Outdoor and recreation

Ontario is home to over half a million freshwater lakes and rivers and thousands of kilometres of coastline. So it’s fitting that the name Ontario is derived from the Indigenous word for “Shimmering Waters”.

The incredible natural beauty is matched only by the myriad of ways to experience it, from canoeing, hiking and cycling to motorcycling or playing a round of golf.

Get outdoors in Ontario, where a trail, road or route is always waiting for you to explore.

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A quick guide to outdoor and recreation in Ontario

Prepare for seasonal weather

Ontario’s landscapes and climate change dramatically throughout the year with the shifting seasons. Check weather conditions before you set out on your outdoor adventure so you can prepare accordingly.

Guided outings for beginners

New to Ontario’s outdoors? Let a local guide show you how it’s done. From Ontario Parks’ learn to camp or fish programs to fully outfitted and guided tour companies, you’re in good hands when it comes to your introduction to outdoor adventure.

Wheelchair friendly trails

Find some of the best trails that are accessible by wheelchair and plan your visit with maps and driving directions.

Ontario golf courses

Over 800 golf courses spanning the diverse regions across the province means you’ll never run out of new tracks to challenge. Plan your next Ontario golf getaway.

Get inspired

Find inspiration with stories all about outdoor adventure and recreation in Ontario.

Fly fishing for beginners

Here are some tips for beginners to learn the basics of fly fishing in Ontario.

Find the best ATV trails in Ontario

With thousands of kilometres of trails, and more being added each year, Ontario is renowned as an ATV playground.

Where to rent or buy an ATV in Ontario

Here is the definitive list of where to rent or buy an ATV in Ontario.

Where to go river tubing in Ontario

What better way to beat the heat and have a blast than by floating down a scenic river in an inner tube.

Yurt and cabin camping in Ontario’s parks

Yurts and rustic cabins are a fun and unique alternative to tent camping in many of Ontario’s provincial and national parks.

Family-friendly city ice skating rinks and trails

Ontario's urban parks, ponds and canals are converted into scenic skate trails and rinks each winter.

How to book a fishing charter boat in Ontario

What you need to know about booking fishing charters and guides for an amazing day of angling on Ontario’s best fishing lakes.

Packing for a hunting lodge vacation

What to pack for your next hunting vacation at an Ontario hunting lodge.

Find cycling adventure in Ontario

From urban bike tours to multi-day guided and self-guided bicycle trips, cycling adventures abound in Ontario.

Best ice fishing in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario has some of the very best ice fishing on the planet.

Best bird watching and birding events in Ontario

Bird watching is on the rise with outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages.

Benefits of hiring a fishing guide in Ontario

A local fishing guide will help you discover the best fishing in Ontario.

Motorcycle touring on Manitoulin Island

Take your time to enjoy a motorcycle tour on Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world.

Best sightseeing bus tours in Ontario

Enjoy city sightseeing excursions and scenic countryside trips with Ontario’s best bus tours.

Group of Seven inspired paddling trips

Explore Ontario’s gorgeous landscapes made famous by the Group of Seven by canoe and kayak.

Great drive-to fishing lodges in Ontario

Road-accessible fishing destinations are plentiful in Ontario and offer unique and exciting angling adventures.

Tips for new and returning snowmobilers in Ontario

Before you set out on your first snowmobile ride of the season, here are a few important tips and suggestions to consider.

Best flies for Ontario sportfish

Get information on some of Ontario’s best fly sportfish and tips on what flies work best to catch them.

Everyday Canadian things to try in Ontario

The Canadian experience is waiting for you in Ontario.

Best outdoor rock climbing experiences in Ontario

There’s nothing like the thrill and sense of accomplishment from rock climbing outside.

Bucket list ski destinations in Ontario

Expert downhill skiers and snowboarders will love the great snow, cool terrain parks and challenging runs at Ontario snow resorts.

Toronto guide for nature lovers

Here are some of the best nature activities in and near Toronto.

Ontario family-friendly fishing lodges

There are a huge number of Ontario family-friendly fishing lodges throughout the province.

Take a walk on the edge: EdgeWalk CN Tower

At the CN Tower, walk on a platform 116 stories above ground, all around one of Canada’s most famous landmarks.

Holiday fireworks displays in Ontario

Witness the excitement of bright, colourful pyrotechnic displays in the sky that mark holidays and special celebrations in Ontario.

Two romantic road trips to Schitt's Creek locations

Celebrate your favourite show on a couple’s country escape to some of its iconic filming locations.

Discover the wonder of honeybees and beekeeping in Ontario

Experience the fascinating world of honeybees on a guided tour or hands-on workshop at one of Ontario's honey farms and apiaries.

Indigenous tours and outdoor adventures

Learn about Indigenous cultures and explore the unique bond with the natural world on a guided tour or land-based activity.

Where to go dog sledding in Ontario

Experience the exhilaration of running a team of sled dogs along winding trails under a snow-laden forest canopy.

Family winter getaways in Ontario

Explore top winter destinations in Ontario that offer exciting activities like skiing, snowshoeing and festive, family-friendly celebrations.

Great fishing at Northern Ontario’s remote fly-in lodges

These fly-in fishing lodges provide the best angling adventures with the comforts of home in the remote wilderness of Northern Ontario.

Beginner’s guide to e-biking in Ontario

E-bikes are becoming popular with every age group and for good reason, here’s where to rent and what tours to take across Ontario.

Best mountain biking in Ontario

Ontario’s mountain biking trails have something for every rider, from flowy forest singletrack to rugged Canadian Shield rock.

Hire a local Ontario fishing guide

With the broad scope of angling opportunities available in the province, there are several benefits to hiring a fishing guide.

Muskie fishing in Ontario

From urban angling to remote fly-in fishing, Ontario has some of the best muskie fishing in the world.

Explore some of the best waterfall hikes in Ontario

Ontario is a province of rivers, lakes and hills—the perfect recipe for waterfalls.

How to hold a fish for a picture then safely release it

Catch and release is becoming so common among anglers as it’s the best way to ensure the long-term health of the fish population.

Great tobogganing spots in Ontario

Have fun with family and friends this winter on one of Ontario’s best tobogganing hills.

Introduction to boating in Ontario

Learn about boating in Ontario, from renting a boat to marinas, rules and safety and great boating destinations.

Go on a stargazing getaway in Ontario

From stargazing domes to astronomy events, these unique Ontario accommodations invite you to slow your pace, reconnect with nature and align with the stars.

Protect Ontario’s fisheries with sustainable fishing practices

Discover how Ontario’s angling industry is championing conservation and learn simple ways to fish sustainably and protect these bountiful waters.

Indoor rock climbing gyms

Learn the ropes, literally, at these indoor climbing facilities so you can build up the skill to take on some of Ontario’s challenging outdoor climbs.

10 reasons to love the fall season in Ontario, Canada

If you’re considering travelling to Canada, consider visiting during the stunning fall season.

Take a wellness journey into Ontario’s parks, trails and forests

Experience physical and mental wellness in Ontario’s parks, conservation areas and nature reserves.

Best hiking trails in Algoma Country

Lace up your hiking boots and follow one of these six trails to fantastic views in the east end of Algoma Region.

Ontario's Route Champlain

Embark on your own adventure for a few days, a week or more on Ontario’s Route Champlain.

Best places for stargazing in Ontario

Explore some of the best places in Ontario for stargazers, night sky photographers and astronomy buffs.

Best snow tubing hills in Ontario

Check out these action-packed places to go snow tubing in Ontario.

Ontario's must-ride snowmobile loops

Here are the top turn-key loop tours to make snowmobile touring in Ontario easy.

Fall colour sightseeing tours in Ontario

Combine adventure with spectacular views of the changing fall colours on a floatplane, helicopter, hot air balloon, boat cruise or rail tour.

Fishing in Northeastern Ontario

From gear to fly fishing, canoe and kayak angling, powerboat and even ice fishing, there's something for every angler.

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Fishing in Sunset Country Tourism

With over 70,000 fishable lakes, including the famous Lake of the Woods, this area is an angling mecca.

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Fishing in Algoma Country

Drive in, fly in, and train in fishing with highly specied inland lakes and rivers, as well as Lake Huron and Superior.

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Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin is renowned for stunning landscapes, vast forests and thousands of interconnected lakes and rivers.

Pinery Provincial Park

Experience beautiful nature, rare oak savanna habitats, expansive sand dunes and sandy beaches at Pinery Provincial Park.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Explore dramatic lakeside cliffs and caves, crystal blue waters, old-growth forests and diverse ecosystems in Bruce Peninsula National Park.

Forest City National Golf Club

Located on over 100 hectares of mixed forests and wetland terrain.

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Hamilton Waterfalls

Known as the “City of Waterfalls,” Hamilton is home to over 100 natural waterfalls and spectacular cascades that surround the city limits.

Book in advance

Book ahead as many attractions, parks and experiences require reservations.

Travel tips and trip ideas

From suggested itineraries to health and safety and getting around in Ontario, here’s all the information you need to plan your next trip.

Share your travel plans

It’s always a good idea to leave your travel itinerary with someone at home, especially if you’re heading out on an extended backcountry adventure or outdoor road trip.

Last updated: March 26, 2025

Outdoor and recreation

Get started

Boating

Camping and RVing

Canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddling

Cycling and mountain biking

Fishing

Golf

Horseback riding

Hunting

Motorcycling, ATVing and snowmobiling

Outdoor adrenaline

Sightseeing tours

Snow and winter

Snowmobiling

Walking and hiking

A quick guide to outdoor and recreation in Ontario

Prepare for seasonal weather

Guided outings for beginners

Wheelchair friendly trails

Ontario golf courses

Get inspired

Fly fishing for beginners

Find the best ATV trails in Ontario

Where to rent or buy an ATV in Ontario

Where to go river tubing in Ontario

Yurt and cabin camping in Ontario’s parks

Family-friendly city ice skating rinks and trails

How to book a fishing charter boat in Ontario

Packing for a hunting lodge vacation

Find cycling adventure in Ontario

Best ice fishing in Northern Ontario

Best bird watching and birding events in Ontario

Benefits of hiring a fishing guide in Ontario

Motorcycle touring on Manitoulin Island

Best sightseeing bus tours in Ontario

Group of Seven inspired paddling trips

Great drive-to fishing lodges in Ontario

Tips for new and returning snowmobilers in Ontario

Best flies for Ontario sportfish

Everyday Canadian things to try in Ontario

Best outdoor rock climbing experiences in Ontario

Bucket list ski destinations in Ontario

Toronto guide for nature lovers

Ontario family-friendly fishing lodges

Take a walk on the edge: EdgeWalk CN Tower

Holiday fireworks displays in Ontario

Two romantic road trips to Schitt's Creek locations

Discover the wonder of honeybees and beekeeping in Ontario

Indigenous tours and outdoor adventures

Where to go dog sledding in Ontario

Family winter getaways in Ontario

Great fishing at Northern Ontario’s remote fly-in lodges

Beginner’s guide to e-biking in Ontario

Best mountain biking in Ontario

Hire a local Ontario fishing guide

Muskie fishing in Ontario

Explore some of the best waterfall hikes in Ontario

How to hold a fish for a picture then safely release it

Great tobogganing spots in Ontario

Introduction to boating in Ontario

Go on a stargazing getaway in Ontario

Protect Ontario’s fisheries with sustainable fishing practices

Indoor rock climbing gyms

10 reasons to love the fall season in Ontario, Canada

Take a wellness journey into Ontario’s parks, trails and forests

Best hiking trails in Algoma Country

Ontario's Route Champlain

Best places for stargazing in Ontario

Best snow tubing hills in Ontario

Ontario's must-ride snowmobile loops

Fall colour sightseeing tours in Ontario