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.

Ontario New Year’s travel resolutions

Here’s a list of top Ontario travel ideas to inspire your New Year’s resolutions for 2025.

Read moreOntario New Year’s travel resolutions

Guys’ getaways and bachelor party ideas in Ontario

Plan the ultimate guys' activity, adventure or overnight getaway for a bachelor party, birthday or reunion in Ontario.

Read moreGuys’ getaways and bachelor party ideas 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

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.

Read moreFall colour sightseeing tours in Ontario

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

Best winter experiences in Ontario

Here are the top must-do winter experiences in Ontario.

Read moreBest winter experiences in Ontario

Rock climbing tours and lessons in Ontario

Guided rock climbing tours and lessons in Ontario allow beginners to experience the ultimate in rock climbing adventure.

Read moreRock climbing tours and lessons 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

5 ATV-Friendly Lodges in Ontario

For enthusiasts looking for a wilderness adventure with comfortable accommodations, check out these five ATV-friendly lodges.

Read more5 ATV-Friendly Lodges in Ontario

Experience springtime in Ontario

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

Read moreExperience springtime in Ontario

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

Ontario four season guide

Any time of year can be the best time to experience Ontario.

Read moreOntario four season guide

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.

Read moreTips for new and returning snowmobilers 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

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

Ontario’s top game fish

Here is a look at some of the great game fish in Ontario, as well as tips on how and where to catch them.

Read moreOntario’s top game fish

Fishing Lake Nipissing

Home to Ontario’s most popular sport fish species, Lake Nipissing is an accessible fishing destination surrounded by marinas and full-service communities.

Read moreFishing Lake Nipissing

Fall colour motorcycle tours

Discover the best motorcycling touring destinations and routes to see the fall colour on your bike this season.

Read moreFall colour motorcycle tours

Beginner's guide to downhill skiing in Ontario

If you’re new to winter sports, Ontario ski resorts can show you how to get started.

Read moreBeginner's guide to downhill skiing in Ontario

ATV trails in Ontario

With thousands of kilometres of trails, and more being added each year, it's no wonder Ontario is renowned as an ATV playground.

Read moreATV trails in Ontario

How to prepare for a camping trip in Ontario

From booking the right campsite to a checklist of what to bring, here are some useful tips to help you plan the perfect camping experience in Ontario.

Read moreHow to prepare for a camping trip in Ontario

Exciting adventures for thrill-seeking families

Whether you prefer fast roller coasters, tall ziplines or big wave pools, there is no shortage of heart-pumping experiences in Ontario.

Read moreExciting adventures for thrill-seeking families

Houseboating and houseboat rentals in Ontario

Explore Ontario’s interconnected freshwater lakes, legendary riverways and heritage canals by houseboat.

Read moreHouseboating and houseboat rentals in Ontario

Beautiful Ontario, Canada landscapes for fall foliage views

Embrace adventure when you set out to see these incredible autumn landscapes.

Read moreBeautiful Ontario, Canada landscapes for fall foliage views

Fly fishing clubs in Ontario

Fly Fishing Clubs are a great way to share, learn, get inspired and connect with other fly anglers in Ontario.

Read moreFly fishing clubs in Ontario

Beginner’s guide to canoeing in Ontario

Find some of the best places and seasons for beginners to canoe and get an overview of what you’ll need to get started.

Read moreBeginner’s guide to canoeing in Ontario

Best beginner bicycle tours in Ontario

Cycle through some of Ontario’s most iconic and beautiful regions on a guided bicycle tour.

Read moreBest beginner bicycle tours in Ontario

Snowmobile trails at your fingertips: How to use the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide

Get tips on how to use the OFSC's Interactive Trail Guide from your desktop or mobile.

Read moreSnowmobile trails at your fingertips: How to use the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide

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

Romantic summer getaways in Ontario

Discover Ontario’s best romantic summer getaways and hideaways for couples looking to relax and reconnect.

Read moreRomantic summer getaways in Ontario

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.

Read moreWhere to go dog sledding in Ontario

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.

Read moreGreat fishing at Northern Ontario’s remote fly-in lodges

Where and when to fish close to Toronto

Whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong angler, knowing when and where to go fishing is one of the keys to success.

Read moreWhere and when to fish close to Toronto

10 iconic rivers to canoe in Ontario

Here’s a list of iconic Ontario rivers that every passionate paddler should canoe at least once in their lifetime.

Read more10 iconic rivers to canoe in Ontario

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

Where to go glamping in Ontario

These magical Ontario escapes truly put the “glam” in glamping.

Read moreWhere to go glamping in Ontario

Where to enjoy ice skating and hot chocolate in Ontario

A toasty hot chocolate is the perfect beverage to warm up with after a day of ice skating.

Read moreWhere to enjoy ice skating and hot chocolate in 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.

Read moreBeginner’s guide to e-biking in Ontario

Cross-country skiing for beginners in Ontario

Ontario has some of the best cross-country skiing opportunities in all of Canada, with a great selection of beginner-friendly trails.

Read moreCross-country skiing for beginners in Ontario

Guide to ice fishing on Lake Simcoe

Lake Simcoe has long been heralded as the ice fishing capital of North America and for good reason.

Read more Guide to ice fishing on Lake Simcoe

Favourite species to fish in Ontario

Here is a list of top Ontario game fish from river to lake species.

Read moreFavourite species to fish in Ontario

Ontario's must-ride snowmobile loops

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

Read moreOntario's must-ride snowmobile loops

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.

Read moreHire a local Ontario fishing guide

Wildlife viewing opportunities in Ontario

Discover engaging ways to view native wildlife, learn about their role in the natural ecosystem and support conservation efforts.

Read moreWildlife viewing opportunities in Ontario

Best spots for ice fishing in Ontario

Here are ten iconic Ontario destinations with outfitters and guides to whet your ice fishing appetite.

Read moreBest spots for ice fishing in Ontario

Find adventure on the Trans Canada Trail

For inspiration on local ways to get outside and recharge in nature, here are five ways to experience the Trans Canada Trail in Ontario.

Read moreFind adventure on the Trans Canada Trail

Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River

Find out why the Ottawa River is one of the best whitewater rafting locations in the world.

Read moreWhitewater rafting on the Ottawa River

Family winter getaways in Ontario

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

Read moreFamily winter getaways in Ontario

Fall golf in Ontario: Where to play, stay and play some more

Don’t let the sun go down on this year’s golf season just yet.

Read moreFall golf in Ontario: Where to play, stay and play some more

Helicopter, aircraft and hot air balloon tours

The sky’s the limit on these airborne adventures that will have you feeling like you’re in a dream.

Read moreHelicopter, aircraft and hot air balloon tours