Top 10 things you must do in Southern Ontario

Ontario is a wonderful province, and locals are so lucky to be able to enjoy awesome hikes, top-notch architecture, and, of course, word-class cities. And even if you’re tired of the hustle and of big city life, there’s so many fantastic places you can escape to. From secret islands with floating castles, to white beaches and turquoise coloured lakes, there’s all sorts of secret paradises that are just waiting to be discovered.

#10 Sandbanks Dunes Beach

Sandbanks is run by the government of Ontario, with areas for different types of recreation. Parks and surrounding beaches are visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, with the Outlet Beach being the most known. Careful, Outlet Beach has become a bit of a tourist trap and now has an entrance fee. But only a few minutes way is the majestic Dunes Beach which is hidden on the south-western shore of West Lake and is easily the most visually stunning beach at Sandbanks. There are no entrance fees for the Dunes and is a lot less crowded.

Address: Sandbanks Dunes Beach, West Lake, ON

To learn more about what there is to do near Kingston, go on my page Top 5 things to do near Kingston

 

#9 Bon Echo Provincial Park

The Bon Echo Provincial Park features multiples lakes and an endless stretch of stunning scenery. Included in the park is the Mazinaw Lake, the seventh-deepest lake in the province. Hiking, canoeing and kayaking is also a regular activity within the area; which you’ll have a lot of choices to pick from.

Address: 16151 ON-41, Cloyne, ON

To learn more about what there is to do in Bon Echo, go on my page Top 5 things to do in Bon Echo Provincial Park

 

#8 Eagles Nest Lookout

The Nest is an incredible hike near Ottawa that will give all of your followers some serious adventure envy! While you’ll have to brave a scary cliff edge, the views you’ll find below will be completely worth the trip. The Nest requires a relatively easy 1.5 km hike that leads to a 120-metre high cliff.

Address: Greater Madawaska, ON

Hike Length: 1.5-km Loop

Amount of Time to do: 1 hour

For more info on Eagles Nest lookout, click here.

 

#7 Ottawa Rideau Canal

A bucket list item for many people around the world is the Rideau Canal. During the winter, the water freezes and becomes the world’s largest skating rink as designated by the Guinness Book Of World Records. You can skate on the maintained ice for 7.8 kilometres from downtown Ottawa to Carleton University via Dows Lake. Along the way, you’ll see heated huts, washrooms, food kiosks; and you can skate for free!

To learn more about what there is to do in Ottawa, go on my page Top 10 things to do in Ottawa during winter

 

#6 1000 Islands

The Thousand Islands constitute a group of 1,864 islands that straddles the Canada–US border in the Saint Lawrence River. To be considered an island, a piece of land must stay above water throughout the year and support a living tree. The park hosts campgrounds, inland walking trails, annual family events, as well as a national heritage building. If you decide to take one of the cruise tours, I can reassure you that you won’t be disappointed.

To find the best tour cruises, you can go to: https://www.1000islandscruises.ca/

 

#5 The Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls are known to be a tourist trap, but the splendour of the natural landscape and the excitement of the surrounding city makes it well worth a day trip. And did you know that the resort, the town, and the surrounding area are just as magical in the winter? From the infamous Clifton Hill to the outskirts of the Niagara Escarpment, you’ll find fun and beauty everywhere. And don’t forget the stunning boardwalk hike that lets you get up close to the roaring white rapids in the Niagara River. 

To learn more about what there is to do near Niagara, go on my page Top 5 things to do In Niagara

 

#4 Lion’s Lookout Point

The Lookout trail in Lion Head, Ontario; will lead you to a rock formation that, from a distance, resembles a lion’s head. From there you’ll have the best view of Georgian Bay. You’ll need to be careful on the route, as the trails are not fenced in and there are several potholes and sunken areas along the way. I would recommend this trail for average to expert level hikers only. But the hike is definitely worth the view.

Address: McCurdy Drive Parkette, Bruce Trail, Lion’s Head, ON

Hike Length: 15-km loop

Amount of Time to do: 3 hours

To learn more about what there is to do in Bruce Penninsula, go on my page Top 5 things to do in Bruce Penninsula

 

#3 Toronto Island Park

There is no better way to soak up the sun than to escape the city congestion and smog, and take a mini-vacation to the Toronto Islands. Whether you are paddling around lake Ontario, biking, heading to the beach, enjoying the views of the skyline or participating in the amusement park; the island is full of wonder.  The island community is the largest urban car-free community in North America, although some service vehicles are permitted. Access to the Islands is by ferry or by water taxis.  

Address: 17 Lakeshore Ave, Toronto, ON

To learn more about what there is to do in Toronto go on my page Top 5 things to do in Toronto

 

#2 The Lights Festival

The Lights Festival, performed on very rare occasions was in Calabogie-Ontario last year. The event is designed to bring people together by releasing their lanterns into the sky. Instrumental music is played as the lanterns are all released at once by hundreds of people; which gives is a even more spiritual experience. Living in Canada, I never thought I see this – but here we are.

To browse the lights festival website, you can go to: https://thelightsfest.com

 

#1 The Bonnechere Caves

The Bonnechere Caves in Eganville, Ontario, have been welcoming people from all over the world for over 55 years. Guided tours leave every twenty to thirty minutes and last approximately one hour except for weekdays in September when the tours are at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm.

Address: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville, ON

For more information, you can go to: http://www.bonnecherecaves.com

 

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To learn more about the best places to visit in Canada, you can click here.