Ontario is a province in Canada that is known for its diverse culture, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cities. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the beautiful beaches of Niagara Falls, there is something for everyone in Ontario. In this blog post, we're sharing our top 10 picks for the best cities to visit in Ontario. Whether you're a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor seeking the ultimate Ontario experience, these are the cities you won't want to miss. So come along with us as we explore the top 10 cities to visit in Ontario, and discover all that this province has to offer.

But before that, let's take a look at some interesting facts about the province.
  1. Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, with a population of over 14 million people.
  2. Ontario is home to the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, as well as the largest city in Canada, Toronto.
  3. Ontario is home to over 250,000 lakes and rivers, making it a popular destination for water-based activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
  4. Ontario is home to Niagara Falls, one of the most famous natural wonders in the world.
  5. Ontario is home to the longest freshwater beach in the world, Wasaga Beach, which stretches for 14 kilometers along the shores of Georgian Bay.
  6. Ontario is home to the longest covered bridge in the world, the West Montrose Covered Bridge, which is also known as the “Kissing Bridge.”
  7. Ontario is home to the largest enclosed shopping mall in the world, the West Edmonton Mall, which has over 800 stores and attractions.
  8. Ontario is home to the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in Canada, which can be found at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
  9. Ontario is home to the largest concentration of wineries in Canada, with over 100 wineries located in the Niagara region.
  10. Ontario is home to the largest underground freshwater cave system in the world, the Bruce Peninsula Caves, which are located on the Bruce Peninsula.
  11. Ontario is home to the longest freshwater boardwalk in the world, the Bluewater Bridge, which stretches for 8 kilometers along the shores of Lake Huron.
  12. Ontario is home to the longest snowmobile trail in the world, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Trail, which stretches for over 13,000 kilometers.
  13. Ontario is home to the longest recreational trail in the world, the Trans Canada Trail, which stretches for over 22,000 kilometers and passes through Ontario.
  14. Ontario is home to the highest concentration of moose in the world, with over 500,000 moose living in the province.
  15. Ontario is home to the longest continuous street in the world, Yonge Street, which stretches for over 1,900 kilometers from Toronto to Rainy River.

Its hard to rank a city in order but we tried our best to rank it based on popularity.

  1. Toronto: Toronto is the largest city in Canada and offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and entertainment options. Some unique places to visit in Toronto include the CN Tower, the Toronto Island Park, and the Kensington Market. Toronto is also home to the Royal Ontario Museum, which houses a collection of art, cultural artifacts, and natural history exhibits.
  2. Ottawa: Ottawa is the capital city of Canada and is known for its beautiful architecture, historical landmarks, and cultural events. Some unique places to visit in Ottawa include the Parliament Hill, the Ottawa Locks, and the Byward Market. Ottawa is also home to the Canadian Museum of Nature, which houses a collection of natural history exhibits.
  3. Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls is a stunning natural wonder located on the border between Ontario and New York. Some unique places to visit in Niagara Falls include the Niagara Fallsview Casino, the Niagara Falls Boat Tour, and the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. Niagara Falls is also home to the Skylon Tower, which offers panoramic views of the falls and the surrounding area.
  4. Hamilton: Hamilton is a city located on the western tip of Lake Ontario and is known for its beautiful waterfront, diverse culture, and outdoor recreation. Some unique places to visit in Hamilton include the Royal Botanical Gardens, the African Lion Safari, and the Art Gallery of Hamilton. Hamilton is also home to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, which houses a collection of vintage military aircraft.
  5. Kingston: Kingston is a city located on the eastern tip of Lake Ontario and is known for its rich history, cultural events, and outdoor recreation. Some unique places to visit in Kingston include the Kingston Penitentiary, the Kingston Waterfront, and the Fort Henry National Historic Site. Kingston is also home to the Kingston Symphony, which is one of the oldest symphonies in Canada.
  6. London: London is a city located in southwestern Ontario and is known for its cultural events, outdoor recreation, and historical landmarks. Some unique places to visit in London include the London Ribfest, the Fanshawe Conservation Area, and the Eldon House. London is also home to the Museum of Ontario Archaeology, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits about the history and culture of the region.
  7. Kitchener: Kitchener is a city located in southwestern Ontario and is known for its diverse culture, recreational opportunities, and historical landmarks. Some unique places to visit in Kitchener include the Kitchener Farmers' Market, the Huron Natural Area, and the Doon Heritage Village. Kitchener is also home to the THEMUSEUM, which is an interactive museum with a variety of exhibits and activities.
  8. Guelph: Guelph is a city located in southwestern Ontario and is known for its cultural events, recreational opportunities, and historical landmarks. Some unique places to visit in Guelph include the Guelph Farmers' Market, the Guelph Lake Conservation Area, and the McCrae House. Guelph is also home to the Guelph Civic Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits about the history and culture of the city.
  9. Thunder Bay: Thunder Bay is a city located in northwestern Ontario and is known for its outdoor recreation, cultural events, and historical landmarks. Some unique places to visit in Thunder Bay include the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, and the Fort William Historical Park. Thunder Bay is also home to the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, which is one of the oldest symphonies in Ontario.
  10. Windsor: Windsor is a city located on the southern tip of Ontario and is known for its diverse culture, recreational opportunities, and historical landmarks. Some unique places to visit in Windsor include the Windsor Sculpture Park, the Ojibway Prairie Complex, and the Windsor Symphony Orchestra. Windsor is also home to the Art Gallery of Windsor, which houses a collection of over 2,000 works of art from a variety of artists and time periods.
Let's explore the nightlife scene in Ontario's top 10 cities.
  1. Toronto: Toronto is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular clubs in Toronto include the Coda and the Velvet Underground, while some popular bars include the Duke's Refresher and the Portside Pub. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $10-20 for a drink and $10-30 for cover charge at a club. Wait times to get into clubs can vary depending on the popularity of the venue, but it is not uncommon to wait in line for 30 minutes to an hour on busy nights.
  2. Ottawa: Ottawa has a more laid-back nightlife compared to Toronto, with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular bars in Ottawa include the Heart & Crown Pub and the Château Lafayette, while some popular restaurants with live music include the Elgin Street Diner and the Byward Market. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait times to get into venues are generally shorter in Ottawa compared to Toronto.
  3. Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls has a more touristy nightlife, with a variety of casinos, bars, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular casinos in Niagara Falls include the Fallsview Casino and the Casino Niagara, while some popular bars include the Hard Rock Café and the Skylon Tower. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait times to get into venues are generally shorter in Niagara Falls compared to Toronto.
  4. Hamilton: Hamilton has a more laid-back nightlife compared to Toronto, with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular bars in Hamilton include the Baltimore House and the Lou Dawg's Southern BBQ, while some popular restaurants with live music include the This Ain't Hollywood and the Casbah. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait
  5. Kingston: Kingston has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular bars in Kingston include the Ale House and the Merchant Tap House, while some popular restaurants with live music include the Tir Nan Og and the Toucan Pub. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait times to get into venues are generally shorter in Kingston compared to Toronto.
  6. London: London has a more laid-back nightlife compared to Toronto, with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular bars in London include the Black Friar Pub and the London Music Hall, while some popular restaurants with live music include the Old East Village Grocer and the Root Cellar. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait times to get into venues are generally shorter in London compared to Toronto.
  7. Kitchener: Kitchener has a more laid-back nightlife compared to Toronto, with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular bars in Kitchener include the Berlin Bicycle Café and the Grand Trunk Saloon, while some popular restaurants with live music include the Duke of Wellington and the Homer Watson House & Gallery. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait times to get into venues are generally shorter in Kitchener compared to Toronto.
  8. Guelph: Guelph has a more laid-back nightlife compared to Toronto, with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular bars in Guelph include the Ebar and the Woolwich Arrow, while some popular restaurants with live music include the Red Brick Café and the Van Gogh's Ear. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait times to get into venues are generally shorter in Guelph compared to Toronto.
  9. Thunder Bay: Thunder Bay has a more laid-back nightlife compared to Toronto, with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular bars in Thunder Bay include the Hoito Restaurant and the The Foundry, while some popular restaurants with live music include the Outpost and the Apollo Lounge. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait times to get into venues are generally shorter in Thunder Bay compared to Toronto.
  10. Windsor: Windsor has a more laid-back nightlife compared to Toronto, with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from. Some popular bars in Windsor include the Phog Lounge and the Loose Change, while some popular restaurants with live music include the Rock Bottom Bar & Grill and the Dominion House. Prices for drinks and cover charges can vary, but generally, you can expect to pay around $5-10 for a drink and $5-20 for cover charge at a bar or club. Wait times to get into venues are generally shorter in Windsor compared to Toronto.

Its hard to explore all parts of Ontario within a week period. We tried to pick out the best spots and prepare a travel itinerary which I would follow to make the most out of the trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Toronto
  • Travel time from major cities in Ontario: Toronto is located in the center of the province and is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane. Travel time will vary depending on your location.
  • Commute method: If you are flying into Toronto, you can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transit (such as the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)) to your accommodation. If you are driving, you can park your car at your accommodation or at a nearby parking lot.
  • Budget: Accommodation prices in Toronto vary depending on the location and type of accommodation. Budget options include hostels, Airbnb rentals, and budget hotels, while more expensive options include luxury hotels and resorts.
Day 2: Exploring Toronto
  • Travel time: Toronto is a large city with a well-developed public transit system, so travel time within the city will vary depending on your destination.
  • Commute method: You can use the TTC to get around Toronto, or you can walk or bike to your destination. Alternatively, you can also use a ride-sharing service or rent a car.
  • Budget: Toronto has a variety of activities and attractions to choose from, ranging from free to expensive. Some budget-friendly options include visiting the Toronto Island Park, exploring the St. Lawrence Market, and checking out the Graffiti Alley. More expensive options include visiting the CN Tower and taking a tour of the Royal Ontario Museum.
Day 3: Day trip to Niagara Falls
  • Travel time: Niagara Falls is located about an hour and a half drive from Toronto.
  • Commute method: You can drive to Niagara Falls or take a bus or tour from Toronto.
  • Budget: Niagara Falls has a variety of activities and attractions to choose from, ranging from free to expensive. Some budget-friendly options include visiting the Niagara Falls State Park, exploring the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory, and taking a boat tour of the falls. More expensive options include visiting the Skylon Tower and taking a helicopter tour of the falls.
Day 4: Day trip to Hamilton
  • Travel time: Hamilton is located about an hour drive from Toronto.
  • Commute method: You can drive to Hamilton or take a bus or tour from Toronto.
  • Budget: Hamilton has a variety of activities and attractions to choose from, ranging from free to expensive. Some budget-friendly options include visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens, exploring the Hamilton Farmers' Market, and checking out the Waterfall Capital of the World. More expensive options include visiting the African Lion Safari and taking a tour of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.
Day 5: Day trip to Kingston
  • Travel time: Kingston is located about a three-hour drive from Toronto.
  • Commute method: You can drive to Kingston or take a bus or tour from Toronto.
  • Budget: Kingston has a variety of activities and attractions to choose from, ranging from free to expensive. Some budget-friendly options include visiting the Kingston Waterfront, exploring the Kingston Market, and checking out the Fort Henry National Historic Site. More expensive options include visiting the Agnes Etherington Art Centre and taking a tour of the Kingston Penitentiary.
Day 6: Exploring London
  • Travel time: London is located about a two-hour drive from Toronto.
  • Commute method: You can drive to London or take a bus or tour from Toronto.
  • Budget: London has a variety of activities and attractions to choose from, ranging from free to expensive. Some budget-friendly options include visiting the Thames Valley Trail, exploring the London Farmers' Market, and checking out the Covent Garden Market. More expensive options include visiting the Museum London and taking a tour of the Fanshawe Pioneer Village.
Day 7: Departure from Toronto
  • Travel time: Travel time will vary depending on your destination.
  • Commute method: You can take a taxi, ride-sharing service, or public transit (such as the TTC) to the airport or to your next destination. If you are driving, you can return your rental car or drive back home.

Ontario is a province with a diverse and vibrant nightlife scene, offering something for everyone. From the bustling clubs and bars of Toronto to the laid-back pubs and restaurants of Ottawa, there is always something happening after dark in Ontario. But Ontario isn't just about the nightlife – it's also home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in Canada. From the Niagara Falls to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Ontario has a variety of parks and nature reserves to explore. So whether you're looking for a wild night out or a peaceful walk in the park, Ontario has it all. So if you're planning a trip to Ontario, be sure to check out the nightlife scene and the natural beauty this province has to offer.

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