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

Dog-friendly vacations in Ontario

From downtown Toronto to Ontario’s great outdoors, go exploring this summer with your four-legged sidekick.

Read moreDog-friendly vacations 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.

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

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

Kayak fly fishing is Ontario's exciting new fishing challenge

If you’re ready to try fly fishing from a kayak in Ontario, here are some expert tips to get started.

Read moreKayak fly fishing is Ontario's exciting new fishing challenge

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

Sightseeing boat tours and cruises in Ontario

From sightseeing boat tours and leisure cruising tours to high-speed jet boat rides, there are endless boating adventures to enjoy in Ontario.

Read moreSightseeing boat tours and cruises in Ontario

Hunting regulations in Ontario

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) enforces the laws and regulations for hunting in Ontario.

Read moreHunting regulations 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

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.

Read moreTake a walk on the edge: EdgeWalk CN Tower

Experience whitewater paddling Ontario

Experience some of Ontario’s most exciting canoe routes by becoming a whitewater paddler.

Read moreExperience whitewater paddling Ontario

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

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

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

How to get your Ontario hunting licence (for non-residents)

Here's how to get an Ontario hunting licence if you are not an Ontario resident.

Read moreHow to get your Ontario hunting licence (for non-residents)

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

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

Plan the perfect Ontario golf weekend

Home to beautiful and diverse landscapes, Ontario offers the ideal playground to plan the perfect weekend golf getaway.

Read morePlan the perfect Ontario golf weekend

How to enjoy Ontario’s national and provincial parks

Ontario is home to over 330 Provincial Parks and countless opportunities to enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Read moreHow to enjoy Ontario’s national and provincial parks

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

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

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

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

Best sightseeing bus tours in Ontario

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

Read moreBest sightseeing bus tours in Ontario

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

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

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

Learn to camp workshops and guided camping trips in Ontario

Ontario Parks and outdoor guiding companies in Ontario offer a range of programs, courses and guided trips to introduce you to camping.

Read moreLearn to camp workshops and guided camping trips in Ontario

Learning to fly fish is easier than you think

Fly fishing is an accessible, affordable and fun activity in which anyone can participate. Especially in Ontario.

Read moreLearning to fly fish is easier than you think

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

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

5 excellent motorcycle routes in Southern Ontario

Here are five loops to explore from the Greater Toronto Area—although riders can join the loops from anywhere.

Read more5 excellent motorcycle routes in Southern Ontario

Luxury winter camping and glamping in Ontario

Experience the magic of camping in Ontario’s winter wonderland without roughing it with these unique winter “glamping” style accommodations.

Read moreLuxury winter camping and glamping in Ontario

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

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

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

Plan a unique getaway at Haliburton Forest

Get-away to Haliburton Highlands for guided experiences, outdoor adventures, nature viewing and tiny cabin accommodations.

Read morePlan a unique getaway at Haliburton Forest

Scenic motorcycle routes to Ouimet Canyon

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

Read moreScenic motorcycle routes to Ouimet Canyon

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

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

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

Where to get fishing bait and tackle in Ontario

If you’re heading out for a fishing trip in Ontario you’ll want to know where the closest bait and tackle shops are.

Read moreWhere to get fishing bait and tackle in Ontario

Lake Simcoe is a four-season fishing hot spot

Southern Ontario’s largest inland lake offers incredible fishing for a variety of popular gamefish.

Read moreLake Simcoe is a four-season fishing hot spot

Outdoor winter adventures for couples in Ontario

Outdoor adventure and romance go hand-in-hand on these winter getaways.

Read moreOutdoor winter adventures for couples 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

Great tobogganing spots in Ontario

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

Read moreGreat tobogganing spots 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

Countryside skating trails in Ontario

Whether you’re a beginner or skate like a pro, enjoy ice skating this winter on gorgeous countryside and forest skate trails and rinks.

Read moreCountryside skating trails in Ontario

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