By Natalie Thursday, April 17, 2025

Ontario comes alive in the summer-offering a perfect mix of natural beauty, charming lakeside towns and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you’re into hiking, wine tasting, outdoor adventures, or lively festivals, there’s something here for every kind of traveler. Here’s your guide to the perfect Ontario summer getaway.

Outdoor Adventures You Can’t Miss

Get ready for a summer packed with unforgettable outdoor adventures across Ontario!

Paddle through picturesque landscapes with Canoeing the Grand in Kitchener-Waterloo or take a relaxing ride down the Grand River with Elora Raft Rides, perfect for families and first-timers.

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, take to the skies with Airborne Petawawa  for an unforgettable skydiving experience, or leap from one of the highest bungee jumps in North America with the Great Canadian Bungee Corporation just outside Ottawa

Soar through the trees at Treetop Trekking locations across the province, or explore underground wonders at Bonnechere Caves and suspension bridges at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures in Collingwood.

Kayak through the stunning waterways of the 1000 Islands with 1000 Islands Kayaking or take in Toronto’s skyline from the water with rentals and guided tours from the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre. Embark on a unique island escape with Pelee Island Adventures, offering bike tours, water activities, and more.

For family-friendly fun, visit Adventure Village in Hamilton for mini-golf and bumper cars, or hike and zip your way through the trails at Boler Mountain in London.

Get your adrenaline pumping with WildPlay’s Zipline to the Falls for unbeatable views of Niagara Falls.

Explore Northern Ontario’s natural beauty at Kivi Park in Sudbury, or head to LivOutside Adventures in Muskoka for your paddle and biking adventures. Whether you need gear or guided experiences, LivOutside Adventures and Algonquin Outfitters have everything you need to get outside and explore this summer!

Best Lakeside Towns to Visit This Summer

Niagara-on-the-Lake charms visitors with its elegant Victorian architecture, nearby award-winning wineries, and boutique shopping districts nestled in a historic setting. The town’s heritage district features well-preserved 19th-century buildings, beautiful gardens, and horse-drawn carriage rides. It is also the host of the world famous annual Shaw Festival.

Port Stanley welcomes beach enthusiasts to its golden shores along Lake Erie, offering a perfect blend of a laid-back small-town vibe and coastal recreation – safe swimming, public washrooms, change rooms, picnic areas, sunbathing, beach volleyball, frisbee, kite flying. The town’s Main Beach is one of only 27 in Canada to earn Blue Flag status for its high environmental and safety standards.

Tobermory, the jewel of the Bruce Peninsula, draws adventure seekers for its crystal-clear waters, shipwreck diving sites and spectacular hiking trails along the Niagara Escarpment, including easy access to the famous Flowerpot Island.

Kenora, a hidden gem to explore in Northwestern Ontario, offers an authentic Canadian lake experience with its countless islands, boasting world-class fishing and vibrant waterfront community.

Port Carling, the celebrated “Hub of the Lakes” in Muskoka, delights visitors with its upscale shopping, waterside dining and iconic scenic boat locks connecting Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka.

Gravenhurst captures hearts with its heritage steamships such as the RMS Segwun, its bustling waterfront events and rich maritime history.

Grand Bend stands out for its pristine Lake Huron beaches, a buzzing Main Street scene and its array of water sports activities.

Festivals and Events in Ontario During Summer

Summer in Ontario is also festival season, and there’s truly something for everyone! From live music and delicious food to vibrant art shows and cultural celebrations, there’s a reason to celebrate every single weekend. We couldn’t possibly fit all the amazing events happening across the province into one newsletter! For a full list of festivals and special events happening this summer, head over to our website and explore what’s going on near you.

Ontario in the summer is a perfect opportuntity to explore new places and enjoy hot summer days at the many beautiful white sand beaches. Whether you’re ziping above Niagara Falls, chasing sunsets over a lake or sipping wine in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the province offers endless ways to soak up the season.

Natalie