Top 10 things to do in OntarioTop 10 things to do in Ontario

 We adore Ontario because it is unique combination of vibrant cities and breathtaking natural beauty. Natural wonders may be combined with exciting metropolitan attractions, world-class museums can be combined with world-class vineyards, and the Great Lakes can be combined with one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here are our top ten must-do activities in the province.

10. Climb the CN Tower in Toronto.

Where: In the center of downtown Toronto, at 301 Front St W.

What: The CN Skyscraper, which stands 1,815 feet tall and like a huge hypodermic needle piercing the Toronto skyline, is the Americas' highest building and the world's third-tallest freestanding tower. The American Society of Civil Engineers named it one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, and it has five distinct attractions in addition to serving as a telecommunications center. There are three dining options, the coolest of which is the 360 revolving restaurant, which features a 9,000-bottle capacity European-style 'cellar in the sky.'

Highlights: While the SkyPod and even higher LookOut Level provide spectacular vistas, the EdgeWalk elevates the experience. The 150-metre-long and 1.5-metre-wide outer ledge that encircles the top of the Tower's main pod is Toronto's most extreme urban attraction, allowing the adventurous to enjoy a hands-free walk. Thankfully, a trolley and harness system will secure you to an overhead safety rail.

Suggested Vacation: Many of our Eastern Canada vacations begin or conclude in Toronto, so you'll be spoiled for choice. If you want to spend a few days in Toronto, check out our hotel recommendations here: Toronto Hotels.

9. Get your skates on along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where: From Ottawa's south end to Lake Ontario's Kingston Harbour.

What: In the winter, the Rideau Canal transforms into the world's biggest naturally frozen ice rink, complete with twists and turns. The approximately five-mile-long Skateway begins just feet from Canada's Parliament Buildings and runs to Dows Lake, just north of Hog's Back Falls, between January and late February (weather permitting). Skating is free, and skates, sleighs, and safety helmets are all available for rent.

Highlights: As you strive to glide effortlessly over the ice, keep an eye out for the Skateway's heated log cabins, where you may tie your laces, sharpen your blades, or simply warm up. The food stalls selling hot cocoa, apple cider, hot dogs, and beaver tails - the wonderful, deep-fried, sugary pastries with cinnamon or other sweet toppings - are also worth your time. Picnic tables, as well as skate patrollers, ice safety personnel, and first responders, are available at various spots throughout the route.

8. Explore the National and Provincial Parks that surround the Great Lakes.

Where: The boundaries of Ontario stretch across four of the five Great Lakes, including Lakes Ontario, Superior, Huron, and Erie, which are home to various national and provincial parks.

What: Georgian Bay, on Lake Huron, is home to a number of stunning provincial and national parks, each with its own set of attractions. Kayaking and fishing are fantastic at French River Provincial Park, while the beaches and shallow seas of Killbear are popular with kids. Just west of Tobermory are Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five Marine Park, both of which provide excellent hiking and swimming options. Fathom Five is home to over a dozen shipwrecks and is a popular diving and glass-bottom boat tour destination due to its exceptionally beautiful water.

Highlights: Killarney Provincial Park is one of the province's great beauties. The dazzling white of the rocks contrasts wonderfully with the green hues of the trees and the azure blue water of the lakes in the La Cloche Mountain Range, which is formed of white quarzite. There are also stunning pink granite cliffs falling into some of the lakes, giving this environment a really distinctive color palette that the Group of Seven immortalized in paintings.

Self-Drive Great Lakes Treasures or Eastern Canada, Niagara Falls, and the Great Lakes by Motorhome are two suggested vacations.

7. Ottawa's Parliament Hill

Wellington Street in Ottawa

What: The Hill is a Crown land location perched on a 170-foot cliff on the southern banks of the Ottawa River and is home to the Parliament of Canada. The House of Commons, the Senate, and the offices of the members of Parliament are housed in three Gothic structures at the summit of the hill.

Highlights: The Hill is a nice spot for a stroll and to take in the scenery. It's remarkable to be able to find peace and relaxation in such a powerful location — think of Parliament Square in London or the Capitol in Washington, DC. Slow down, find a space, and sit down to take in the sights, Ottawa-style.

Ottawa is a great place to visit for a vacation.

Note that Parliament Hill is undergoing a 10-year renovation, and access to some buildings may be restricted while the project progresses.

6. Take a wine tour of Ontario's wineries.

Where: Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley, the North Shore of Lake Erie and Pelee Island, and Prince Edward County.
What: Whatever your drink of choice, a tasting tour of Ontario's world-class vineyards recognized by Canada's VQA is unbeatable (Vintners Quality Alliance).

Highlights: Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its immaculate collection of big estates, medium–sized businesses, and tiny boutique wineries. The majority feature tasting rooms where you may try rare vintages, unique reserves, new releases, and small batch specials; some entice with wine-education seminars, hands-on activities, and behind-the-scenes excursions. Inniskillin, Wayne Gretzky's, Reif Estate Winery, Peller Estates Winery, Jackson-Triggs Winery, Ravine Winery, and Chateau des Charmes are just a few of the greatest sites to sample Canadian wines.

Experience Ontario — Great Lakes, Wineries, Cities, and Niagara Falls is a suggested vacation.

5. Algonquin Provincial Park has a wide network of rivers and lakes to explore.

Where: Three hours north of Toronto or three hours east of Ottawa, in central Ontario.
What: A majestic scenery of maple hills, rocky ridges, valleys, woods, rocky bluffs, and deep crystalline lakes entices visitors to this enormous 7,800-square-mile natural playground. Lakes and woodlands are home to a diverse range of species and offer fantastic opportunity for outdoor activities.

Highlights: Biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, swimming, snowshoe treks, and guided hikes are all available depending on the time of year. But it's the huge network of rivers, which are easily accessible by canoe or kayak, that make this protected slice of Canadian wilderness so special. Keep a look out for the amazing wildlife while kayaking; there are over 130 different species of breeding birds, as well as bears, wolves, moose, beavers, hares, moles, chipmunks, shrews, foxes, skunks, and more.

Algonquin Canoe and Log Cabin Adventure is a suggested vacation.

4. The Royal Ontario Museum is a great place to get your cultural fix.

Where: In the center of downtown Toronto, at 100 Queens Park.

What: The ROM has presented important pieces by prominent period designers since its inception in 1914. It is now Canada's largest museum, with a collection of six million objects and 40 galleries dedicated to the natural world and global cultures. It's difficult not to be impressed by the glass and aluminum-clad expansion wing built to the existing historic buildings in 2007 by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind.

The Egyptian sarcophagus of the Djedmaatesankh mummy, which dates from roughly 850 BC, the Allosaur Dinosaur bones, and the cedar crest poles carved by First Nations tribes are also must-sees. On level four, the Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles & Costume will delight fashionistas, while those interested in Chinese art will be astounded by the Ming Dynasty tomb and the magnificent temple statues.

Suggested Holiday: Spend a few days experiencing the wonders of Toronto before resting at Elmhirst's Resort Toronto City & Lakeside Retreat Twin Centre.

3. Visit the Thousand Islands National Park.

Where: On the St Lawrence River, on the eastern edge of Lake Ontario, on the boundary between Southeastern Ontario and New York State (US)

What: The Thousand Islands (also known as the 1,000 Islands) is a captivating archipelago speckled with exactly 1,864 tree-filled islands that spans both sides of the St. Lawrence River. It's a nature-paradise lover's powered by boundless shorelines, verdant woods, and various cultures; from the massive Wolfe Island down to the tiniest of the chain known as Just Room Enough Island. It was once known by the indigenous inhabitants as Monatoana (meaning Garden of the Great Spirit).

Book a river cruise or charter a fishing boat, visit Boldt Castle on Heart Island, marvel at over 300 restored boats at the Antique Boat Museum (US), climb the 1000 Island Tower for stunning vistas, or take a helicopter flight over the area are all must-dos. There are kayak and bicycle rentals available if you wish to explore the surroundings at a leisurely pace. This rural area is dotted with charming villages, magnificent farms, gorgeous vistas, and sceneries.

Holiday suggestion: Consider an escorted tour like this one, which includes a cruise through the Thousand Islands - Eastern Explorer.

2. Muskoka and Cottage Country are great places to unwind.

Where: Muskoka is a 2 hour drive from Toronto, stretching from Georgian Bay to the tip of Lake Couchiching in the south to the western boundary of Algonquin Provincial Park in the west.

What: Because of its closeness to Toronto, Muskoka is a popular destination for city inhabitants seeking quiet and leisure, and the nickname "Cottage Country" relates to the area's abundance of holiday houses. It's a beautiful corner of the globe, with 1,600 lakes, hundreds of acres of verdant woodland, and attractive communities with welcoming inns.

Highlights: It's simple: choose a resort on a lake and then go swimming, boating, paddling, canoeing, sunbathing, fishing, hiking, or simply sit back and relax while taking in the scenery. The Deerhurst Resort, nestled on 780 acres and offering a range of accommodations, restaurants, and activities, is one of our favorites.

Check out the Deerhurst Resort on your next vacation. Self-Drive Experience Ontario Lakes, Mountains, and Niagara Falls is a proposed tailor-made flydrive itinerary.

1. Take in the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls.

Where: 1.5 hours south of Toronto, near the Canada-US border, where Lake Ontario meets Lake Erie.

What: Niagara Falls is awe-inspiring every time you see it. The greatest of the three falls, commonly known as Horseshoe Falls, is made up of three independent parts: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Canadian Falls. Over a 167-foot drop, they move an astonishing three-quarters of a million gallons of water each second. While the Niagara Sky Wheel, Niagara Zip Lines, Skylon Tower, or Journey Behind the Falls and its tunnels provide breathtaking views, nothing compares to the awe-inspiring panoramas seen by air or boat.

Highlights: A cruise straight up to the raging waves onboard Niagara City Cruises is a must-do on every trip to the Falls (formally Hornblower Cruises). And, if your budget allows, a helicopter trip over the Falls will be on your bucket list. Treat yourself to a Fallsview Room and watch the Falls come alive at night.

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