The Best Outdoor Activities in Ontario 

Are you looking to experience Ontario in a new way? Well look no further than mother nature herself. The vast variety of regions in the province allows for endless amounts of unique outdoor offerings. Maybe you are looking for an activity that is thrill seeking, or maybe you just want a relaxing day with nature. No matter what you are looking for, I guarantee Ontario has the right option for you!

Below are some of the most popular activities for outdoor summer experiences across the province. 

1. Tubing Down the Grand River 

The Grand River is the largest river in Southern Ontario. The route starts in Wareham, Ontario and, after 280 kilometers, ends at the north shore of Lake Erie. In the summer, you can find local companies in Elora, Paris and Glen Morris that offer tubing and whitewater rafting. The scenic views and excitement of the rapids are sure to bring joy to all those who decide to go for a float. 

2. Try a Relaxing day at the Beach

With a significant amount of lakes and rivers in Ontario, there is also a lot of coastline to explore. Ontario surprisingly has many top tier beaches for when you want a relaxing day.

Wasaga Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Ontario to visit. In fact, it happens to be the longest freshwater beach in the world. At Wasaga Beach visitors can relax on the sand under an umbrella, explore fun water sports with equipment rentals and even visit nearby restaurants and shops for a change of pace.

3. Walk around Sandbanks Provincial Park

Many people don’t realize that Ontario has sand dunes. These are formations (hills and banks) of sand that are massive in size and make for a unique experience. Sandbanks Provincial Park is located in the Prince Edward County region of Southwestern Ontario and is the home to the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world. Here, there is a wonderful scenic drive along the water's edge. You can also visit the beach and walk trails around the dunes.

4. Canoe your way through Algonquin Park

A wonderful way to experience Ontario is on the water. Algonquin Provincial Park is such a great way to experience nature and all of its splendor. When you are in this area, a canoeing trip is an absolute must do. With plenty of options for guided trips, you are certain to have a thrilling adventure every time.

5. Hike Niagara Glen

If you are looking for something to do other than see the waterfall at Niagara Falls, there are plenty of other fun activities in the Niagara Parks region. One of the most popular activities, just a short drive away, is hiking around the Niagara Glen. This is a fantastic area for both beginner or experienced hikers. There are multiple trails to choose from. They all vary in elevation and terrain. Some are nice easy trail walks, but other routes will have you scrambling up rocks and steep hills. 

6. High Park and the Cherry Blossoms 

Not all outdoor activities are just for the summer. There are unique things to do in Ontario any time of the year. You can even find a bit of nature in the city! Toronto’s High Park has an annual festival for the Cherry Blossom trees. They bloom in mid spring and are a popular destination for many folks. Their beauty and serenity is unmatched.

Ontario is over one million square kilometers in size - absolutely massive! This means there is always something new to explore, especially outside. With so much to offer, it can be overwhelming to choose which activities to try. What is wonderful about nature is that it's not going anywhere. It will remain constant, so take your time and enjoy Ontario outdoors.