Discovering the Wonders of Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario, the smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area, is anything but modest in its offerings. The shores of this massive waterway are dotted with vibrant cities, serene parks, and attractions that promise fun for all ages. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the picturesque charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake, here’s your guide to unforgettable experiences around Lake Ontario.
Family-Friendly Adventures from Toronto to Niagara
Lake Ontario, the smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area, is anything but modest in its offerings. The shores of this massive waterway are dotted with vibrant cities, serene parks, and attractions that promise fun for all ages. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the picturesque charm of Niagara-on-the-Lake, here’s your guide to unforgettable experiences around Lake Ontario.
Toronto: Urban Adventures by the Lake
Toronto is a must-visit for families exploring Lake Ontario. The City Pass makes it easy to experience some of the city’s top attractions while saving money.
Head to the CN Tower for sweeping views of the city and lake—brave the glass floor for a thrilling perspective! Casa Loma offers a peek into Toronto’s past with its Gothic Revival architecture, secret passageways, and sprawling gardens.
Kids will love the Toronto Zoo, home to over 5,000 animals, and the Royal Ontario Museum, where dinosaurs and ancient artifacts await discovery.
Children’s Museums and Attractions
There are a variety of children’s museums and attractions around Lake Ontario that are perfect for a family outing. Some great options include:
- The Strong National Museum of Play: This interactive and engaging museum is dedicated to the history and exploration of play. It features various exhibits that will entertain kids and adults in Rochester, NY.
- Aquarium of Niagara: Discover diverse marine life in this fascinating aquarium, where you can observe sea creatures up close and participate in some interactive exhibits in Niagara Falls, NY.
- Little Canada: Want to see Canada in miniature? If you’ve been looking to take a cross-country tour in a matter of hours, Little Canada is the place to visit in downtown Toronto, Ontario.
Beaches and Outdoor Escapes
On warmer days, hop on the ferry to the Toronto Islands. Centre Island is perfect for a family day out with its sandy beaches, bike rentals, and Centreville Amusement Park, complete with a vintage carousel. Enjoy a picnic with views of Toronto’s skyline before taking a stroll along the boardwalk.
Lake Ontario is home to beautiful beaches perfect for relaxation and recreation. Bluffer’s Park in Scarborough offers a sandy shoreline backed by dramatic cliffs, while Woodbine Beach in Toronto is ideal for volleyball or a swim. Families can also enjoy the calm waters and picnic areas at Sandbanks Provincial Park, located a couple of hours east of Toronto.
For hiking enthusiasts, explore the Waterfront Trail, which stretches along Lake Ontario’s edge. The Scarborough Bluffs section offers breathtaking views, while the trails in Presqu’ile Provincial Park are teeming with birdlife.
Seasonal Highlights
In summer, enjoy festivals like Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival or the Waterfront Night Market. Fall brings brilliant foliage to parks along the lake, making it a great time for scenic drives or apple picking at farms near Prince Edward County. Winter offers skating at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre or checking out the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls. Spring heralds the return of tulip blooms at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.
Niagara Falls: The Power of Nature
A visit to Lake Ontario wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Take a Hornblower Cruise to get up close to the thundering falls—ponchos are provided, and you’ll need them! For a bird’s-eye view, the Niagara SkyWheel offers a family-friendly ride with stunning panoramas of the falls and surrounding area.
Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls’ entertainment district, is packed with attractions for all ages. From glow-in-the-dark mini-golf to interactive museums, it’s the perfect place to let kids burn off some energy. In the evening, don’t miss the falls’ nightly illumination and seasonal fireworks displays.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Quaint and Cultural
A short drive from Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town that feels like stepping back in time. Known for its wineries, the region also offers plenty for families. Peller Estates Winery features ice cream wine pairings for adults and mocktails for kids, while the Lavender Boutique sells locally made lavender-infused treats.
Stroll along Queen Street to browse quaint shops and art galleries, and visit Fort George National Historic Site for a hands-on history lesson. Time your trip to coincide with the Shaw Festival, where family-friendly theatrical productions are staged throughout the year.
Culinary Adventures
No day is complete without a meal shared with family or friends. And, for the foodies, Toronto is a vibrant culinary destination with flavors from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re craving juicy steaks, elegant dim sum, or authentic Italian fare, the city offers a diverse array of dining experiences.
Here are my top four favorite restaurants that I visited this year; each promises an incredible meal and entertainment as well.
Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse
Located on Eglinton Avenue, Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse is a paradise for meat lovers. This lively restaurant brings the flavors of Brazil to Toronto with its all-you-can-eat churrasco-style dining. Skilled servers carve succulent cuts of beef, lamb, and chicken tableside, paired with an array of sides and salads. The vibrant atmosphere, complete with samba music and live performances, makes it a perfect spot for a celebratory dinner.
Pearl Harbourfront
Nestled within the Queen’s Quay Terminal overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Ontario, Pearl Harbourfront serves exceptional Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting. Known for its exquisite dim sum, fresh seafood, and breathtaking harbor views, this restaurant offers a refined yet family-friendly dining experience. The Peking duck and crystal shrimp dumplings are perennial favorites, while the serene ambiance makes it ideal for a leisurely evening meal.
Canoe
Perched on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe is the epitome of fine dining with a distinctly Canadian flair. The menu celebrates Canada’s diverse landscapes and ingredients, with dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in the nation’s culinary traditions. With sweeping views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario, this sophisticated restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience. Highlights include sustainably sourced seafood, wild game, and artfully plated desserts that rival the views.
Terroni Adelaide
For lovers of authentic Italian cuisine, Terroni Adelaide is a must-visit. Located in a historic building on Adelaide Street, this Toronto institution is known for its rustic charm and simple, high-quality dishes. From hand-stretched pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven to freshly made pastas and decadent tiramisu, every bite transports you to Italy. The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it a delightful choice for a New Year’s Eve celebration with family and friends.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s farm-to-table restaurants, like Treadwell Cuisine, showcase the region’s seasonal bounty. Don’t leave without sampling local icewine, a sweet treat made from frozen grapes.
Plan Your Perfect Trip
Lake Ontario offers a rich tapestry of experiences for families at any time of year. Whether you’re marveling at the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, exploring Toronto’s iconic attractions, or relaxing on sandy beaches, this Great Lake has something to delight everyone.
