You’re looking for great places to visit in Ontario in spring, and I’ve got you. Here are some of the best provincial parks, events and charming towns you should visit in Ontario this spring. Complete with all the details including places to stay, restaurants to eat at, and things to know to make your visit better.

When the weather starts warming up and you get that blissful feeling of warm sunshine on your face, you know it’s time to start planning some adventures. In Ontario, this can include spending time outdoors or wandering quaint towns with a cup of coffee. There are plenty of amazing things to do in Ontario during the spring, so lets find the best one for you!

Places to Visit: Ontario in Spring

1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the new natural wonders of the world, and they are pretty cool to look at. There is an incredible amount of water flowing over the falls. I don’t think this can be genuinely appreciated until you see the real thing…..and then there is the town of Niagara Falls.

Clifton Hill is our very own Vegas Strip. Candy shops, restaurants, mini putt, haunted houses and Ripleys believe it or not are a few things you might stumble across while wandering down Clifton Hill.  With its casino like lights, the truth is, Clifton Hill is actually kind of fun, while also being chuegy AF.  

There are other things to do in Niagara Falls outside of riding go-karts on Clifton Hill, making it a great place to visit in Ontario in spring.  You can enjoy outlet shopping at the Outlet Collection or visit the butterfly conservatory and botanical gardens. If your goals are to interact with the falls themselves, you can do this by zip-lining or taking a ride on the Maid of the Mist. There are tons of experiences to have in Niagara Falls making it an easy place to spend a weekend. When coupled with a visit to Niagara-on-the-lake, this is one of the best places in Ontario to welcome spring.

Places to stay:

Best views of the falls : Sheraton Falls view
Marriott Fallsview Hotel
Family Stays with Kids: the Great Wolfe Lodge has a waterpark inside

Things to know: Clifton Hill can be very busy as it is one of the major tourism hubs in Ontario, if not the most touristy. This means lots of things in Niagara Falls are expensive.  Parking for the day isn’t cheap, and can get full fast. Restaurants near the falls are also on the expensive side, I prefer to eat in Niagara-on-the-lake, and do my activities at the falls. It is also worthwhile to see the falls at night as they light them up with an array of colours and designs!

2. Niagara-on-the-lake

This beautiful little town feels as if it has been transplanted from the Lake District in England. Full of gorgeous boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants, Niagara-on-the-lake is a pleasant place to spend the day just strolling about. Grab a coffee at Balzac’s, and enjoy your time wandering through the little shops and many green spaces of the town center. 

Often coupled with a trip to Niagara Falls, its nice to finish your day with a relaxed visit to Niagara-on-the-lake, just 20 minutes away. If you have a car, I can only encourage you to explore some of the wineries and surrounding areas. Don’t forget to take a quick walk along the lake!

Foodies rejoice, Niagara on the lake is littered with incredible restaurants to fit the budget of all visitors.
Here are a few Niagara-on-the-Lake restaurants I recommend. The Irish Harp Pub and the Olde Angel Inn are perfect for casual dining, while Treadwell suits those looking for fine dining. If you are looking for something budget friendly, you need to stop by Gyros on the Lake.

If you have access to a car, here are a few wineries with amazing dining options you should visit. The Terrance Wine Bar at Peller Estates and Trius Winery are popular visits, but my personal favourite is the Farm House Cafe at Caroline Cellars.

Places to Stay:

Spa Hotel between the Outlet Mall, Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake: White Oaks
Luxury Stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake: Pillar and Post
The ICONIC Niagara-on-the-Lake Stay: Prince of Wales

Things to know: Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake are close enough that you can flip between the two destinations over a weekend. You can visit both on a day trip as well.

3. Go Waterfall hunting in Hamilton

Hamilton Ontario has 156 waterfalls within its city limits making this Ontario town the waterfall capital of the world! Didn’t see that coming did you? During the spring season, when the grass turns to green and the water levels are high from the melting snow, these waterfalls roar. Which makes them a sight to see.

Lace up your hiking boots and soak up some of the warm spring air while visiting the various waterfalls around Hamilton. Once you are finished exploring the waterfalls, there are a number of cafes and restaurants you can visit, and a few of them are dog friendly!

Here are a few of my favourite Hamilton Waterfalls you can explore: Websters Falls, Albion Falls, Tew Falls, the Devil’s Punchbowl, and Buttermilk Falls

Places to Stay:

Sheraton Downtown Hamilton
Basic Hotel Downtown Hamilton: Staybridge Suites

Things to know: Hamilton is large city with a number of areas you can explore outside of waterfall hunting. Don’t be intimidated by its industrial shell. Hamiltons urban waterfront, the West Harbour, has some cool public spaces to enjoy and Dundurn Castle, the sight for a Tom Hiddleston romance movie, is open for visitors. 

4. Explore Port Dover

Norfolk County is one of the best regions to explore in Ontario, and Port Dover is the perfect place to start. A half moon shaped beach is edged by a giant pier stretching out into Lake Erie. With its photogenic lighthouse, this is Ontario’s version of Peggys Cove. The town of Port Dover comes with a smattering of beach side restaurants and boutique shops, making it a great place to visit in Ontario in spring.

Catch a show at the Light House Theatre, or grab a perch dinner at the Erie Beach Hotel, there’s tons of ways to spend a day in Port Dover. Boutiques include a homemade soap store, clothing shops and my personal favourite, the cheese shop. Port Dover is also home to Ontarios very own….palm tree! You can include a visit to Port Dover on a weekend dedicated to Norfolk Country. There are tons of amazing things to do in Norfolk County.

Places to Stay in Port Dover:

Cute Cottage’s to rent in Port Dover: Luxe Lodges on Lake Erie
Glamping in Port Dover: Homegrown Hideaway

Things to know: Port Dover is a small town so parking is free. You can explore this area along with Turkey Point, a beach down the road. Turn your drive from Port Dover to Turkey Point into a winery crawl, stopping by a number of gorgeous wineries and picking up snacks and treats for later. There are also a few great lavender farms along the way you can visit!

5. See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto

You don’t need to go all the way to Japan to experience cherry blossom season when you can visit High Park in Toronto. This centrally located park has a plethora of cherry blossom trees ready to bloom the moment spring comes around. Light pink photogenic flowers hang from the trees to create that whimsical feeling of spring romanticized in Rom-Com movies.

Toronto, of course, is packed full of things to do, like these casual restaurants to eat at, and these coffee shops to visit. It is a great city to dedicate time to year round. However, when it comes to places to visit in Ontario in spring, there are few things better than strolling through cherry blossom trees in High Park in Toronto. You can check out this website for updates on the cherry blossom trees and the blooms so you can see them at their best.

Places to stay in Toronto:

Affordable Luxury Toronto Stay: Hotel X
Modern, Unique, Well Located: Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square

Things to know: Toronto is massive, and parking is expensive, but it does have functional public transport which is great for exploring places within the city once you are there. High Park is also quite expansive so once you have seen the cherry blossoms, do your self a favour and spend some time exploring the other areas of the park. Imagine, going to Toronto to experience green space!

6. Collingwood

Collingwood is a charming town located just 2.5 hours from Toronto. It’s well known for its ski hills and winter sports, but there are tons of other things to do in the area after the snow melts. 

Located on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, Collingwood is ideal for hiking and with over 60kms of recreational trails there is something for everyone. The Waterfront Trail or Loree Forest Trails are great places to start!

If you are looking for something a little less outdoorsy, the town of Collingwood is quaint and filled with unreal restaurants, breweries, and shops. Just a 20 minute drive away you will find one of Canada’s top restaurants, Hearts Tavern and Bar, which is of course, worth a visit. Last but not least, what better way to welcome spring than by unwinding at the Scandinave Spa in Blue Mountain. This outdoor hydrotherapy circuit will have you feeling luxurious, relaxed and ready to take on the world.

Where to stay:

Cute, Stylish Boutique Hotel downtown: The Dorchester
Georgian Bay Hotel: Affordable Resort
Blue Mountain Stay

Things to know: This is the city you visit Blue Mountain from, a town with the same design as Whistler, right in Ontario. Its worthwhile to make your way over there, to do some hiking on the hills, and soak up the vibes of a mountain town transplanted in Ontario

7. Take a Spa Weekend at Ste Annes

The best spa in Canada just happens to be in Ontario. A weekend at Ste Annes is the perfect way to welcome the spring season. This all-inclusive spa is located in Grafton and comes with 5 star service, gourmet food, a hydrotherapy circuit, comfy places to relax, and hiking trails. You can visit Ste Annes as a day guest, or spend the night in one of the many individually designed accommodations.

A visit to Ste Annes comes with lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner at their beloved restaurant. You can choose to enhance your stay with spa treatments and wellness classes such as yoga, or simply spend your day enjoying the amenities. This includes the use of the hot tubs and steam rooms. The best part of a visit to Ste Annes is the bathrobe you are given when you check in becomes the uniform for your stay. Thats right, you walk around outside in your robe, you eat dinner in your robe, you live in your robe. A visit to Ste Annes is one of the best things to do in Ontario.

Book it here: Ste Annes Spa

Things to know: Ste Annes also has their own bakery you can visit just down the road. You need to stop by for a coffee and a baked good, its very cute. 

8. Go Camping in Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is a great place to visit in Ontario in spring. It is the oldest provincial park in Canada and spans over 7,500 square kms. When the snow melts and the water levels peak, Algonquin is magical. A rugged wilderness, the rocky cliffs and forested trails of Algonquin come with abundant wildlife spotting opportunities including moose, beavers, bears, and of course birds. 

For adventurers you can hike, fish, camp or canoe through the park, in fact it’s one of the most popular places in Ontario to go canoe portaging. If thats a bit intense for you, you can also rent cabins or car camping spots in the park for a more cushioned experience. 

Where to stay:

Hidden Valley Resort: Cottage Vibes in Huntsville
Deerhurst Resort: Iconic Muskoka Resort

Things to know: Algonquin is massive, it is important to know which trails you have interest in exploring before you go. Make sure you are prepared for the trip and are confident in your experience level as this park is truly a natural wonder. If you do go camping, here’s an entire blog dedicated to easy camping meals you can enjoy while on your adventure!

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9. Head to Cottage Country in Kawartha Lakes

Head into cottage country this spring with a visit to Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Just 1.5 hours east of Toronto, the Kawartha’s are a region filled with lakes, rivers and waterways. A spring getaway in the Kawarthas means you will experience beautiful scenery, stunning local cuisine, craft beer and outdoor adventure.

This region has a plethora of hiking trails, and plenty of paddling opportunities. Its an ideal location for bird watching and part of the Trans Canada Trail cuts right through the area. If you are looking to get out in nature and spend some time on the lake, the Serpentine Loop in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is a 1 to 2 night portage ideal for a spring weekend away!

Beyond life on the lake, in the towns of the Kawartha Lakes, you will find great artisanal food and drink. There is a butter tart crawl, you can chow down on BBQ at Muddys Pit, or go for steak at Hobarts Steakhouse. The Kawarthas will leave you well fed, thats for sure!

Where to Stay:

Elmhirst Resort in Keene, one of Canadas prettiest towns
Centrally located Village Inn of Lakefield

Things to know: Make sure you dedicate time exploring the many different towns in the Kawarthas. This is where the true charm of the region sits. The village of Keene is considered one of Canadas top 10 prettiest towns, Lakefield has the Canoe and Paddle Brewery right by the river, and the village of Hastings is just plane cute. 

10. Visit the 1000 Islands

The thousand islands region is located an hour from Kingston and is the perfect spring getaway in Ontario. Wind through the narrow channels of the St. Lawrence River by boat exploring over 1800 islands. You can rent an airbnb on one of the islands, or simply take a day cruise weaving in and out exploring secluded beaches, cute cottages and of course, ogle at the houses on Millionaires row. You can even explore a castle while you’re there.

Where to stay:

Historic Carriage Factory turned into a chic spa, you want to stay here: Gananoque Inn
Affordable Comfort Inn at the Harbour

Things to know: You should bring your passport in case you want to explore the castle. One side of the river is Canada, the other is the United States. You want to be able to explore both sides.

11. Take in some History in Kingston

Kingston is one of the most charming cities in Ontario. Located on Lake Ontario, 2.5 hours from Toronto, Kingston is one of the best places in Ontario to spend a weekend. Being a student city keeps Kingston on trend, but beyond that, Kingstons lakefront, historic sites, and street of gourmet restaurants make this city an absolute gem.

Kingston has a stunning architectural landscape, crafted from limestone, and considering this french trading post was once Canada’s first capital, it is a historical hub. At night you can join a haunted ghost walking tour, and during the day, its many museums and a walk down Princess Street towards Lake Ontario will keep you busy. Princess Street has plenty of quality restaurants, cute cafe’s and boutiques. Be careful, you might find yourself having trouble deciding where to eat!

There are a number of green spaces and conservation areas for the nature lover to visit including Lemoine Point and Cataraqui Creek. There is something in Kingston for everyone making it one of the best places to visit in Ontario!

Where to Stay:

Basic but best located: Holiday Inn Waterfront
My favourite Kingston Hotel Location: Marriott

Things to know: It is worthwhile to take the ferry over to Wolfe Island if you have the time. Wolfe Island is Canadas Nantucket. 

12. Visit Wineries in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is one of the best places to visit on a day trip from Toronto. It is one of the wine producing regions of Ontario. As you drive around, you will see rolling vineyards with chic wineries and breweries just waiting for your visit! With the weather warming up, you will see plenty of people taking advantage of the outdoors via the over 40 wineries available to visit, grabbing small bites and tasting wine along the way.

Nature lovers rejoice, there are two beautiful parks in Prince Edward county including Sandbanks Provincial Park and Presqu’ile Provincial Park. Both parks offer plenty of woodland hiking trails and stunning views of Lake Ontario. Both parks are popular places for camping trips.

Where to stay:

Cute Boutique Hotel in Wellington: the Drake Devonshire
Chic Boutique Motel right on the water in Wellington: The Lakeside Motel

Things to know: You should call ahead to the restaurant and cafes you wish to visit in Prince Edward County. Small town vibes means operating hours are often awry.

13. See the Tulip Festival in Ottawa

The Ottawa Tulip festival has been running annually since 1953 and gets more than 500,000 visitors! During the festival, millions of tulips are spread throughout the city showcased in creative gardens! It’s an instagrammers dream.

You can visit tulip markets, take a tulip walking tour and even see some illuminated flower beds at night. The tulip festival adds tons of events to an already entertaining capital city.  Movies in the parks, light shows and even ghost tours come with this iconic Canadian festival.

Where to stay:

Fairmont Chateau Laurier: We all want to stay here at least once
Always Trendy and Well Located: The Metcalfe by Grey

Things to know: Some of the events require tickets and many of them are free. Make sure you check the website to stay updated.

14. Hamilton’s Royal Botanical Gardens

Name a better thing to do in spring in Ontario than visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. April showers bring May flowers! This is the only botanical garden in Canada to be considered ‘royal’ as it received this honour from King George V in 1930.

Ontario’s Royal Botanical Gardens are Canada’s largest botanical garden. This historical site consists of over 2400 acres of protected forest, escarpment and wetland ecosystems. The main building, the RBG Centre, contains a number of exhibits which teach visitors about the botanical gardens themselves and the flora within them. The majority of the exhibits are outside and you can spend hours here exploring the different gardens. The Royal Botanical Gardens are an ideal experience to welcoming spring in Ontario.

Where to stay:

Sheraton Downtown Hamilton
Basic Hotel Downtown Hamilton: Staybridge Suites

Things to know: 2500 acres is a lot of outdoor space to explore. The Hendrie Park garden is my personal favourite as it includes both the medieval garden and a medicinal garden. 

15. Enjoy the beach in Long Point

Long Point is located along the shores of Lake Erie and is the fourth oldest provincial park in Ontario! It is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve and one of the best places to visit in Ontario during the spring. Long Point beach is the best beach in Ontario; it is extensive, quiet, and especially clean during the spring. You can walk for hours down the beach which runs along the stunning lake Erie.

For nature lovers, Long Point is the heart of birding in Ontario, and if fishing is your thing, you won’t be disappointed. Big Creek National Wildlife Area is considered Canada’s Amazon, and as someone who has been to the Amazon, I have to admit, kayaking down this river does look like kayaking along the Amazon basin.

For those who want to love nature from afar, Long Point Eco Adventures offers a stunning luxury glamping experience attached to a winery. There is something for everyone in Long Point.

Where to stay:

Cute Cottage’s to rent in Port Dover: Luxe Lodges on Lake Erie
Glamping in Port Dover: Homegrown Hideaway

Things to know: If you’re taking a trip to Long Point, it is worthwhile to stop in both Turkey Point and Port Dover along the way. All of these Norfolk locations offer something special.

16. Visit Ontario’s Prettiest Town, Elora!

Elora is a picturesque town outside of Guelph, Ontario. It ranks as one of Ontarios most beautiful towns and its easy to see why. Elora’s limestone architecture is complimented by a beautiful river rushing right through the center of town. This scenic town is filled with boutiques and restaurants is easily explored on foot. 

If you are looking to relax, the Elora Mill Spa Resort is one of the best spa’s in Ontario. If you are a nature lover then you know the Elora Gorge is a natural icon of the province. There is something wholesome and romantic about the town of Elora, it will have you in your Bridgerton era before you know it.

Places to stay:

Best Western Fergus: you can explore two cute towns in one
Chic rental in Elora with full kitchen and fireplace

Things to know: Visit the small town of Fergus, the home of Ontario’s Scottish Festival while exploring Elora. It’s like a 2 for 1 in scenic town experience. 

Ontario is beautiful during the spring, but you should see it during the fall. These are the BEST PLACES to take a fall getaway in Ontario

Welcoming Spring in Ontario with these Destinations

When the winter subsides and the weather warms, Ontario becomes the most delightful place to travel. Many months stuck inside means that when we can patio, we will patio. The province starts to bloom just like spring flowers and all of the sudden, there is so much to do. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Ontario this spring, here are some provincial parks, events and charming towns you should visit this spring in Ontario.

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