Most Popular Ontario Tourist Attractions

Ontario is one of Canada’s most exciting Provinces to explore. If you’re a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover in this Canadian Province. Families, couples, solo travellers, and culture seekers alike will find an attraction to match their interest with these popular Ontario tourist attractions. There’s always something to discover here in Ontario!

Are you ready to fall in love with Ontario?

Although I personally prefer to explore off-the-beaten-path, in this guide, I’ll take you to the most popular tourist attractions in Ontario. As a life-long resident of Ontario, I tell can you that these attractions you won’t want to miss when visiting Ontario.

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.

One of the best things about Ontario is that it truly is a year-round destination. The time you choose to visit will totally depend on your interests (and your ability to handle the cold 🙂 )

In the summer, you can explore stunning lakes, hike through lush forests, or enjoy vibrant city festivals. Fall brings a spectacular explosion of colors across the countryside, perfect for scenic drives and cozy escapes. Winter transforms Ontario into a wonderland of snow-covered landscapes, offering ice skating, skiing, and charming holiday markets. Come spring, the Province bursts back to life with blooming gardens, wildlife sightings, and outdoor adventures. No matter the time of year, Ontario always has something to see, do, and experience.

Ontario is a massive Province and unless you are spending at least two weeks, it will be impossible to visit all of the attractions that I’ve listed in this post. Not to worry, this means that you’ll have to come back 🙂 .

This post contains some well-known attractions, as well as attractions you may not have heard of. The majority of the attractions are open year-round. In my opinion, the attactions shared here are the best if this is your first time in Ontario.

Niagara Falls

For obvious (and good) reasons, Niagara Falls is the most popular tourist attraction in Ontario. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, everyone has heard of Niagara Falls. It only stands to reason that when visiting Ontario for the first time, this will be number 1 on your itinerary.

Fun Facts About Niagara Falls

• Niagara Falls actually consists of 3 separate waterfalls: Horshoe Falls (being the largest), Bridal Falls, and the Amercian Falls
• Niagara Falls is the second largest falls in the world, next to Victoria Falls
• Niagara Falls is fed by water from the Great Lakes
• Horseshoe Falls has never completely frozen over
• Niagara Falls is capable of supplying 4.9 million kilowatts of electricity
• It’s possible to slow down and even stop the flow of water down the Niagara Falls
• people have gone over the Falls in a barrell and have survived. CAUTION: DO NO TRY THIS! Most people don’t survive!
• it is now considered illegal to perform stunts over the Falls

If you’ve never seen the Falls, they’re definitely worth the trip. But there are many more attractions in Niagara Falls to keep you busy for a day or two.

Ontario Tourist Attractions In Niagara Falls

• Top Attraction After the Falls: Clifton Hill. Clifton Hill is the ideal spot when visiting Niagara Falls with children. It is home to fastfood restaurants, outdoor and indoor mini-golf, the ferris wheel, and many wax museums
• Butterfly Conservatory
• Casino
• Ziplining
• Boat cruise to get up close to the Falls
• Journey Behind the Falls (my personal favourite)
• Skylon Tower (great place to eat to enjoy a view over-looking the Falls)

Niagara Falls is a popular Ontario tourist destination year-round. Tours to the Falls are available from Toronto, if you don’t want to fight the crowds and parking problems.

Driver’s Tip: My personal favourite time to visit Niagara Falls is during the Winter. It’s simply magical. It’s also cheaper and there are less tourists

CN Tower: A Popular Ontario Tourist Attraction In Toronto

The CN Tower is the icon of Toronto’s landscape and attracts more than 2 million international visitors every year. Located in the center of the downtown area, this Toronto landmark can’t be missed!

It houses several observation decks where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. It also boasts a revolving fine dining restaurant which is 350 metres (1,150 feet) high. This makes the CN Tower the perfect spot for a romantic evening out.

Up until 2007, the CN Tower was the world’s highest free-standing tower. It is now the tenth free-standing building in the world.

The Edgewalk is a fairly recent addition for adrenaline junkies. This bone-chilling activity invites brave souls to walk hands-free along a 1.5 metre wide ledge which encircles the tower, at a 356 metres degree. The Edgewalk is the world’s highest full-circle, open-air walk. This is a must-try for adventurous visitors (although you won’t find me doing it anytime soon!).

Toronto has so many fantastic attractions and activities that I couldn’t possibly list them all. But if you do nothing else, I highly recommend that you visit the most popular tourist attraction in Toronto.

Algonquin Park

Algonquin Park is located in the Ottawa Valley between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River. It is likely the most popular Ontario tourist attraction for hikers and those who love to camp.

Established in 1893, Algonquin Park is Canada’s oldest Provincial Park. The park offers visitors approximately 1,955 miles of unspoiled natural beauty. If you’re a hiker you’ll love the 18 day hiking trails between 1 and 10 km. There are also portage trails available for beginner and more advanced canoers. The majority of these trails are also open throughout the Winter months so you can enjoy Winter hiking or snowshoeing.

If you are taking a road trip through the Ottawa Valley, you can easily visit Algonquin Park on your own. But if you don’t want to do the long drive, 1 and multi-day tours are also available from Toronto.

Scenic Caves: A Popular Ontario Tourist Attraction

Dive deep into the networks of caves and caverns found at the Scenic Caves in Collingwood, Ontario. With so much beauty to see and things to do, you can easily spend an entire day exploring the caves. Or you can opt to hike 15 km of forested trails.

In addition to caving and hiking, you can also walk across the longest suspension bridge in Southern Ontario. From this vantage point, you can take in 10,000 km of breath-taking views.

Throughout the Winter months, you can enjoy winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing. Rental . equipment is available so no need to tag along your equipment when visiting Ontario.

Ottawa Hill And Parliament Buildings

What’s a visit to Ontario without checking out Canada’s capital city? Ottawa Hill and the nation’s parliament buildings are a popular spot for history buffs, as well as political junkies.

Our parliament buildings is Ottawa’s most iconic building and is home to our Federal Government. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, the Senate, the House of Commons, and my favourite, the library. Be prepared to go through a screening process. Afterall, this is the Canadian Government.

Visitors are free to tour the grounds and some portions inside the building for free. In my opinion, the best way to explore Parliament Hill, as well as more popular tourist attractions in Ottawa is to book a tour. There are so many popular Ontario tourist attractions in Ottawa, that’s it’s impossible to list them all. This is one Ontario city you have the see for yourself!

Point Pelee National Park

Point Pelee National Park is located in Canada’s most southern point of the Country’s mainland. Even though Point Pelee is Canada’s second smallest National Park, nature enthusiasts won’t be disappointed.

The park offers over 12 km of hiking trails for hikers and bikers. Canoe rentals are also available so you can canoe through the wetlands found in the park. Point Pelee is top-notch for bird watchers. With more than 390 species of birds migrating to the Park, bird-lovers will definitely be in their glory.

A road trip to Point Pelee from Toronto is one of the best Ontario road trips, however, it does take approximately 7.5 hours. This popular Ontario tourist attraction is best visited if you’re homebase is in Windsor or London. If you are in Ontario for a couple of weeks, there are oTENTICK frame cabins available for rent year-round.

Driver’s Tip: Bring a picnic, as there are plenty of picnic spots and swimming areas to cool off after a hike or bike ride.

Tobermory And The Grotto

Tobermory is located at the Northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, approximately 300 km (190 miles) northwest of Toronto. Because of the many shipwrecks, Tobermory is known as the “freshwater capital of the world”. Each Summer, diver’s flock to this popular Ontario destination from around the world to discover the secrets that lie beneath the water.

From May to October, Tobermory is also home to the Chi-Cheemaun (meaning big canoe). This large ferry carries passengers and vehicles across Lake Huron to Manitoulin Island.

It’s important to note that due to weather conditions, Tobermory is a Summer destination, with many businesses only operating from May to October, and close the remaining 7 months of the year.

Tobermory is also home to one of Ontario’s most popular hiking trails, known as the Grotto. The Grotto is located within the Bruce Peninsula National Park and can be accessed by 12 trails, most of which are moderate in nature. It’s important to note that due to its popularity, the Grotto books up FAST. Reservations for the trails, as well as parking, are required well in advance.

If you’re unable to secure your spot, you’re still in luck! 1 and 2 day tours to the Bruce Peninsula National Park are available from Toronto.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake, the sister town of Niagara Falls, is a popular Ontario tourist attaction year round. In fact, it’s also one of the most popular destinations for Ontario residents as well.

Located a short scenic drive from Niagara Falls, visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake is ideal for combining the two attractions. While Niagara Falls is full of families and excitement, you will find that Niagara-on-the-Lake is more leisurely and quiet, but just as busy.

With over 100 wineries in the region, wine lover’s will definitely have their choice of wineries. Pick one – anyone, and pop in a winery to enjoy a flight of wine. In addition to wineries, there are also many quaint boutiques that will delight visitors seeking some retail therapy.

I personally love visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake (it’s one of my favourite weekend getaway destinations), but I admit that I hate the parking situation. If you have made Toronto your home-base for your visit to Ontario, I recommend arranging a wine tour from Toronto so you can avoid the hassle of the traffic.

NOTL is definitely a “must-see” Ontario tourist attraction for all first-time visitors to Ontario!

Driver’s Tip: Dine at the Olde Angel Inn for some history and ghost tales

Distillery Historic District

The Distillery District, a popular tourist spot in Toronto, opened in 2007. As the Toronto Star says; “To enter The Distillery is to step back into an era of horse-drawn carts, windmills and sailing ships”.

The Distillery District is a popular attraction for art lover’s, foodies, and those who like to try different alcoholic beverages. There are many small cafes where you can relax with a coffee or bite to eat, while watching the world pass you by.

My personal favourite places to visit when I’m in the Distillery District are Mill Street Brew Pub for beer tasting and the Spirit of York for whiskey tasting.

You can easily visit and explore the Distillery District on your own, or for a more indepth look, tours are also available. Whatever you decide, even if you only have 1 day in Toronto, I highly recommend visiting the Distillery District.

Rideau Canal National Historic Site

The Rideau Canal is a 202 km canal that links Ottawa to Kingston. In 1832, the canal was opened for shipping which subsequently switched to rail shipping. The canal currently remains open between May and October for pleasure boating.

While the Summer months are popular for boating and cycling the path along the canal, it is during the Winter that the canal comes alive.

In order to enjoy the best that Ottawa has to offer, as well as cruise along the Rideau Canal, I recommend booking a tour so that you don’t miss any of the must-do’s or must-see’s.

Locals and visitors alike flock to the Rideau River in order to skate on the historic canal. Skate rentals are available, so no need to bring your own. Sleds, ice trikes, and kicksleds are also available to rent if you are travelling with little ones.

Blue Mountain

This popular Ontario tourist attaction, situated along the shores of Georgian Bay, is a year-round destination for tourists and Ontario residents alike.

While there is more than enough to do during the Summer, such as mini-golf, swimming, hiking, gondola riding, canopy climb, it’s really during the Winter months that this destination is booming.

Blue Mountain is home to Ontario’s best ski hills and is extremely popular with people who love this Winter sport. But not to worry – even if you don’t ski, there is plenty to do during the Winter other than skiing. The only drawback to this popular Ontario tourist attraction is that it can be difficult to get to during inclimate weather, but skiers are in luck – ski tours can be arranged from Toronto.

Driver’s Tip: If you are visiting with kids or are an avid skier, I recommend staying right in the Village for easy access to the attractions. The Blue Mountain Moziac Resort offers 2 bedroom units, with a full kitchen, which makes it ideal for familes and larger groups. It also has a year-round outdoor pool and hot tub

In this post, I’ve only outlined the most popular Ontario tourist attractions, but certainly not all of them. No matter where you’ve made your home-base in Ontario, you won’t have to travel far to discover more of the best that Ontario has to offer.

Have you been to Ontario? What’s your favourite Ontario attraction? Share it in the comments. I’d love to hear your picks!

PIN POPULAR ONTARIO TOURIST ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUR VISIT!