Ontario is the beating heart of Canada — the most populous province, home to the federal Parliament in Ottawa, where the CN Tower dominates Toronto's skyline and Niagara Falls draws millions of visitors every year. With over 250,000 lakes, the world's longest street (Yonge Street), the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal and wilderness parks like Algonquin, Ontario offers an unmatched diversity of experiences. Here are the 20 must-do experiences.
To explore further, see our provinces and territories guide and our Discover Ontario article. The unique landscapes of this region are also covered in our Canadian geography guide. Canada's wildlife and wilderness is equally remarkable here. You can also explore Top 20 — quebec.html and Top 20 — colombie britannique.html.
Canada's canoeing paradise. 7,630 km² of forests, lakes and rivers with over 2,000 km of canoe routes. Established in 1893, it's one of Canada's oldest provincial parks. Home to approximately 3,000 moose, 2,000 black bears and 40 wolf packs. The park sits at the boundary between boreal and deciduous forests — a unique transitional ecosystem. In autumn, the fall foliage here is among the most spectacular in the world.
One of the most famous natural wonders in the world. The Canadian Horseshoe Falls stands 57 metres tall and 670 metres wide, with 90% of the Niagara River's flow cascading over the edge — the most powerful waterfall in North America. The "Voyage to the Falls" cruise takes you to the base of the falls, while "Journey Behind the Falls" offers a spectacular view from tunnels behind the curtain of water. The falls also generate massive amounts of hydroelectricity for Ontario.
A natural jewel on the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The famous Grotto is a sea cave carved into limestone with strikingly clear turquoise water. The park features ancient forests, rare orchids and spectacular cliffs plunging into Georgian Bay. Tobermory is also the departure point for Flowerpot Island, with its iconic rock pillars sculpted by erosion.
Did you know?
Ontario has over 250,000 freshwater lakes, representing roughly one-fifth of the world's fresh water. The province borders four of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Erie and Ontario) and its name comes from an Iroquoian word meaning "beautiful sparkling waters."
Canada's oldest and longest marked hiking trail — over 900 km of main trail and 450 km of side trails following the Niagara Escarpment, a 725 km UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Inaugurated in 1967 for Canada's centennial, the trail passes through ancient forests, hidden waterfalls, spectacular cliffs and wildflower meadows. Each section offers a different hike, from easy to challenging.
The seat of Canada's Parliament, perched on cliffs overlooking the Ottawa River. The Gothic Revival buildings with their copper-topped turrets and iconic Peace Tower welcome approximately 3 million visitors per year. In summer, the Changing of the Guard takes place each morning on the front lawn, and a free bilingual sound-and-light show illuminates the buildings every evening. This is where the heart of Canadian democracy beats.
A 19th-century engineering masterpiece, built between 1826 and 1832 under Colonel By's direction. The 202 km canal with 46 locks connects Ottawa to Lake Ontario at Kingston. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's the best-preserved slackwater canal in North America. In winter, the Ottawa section transforms into the world's largest skating rink — 7.8 km of ice where Ottawans skate to work!
Ottawa is home to Canada's greatest museums. The Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau) tells 20,000 years of human history in Canada. The National Gallery of Canada houses the most important collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, including works by the Group of Seven. The Canadian War Museum offers an immersive journey through the country's military history, from Indigenous conflicts to Afghanistan.
North America's largest classical repertory theatre festival, founded in 1953. Each year from April to November, the festival presents a dozen productions — from Shakespeare to contemporary works — in four theatres. Over 500,000 theatregoers attend each season. The picturesque town of Stratford, with its riverside gardens along the Avon River and excellent restaurants, perfectly complements the cultural experience.
Did you know?
Ottawa became Canada's capital in 1857, chosen by Queen Victoria. Its strategic location on the border between Ontario and Quebec symbolized the union of the two Canadas (English and French). Parliament was built on "Barrack Hill" where Colonel By had set up camp during the construction of the Rideau Canal.
The quintessential Canadian experience. Paddling across crystal-clear lakes surrounded by pine forests, portaging between waterways and camping on isolated sites to the call of loons. Algonquin offers 2,000 km of canoe routes for all skill levels. Nights in the backcountry, under a starlit sky with the distant howl of wolves, are moments etched in memory. Local outfitters provide all equipment and offer guided trips.
The park that inspired the Group of Seven, Canada's famous landscape painters. The white quartzite ridges of La Cloche, turquoise lakes and red pine forests create landscapes worthy of a canvas. The La Cloche Silhouette Trail (78 km) is one of Ontario's finest treks. Canoeing on George Lake and OSA Lake is exceptional. A wild, preserved park far from the crowds.
The world's largest freshwater baymouth sand dunes. Sandbanks features three beautiful sandy beaches on the shores of Lake Ontario. Outlet Beach and West Lake offer shallow, warm waters ideal for families. Prince Edward County, nicknamed "the County," is also an emerging food and wine destination with over 40 craft wineries and farm-to-table restaurants.
An archipelago of over 1,800 islands dotting the St. Lawrence River between Ontario and New York State. By kayak, you glide between private islands adorned with castles and cottages, including the famous Boldt Castle. Thousand Islands National Park offers trails, island camping and a water trail for kayakers. A cruise lets you see the most spectacular islands, from the world's smallest inhabited island to those of Gilded Age millionaires.
The CN Tower, standing at 553 metres, was the world's tallest freestanding structure for 32 years (1975-2007). The glass floor at the main observation level (346 m) offers a vertigo-inducing view. The EdgeWalk — an outdoor walk on the tower's outer ledge at 356 m — holds the Guinness World Record for the world's highest external walk on a building. On a clear day, the view extends to Niagara Falls, 160 km away. The 360 Restaurant rotates slowly over 72 minutes.
Canada's largest museum and one of the largest in North America, with 18 million objects across 40 galleries. The ROM houses the world's largest collection of Burgess Shale fossils (over 150,000 specimens), dinosaurs, minerals, African, Asian and Indigenous art. Its distinctive architecture, the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal (2007), has become a Toronto landmark. Over one million visitors per year.
Toronto is the most multicultural city in the world — over 200 ethnic origins, over 160 languages spoken, and roughly half its residents were born abroad. Exploring the neighbourhoods of Kensington Market (bohemian and vintage), Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown (the longest Greek street outside Greece) and the Distillery District (converted Victorian industrial architecture) offers a culinary and cultural world tour in a single day.
One of Canada's oldest public markets, founded in 1826 by Colonel By. ByWard Market is a vibrant neighbourhood of restaurants, galleries, artisan shops and local produce stalls. Nearby, the National War Memorial and the Centennial Flame honour the sacrifices of Canadians. Sussex Drive is home to Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General, and the Prime Minister's residence at 24 Sussex.
Did you know?
Ontario is Canada's most populous province, home to more than one-third of the national population (over 14 million people). Toronto is the 4th largest city in North America and Canada's financial centre. Ontario produces over 50% of the country's manufacturing GDP, particularly in automotive, technology and financial services.
Canada's quintessential "cottage country" — a tradition as Canadian as maple syrup. Muskoka is a land of crystal-clear lakes, towering pines and Canadian Shield rock where generations of families gather every summer. Renting a lakeside cottage, canoeing at sunset, diving off the dock and sitting around a campfire — this is the essence of the Canadian summer. The region also offers luxury resorts, 30 beaches and hundreds of kilometres of trails.
The Elora Gorge, nicknamed "Ontario's Grand Canyon," is a 22-metre-deep limestone gorge carved by the Grand River. In summer, tubing through the rapids is a popular adventure. The charming village of Elora is an artistic gem with galleries and restaurants. Nearby, Forks of the Credit gorge offers waterfalls and hiking trails through the Niagara Escarpment — a well-kept secret among locals.
A spectacular 183 km train journey through Canadian Shield forests, trestle bridges and deep gorges to the Agawa Canyon. In autumn, the blazing colours of maples, birches and aspens create a breathtaking spectacle. The day excursion includes a 90-minute stop at the canyon floor to explore trails and waterfalls. One of Canada's most scenic train rides.
The Canadian capital of icewine — a unique dessert wine made from grapes frozen on the vine. The Niagara Peninsula has over 100 wineries in a microclimate tempered by Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its tree-lined streets and 19th-century buildings, is one of Canada's prettiest small towns. The Shaw Festival presents world-class theatre from April to December.
For the citizenship test: Ontario is Canada's most populous province, home to more than one-third of the population. Toronto is the provincial capital and the country's financial centre. Ottawa, the national capital, was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1857. The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ontario produces more than half of Canada's manufacturing output. Niagara Falls is a major source of hydroelectricity. Ontario joined Confederation on July 1, 1867, as one of the four founding provinces. Check our provinces and territories guide to review the essential facts.