• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-934672469211
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "canada/ontario",
  "destination": "Ontario",
  "title": "ontario",
  "type": "Administrative Region",
  "country": "Canada",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "region": "Americas",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Ontario

The breathtaking four-seasonal palette of Ontario's vast wilderness, endless forests and abundant wildlife awaits. Around 40% of Canada’s population lives here for good reason: Ontario is larger than France and Spain combined. Over 250,000 lakes, including the Great Lakes bordering the US, contain a fifth of the planet's fresh water.

Cycling in front of the skyline from Tommy Thompson Park in Toronto Ontario Canada.

©Bill Brooks/Alamy Stock Photo

Latest Stories
Book
Atlantic Canada Travel Guide
Book

Atlantic Canada

Shop $24.99 USD
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

World Nomads travel insurance
Trusted Partner

Dreaming of Ontario? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Canada trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Time to book that trip to Canada

Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.

start planning learn more

Top places to visit in Ontario

Discover the best attractions in Ontario from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-656875688614
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "canada/ontario",
  "destination": "Ontario",
  "title": "ontario",
  "type": "Administrative Region",
  "country": "Canada",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "region": "Americas",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Travel Guides

Ontario travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Time to Visit

Explore Ontario with festivals, fiery fall colors and epic winter adventures. Find the best time to visit with this seasonal guide.

Read full article

Best Places to Visit

Explore Ontario’s top 11 destinations, from Niagara Falls to Algonquin Park, Toronto’s skyline, and the Great Lakes’ scenic shores.

Read full article
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-817647765504
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "canada/ontario",
  "destination": "Ontario",
  "title": "ontario",
  "type": "Administrative Region",
  "country": "Canada",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "region": "Americas",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Ontario

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Ontario and beyond

View all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-930476139903
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "canada/ontario",
  "destination": "Ontario",
  "title": "ontario",
  "type": "Administrative Region",
  "country": "Canada",
  "continent": "North-America",
  "region": "Americas",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}