As one of the leading emerging travel destinations in the world, Ontario is full of mesmerizing attractions, from the iconic Niagara Falls and the sky-scraping CN Tower to a variety of glamorous casinos (great news if you’re a fan of online casino games!) Ontario is Canada’s most populous province and also its most visited, with hordes of tourists scrambling to explore its very best bits.
If you’re planning a vacation in Ontario, you’ll probably have already filled your itinerary with “The Heartland Province’s” must-sees – but you don’t want to miss out on its incredible hidden gems. Discover our round-up of the top under-the-radar places to visit during your stay.
Fort William Historical Park
Thunder Bay’s Fort William Historical Park is home to Fort William, one of the largest living history sites in North America. It features a reconstruction of the Fort William fur trade post from the early 1800s, with over 40 buildings to explore, offering the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into Canadian history and culture. The added bonus is the chance to make some scientific discoveries along the way, thanks to the onsite David Thompson Astronomical Observatory and its gigantic telescopes.
Port Stanley
There’s certainly no shortage of pretty towns in Ontario – and Port Stanley is definitely one of the prettiest! It’s a relaxed beach town nestled at the mouth of Kettle Creek on the north shore of Lake Erie. Be sure to take some time to lounge on the soft golden sand at the beach (which is conveniently lined with restaurants should you feel the urge to grab a bite to eat) or take part in a game of volleyball alongside the locals. The Port Stanley Pier and Lighthouse are also worth a stop-off, especially if you want to snap some Insta-worthy pictures to share with your friends and relatives back home.
The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Center
This awe-inspiring heritage center in Sault Ste. Marie is for enthusiastic aviation fans. Here, you’ll be able to explore a variety of bush-plane collections and insightful exhibits, including a look at some of the best-known women in aviation. The Wildfires 3D Theater promises an immersive experience, as does the Flight Simulator, allowing you to choose from three four-minute “flights” so realistic they might as well be the real thing! Visiting with children in tow? They’ll love the Children’s Learning Center, boasting arcade-style gaming consoles and a host of interactive displays.
Spooky Balaclava
When you’re done exploring some Canadian history and learning about aviation, it’s time to go in search of your next thrill – and there’s no better place than the (almost) abandoned ghost town of Balaclava in Renfrew County, which used to be a thriving lumber town in the 1800s. This eerie town has its own rundown sawmill that attracts tourists in the know from far and wide. Another attraction to visit (if you dare) is the old general store, sporting broken windows and rotting wood. Many visitors swear that it’s haunted. Why not go and see for yourself?
Grimsby Beach Cottages
Take it back to the beach once again with a stop-off at the bold and beautiful Grimsby Beach Cottages, located in Grimsby on the banks of Lake Ontario, between Hamilton and St. Catherines. These cottages are reminiscent of the Painted Ladies of San Francisco, featuring colorful exteriors and an even more vibrant history. Yes, indeed, some of these gingerbread-style cottages were built back in the 19th century, although the majority are now freshly repainted.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Even more beach-time fun awaits at Sandbanks Provincial Park! This is where you’ll uncover the largest bay-mouth barrier dune formation in the world, along with plenty of breathtaking sandy beaches, including the family favorite Outlet Beach, known for its calm, shallow waters. If you manage to tear yourself away from the sand and water for a few hours, there are also loads of gorgeous walking trails on which to go in search of adventure and to scope out the many unique feathered friends who call the park home.
The wonderfully weird Screaming Heads
The outdoor art exhibit, dubbed “Screaming Heads,” by artist Peter Camani is a wonderland for the weird. You’ll find it in the Almaguin Highlands where the mammoth sculptures are placed across the property (which also happens to be Camani’s residence,) spanning 310 acres. True to the exhibit’s name, most of the sculptures resemble screaming human heads, making them a spooky sight for anyone who enjoys that sort of thing – and a popular stop-off among the locals around the time of Halloween! Along with the sculptures themselves, you’ll also enjoy views of the artist’s eccentric house, plenty of winding walking trails and soft, green grass if you’d like to rest for a bit and take in the full picture.
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Still learning how to play online casino games? Be sure to browse our blog further for insights into everything from the integration of the Hot Tables feature onto our platform in Ontario to unconventional poker tips.
