From charming towns with unique cultures to scenic communities with lakefront beaches, Ontario hosts destinations ideal for a summer day trip or vacation. Let’s look at some of the communities in the province that are best for a summer retreat.
Getaways
Burlington: Situated along Lake Ontario, Burlington is a major city known for its abundant cultural attractions. It is home to intriguing museums, art galleries, and the Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada’s largest botanical garden. Summer visitors flock to Burlington to enjoy its renowned attractions and experience its beautiful natural surroundings. The city boasts excellent trails, lakefront scenery, and charming parks. During the summer, Burlington hosts enticing outdoor events such as the Burlington Food Truck Festival.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of Ontario’s premier getaway destinations. It is a charming town on the shores of Lake Ontario comprising historically preserved architecture dating back to the 19th century. The quaint downtown has restaurants serving outstanding food, and during the summer, the city hosts the Shaw Festival, a huge theater event. But what truly captivates visitors in Niagara-on-the-Lake are its numerous wineries, which are open throughout the summer, offering vineyard tours and tastings.
Gananoque: Gananoque is a gorgeous summer retreat renowned as the gateway to the 1,000 Islands. A vast archipelago in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, the 1,000 Islands provides popular natural playgrounds for summer fishing, boating, and water sports. With historical sites, shopping destinations, and delicious eateries, Gananoque is a city well worth visiting.
Beach Towns
Cobourg: Cobourg is a small, historic city known as a summer getaway hotspot for its expansive beach on Lake Ontario. During the summer, crowds fill Cobourg Beach, which boasts a sizable boardwalk, play areas for children, and picnic spots. Cobourg also has a large marina for boaters, and it is a haven for anglers and water sports enthusiasts. The town features riveting museums and delectable restaurants as well.
Port Hope: Port Hope is a quaint waterfront city with a timeless look. It is famous for its immaculately preserved Main Street, historical buildings dating back to the 19th century, local golf courses, and conservation areas for pleasant summer strolls. Offering two public beaches along Lake Ontario, Port Hope provides idyllic places to unwind and escape the summer heat.
Wasaga Beach: Wasaga Beach is a stunning town on Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay. During the summer, Wasaga Beach attracts numerous visitors drawn to its incredible beaches, which rank among the finest in the province. In fact, the city is home to the world’s longest freshwater beach, featuring a white sandy shoreline that offers remarkable views of the Niagara Escarpment, all amid lush surrounding forests. While Wasaga Beach is a small town, it attracts an impressive two million visitors every year who look to savor its distinctive beachy setting.
