Ontario is Canada's most populous province, home to the nation's capital Ottawa and its largest city Toronto. The province stretches from the Great Lakes in the south to Hudson Bay in the north, offering world-class urban experiences, stunning natural landscapes, and rich Indigenous and colonial heritage.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Ontario.
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1
CN Tower
Iconic 553-metre communications and observation tower, once the world's tallest free-standing structure. Features glass floor observation deck, EdgeWalk, and 360 Restaurant.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip queues · Visit at sunset for spectacular city views · EdgeWalk requires advance booking and good weather
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2
Niagara Falls
Three spectacular waterfalls on the Niagara River at the US-Canada border. Horseshoe Falls is the most powerful waterfall in North America. Boat tours (Hornblower/Niagara City Cruises) take visitors to the mist.
Tip: Visit at night for illuminations · Take the Niagara City Cruises boat tour · Combine with Niagara-on-the-Lake wine tour · Falls are illuminated nightly after dark
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3
Royal Ontario Museum
Canada's largest museum, featuring world cultures and natural history. Highlights include a vast dinosaur gallery, Egyptian mummies, and the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition.
Tip: Free on Tuesdays after 15:00 (limited slots) · Dinosaur gallery is a highlight for all ages · Check for special exhibitions
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4
Parliament Hill
Canada's seat of government on a dramatic bluff above the Ottawa River. Includes the Centre Block with the Peace Tower, East Block, and West Block. Daily Changing of the Guard ceremony in summer.
Tip: Book guided tours of the Centre Block in advance · Changing of the Guard runs late June to August · Sunrise views over the Ottawa River are stunning · Canada Day July 1 celebrations are spectacular here
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5
Algonquin Provincial Park
Ontario's oldest and most famous provincial park — 7,653 km² of lakes, forests, and rivers. World-renowned for moose sightings, canoe routes, wolf howls, and spectacular fall foliage.
Tip: Visit in late September–October for peak fall colors · Moose are most visible at dawn along Highway 60 · Book canoe campsites well in advance for summer · Wolf howl programs run in August
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6
Rideau Canal
UNESCO World Heritage Site — 202 km waterway connecting Ottawa to Kingston. In winter, the Ottawa section becomes the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink (7.8 km).
Tip: Skate rentals available at Confederation Park and Dow's Lake · Beaver Tails pastries are a winter canal tradition · Summer boat tours available at Dow's Lake · Check NCC website for ice conditions
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7
Casa Loma
Gothic Revival castle built 1911–14 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt. Features 98 rooms, secret passages, tunnels, and panoramic Toronto skyline views from the towers.
Tip: Audio guide included · Climb to the castle towers for city views · Stables and tunnels are fascinating · Fantastic Halloween haunted tours in October
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8
Art Gallery of Ontario
One of the largest art museums in North America, featuring 95,000+ works. Highlights include the Thomson Collection of European art, Indigenous art, and Frank Gehry's iconic renovation.
Tip: Free Wednesday evenings 18:00–21:00 · Thomson Collection is world-class · Rotating special exhibitions worth checking · Gallery restaurant is excellent
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9
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
World-class aquarium next to the CN Tower featuring 20,000 exotic sea creatures. The Dangerous Lagoon tunnel walk-through with sharks is a highlight.
Tip: Book online for discounts · Weekday mornings are least crowded · Night at the Aquarium sleepover events available · Free parking not available; use TTC
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10
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Rugged national park on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula featuring the stunning Grotto sea cave, Georgian Bay shoreline, and the southern terminus of the Bruce Trail.
Tip: Reserve Grotto timed entry weeks in advance in summer · Flowerpot Island accessible by ferry from Tobermory · Clear Georgian Bay water ideal for snorkeling · Cyprus Lake campground books out months ahead
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.