The Best Summer Activities When Visiting Ontario

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A serene coastal landscape featuring rugged cliffs, a turquoise sea, green vegetation, and a grotto, under a partly cloudy blue sky.
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    Ontario comes alive in the summer, offering everything from quiet lakeside retreats to bold outdoor adventures. With record-setting tourism spending—$16.1 billion in the first half of 2024 alone—it’s clear the province is a top choice for both Canadian and international travellers. Thanks to its well-developed tourism infrastructure and sheer variety of things to do, Ontario offers something for everyone across all ages and interests.

    Learn and Discover

    For those who travel to learn as much as they do to relax, Ontario has no shortage of inspiring stops.

    Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa

    Explore Canada’s natural history, from Ice Age megafauna like woolly mammoths to contemporary Arctic ecosystems. On top of the outstanding permanent exhibitions, this summer the museum will be home to a variety of engaging special exhibitions:

    • Butterflies in Flight (Until Jan 4, 2026): Walk among live tropical butterflies in a lush, indoor garden setting.
    • The Man Who Planted Trees: An Immersive Tale (Until Oct 13, 2025): Experience the world premiere of this immersive exhibition based on Jean Giono’s short story and Frédéric Back’s Oscar-winning animated film.
    • Our Land, Our Art (Until Aug 17, 2025): Admire recent artworks by Indigenous artists from Nunavik alongside Early Inuit archaeological objects.

    Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Toronto

    Canada’s largest museum offers a diverse array of exhibitions. This summer, visitors can enjoy:

    Science North, Sudbury

    Northern Ontario’s premier science centre offers a dynamic mix of interactive exhibits and immersive experiences. This summer, visitors can enjoy:

    On the Water

    Few provinces embrace their freshwater geography quite like Ontario. With thousands of lakes, islands, and waterways, the best summer experiences often begin at the dock.

    • Cruising in Tobermory: Depart from the harbour aboard glass-bottom vessels like The Evolution or The Eclipse to view shipwrecks in Fathom Five National Marine Park. Opt to disembark at Flowerpot Island or enjoy views of the shoreline from the deck.
    • Canoeing in Algonquin Park: Paddle through Ontario’s most iconic backcountry, complete with peaceful portages, wildlife sightings, and serene lake-to-lake routes suited to all skill levels.
    • Kayaking the French River: Follow historic fur trade routes through a rugged landscape of granite cliffs and island channels, ideal for multi-day kayaking adventures.

    Relax and Unwind

    Ontario’s vast geography offers plenty of room to relax, whether you’re on a sandy beach or tucked into a vineyard.

    • Prince Edward County: Known for its wineries and fresh farm-to-table fare, this region is a favourite for culinary travellers.
    • Sandbanks Provincial Park: Famous for its golden beaches and warm shallow waters, ideal for families.
    • Elora Gorge: A charming town surrounded by natural beauty, where you can stroll along the river or sip coffee in boutique cafes.

    Active and Adventurous

    Outdoor lovers find themselves spoiled for choice in Ontario’s provincial parks and natural reserves.

    Thrill Seekers

    Ontario is no stranger to adrenaline. If your ideal summer includes white-knuckle drops, churning rapids, or heart-pounding heights, the province has you covered.

    • Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan: Canada’s largest theme park delivers thrill rides like Leviathan and Yukon Striker—two of the tallest and fastest coasters in North America.
    • Whitewater Rafting on the Ottawa River: Tackle class III-IV rapids on a guided adventure through one of the best whitewater routes east of the Rockies. Half- and full-day trips available.
    • Skydiving in Gananoque: Plunge into summer from 10,000+ feet at this scenic skydiving centre, offering tandem jumps with views of the Thousand Islands.

    Bruce Peninsula: The Complete Ontario Experience

    Few places in Ontario combine land, lake, and legend quite like the Bruce Peninsula, where ancient cliffs, clear waters, and cultural history come together in one unforgettable destination.

    • Bruce Peninsula National Park: Towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and The Grotto define this natural wonder. Hike scenic trails or cool off in the crystal-clear bays.
    • Flowerpot Island: Located within Fathom Five National Marine Park, this island features iconic rock pillars, inland trails, and a lighthouse. A national park fee is required for those disembarking to explore on foot.
    • Bruce Anchor Cruises: These family-operated cruises offer glass-bottom views of Tobermory’s shipwrecks and underwater geology. The eco-conscious Bruce Anchor fleet includes Canada’s first Tier 4 passenger vessel—70% lower emissions with unmatched visibility.

    Ontario Awaits!

    Ontario’s summer activities are as diverse as its visitors. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach, diving into the province’s rich history, or jumping out of a plane from over 10,000 feet, there’s a warm-weather experience waiting for you. And when you’re ready to explore the best of it all in one place, head north to Tobermory, where glass-bottom boats and island trails promise unforgettable memories.