Along the shores of Lake Ontario, you can spot the skyline of Toronto shooting through the clouds. With recognizable icons like the C.N Tower and the Rogers Centre, Toronto is a major metropolis with stunning architecture, an extremely walkable downtown, and some of the best culture you’ll find anywhere. Canada’s biggest city is a melting-pot, the most multi-cultural city in the world that blends a variety of cultures into one unique city. With top-notch restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best museums and galleries in the world, Toronto is a global city that is a highly sought-after place to live.
Toronto has numerous great waterfront properties along the waters of Lake Ontario. There are several areas in Toronto’s red-hot real estate market that provide easy access to the water. In the Beaches, which encompasses Cherry Beach and Woodbine Beach, you’ll find sandy lakefront homes. Downtown, there are numerous massive condominiums right on the water. In Etobicoke, slightly outside of Toronto-proper, you’ll find larger waterfront houses.
But if the big city lifestyle isn’t for you, there are numerous beautiful locations near Toronto that draw countless residents in. Toronto is situated in Ontario, a province with some of the most natural beauty anywhere in the world. From Unionville to Huntsville, there are so many towns and areas worth exploring in the region surrounding Toronto. Let’s take a look at some of these incredible places.
For starters, there’s Niagara on the Lake, Prince Edward County, and Niagara Falls. Niagara on the Lake is a Southern Ontario town on the waterfront of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River. The town is extremely picturesque, lined with 19th-century buildings and small shops and boutiques. It is a popular summer destination due to its proximity to the water. It is especially well-known for its thriving wineries that offer seasonal tours and tastings.
Prince Edward County is a large area that encompasses a significant stretch of land on the shores of Lake Ontario. If you’re looking for gorgeous natural scenery, head to Prince Edward County. This region has become extremely trendy amongst buyers in recent years, and areas like Sandbanks Provincial Park show exactly why. With beautiful beaches and cliffs, it is a beautiful area for hiking or swimming. There are also numerous wineries in the surrounding areas.
Niagara Falls is a well-known town that attracts a massive number of tourists every year. It is the site of the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, which, all Canadians will tell you, is much better. The town itself is extremely tourism-centric. There are many hotels, high-quality restaurants, and attractions. These include a Ferris wheel, museums, and carnival-style food. There are even nearby casinos.
Two more areas that are extremely popular are The Blue Mountains and Collingwood. These are areas that attract visitors year-round due to the outdoor activities in the area. The Blue Mountains is the site of Blue Mountain Resort, a major destination for skiing and snowboarding, with the quaint Blue Mountain Village nearby. In the summer, this area attracts adventures, with thrilling ways to spend time outside, such as zip-lining, caving, hiking, and more. The Blue Mountains are also on the water, on Beaver River and Nottawasaga Bay, so whether you’re looking for a summer or winter retreat, there’s much to do.
Collingwood is right near The Blue Mountains and has a similar array of activities. In the winter, its proximity to The Blue Mountain Ski Resort brings an influx of skiers and boarders to the town. It is an extremely popular location for chalets, where many Torontonians own seasonal homes. In non-winter seasons, it is right on the water, with areas like Sunset Point Beach offering great access and beautiful Bay views.
Lastly, there’s Stratford and Port Hope. Stratford is a small but incredibly picturesque Ontario town. It is one of the artistic hubs of Ontario, well-known for its top-notch theatrical performances. The Stratford Festival is a Shakespeare-oriented festival that takes over the town and draws many visitors every Spring through the Fall. The town’s numerous parks and gardens make it a quaint place to live, perfect for those who enjoy live performances and a cozy small-town vibe.
Port Hope is an area east of Toronto, a historic municipality located on the north shore of Lake Ontario. It is a quaint and quiet town with a picturesque and classic quality to it. In fact, you might recognize it as the location where both the IT movies were filmed. There is much to do in Port Hope, like hiking through the nearby trails, enjoying some of the town’s craft beer, or sampling the delicious food available.
