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.

All Arts and cultural experiences Entertainment and shopping Family activities Food and drink Nature and relaxation Outdoor and recreation

Get started

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.

10 reasons to love the fall season in Ontario, Canada

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

Read more10 reasons to love the fall season in Ontario, Canada

Farm stays and agritourism vacations in Ontario

Connect with the land, meet farm animals and enjoy the taste of garden-fresh goodness.

Read moreFarm stays and agritourism vacations in Ontario

Best provincial parks to visit in Ontario this fall

During the autumn season, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts flock to these parks to witness the breathtaking beauty of vibrant fall colour.

Read moreBest provincial parks to visit in Ontario this fall

Ultimate Ontario fall colour lookouts

Hike to one of these lookouts on your next fall season getaway in Ontario.

Read moreUltimate Ontario fall colour lookouts

Fishing Lake of the Woods

Even if you devoted your entire life to angling Lake of the Woods, you wouldn’t be able to experience all the lake has to offer.

Read moreFishing Lake of the Woods

Ontario is Canada’s top fishing destination

Fishing in Canada is a hugely popular sport and pastime. And with a seemingly endless number of lakes, streams and rivers, it’s no wonder Ontario is one of Canada’s top fishing destinations.

Read moreOntario is Canada’s top fishing destination

Where to go horseback riding in Ontario

Saddle up and explore forests, meadows and picturesque landscapes on a guided horseback trail riding adventure.

Read moreWhere to go horseback riding in Ontario

Discover incredible fishing in the Muskoka Region

Tips and hotspots for catching bass, walleye, lake trout and pike in the Muskoka region’s many lakes and rivers.

Read moreDiscover incredible fishing in the Muskoka Region

Tips for kayak fishing in Ontario

Get expert tips on how to enjoy world-class fishing in Ontario’s lakes and rivers from a kayak.

Read moreTips for kayak fishing in Ontario

Trip ideas for solo travellers in Ontario

Ontario offers an array of unique outdoor and urban experiences perfectly suited for the solo traveller.

Read moreTrip ideas for solo travellers in Ontario

Five Ontario motorcycling routes to explore this fall

Explore five great motorcycling routes this fall, with accommodations, restaurants and attractions along the way.

Read moreFive Ontario motorcycling routes to explore this fall

Packing for a hunting lodge vacation

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

Read morePacking for a hunting lodge vacation

Top 30 motorcycle roads in Ontario

After years of searching and riding, we've compiled what we think are 30 of the best roads for motorcycle touring.

Read moreTop 30 motorcycle roads in Ontario

Summer getaways for friends in Ontario

Whether you’re looking for a girls’ getaway, a trip with your friends or a guys’ road trip, Ontario delivers on fun summer escapes.

Read moreSummer getaways for friends in Ontario

Ride Niagara’s cherry blossom motorcycle route

Welcome the spring season with an invigorating motorcycle ride through the picturesque Niagara area farmland during blossom season.

Read moreRide Niagara’s cherry blossom motorcycle route

Fly fishing lodges in Ontario

Here’s an overview of the variety of the opportunities, accommodations, outfitters and species for fly anglers in Ontario.

Read moreFly fishing lodges in Ontario

The best places to enjoy après ski in Ontario

Head to these cozy spots to enjoy an après ski drink or a meal with friends and family after spending time on the ski slopes.

Read moreThe best places to enjoy après ski in Ontario

Tips for an Ontario fishing lodge vacation

If you’re looking for that great escape from day to day, it's as close as your nearest fishing lodge or resort.

Read moreTips for an Ontario fishing lodge vacation

Romantic holiday getaways in Ontario

From small towns near Toronto to bustling communities further north, we’ve found the perfect places for your memorable holiday experience.

Read moreRomantic holiday getaways in Ontario

How to catch fish on a fly rod

Learn about the best species of fish for fly fishing and get great fishing tips on how to catch them using a fly rod.

Read moreHow to catch fish on a fly rod

Golfing at Cobble Beach Golf Resort

The spectacular golf links and resort on Georgian Bay, Cobble Beach, is the ultimate turn-key destination for golfers to play and stay.

Read moreGolfing at Cobble Beach Golf Resort

RVing in Ontario for beginners

From where to rent, where to camp, and what routes to travel, this is your one-stop shop for beginner RVers.

Read moreRVing in Ontario for beginners

Best snow tubing hills in Ontario

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

Read moreBest snow tubing hills in Ontario

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.

Read moreDiscover the wonder of honeybees and beekeeping in Ontario

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.

Read moreFamily-friendly city ice skating rinks and trails

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.

Read moreTwo romantic road trips to Schitt's Creek locations

Your ice fishing dreams come true in Ontario

Ontario freshwater lakes are home to the very best ice fishing in the world.

Read moreYour ice fishing dreams come true in Ontario

Top 10 places to go boating in Ontario

A fun-filled family vacation awaits you at any one of these varied and fabulous boating destinations in Ontario.

Read moreTop 10 places to go boating in Ontario

Fishing for beginners in Ontario

Here’s a quick fishing for beginners guide to get you started in Ontario, Canada.

Read moreFishing for beginners in Ontario

The best ways to experience Ontario's waterways

Water-based experiences are an essential part of visiting Ontario, Canada.

Read moreThe best ways to experience Ontario's waterways

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.

Read moreHow to hold a fish for a picture then safely release it

Ontario’s top ten record fish

Here’s an account of the top ten record fish caught in Ontario and where you can try your luck at reeling in a trophy.

Read moreOntario’s top ten record fish

Bringing a firearm across the border into Canada

There are certain steps that you must follow in order to bring your firearm across the border from the United States into Canada.

Read moreBringing a firearm across the border into Canada

Ice fishing in Ontario made easy

Ontario's ice fishing outfitters will make your experience easy, fun and warm—even on the coldest of winter days.

Read moreIce fishing in Ontario made easy

Make your next family vacation a Northern Ontario cycling holiday

Cycling holidays are a great way to keep the whole family healthy and happy.

Read moreMake your next family vacation a Northern Ontario cycling holiday

8 scenic motorcycle routes to Ouimet Canyon

Ride these scenic motorcycle routes to Ouimet Canyon and experience the rugged beauty of Northwestern Ontario.

Read more8 scenic motorcycle routes to Ouimet Canyon

Ice safety: 3 steps that could save your life

Use extreme caution before heading out on a frozen lake or river in Ontario.

Read moreIce safety: 3 steps that could save your life

Romantic date ideas this winter

Find inspiration for your next date night with these romantic getaways and activities for couples in Ontario.

Read moreRomantic date ideas this winter

Privately owned campgrounds and RV parks in Ontario

Privately owned campgrounds in Ontario offers a variety of budget friendly and family friendly camping opportunities.

Read morePrivately owned campgrounds and RV parks in Ontario

Groceries and stores near popular Ontario Parks

Here’s a list of the closest places to get those last-minute groceries and supplies at some of the most popular parks.

Read moreGroceries and stores near popular Ontario Parks

Fishing in Ontario’s Provincial and National Parks

Find excellent sport fishing opportunities in Ontario’s Provincial and National Parks.

Read moreFishing in Ontario’s Provincial and National Parks

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.

Read moreWhere to go river tubing in Ontario

Adventure by bike to Northern Ontario historic places

Put these seven unique Northern Ontario historical sites on your biking bucket list.

Read moreAdventure by bike to Northern Ontario historic places

Ontario bucket list motorcycle tour routes

If you're riding into Northern Ontario, the essential riding routes on this list cannot be missed.

Read moreOntario bucket list motorcycle tour routes

Dog sledding in Ontario

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

Read moreDog sledding in Ontario

Eastern Ontario is a bucket list ATV destination

Find out what makes Eastern Ontario one of best places for ATVing.

Read moreEastern Ontario is a bucket list ATV destination

Ice climbing in Ontario

Reach new heights and discover stunning views with an ice climbing adventure in Ontario.

Read moreIce climbing in Ontario

Bucket list kayaking routes in Ontario

Get insider info and tips on the province’s top kayaking destinations.

Read moreBucket list kayaking routes in Ontario

Cozy, hygge inspired winter getaways in Ontario

Embrace the simple comforts of Nordic hygge traditions in Ontario this winter.

Read moreCozy, hygge inspired winter getaways in Ontario

Experience springtime in Ontario

Birds soar. Flowers bloom. And everything feels new and inviting.

Read moreExperience springtime in Ontario