There are so many unique and unusual places to visit around Ontario. From standing over dramatic canyons to going deep down into caves, there is something for everyone. Make sure you get to enjoy all the treasures we have in our very own province.
Flowerpot Island
Location: Tobermory, Ontario
If you’re looking to escape to escape to a tropical looking paradise, this is the place for you. With stunning grottos and crystal clear waters, you will feel like you’re in Europe on holiday. Besides amazing hiking opportunities, this area is also known for their scuba diving and snorkelling where you can swim over amazing shipwrecks.
Bonnechere Caves
Location: Athens, Ontario
This cave system offers guided tours through the unusually cool caverns. The caves are an example of solution along caves, which are dissolved out of solids rock by acidic waters. Check out unbelievable rock formations that were formed over 500 million years ago, and the effects of water on stone.
1000 Islands Gananoque
Location: Gananoque, Ontario
Located on the St Lawrence River, this unique archipelago is made up of over 1000 islands. A lot of these are inhabited by tiny homes, others are home to towering castles, and others have been left natural.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Location: Kaladar, Ontario
Bon Echo Provincial Park, located in southeastern Ontario, is known for being a camping favourite. The Bon Echo contains several lakes, with Mazinaw Lake being the most popular due to its large collection of native pictographs in Ontario. These rock paintings are found on the escarpment cliffs. Make sure to canoe or kayak over to Mazinaw Rock and hike to top. You will be rewarded with insanely gorgeous views.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks has been a popular attraction since the early 1800s with its unique dunes. They were formed from glaciers 12,500 years ago and stretch across Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County. On sunny days, the white sand and sparkling blue water can almost be mistaken for the Caribbean. There is an option to camp here in the warmer months.
The Brockville Tunnel
Location: Brockville, Ontario
The Brockville Tunnel is Canada’s very first railway tunnel, completed in 1860, and exists under the downtown core of Brockville. With an amazing light show and good tunes, it’s definitely a must-see if you’re nearby.
Bathtub Island
Location: Katherine Cove, Ontario
These ‘bathtub‑like’ pools are shallow and usually much warmer than the very cold Lake Superior. The sun heats the water up and creates a natural swimming pool. If this doesn’t look like heaven, I’m not sure what does.
Rockwood Conservation Area
Location: Rockwood, Ontario
If you’re looking to go exploring, this park features towering limestone cliffs, caves, glacial potholes, and remnants of an old mill. It’s equally beautiful in the sunshine as during snowfall. In the warmer months, you can canoe to kayak through the park.
La Cloche Mountains
Location: Massey, Ontario
La Cloche Provincial Park is located in Northern Ontario and features this range of mountains. They extend across Killarney Provincial Park to southwest of Sudbury. There are tons of hiking opportunities and likely wildlife viewing.
Scarborough Bluffs
Location: Toronto, Ontario
This escarpment, also known as The Bluffs, stretches about 15km along the shores of Lake Ontario. At the highest point, the Scarborough Bluffs stand at 90 metres. There are nine parks located along the stretch of the escarpment, but Bluffer’s Park is the only with a beach. The bluffs have been eroding at a rapid pace since residences have been built along the top, so it’s much safer to see them from below.
Ouimet Canyon
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario
This spectacular canyon gives you panoramic views of the huge gorge and steep rock formations that drop over 100 metres below. There are walking paths linked by a suspension bridge with tons of lookouts over Lake Superior. Fragile and especially unique flora and fauna that can survive in the Arctic live on the floor of the canyon.
Lake on the Mountain
Location: Prince Edward County, Ontario
Stop by this unique lake and have a picnic by the water. You might not believe it until you see it. Lake on the Mountain is one of Prince Edward County’s hidden treasures. This place is exactly how it sounds, but has views over the Bay of Quinte on one side and then towards the lakeside, on the other. The strangest part about this is, the lake happens to have a constant flow of water with no visible source, with Lake Ontario located 60 metres below.
The Cheltenham Badlands
Location: Caledon, Ontario
This Mars‑like landscape is located in the Caledon area. Its red colouring comes from iron oxide deposits. The Badlands have been closed from visitors to prevent erosion and now can be viewed from an observation deck.
Point Pelee National Park
Location: Leamington, Ontario
This national park in southwestern Ontario extends into Lake Erie. Point Pelee consists of a peninsula of land but mainly features wetlands and marshes. There are lots of boardwalk trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds. The park also has a beach with over 20km of smooth sand. You are even able to walk to the southernmost part of mainland Canada!
Marmora Mine
Location: Marmora, Ontario
Tucked only a few hundred meters from the highway is the historical electric blue body of water. This giant hole might be Ontario’s biggest pool at over 700 feet deep, though I strongly encourage you not to swim there. Make sure to stop by and check it out if you happen to be in the area or need a pitstop.
Disclaimer: All information and prices are accurate as of the time of the posting. All opinions expressed are completely my own. This post is not sponsored.
*All images are copyrighted by Julia Melcher (@adventureontario) or credited to their owners. Please do not use or re-post without written consent and provide credit where applicable