Ontario offers some of Canada’s best road trip experiences, from iconic landmarks like Niagara Falls and Algonquin Park to hidden gems like Elora and Manitoulin Island. This guide highlights 10 must-visit destinations perfect for nature lovers, families, couples, and adventurers, with each location offering unique sights, activities, and seasonal charm for unforgettable getaways.
Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is a vast and diverse region filled with everything from bustling cities and charming small towns to serene lakes and untouched forests. Its well-maintained highways, scenic byways, and proximity to natural wonders make it one of the best provinces for a road trip. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time explorer, Ontario offers an unforgettable journey full of adventure, culture, and natural beauty.
From iconic landmarks like Niagara Falls to the quiet tranquility of Manitoulin Island, there’s something for every kind of traveler. In this article, we’ll explore ten of the top road trip destinations in Ontario, each offering its own unique experience. For each destination, we’ll include travel distance/time from Toronto, ideal visitors, best times to go, and a few handy travel tips. Pack your bags, fuel up the car, and get ready to hit the road!
1. Niagara Falls
- Distance from Toronto: ~130 km / 1.5 hours
- Perfect for: Families, couples, first-time visitors to Ontario
- Best Time to Travel: Late spring through early fall for full attraction access
- Travel Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds. Use the WEGO bus system to get around. Book Hornblower Cruises in advance.
No road trip list in Ontario is complete without Niagara Falls. As one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls draws millions of visitors every year. But there's much more to do than just watching the falls. Stroll along Clifton Hill, visit the Butterfly Conservatory, or take a boat ride right into the mist.
Just a short drive away is Niagara-on-the-Lake, a picturesque town with wineries, boutique shopping, and theatre. Drive along the Niagara Parkway for one of Ontario’s most scenic routes.
2. Muskoka
- Distance from Toronto: ~200 km / 2.5 hours
- Perfect for: Nature lovers, families, couples
- Best Time to Travel: Summer for water activities; fall for foliage
- Travel Tips: Book cottage rentals well in advance. Bring bug spray for summer visits.
Muskoka is Ontario’s premier cottage country. Enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing on Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Joseph. Towns like Bracebridge and Gravenhurst offer local charm and vibrant farmers' markets.
3. Algonquin Provincial Park
- Distance from Toronto: ~300 km / 3.5–4 hours
- Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers, hikers, photographers
- Best Time to Travel: Fall for colors; summer for full access to trails and canoe routes
- Travel Tips: Buy your park pass online to skip the line. Visit midweek to avoid crowds.
Algonquin Park features lakes, rivers, and trails for every skill level. The Highway 60 Corridor is perfect for road trippers looking to spot wildlife and enjoy scenic lookouts.
4. Prince Edward County
- Distance from Toronto: ~200 km / 2.5 hours
- Perfect for: Foodies, wine lovers, couples
- Best Time to Travel: Late spring to early fall
- Travel Tips: Reserve wine tastings and dinner spots early. Weekdays are quieter.
This trendy rural escape offers over 40 wineries, Sandbanks Provincial Park, and artistic towns like Picton and Bloomfield. Enjoy local cheese, farm-to-table cuisine, and soft sand beaches.
5. Thousand Islands
- Distance from Toronto: ~290 km / 3 hours
- Perfect for: Boaters, history buffs, couples
- Best Time to Travel: Summer and early fall
- Travel Tips: Book boat cruises ahead. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Take a scenic drive on the Thousand Islands Parkway or a cruise from Gananoque. Explore Boldt Castle and enjoy kayaking or diving in the crystal-clear waters.
6. Blue Mountains / Collingwood
- Distance from Toronto: ~160 km / 2 hours
- Perfect for: Outdoor adventurers, spa lovers, families
- Best Time to Travel: Winter for skiing; summer for hiking and mountain biking
- Travel Tips: Buy ski lift tickets online. Try the Scenic Caves suspension bridge for great photos.
Blue Mountain Village blends resort comforts with outdoor thrills. Collingwood offers charming streets, waterfront views, and nearby trails like the Georgian Trail.
7. Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula
- Distance from Toronto: ~300 km / 4–5 hours
- Perfect for: Hikers, divers, nature lovers
- Best Time to Travel: Late spring to early fall
- Travel Tips: Book Grotto access and boat tours in advance. Start hikes early in the day.
Tobermory is the gateway to Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five Marine Park. Hike the Bruce Trail, swim in the Grotto, and explore shipwrecks on a glass-bottom boat tour.
8. Ottawa
- Distance from Toronto: ~450 km / 4.5–5 hours
- Perfect for: History lovers, families, festival goers
- Best Time to Travel: Year-round (spring for Tulips, winter for skating, summer for festivals)
- Travel Tips: Use the Ottawa Transit to avoid parking headaches. Pack for variable weather.
Ottawa blends cultural landmarks like Parliament Hill and the National Gallery with outdoor experiences along the Rideau Canal. Take a side trip to Gatineau Park for fall hikes.
9. Elora & Fergus
- Distance from Toronto: ~115 km / 1.5 hours
- Perfect for: Weekend getaways, photographers, families
- Best Time to Travel: Summer for tubing; fall for festivals and colors
- Travel Tips: Wear water shoes for tubing. Visit Elora Mill for a luxurious meal or spa visit.
Explore the Elora Gorge, swim in the Elora Quarry, and shop in heritage downtowns. Don’t miss the Elora and Fergus Festivals for music, art, and fun.
10. Manitoulin Island
- Distance from Toronto: ~580 km / 6–7 hours (via Sudbury)
- Perfect for: Nature lovers, spiritual retreats, slow travelers
- Best Time to Travel: Summer to early fall
- Travel Tips: Check ferry schedules ahead of time. Fuel up before entering the island as stations are limited.
Manitoulin Island offers a serene, culturally rich escape. Hike the Cup and Saucer Trail, explore Indigenous history, and enjoy peaceful lakeside scenery.
Road Trip Tips
- Best Time to Travel: Late spring to early fall offers the best weather and access to seasonal attractions. Fall foliage season is especially beautiful.
- Packing Essentials: Bring a GPS or offline maps, phone charger, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. Pack layers for varying temperatures.
- Travel Safety: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check tire pressure, oil levels, and brakes before setting out.
- Plan Your Route: Ontario is vast—plan realistic driving times and overnight stays to avoid fatigue.
- Support Local: Consider staying at locally-owned accommodations, dining at independent restaurants, and buying from local shops and markets.
FAQs About Best Road Trip Destinations in Ontario
Planning a road trip in Ontario? Whether you’re hitting the road for the first time or looking for new destinations to explore, here are answers to some of the most common questions travelers ask when exploring Ontario by car.
Ontario is full of amazing road trip destinations. Top spots include Niagara Falls, Muskoka, Algonquin Park, Prince Edward County, and the Bruce Peninsula for their mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and unique local charm.
Start by choosing your destination(s) based on your interests—nature, history, or food. Check distances, book accommodations early (especially for summer), and plan your route with rest stops and fuel stations. Don’t forget park permits and offline maps for rural areas.
The best time to road trip in Ontario is from May to October, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer is great for beaches and festivals, while fall offers stunning foliage, especially in places like Algonquin and Muskoka.
Yes! Many Ontario destinations are perfect for families. Niagara Falls, Muskoka, Ottawa, and Elora offer attractions and activities suitable for kids of all ages, including museums, nature trails, and water parks.
Yes, a car is essential for most road trips in Ontario due to the large distances between destinations and limited public transit in rural or remote areas. Renting a car is a good option for tourists visiting from out of province or country.
Conclusion: Hit the Road
From iconic natural wonders and vibrant cities to tranquil islands and cultural hubs, Ontario has something to offer every type of road tripper. These ten destinations each provide a unique experience, and together they showcase the diversity and richness of the province.
Whether you're chasing waterfalls, sipping local wine, or hiking through ancient forests, a road trip through Ontario promises memories that will last a lifetime. So, pick your route, start your engine, and discover the magic of Ontario, one destination at a time.
