trips.

Fall (Sept–Oct): Cooler temps, GORGEOUS foliage. Less tourists.

Winter (Nov–March): Cold, snowy, great for skiing & ice skating.

Spring (April–May): A bit rainy, but flowers and festivals start popping up.

When visiting Ontario during Fall, Winter, and Spring, it’s best to pack layers, as the whether can be unpredictable. I recommend checking the forecast before leaving home (a separate packing list will be coming 🙂 ).

Must Visit Spots When Visiting Ontario For The First Time

Ontario has so much to offer first time visitors, but due to the size of the Province, you won’t be able to do and see it all in one visit. Even after 60 something years of exploring my home Province, I haven’t seen a large portion of it.

In order to help you decide where in Ontario you want to go and what you want to see, I’ve broken it down by Regions and activities. Hopefully this will help you plan your first visit to Ontario more effectively. From big cities to quaint towns, Ontario has it all! Let’s take a look!

Toronto: Big City Energy

Everyone visiting Ontario, and around the world, has heard of Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Toronto is the main hub for flights, so chances are, if visiting Ontario, this is where you’re vacation will begin.

While I recommend spending at least two days exploring Toronto, one full day will give you a feel for the city.

Some activities first timers might want to do include:

• CN Tower
• Distillery District for cobblestone charm and sake and spirit tastings
• Toronto Island for beaches and views
• St Lawrence Market for foodies

Niagara Falls: Number 1 Ontario Tourist Attraction

If your plan is to stay in Toronto, you can still visit Niagara Falls. There are buses, as well as tours from Toronto to Niagara Falls, so a car rental isn’t necessary.

Niagara Falls is a “must do” attraction for couples, families, and yes, it’s extremely safe for solo travellers as well. If you opt to visit “the Falls” (as we call it), I recommend the following attractions:

• boat tour for views from the base of the Falls. Yes….you’ll get wet!
• journey behind the Falls
• butterfly museum
• Clifton Hill is great when travelling with young ones

If you have rented a car, I highly recommend taking a scenic drive down Niagara Parkway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, to explore quaint shops and explore Canada’s wine Region.

Driver’s Tip: You will need to rent a car to visit all of the following destinations

Algonquin Park: Nature Lover’s And Outdoor Enthusiasts

Algonquin Park is Ontario’s premier destination for nature lover’s and outdoor enthusiasts. Located 300.2 km from Toronto, a car will be needed for this trip.

When visiting Algonquin Park, you will find yourself surrounded by nature’s finest! There are unique accommodations at the park and I recommend staying at least one night, to allow you to enjoy:

• canoeing or kayaking one of the many lakes. Many of the resorts have canoes and kayaks available for guests
• hike the Lookout Trail for beautiful views
• spot moose and listen for loons. Caution! drive carefully, as it’s not uncommon to spot moose along the roadside

Ottawa: Capital City of Canada

Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and home to our Federal Government. Visitors to Ottawa can expect to find a blend of culture, riverviews and politics.

If Ottawa is on your agenda, I recommend the following:

• tour the Parliament Buildings
• visit the Rideau Canal. You can rent a bike during warmer months, or strap on skates during the Winter and skate on the canal
• ByWard Market for eats and local finds

Muskoka: Ontario’s Cottage Country

This area of Ontario is the ultimate escape from city life, where you can take in the lakeside beauty. Cottage Country is a popular summer destination for locals and traffic can be quite heavy.

This part of Ontario is the ideal for visitors seeking rest, relaxation, and a ton of water sports. My recommendations for first time visitors are:

• rent a lakeside cabin to enjoy the water
• cruise Lake Muskoka on an historic steamship
• explore the many small towns which are full of charm and boutique shops

Thousand Islands: Postcard Perfect Scenery

The Thousand Islands is an archipelago on the St. Lawrence River. Visitors heading to this part of Ontario should budget at least two days to explore.

Some of the highlights when visiting the Thousand Islands are:

• take a boat tour around the islands
• Boldt Castle (yep, a castle in Canada!)
• kayak or paddleboard on the calm water

Prince Edward County: A Foodie And Winer Lover’s Paradise

Prince Edward County has become a popular destination for Ontarian’s in recent years. Wine snobs and foodies flock to this part of Ontario, seeking quaint accommodations, and a hipster vibe.

Although Prince Edward County is well-known for the wine, the County has much more to offer visitors. The following are my recommendations for first timer’s visiting Ontario and Prince Edward County:

• tastings at a local winery or cidery
• Sandbanks Park for a lazy day at the beach
• Wellington or Bloomfield for quaint, boutique shops

Bruce Peninsula: Crystal Clear Lakes and Rugged Beauty

The Bruce Peninsula is an under-rated destination for nature lover’s. Visitor’s wanting to experience the true natural beauty that Ontario has to offer, will absolutely want to take a couple of days to explore this part of Ontario.

When visiting the Bruce Peninsula, my top recommendations are:

• Tobermory and the Grotto
• Flowerpot Island
• Hike along the Bruce Trail
• Take the Chi-Cheemaun (big canoe) to Manitoulin Island

Driver’s Tip: Day tours to Tobermory can be arranged from Toronto

Kingston: History With A Waterfront

Kingston is known as a university town, however, you’ll also find a ton of history. It’s located in Eastern Ontario, with the Thousand Islands to the East and Prince Edward County to the west.

Driver’s Tip: Visitors wanting to explore Eastern Ontario, can visit Prince Edward County, Kingston, and the Thousand Islands, in one week. If you have longer, you can also include Ottawa in your itinerary

I recommend the following attractions to first time visitors to Ontario which will allow you to make the most of your time in Kingston:

• Take a tour of the Kingston Penitentiary
• Fort Henry
• Stroll Kingston’s Waterfront Pathway
• Enjoy the local food scene – make sure you try the poutine (a traditional Canadian food)

Blue Mountain/Collingwood: A Year Round Adventure

I’m not gonna lie…..this is one of my favourite Ontario destinations. Even though you can easily enjoy all that the area has to offer in one day, I highly recommend budgeting two days to fully explore what this part of Ontario has to offer.

With its location on Georgian Bay, Collingwood and Blue Mountain becomes a water lover’s dream in the Summer, but it also offers the best skiing in Ontario throughout the Winter months.

My top recommendations for first time visitors of Ontario stopping in this area are:

• Scenic Caves Nature Adventure
• explore the shops and taste the food at Blue Mountain Resort
• indulge in Ontario’s largest Nordic Spa with a visit to the Scandinave Spa
• drive to the small town of Thornbury-good for foodies
• drive to Owen Sound-a city full of waterfalls

Ontario’s True North

Visiting Northern Ontario is like stepping into a quieter, wilder, and more awe-inspiring part of the Province.This part of Ontario is less touristy and more rugged. It’s perfect for nature lovers, road trippers, and folks who want to get off the beaten path.

Here are some fun and useful recommendations:

• Visit in the Fall and take the Agawa train
• Search for wildlife (watch for moose along the roads!)
• Fish, canoe or kayak in one of the many lakes
• Chase the Northern Lights
• Hike Sleeping Giant

Driver’s Tip: To visit Ontario’s True North, you will need at least 2 weeks. Plan your Lake Superior trip before you go.

Southern Ontario: Guide To Visiting Ontario

If you’re looking to go as far south as you can in Canada, you’ll find yourself in the charming town of Kingsville, Ontario. Yep… it’s actually farther south than parts of Northern California! Nestled along the northern shore of Lake Erie, Kingsville is a warm, welcoming gem known for its small-town charm, lake views, and mild climate (thanks to that southern latitude!).

Kingsville is a beautiful drive from Toronto, if you stay along Lake Erie. You’ll pass through many beach towns, as we call them. There are many great beaches along the way to cool off in. There are also many small towns with an abundance of boutique shops and eateries. There’s definitely lots to see on this road trip, which is why it’s my favourite Ontario road trip.

Once you arrive in Kingsville, your adventure won’t stop. Here are my number 1 recommendations on what to see in Southern Ontario:

• Point Pelee National Park for picnicking, hiking, and swimming
• Take the ferry to Pelee Island and rent a bike to tour around
• Visit the wineries
• Feast on the food at the many eateries and cafes

Plan Your 1st Visit To Ontario

First Timer’s Guide To Visiting Ontario

Whether you’re wandering the streets of Toronto, chasing waterfalls, road-tripping through the backroads of wine country, or getting lost in the beauty of Northern Ontario’s wild spaces, your first visit to Ontario is just the beginning.

This province is full of surprises, friendly faces, and places that make you want to stay a little longer (or come back again and again). One thing is for sure….you’ll definitely fall in love with everything Ontario has to offer.

Safe travels! If you need more Ontario inspo, tips, or hidden gems, you know where to find me. ❤️

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