Ontario is full of big-name summer getaways, but some of the province’s most unforgettable spots are a little more tucked away. Here are a few hidden gem attractions that prove there’s so much more to explore in Ontario than the usual beach towns, everything from a protected forest that boasts some of the province’s oldest living trees to a showstopping 100-metre cliff!
DeCew Falls
Of course, Niagara Falls is the bigger waterfall system, but DeCew Falls is just as enviable. The 22-metre plunge is a scenic Niagara-area waterfall tucked near the historic Morningstar Mill in St. Catharines. The mill itself backs onto the Bruce Trail, making the area a popular spot for hiking and heritage sightseeing. About a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto.
Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island is a bit more of a road trip from Toronto, but as it’s the largest freshwater island in the world, it’s definitely worth the drive. Manitoulin is nestled in Lake Huron and can be reached by road through the Little Current Swing Bridge or by taking the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory to South Baymouth.
Once you’re there, hike the Cup and Saucer Trail for one of the island’s best lookout views, spend time at Providence Bay Beach or book a guided tour or spirit walk through Wiikwemkoong Tourism. There are also tons of island events, local beaches, camping nooks, and hiking and fishing opportunities, making it perfect for a long-weekend summer escape. Just under a 6-hour drive from Toronto.
Backus Heritage Conservation Area
Backus Heritage Conservation Area is a perfect getaway if you want a trip that mixes history with a classic summer conservation area! The site sits just minutes from Port Rowan and Long Point and offers camping, fishing, swimming and access to the Backhouse Historic Site, which hosts hands-on activities, period demonstrations and special events that bring history to life. The heritage area includes the Backhouse Grist Mill, which was built in 1798 to grind grain into flour for the local community: it’s one of Ontario’s oldest mills and is famous for surviving the War of 1812!
If you want to add a nature walk to your history-filled day trip, the site is close to Backus Woods: the 875-acre protected forest boasts some of the oldest living trees in the province, including the Black Gum variety, which could be dated back as far as 1534! About a 2-hour drive from Toronto.
Mazinaw Rock
Mazinaw Rock is a showstopping 100-metre cliff located within Bon Echo Provincial Park. The granite cliff rises over Mazinaw Lake and features more than 260 Indigenous pictographs, making it one of the most striking cultural and natural landmarks in southern Ontario!
To see it properly, paddle Mazinaw Lake by canoe or kayak, rent a canoe at the Lagoon, or book a guided boat tour with the Friends of Bon Echo. Bon Echo also has natural sand beaches, camping and hiking trails ranging from easy walks to longer routes, so it’s worth an overnight trip. About 3 hours from Toronto.
Awenda Provincial Park
Explore more than 2,900 hectares of forested land on the shores of Georgian Bay. Awenda Provincial Park is located in Tiny Township on the shores of Georgian Bay and boasts 31 kilometres of trails, with interpretive programs throughout the summer and an interior lake for canoeing and shaded campsites.
It’s close enough to Toronto for a day trip, so you’ll have time to spend the day at one of the Georgian Bay beaches, bring a picnic to Kettle’s Lake, or hike the Beach Trail for stunning shoreline views of Giant’s Tomb Island. The island is one of only five out of thousands in the area that is covered by glacial till, which is leftover sediment from the glacier retreating. The park also has the easy, barrier-free Beaver Pond Trail, the 13-kilometre Bluff Trail and the short Nipissing Trail, where a 155-step staircase descends the bluff!
After visiting these hidden gems, check out the most unique and jaw-dropping Airbnb stays in Ontario.