Are you looking to make your first trip across the border to visit Canada? Perhaps you’re looking at visiting the Providence of Ontario but not sure what to do? Well, we have you covered. Below are eight different potential places to visit and activities to do during your potential trip to The Loyalist Province.
Niagara Falls
The premier place to visit on any trip to Ontario is one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, Niagara Falls. The three waterfalls separate New York and Ontario with the ability to view the falls from both the United States and Canada. That being said, the Canadian side of the falls provides tremendous views to take in the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and the surrounding area.
But there’s much more to Niagara Falls in Ontario than just the trio of waterfalls. There’s the Skylon Tower which gives you a revolving view of the falls and surroundings while enjoying a meal from over 200 meters above. There is also the Waves Indoor Waterpark, the Niagara Skywheel, Casino Niagara, Fallsview Casino Resort, and Niagra Speedway, a multi-level go-cart track amongst other various attractions just minutes and within walking distance from the falls.
Take in Toronto and the surrounding areas from the CN Tower
Once you take in Niagara Falls, you can make the 1h 30m drive to Toronto. There’s plenty to do in Toronto but one of the can’t-miss attractions is to visit the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure on land in the Western Hemisphere. Take the elevator to the top and enjoy 365 views of Toronto from at over 300 meters above the ground or approximately 1,150 feet. Built-in 1975, it was the tallest free-standing structure in the world until 2007 when the Burj Khalifa surpassed the tower.
Visit Casa Loma
How about making a visit to Casa Lom, a mansion built in the early 20th century in the style of a Gothic castle. After being completed in 1914, the mansion was made into a museum in 1937 which tourists have visited ever since. It’s been used in famous movies such as X-Men, Chicago, Scott Pilgrim vs the World, and The Pacifier among other famous movies and tv shows.
At the time of building, the house cost $3.5 million which would equate to over $86 million CAD today. There are over 98 rooms in the castle which is three floors tall not counting the basement. There are also stables housing various vintage objects including cars that visitors can visit via an underground tunnel.
Make a trip to St. Lawrence Market
Fancy some shopping perhaps? Take a trip to the St. Lawrence Market, one of the oldest markets in the world, first being built in 1814 but dating back as far as 1803. While the Market has gone through many variations in it’s over 200-year history, it still stands in downtown Toronto not far from the CN Tower. It’s open throughout the year on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
If you’re an ice hockey fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto is a must. While it may seem a bit odd that the home of hockey’s immortals is attached to an office building, it still features the original building of the hall of fame that dates back to 1943. Take a trip through the history of hockey and the NHL, take a picture with the Stanley Cup and more.
A wide variety of sporting events to choose from…
If you’re a sports fan in general, Toronto is a great place to be no matter the time of the year with over 10 professional sports teams calling the city home. The major teams of course are the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Toronto Raptors (NBA), and Toronto FC (MLS). But there’s also the Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), and the Toronto Six (NWHL) among others.
The Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena which combined house the Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays are separated by just a mere 10-minute walk. While BMO field which the Argonauts and Toronto FC call home is just 20 minutes from downtown Toronto. BMO Field will notably be hosting a World Cup game as part of the 2026 World Cup which is being hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Visit one of Ontario’s many wineries and breweries
Perhaps you’re a fan of adult beverages, which is great news as Ontario is home to many award-winning wineries and breweries. In Ontario alone, there are three different wine regions with the Niagara Peninsula being the biggest and most well-known. Wineries also exist on the north shore of Lake Erie and in Prince Edward County as well as throughout the providence.
No matter your taste or preferences, you’re nearly guaranteed to find a winery in Ontario that fits your pallet. When it comes to breweries, much like wineries there are plenty to pick from with many outside both Niagara Falls and Toronto. According to the Canadian Craft Brewers Association, there are over 260 brewers in operation in Ontario with over 50 more being planned.
Visit Ontario’s various casinos
Finally, you can visit one of the 25 different casinos in the providence with many surrounding Niagara Falls and Toronto. That being said, you don’t have to visit casinos in Canada to bet on sports, you can place bets on one of Ontario’s many sports betting sportsbooks.
