11 Best Road Trips in Ontario

Ontario is home to some of the best road trips in Canada. It’s perfect for a family adventure—winding roads, stunning lakes, and charming small towns.

From the rugged shores of Lake Superior to the charming wine country of Prince Edward County, these are the best road trips in Ontario. Those roads offer breathtaking views and places to stop, explore, and make memories.

After a long drive through the province, you’ll quickly see why it’s such a great place to hit the road.

If you’re planning a family road trip in Ontario, these must-see routes should be on your list.

1. The Lake Superior Circle Tour

🚗 Distance: 2,092 kilometres (1,300 miles) for the entire circle
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 4 to 5 days minimum

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is an epic 2,092 km (1,300-mile) road trip around the world’s largest freshwater lake. While the full route passes through three U.S. states, the Canadian portion in Ontario offers some of the most breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences.

This self-guided drive takes you along rugged shorelines, past towering cliffs, and through charming northern towns. You can complete the tour in as little as 4-5 days, but we recommend 10-14 days to appreciate everything Ontario’s section offers fully.

Highlights along the Lake Superior Circle Tour in Ontario:

Sault Ste. Marie: Explore the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre and watch massive ships pass through the Soo Locks.
Lake Superior Provincial Park: Hike scenic trails, relax on beautiful beaches and see the Agawa Rock Pictographs, an important Indigenous site.
Wawa: Snap a photo with the famous roadside attraction Wawa Goose and explore nearby waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
Pukaskwa National Park: Experience Ontario’s only wilderness national park, with breathtaking coastal trails and suspension bridges.
Marathon & Neys Provincial Park: Walk along pristine beaches and learn about the area’s World War II history.
Terrace Bay & Aguasabon Falls: From Terrace Bay Beach, you can stop to see the stunning Aguasabon Falls and take in views of Lake Superior.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: Hike to the top of the Sleeping Giant for one of Ontario’s most stunning lookout points.
Thunder Bay: Visit Fort William Historical Park to learn about the region’s fur-trading history, and stop by the Terry Fox Memorial for incredible lake views.

This Ontario portion of the Lake Superior Circle Tour is packed with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and fascinating history—perfect for a family road trip!

2. The Muskoka Cottage Country Road Trip

🚗 Distance: 200 kilometers (124 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 3 to 5 days

The Muskoka Cottage Country Road Trip is a scenic drive through Ontario’s renowned summer playground, two hours north of Toronto. This 200-kilometer (124-mile) route takes you through picturesque towns, past crystal-clear lakes, and into the heart of Ontario’s natural beauty. The trip can be done on a weekend but is best enjoyed over 3-5 days.

Highlights of the Muskoka Cottage Country Road Trip include:

Gravenhurst: Start your journey here and visit the Muskoka Wharf, home to the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre.
Bracebridge: Explore the charming downtown and briefly hike to see the beautiful Bracebridge Falls.
Santa’s Village: A family-friendly theme park open during the summer months.
Huntsville: Visit the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery, featuring murals inspired by Canada’s famous landscape painters.
Algonquin Provincial Park: Take a detour to this iconic park for hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
Lake of Bays: Enjoy water activities or visit the Lake of Bays Brewing Company.
Port Carling: Known as the “Hub of the Lakes,” this town offers great shopping and dining options.

3. The Niagara Parkway Scenic Drive

🚗 Distance: 55 kilometers (34 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: a few hours

The Niagara Parkway Scenic Drive is a beautiful 55-kilometer (34-mile) route along the Niagara River. It stretches from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls.

Winston Churchill once described this picturesque drive as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world. ” It offers stunning river views, lush parklands, and historic sites. Although the drive can be completed in a few hours, we recommend a full day to explore the attractions.

Highlights of the Niagara Parkway Scenic Drive include:

Niagara-on-the-Lake: Start in this charming town known for its wineries and Shaw Festival Theatre.
Queenston Heights Park: Visit Brock’s Monument and enjoy panoramic views of the Niagara River.
Whirlpool Aero Car: Take a thrilling ride over the Niagara Whirlpool in this historic cable car.
Butterfly Conservatory: Walk among thousands of free-flying butterflies in this tropical paradise.
Niagara Falls: End your journey at the magnificent Horseshoe Falls, where you can take a boat tour or experience the falls from behind.
Niagara Glen Nature Centre: Hike through ancient geological formations and a rare Carolinian forest.
Floral Clock: Look at this 40-foot wide working clock of up to 16,000 carpet bedding plants.

4. The Bruce Peninsula Explorer

🚗 Distance: 80 kilometres (50 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 2 to 3 days

The Bruce Peninsula Explorer brings you through the rugged beauty of Ontario’s Bruce Peninsula. It’s approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Wiarton to Tobermory.

This scenic route offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and dense forests, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers. The trip can be done in a day, but we recommend taking 2-3 days to appreciate the area’s natural wonders fully.

Highlights of the Bruce Peninsula Explorer include:

Wiarton: Start your journey in the home of Wiarton Willie, Canada’s famous weather-predicting groundhog.
Bruce Peninsula National Park: Hike the Bruce Trail and visit the iconic Grotto, a scenic cave formation on Georgian Bay.
Singing Sands Beach: Enjoy this picturesque beach’s shallow, warm waters and unique ‘singing’ sand.
Flowerpot Island: Take a boat tour to see the unique rock pillars and explore the island’s hiking trails.
Fathom Five National Marine Park: Discover shipwrecks and unique underwater formations in this marine conservation area.
Lion’s Head: Hike to the Lion’s Head Lookout for breathtaking views of Georgian Bay.
Tobermory: End your trip in this charming harbour town, known as the “freshwater SCUBA diving capital.”

5. The Thousand Islands Parkway Drive

🚗 Distance: 37 kilometres (23 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: a few hours

The Thousand Islands Parkway Drive is a scenic 37-kilometre (23-mile) route along the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario. It stretches from Gananoque to Brockville.

If you’ve started your cross-Canada road trip in Montreal, it’s the perfect stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the Thousand Islands National Park. This picturesque drive offers stunning views of the Thousand Islands, a collection of over 1,800 islands dotting the river. The parkway can be driven in about 30 minutes, but we recommend a full day to explore the attractions.

Highlights of the Thousand Islands Parkway Drive include:

Gananoque: Start your journey in this charming town, the “Gateway to the Thousand Islands.”
1000 Islands Tower: Climb this 130-meter tower for panoramic views of the islands and river.
Thousand Islands National Park: Stop at one of the park’s mainland properties for hiking and picnicking.
Rockport: Take a boat cruise to Boldt Castle and other island attractions.
Mallorytown Landing: Visit the visitor center and enjoy short walking trails.
Brockville: End your trip in this historic city, home to Canada’s first railway tunnel.
Fulford Place: Tour this Edwardian mansion to glimpse the area’s opulent past.

6. The Georgian Bay Coastal Route

🚗 Distance: 1,350 kilometres (840 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 5 to 7 days minimum

The Georgian Bay Coastal Route is a spectacular 1,350-kilometer (840-mile) road trip around the shores of Georgian Bay. It’s often called the “sixth Great Lake.”

I had the chance to spend a year in Barrie in the Georgian Bay, and I have great memories of enjoying Wasaga Beach!

This circular route takes you through some of Ontario’s most stunning landscapes, from rugged shorelines and pristine beaches to charming coastal towns. The full route can take 5-7 days to complete, but you can also enjoy shorter segments for a weekend getaway.

Highlights of the Georgian Bay Coastal Route include:

Wasaga Beach: Start at the world’s longest freshwater beach and enjoy swimming and water sports.
Blue Mountain Village: Visit this four-season resort for outdoor activities and shopping.
Killarney Provincial Park: Hike the white quartzite ridges of the La Cloche Mountains.
Manitoulin Island: Explore the world’s largest freshwater island, rich in Indigenous culture.
Bruce Peninsula National Park: Hike to the Grotto and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay.
Sauble Beach: Relax on one of the world’s longest freshwater beaches.
Flowerpot Island: Take a boat tour to see unique rock formations and caves.

7. The Manitoulin Island Drive

🚗 Distance: 300 kilometres (186 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 2 to 3 days

The Manitoulin Island Drive is a unique drive around the world’s largest freshwater island, located in Lake Huron. This 300-kilometer (186-mile) route takes you through picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and areas rich in Indigenous culture. The drive can be completed in a day, but we recommend taking 2-3 days to explore the island’s unique attractions fully.

Highlights of the Manitoulin Island Drive include:

Little Current: Start your journey in the island’s largest town, known for its swing bridge.
Bridal Veil Falls: Take a short hike to this beautiful waterfall near Kagawong.
Cup and Saucer Trail: Hike this popular trail for stunning views of the island and Lake Huron.
Manitoulin Chocolate Works: Indulge in handmade chocolates in Kagawong.
Perivale Gallery: Visit this renowned art gallery showcasing Canadian artists.
Great Spirit Circle Trail: Experience Indigenous culture through guided tours and workshops.
Providence Bay: Relax on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.

8. The Prince Edward County Wine Tour

🚗 Distance: 100 kilometres (62 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 2 to 3 days

The Prince Edward County Wine Tour is a delightful journey through Ontario’s newest wine region, about 2 hours east of Toronto. This 100-kilometer (62-mile) route takes you through picturesque countryside, charming small towns, and award-winning wineries. The tour can be done in a day, but we recommend taking 2-3 days to appreciate the region’s flavours and sights fully.

Highlights of the Prince Edward County Wine Tour include:

Sandbanks Provincial Park: Start your journey with a visit to this park’s stunning beaches and dunes.
Norman Hardie Winery: Taste award-winning Pinot Noir and wood-fired pizzas.
Closson Chase Vineyards: Visit this picturesque purple barn winery known for its Chardonnay.
Huff Estates Winery: Combine wine tasting with a visit to the on-site art gallery.
The Drake Devonshire: Enjoy lakeside dining at this hip county outpost of the Drake Hotel.
Prince Edward County Lavender: Stroll through fragrant lavender fields and shop for lavender products.
Lake on the Mountain: End your tour at this mysterious “lake in the sky” with panoramic views of the Bay of Quinte.

9. The Great Northern Road Trip

🚗 Distance: 1,600 kilometres (994 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 3 to 4 days minimum

The Great Northern Road Trip is an adventurous journey through Northern Ontario, stretching approximately 1,600 kilometres (994 miles) from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay along the Trans-Canada Highway. This route offers a unique blend of rugged wilderness, pristine lakes, and rich cultural experiences. The trip can be done in 3-4 days, but we recommend taking at least a week to explore the region’s natural wonders fully.

Highlights of the Great Northern Road Trip include:

Sault Ste. Marie: Start your journey at the Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site.
Lake Superior Provincial Park: Hike to see ancient Indigenous pictographs at Agawa Rock.
Wawa: Take a photo with the famous Wawa Goose statue.
Pukaskwa National Park: Explore rugged coastlines and boreal forests.
Terrace Bay: Visit Aguasabon Falls and Gorge for stunning views.
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park: Hike the Top of the Giant Trail for panoramic views of Lake Superior.
Thunder Bay: End your trip with a visit to Fort William Historical Park, a recreated 19th-century fur trading post.

10. The Lake Erie North Shore Road Trip

🚗 Distance: 150 kilometres (93 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 2 to 3 days minimum

The Lake Erie North Shore Road Trip is a scenic drive along the north shore of Lake Erie in Southwestern Ontario, covering approximately 150 kilometres (93 miles) from Windsor to Port Stanley.

This route takes you through charming coastal towns, lush wine country, and beautiful beaches. The trip can be done in a day, but we recommend taking 2-3 days to enjoy the region’s attractions fully.

Highlights of the Lake Erie North Shore Road Trip include:

Windsor: Start your journey with a visit to the Art Gallery of Windsor or Caesars Windsor casino.
Point Pelee National Park: Explore Canada’s southernmost point and a crucial stop for migratory birds.
Pelee Island Winery: Take a ferry to Pelee Island and visit Canada’s southernmost winery.
Colasanti’s Tropical Gardens: Enjoy family fun at this tropical-themed attraction.
John R. Park Homestead: Step back at this living history museum.
Port Stanley: End your trip at this charming beach town with its popular Main Beach.
Sparta: Visit this quaint village known for its artisan shops and tea rooms.

11. The Rideau Heritage Route

🚗 Distance: 202 kilometres (126 miles)
⏰ Recommended road trip time: 2 to 3 days minimum

The Rideau Heritage Route is a historic journey along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 202 kilometres (126 miles) from Kingston to Ottawa. This scenic route passes through picturesque towns, lock stations, and beautiful landscapes. The full route can be driven in about 4 hours, but we recommend taking 2 to 3 days to fully explore the area’s rich history and natural beauty.

Highlights of the Rideau Heritage Route include:

Kingston: Start your journey at Fort Henry, a 19th-century British fort with panoramic views of the city and harbour.
Jones Falls Lock station: Visit one of the most impressive engineering feats along the canal.
Westport: Explore this charming village known for its boutique shops and scenic beauty.
Merrickville: Discover why this is known as the “Jewel of the Rideau” with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
Smiths Falls: Visit the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre to learn about the canal’s history.
Perth: Stroll through this picturesque town known for its stone heritage buildings.
Ottawa: End your journey in Canada’s capital with a visit to Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

Final Thoughts:

Ontario’s best road trips offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a short weekend getaway or an epic multi-week adventure, these routes showcase the province’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

From the rugged wilderness of the north to the charming small towns of the south, each trip promises unforgettable experiences and stunning scenery.

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