Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ontario

  Dale Mundi

  12 May 2021

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is Canada's most well-known tourist attraction, with millions of visitors per year. Although there are three sets of falls, the highest, known as Horseshoe Falls, drops approximately 57 metres, forming a massive wall of water that spans the border between Canada and the United States. The falls are known for the large amount of water that flows over them, but when combined with the massive drop, they make for a truly spectacular sight. The falls are easy to visit because they are right in the heart of Niagara Falls. You can walk down Niagara Falls' main tourist strip, which is an incredible sight in and of itself, to the gorge's edge, where you'll find great views of the river and the falls all along the walkway.

Toronto’s CN Tower

The CN Tower, which dominates the Toronto skyline, is one of Canada's most recognizable buildings. The 553-meter tower is illuminated at night and can be seen from all over the city and its environs at any time of day or night, but tourists are encouraged to climb the tower to get the full experience. The observation deck and restaurant, which are about three-quarters of the way to the top, are accessible via an elevator. Looking out over the city and Lake Ontario, the view is breathtaking. On clear days, the plume of mist rising from Niagara Falls can be seen all the way to the horizon. Looking out over the glittering city lights in the evening is indeed a sight to behold. The new Ripley's Aquarium and Rogers Centre, two of Toronto's biggest attractions, are situated at the base of the tower, which is located in the heart of downtown Toronto.

Parliament Hill in Ottawa

The majority of visitors begin their tour of Ottawa on Parliament Hill in the nation's capital. The structures are situated on a bluff above the Ottawa River in a beautiful setting. The Peace Tower, which stands more than 90 metres tall between the Senate and the House of Commons, is the most visible and photographed building. The Centennial Flame stands in front of the Parliament buildings. Visitors can watch the Changing of the Guard on the lawn in front of the Houses of Parliament throughout the summer, and those who are fortunate enough to be in Ottawa on July 1 can attend some of the country's largest Canada Day celebrations.

Ontario’s Provincial and National Parks

Many excellent provincial and national parks in Ontario provide access to some of the province's most spectacular areas. Algonquin Provincial Park is one of the most popular parks and outdoor destinations in Southern Ontario, only two hours from Toronto, with an extensive network of hiking trails and stunning lakefront campgrounds. Killarney Provincial Park, which is a little farther away but equally stunning, is another great place for hiking, canoeing, and camping. Bruce Peninsula National Park, on the shores of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, has its own attractions, and boaters and divers can find fun in Georgian Bay Islands National Park and the Fathom Five National Marine Park, which are both close but offshore. Some of the parks also have historical significance. Petroglyphs Provincial Park, only a short drive northeast of Peterborough, has an impressive array of 500 to 1,000-year-old Aboriginal rock carvings that can be seen up close and personal. The pictographs that line the cliff walls along Lake Superior's shoreline in Lake Superior Provincial Park are a little more difficult to reach, but they're equally impressive. Quetico Provincial Park in Northwestern Ontario offers a truly remote experience with its invitingly untouched lakes and forests. Backcountry canoe trips and fishing trips are common in this region.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum, located in downtown Toronto, is one of the province's premier museums, with collections ranging from natural history and science to international cultural exhibits. The Royal Ontario Museum, also known as the ROM, underwent an expansion in 2007, which included the inclusion of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a new and exclusive extension. The structure now has an interesting combination of old and modern architecture.

Canada’s Wonderland

Canada's Wonderland, a large theme park located 30 kilometres northwest of Toronto's city centre, is open during the summer months. An annual trip to Canada's Wonderland is one of the top summer activities for local families with children. However, as Canada's most popular amusement park, this attraction attracts visitors from all over the world. A water park, dinosaur park, and live shows are only a few of the attractions, which include roller coasters and thrill rides for children of all ages. It's a simple day trip from Toronto to visit Wonderland.

National Gallery of Canada

Some of Canada's most significant collections are housed at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. It features an especially strong collection of works by Canadian artists, including the Group of Seven, Emily Carr, and a slew of other well-known names. Important works by well-known foreign artists are also on show at the gallery. Moshe Safdie's ultra-modern architectural, the National Gallery complex, is home to the National Gallery.

Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is the most well-known event on the Ontario calendar, drawing some of the world's biggest movie stars. With nearly half a million visitors per year, this 10-day festival in early September in Toronto is one of the most well-attended film festivals in the world. Tourists and locals alike flock to the city to see a movie or see some of their favourite stars, and the city is alive with activity. The weather is still warm at this time of year, with fun evenings. The streets are packed, restaurants are fully booked, and city patios are packed until late at night. Make sure you have reservations if you're visiting Toronto at this time of year.

Art Gallery of Ontario

One of Canada's most prominent art galleries, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), is located in downtown Toronto. It has an especially impressive selection of Canadian paintings, with an emphasis on Ontario and Toronto artists. It also houses the largest museum-based collection of African and Oceanic art in Canada. Paintings and sculpture by European masters, as well as Modern and Contemporary collections from North America and Europe, are among the other highlights. Throughout the year, temporary exhibits are held.

Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands is a beautiful natural area that stretches for 80 kilometres along the St. Lawrence River. The islands are situated on a granite shelf that stretches from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains in the United States, with the US-Canada border passing right through the middle of them. It is one of Ontario's oldest and most well-known vacation destinations, attracting cottagers, boaters, and those seeking a respite from the hot summer months in Southern Ontario's cities. A Thousand Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise through the maze of islands is one of the most common things to do in this region. Gananoque is the area's only tourist town and the main entry point to the Thousand Islands.