Things to do & Places to stay in Ontario

august 24, 2021

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ontario hikes with the best views

It’s no secret that Ontario has incredible natural beauty that draws in visitors from all over the world.  If you’re lucky enough to live here, you’re never far from a breathtaking view to give you a little bit of perspective.  Nothing is as peaceful or profound as feasting your eyes upon a remarkable view surrounded by nature.  We’ve compiled a list of hikes with the best views in Ontario.  Some are only a short easy hike while some require a bit more of a time commitment and skill level.  If you’re wondering when you’ll be able to fit in a hike this summer, we do have a long weekend coming up on September 6th (Labour Day).  Pack a lunch, pack your camera, and make a day trip out of it!

Dundas Peak, Dundas

article1aug242021.jpgDundas Peak in Dundas, Ontario is a favourite lookout point, especially during the fall season when the leaves are changing colours.  The hike to Dundas Peak is easy and short; a 1.8km loop.  During that hike you’ll pass the beautiful gorge where Tew Falls is (a 52m horseshoe waterfall) with a viewing platform.  Dundas Peak offers a truly stunning view at the mouth of Spencer Gorge and if the sky is clear, you can see all the way to Hamilton Harbour, Dundas, and Ancaster.  Because of the spectacular view, you must reserve a spot to visit the park with Hamilton Conservation Authority.

The Crack, Killarney Provincial Park

article2aug242021.jpgThe Crack trail is a 6-kilometer round-trip moderately difficult hike in Killarney Provincial Park that leads to one of the most incredible views in Ontario.  The view from the top overlooks a lake, the Boreal Forest, and a rocky landscape among the La Cloche Mountain range, making it a quintessential Canadian landscape.  The hike takes about 4 hours and at ‘The Crack’ there is a sharp incline towards the end that requires a base level of fitness to scramble and climb the rocks.  This view is incredible all year round, but of course is extra special during the fall time as the leaves change colour.

Top of the Giant Trail, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

article3aug242021.jpgThe Top of the Giant Trail in Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is a difficult 21 km hike that has serious payouts if you accept the challenge.  If you decide to take on the trail, you’ll be paid with a stunning open sightline east and west of the Sibley Peninsula on the Northwestern shoreline of Lake Superior.  This trail will take most hikers 6-10 hours to complete and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.  Camping is also available at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and there are tons of trails in the park of varying difficulty.  The view from the Top of The Giant is a reward that is worth the work!

White River Suspension Trail, Pukaskwa National Park

article4aug242021.jpgFor those of you looking for a challenging and beautiful hike, there is an 18-kilometer hike in Pukaskwa National Park in Northern Ontario that leads to a breathtaking view.  For those of you who just gasped while reading this, good news – you can camp in the park to split it up!  Venture through the Canadian Shield on the White River Suspension Bridge Trail ending up at – you guessed it, a suspension bridge. (a 23-metre suspension bridge to be exact).  The view from the bridge looks out over the mighty Chigamiwinigum Falls and White River from 75 feet above.  This hike is only for experienced hikers.

Lion’s Head Lookout, Bruce Peninsula

article5aug242021.jpgThis view will have you feeling like you’re in another country; a tropical one.  Imagine staring out onto crystal clear turquoise waters from a 200-foot cliff.  Lion’s Head is located next to Tobermory on the beautiful Bruce Peninsula.  There are a few choices of trails to take in the Lion’s Head Trail system, totaling about 18 km.  You don’t need to hike the whole thing for a great view as there are plenty of shorter day hikes and tons of equally as awesome lookouts over the water and cliffs.  The area is also a hot spot for rock climbers so keep an eye out while you’re taking in the view!

Scarborough Bluffs Trail, Bluffer’s Park

article6aug242021.jpgOne of Ontario’s most beautiful hikes just so happens to be in its biggest city, Toronto.  It seems improbable that such an incredible view is just outside of downtown Toronto, but the Scarborough Bluffs Trail offers unobstructed views of Lake Ontario and the sheer white cliffs of Scarborough Bluffs.  Dog friendly and accessible to all, this easy 6.8 km hike tends to be busy because of its proximity to the big city.  After your hike why not head over to the nearby beach for a beach day right in the city.  What a perfect city daycation!

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Featured Events



Sugar Rush toronto

On until September 6, 2021
Square One Shopping Centre, Lot 6, 100 City Centre Dr.,
Mississauga

featurtedevent1aug242021.jpgEnjoy an outdoor, physically distanced jaunt through a land of candy.  This immersive experience for all ages will lead you through 50,000 square feet of colourful candy installations, live performances, custom floats, and candy themed interactions.  And as a bonus, it’s not only candy for your eyes because there are dessert vendors throughout and tons of cute photo ops.  Accessible, stroller-friendly, and dogs are welcome!

capital pride

August 22 - 29, 2021
Ottawa, Ontario

featurtedevent2aug242021.jpgThe third week of August every year in Ottawa is Capital Pride.  This week celebrates diversity and the 2SLGBTQ+ community across the city in parks, the streets, clubs, etc.  Check out the website for an event that speaks to you.  From a Rainbow party to a family picnic, or the Pride Parade there is something for everyone.  Choose from 50+ events to celebrate.


taco fest 2021

Aug 27-28, 2021
Rotary Square at Covent Garden Market
130 King Street, London ON N6A 1C5

featurtedevent3aug242021.jpgCelebrate your love of Mexican food at Taco Fest in London, Ontario.  Held at the Covent Garden Market, this festival will feature live music, a Lucha libre show, cocktails, Mariachi, Taco Fest Beer and both traditional and fusion tacos.  Come hungry!

Featured attraction: city cruises

featuredaug242021.jpgCelebrate the sizzling summer by taking a majestic cruise on the water in Gananoque, Niagara Falls, or Toronto with City Cruises.  Escape to the water and see the big city from a whole new viewpoint.  Enjoy Toronto’s iconic skyline & harbour on one of the top attractions in Toronto.  Take a 1-hour ‘Beauty of the Islands’ tour, a 5-hour Boldt Castle tour, or more in Gananoque along the scenic St. Lawrence River & 1000 Islands.   Or, in Niagara Falls feel the thundering roar of the falls up close on a cruise of the Niagara Gorge, Bridal Veil Falls, The American Horseshoe Falls, and the renowned Niagara Falls.  City Cruises has plenty of cruise experience options to choose from for all types, ages, and sight-seeing styles, departing at regular intervals.  Make use on Ontario’s short warm season by getting onto the water this summer!

 

contest announcement: Win a Private Winery & Brewery Tour for Two

onlyinontcontestaug242021.jpg Our monthly contest details are here!  Get familiar with where your food comes from when you win a Ride The Bine Tour!  The winner will win a custom private tour for two at their choice of wineries & breweries.  Ride The Bine provides cider, wine, beer and distillery tours in Norfolk County, London, Brantford, Hamilton, Lambton Shores and Huron County.  How do you win?  Details on entering will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram pages on August 23rd so be sure to follow.  The contest runs from August 23rd to August 31st, the winner will be randomly chosen and announced on our website on September 1st, 2021

Print Edition 2021

img2021.jpgPick up your FREE copy of the NEW & updated edition of Summer Fun Guide at ONroute Centres & other locations around Ontario while supplies last or email info@summerfunguide.ca to have one mailed to you. View a digital version of the print edition online here: https://www.summerfunguide.ca/print-edition.html.

 
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