Blog

7+ Things to Do on the Water In Ontario

ToDoOntario - Ontario Across the Water, activities

Ontario. Believe it or not, this province has a lot to offer when it comes to water activities. Part of the reason why is that Ontario has over 250,000 lakes in the province.

If you are not from Ontario, you may think it is just a province with a few big cold cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Kingston that happen to be near the water.

However, there is a lot more that Ontario can offer when it comes to things to do in the summer. Here are seven of the best things to do in the water.

1. Rent a Fishing Boat or Book a Fishing Vacation

ToDoOntario, Bayview Wildwood fishing

For those of you that like to fish, you have the option of renting a boat and seeing what you can catch for the day. If you find the right marina such as Friday Harbour, you could find yourself having flexible options for boat rentals.

As far as time goes, you have the option of renting a boat for two hours if you are just looking to go out for the afternoon. You can also rent a boat for a half day or a full day if you want to take longer journeys out to sea.

Some of the fish that you may find out there include but are not limited to walleye, largemouth bass, several different types of trout, and more. For people that are passionate about fishing, this could be the perfect day trip for you.

Ontario is also home to a multitude of top notch fishing resorts. Let your host take care of the supplies and equipment while you enjoy a relaxing vacation that includes fishing Ontario fresh waters. 

Click For Fishing Vacation Packages

2. Take Sailing Lessons

ToDoOntario - Friday Harbour Resort, sail boat

You may be someone that likes the water. If you know this about yourself, you may want to take this a step further and get more comfortable out at sea.

To do this, you may be interested in learning how to sail. Luckily for you, the marina mentioned above, Friday Harbour, also has a sailing school that gives you the opportunity to get certified. Here, you will have a team of instructors that can guide you every step of the way.

If you pass the certification test by the end of the summer, you may find yourself sailing your own boat the next season.

Click To Learn More

3. Take a Sunset Cruise

ToDoOntario, Sunset Cruises Muskoka

Are you planning an Ontario vacation with a significant other? Are you trying to get a special group of friends or family members back together?

Regardless of which group you find yourself in, a sunset cruise can be a great activity for everybody.

For couples, it can be the place to add a little romance to a vacation. For friends and family, it can be an activity that is good for all ages and interests.

The best part about a sunset cruise is that you can see the area that you have been walking and driving around all day from a totally different perspective. This sunset cruise from Lake Muskoka could be perfect for your needs.

Click for Sunset Cruises Schedule

4. Take an Island Cruise

ToDoOntario, Island Queen Cruise Parry Sound

Ontario has an abundance of islands.  If you take a cruise on the Island Queen when visiting Ontario, you can discover even more of what the province has to offer.

One option that you have is to take a morning cruise around the Georgian Bay area. Island Queen offers two or three hour cruises to choose from.

They also have options where you can take day cruises to specific islands. One of the main islands they go to is called Huckleberry Island.

Here, passengers are offered a guided hike around the island and a chance to swim in the water by the sand. It can be a great nature escape for those trying to see a different part of Ontario.

Click For Island Queen Cruise Experiences

5. Go Canoeing or Kayaking

ToDoOntario - Algonquin Park Adventures with Voyageur Quest canoe trip

What if you want to take your own small boat out on the water? Well, in places like Algonquin Park or Orillia & Lake Country, there is plenty of accessible water to take a canoe or kayak out on. Algonquin Park Voyageur Quest is a special place for Algonquin Park getaways. You can even rent an entire island and cabin for your family and friends. You can choose from canoe adventures to kayak adventures.

Whether you want to kneel in a bigger area on a canoe or have a tight seated area on a kayak, you are bound to have enough open water to take either of these two out far during a summer vacation.


6. Chase Waterfalls

ToDoOntario - Blue Mountain & Collingwood Adventure Tours, Waterfalls & Wine Tour

For those that want to visit a more famous part of Ontario, one of the best Ontario water activities you can do is to go chase waterfalls.

Niagara Falls is obviously the most famous one in the region. It is also one of the most famous waterfalls in the world.

You can take a cruise out on the water to get upfront access to this waterfall. Also, you can go on a tour to discover even more waterfalls in the area such as Albion Falls and Tiffany Falls.

If you want to explore waterfalls a little further away, Haliburton Highlands has enough to fill a while week’s vacation. The Minden Whitewater Preserve is a 100 acre park with trails adjacent to a some of Canada’s best whitewater rapids for park’n play kayaking and canoeing. This is just one of many stunning and magical waterfalls in that region.


7. Go Swimming

ToDoOntario - Sunbeam Bungalows, summer beach

Perhaps the simplest option of the ones available here is to go swimming. The good thing about being around thousands of lakes is that you do not have to worry about big waves in these waters.

You can go out in a calm environment and just go for a swim in the water somewhere such as Lake Ontario. This is perfect for those that want to swim for exercise in favorable conditions and for those that just to relax in the water with their family and friends sitting in the sand.

Just remember that when you go swimming, you need to do it safely. That means sticking to designated areas for swimming and preferably only going in the water when there is a lifeguard on duty. If one is not available, then try to avoid swimming alone and do not go in the water at night.

Click For Ontario's Best Beach Resorts Click For Ontario's Best Public Beaches

Discover More Things to Do in the Water

These are just seven things to do in the water in Ontario. Luckily, because there are hundreds of thousands of lakes in this province, you have a lot of easy access to all of these activities.

Whether you want to catch some fish, take a cruise, chase some waterfalls, or just have a relaxing swim, Ontario has it all for you.

Here are bonus water activity ideas!

Coca-Cola Mill Pond Activity Centre 

ToDoOntario - Blue Mountain Village, water trike

The Blue Mountain Village Mill Pond has gotten a makeover care of Coca-Cola. Stop in and explore the new look Coca-Cola Mill Pond Activity Centre and take an aqua tour by Water Trike. These massive bicycles will have you pedaling your way across the pond in no time. Prefer to keep it mellow? Blue Mountain Village’s tried and true paddle boats are available for a more leisurely experience.

Click For Coca Cola Mill Pond Info

Waterside Patio Dining

Summer meals are meant to be eaten on a patio, for sure! Ontario is home to a number of waterside patios that offer stunning views and cool breezes from Toronto all the way to cottage country. Here is a list you should check out. 

Algonquin Park Waterside Patios

The Broken Paddle Patio

GTA & Barrie Waterside Patios

Friday Harbour Resort

Georgian Bay & Muskoka Waterside Patios

Bayview Wildwood Resort
Christie’s Mill Inn & Spa
Deerhurst Resort
JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka
Midland Food Tours
Rawley Resort
Sherwood Inn
The Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain

Ottawa Waterside Patios

Fairmont Château Laurier

The Blue Mountains & Collingwood Waterside Patios

Blue Mountain Village

Toronto Waterside Patios

Boxcar Social Harbourfront
Pie Bar
The Slip
Toronto Beach Club

Do you want to know more things to do in the summer? Click here to read more about some of the areas discussed in our article.

ToDoOntario7+ Things to Do on the Water In Ontario