Best things to do in Ontario | Top 14 Attractions

things to do in Ontario, top 14 attractions

Hellamaid is proud to be part of the Ontario community, and we want everyone to feel welcomed in our province. As professional cleaners for local homes and businesses, we have learned a lot about the area, including popular businesses, restaurants, and attractions. Whether you are new to Ontario or you’ve lived here your entire life, we’ve compiled a local guide to this magnificent province.

What makes Ontario great?

With 13 unique provinces and territories, there is a lot to love about Canada. You can find a wide range of landscapes, climates, attractions, and industries across the country. Each province is special in its own way, including Ontario.

Ontario is the most populated province in Canada, with one-third of all Canadians living within the province. If you are looking for all things powerful, impressive, and important, you are sure to find them in Ontario. However, you will also find plenty of history, academia, culture, and much more.

city of Toronto in Ontario, Canada

There is truly something for everyone in Ontario. City dwellers love the energy in the cities, the endless choices for dining, shopping, and entertainment, and the countless career and industry opportunities. For nature lovers, the Canadian landscape is practically perfect in Ontario. There are plenty of lakes to visit, wilderness areas to hike, and parks to explore.

Up-and-coming professionals, young families, and retirees all call Ontario home. Joining one of the many communities in Ontario provides a sense of family and access to rich history and culture. Wander through local museums and galleries, take a memorable fishing trip, launch your career, or just relax and enjoy the scenery – there is no shortage of things to do in Ontario!

oh canada

A Brief History of Ontario

Ontario joined Canada in 1867 with the adoption of the Canadian constitution. While much of Canada remained rural, Ontario was quick to urbanize in the 19th century. During the late Industrial Revolution, Ontario solidified its place as the hub of Canadian trade and commerce as well as manufacturing. Farming began to decline and mining boomed.

Ontario Parliament Hill in Ottawa

The Manitoba province is located to the west of Ontario and Quebec is located to the east and northeast. North of Ontario is Hudson Bay and James Bay while several U.S. states are found to the south of the province. While Northern Ontario is sparsely populated and mainly home to forestation, Southern Ontario hosts most of the province’s population and farming land.

Today, Ontario is home to more than 14,570,000 people (as of 2019), and has been constantly growing ever since. More than 38% of Canada’s total population live in Ontario, making it the most populace province. It is also the second-largest province by area. Canada’s capital city of Ottawa is located in Ontario as well as Toronto, the most populous city in the nation.

Ontario population Canada

Manufacturing is still a major part of Ontario’s economy as well as mining and forest products. The automotive industry is also massive in the province, with Ontario surpassing Michigan in car production in 2004. Ontario is also home to Canada’s Silicon Valley, called the Toronto-Waterloo Tech Corridor, with plenty of technology and business-driven industries.

Largest Metropolitan Areas in Ontario

  • Toronto
  • Ottawa
  • Hamilton
  • Kitchener
  • London
  • St. Catharines
  • Oshawa
  • Windsor
  • Barrie
  • Sudbury
  • Kingston
ontario map canada

What is the weather like in Ontario?

Ontario is a large province, spreading across a variety of regions and landscapes. For this reason, the weather in Ontario can vary greatly by season and region.

The province’s largest city, Toronto, is known to have warn and humid summers as well as cold winters. Toronto is close to Lake Ontario, which helps keep the city warmer in the winter months and a little cooler in the summer. The city is also known to be very humid in the summer due to its close proximity to the Great Lakes, but the days are usually sunny. In the winter, Toronto is one of the warmer cities in Canada, but you can still expect a good deal of snow.

Winter in Toronto Canada Snow

In Ottawa, snow is much more prevalent throughout the year. The city is farther north than Toronto without the benefit of nearby lakes. The temperatures in Ottawa are more severe in the summer as well. Because the city is not as close to Lake Ontario as Toronto, summer months are significantly warmer. Summer is also pretty sunny and humid in Ottawa. The air quality in Ottawa is often better than the air quality in Toronto due to decreased smog.

Other cities like Hamilton, Oakville, Mississauga, and Burlington share similar climates and weather to Toronto. These cities are quite close to Toronto and sit on or near Lake Ontario, resulting in warm summers and cold winters.

Things to Do in Ontario – Top 14 Attractions!

Those who have lived in Ontario for a while are probably already aware of the province’s main attractions. However, there is always more to discover for both new and long-time residents. From natural wonders of the world to historical sites and vast museums, there is no shortage of things to do in Ontario. Depending on your location, you can easily take a day trip to a unique attraction in the province or book a weekend getaway to a beautiful natural escape.

things to do in Ontario

  • Niagara Falls: As one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world, a visit to Niagara Falls is a must for all Ontario residents. You will be stunned by the impressive beauty and power of nature. Enjoy a stay in one of the many nearby hotels and resorts, take a hike in Niagara Falls State Park, go on a boat tour, and so much more.
  • Visit Toronto: If you do not live in the Toronto area, a visit to the city should be on your to-do list. Fine dining, top-notch shopping, entertainment, and so much more await you in the capital of Ontario.
  • Visit Ottawa: Similarly, if you are not living in the Ottawa area, you should make plans to visit. The city prides itself on cleanliness and offers spectacular skyline views. As the capital of Canada, there is plenty to learn about the history and politics of the country.
  • CN Tower: Located in Toronto, the CN Tower stands at a massive 553.33 meters high. Take a glass-front elevator ride to the top of the building in less than a minute and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The tower is also home to restaurants, entertainment venues, shopping, and more.
  • Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: At the base of the CN Tower, you’ll find a massive aquarium containing more than 20,000 animals. Take a stroll through the larges underwater viewing tunnel in North America and take part in hands-on exhibits to learn more about the aquatic animals.
  • Parliament Hill and Buildings: In Ottawa, you will find the beautiful Gothic Revival-style buildings that house offices for members of Parliament, the House of Commons, and the Senate. Take a tour of the buildings to learn more about Canada’s rich history and political system.
  • Lake Ontario: As one of the Great Lakes, both locals and tourists love visiting Lake Ontario. Spend the day fishing, water skiing, or simply taking in the breathtaking beauty of such a large body of water.
  • Port Credit: This entertainment hub in Mississauga is home to live music, fun events, endless dining options, and some of the best shopping. With so much to do, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy.
  • Toronto Chinatown: In Downtown Toronto, you’ll find a hub for the Chinese-Canadian community. Tour the impressive neighborhoods, shop at local small businesses, and dine in the top-rated restaurants.
  • Dundurn Castle: Built in the 1830’s, Dundurn Castle is an Italianate-style villa located in Hamilton. Once a military encampment, the location is now home to stunning architecture and immersive, guided tours.
  • Springbank Park: London’s Springbank Park is the perfect place to spend a few hours relaxing in nature. The walking trails are surrounded by mature trees and peaceful scenery, and there are plenty of play structures and water features for your children to enjoy.
  • Kingston Waterfront: The waterfront in Kingston is the perfect place to grab dinner, spend some time with the family, and enjoy the beautiful views. Take a bike ride around the area, go for a stroll in the cool weather, and meet the locals on the pier.
  • The Grotto: Located in Bruce Peninsula National Park in Tobermory, the Grotto is a must-see natural wonder. The sea cave is one of the top attractions in Ontario, accessible by hiking trails.
  • The Canadian War Museum: From its symbolic architecture to its inspiring stories, the Canadian War Museum tells the story of Canada and its influence on the world. Located in Ottawa, the museum is easily accessible and contains plenty to see.

Types of Housing in Ontario

Whether you are from Ontario or just moving to the region, you may not be aware of all of the housing options available in the province. With several large cities and metropolitan areas, there are plenty of choices for single people, couples, families, friends, students, and more. Each type of housing offers unique benefits for residents. The cost of living can be relatively high in Ontario, so the right housing option for you will depend on your needs and budget.

houses and residences in Ontario

  • Apartments in Ontario: You can find apartments with one or more bedrooms in the province that typically include a bathroom, kitchen, and living area. Some studio apartments only feature a single room for sleeping and daily activities of living.
  • Condos in Ontario: Condos can be very popular because you by a unit in a building or complex but do not have to buy the land. You can also rent your condo to others.
  • Duplexes and Triplexes in Ontario: Houses may be divided into separate living spaces, forming a duplex or triplex where multiple families or residents can live.
  • Shared Accommodations in Ontario: For students and those on a tight budget, renting a room in an apartment or house can offer significant cost savings. You will have to sacrifice some privacy with a shared kitchen, living space, and bathroom.
  • Bungalows in Ontario: Bungalows are popular housing choices because they do not have stairs, but they still offer plenty of space for a family, couples, and senior citizens.
  • Two Story Homes in Ontario: The most popular type of housing in Ontario is two-story homes. These houses offer plenty of space as well as unique features for floor layouts and interior design.

House Cleaning Services in Ontario

Many young professionals, established career men and women, families, and retirees call Ontario home. With so much to do and see in the province, keeping up with house cleaning may not be at the top of your list. The major cities in Ontario are known for cleanliness, and Hellamaid can help you maintain that tradition in your own home.

Hellamaid is proud to be part of the Ontario community, including Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Milton, MississaugaBurlington, Oakville, Hamilton, and the Niagara region. As local residents, our team values each and every client like their own neighbor, offering friendly and effective house cleaning services.

Hellamaid House Cleaning Services in Ontario

No matter what type of house you live in, Hellamaid offers personalized cleaning services to meet your needs. Conveniently book your cleaning services online and customize which services are right for your home. You can even save by booking recurring services.

We love Ontario as much as you do, and we want you to feel happy and peaceful in your home. With cleaning services from Hellamaid, you can rest easy knowing you and your family are well cared for by locals. In fact, we guarantee your happiness 100%!

Learn more about cleaning services in Southern Ontario or book your cleaning services online today.

About Hellamaid

Hellamaid is a top-rated cleaning company in Canada that’s changing the cleaning industry. When we’re not cleaning, we’re sharing helpful content to help clients, communities, and cleaners feel happier, healthier, and safer!

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Hellamaid is a top-rated cleaning company in Canada that’s changing the cleaning industry. Led by two engineers, Ahmed and Abdul,  Hellamaid is on a mission to make cleaning services a better experience for both ends of the market: homeowners and cleaners. We offer value to homeowners through easy online booking and impeccable customer service, while offering a flexible and well paid opportunity to our cleaning partners. Learn more about us here!

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