You will want to reconsider Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, after visiting the unusual locations we presented below; starting from lovely beaches to island formations.
The province of Ontario is full of pleasant surprises. There are intriguing finds to be made from Windsor to Thunder Bay that will cause you to reevaluate what you already know about the province.
Some of these unusual locations make it difficult to believe Ontario even has them.
These unusual locations in Ontario, from a chain of islands featuring inexplicably disappearing highways to palm tree-lined beachfront on Caribbean-blue waters, are begging to be discovered.
From the extreme north to the far south of the province, Ontario is home to a variety of unusual locations. For those looking for destinations that are out of the ordinary, we have listed some of the most unique and easiest-to-get Ontario attractions.
Fathom Five National Marine Park Featuring Shipwrecks and Flowerpots
Few places in Ontario allow you to spend the morning hiking amid some of Canada’s most unusual rock formations and afternoon diving or snorkeling among shipwrecks. But at Fathom Five National Marine Park close to the hamlet of Tobermory at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, you may experience these distinctive Ontario sights as well as more.
There are 22 well-preserved shipwrecks in Fathom Five. It is now one of the top locations for freshwater diving in the world thanks to these wrecks.
Some shipwrecks are located right off the coast in shallow, clear water, making them accessible to snorkelers. A Fathom Five glass-bottom boat trip is another option for viewing the wrecks without getting wet.
Flowerpot Island can be found if you delve farther into the park. Two enormous “flowerpot” rock pillars that stand above the rocky shoreline can be found on this extraordinary island. One of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks is this group of pillars.
A number of hiking routes and shallow seas for swimming in Georgian Bay are also found on Flowerpot Island.
Activities in the Area of Fathom Five National Marine Park
In addition to being one of the most distinctive locations in Ontario, Fathom Five National Marine Park is bordered by some of the best tourist destinations there.
Visitors at Fathom Five, which is situated at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, can swim at the Grotto in the park’s morning hours before taking the Chi Cheemaun Ferry to Manitoulin Island for a sunset dinner cruise. All this, during the same visit to Fathom Five Marine Park.
Make a long weekend out of your Fathom Five trip by eating at one of the town’s renowned waterfront destinations, the Tobermory Brewing Company.
Take the Agawa Canyon Railroad Ride
The gorgeous Agawa Canyon, which is 175 meters deep and located close to Sault Ste. Marie, is one of Ontario’s most unusual locations. Visitors can partake in a full-day rail trip in Agawa Canyon. The Agawa Canyon train journey leaves from Sault Ste. Marie and spreads through northern Ontario’s breath-taking beauty.
You will travel through rainbow-misted waterfalls and be encircled by magnificent granite towers as you chug through breathtaking scenery.
The Agawa Canyon railway excursion travels over the picturesque valley floor before stopping for a 90-minute hike and canyon floor exploration. For an Instagram-worthy sight from high up Agawa Canyon, hikers can ascend the 372 stairs and walking route along the Lookout Trail.
Activities Near Agawa Canyon
Investigate a few of the other fantastic things to do close to Agawa Canyon while you are there. The City of Sault Ste. Marie is one of Ontario’s most distinctive tourist destinations. This frequently ignored city offers a wide variety of activities and top-notch dining.
The area, known as “The Soo”, is home to some of Canada’s most significant Indigenous history and has an amazing cuisine culture.
Enjoy Whitefish Island’s lovely paths and the famous Sault Ste. Marie Canal famous Site. The Canadian Bushplane Museum is a great place to learn about some of Canada’s amazing aviation heritage.
Discover Two Castles on the Thousand Islands
Okay, we will admit it—this one might be a little misleading. The two Thousand Island castles are actually located in New York State, even though the Thousand Island cruises depart from Gananoque in Ontario.
In order to independently explore them, you will need a passport. However, this is not necessary if you do one of the Thousand Islands boat cruises.
On the St. Lawrence River, Boldt Castle and Singer Castle are magnificent examples of architecture. One of Canada’s most beautiful homes is Boldt Castle, whose building was stopped after the owner’s wife passed away.
While Singer Castle is still privately owned and on occasion serves as a luxurious retreat for the famous and wealthy, it also has fun secret passages and Easter eggs.
Activities in the Ontario Thousand Islands Area
One of Ontario’s most beautiful sites is the Thousand Islands. There are plenty of activities in the region. Explore Thousand Islands National Park in your free time. Their red Muskoka chairs offer some famous vistas for you to enjoy.
Take a short drive to Kingston, Ontario, the original capital of Canada, and sample some of the incredible culinary marvels produced in this ancient settlement. Visit the well-known Fort Henry while you are there to learn how crucial the military has been to the development of the St. Lawrence River route.
Alternately, continue traveling north to Brockville, Ontario, where you can visit the world’s best maritime museum and Canada’s first rail tunnel.
Experience the Long Sault Parkway
One of Ontario’s most breathtaking drives may be found on the Long Sault Parkway, which is midway between Kingston and Montreal, Quebec
. This expansive group of 11 islands was formerly a collection of hilltop settlements. In 1958, the area was submerged to build the International Seaway and Power Dam project.
Currently, the ruins of the settlements are joined by causeways and bridges to form a collection of lush jewel-like structures that extend into the St. Lawrence River from the town of Long Sault.
Road trippers and bikers may explore one of the most distinctive stuff to do in Ontario when savoring beaches, camping, and much more on this road trip that follows the Long Sault Parkway. Even the ruins of the previous settlements that once occupied the Long Sault summits are accessible for exploration.
Activities Near the Long Sault Parkway
The region around Long Sault Parkway is full of breathtaking waterfronts and a rich history of Ontario. Do not forget to drive the brief distance to Upper Canada Village. This leisure area features a delightful variety of locals dressed in historical garb and covers some of Ontario’s early history.
Make sure to watch the fireworks show if you are given the opportunity to stop by Long Sault on Canada Day. One of the best displays of fireworks outside of Toronto and Ottawa is this one. A seat is always easy to come by.
Visit North Beach Provincial Park to Live Through a Caribbean Flavor
Imagine a narrow strip of land surrounded by white sand dunes sandwiched between two stunning bodies of water. Warm, fresh water on one side and teal-blue water that is as vivid as a Jamaican beach on the other.
No, the Caribbean is actually elsewhere. This is Ontario’s Prince Edward County’s North Beach Provincial Park. North Beach is not only regarded as one of Ontario’s nicest beaches, but it is also essentially unknown outside of “The County” residents.
Most beachgoers who visit Prince Edward County immediately head to Sandbanks Provincial Park since it is so well-liked. However, that frees up the magnificent North Beach, a little closer to the southwest, for capture. For those who did not bring their own meals, the park has a concession stand and restroom facilities.
Activities in the Area of North Beach Provincial Park
When you are not relaxing on the beach, Prince Edward County offers a ton of activities. Take a wine tour in Prince Edward County to sample some of the local flavors. Or stroll the perimeter of Lake on the Mountain.
This strange location is as lovely as it is uncommon. In Ontario, Prince Edward County is a fantastic location for a romantic trip. Visit a local spa to get some unwinding, or go antique shopping in little towns like Bloomfield.
Point Pelee National Park, Canada’s Southernmost Point
Many nations around the world have historically regarded Canada as being somewhat “far north”. However, Ontarians are aware of how far south this province dips as well.
How much southward does Ontario extend? The southernmost point of Canada is located in Point Pelee National Park on a broad sandbar at the bottom of the province of Ontario. Point Pelee’s dip is so deep that it roughly aligns with northern California and towns in Europe like Barcelona.
Point Pelee National Park in Leamington, Ontario, includes sub-tropical plant species that are totally distinct from the rest of Canada due to the combination of the warm air from Lake Erie and the park.
The largest migration of monarch butterflies and birds may be found around Point Pelee. For outdoor enthusiasts, a trip to this location in the spring is a need. And there is more to discover in the park than just that.
Check out the lovely marsh promenade and the remnants of the once-thriving farms and ancient residences.
Year-round, Point Pelee is a fantastic vacation spot. The ideal time to enjoy the night sky is during the winter months when the park is least busy. Find out everything about touring Point Pelee during the winter here.
Additional Activities Near Point Pelee National Park
There are many amazing opportunities in southern Ontario. Explore the southernmost Ontario vineyards on Pelee Island if you are seeking something special to do in Ontario.
You can get freshly-caught fish and chips at Birdie’s Perch if you want somewhere closer to the park. Either eat on the ingenious double-decker bus or have dinner at the tavern next door while sipping a beer.
Visit King City, the southernmost town in Canada, or bigger places like Windsor for a little more exploration.
There you can find one of the most famous casinos in the nation set in the hotel called Caesars Windsor where you can experience the excitement of gaming action with each reel spin, roll of the dice, or placing bets using its sportsbook services – all of this owned by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, which is in charge of the operation of the best Canadian betting sites presented at Bookmaker-Expert.com.
Longhouse of Six Nations in Ontario
The OSTTC: Longhouse, one of the most significant structures in the Haudenosaunee People’s culture, is situated in the Six Nations Community just out of Brantford, Ontario, and invites visitors to study 10,000 years of the heritage of the Haudenosaunee People, from ancient to present.
You will gain knowledge about agricultural methods, art, and way of life during the experience, as well as the challenging process of re-establishing native Carolinian flora that has been eradicated from the region.
The Six Nations Longhouse: Things to Do
Ontario’s Six Nations is a wonderful place with excellent attractions. Visit the neighboring Chiefswood Park, where the renowned poetess E. Pauline Johnson resides, as soon as possible.
You might also wish to take a brief journey to Brantford to visit the stunning Mohawk Chapel, which is the country’s oldest church.
Visit Canada’s Oldest Rail Tunnel and Travel Through Time
The Brockville Rail Tunnel, the country’s first finished rail tunnel, was inaugurated in 1860. Since that time, it has made a name for itself as one of Ontario’s hippest and most distinctive tourist destinations.
A contemporary sound and light installation that gives guests the impression that they are traveling through time as they discover the intriguing world below the ground has contributed to this.
An excursion to the Brockville Rail Tunnel is just a single of the many incredible things to do in Brockville, which is situated in the city of Brockville, Ontario, amid the banks of the St. Lawrence River.
Activities in the Area of the Brockville Rail Tunnel
There are several amazing attractions in Brockville.
Try SCUBA diving through the underwater sculpting museum or among the several nearby shipwrecks. Alternately, take the Loyalist Parkway to the neighboring Upper Canada Village to see a live recreation of a turn-of-the-century Ontario town.
Caves in Bonnechere, Eganville
Bonnechere Caves constitutes one of the most unique and captivating tourist destinations in Ontario.
Adventurers can enjoy a unique underground experience at Bonnechere Caves. In Eganville, Ontario, there are limestone caverns that are 500 million years old and filled with breathtaking natural formations including flowstones, stalactites, and stalagmites.
The caverns also function as an archaeological monument in addition to its natural beauty. As you travel through history, you will see traces of ancient native habitation that date back thousands of years.
Activities Close to Bonnechere Caves
Days Inn by Wyndham Renfrew, a convenient motel in Renfrew, Ontario, is just 30 minutes journey from Bonnechere Caves.
Nature lovers can engage in a variety of activities in the neighborhood. Take a look around Bonnechere Provincial Park. There are chances for camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, and canoeing in this stunning park.
Explore Hamilton’s Numerous Waterfalls
The falls in Hamilton, Ontario are a really one-of-a-kind natural phenomenon, with an unparalleled array of over 100 waterfalls nearby. As a result, it ranks among the top locations in Ontario for lovers of waterfalls.
The extensive network of waterfalls in the city is unmatched in accessibility. Trails and viewing areas make it simple to access the majority of these magnificent cascades, which provide tourists with breathtaking views and Instagram-worthy photo possibilities.
From modest, charming waterfalls like Tiffany Falls to the 30-meter-tall, massive Webster’s Falls, the waterfalls are varied and amazing.
Activities Close to the Hamilton Waterfalls
When visiting Hamilton, base yourself at the Visitors Inn. The Visitors Inn is a friendly hotel with cozy accommodations and top-notch service.
Visit the Art Gallery of Hamilton to learn more about the thriving local art scene and its amazing display of Canadian and foreign artwork. The Royal Botanical Gardens, which is located in the city, are another place where nature lovers may immerse themselves among lovely gardens, hiking trails, and even a treetop walkway.
The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum offers something a little different by showcasing its magnificent collection of historic aircraft and teaching visitors about Canada’s aviation history.
Badlands of Cheltenham, Caledon
A wonderfully distinctive and alluring location, the Cheltenham Badlands draw tourists from all over Ontario. This geological wonder displays an unusual arrangement of bare red shale and sandstone slopes with its distinctive red and white marbled clay.
From the low-lying woodlands that surround it, it stands out drastically due to its remarkable aspect that resembles an exotic Martian landscape. For nature lovers, photographers, and anybody looking for an unforgettable adventure, exploring the Badlands gives the chance to feel the majesty of nature while learning about the region’s geological history.
Activities Right Next to the Cheltenham Badlands
The Cheltenham Badlands are located along a peaceful country road halfway between Orangeville and Brampton. Consider staying while you are nearby.
The Mount Alverno Luxury Resorts in Caledon is a top choice for lavish leisure and opulent lodging. The Cheltenham Badlands are accessible in a little more than an hour. There are many fun things to do to keep your day busy.
Start your exploration of the area by visiting the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, at which you can hike along beautiful trails, see beautiful waterfalls, and possibly go fishing in the Credit River.
The Alton Mill Arts Centre, which has studios, galleries, and rich history, is a must-see for history fans. soak a quick drive to the picturesque village of Caledon as well, where you can indulge in regional cuisine, peruse boutique stores, and soak in the laid-back small-town ambiance.
Finally, those who enjoy the outdoors can visit the Belfountain Conservation Area, which is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, hiking paths, and attractive gardens.
It Is Time to Visit These Distinctive Locations in Ontario for Yourself
Ontario is full of interesting sites to visit. While each one provides a unique look into a different facet of the province, they all work in unison to demonstrate how amazing and unique Ontario truly is.
After a difficult few Covid years, many of the shops and restaurants there are eager for customers.
Do you have a favorite location in Ontario to visit? Start a discussion by going to the comments section. You might receive a response from someone who is enthusiastic about Ontario and loves to divulge insider information.