By Natalie Thursday, July 31, 2025

Looking for the perfect way to spend your Civic Holiday long weekend in Ontario? Whether you’re craving thrilling outdoor adventures, scenic getaways, or family-friendly festivals, Ontario has something for everyone. From the forests of Northern Ontario to the vineyards of Niagara, here’s your ultimate regional guide to making the most of the August long weekend!

🌟 Bonus tip: Save with Summer Fun Guide Coupons at Ontario’s best attractions and accommodations. Take advantage of the Canada Strong Pass this summer! Enjoy free admission to all Parks Canada sites, free entry for kids 17 and under, and 50% off for youth aged 18–24 at participating provincial museums until September 2, 2025—just in time for your Civic Weekend plans.

Things to Do Civic Long Weekend in Greater Toronto Area

Looking to stay close to the city? The GTA has festivals, fireworks, and immersive art experiences to keep your Civic Weekend full of energy and magic. From world-class parades to lakeside fun, there’s something happening on every corner.

✨ Don’t miss:

• Canadian International Air Show at the Toronto Waterfront
• Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) Grand Parade for music, dancing, and vibrant culture
• Ward’s Island Fire Parade – a magical evening of puppetry, fire, music, and community celebration (August 1st at dusk – hosted by Shadowland Theatre on the Toronto Islands)
• Harbourfront Centre – free cultural programming, concerts, art installations and lakeside food vendors
• Treetop Eco-Adventure Park & iBOUNCE (Oshawa) – zip lines, aerial courses and trampoline fun for all ages
• The Distillery Historic District – special long weekend events, boutique shopping, art galleries, patios, and cobblestone charm
• Spirit Tree Estate Cidery (Caledon) – sip handcrafted cider and enjoy wood-fired oven treats with a countryside view
• Symphony in the Gardens at Casa Loma – enjoy live orchestral music under the stars in a castle garden setting
• Staycation tip: Book a night at a boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and skyline views

Things to Do Civic Long Weekend in Southwestern Ontario

Think sandy beaches, small-town charm, and fun-filled fairs. Southwestern Ontario is perfect for a laid-back, sunny escape.

✨ Don’t miss:

• Port Stanley or Grand Bend Beach for a full day of sun and waves.
• Goderich Celtic Roots Festival Preview (check for Civic Weekend warm-up events).
• St. Marys Quarry – Canada’s largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool!
• Saugeen Springs R.V. Park & River Tubing (Hanover) – float your worries away on the scenic Saugeen River
• East Park (London) – full waterpark, go-karts, mini-golf, and indoor activities. Save up to $15 with SFG coupon
• 100 Kellogg Lane (London) – an entertainment hub featuring The Factory, art exhibits, shops, and more. Get 15% off at The Factory with SFG Coupon
• Hawkeye – A Falconer’s Experience (Parkhill) – get up close with birds of prey in this incredible wildlife experience
• Adventure Village (Hamilton) – mini-golf, bumper boats, batting cages and more for the whole family
• Boler Mountain (London) – summer adventure courses, zip lines, and hiking trails

Things to Do Civic Long Weekend in Ottawa Region

Canada’s capital is lively but manageable—perfect for families or couples looking for culture, museums, and river views.

✨ Don’t miss:

• Parliament Hill Sound & Light Show at night—magical and free!
• Rideau Canal biking & kayaking for a mix of fitness and fun.
• ByWard Market for ice cream, patios, and artisan stalls.
• Diefenbunker Cold War Museum—a fun and unique day trip!
• Lady Dive Tours (Ottawa/Gatineau) – hop on a bilingual amphibus for a fun land-and-water city tour.  Save on admission with SFG coupon
• Parc Omega (Montebello) – drive through a wildlife park and see moose, deer, wolves and more in a natural setting. Spend the night in one of their unique accommodations!
• OWL Rafting & Madawaska River Family Rafting (Ottawa Valley) – experience whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River with riverside BBQs and scenic thrills. Save 10% with SFG coupon.

Things to Do Civic Long Weekend in Niagara Region

Romantic escapes or family fun—Niagara is ideal for both. Tour wineries, enjoy local theatre, or explore the falls like a tourist again.

✨ Don’t miss:

• Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries and horse-drawn carriage rides.
• City Cruises in Niagara Falls—use code “SUMMER10” for Toronto cruises too.
• Fireworks over the Falls every long weekend evening.
• Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory and White Water Walk for serene nature stops.
• Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours (Niagara-on-the-Lake) – high-speed adventure through the Niagara Gorge’s whitewater rapids. Save on ticket price wih SFG coupon
• Niagara Helicopters Limited – soar above the Falls for unforgettable aerial views of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Save up to $33 with SFG coupon
• Bird Kingdom (Niagara Falls) – the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary, with exotic birds, reptiles, and tropical rainforest vibes. Get $2 off each admission  with SFG coupon.

Things to Do Civic Long Weekend in Eastern Ontario

From the shores of the Thousand Islands to charming villages, Eastern Ontario serves up a mix of nature and nostalgia.

✨ Don’t miss:

• Gananoque Boat Cruises through the Thousand Islands—use discount code “SUMMER5” to save $5 on every cruise!
• Bonnechere Caves for a cool underground adventure with the kids. Get 10% off wtih SFG Coupon
• 1000 Islands Kayaking (Gananoque) – guided or solo paddling tours through the region’s stunning island network
• Martello Alley (Kingston) – stroll through this outdoor art gallery filled with local charm and creativity
• Peterborough Kartway – hit the track for high-speed thrills the whole family will love
• Saunders Country Zoological Sanctuary (Oxford Station) – meet rescued animals at this family-run, ethical zoo
• Glengarry Highland Games (Maxville) – one of the largest Scottish festivals in North America with pipe bands, dancing, and heritage galore

Things to Do Civic Long Weekend in Northern Ontario

Go off-grid and into the wild with a long weekend escape to Northern Ontario. Canoeing in Killarney Provincial Park or kayaking the Lake Superior coastline is unbeatable this time of year. Thunder Bay’s Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a dream for hikers, offering jaw-dropping cliffs and stunning views.

✨ Don’t miss:

• Wawa’s Heritage Festival if you’re near Lake Superior’s eastern shore.
• Manitoulin Island for scenic drives and Indigenous cultural experiences.
• Screaming Heads of Midlothian (Burk’s Falls) – wander through a haunting outdoor sculpture park
• Crystal Cave Mineral Exhibit & Crystal Shop (South River) – part museum, part magical cave experience
• Sleeping with the Wolves (Timmins) – stay overnight at a wolf sanctuary for a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience
• Kivi Park (Sudbury) – explore hiking trails, paddle on Crowley Lake, or rent a bike for scenic adventure

Things to Do Civic Long Weekend in Central Ontario

Central Ontario is cottage country at its finest—ideal for a classic Ontario long weekend. Muskoka, Haliburton, and the Kawarthas are buzzing with lake life, paddleboarding, dockside dinners, and outdoor concerts.

✨ Don’t miss:

• Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery for wine tasting, live music and tours.
• Haliburton Forest Canopy Tour for epic views.
• Peterborough Musicfest with free outdoor concerts by the lake.
• Festival of the Sound (Parry Sound) – world-class chamber music on Georgian Bay
• Huntsville Festival of the Arts – music, theatre, and visual arts in a charming lakeside town
• Kempenfest (Barrie) – one of the largest outdoor arts & crafts festivals in Canada
• Sunset Cruises – Peerless II (Lake Muskoka) – enjoy a nostalgic boat tour with historic stories and stunning lake views or discover the world’s largest freshwater archipelago on a relaxing sightseeing cruise with 30,000 Island Cruise Lines (Parry Sound)

Looking for coupons, travel ideas, or more event listings?  www.summerfunguide.ca for everything you need to plan your long weekend getaway.

Have a great long weeked everyone!

Natalie