Ontario is home to so much natural beauty that often gets taken for granted. Now that 2020 has postponed many travel plans, it’s allowed us to explore what’s in our own backyard, including tons of hidden gems to check out!
I’ve come to realize that over the years I’ve ignored our own province and all of the amazing sights to see, so these past few months have been really eye-opening and has made me appreciate our beautiful country even more.

This collection of towns has been compiled from travel bloggers who feel it’s important to share their knowledge of some of the best places to visit in Ontario!
1. Grimsby
Nestled at the foot of the Niagara Escarpment between Hamilton and Niagara Falls along the shores of Lake Ontario is the community of Grimsby. Well-known for its wineries, restaurants, hiking trails, and collection of unique shops along Main Street, this small town is a hidden gem in the Niagara Region.
A visit to Grimsby wouldn’t be complete without taking a stroll or a drive through the Historic Grimsby Beach houses, right along the lake. This collection of quirky, colourful gingerbread-esque houses dates back to the 1800s and each one is different, painted in colours of the rainbow.
Grimsby is very focused on shopping local and offers some of the best stores, so be sure to visit Main Street to visit the shops, ranging from handmade goods, clothing, some of the best restaurants in the Niagara Region, and Art Gallery.
For those wanting to learn a little more about the area, visit the Grimsby Museum, containing 15,000 artifacts, or Nelles Manor Museum, occupied by British and local militia during the War of 1812, and transport yourself back in time.!
Take an afternoon stroll through Beamer Memorial Conservation Area for stunning views of the city and the Lake – and on clear days, grab some shots of Toronto too! Or bring a picnic and enjoy the views at many lakefront parks. A local favourite is the Elizabeth Street Pumphouse!
Top off your visit to the Grimsby area by dining at one of many wineries, including Peninsula Ridge or Good Earth, for some locally sourced dishes and fabulous wine.
Heading down to Niagara Falls afterwards? See the best 12 free things to do!

2. Stratford
If you’re looking for somewhere to go in southwestern Ontario, whether for a day trip from Toronto or for a weekend getaway, Stratford is a great option.
This small town is best known for its world famous Stratford Festival, which runs from April to October and showcases the very best in theatre performances, with a large focus on Shakespeare adaptations. Many famous actors have graced the stages here, and some even like to call the town home. Stratford is largely an arts town, which you can clearly see as you walk down Ontario Street, passing by all of the artisan shops and galleries.
Putting the arts aside, Stratford has a lot more to offer. One of the focal points of the town is the Avon River, which is beautiful to walk around at any time of the year. It’s particularly popular in the summer months, where you can go on boat rides, listen to live music, and get up close and personal with the majestic swans and their cygnets. There’s even an annual Swan Parade which guides the swans back to the river after being indoors all winter.
Stratford also has a growing food scene, with new restaurants and cafes constantly popping up. If you love pizza, Pazzo’s offers the best in town and you’re given the option to create your own stonebaked pizza as well if you prefer. Stratford is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the whole of Canada, and when you visit you’ll understand why.
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3. Thousand Islands National Park
About 3 hour drive east of Toronto is Thousand Islands National Park. Even the drive along the 1000 Islands Parkway is scenic. Ancient mountains have been shaped over millennia to little islands in Lake Ontario at the point where the St Lawrence river flows out of the lake.
The Canada-US border runs through the park and there are bridges connecting Ontario to New York state. Actually, one is the shortest international bridge in the world.
The best way to experience 1000 Islands from a boat! There are cruises from different ports, such as Kingston and Rockport. Rockport is much closer to the spectacular islands. Most spectacular among them is Heart Island, home to opulent Boldt Castle.
Most islands are private. Their owners built holiday homes in all shapes and sizes. With the boat tours you will still get fairly close to the US island. You’ll see both flags waving in the same neighborhood, so to say.
The season lasts from mid May to mid October, with peaks in July/August. There is also hiking, paddling and many other activities that make for a great day trip. If you want to spend the night, there are also campsites in the park.
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4. Port Dover
Hugging the shores of Lake Erie, Port Dover is well-known for its Friday the 13th Motorcycle Rallies, gathering crowds in the tens of thousands, and is also a top spot in Ontario to come for fresh perch.
If you’re looking to get your fill, you must visit Erie Beach Hotel. Their fish platters will have you longing to come back, complete with salad carts containing cucumber salads, pickled pumpkin, celery bread, and horseradish jello (yes – you read that right!).
If fish isn’t your thing, try the famous Arbour – in business for over 100 years – and well-known for its inexpensive offerings of hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries. The Arbour was opened in 1920 and was passed down to the original owner’s sons after WW2. Or, visit the Crepe House – featured on the TV show, You Gotta Eat Here!
Stroll down the pier for sweeping views of Lake Erie, or relax on the public beach and soak in the rays while watching boaters, sail ships, paddleborders and kayakers.
Visit the Harbour Museum to learn the history about the city’s fishing heritage and beach side community. If you walk a few blocks back from the main street, you’ll be captivated by the collection of unique shops to peruse.
Stay to watch the sunset over Lake Erie and leave with lasting memories to this charming lakeside town.

5. McCrae Lake
By Mikaela of Voyageur Tripper
McCrae Lake is a beautiful destination for hiking, canoeing and backcountry camping not too far from Toronto. It offers stunning views of Canadian Shield geography – complete with granite shorelines, windswept pine trees and glistening water. From the city, the drive to the trailhead is a little less than two hours. From here, you have a few options.
If you’re interested in a day hike, the McCrae Lake Conservation Trail is a 14 km trail to the opposite side of the lake. You’ll pass beautiful marshy lakes and Eagles Nest lookout point. The end of the trail brings you to a campsite on the water, where you can build a fire and cook lunch. There is also a shorter, 3 km hike to a small waterfall.
If you have a canoe, you can launch your boat from a put in near the parking lot and canoe across McCrae Lake to find a campsite. Whether you’re canoeing or hiking, McCrae Lake is a popular destination for backcountry camping. There are approximately 50 campsites. And the lake is big enough to accommodate a significant distance between many of the campsites, meaning it won’t feel crowded.
However you choose to spend the day, McCrae Lake is an excellent way to get out of the city and enjoy some nearby bay wilderness!
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6. Bowmanville
By Lynn of Be Your Own Travel Guide
Located about an hour East of Toronto is Bowmanville, a place that seems unassuming at first glance. Bowmanville is considered to be the first town outside the Greater Toronto Area that is not a suburb, and the locals work hard to preserve its history and unique charm.
Bowmanville was first put on the map as the location of Camp 30, a P.O.W. Camp, in 1942. It was apparently one of the best places to go as a prisoner of war as they were treated better than at most other camps. There were sports and a swimming pool, and prisoners could purchase beer and cigarettes, order from the Eaton’s catalogue, and earn extra money by making furniture.
This small town is also big on traditions. Currently, Bowmanville is known for its annual festivals, which draw in the masses from other cities. While Apple Fest is the crown and glory of its events, Maple Fest, the Blues-Berry Festival, and the Christmas Tree Lighting are
quickly catching up. The Town of Bowmanville aims to bring the community together once a month with thoughtful touches that benefit everyone.
As Bowmanville is located right on Lake Ontario, you can also spend the day at Bowmanville Beach or Darlington Provincial Park. Both have sandy beaches and decent water quality, which makes for a good swim on a hot day.
If you’re looking for something a little more fast-paced, head to the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, which is located on the North end of town. Here you will find major racing events throughout the summer, including those put on by NASCAR.
Regardless of what you decide to do in Bowmanville, it is certain that you will enjoy your time in this hidden gem in Ontario.
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7. The Blue Mountains
By Kristyn Kowaleski of The Queen of my Castle
The Town of the Blue Mountains, along the southern shores of Georgian Bay is perfect for a day, or weekend of outdoor activity. This area, dotted with apple orchards, farmland and the prominent Niagara Escarpment, offers hundreds of kilometres of hiking and cycling trails.
The most extensive trail system is the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Trails, which provide 60 kilometres of ruggedness for hiking, mountain biking and even cross country skiing. These trails, which offer a range of difficulty, traverse through a dense forest of tall trees.
If you want tremendous views over Georgian Bay, head to Loree Forest for an easy short loop of hiking. There’s one brief steep incline, but just take your time and you should be okay.
The Feversham Gorge is another great hiking spot taking you through a mixed forest, past freshwater springs and along the limestone cliffs of the gorge extending 24 metres above the Beaver River. Some of the trees you’ll see are more than 700 years old!
For novice hikers, the Georgian Trail is an old railway line running parallel to Georgian Bay for 34 kilometres between Collingwood and Meaford. Look for the St.Vincent Tract, on the south side of the trail, it will take you to an incredible view over white cliffs and Georgian Bay.
If you’re peckish after hiking, take a short scenic drive to Heathcote for the best butter tart you’ll ever taste from Blackbird Pie Company. With so much to explore in the Blue Mountains, it would be well worth spending a few days if you can.
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8. Kincardine
By Kelly of Just One Passport
This small off-the-beaten-path town located along the south-western shores of Lake Huron, should be put on everyone’s list of places to visit in Ontario.
Kincardine has grown in population over the years, but it has managed to maintain its quaint, small town charm. You certainly won’t find any chain stores or restaurants here, but what you will find are small boutique shops housing rare finds, as well as locally owned restaurants with beautiful views and fun decors.
It is quite easy to spend a full day visiting one of the several beaches, fishing off of one the piers, or simply strolling along the boardwalk along the lake.
Kincardine is the perfect Summer destination which does not only cater to the beach lover, but also offers a plethora of activities away from the beach for the entire family:
- Tiny Tot Playground for the Kiddies
- Rock Garden
- Antique Shopping
- Browse the quaint shops
- Beer Tasting
- Weekend Market
- Tour the Bruce Nuclear Power Plant
- Hiking the trails
- Fishing
- Live Theatre
- Walker House Museum
- Swim in Lake Huron, one of Ontario’s Great Lakes
Despite the many activities offered in Kincardine, none are more popular than the Saturday Night Pipe Band. People have been flocking from all over the world to participate in this fun-filled evening which has been occurring every Saturday night rain or shine since 1948.
NOTE: The 2020 season has been cancelled for the very first time ever, due to COVID-19.
Saturday nights during the summer (after the parade) the Kincardine Lighthouse is the place to be. It is the perfect place to take in one of the most beautiful, breathtaking sunsets in the world. If you are lucky enough, the Phantom Piper will serenade you to the tune of his bagpipes as you watch the sun go down. Shhhh, the Phantom Piper is not well-known by tourists, so let’s keep that secret.
Kincardine, “Where You Really Are a Stranger Only Once”.
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9. Tobermory
By Catherine of Your Wandering Foodie
Tobermory is the perfect spot for a day trip with the family or a weekend getaway for the girls or with that special someone.
This town offers amazing views, has a kid-friendly atmosphere and there is so much to do! You can hike, swim, ride a boat, shop, and eat, all while enjoying views of the stunning blue water. There are lots of cool shops to check out for souvenirs. There is even a gallery with art, pottery, and stained glass.
The Sweet Shop is a favourite stop in Tobermory. Why? Ice cream, duh! They have so many unique flavours to choose from and all so delicious. And don’t forget to try some fish and chips at one of the restaurants!
The Grotto is a must see while visiting Tobermory. Bringing a swim suit if you visit during the summer months. Visit Blue Heron Boat Tours for a ride over to Flowerpot Island. They have glass bottomed boats and take you over shipwrecks and past some lighthouses before dropping you off on Flowerpot Island. You can hike around for a bit and then they will come back and pick you up.
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10. Kenora
By Kenza from Cups of English Tea
Kenora is a small town located in Northwestern Ontario, in the Lake of the Woods region. It is equally enjoyed by Ontarians and Manitobans as the provincial border is only a few kilometers away. And it’s the perfect town for a getaway week-end.
What can you do in Kenora?
- Enjoy the food scene. The local brewery, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, is getting a lot of national attention and the Boathouse has a great seafood menu,
- Hike the dozens of kilometers the city offers.The Wass’say’Gaa’Boo / Tunnel Island trail is the most beautiful, as it follows the course of the river, brings you up close to the dam and has a variety of terrain,
- Learn about the history of the region, the First Nations and its milling and industrial history at the Lake of the Woods museum,
- Go on a lake cruise on the MS Kenora,
- Chase the twenty-one murals spread across the town,
- Go to one of five beaches,
- Fish, kayak, canoe and indulge in all water activities!
Staying at a cabin outside Kenora would be the best way to enjoy both the beautiful nature and the town’s amenities nearby.
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11. Hamilton Waterfalls
By Devin of Deventuretime
Hamilton is a port city located in Southern Ontario at the edge of Lake Ontario, boasting beautiful parks, food, and history. As the city is situated along the Go Train route and the highway, it is easily accessible from many other cities around Southern Ontario, making it a great place for a day or weekend trip. Whether you’re interested in shopping, hiking, museums, or small restaurants and cafés, Hamilton is bound to have great places for you to explore!
As Hamilton is located along the Niagara Escarpment, there are plenty of great hikes and waterfalls in the area. The numerous conservation areas offer a great escape from the city with the convenience of being super close to the downtown attractions. The trails throughout the Hamilton area range in difficulty from low to moderately intense hikes. Some of the most notable waterfalls to hike to include:
· Tiffany Falls
· Webster’s Falls
· Tew’s Falls
· Devil’s Punchbowl
· Albion Falls
A trip to Hamilton isn’t complete without exploring the downtown area! The area is filled with diverse restaurants with varying prices, plenty of boutique shops, and charming cafés. After an exciting day of hiking, take a stroll through the downtown streets and admire the stunning architecture and historic sites. You’re bound to come across a restaurant that catches your eye to enjoy dinner before heading out to one of the great bars and clubs in the area!
Travel tip: If you plan out your hiking route ahead of time, you’ll be able to visit multiple jaw-dropping waterfalls in a single day!
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Final Thoughts
There is so much beauty to see in Ontario – and for me – it’s my own backyard! Have you been to any of these must see places? I’d love to know your thoughts, or if there are any others you would add to this list!
Ontario – Yours to Discover.
Looking to make a weekend getaway at some of these spots? Check out AirBnB and get up to $95 off your first booking!
Great post Sarah! Itβs so nice to see our province showcased in this way. So often we overlook our own backyard for far off places, but there are clearly great things to be found locally. Grimsby sounds lovely!
Author
Thank you!! I agree – I’m really looking forward to going out and exploring our own province! If you ever come to Grimsby, let me know! I’m right here! π Thank you so much for contributing!
Lots of great information! I had plans to go to Ontario and Quebec in May so this will be very helpful whenever I can go. Iβm definitely going to Grimbsy because I love wineries!
Author
Thank you!! Grimsby is the best (but I may be biased!) – there are tonnssss of amazing wineries, so do come!! π
Great post! If I visit, I’m interested in GRIMSBY, THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK , and HAMILTON WATERFALLS based on your blog. Lucky you to have so many awesome spots nearby!
Author
Thanks Steph! All great choices!!! We are very fortunate!
I think so many of us are discovering the beauties in our own back yard. and writing about them There’s a mindset in travel that you have to go great distances to see interesting things, but what is local to us, is a long distance discovering to somebody else, and it’s what we know best, so in this post -covid world, I think we should do what we can to boost our local economies and share the beauty of our own neighborhoods.
Author
This is SO true. Such a great perspective! I’m slowly starting to realize how important it is to support our own towns here – great advice!
In some ways it’s been kind of nice to discover all the things close by. I’ve found myself learning about all kinds of close by places just like you. I drive through Ontario once and it looked very nice. One of these days maybe I’ll get to visit it a bit more in depth!
Author
I think a lot of us are going through the same thing right now but it’s been so great exploring our local area!! I can’t believe I’ve lived here my whole life and am just uncovering some of these places!
Love this! Thousands Island National Park and the lake look great. I hope to make it over to Canada one day, I’ve been dreaming about it for years. You have such wonderful scenery and outdoorsy things to do which I love!
Author
We doooo!!!! I’ve been a little naive my entire life until recently now that I’ve been “forced” to stay home – but I’ve been really glad to uncover all these places!
This makes me so sad! We live in Detroit so Ontario is so close. We’ve explored a little (London, Toronto) but were hoping to road trip more of northern Ontario this summer but we can’t cross the border. I don’t blame them for not letting us in but to see this post with all the awesome things we are missing out on this summer bums me out! Hopefully next summer!
Author
You are so close!!! It’s a real drag – but hoping things get resolved or tamed soon…for all of us! Do let me know when you decide to come. I am in Grimsby! π
Dang. Thereβs a lot to do and see in Ontario!! I wish I would have explored more when I lived closer!!! Now I live on the west coast, but Iβm inspired to plan a trip that way now! Thanks for sharing π
Author
Thanks Melissa! I have to come check out the west coast!!
I have never been anywhere in Ontario outside of Toronto, despite being Canadian so I see I have a lot of travelling in Ontario to catch up on! Thanks for all of these great ideas π
Author
Thanks Kelly!! I myself haven’t really explored much of Ontario – so it’s been great being home figuring out what we can see!!
Great post, Sarah! I love The Blue Mountains and the Hamilton Waterfalls! They both look like great locations to spend a day in nature. I am certainly adding Ontario to my bucket list!
Author
Thank you Polly!! We certainly do have a lot of beauty around us π
Wonderful list of hidden gems! I personally like the Hamilton Waterfalls, so unique, love how the horizontal and vertical sculpture of rocks are blending, can’t actually describe but it’s getting on my bucket list to visit soon π
Author
Thank you!! Photos really don’t do it justice either – I hope you do come for a visit! π
Love this post! I too have been exploring βmy own backyardβ in lockdown and really do agree that we can take it for granted sometimes! Iβve never been to Ontario unfortunately but I love the sound of Stratford and itβs arts!! Also loving the glass boat tour in Tobermory – sounds like a dream! Thanks for sharing!!
Author
Thank you!! It’s been a great exercise in finding what’s local to us, and making me appreciate where we live even more. I hope you can come visit one day!
I was in Kingston two years ago as I was studying abroad in Canada. I really fell in love with Ontario and your blog post makes me wanna go back immediately! Hopefully, I will visit this area again in the near future. I am definitely going to save your tips for my next trip π
Author
Thank you Carolin! Kingston is great too!! I hope you’re able to come back too! π
I love this post so much! So many great places around Ontario. Blue Mountains, Stratford there are so many beautiful places in Ontario! Thanks for bringing light to the beautiful places around where I live π
Author
We are so fortunate to have so many great places, especially when we can’t really “go anywhere”. I’ve been enjoying exploring locally at home π !
Such beautiful places! Never been there, but itβs never too soon to plan for the future, right? Thanks for the info!
Author
Thanks Katie! Hope you can come one day!
Wooow these are definitely hidden gems… I had no idea about all this. I am definitely adding this to my bucketlist.
Author
You should! It’s beautiful!
I’m looking forward to taking a road trip through Canada soon (when allowed…), so I will definitely save this great guide for later! Ontario looks full of beautiful places. It has been fun for me to explore the hidden gems in my backyard as well!
Author
It’s been really great exploring close to home and finding all the hidden treasures! Hope you can make it here!
I have heard so many good things about Ontario now and especially when I am trying to travel closer to home posts like this really help!
Author
Thank you! It is certainly beautiful here!
I can’t choose between Ontario and Banff now for my first Canadian holiday. I have read about how beautiful both places are and your posts just confirmed why I need to visit Canada as soon as we can. I love hidden gems and I can’t wait to explore here.
Author
Thank you! I’ve never been to Banff either but hear it’s just stunning! No matter what you pick, you’ll be glad to come to Canada!
Wow! All of these spots look so breathtaking. I totally need to visit Ontario and see all of these stunning locations. π
Author
Thank you Taylor! We really are so fortunate!!
Such a lot of great things. My in laws live in Ontario so I’m fairly taking control a bit more with planning activities next time we get over there now I have this guide
Author
Haha!! Yes there is lots of lovely things to visit, and I’ve taken it for granted!! Hope you get to explore some of these places!
Port Dover looks so peaceful! So much to do in this area. I’ve only really visited Toronto so I’ll have to return! Thanks for sharing
Author
It’s one of my favourite places to go! Toronto is great and all (π) but it’s when you get away from the city that you really get a feel for how Canada is!
Ever since I moved to the North East of the U.S. I have been dying to visit Canada! Can’t wait til we finally can!
Author
It’s amazing! You would love it. Hope you can visit one day soon!
This is such a brilliant post! I’m planning to go to Tobermory for the first time in a few weeks and I’m pumped. I grew up going to Stratford for my theatre school and it was always the sweetest place to visit. Thanks for some new ideas for staycations.
Author
Thank you so much Nina!! I’ve actually never been to Tobermory but want to go even more now after putting this post together. Stratford is so lovely, I need to get back there too! Have fun!! I really want to get to Flower Pot Island!!
I’ve never been to Ontario but loving all the aspects of nature – the Hamilton waterfalls are definitely a bucket list item of mine now!
Author
Mine too! I live only 20 min from here but have never been!
I can’t think of one winery in Grimsby and we have live in the Niagara area for almost 20 years. There was one but that now produces liquor only.
Author
There may not specifically be wineries ~within~ the borders of Grimsby, but there are so many on the border and since Grimsby is along the wine route and a part of the wine region, it makes for a great stop! π