Ontario is full of unique discoveries, especially during the summer months. Although most people are familiar with Toronto and Ottawa, there’s a lot more to explore in this massive province near you. From beautiful hiking trails to charming B&Bs, check out our road trip planner for some fun ideas and amazing scenic drives in Ontario. These destinations also offer scenic drives along the way — after all, half the fun is getting there!
Northern Ontario
Detour through Algonquin Provincial Park
Drive from Toronto: 3hr
Duration of trip: 1-2 days
Best season to visit: All
If you’re driving from Toronto to Ottawa, one of Canada’s most famous parks is the perfect detour. Although not the most direct route between the two cities, Algonquin Park is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. They offer a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons — you can try out backpacking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observing during the warmer months and dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing during the cooler months. Different tour packages are at your disposal throughout the seasons. Regardless of the weather, Algonquin park has 7653 km of beautiful forest to explore.
Take some time to stretch your legs with a hike through one of the park’s several trails, or have a picnic while catching glimpses of moose, beavers and rare birds. There are several trails within the park varying in length and difficulty — make sure to choose a trail that is comfortable for you. Once you’re back on the road, you can explore the area a bit more by visiting a local café or bakery. You can enjoy more scenic views along the Ottawa River and check out some pretty towns as you head towards the nation’s capital.
Sand beach at Pancake Bay Provincial Park
Drive from Toronto: 8hr
Duration of trip: 1-3 days
Best season to visit: Summer
Relax and sit by the blue waters at Pancake Provincial Park. There is more than 3 km of sand beach and water for you to explore with an additional dog beach for your furry friend to tag along. They offer a variety of camping options ranging from RV sites, car camps, and yurts with access to washroom facilities across the park. Activities range from swimming, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and even hunting — you can choose which activities are best tailored to your taste. If you want a deeper dive into the area, the park is also a short drive from many other regional attractions.
North Bay
Drive from Toronto: 3.5hr
Duration of trip: 1 day
Best season to visit: Fall
Take a drive to North Bay during the Fall to see all the vibrant trees along the road. Hop out of your car to take a quick hike at the Duchesnay Falls Trails where you can enjoy the view and see the beautiful cascading falls.
Avid museum fan? Take a visit to the Discovery North Bay Museum, and the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence where they highlight unique artistic and historical pieces. Afterwards, visit local breweries and North Bay’s Farmer’s Market opened Wednesdays and Saturdays for some locally grown fresh goods and a quick bite. To end off the day, settle down near Lake Nipissing and watch the beautiful sunset on the horizon.
Southern Ontario
Waterfalls in Hamilton
Drive from Toronto: 1hr
Duration of trip: 1 day
Best season to visit: Summer and Fall
Located an hour outside Toronto, you’ll find more than 100 waterfalls in Hamilton, Ontario (like Albion Falls pictured above). The region offers a network of parks and hiking trails, so you can experience the thundering beauty of these waterfalls up close.
Hamilton is also surrounded by picturesque towns, which you can access via Snake Road, providing an opportunity for scenic drives in Hamilton. This winding, tree-lined street begins in nearby Burlington and leads you straight into Waterdown. Stop in for a latte at one of the cafes there, or visit the gourmet shops in Dundas, just a 10-minute drive away.
