Ontario may be known for its capital city of Toronto, the largest city in Canada, and the world-famous Niagara Falls, but there are also so many natural wonders in Ontario to explore.
The second largest province in Canada, Ontario is home to 250,000 lakes and is heavily forested, especially in the northern part of the province. As the glaciers retreated at the end of the ice age, the landscape of Ontario was formed and many unusual features and natural wonders were created. From beaches to waterfalls, deep canyons to high cliffs, Ontario has many amazing natural places to explore.
Although there are countless other amazing places in the province, the 15 that we have listed are all great to explore with kids and discover Ontario’s natural wonders as a family.
Natural Wonders in Ontario
Niagara Escarpment
The Niagara Escarpment is one of the most well-known natural wonders in Ontario. Formed over millions of years, it stretches for 725 km from Niagara to Tobermory. Designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Region because of its unique ecological and cultural significance, it’s home to more than 100 parks and conservation areas protecting its natural features, plants and wildlife and offers plenty of outdoor activities from hiking to rock climbing.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Home to moose, bears and loons, Algonquin Park is the oldest and largest provincial park in Ontario and is just 2.5 hours north of Toronto. With over 7,500 square kilometres containing pristine lakes, streams and rivers, Algonquin is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, camping, hiking and seeing Canadian wildlife up close. You can also take a virtual tour of the park here.
Bonnechere Caves
The Bonnechere Caves were formed 500 million years ago. They’re considered one of the best examples of limestone cave formations, which are caused by acidic waters slowly eating away at the rock. Deep underground and cool year round, tours take you through narrow passages where you can learn about stalactites, rock formations and sinkholes. Once part of a tropical sea floor 500 million years ago, the cave walls hold fossils, including coral, octopus and other sea life.
Cheltenham Badlands
Part of the Niagara Escarpment, these rolling red clay hills look like they belong on another planet. The area was originally part of an ancient sea floor 400 million years ago, but over the years erosion has worn away the land and exposed the shale underneath. Unfortunately you can’t walk the trail through the rock formations anymore as they are currently fenced off due to overuse, but you can still marvel at them from a viewing area.
Flowerpot Island
Located off the coast of Tobermory in Georgian Bay, Flowerpot Island is famous for its natural sea stacks, which look like flowerpots. The island is part of Fathom Five National Marine Park and only accessible by boat. Flowerpot Island is the only island in the park with campsites and hiking trails. Explore the unique and ancient dolomite rock formations, sunken shipwrecks, rare plants and the historic lighthouse. Campsites are available on the island or spend the day picnicking, swimming and hiking.
Kakabeka Falls
This spectacular waterfall is located a few kilometres west of Thunder Bay and is the second highest waterfall in Ontario. Viewing platforms and a wraparound boardwalk provide views of impressive 40 metre waterfall. Formed by the melting of glaciers, there are many fossils at the base of the falls dating back 1.6 million years.
Agate Island Beach
One of the most unique beaches in Ontario, Agate Island Beach is located on the shores of Lake Superior near Thunder Bay. Instead of fine sand, this beach is full of agate stones, which are similar to quartz and amethyst and said to have healing properties. Agate Island Beach was also named one of the 7 Natural Wonder Beaches of the World by Travel and Escape Network.
Spencer Gorge
With over 150 waterfalls, Hamilton is the waterfall capital of the world. Spencer’s Gorge contains two of these waterfalls – Webster’s and Tew’s – as well as Dundas Peak, which is a great spot to hike and a beautiful lookout point. Webster’s Falls is the most popular and well known falls in Hamilton, while Tew’s Falls is the highest in Hamilton.
Read more | 10 of the Best Waterfalls in Hamilton
Scarborough Bluffs
Rising 65 to 90 metres above the shoreline of Lake Ontario just east of Toronto, these bluffs are a perfect getaway from the city. Unique to North America, the Scarborough Bluffs are the result of erosion of sedimentary deposits 12,000 years ago. The rock formations can be viewed from Lake Ontario or while walking the many trails through the parks. There are nine parks among the bluffs but only one has access to the beach. For an amazing view of the Scarborough Bluffs, pack a picnic lunch and head to Scarborough Crescent Park.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Located 2 hours northeast of Peterborough, Bon Echo is known for the Mazinaw Rock, which is a sheer granite rock face that towers 100 metres over the lake. Aboriginal artists created more than 260 pictographs on the rock and it is now a national historic site of Canada.
Ouimet Canyon
Ouimet Canyon is 60km northeast of Thunder Bay in Northern Ontario. Stretching for 2km, Ouimet Canyon has sheer cliffs dropping 100 metres down to the bottom, where there are rare arctic plants that date back to the ice age. A 1km trail and boardwalk connect two lookout platforms that provide panoramic views of the stunning gorge.
1000 Islands
There are 1864 islands on this stretch of the St.Lawrence River near Kingston. Known as the 1000 Islands, they were said to have once been patrolled by pirates. Take a boat tour through the area for a view of the islands and mansions along the shoreline. There’s even an ancient castle (the castle is on the American side though – if you plan to visit, be sure to bring your passport).
Devils’ Punch Bowl
Devil’s Punchbowl actually contains two separate falls – the upper falls which is called a ribbon waterfall and the lower falls which is a classic shape. It’s the third highest waterfall in Hamilton at 37 metres high. A trail descends down to the gorge, but the first half is quite steep and may not be suitable for kids. There is a lookout platform at the top of the trail that is kid-friendly and provides a great view of Hamilton. The Punchbowl is also the starting point of the Dofasco 2000 trail, which is one of our favourite Hamilton trails.
Elora Gorge
Elora Gorge is part of the Grand River Conservation Area. Trails and lookout points offer stunning views of the Grand River as it rushes through the 22 metre high cliffs of the Gorge. You can kayak or tube down the Grand River into Elora Gorge or swim in the Elora Quarry nearby.
Niagara Falls
The largest waterfall in Ontario and one of most popular tourist sites in Canada, Niagara Falls are actually made up of three waterfalls straddling the border of Canada and the United States. The falls are 52m high and are one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world. They’re also listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
There’s lots more to explore in Ontario! Obviously we couldn’t list everything here, but hopefully we’ve inspired you to head out and explore somewhere new! If you do, let us know and maybe we can join you!
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Awesome list! I have been to a few of these places, some are on the bucket list, and some I have never heard of before 😵😵 Thanks! Will be saving this list for sure!