UNDISCOVERED CANADA: ONTARIO

The Voice of Canada:

We live in Ontario but whenever it comes to “vacation” or travelling in general, we usually think of the islands or maybe even Europe. That results in missing out a chunk of undiscovered places in our own province of Ontario. Ontario is full of so many beautiful lakes, hiking spots, and much more, that too all in our driving range. All we need to do is to press the accelerator, and we are ready for one of the best road trips of our lives. All it takes is one step, and I’m here to guide you through it.

1)      Southampton Beach

Summertime is incomplete without a trip to a sandy beach, and Southampton beach is the perfect getaway for a perfect weekend. This quiet sandy beach stretching for approximately 4kilometers long is located in Southampton, Ontario, and is between 138-222 kilometers away from Toronto, Ontario. It lies on the unspoiled shores of Lake Huron and is a popular spot amongst the locals, always busy with events, activities, incredible Northern Lights opportunities, and the beautiful Southampton sunset. The Southampton waterfront is home to a historic boardwalk and Pioneer Park and is also an amazing migration route for Songbirds and Appellation birds. Moreover, the gorgeous concrete Boardwalk located right next to the beach is perfect for those long walks with your dog while watching the sunset. It is surrounded by a good number of cafes and restaurants and is ideal for picnics with family and friends.

2)      Cheltenham Badlands

The Cheltenham Badlands are located in the Credit Valley Conservation area and consist of an area of soft rock devoid of vegetation and soil cover which has been molded into a rolling landscape of rounded hills. Their reddish hue makes them one of the most unique places to exist in Ontario. Just a few kilometers into Caledon, this sight is a must-visit for photography and adventure lovers. Not only that, it also provides access to some amazing trails and facilities within Island Lake, Upper Credit, Terra Cotta, Etc. It is a small site and can be a perfect stopover for those long road drips. Moreover, it is the best place for hiking, picnics, bird watching, photography, or just a lazy fun day.

3)      Chester Hill Lookout

This spot is Toronto’s little secret observation deck which gives small-town car park vibes and all the views of the city’s landscape and skyline. It is a small semi-circular concrete observation desk, towards the end of a cul de sac, called the Chester Hill Road, which is located near the end of Broadway Avenue and north of Danforth. This charming spot is known for its stunning views, especially during sunset and nighttime. This spot is quintessential for photographers who love capturing the city’s skyline. Along with that, it also gives a broad view of the skyscrapers as well as the infamous purple-lit Luminous Veil of the Prince Edwards Viaduct: the historical truss bridge connecting Danforth to the downtown core. Overall, this accessible spot is perfect for people who need a break from the city (without actually leaving the city).

4)      Coastal Trail- Lake Superior

Lake Superior’s coastal trail offers a spectacular route for people who love rugged hikes, dark night skies, camping, and basically everything that involves being around nature. This trail follows the edge of one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes and is located in northern Ontario’s Lake Superior Provincial Park. Camping here is an experience of its own. This location showcases the most expansive star show imaginable, making camp nights even more interesting. Along with that, it also has a wide variety of sandy beaches at Warp Bay, Gargantua Harbour, Barrett river, and Beatty Cove. From massive boulders, scramble,  up and down rocks, to beautiful small beaches with flat rocks, this place keeps you on your toes (literally).

5)      Oxford County Cheese Trail

If you love cheese, you would love everything about this trail and more. Located in London, Ontario, this trail is home to cheesemakers, restaurants, museums and local food producers. Being a 90-minute drive from Toronto, this is a perfect route for cheese lovers who are curious to learn more. This family-friendly route offers a bunch of activities to keep everybody occupied, ranging from meeting farm animals, munching on delicious grilled cheese sandwiches to churning their own butter. To top it off, it is also surrounded by some amazing local museums, art galleries, and overall the best country vibes.