9 Lesser-Known Places To Explore In Ontario If You Think You've Seen It All
The province is full of hidden gems. 💎
Woman standing on a platform by a waterfall. Right: Woman standing in the window of a historic ruin.
Ontario is full of exciting places and attractions, and even if you think you've seen it all, there's so much more to explore. These lesser-known places make for incredible road trips.
From underground caverns to massive waterfalls, you can experience incredible surroundings at these spots.
Tyendinaga Cavern & Caves
Price: To be announced
When: Reopening Victoria Day Long Weekend
Address: 2623 Harmony Rd., Belleville, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can journey to a "place where time stands still" at this ancient cavern, where you'll find fossils that date back 450 million years. You can descend deep into the caves, and even discover a secret pool where you can toss a coin.
Haliburton Sculpture Forest
Price: Donations accepted
Address: 297 College Dr., Haliburton, ON
Why You Need To Go: This forest isn't just filled with trees. As you wander the trails, you'll come across giant sculptures, including a beaver and a shoe.
Bathtub Island
Price: $12.25 + vehicle permit
Address: Katherine Cove, ON
Why You Need To Go: This hidden island in Ontario is more like a giant bathtub. The hollowed-out rock is filled with water, so you can float the day away.
McGinnis Lake
Price: Prices vary
When: Reopening May 12, 2023
Address: 2249 Northeys Bay Rd., Woodview, ON
Why You Need To Go: Hidden away in Petroglyphs Provincial Park lies McGinnis Lake; a rare turquoise pool that's one of the only lakes of its kind in Canada. The park is also home to petroglyphs and a boardwalk trail to explore.
Kakabeka Falls
Price: Prices vary
Address: 4853 Hwy. 11/17, Kakabeka Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: Dubbed the "Niagara of the North," this massive waterfall is worth seeing at least once. The 40-metre-high cascade is actually the second highest in Ontario, and boasts 1.6 million-year-old fossils at its base.
Amethyst Mine Panorama
Price: $10 admission per person
When: Reopening June 1, 2023
Address: 500 Bass Lake Rd., Shuniah, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can dig for sparkling gemstones at this amethyst mine in Northern Ontario. The mine offers tours and has a gift shop onsite.
Overhanging Point
Price: Admission fee
Address: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd., Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: This secret natural wonder will have you feeling like you're in another world. The massive, hollowed-out cliff has towering limestone walls, and you can see crystal blue water along the hike.
Thornton Bales Conservation Area
Price: Free
Address: Mulock Sideroad, Newmarket, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll find a hidden staircase with 99 steps in this enchanting forest. It's a beautiful spot for a hike, especially in the fall.
Website
Spirit Rock Conservation Area
Price: Parking fee
When: Late spring to fall
Address: 92 Highway 6, Wiarton, ON
Why You Need To Go: From a trail that leads past crystal waters to a secret spiral staircase and historic ruins, this conservation area is worth a day trip.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on June 26, 2022.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.