Take Advantage of 2023 Public Holidays & Explore Ontario
The following list of holidays in Ontario will help plan any Ontario holiday vacation. Travelers in and to Ontario know that long weekends in Ontario are a great time to road trip.
Knowing Ontario stat holidays or Ontario’s statutory holidays can be the centre point of planning vacation time.
This holiday is best celebrated in Ontario doing winter activities in the snow. You can break up any winter with fun ski and snowboard packages or find new activities to try.
This holiday week is the best of two seasons! You can enjoy winter activities with the remaining snow and longer days and warmer temps. This is mainly a spring break time and perfect for families and travelers with children.
Easter is a religious holiday that includes the holiday days of “Good Friday” and “Easter Monday”. Families travel and gather to spend time together, usually taking advantage of a four day weekend.
North in Ontario and Cottage Country is the perfect place and time to spend with Mom and show your appreciation. Relax together at a spa, shop, dine and spend quality time doing quality activities.
Victoria Day, also known as the May Long Weekend, is the official unofficial start to cottage season. Many seasonal businesses open this weekend and start gearing up for summer.
Here you can find activities and experiences perfect for time with Dad. We suggest golfing, beer tasting, fishing, hiking or all kinds of other new and expected things to do.
Here come the fireworks and some of the best places to see them from in Ontario. Street parties and community parties, attractions and every up north is ready to celebrate this fine country. You can take advantage of resorts and accommodations that offer Canada Day holiday getaway packages.
This long weekend in August has promotions, packages and special events meant to keep the summer fun rolling! The warm sunshine and high temps make this the perfect time for enjoying the fresh waters of thelakes and rivers.
(Canadian) Thanksgiving (statutory holiday)
October Long Weekend
Monday, October 9, 2023
This long weekend in October presents fall leaf colour changes and weekend road trips that are part of all our memories of Ontario. Many resorts and restaurants offer thanksgiving dinners, and some even offer the full thanksgiving meal for take-out.
Scary fun in corn mazes, old buildings and all kinds of other scary rural places. Ontario Attractions and other places up north offer the perfect balance of scary and cute. Families with small kids have a long list of pumpkin patches, wagon rides and other October – Halloween themed fun.
Usually Ontario has a winter wonderland backup for this picture perfect Christmas holiday time with family and friends. Travelling north in Ontario is worth it for skiing, snowshoeing, fireplaces and hot chocolates experiences that help build memories.
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day (statutory holiday)
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Overnight getaway packages without any worries and with all the fun are a perfect way to bring in the new year. For couples or families, there are events and resort packages that will leave you with only one worry – what to wear!
Laced together by the sparkling St. Lawrence River, Rideau Canal, Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario, this region serves up all the ingredients for a perfect getaway. On its shores you’ll find fascinating history, quaint villages, inspiring art, live theatre and gastronomic delights. On its waters, enjoy world class sailing and scuba diving, pristine beaches and leisurely cruises.
Inspired by the original Mohawk name ‘’Kaniatarowanenneh’ (big water), this beautiful stretch of Ontario is entirely linked by water – from Cornwall on the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario’s Kingston and on to the Bay of Quinte. In between, it’s dotted by hundreds of lakes and winds its way north along the UNESCO World Heritage designated Rideau Canal. Strap on your hiking boots and take in some fresh air, or set sail and enjoy the wind in your hair. No matter how you choose to explore it, South Eastern Ontario offers some of the best places to visit in Ontario. https://thegreatwaterway.com
1000 Islands Bridge, South Eastern Ontario, To Do Ontario
Alight at Night, Upper Canada Village South Eastern Ontario, To Do Ontario
Big Sandy Bay Wolf Island, South Eastern Ontario, To Do Ontario
Davis Lock 4 Rideau Canada, South Eastern Ontario, To Do Ontario
Kingston Farmers Market, South Eastern Ontario, To Do Ontario
Prince Edward County, South Eastern Ontario, To Do Ontario
Imagine blue skies and calm clear waters, rolling farmland and jutting rock faces, pristine forests and quaint small towns. It’s more than just a place, it’s Frontenac.
Frontenac encompasses an area of almost 4,000 square kilometres from the northern stretches of untouched crown land to the sandy southern shores of Wolfe Island. There is a sense among the people who live in Frontenac — this area is special. Special for its recreational opportunities, its highly skilled food producers, and its growing number of high-quality events. Swing by for a visit sometime, we’ll be happy to show you around.
The County of Lennox and Addington stretches from Lake Ontario to the rugged, rocky terrain of the Canadian Shield. The 2,777 square km County is 130 km long. Peppered with lakes and forests, this region is a popular recreational area for geocaching to motorcycling and stargazing.
You might know us as a midway stop on road trips between Toronto and Montreal, as a sports tournament destination, as the home of Canada’s largest air base, or as a top spot for walleye fishing. You might know us as the place you grew up in, or you might not know us at all .The Bay of Quinte region is affordable and attractive, allowing for an attainable vacation. Come for a visit to see why we love to live, work and play here.
One of Canada’s newest wine regions, “The County” is a place of inspiration, hospitality, tranquility and fun, where rural roots and creative pursuits come together to make a unique island vibe. Follow bucolic backroads to award-winning wineries, cideries and breweries. Stop in at art galleries and artists’ studios on the Arts Trail. Visit with artisanal food producers, then sample their wares on the Taste Trail. With 800 km of shoreline, one of Canada’s best beaches and a range of accommodations from camping to luxury spa suites, you can relax, rejuvenate, and experience the majestic in all seasons in beautiful Prince Edward County.
Kingston is a hub where makers, culinary enthusiasts and musicians bring a vibrant, modern culture to Canada’s first capital city. Come for Fort Henry and stay for the world-class festivals, outdoor concerts, unique shops, and charming restaurants. Enjoy a diverse mix of fine and casual dining, bars and pubs, microbreweries, and cafes. The vibrant downtown features a collection of authentic boutiques, galleries and performance venues including Canada’s oldest continuously run farmers market in North America.
1000 Islands Gananoque
Gananoque is stunning. Visitors enjoy its shops and galleries as well as taking in a show on the waterfront at the popular Thousand Islands Playhouse. You’ll hear stories and legends of triumph, tragedy, romance, shipwreck and piracy and see the lavish homes of the rich and famous aboard a 1000 Islands cruise. http://www.1000islandstourism.com/
Brockville
Brockville is an enchanting waterfront destination. Experience a sound and light show in Canada’s First Rail Tunnel. Visit the Aquatarium, enjoy live theatre or a boat cruise in the famous 1000 Islands. One of the world’s best freshwater diving destinations with many wrecks and an underwater sculpture park. http://brockvilletourism.com/
The Rideau Canal stretches from Lake Ontario in Kingston to the Ottawa River following the Cataraqui and Rideau Rivers. It is 202 kilometres long, of which about 19 kilometres is man made (locks and canal cuts), the rest are natural waters. There are 45 locks with 23 lockstations along the main route of the Rideau. The canal winds its way through historic sites, charming villages, quaint attractions and spectacular recreation areas, offering visitors a variety of world-class arts, heritage and recreation experiences.
There are countless ways to enjoy our City. Whether it’s taking in our beautiful waterfront trails, tantalizing your taste buds at one of our many great dining establishments, shopping for that unique item or going to a festival or event, Cornwall has a lot to offer. Cornwall has a rich history and a diverse culture. Our City has world-class amenities you’d expect from a big centre together with small-town charm and hospitality.
Cornwall is situated at the heart of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, an area rich in history and natural beauty. From historic sites to popular campsites and beaches and world-class attractions, there is plenty to explore in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
Food and Drink
Great artisanal foods and master chefs are peppered among the award-winning wineries of Prince Edward County. This edgy young region on the shore of Lake Ontario offers a compelling alternative to Niagara wine tours. Stop for a tasting or tour and stay for dinner. Micro breweries and cideries are emerging across our region, and the local-food movement is in full swing in South Eastern Ontario. Artisanal producers are making things by hand in small batches, showcasing the best flavours and quality ingredients this region has to offer. Purchase fresh produce, meat, and eggs directly from farms, and look for locally produced ingredients on restaurant menus.
Festivals
South Eastern Ontario is alive with four seasons of festival fun to stimulate your sense of adventure. Regattas take to the waters of Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River, and foodies will love sampling food and agricultural fairs. Celebrate Scottish heritage at the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville, and the Tall Ships Festival always delights in Brockville. The Limestone City Blues Festival headlines some of the world’s best musicians in Kingston and the Wolfe Island Music Festival showcases new and upcoming talents.
Golf
South Eastern Ontario is lucky enough to be the home of some of the best courses in all of Canada. From the Upper Canada Golf Course just outside of Morrisburg to Wellington on the Lake Golf in Prince Edward County, South Eastern Ontario has over a dozen of spectacular courses for you to play. Once you step onto the greens, you’ll see why this area has a reputation for being a premier golf destination.
Theatre
Live performance is part of South Eastern Ontario’s playbill. Prince Edward County is the place to mix a taste for fine local wines and cheeses with performances at Picton and Belleville theatres. The Picton-based Festival Players perform a full summer season of great Canadian plays at outdoor venues like the Rosehall Run Vineyards. Brockville theatre combines history and heritage with entertainment for modern audiences. Dating back to 1858, the 700 seat Brockville Arts Centre is one of the most venerable theatres in Canada. Theatre in Kingston offers four seasons of unforgettable live entertainment. Upriver in Gananoque, the Thousand Islands Playhouse brings professional summer theatre to life and is a destination in and of itself.
Cycling
The air and waters of South Eastern Ontario are clear. the summer sun is gentle, and the outdoors invite cycling from hours to days. The rolling countryside here makes cycling accessible for every skill level. Criss-crossed by well-defined routes, it’s easy to go at your own pace or keep up with one of the many organized bike tours that connect area attractions. Thousands of miles of country roads and dedicated bike trails make exploration expansive and easy. From Kingston, hit the K&P Trail and bike north to Harrowsmith — keep heading north on the K&P, or turn and take the Cataraqui Trail — both routes threads silently through nature’s best. The Waterfront Trail offers 90 km of uninterrupted cycling along a scenic route on the shore of the St. Lawrence River. Running right through the heart of colonial Cornwall and neighboring towns, Adventure Cyclist magazine calls it one of the best cycling tour routes in Canada.
Heritage and History
Morrisburg’s Upper Canada Village is a living, working, colonial town where 1860s pioneer life in Upper Canada comes alive. Make your way up river to Brockville and discover Canada’s First Railway Tunnel. Continue to Rockport and enjoy an important steamboat building, transportation and cord wood refueling centre. Brockville, Rockport and Gananoque are three perfect locations to experience a 1000 Islands cruise – one of South Eastern Ontario “Canadian Signature Experiences”. From Gananoque, head east to Kingston, Canada’s first Capital City, and tour Fort Henry and the Kingston Fortifications. Travel north up the Rideau Canal, through many lockstations and stop to tour the grounds at Jones Falls where you can talk with a Parks Canada blacksmith, tour his blacksmith shop as well as a defensible Lockmaster’s House and visit the Stone Arch Dam. In Frontenac, cycle the historic K&P Trail and visit Trousdale’s, Canada’s Oldest General Store.
Welcome to BruceGreySimcoe, always in season, and THE perfect playground just waiting for you to come play, explore and discover!
To Do Ontario, Apple Harvest Festival at Blue Mountain Village
To Do Ontario, Canada Day at Blue Mountain Village
To Do Ontario, cycling in BruceGreySimcoe
To Do Ontario, fall hiking in BruceGreySimcoe
To Do Ontario, sunset at Sauble Beach in BruceGreySimcoe
To Do Ontario, Horseshoe Resort Urban Slide in BruceGreySimcoe
To Do Ontario, Downhill Skiing in BruceGreySimcoe
To Do Ontario, boating in BruceGreySimcoe
To Do Ontario, Rounds Ranch in BruceGreySimcoe
Naturally beautiful attractions, welcoming communities and a pile of fun things to see and do make this a must-see destination and well worth a multi-night stay. With Lake Huron, the Bruce Peninsula, Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe and the Niagara Escarpment all within our borders, this region blends stunning scenery with amenities galore.
If you love being outside, this is the place for you with fun outdoor adventures – from beaches, water sports, hiking, cycling, golf and more in the warm weather months to downhill skiing and boarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tubing, fat biking and more in the chilly season. BruceGreySimcoe is a mecca for naturalists, with two major hiking trails running through it, the Bruce Trail and the minimum-impact Ganaraska. It’s home to four downhill ski resorts, all family-oriented, with lessons, rentals and packages available.
You can find the world’s two largest freshwater beaches here – Wasaga Beach on Georgian Bay and Sauble Beach on Lake Huron. Bustling and lively beach towns plus sandy shoreline combine to create the ultimate beachy getaways. For those who prefer a lower-key beach atmosphere, our lakes and bays are lined with quieter, out-of-the way beaches, just right for a breather. Stroll waterfront boardwalks, promenades and indulge in annual summer traditions – beach fries and ice cream cones. Into freshwater surfing? Try Kincardine’s Station Beach.
Prefer the indoors and less physical exertion? Tour by car and discover hidden treasures along back roads and in small communities. Tour tiny Cargill by train (Wednesday to Sunday, summer only), pick up something sweet and tasty at a local general store or farmers’ market. Discover funky and quirky restaurants, cafes and pubs, eclectic shops, art galleries, studios and museums along the way. Pick up the Saints and Sinners Map to explore BruceGreySimcoe’s wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries or book a tour with a local operator to sample local spirits iving. Download the Apple Pie Trail app to find apple-related attractions, shops, treats and adventures.
No matter how you cycle – road, mountain bike or cruiser – there’s a cycling route or trail for you. The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, with signs marking the route, travels our shorelines from one end of Bruce through Grey and into Collingwood in Simcoe County. Cycle Simcoe has created a handy pocket map of its themed road cycling routes – something for all ages and skill levels.
If live entertainment is your thing, there’s a variety! From small intimate theatre settings to outdoor venues to Casino Rama with its headliners, the choice is yours. During the summer, attend the Mariposa Folk Festival, Summerfolk, Kempenfest and Boots and Hearts with performers ranging from local to world renowned.
nwind and refresh at one of our spas – the popular Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain, iwa Spa, Living Shore Spa and the Balance in Life Spa at Casino Rama offer a welcome respite from day-to-day busy-ness. Stretch out your visit with a few days at a resort. For over a century, Fern Resort, “Ontario’s all-inclusive resort”, has been welcoming guests. It offers a variety of packages as does Bayview Wildwood, Blue Mountain and Cobble Beach.
The fun never stops at Blue Mountain Village, with outdoor concerts, fireworks and festivals happening all year long. Other festivals include Port Elgin’s Pumpkinfest, Blumination, First Light, Rainbow Ski Weekend, Wiarton Willie, Salsa at Blue, the Huron Fringe Birding Festival and many other community events to join in with friends and family.
Family fun continues with attractions and activities at Horseshoe Resort, Rounds Ranch, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, Wasaga Adventure Park, Discovery Harbour, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and Ascent Aerial, to name just a few.
Indoors or out, good times equal good memories of time spent together in BruceGreySimcoe with family, friends and that special someone.
Whatever the season, come visit us…in BruceGreySimcoe!
An abundance of lakes, rivers, bays and waterfalls is one of the most compelling features of this fair province. Consequently, Ontario tourists spend as much time having fun on the water as they do on land. Do you yen for yoga on a SUP? We’ve got a lake for that. Want to race on ice skates down a riverway? We’ve got just the place for you. Or, maybe you’d like to take a boat ride under one of the most majestic waterfalls in the world? Yep, Ontario’s got that too.
Here are some of our top favourite Ontario fresh-water destinations:
Georgian Bay
With its 30,000 islands and over 2000 km of shoreline, Georgian Bay offers visitors four seasons of fun. Awenda – Ontario’s second-largest provincial park – is a beautiful spot for both summer swimming and winter hiking. If you’re looking for something a little more remote, Christian Beach on Beausoleil Island is accessible by boat only and is known for its rugged beauty. Many a visitor has compared Wasaga Beach to Florida, with its long, sandy beaches and colourful boardwalk full of shops selling ice cream, t-shirts and other touristy gear. Or, if it’s bass or lake trout you’re after, the fishing off the coast of Parry Sound is reportedly some of the best to be had in the province. These are but a few of the many destination options Georgian Bay has to offer; for a full list of Georgian Bay beaches, visit (link).
One of the highlights of visiting Ottawa in winter is skating on the Rideau Canal. The natural, frozen skateway is 7.8 km, making it the world’s largest skating rink. Skating season on the canal runs January to mid-March, but it’s most active in February during Winterlude, a 3-week winter festival featuring ice sculptures, entertainers and other fun outdoor winter activities. In summer, the Rideau Canal is popular with canoers and kayakers, and camping is permitted at most lock stations. There is plenty of small-town Ontario charm to be had along the Rideau; Merrickville, Perth and Smith’s Falls are just a few of the sweet little towns you can explore while travelling the canal.
Are you an adventurer seeking a little adrenaline boost? If so, we highly recommend white water rafting on the Ottawa River. The tumultuous rapids of the Ottawa River offer a watery roller coaster thrill ride, with several companies leading rafting tours. Or, if the idea of white water rafting makes you feel a little green around the gills, you could opt for a more serene boat cruise. Cruise packages vary and can include tours of the Rideau Canal, double-decker bus tours of Ottawa or tasting tours through the Byward Market. If your Ottawa visit extends over Canada Day, try and book an evening cruise and take in the fireworks show from the river – it’s spectacular!
Big Bob, Glamour, Elephant, Kashagawigamog, Hurricane, Fish Tail: these are just a few unique names of some of the 600 lakes you’ll find in the Haliburton Highlands. The Haliburton Highlands, nestled high up in the Canadian Shield, is breathtakingly beautiful. Cottaging in the Highlands tends to be affordable, making it a stiff competitor for the more upscale Muskokas. Whether you’re looking to log in time on your SUP, crave a serene paddle on gentle waters, or feel like zipping around on a personal motorized watercraft, there’s a lake for you in the Haliburton Highlands.
There is truly nothing quite like the majesty of Niagara Falls. Formed by ancient glaciers 10,000 years ago, the Falls boasts a vertical drop of more than 50 metres, with more than 168,000 m3 of water falling over its crest every minute. The roar and spectacle of the Falls have drawn tourists for decades. Nearby Clifton Hill boasts umpteen attractions, where you can visit wax celebrities at Madame Tussaud’s, have a terrifyingly terrific time at Frankenstein’s Haunted House or ride a giant Ferris wheel overlooking the Falls. If you’re staying overnight, be sure to ask for a hotel room that faces the water; at night, the Falls is lit up in a show of rotating colourful lights. And, of course, there is the legendary Maid of the Mist boat tour, where you can take in epic views from the bottom of the Falls.
Ah, Ontario’s summer playland. From May to September, city dwellers make haste to the Muskoka region, known for its dozens of lakes, rocky shores and windswept pines. Swimming, canoeing, sailing, fishing, power boating…whatever your fancy, any kind of fresh-water recreation can be found in the Muskokas. A word to the wise: if you’re thinking of renting a cottage in the Muskokas during summer, book early! Summer rental dates – and in particular, summer weekends – are reserved quickly.
The Trent-Severn Waterway represents more than 400 km of canal, stretching between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. The canal is dotted by a system of 45 locks that control water levels, allowing boats to navigate through hilly terrain. The Trent-Severn Waterway is popular with paddlers of all kinds. The annual “Lock and Paddle” festival celebration is quite a spectacle as hundreds of canoes and kayaks congregate, filling the hydraulic lift at the Peterborough lock station. Houseboats are another common sight on the Trent-Severn, and make a fun alternative to renting a cottage in summertime. Along the waterway, you’ll find plenty of small, charming towns to explore. Even if you never dip a toe in the water, it’s fun to watch the feat of engineering that is the opening and closing of locks.
There are, of course, many more notable fresh-water destinations throughout the province. With over 250,000 lakes scattered throughout Ontario, you won’t have to wander too far to find fun on the water.
Are you hitting the Ontario highways for a road-trip adventure?
Awesome!
But before you go, make sure you have these few first aid and safety items tucked away in your trunk. Whether the mosquitos are murder in Muskoka, or your wheels get a flat on the way to Wawa – you’ll need a few items to deal with any trouble you encounter on the road.
For treating scrapes, cuts and owies of all kinds, you’ll minimally need bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves and hand sanitizer. And if your road-trip takes you to blackfly and mosquito territory, you’ll be very thankful if you remember insect repellent and After-Bite.
Towels aren’t just necessary items for intergalactic travellers (fans of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will understand). A big, absorbent towel can clean up messes, dry you off, keep you warm or even shield your head from the sun. And, of course, you can use it to ward off the noxious fumes of the Ravenous Buglatter Beast of Traal (what can I say, I’m a Douglas Adams fan!).
If your vehicle conks out while you’re on the road, you might find a flashlight, flares or light sticks, cable ties and a utility knife handy as you wait for CAA to come to the rescue (you do have CAA, right?). Sometimes safety kits will even come with a “Call Police” banner you can use to alert other drivers if you’re in a real pickle.
Ontario weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, so your safety kit should include things like a rain poncho, a foil/mylar blanket, heat packs and hand warmers.
Example of Purchased Kit Contents
A few other random items you might need are waterproof matches or lighter, duct tape (it fixes everything!), a kneeling pad for when you’re changing a tire or tending to a sick person, liquid lock de-icer, extra batteries for your flashlight, and a good old pen and pad of paper.
If this seems like too many things to remember, don’t worry – you can buy complete car emergency kits at stores like Canadian Tire or First For Safety.
