Photo: Lake Rosseau, Muskoka, by Bryan Dearsley / LuxuryOntario
Updated July 1, 2024. Commissions may be earned from Riley’s affiliate partner links
Ontario is undeniably a melting pot of history, culture, natural beauty, and modernity. Add to this the fact it’s Canada’s most populated province and it’s no wonder that Ontario has become a top destination for travellers from around the world.
From the roaring magnificence of Niagara Falls, the country’s #1 tourist attraction, to the bustling metropolis of Toronto, Ontario boasts a myriad of destinations that promise memories that last a lifetime. A mosaic of picturesque lakes, sprawling forests, world-class hotels and resorts, and culinary delights, this beautiful province is more than just a destination: it’s an experience.
Whether you’re drawn to the serenity of Algonquin Provincial Park‘s expansive wilderness or the lively streets of the nation’s capital of Ottawa, here are a few of the best places to visit in Ontario, whatever your interests.
The Best Places to Visit in Ontario
Toronto: Big City Experiences
As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is a bustling metropolis with an eclectic mix of cultures. The iconic CN Tower, the historic Distillery District, and the bustling St. Lawrence Market are just a few of this world-class city’s many attractions. Don’t miss out on the Royal Ontario Museum and vibrant Kensington Market. For a green escape in the city, the park-like Toronto Island Park offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful views of the city skyline.
Whether you’re here for a day or a few days, consider purchasing a Toronto CityPASS. Useful for tourists and locals alike, these convenient passes grant access to five of Toronto’s top attractions at a significantly discounted rate, including the CN Tower, the ROM, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Casa Loma, and either the Toronto Zoo or the Ontario Science Centre, depending on the season. Cost-effective and flexible, I’m relatively local to Toronto and use these whenever visitors are in town and want to do some sightseeing.
Looking to do some luxury shopping? Head to Toronto’s ritzy Yorkville neighbourhood. Here you’ll find leading luxury brands like Versace and Hermés, as well as some of the classiest dining in the city in places like Café Boulud at the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, one of the best luxury hotels in Yorkville
Toronto Ideas & Inspiration
Visit LuxuryToronto to learn more before you visit Canada’s biggest city. And be sure to check out these great stories for even more ideas and inspiration:
Play:
The Best Luxe Hotels with Cool Cocktail Bars in Toronto
Dining in Style: The Best Restaurants in Yorkville
Stay:
Where Celebs Stay: The Top Luxury Hotels in Toronto
Canada’s Wow Factor @ The Best 5-Star Hotels in Toronto
Unique & Chic: The Best Boutique Hotels in Toronto
Enjoy a Sustainable Luxury Sojourn @ 1 Hotel Toronto
Niagara Falls: Canada’s Top Attraction
For decades Canada’s most famous tourist attraction, Niagara Falls has been a must-visit. You’ll marvel at the thundering waters from various viewpoints, or better still, take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist to get up close and personal to the world’s most magnificent waterfalls.
Nearby, the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) offers historic charm, with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and renowned summer theatre festival. NOTL is also known as one of the world’s leading grape-growing regions, too, so be sure to visit one or two of its wonderful wineries.
Niagara Falls Ideas & Inspiration
Visit LuxuryNiagaraFalls to learn more about this world wonder. Be inspired by these first-rate articles about Ontario’s stunning Niagara Region:
Play:
The Best Things To Do in Niagara Falls
Dining at the Best Niagara-on-the-Lake Winery Restaurants
The Best Restaurants in Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Top Niagara-on-the-Lake Winery Tours
Stay:
Discover the Best Unique & Boutique Hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Modest Luxury: The Best Unique & Boutique Hotels in Niagara Falls
The Best Luxury Hotels in Niagara Falls Canada
The Best Luxury Hotels in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Ottawa: The Nation’s capital
As the capital city of Canada, Ottawa is unique a blend of English and French cultures. Attractions like majestic Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and the National Gallery of Canada, are all worthwhile visiting at any time of year.
Visiting in winter? At this magical time of year, the Rideau Canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Ottawa Ideas & Inspiration
Play:
Capital Fun: The Best Things To Do in Ottawa
The Best Ottawa Museums for a Fun Day Out
Stay:
The Best Byward Market Hotels for a Luxury Ottawa Stay
Stay Central @ The Best Luxury Hotels in Downtown Ottawa
Capital Chic: The Best Luxury Ottawa Hotels for a City Break
The Best Unique & Boutique Hotels in Ottawa
Algonquin Provincial Park: Get Lost in The Wild
A paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, Algonquin is Ontario’s oldest provincial park. Here, you can hike through vast forests, canoe across its many lakes, and spot wildlife like moose, bears, and wolves. The park’s changing colours in the fall are a spectacular sight.
Algonquin Park Ideas & Inspiration
Play:
The Luxury Guide to Wilderness Camping in Algonquin Park
Go Wild! The Best Things To Do in Algonquin Park
Stay:
Enjoy Rustic Luxury @ The Best Resorts in Algonquin Park
Muskoka: Ontario’s Cottage Country
Muskoka is famous as a playground of the rich and famous. In fact, so many Hollywood celebrities, music stars, and uber-wealthy tech folks spend summers in Cottage Country that it’s been called the Malibu of the North by none other than The New York Times. As a resident of Muskoka, I can vouch for the claim as I’ve seen a few celebs up here myself, most notably Keifer Sutherland and Rolling Stones’ Ronnie Wood, both while out for a stroll along Gravenhurst’s Muskoka Wharf.
I can also vouch for the appeal that Muskoka has for visitors like Keifer, Ronnie, and others like Shania Twain and Tom Hanks. Not only is it easy to fly under the radar here, there’s no end of fun things to do, too. From boating to kayaking, hiking and cycling, as well as being handily located near Toronto, 90 minutes’ drive to the south, beautiful Muskoka has been one of the best places to visit in Ontario for well over a century, and will no doubt continue to be one of the province’s star attractions.
Muskoka Ideas & Inspiration
Be sure to visit Luxury Muskoka, our very first lifestyle site, for more ideas and inspiration about making the most of your time in Cottage Country. You’ll also want to check out these great articles, too:
Play:
Cottage Country Creativity: The Best Cultural Attractions in Muskoka
Get Rid of the Kids! Muskoka Summer Camps are Adventurous & Fun
Stay:
Cottage Country Class: The Best Luxury Hotels in Muskoka
Stratford: Ontario’s Tribute to the Bard
Known for its spectacular Shakespearean festival, Stratford is a cultural gem in Ontario. In addition to its world-class theatre productions, this charming Central Ontario town offers Victorian architecture, lovely gardens, and its very own Avon River where swans gracefully glide by.
Stratford Ideas & Inspiration
Play:
All the World’s a Stage: Luxurious Stuff To Do in Stratford
Stay:
The Top Luxury Hotels in Stratford Ontario
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Bryan Dearsley is a luxury lifestyle and travel writer. He’s also a Co-Founder of Riley, and is proud to call Ontario “home.”
