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.

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

Fly fishing rivers of Ontario

There are seemingly countless opportunities for anglers to fly fish on Ontario’s rivers.

Read moreFly fishing rivers of Ontario

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

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

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.

Read moreGo on a stargazing getaway in Ontario

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

Where to see the Northern Lights in Ontario

Discover the best provincial parks and designated dark sky preserves in Ontario for the chance to see the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights.

Read moreWhere to see the Northern Lights 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

Ontario, Canada fall adventure road trip ideas

Plan your routes from north to south, following the changes in leaves to maximize the weather and scenery. In northern areas like Thunder Bay...

Read moreOntario, Canada fall adventure road trip ideas

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.

Read moreIndigenous tours and outdoor adventures

Simple Ontario fish recipes and shore lunches

Ontario’s lakes and rivers offer some of the most exciting freshwater fishing experiences in North America, as well as some of the tastiest sport fish.

Read moreSimple Ontario fish recipes and shore lunches

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

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

Holiday fireworks displays in Ontario

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

Read moreHoliday fireworks displays in Ontario

Beginner’s guide to kayaking in Ontario

Here is an overview of where and when to go kayaking and a list of great guides, outfitters and instructor.

Read moreBeginner’s guide to kayaking 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

Guide to scuba diving in Ontario

Whether you’re a beginner or an avid diver, you’ll love the unique scuba diving experiences in Ontario.

Read moreGuide to scuba diving in Ontario

Explore some of the best waterfall hikes in Ontario

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

Read moreExplore some of the best waterfall hikes 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

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

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

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

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 seniors

Make the most of your silver years on a RV tour in Ontario.

Read moreRVing in Ontario for seniors

Guided snowshoeing tours and snowshoe rentals in Ontario

Book a guided snowshoeing tour in Ontario or rent a pair of snowshoes and hit the trails on your own.

Read moreGuided snowshoeing tours and snowshoe rentals in Ontario

Guided snowmobiling tours

Get a taste of pure winter adventure this season on a fully-outfitted and guided snowmobile tour.

Read moreGuided snowmobiling tours

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

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

Guide to modern ice fishing in Ontario

New tools, techniques and approaches to ice fishing make this traditional winter sport more accessible and enjoyable today

Read moreGuide to modern ice fishing 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

21 top fishing destinations in Ontario

Freshwater sportfishing opportunities in the province of Ontario are unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

Read more21 top fishing destinations in Ontario

Getting started in fly fishing

There’s never been a better time to learn the art of fly fishing than the present.

Read moreGetting started in fly fishing

Best bird watching and birding events in Ontario

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

Read moreBest bird watching and birding events 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

How to pick the right Ontario hunting lodge

Here are some tips when looking at choosing the best fit lodge for your group.

Read moreHow to pick the right Ontario hunting lodge

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

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

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

Top cross-country trails for experienced skiers in Ontario

Ontario's snowy winters and rugged Canadian Shield terrain provide some of the best cross-country skiing in the world.

Read moreTop cross-country trails for experienced skiers in Ontario

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

Ontario's Route Champlain

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

Read moreOntario's Route Champlain

Beginner’s guide to surfing in Ontario

Wind and weather patterns across the Great Lakes are powerful enough to create awesome waves, especially in the cooler months, from late summer...

Read moreBeginner’s guide to surfing in Ontario

Everyday Canadian things to try in Ontario

The Canadian experience is waiting for you in Ontario.

Read moreEveryday Canadian things to try in Ontario

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

Best places for stargazing in Ontario

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

Read moreBest places for stargazing in Ontario

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

Most challenging ski hills in Ontario

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

Read moreMost challenging ski hills in Ontario

Ice fishing events in Ontario for 2024

Ontario has a rich tradition of competitive ice fishing events, from high-stakes tournaments to family-friendly derbies.

Read moreIce fishing events in Ontario for 2024

Scenic train rides and railway museums in Ontario

Experience the romance, adventure and nostalgia of train travel aboard a heritage train or at a train museum.

Read moreScenic train rides and railway museums in Ontario

Where to rent or buy an ATV in Ontario

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

Read moreWhere to rent or buy an ATV in Ontario