8 Underrated Things to Do in Ontario, CA – Local Guide

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Ontario, Canada, you’re in luck! This vibrant city has plenty of exciting activities and attractions that are sure to keep you entertained. From museums and art galleries to outdoor adventures and delicious food, Ontario has something for everyone. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, here are some of the best things to do in Ontario, Canada.

Exploring Ontario, CA: The Best Things to Do!

Following is a list of places where our team went and thoroughly enjoyed. We explored several parts of Ontario and came up with this list which has something for everyone! Let’s get going.

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ontario. You can enjoy the stunning views of the falls, take a boat tour, and visit nearby attractions like Niagara-on-the-Lake.

It is also considered one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, it’s a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors every year. With an impressive average flow rate of 750,000 gallons per second, Niagara Falls is truly a sight to behold.

If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. One of the most popular things to do is to take a boat tour of the falls. The Maid of the Mist is a popular choice, and it takes you right up to the base of the Horseshoe Falls. You’ll get wet, but it’s worth it for the incredible views.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a zipline or cable car ride over the falls. The Niagara SkyWheel offers a 175-foot-high view of the falls and the surrounding area. And for those who love nightlife, there are plenty of casinos, restaurants, and bars in the area.

No matter what you choose to do, Niagara Falls is a destination that you won’t forget anytime soon. With over 14 million visitors each year, it’s clear that this natural wonder is a must-see attraction in Ontario, CA.

Related Reading: Breathtaking Waterfalls of North Carolina You Should Not Miss

Take a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands and spend the day exploring the parks, beaches, and amusement park. You can also rent a bike or kayak and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Ontario.

These Islands are located just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto. With over 600 acres of parkland, beaches, and trails, the islands offer a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.

One of the most popular activities on the Toronto Islands is cycling. With 15 kilometers of flat, car-free bike paths, it’s a perfect way to explore the islands. Bikes can be rented on the islands or visitors can bring their own.

For those who love the water, there are plenty of options for water-based activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing. Visitors can rent equipment or sign up for guided tours to explore the islands’ beautiful coastlines and waterways.

In addition to outdoor activities, the islands are also home to several attractions, including Centreville Amusement Park, Far Enough Farm, and the Franklin Children’s Garden. These attractions offer fun for the whole family which makes the Toronto Islands one of the best places to visit in Ontario, CA.

With over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Toronto Islands are a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Toronto. So why not hop on a ferry and explore this unique urban oasis?

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Canada’s Wonderland is a massive amusement park with thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment shows.

It is an amusement park located in Vaughan, Ontario, and it’s the perfect destination for anyone seeking a fun-filled day of excitement and entertainment. With over 200 attractions and 70 rides, Canada’s Wonderland is the largest amusement park in Canada and the perfect destination for thrill-seekers of all ages.

The park boasts 17 roller coasters, including the world’s fastest, tallest, and longest dive coaster, the Yukon Striker. If that’s not enough to get your heart racing, the park also has a variety of other thrill rides, including the Behemoth, Leviathan, and the Vortex. But if you’re not a fan of coasters, don’t worry! There are plenty of other attractions to enjoy, like live shows, a water park, and kid-friendly rides.

For those seeking a unique experience, Canada’s Wonderland also has a virtual reality ride called “The Flight Deck: Canada’s Wonderland Flight Experience,” which simulates a fighter jet flight with twists, turns, and rolls. The park also has a wide variety of food and beverage options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, Canada’s Wonderland has a number of options as well, like Planet Snoopy, which features rides and attractions based on the beloved Peanuts characters. The park also has a Kidsville section, with rides designed specifically for younger children.

With over 330 acres of land, Canada’s Wonderland offers something for everyone. In 2019, the park welcomed over 3.6 million visitors, making it one of the most popular attractions in Canada. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and family, and head to Canada’s Wonderland for a day of unforgettable fun!

Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Ontario is home to several ski resorts, such as Blue Mountain, Mount St. Louis Moonstone, and Horseshoe Resort. These resorts offer a variety of slopes for all skill levels, as well as snowboarding, tubing, and other winter activities.

So, if you’re looking for a thrilling winter adventure, skiing or snowboarding in Ontario is a great option. With an average of over 3 meters of snowfall each winter, Ontario’s ski resorts provide plenty of opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts to hit the slopes.

One of the most popular ski resorts in Ontario is Blue Mountain. Located just a couple of hours outside of Toronto, Blue Mountain offers 43 runs and 365 acres of skiable terrain, making it the largest resort in Ontario. With 11 lifts and a vertical drop of 720 feet, there’s plenty of space to explore and perfect your skiing or snowboarding skills. The resort also boasts a 5-acre terrain park with plenty of rails, jumps, and other features for freestyle enthusiasts.

Another great ski resort in Ontario is Mount St. Louis Moonstone. With 36 runs and 170 acres of skiable terrain, Mount St. Louis Moonstone is perfect for beginners and experts alike. The resort has a vertical drop of 550 feet and 13 lifts, so there’s never a long wait to get back up the mountain. Plus, with night skiing available, you can hit the slopes well into the evening.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, many Ontario ski resorts offer other winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and tubing. So, whether you’re a seasoned skier or snowboarder, or just looking for a fun winter activity, Ontario’s ski resorts have something for everyone.

Take a Brewery Tour

Ontario is known for its craft breweries, and many offer tours and tastings. Some popular breweries include Steam Whistle Brewing, Mill Street Brewery, and Amsterdam Brewery.

If you’re a fan of craft beer, then a brewery tour in Ontario is a must-do activity. With over 300 breweries across the province, there is no shortage of options to choose from. And the best part? Many of these breweries offer tours that allow you to get an inside look at how your favorite beers are made.

Not only will you get to sample some of the best beer that Ontario has to offer, but you’ll also get a chance to learn about the history and culture of brewing in the province. Did you know that Ontario is home to the oldest brewery in North America? Molson Brewery, which opened in 1786, is still producing beer today!

If you’re looking for activities to do after your brewery tour, Ontario has plenty to offer. For example, you could explore the scenic Niagara wine region, which is just a short drive from many of Ontario’s top breweries. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could check out some of the province’s outdoor activities, such as hiking, skiing, or snowboarding.

But let’s get back to the beer. According to the Ontario Craft Brewers Association, the craft beer industry contributes over $1 billion to Ontario’s economy each year. And with over 9,000 people employed in the industry, it’s clear that craft beer is a big deal in Ontario.

Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just looking for a fun activity to do with friends, a brewery tour in Ontario is definitely worth checking out.

Also read our guides to several other breweries including our trip to breweries in Seattle as well as breweries in Virginia Beach.

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of Canada’s largest museums, with over 6 million artifacts and exhibits on natural history, art, and culture from around the world.

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Toronto’s cultural and historical heritage. Established in 1912, it is the largest museum in Canada and one of the largest in North America, with over 13 million artworks, specimens, and artifacts in its collection.

The ROM’s diverse collection spans over 40 different galleries, covering everything from natural history to world cultures. Visitors can explore dinosaur fossils in the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs, marvel at ancient Egyptian artifacts in the Samuel European Galleries, or learn about the history of Canada’s First Peoples in the Daphne Cockwell Gallery of Canada: First Peoples.

One of the most popular attractions at the ROM is the Bat Cave, which houses over 20 species of live bats from around the world. Visitors can watch the bats fly and feed while learning about their importance to the ecosystem.

In addition to its permanent galleries, the ROM hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Recent exhibits have included “The Forbidden City: Inside the Court of China’s Emperors” and “Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches.”

With over a million visitors each year, the ROM is one of Toronto’s most popular cultural destinations. It’s open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, with extended hours on Fridays until 9:30 pm. Admission costs $23 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $16 for students, with discounts available for children and families.

Overall, the ROM is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in history, culture, and the natural world. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Toronto, it’s a great way to spend a day exploring the wonders of the world.

Algonquin Provincial Park is a vast wilderness area with hiking trails, canoe routes, and campsites. You can also go wildlife viewing, fishing, or take a guided nature tour.

Algonquin Provincial Park is a stunning natural gem located in Ontario, Canada, covering an area of over 7,600 square kilometers. The park is home to over 2,400 lakes and countless rivers and streams, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

One of the most popular activities to do in Algonquin Provincial Park is hiking. With over 1,500 kilometers of trails, there’s something for every skill level. The park’s signature trail, the Algonquin Park Centennial Ridges Trail, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness and is a must-do for avid hikers. For those looking for a more leisurely stroll, the Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail is a great option, offering a 1.5-kilometer boardwalk through a unique wetland ecosystem.

Another popular activity is canoeing or kayaking. Algonquin Park boasts over 2,000 kilometers of canoe routes, making it one of the premier canoeing destinations in the world. Paddling along the park’s many lakes and rivers is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area and catch a glimpse of some of the local wildlife, such as moose and beavers.

For those looking to spend the night, Algonquin Provincial Park offers a variety of camping options, including over 2,000 campsites and 18 backcountry cabins. In 2019, the park welcomed over 860,000 visitors, making it one of the most popular provincial parks in Ontario.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Algonquin Provincial Park is a must-visit destination that offers something for everyone.

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The Thousand Islands is a beautiful area located along the St. Lawrence River, with over 1,800 islands and stunning scenery. You can take a boat tour and explore the islands, or even stay at a waterfront resort.

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience, taking a boat tour of the Thousand Islands is a must-do activity. With over 1,800 islands in the region, there’s no shortage of stunning scenery to take in. In fact, the Thousand Islands region spans over 50 miles along the St. Lawrence River, making it the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.

One of the most popular boat tours in the Thousand Islands is the Uncle Sam Boat Tours, which has been offering guided tours for over 90 years. On their Two Nation Tour, you’ll get to see both the American and Canadian sides of the river and take in iconic landmarks like Boldt Castle and the Thousand Islands Bridge. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a helicopter tour to get a bird’s eye view of the islands!

Aside from taking in the breathtaking scenery, there are plenty of activities to do in the Thousand Islands. Fishing enthusiasts will love the region’s abundant fish populations, including bass, pike, and walleye. The Thousand Islands is also a popular destination for boating and water sports, with opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and even scuba diving.

In terms of the numbers, the Thousand Islands region draws in over 1 million visitors annually, with tourism generating over $200 million in economic activity for the surrounding communities. So why not join the crowds and experience this unique destination for yourself?

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Things to Consider Before Going to Ontario

Before traveling to Ontario, there are several things to consider:

• Weather: Ontario has a varied climate, with very cold winters and hot summers. If you’re visiting during the winter, make sure to pack warm clothing and appropriate footwear. If you’re visiting during the summer, bring light and breathable clothing.
• Accommodation: Ontario is a large province with many cities and attractions. Make sure to plan your itinerary and book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.
  Transportation: Ontario has a well-developed transportation system, including buses, trains, and flights. Research your options and plan your transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.

How Do We Pick Our Recommendations?

When picking our recommendations, we take several factors into consideration. Primarily, we took into account the most popular places in Ontario that visitors would not want to miss at any cost. In addition to that, we also took into account the level of comfort at these places, whether they are family-friendly or not, the facilities present over here (Rest rooms, parking), etc. To make our opinion more useful and accurate for our readers, we took the opinion of other travelers as well who spent a good time at these places.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ontario, CA has a lot to offer in terms of fun and exciting activities. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, history and culture, or just some good food and drinks, there’s something for everyone in this great city. So pack your bags and head to Ontario, CA for your next adventure!