Ontario is bursting at the seams with great things to do every summer and this year is no different. With over 27.5 million visitors to Toronto alone, it seems the secret is out.
Whether you’re an Ontarian or planning to visit Ontario, don’t let the summer go by in a Purple Haze. Find out some of the best things to do in Ontario from an action-packed day out in nature to an exclusive dance party amongst Ontario’s history.
Island Queen Afternoon Cruise
Discover Georgian Bay’s famous 30,000 islands where there’s an adventure at every turn. On the Island Queen three-hour afternoon cruise, you’ll follow the path of early explorers and get up close to the rugged shoreline of the Bay’s remote outer islands and Parry Island. Passengers will enjoy meandering through narrow channels and provincial parks in an eco-system so special that it has been crowned with World Biosphere Reserve status.
Sunset Cruise Intimate Muskoka Cruise
Cruise the inside lakes of Muskoka during a stunning sunset aboard Peerless II. The “Muskoka Experience” always includes a cruise on the big 3 Muskoka Lakes, with their rugged & beautiful Canadian Shield vistas & gorgeous cottages.
Niagara Falls
If you live in Ontario, this might be an obvious choice but Niagara Falls still makes the grade as one of the best summer activities in the province. Plus, there’s always something new to discover on your visit.
Whether it’s getting close enough to feel the spray on a daring boat ride, learning about its long history at the Power Station, or embracing the fun of the city at one of the many attractions, Niagara Falls has something for everyone.
Treetop Trekking
Summers in Ontario are all about surrounding yourself in nature and Treetop Trekking is one of the most fun ways to embrace the outdoors. You’ll get to climb like a monkey, swing like Tarzan, and feel the rush as you fly through the forest canopy on ziplines. The best part is, you can find parks all over Ontario, including a new one at 1000 Islands.
Each park has something unique to offer but some of the adventures you’ll find include:
- Treewalk village
- Zipline courses
- Aerial game treks
- Kids courses
- Night treks
Hit Up A Music Festival
Festivals have come a long way since Jimi Hendrix’s day and Ontario has some of the best. The hardest part is figuring out which one to choose. If you’re in to jazz, check out the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, African music lovers should schedule in Afrofest ASAP, and those who like to be the first to discover what’s new should take a look at NXNE.
That’s really just a taste of what’s on during summers in Ontario. Here are some other highlights to keep an eye on:
- TD Salsa in Toronto Festival
- VELD Music Festival
- OVO Fest
- Escapade Music Festival
- RBC Bluesfest
- Sound of Music Festival
- Mariposa Folk Festival
Blue Mountain
Once it starts to warm up, a visit to Blue Mountain is on the agenda. As Ontario experiences go, this might be one you usually reserve for winter weather but Blue Mountain has a whole lot of fun summer things to do. Plus, you’re more likely to nab a great deal and find fewer guests to contend with.
First off, did you know that Blue Mountain has a beach? This exclusive coastal escape is only available to overnight guests at the resort and sits on the southern shores of Lake Huron. When you’ve had enough sunbaking, here are some of the summer activities available to plan on your trip:
- Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
- Canopy Climb Net Adventure
- Open Air Gondola
- Cascade Putting
- Chutes and Lumber Ball Run
- The Rock Climbing Wall
- Explore Park Hiking Trails
- Mill Pond Activity Centre
- Plunge! Aquatic Centre
- Wind Rider Triple Zips
Go For a Run
The Ontario summer schedule is packed full of runs for all kinds of runners. Whether you’re just starting out or in it for the long run, there’s a run out in Ontario perfect for you. With a race on almost every weekend, it might be tough to nail down which you should sign up for but here are some of the highlights:
- Pride and Remembrance Run
- Canada Day 5k
- Toronto Beaches Jazz Run
- Toronto Island Run
- Yorkville Run
Work Those Tastebuds
If you’re more a fan of eating your carbs than shedding them, these Ontario activities should get your mouth watering. Start with something everyone can appreciate at the T.O. Food & Drink Fest. Three days of food, drink, and culinary demos plus lots of shopping and live music to keep you entertained.
Ribfest should have meat lovers sprinting while the Toronto Vegandale Food and Drink Festival has the tree huggers covered. Have a little bit of this and a little bit of that at the Toronto Food Truck Festival or just indulge at some of Ontario’s best restaurants for a fraction of the cost at Summerlicious. There really are too many to mention so make sure to check out what food festivals are happening in your city or why not customize your culinary day out with a food tour?
Explore a Museum (or Two)
With constantly changing exhibits that cater to young and old alike, Ontario’s museums are one of the best things to do in Ontario. The Royal Ontario Museum always has something interesting to see but during the summer they often host special events, like Friday night dance parties, kids’ summer club, and special talks. And yes, dancing next to dinosaur bones is as fun as it sounds.
Art Gallery Ontario is another one to schedule in the calendar. Along with its enlightening exhibits, in the summer you’ll find special youth events and workshops, performances, and free entry for ages 25 and under.
The best museums aren’t all found in Toronto so if you’re looking for summer things to do, here are some other museums to check out:
- National Gallery of Canada
- Canadian War Museum
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum
- Fort Henry National Historic Site
- Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum
- ROM
Go Caving, Walk the Suspension Bridge
Find yourself in nature by experiencing unique summer adventures at Scenic Caves. Situated within one of Canada’s eighteen UNESCO biosphere reserves and dating back 450 million years, this location is steeped rich in history and heritage. Explore new heights from the longest Suspension Bridge in Southern Ontario, or take in the Hiking Trail Centre offering 15 kilometers of trails meandering through 370 unspoiled acres of natural beauty. Experience the unique views of the 200 year old forest, with well-marked trails offering gentle rolling slopes to steep climbs, and expansive, world class views! If you’re looking to cool off on a hot sunny summer day, head for to Scenic Caves and ask for “The Refrigerator”, tell them we went you and enjoy!
Find More Things To Do In Ontario
These Ontario experiences are just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re keen to make the most of the summer, you can find more great things to do in Ontario at ToDo Ontario. Let us help with the planning and book a getaway package with us where you can have your accommodation, meals, and activities all taken care of.
