The Canadian province of Ontario is the most populated in the nation and offers travelers a great deal of diversity, fun, and excitement.
It’s hard to narrow things down, but here are 10 of the top day-trip suggestions in the province.
1. Webster’s Falls, Hamilton
(photo credit: vlitvinov)
Webster’s Falls definitely isn’t as well known as Niagara Falls, but it’s one of the most popular locationsto visit in the province. It’s an ideal location on a warm, sunny day and is quite easy to reach. There are two overhanging drops over the main waterfalls and you’ll find an old cobblestone footbridge which crosses over top of Spencer Creek.
2. The Elora Gorge
(photo credit: jumpyjodes)
The Elora Gorge is located on the Grand River and is well known for its excellent fly-fishing. It’s quite an impressive sight to see the river gushing through the spectacular gorge. The nearby cliffs are about 70 feet high and provide several scenic overlooks. It’s a great hiking spot and you’ll find the water below filled with tubers and kayakers.
3. The Grand River
(photo credit: jumpyjodes)
The Grand is one of southern Ontario’s biggest rivers and flows through several communities such as Elora, Grand Valley, Fergus, Cambridge, Waterloo, Paris, Kitchener, Brantford, Cayuga, and Caledonia. It’s ideal for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. There are also numerous campgrounds and conservation areas along the river that provide about 2,500 campsites to outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Pelee Island
(photo credit: Andrea_44)
Pelee Island is a charming spot for hiking, biking, swimming, and shopping. There are also some cultural and historical sites to explore such as the Pelee Island Winery, the Pelee Island Heritage Centre, and an ancient Native North American Indian site known as Hulda’s Rock.
5. Rouge Park
(photo credit: Ozchin)
Rouge Park sits just to the east of Toronto, Canada’s largest city. It’s a great place to escape to if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll find trails for biking and hiking along with the scenic Rouge River. The park offers country life in the big city.
6. Manitoulin Island
(photo credit: smcdevitt)
This charming island sits in Lake Huron. It’s actually known as the world’s biggest freshwater lake. You’ll find one of the most popular sites is the Bridal Veil Falls trail. There’s also a 1.5 mile stretch of dramatic cliffs that reach over 200, known as the Cup and Saucer. There’re some wonderful wilderness areas here making it ideal for fishing and hiking.
7. Grand Bend
(photo credit: pauljh)
This small cottage town lies on the shores of Lake Huron. It has a wonderful beach, plenty ofrestaurants and bars, shopping, golf courses, and a racecourse. It’s a popular summer beachdestination and there’s always something to do here. It’s quite popular with the younger adult crowd.
8. Niagara-on-the-Lake
(photo credit: satoru_kikuchi)
The picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake sits a few miles down the river from Niagara Falls. It’s very quaint and offers beautiful gardens, markets, spas, and wine tours. There are planet of shops, cafes, and restaurants as well as a theater for professional comedy and drama performances and festivals.
9. Collingwood
(photo credit: Akuppa)
Collingwood is popular in the summer as a cottage destination and in the winter as a skiing area. However, the Scenic Caves Nature Adventure, which is one of the newest attractions in the province, is also a hot item. You’ll be able to enjoy the thrilling caves and suspension footbridge here.
10. Niagara Falls
photo credit: josephleenovak)
No trip to Ontario would be complete without a visit to the popular and historic Niagara Falls. This place has everything including museums, casinos, top-class restaurants and hotels, attractions, gardens, shopping, theme parks, a marine park, towers, and of course, the mighty Niagara Falls themselves.
