Hammond Haven, Luxury Log and Timber Cottage on Jack Lake
Apsley, Ontario
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Ontario Vacation Rentals: From Toronto to Muskoka
Ontario Vacation Rentals: From Toronto to Muskoka
The Explorer’s Guide to Ontario
Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, often stands out for its sheer size and natural grandeur. Nestled along Ontario’s northern shores, Lake Superior boasts pristine waters and dramatic landscapes. Its rugged coastlines, sweeping vistas, and secluded beaches make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The lake’s crystalline waters are perfect for kayaking, sailing, and fishing, while its surrounding wilderness provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. Lake Superior’s undeniable beauty, combined with its sense of wild solitude, contributes to its reputation as one of the most captivating and awe-inspiring lakes in Ontario.
Three Interesting Facts about Ontario
01
Land of Lakes
Ontario is home to over 250,000 lakes containing about one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. This includes part of the Great Lakes, the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth.
02
Ontario’s Grand Canyon
The Cheltenham Badlands, located near Caledon in southern Ontario, is a unique and striking landscape resembling a desert with its exposed red and orange clay hills. Poor farming practices in the 1930s created the formation.
03
Magnetic Hill, Sudbury
Sudbury is home to a peculiar phenomenon known as Magnetic Hill. When cars are placed in neutral on Magnetic Hill Road, they appear to roll uphill, creating an optical illusion that defies gravity.
Must-See Attractions
What’s Nearby
Annual Events and Festivals
February 2 – 19, 2025
Winterlude
Winterlude in Ottawa is a dazzling annual winter festival transforming Canada’s capital into a wonderland of snow and ice. The festival’s centerpiece is the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen ice skating rink, offering a unique and exhilarating experience for skaters of all ages. Winterlude also features magnificent ice sculptures crafted by talented artists from around the globe, showcased in sparkling displays that light up the night. Interactive activities include snow playgrounds, ice carving competitions, and live entertainment.
November 1 – 10, 2024
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is one of the world’s largest indoor agricultural and equestrian events. This prestigious fair has been a celebrated Canadian tradition since its inception in 1922. Visitors can experience various activities and exhibits, including livestock competitions, horse shows, agricultural displays, and educational demonstrations. The horse show is a particular highlight, featuring international equestrian competitions that draw top riders from around the globe. The fair also offers a delightful culinary experience, focusing on locally sourced, artisanal foods and beverages.
September 2024
Niagara Grape and Wine Festival
Held in the renowned Niagara Peninsula, an area acclaimed for its fertile soil and ideal grape-growing conditions, the festival occurs over several weeks in September, coinciding with the grape harvest season. The festival features many events, including winery tours, tastings, and educational sessions where visitors can indulge in and learn about the area’s world-class wines. A festival highlight is the grand parade, a vibrant and colorful procession through the streets celebrating the community’s wine-making achievements. Local wineries participate enthusiastically, offering special events and promotions, including food pairings, live music, and exclusive tours.
Top Hiking Trails
The Crack Trail
The Crack Trail (Parking Lot), Killarney, Ontario
The Crack Trail, nestled within Killarney Provincial Park in Ontario, is a testament to Canadian wilderness’s raw and rugged beauty. A challenging yet rewarding hiking trail, The Crack earns its name from a distinctive narrow fissure in the quartzite rock that adventurous hikers ascend to reach the summit of the La Cloche Mountains. The trail offers a captivating journey through dense forests, rocky terrain, and pristine lakes, ultimately leading to a breathtaking panoramic view at the summit. Hikers are treated to vistas of Georgian Bay, Killarney’s azure lakes, and the stunning expanse of the surrounding wilderness.
Lion’s Head Lookout
McCurdy Drive Parkette, 89 Moore St, Lion’s Head, Ontario
The trail to the lookout is part of the Bruce Trail network and offers a moderately challenging five-kilometer round trip. Hikers are rewarded with stunning views of Georgian Bay and the rugged cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. The lookout provides a breathtaking vantage point where you can see the bay’s turquoise waters stretching out to the horizon. The trail winds through dense forests and rocky terrain, making it a favorite among nature lovers and photographers.
Grindstone Creek via Waterdown Trail
150 Mill St S, Hamilton, Ontario
The Grindstone Creek via Waterdown Trail offers a serene and picturesque escape into nature. This trail, part of the larger Niagara Escarpment trail system, winds through the lush forests and along the meandering Grindstone Creek. Known for its moderate difficulty, it caters to casual walkers and more avid hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The trail features a variety of landscapes, including wooded areas, creek-side paths, and occasional open meadows, offering a diverse array of flora and fauna. One of the highlights of this trail is the scenic waterfalls along Grindstone Creek, where the sound of cascading water adds to the tranquility of the hike.
Best Golf Courses
St. George’s Golf and Country Club
1668 Islington Ave, Etobicoke, Ontario
St. George’s Golf and Country Club, located in Toronto, Ontario, is one of Canada’s premier golf destinations, renowned for its rich history, exceptional design, and challenging layout. Designed by the legendary golf architect Stanley Thompson and opened in 1929, St. George’s is consistently ranked among the top golf courses in Canada and the world. The course is celebrated for its classic, strategic design, which demands precision and thoughtful play. With its rolling terrain, elevated tee boxes, and undulating greens, the course presents an engaging test for golfers of all skill levels.
Muskoka Bay Resort
1217 North Muldrew Lake Rd, Gravenhurst ONtario
Crafted by renowned architect Doug Carrick, the course opened in 2006 and quickly gained a reputation as one of Canada’s top golf destinations. The course is woven into the dramatic landscape of the Canadian Shield, featuring sweeping fairways, sculpted terrain, and dramatic elevation changes that provide both a visual treat and a challenging game. The natural features, including rocky outcrops, wetlands, and forests, have been thoughtfully incorporated into the course design, creating a seamless blend of nature and playability. Each hole offers its own unique character, with strategic bunkering and beautifully manicured greens.
The Pulpit Club
3035 Escarpment Side Rd, Caledon Village, Ontario
The Pulpit Club is a distinguished golfing destination renowned for its two exceptional courses: The Pulpit and The Paintbrush. Established as the Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association, the club has gained acclaim for its spectacular design and breathtaking scenery. The Pulpit Course, the club’s first course, opened in 1990 and was designed by the renowned architectural team of Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry. It is set against the backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment and is celebrated for its stunning vistas, dramatic elevation changes, and strategic play. The Paintbrush opened in 1992, complements its sister course with a more rugged and naturalistic layout, featuring undulating fairways and sculpted greens that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Water Sports
Ontario Paddleboarding
Paddling
From the tranquil waters of the Muskoka region to the historic and wildlife-rich routes of Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario’s diverse paddling experiences cater to all skill levels. Canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) are particularly popular. They allow adventurers to immerse themselves in the serene wilderness or enjoy the unique urban scenery along the waterfronts of cities like Toronto and Ottawa.
Captain Action Charters
Fishing
Fishing in Ontario is a cherished pastime, drawing anglers from far and wide to its abundant lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. With a reputation as one of the world’s premier fishing destinations, Ontario boasts diverse freshwater ecosystems teeming with various fish species. Whether casting a line for the iconic smallmouth bass in the Kawarthas, seeking the elusive muskellunge in Lake of the Woods, or angling for trophy-sized salmon in Lake Ontario, the province offers a fishing experience for every enthusiast. To enhance this angling adventure, one notable company providing exceptional fishing charters is Captain Action Charters. Based in Lake Ontario’s waters near Toronto, Captain Action Charters specializes in providing memorable and guided fishing experiences.
Divers Den
Scuba diving
Scuba diving in Ontario unveils a unique and unexpected underwater world within the Great Lakes, making it a captivating destination for divers seeking freshwater adventures. Sunken ships, underwater caves, and vibrant marine life create an enchanting and sometimes eerie landscape beneath the surface. To enhance the scuba diving experience, one exceptional company that offers guided tours is Divers Den in Tobermory. Divers Den provides a range of scuba diving excursions catering to various skill levels and interests. Their knowledgeable and certified dive instructors lead explorations to renowned sites like the iconic Flowerpot Island and the historic shipwrecks in Big Tub Harbor.
Resorts to Explore
Where to Sleep
Pet-friendly
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The Round House
Big River
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Pet-friendly
Villa Santorini
Gary
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Pet-friendly
Camp Baxter
Gary
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Pet-friendly
Sandhill Flat
Gary
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Pet-friendly
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Tips on Vacationing in Ontario
Consider a City Pass in Major Cities
Consider purchasing a city pass for discounts in cities like Toronto and Ottawa and skip the line access to major attractions such as the CN Tower, once the world’s tallest free-standing building.
Enjoy the Lakes
Ontario is home to many beautiful lakes. Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, and the smaller Muskoka lakes are perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports.
Plan According to the Season
Ontario’s climate varies significantly throughout the year. Summer (June-August) is perfect for outdoor activities like visiting Niagara Falls or exploring provincial parks. Winter (December-February) offers excellent opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, particularly in areas like Blue Mountain. Fall (September-November) is ideal for witnessing the stunning fall foliage, and spring (March-May) showcases beautiful blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ontario
Yes, many people visit Niagara Falls as a day trip from Toronto. It’s approximately a 1.5- to 2-hour drive, and there are also organized tours available.
Popular locations for vacation rentals in Ontario include the charming towns of The Blue Mountains and Collingwood, situated along the Georgian Bay. Other sought-after areas include Huntsville and Baysville, with the Lake of Bays region being a top destination for vacationers.
To secure your preferred dates and rental, book your vacation rental as far in advance as possible. Booking a few months ahead of your trip will give you a better selection of properties and maximize your chances of finding the perfect rental to suit your needs. This is especially important during peak travel seasons, like summer, and major holidays, such as Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Labour Day, generally viewed as summer’s last weekend.
Standard amenities found in vacation rentals can include air conditioning, bedding and linens, fully equipped kitchens, and parking spaces. More luxurious rentals offer features like swimming pools, hot tubs, or game rooms. Review the rental listing or consult with rental agencies for a complete overview of the amenities.
To ensure a safe and secure rental experience, perform your due diligence when selecting a rental property. Research reviews, communicate with the property owner or rental agency, and thoroughly read the rental agreement terms and conditions. It is always recommended to use a secure payment method and consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your trip.