50+ Bucket List Ideas for Summer in Ontario – To Do Canada

Summer is in full swing in Ontario, with places across the province offering a unique environment, history, and distinct character for visitors and locals to truly discover the province.
Credit: Point Grondine Park
Try new activities or go for the tried and true. No matter what you choose to do in Ontario, there are hundreds of fun things you’ll want to add to your bucket list.
Attend an Event or a Festival:
Located on Manitoulin Island is Wiikwemkoong, Canada’s only officially recognized Unceded Reserve. Home of the Anishnaabek people of the Three Fires Confederacy (Ojibwe, Odawa, Pottawatomi), Wikwemikong offers an experience unlike any other in Canada. Point Grondine Park by Wiikwemkoong is pure bliss of 7000 hectares of scenic natural and wilderness landscape. Hike, explore Wemtagoosh Falls, paddle through traditional routes of the Anishnaabek people and more at this secret destination. There are over 22 camping sites located in this fabulous wilderness park.
Credit: North Ontario Travel
Suspension bridges are a fantastic man-made asset to complement nature, a place where you can look out at incredible views, whether lush greenery, great rocky heights, or other aspects of nature’s beauty.
Credit: Bonnechere Caves
Explore the hidden nooks and crannies of Ontario’s caves, some popular destinations include the famous Tyendinaga Cavern and Caves – the province’s oldest natural cavern- and the incredible Bonnechere Caves.
Ontario’s provincial parks are truly yours to discover, as the size of parklands to explore compares with the area of Nova Scotia. From climbing on a “sleeping giant” to walking the world’s longest freshwater beach and howling with the wolves, there are so many unique activities in Ontario’s Parks. Enhance your trip with camping. With warm weather in the day to explore and enjoy the outdoors, temperatures cool down at night, making it ideal for a summer camping trip at a provincial or national park. Having so many to choose from, each campground has its own charm and will cater to campers looking for specific features.
National Parks in Ontario
Credit: Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Go and explore Ontario’s North. With unspoiled wilderness and pure nature bliss, you can spend days hiking, canoeing, exploring local history and not seen it all. Pick any county, city or town and start exploring!
MDV/Flickr
Ontario is dotted with lakes and full of charming little towns, each with its own personality and unique attractions. If you’re looking for an excuse for a road trip, get out and see what each of these gems offers to brighten up your day.

For the rest of Ontario:
From Windsor to Ottawa, see Things to Do This Summer in Ontario.
Credit: St Lawrence Parks
Between the major cities of Kingston and Montreal is the Long Sault Parkway, a parkway that connects a collection of eleven islands on the St. Lawrence River. The parkway is visually beautiful and has significant history surrounding it, and a drive around the area can allow you to explore the wonders and stories of the attractions along the way.
Credit: Terra Bleu Lavender Farm
Opt for a calming, meditative activity out in nature this summer, with lavender farms offering up the opportunity to roam around beautiful fields of purple flowers and a place to shop for fresh lavender goodies.
Credit: OWL Rafting
The wonderful Canadian waters are ideally exhilarating for whitewater canoeing or rafting past adrenaline-fueled routes or historical routes, or perhaps a mixture of both. Paddling is a popular Canadian summer activity that is integral to exploration on the water. From historic routes of French River to Petawawa River and Ottawa River, there are plenty of opportunities across Ontario.
If you do not want to be in the water, but rather walk by it, visit White Water Walk, Niagara Falls.
Credit: City of Sarnia
No summer bucket list is complete without a classic trip to a golden, sandy beach. Lying around in the hot sun, enjoying the sand between your toes, and going for a dip in the water, these little pleasures can’t be missed.
Credit: Tourism Windsor Essex
Lighthouses are a great representation of the past, a time when the seas and lakes were of great importance for many historical reasons. With over 250,000 lakes in Ontario alone and 1/5 of the world’s freshwater, these lighthouses will add to that sea shanty feel.
Credit: Ontario Parks
Waterfalls are some of Mother Nature’s most eye-catching features, with the opportunity to see waterfalls in many styles in Ontario – punchbowl waterfalls, plunge waterfalls, cascading multi-step waterfalls, and more. Many of them have other valuable features and historical significance, as well as hiking trails around them.
Credit: Saugeen Springs R.V. Park/ Doug Burlock Photography
Tubing is the perfect way to float the lovely Ontario waters with a drink in hand. Relax and let the water take you down the stream at several well-known slow-flowing rivers around the province.
Credit: Waterloo Central Railway
A train tour will take commuters on scenic historical tours past Ontario’s most beloved sights. These rail tours are breathtaking and unforgettable, and range in length from just a few hours, to a few days.
Credit: Dan Dive Shop
With the number of shipwreck sites and underwater activity in the plentiful bodies of water around the area, you can’t miss a diving journey in these waterways with tons of shipping history. Just in the Fathom Five National Marine Park alone, 22 historic shipwrecks can be found.
Ontario Parks
Within Ontario, there are many beautiful areas in which to enjoy overnight or multi-week stays in nature. Whether you want to enjoy backcountry camping, cabin camping or stay comfy in a yurt, there are plenty of options across Ontario.
Ottawa Biplane Adventures
By bike, by foot, and by car, we’ve not yet talked about seeing the wonders of Ontario from the sky. Ride a helicopter or a unique biplane up in the air and tour the province from a birds-eye view.
Credit: Friends of Murphys Point Park
Ontario is a leader in mining and provides for more than $12 billion in Canadian GDP. You can head on a mine tour in Ontario at several sites that allow you to enjoy a hands-on experience of a demonstration mine that resembles real-life nickel and copper mining sites around the province.
Treetop Trekking
See the forest from new heights with a ziplining or adventure treetop trekking day out at one on Ontario’s amazing unique forest adventure parks. With these outdoor aerial game parks full of obstacles, ropes, and ziplines, you’re sure to have an adrenaline-fueled time with friends and family.
Credit: St. Mary’s
A great alternative to public swimming pools, quarries are a beautiful and natural way to enjoy a refreshing time in the water, all while surrounded by nature’s best work. These natural swimming holes have drawn visitors from around the province and country due to their sheer beauty.
Credit: Point Grondine Park
It is a rare feat to find a place that allows you to see the night sky in all its glory. With dark sky viewing areas and stargazing spots around Ontario, you can enjoy a pitch-black sky and marvel at the wonders of the night – stars, constellations, planets, and more.

Experience a lookout point and its panoramic views at many spots around the province, including rugged natural terrain, geological formations, country terrain, and vibrant cityscapes. Trails lead you to amazing vistas, some naturally created and others man-made.
Credit: Allstone Quarry Products Inc
Ontario is home to many giant statues that are crafted by independent artists and displayed in many cities across the province. Find a group of elephants ranging in size in Beamsville, a huge Muskoka chair in Ancaster and many more across Ontraio.
Credit: Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours
Cruises are another way to enjoy the cool summer nights, warm afternoons, and beautiful waters. Whether a dinner cruise, a sunset cruise, or something new altogether, cruising the waters and enjoying the scenery at a fast pace allows anyone on board to pass by an array of things to see.
See and learn how Canada’s marvellous first in the world (some of them) engineering feats functions. Learn about historic waterways, boat lifts and locks work by visiting a site and watching these in action first-hand. These canals and waterways often have intense historical significance to the waters, so you’ll get a taste of history, too.
Ride a boat, tour a museum, or paddle the canal!
Credit: Fil.Al/Flickr
There is a large range of sceneries in Ontario – farm country, forests, national parks, marshes, lakes, and more, that you can experience on a bike. Groomed trails and more rugged areas can take you through some of the best places in the province.
Credit: County Road Beer Co.
Ranging from independent small craft breweries to large-scale breweries, you can take a brewery tour (guided or self-tour road trip) this summer to places that showcase the best of Ontario’s beers and ciders. Afterward, shop for some product or take some time on a patio to sample some of the brewery’s best creations.
Venue: Doris McCarthy Trails
Just like cycling, hiking can take you around the most treasured natural areas in Ontario, taking the hiker past country settings, lakes, marshes, and dense varied forests. Hiking opportunities can be found far away from big cities, but also within them for a brief time away from the hustle and bustle.
Credit: Henry
Summer is synonymous with fruit picking, the opportunity to pick mini-mountains of your own fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and plenty of others for a small fee. Spend an hour or two roaming the bushes and finding the best produce on a farm in the province.
Credit: Von Doeler’s Ranch
Take the reins and head on an adventure on horseback. These gentle creatures will accompany you around the ranch, through forest trails, or by bodies of water. Tours can take you to some breathtaking scenic spots and provide you with the tools to learn proper riding techniques.
Credit: Dorion Tower/Outdoor Skills & Thrills
With the opportunity to climb indoors and outdoors, on easier, beginner’s routes, or those for veteran climbers, rock climbing is a varied, active sport that is ideal for the summer months. Head into an indoor climbing zone or gear up and get outdoors for a fun and challenging activity.
Credit: Monster Fish Lodge/Eagle Lake
Ontario is home to 400,000 lakes, rivers, and streams, so it’s no wonder why many set out to go fishing year-round. In Northern Ontario in particular, the options are endless in search of freshwater fish with multiple experiences and an abundance of species. Enjoy free fishing for 10 days (2 weeks in 2020) every July.
Credit: St. Raphael’s Ruins
The ruins found around the province include remnants from mills castles, and other historical structures that were once important. Giving nature much of its character, these ruins are found within it and have almost become one with the surrounding landscape.
Credit: Tim Mossholder /Unsplash
The Donkey Sanctuary is a home for donkeys, mules, and hinnies who have been mistreated or neglected. This site allows visitors to volunteer, donate, and learn about the work they do for these forgotten animals.
Credit: J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Rock formations like the Canadian Shield and Niagara Escarpment are a spectacular haven for activity, natural features, and flora and fauna. These wonders are demonstrative of an incredible nature in Ontario, and walking or viewing these structures is a breathtaking experience.
Credit: CN Tower / La Tour CN
Ontario is a fantastic mix of city, country, and all that’s in between. It also contains architecture from all eras and has some great examples of skyscrapers and tall buildings presenting sweeping views from high up.
Credit: Ian Barker/Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
Bird watching in the province is an incredible experience. The remarkable birdlife and many species that are found here trumps many spots in Canada, and you’ll find places to do so in provincial parks, in parks and gardens, and on tranquil islands. Ontario is also home to Point Pelee National Park, a nature sanctuary that is reknowned for its birds.
Lang Pioneer Village Museum
Ontario has a diverse architectural and cultural heritage with many preserved historical sites like pioneer villages, old buildings, castles, forts, and more. Step foot into one of these sites and experience the past first hand with interactive activities and well-maintained, authentic structures.
Credit: Ostrich Land
Visit some unique farms in Ontario, like an Ostrich farm or an alpaca farm (many alpaca farms in Ontario).
Credit: Oxford County
Food tours are a great half-day activity to sample some delicious eats, whether Italian fare, fresh market produce, or other cultural dishes that you’ve never tried before. A tour will combine culture, history, an immersive experience, and end with a full stomach.

Belleview Beach
Kincardine
Or learn how to at
- Lake Ontario: Ashbridge’s Bay, Bond Head
  Lake Erie: Wyldewood Beach, Port Stanley
  Lake Huron: Bayfield, Kincardine

40. Go for a Winery Experience

Credit: Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake

For a quick getaway and luxury relaxation, a winery experience can provide you with an intimate time taste testing great wines, touring the site, enjoying the sights, and perhaps indulging in farm-to-table cooking too.

Wineries of Niagara Falls Region
Wineries of Prince Edward County
Lake Erie Shore Wineries
Boreal Berry Farm & Winery, North Bay

41. View Some Unique Structures

Credit: Thomas Foster Memorial

Ontario has hundreds of noteworthy architectural wonders with dazzling features like ornate ceilings, eye-catching external characteristics, and more. Head to a unique structure in the province and see for yourself the hidden gems in the nooks and crannies of each city.

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, 385 Sussex Dr, Ottawa
Murney Tower, 1421 King St W, Kingston
The Stoney Creek Monument, Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site, Hamilton
Thomas Foster Memorial, 9499 Durham Regional Rd 1, Uxbridge
Casa Loma, Ontario

42. Visit a Sunflower Farm

Credit: Pingle’s Farm Market

A visit to a sunflower farm is surely a cause for smile, photo ops, and plenty of sunshine. Walk on a path through a sea of yellow flowers and purchase a specialty product from a store on-site to commemorate your summer experience.

Pingle’s Farm Market, 1805 Taunton Rd, Hampton (Oshawa)
Rounds Ranch, 1922 County Rd 92, Elmvale
Davis Feed & Farm Supply Ltd, 15770 Mountain View Rd, Caledon East
Bogle Seeds, 572 Safari Rd, Millgrove
Edwards Farm Sunflower, 1574 9 Line, Innisfil

43. Go Island-hopping, Visit Southern Most Point of Canada or Checkout the Smallest Ferry

Travel to the tip of Canada – Pelee Island.

Explore the St. Lawrence River, a hotbed for island hopping, with plenty of islands just dotted on the surface of the water. Each of them offers something unique, with Wolfe Island ‘s great biking opportunities and scrumptious bakery, and private “Just Room Enough Island” with one house that fits perfectly on its surface. Best Islands to Visit in Ontario This Summer

Book a ride on MS Chi-Cheemaun, travel to the southernmost point of Canada, or check out the three-car ferry from Wolfe Island to Simcoe Island. (Ferries in Ontario)

Wolfe Island
Howe Island
Ferry to Manitoulin Island – MS Chi-Cheemaun
Ferry to Pelee Island/Pelee Island
1000 Islands National Park
Chantry Island

44. Explore Ontario Trails on an ATV

Credit: Voyageur Multi Use Trail System-VMUTS

Check out the backroads of Ontario on an ATV. Contact your nearest club for options near you.

Renfrew County boasts a 750-kilometre network of trails for ATV-ing, that are built on a foundation of abandoned forest access roads and rail lines. The rural countryside views pass by as you ride through the area and get to appreciate the natural beauty of lush forests, glittering lakes, and wetlands.
Located around Mattawa, the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System boasts a network of over 300km of trails. These trails also serve as a gateway for trails beyond. It’s easy to see why people come from all over the country to experience the majesty and challenge that these trails offer.
Enjoy a guided tour in Haliburton.

45. Explore a Battleship

Credit: WabbitWanderer

Go on a tour of a submarine, explore a warship and see historic ships at Discovery Harbour.

HMCS Ojibwa, 3 Pitt St., Port Burwell
HMCS Haida National Historic Site, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton
Discovery Harbour, Penetanguishene

46. Stay in a Cottage or an Ontario Resort

Credit: Rocky Crest Golf Resort, 20 Barnwood Dr, MacTier

Dotted across Ontario’s cottage country from Kenora to Prince Edward County, there are cottages and resorts to suit almost every budget. Getaway this summer.

47. Visit a Jail or Stay in One

Credit: Kingston Penitentiary

Explore Ontario’s historical jails with unique tours, offering overnight stays, walks, and day trips. Delve into the history of punishment and reform, including the renowned Kingston Pen Tours. Discover the intriguing stories behind these structures, offering an educational and distinctive adventure for curious visitors.

Creemore Jail, 141-151 Library St, Creemore
Kingston Penitentiary, 560 King St W, Kingston
Burwash Correctional Prison – Burwash Trail, Sudbury

48. See some Fossils or some Petroglyphs

Credit: Danielle Griscti/Flickr

Ontario parks and conservation areas preserve not just natural wonders but also ancient secrets. Visit some or all this summer.

Petroglyphs Provincial Park, 2249 Northeys Bay Rd, Woodview
Bon Echo Provincial Park, 16151 ON-41, Cloyne (pictographs)
Sioux Narrows Provincial Park, ON-71, Sioux Narrows (pictographs)
Craigleith Provincial Park, 209403 ON-26, The Blue Mountains (fossils)
Rock Point Provincial Park, 215 Niece Rd, Dunnville (fossils)
Rock Glen Conservation Area, 8680 Rock Glen Rd, Arkona (fossils)
Agawa Rock Pictographs, Lake Superior Provincial Park

49. Visit a Sculpture Garden

Explore a garden of art this summer. From artworks by famous Canadian artists to whimsical pieces from across the world, you will find both quirky and thought-provoking works of art across Ontario.

Windsor Sculpture Park, Assumption Park, Windsor
Screaming Heads Midlothian Castle & Gallery, Midlothian Road, Burk’s Falls
Sculpture Garden – McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Vaughan
Cambridge Sculpture Garden, 53 Grand Ave S, Cambridge
Toronto Sculpture Garden, 115 King St E, Toronto
ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery, 855 Second Line Rd, Bailieboro
Haliburton Sculpture Forest

50. Check out a Water Park (Amusement & Inflatable)

Bingeman’s Big Splash, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
Splash Town, 69 Lake Rd, Port Colborne
Wild Water Park, 680 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton
Canada’s Wonderland Splash Works, 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Maple
Calypso Water Park, 2015 Calypso St, Limoges

51. Go on a Road Trip

American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls

The best way to explore Ontario? Go on a road trip.

Circumnavigate Rice Lake, Simcoe Lake, Georgian Bay, drive from Peterborough to Ottawa on Highway 7, drive along Rideau Canal or St. Lawrence River (Highway 2), chart a path to follow Lake Erie shores from Windsor to Niagara Falls or Lake Huron from Sarnia to Tobermory.

Niagara Falls to Ottawa
Georgian Bay Road Trip
Discover attractions along 401 from Toronto to Ottawa
Road Trip From Ottawa to Kingston: Drive the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Drive the Trent-Severn Waterway
Highway 7 Road Trip

52. Watch a Movie at a Drive-in Theatre

Credit: 5 Drive-In Oakville

Experience a rare yet classic experience at a drive-in theatre. With 16 still in operation, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy snacks and a great flick from the comfort of your own car.

5 Drive-In, 2332 Ninth Line, Oakville
Mustang Drive-In Theatre, 5012 Jones Baseline, Guelph
Muskoka Drive-In, 1001 Theatre Rd, Gravenhurst
Hanover Drive-In Theatre, 033277 County Road 28, Hanover

53. North America’s Largest Trampoline Park

Uplå Ontario

Head to Uplå, the largest outdoor trampoline in North America. Uplå boasts a sprawling network of net structures suspended between trees. These nets link various modules, including trampolines, footbridges, tunnels, slides, and rope ladders. The remarkable tree canopy setting allows adventurers to explore nature while bounding on a massive outdoor trampoline, navigating slides and passages.

Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area, 3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville

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Categories: News, Places to Visit & Things to Do Tags: Discover Ontario, Family Activities, Summer Activities

Although surfing is rare in Ontario, there are still some incredible spots to catch some waves and practice your abilities on the water. Belleview Beach is one of them, known for its picturesque sunsets and fishing opportunities, it is also a hidden gem for surfing.
Credit: Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake
For a quick getaway and luxury relaxation, a winery experience can provide you with an intimate time taste testing great wines, touring the site, enjoying the sights, and perhaps indulging in farm-to-table cooking too.
Credit: Thomas Foster Memorial
Ontario has hundreds of noteworthy architectural wonders with dazzling features like ornate ceilings, eye-catching external characteristics, and more. Head to a unique structure in the province and see for yourself the hidden gems in the nooks and crannies of each city.
Credit: Pingle’s Farm Market
A visit to a sunflower farm is surely a cause for smile, photo ops, and plenty of sunshine. Walk on a path through a sea of yellow flowers and purchase a specialty product from a store on-site to commemorate your summer experience.

Travel to the tip of Canada – Pelee Island.
Explore the St. Lawrence River, a hotbed for island hopping, with plenty of islands just dotted on the surface of the water. Each of them offers something unique, with Wolfe Island ‘s great biking opportunities and scrumptious bakery, and private “Just Room Enough Island” with one house that fits perfectly on its surface. Best Islands to Visit in Ontario This Summer
Book a ride on MS Chi-Cheemaun, travel to the southernmost point of Canada, or check out the three-car ferry from Wolfe Island to Simcoe Island. (Ferries in Ontario)
Credit: Voyageur Multi Use Trail System-VMUTS
Check out the backroads of Ontario on an ATV. Contact your nearest club for options near you.
Credit: WabbitWanderer
Go on a tour of a submarine, explore a warship and see historic ships at Discovery Harbour.
Credit: Rocky Crest Golf Resort, 20 Barnwood Dr, MacTier
Dotted across Ontario’s cottage country from Kenora to Prince Edward County, there are cottages and resorts to suit almost every budget. Getaway this summer.
Credit: Kingston Penitentiary
Explore Ontario’s historical jails with unique tours, offering overnight stays, walks, and day trips. Delve into the history of punishment and reform, including the renowned Kingston Pen Tours. Discover the intriguing stories behind these structures, offering an educational and distinctive adventure for curious visitors.
Credit: Danielle Griscti/Flickr
Ontario parks and conservation areas preserve not just natural wonders but also ancient secrets. Visit some or all this summer.
Explore a garden of art this summer. From artworks by famous Canadian artists to whimsical pieces from across the world, you will find both quirky and thought-provoking works of art across Ontario.

Windsor Sculpture Park, Assumption Park, Windsor
Screaming Heads Midlothian Castle & Gallery, Midlothian Road, Burk’s Falls
Sculpture Garden – McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Vaughan
Cambridge Sculpture Garden, 53 Grand Ave S, Cambridge
Toronto Sculpture Garden, 115 King St E, Toronto
ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery, 855 Second Line Rd, Bailieboro
Haliburton Sculpture Forest