Ontario is filled with great places to visit this summer, ranging from stunning provincial parks to incredibly charming towns. During the summer, the weather is perfect for swimming and hiking, making it a great time to explore nature destinations in Ontario.
I love to adventure as much as I can during the summer to take advantage of the gorgeous weather! While there are plenty of amazing things to do in Ontario during summer, I tend to visit parks and beaches mostly during the season.
Continue reading to discover the best places in Ontario to visit this summer!
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Table of Contents
The Best Places to Visit in Ontario during Summer
Muskoka
Muskoka is definitely one of the most stunning summer destinations in Ontario. The area is known for its beautiful lakes, the craft beer scene, shopping, and hiking trails. Some visit as a day trip from Toronto and others head out for a weekend getaway. It is a popular place to book a campsite or rent a cabin to take full advantage of the beautiful area.
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga is home to the longest freshwater beach in the world. It is a popular summer destination for those wanting to relax at the beach and have a few drinks! The beach looks immaculate any time during the day and is definitely one of the most-visited places during the summer in Ontario.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Located just off of the highway is Presqu’ile Provincial Park. This park is a great spot for those looking for an escape from the city. Visitors set up at a picnic table and enjoy the beautiful park. It is located right on the water with many places to swim. There’s even a neat lighthouse at the edge of the water!
Inglis Falls
Ontario is filled with incredible waterfalls and Inglis Falls is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Southern Ontario! Located within Inglis Falls Conservation Area, the waterfall drops over an 18-meter cliff and is a cascading type fall. The well-maintained paths are great to explore the surrounding nature. It is a great spot to take the family for a day in nature and a picnic!
Niagara-on-the-Lake
During the summer season, you will surely find me outside on patios or visiting local wineries. Niagara-on-the-Lake is a great wine destination in the province, with a variety of vineyards and wineries conveniently located near one another. During the summer, you can go on a bike wine tour, visiting many wineries, and taste delicious wine. Within the town, you stay at one of the dreamy boutique accommodations and try out the food at local restaurants!
Lake Superior Provincial Park
Lake Superior Provincial Park is an amazing place to visit this summer in Ontario due to the lake and forested trails. Within the large park, you can swim, hike, canoe, and partake in many more outdoor activities. There are many hiking trails for great walks through the forest with great views of the lake! It is located near the city of Sault Ste. Marie and is one of the best places in Northwestern Ontario to visit in the summer.
Arrowhead Provincial Park
Arrowhead Provincial Park is a beautiful park located near Huntsville, Ontario. It is well-known for amazing hiking trails, camping, and canoeing. Summer is a great time to visit the park as the weather is amazing to spend the day outdoors. It can get busy during the summer, so opt to visit on weekdays or early in the day.
Check out places to stay in Huntsville!
Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is one of the most popular places to visit during the summer. It is the biggest amusement park in Ontario, featuring many different roller coasters and rides for the whole family. While tickets can be fairly steep, it is worth visiting at least once in your life. The park also hosts a number of fun events, including a beer and BBQ fest, which is lots of fun!
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the best places to visit in Ontario during the summer. With the warm weather, it’s a great place to get lost in nature for a day or a weekend getaway. Between the amazing hikes and views of Georgian Bay, you won’t want to leave!
In the nearby town of Tobermory, there are great local shops and restaurants open during the summer. From the town, you can take a boat to Fathom Five National Marine Park to explore another stunning park that is a must-visit!
Places to stay near Bruce Peninsula National Park: Bruce Anchor Motel and Cottage Rentals | Adventure the Bruce Inn | Grandview Motel | …and more!
Kingston
Kingston boasts four Rembrandt paintings, two film festivals, and one vibrant downtown shopping scene. Home to Ontario’s oldest public market and Canada’s hippest live music scene, Kingston is a walkable city, where hidden alleyways contain antique markets and restaurant patios. With dozens of museums and historic sites, and dozens more unique shopping and dining experiences, Kingston offers you something old and something new around every corner.
Learn more about Kingston: https://www.visitkingston.ca/
Places to stay in Kingston: Best Western | Four Points by Sheraton | …and more!
Sandbanks Dunes Beach
Sandbanks Dunes Beach offers a stunning view of Lake Ontario. I really enjoyed visiting the beach with a picnic after an afternoon winery tour to take in the sunrise. It is a beach frequented by those wishing to escape from the city, as it’s the prettiest beach near downtown Toronto.
Toronto Islands
Toronto Islands is definitely one of the best places to visit in Ontario during Summer. To get there, there are both water ferries and taxis available for hire. Once you arrive at the island, there are a lot of different things to explore.
There is Centreville Theme Park for all sorts of fun including a wooden roller coaster. If you’re looking for an interesting time, visit Hanlan’s Point Beach – but beware, clothing is optional at Hanlan’s.
A popular place to visit on the islands is Ward’s. Most weekends you’ll find pickup soccer or volleyball around the area. There’s always a drink or two and some music nearby as well!
Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is one of the most amazing places to visit on a day trip from Toronto as it is only about 2-hours away from the downtown core. On a trip to the county, you can visit two parks – Sandbanks Provincial Park and Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Both offer great hiking trails and stunning views of the water.
Prince Edward County is known for wineries and vineyards. With the beautiful summer weather, plenty of people take advantage of the outdoors and visit some of the 40 wineries in the area! Most places offer small eats to enjoy while you taste a range of different wines.
Hamilton
Hamilton is one of the best places in Ontario to visit this summer due to the 100+ waterfalls around the area, yummy restaurants, and amazing nature hikes. Conveniently located near the city of Toronto, it makes for a great day trip from the city.
Some of the best waterfalls to visit in summer in Hamilton include:
- Albion Falls
- Webster Falls
- Tew Falls
Head to the downtown area to explore the charming boutiques and restaurants. There are also plenty of bars and clubs in the area too!
Places to stay in Hamilton: Sandman Hotel | Homewood Suites | Days Inn | …and More!
Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is an amazing place to visit in Ontario in the summer. The park covers over 7,500 square kilometres and boasts great hikes, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and much more. It is one of the most popular places to go portaging and camping!
Elora Gorge
The Elora Gorge is a popular place to visit in the summer for tubing, swimming, and hiking. Here, there are very tall limestone cliffs with a pretty waterfall plunging over the edge. The swimming area is visited by people from all over Southern Ontario and is a must-visit during the summer.
Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve visited in Southern Ontario. The waters are crystal clear and the sand is very white. As it’s located quite close to Niagara Falls, it’s a great place to visit on a weekend getaway to the area!
Toronto
Toronto is definitely a great destination in Ontario to visit during summer as the city is lively and full of events. Locals and visitors alike love to explore High Park for scenic walks and picnics, along with visiting the shops along King Street or Queen Street. During the summer, it’s a great time to go bar-hopping and visiting one of the many patios in the city for a drink.
Things to do in Toronto: Buffet Dinner Cruise | Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour | Helicopter Tour | …and more!
Blue Mountains
Another one of the best places to visit in Ontario during the summer is Blue Mountain Resort near Collingwood! Many people don’t think to visit during the summer as it’s typically known as a ski and snowboarding destination. But, there are plenty of hiking trails in the area!
It’s a perfect time of the year to visit for golfing or a spa getaway. Better yet, the summer season offers discounted rates and perfect temperatures to spend the day outside exploring the area.
Check out places to stay in Blue Mountains!
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a great place to visit in the summer, but can definitely be busy during peak tourist season. During this time, gardens boast beautiful flowers and there are plenty of events around Clifton Hill. It’s a great time to visit the arcade, haunted houses, and other attractions while snacking on soft-serve ice cream!
Things to Do in Niagara Falls: Helicopter Tour | Skylon Tower Observation Deck | Niagara SkyWheel
Places to stay in Niagara Falls: Fallsview Hotel and Suites | Niagara Falls Marriott | Sheraton Fallsview Hotel | …and more!
Scarborough Bluffs
Located a short drive from downtown Toronto, Scarborough Bluffs is a great place to enjoy stunning views of the lake and immerse yourself in nature. On a trip here, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including:
- Adventuring around the waterfront paths
- Relaxing at the beach
- Having a picnic
- Canoeing or kayaking
- Photography
Ottawa
Ottawa is one of the best places in Ontario to visit in summer due to the stunning photogenic buildings and great events throughout the city. Outdoor markets are lively during this season, with ByWard Market welcoming locals and tourists alike. Visitors can explore the city on foot, enjoy outdoor music, or even take a cruise along Rideau Canal.
Places to stay in Ottawa: Holiday Inn Express & Suites | Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel | Fairmont Chateau Laurier | …and more!
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Conclusion
Summer is a perfect time to visit amazing places in Ontario. Be sure to visit plenty of nature-filled places to take advantage of the warm weather. I for one, tend to put off visiting places during this time then completely regret it once the cold winter hits! You bet you’ll find me out and about for most of this upcoming summer!
What are your top places to visit in Ontario during summer? Let me know in the comments!
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You might also like:
- Breathtaking Places to Visit in Ontario This Fall
- 9 Stunning Waterfalls to Visit in Southern Ontario
- Inglis Falls: The Most Beautiful Waterfall in Grey County, Ontario
- One Day in Montréal: How to Spend an Amazing Day Exploring Highlights
- A Scenic Day Trip to Prince Edward County
- A Day Trip Guide to Bruce Peninsula National Park
- Best Fall Hikes Near Toronto
18 Comments
Steve Collins
Cant wait to get back out for weekend day trips all around the province
deventuretime
Yes!!
Jenny
Great list, I didn’t know there were so many things to do in Ontario! I’d love to visit Algonquin Provincial Park and Hamilton to check out the waterfalls.
deventuretime
The waterfalls are so amazing!!!
Taylor
Wow, there are so many beautiful spots in Ontario. Bruce Peninsula National Park looks absolutely beautiful. I love how blue the water is. I also still need to visit Niagara Falls at some point. It looks so breathtaking! 🙂
deventuretime
Both such amazing places! Hope you can visit soon! 😀
Emma
This is giving me some great ideas for when I hopefully get over to Ontario this summer to visit family. Bruce Peninsula has been on the list for a while but I think I added a few other places too
deventuretime
Bruce Peninsula is my favourite place in Ontario! So amazing!
Lina
Looks like Ontario has a lot to offer for everyone! The Niagara Falls are definitely on first place for me but I’d also love to visit the big cities like Toronto and Ottawa 🙂 Great post!
deventuretime
Niagara Falls is so amazing! 🙂
Krista
Hopefully I’m able to travel back home to Ontario this summer and check off some of these places from my list! Canada is beautiful during the summer that’s for sure.
deventuretime
I hope you can too! 🙂
Rachel - Rays of Adventure
Looks great! I’m really hoping to go to Canada next year and Ontario is now at the top of my list. Thanks for sharing!
deventuretime
Hope you have a great time!
kwarren29
I used to adventure in Ontario when I grew up in Michigan. It’s gorgeous but I haven’t been there in years. I’d love to check out some of these places when the border opens up again. Beautiful choices of outdoor adventures.
deventuretime
It really is an amazing place to explore in the summer. So many beautiful waterfalls and hikes!
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Rezmin
I am so new to most of these places. All I knew about Ontario was Niagara on the lake. This Canadian destination has so much to explore. Thanks for sharing this knowledge.