6 gorgeous national parks in Ontario to visit for an epic summer escape
You'll find crystal water beaches and ancient sea caves at these spots.
Two people in an Ontario national park. Right: A person swimming at an Ontario national park.
Crystal blue water beaches, limestone coasts and sandy shores await at these stunning national parks in Ontario. If you're planning some summer adventures, these parks offer an escape from the bustle of everyday life and will immerse you in nature.
You can hike along picturesque trails, stargaze, take a dip in tropical-like waters and more while visiting these spots. Many of the parks also offer overnight stays and camping so you can make a longer getaway out of your trip.
Here are six beautiful national parks in Ontario to visit this summer.
Point Pelee National Park
Price: $9 per adult
Address: 118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, ON
Why You Need To Go: This stunning national park in Ontario will have you feeling like you took a trip to Costa Rica. Point Pelee National Park, located in Leamington, boasts tons of activities and experiences to enjoy.
The park is located at the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland and you can wander right to the edge of the country along the Tip Trail.
Another popular trail to enjoy is the Marsh Boardwalk, which takes you through stunning scenery and includes an observation tower with telescopes.
You'll want to bring your bathing suit along with you, as Point Pelee is home to 20 kilometres of silky sand shores, making it a dreamy spot for a beach day.
The park is a Dark Sky Preserve, meaning that it's "one of the best places to explore the night sky in Canada," as mentioned on the website.
There are several Dark Sky Nights held throughout the year where you can explore the park after dark and take in the incredible views of the stars above.
Thousand Islands National Park
Price: $8.50 parking per vehicle
Address: 1121 Thousand Islands Pkwy., Mallorytown Landing, ON
Why You Need To Go: This scenic national park features rugged shorelines and secluded bays. It boasts 20 islands located between Kingston and Brockville and you can paddle your way around these areas in a canoe or kayak.
You can also enjoy some stunning hikes around the islands as well as the three picturesque mainland properties.
Don't forget your bathing suit, as there are two sand beaches in the park, located on Central Grenadier Island and Thwartway Island. There are also many rocky areas where you can take a dip.
You'll want to keep an eye out for birds while visiting this park, as the area is known for its diverse bird species.
If you're a fan of camping, this is a great park to visit. There are 61 beautiful campsites scattered across the islands and you'll "feel like you’ve reached the ends of the earth," according to Visit 1000 Islands.
Rouge National Urban Park
Price: Free
Address: 25 Zoo Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You don't have leave the city in order to get lost in nature. This park is located in Toronto and is "one of the largest urban parks in North America," according to the website.
You can explore trails which wind through forests, thickets, meadows, wetlands, rivers and more, as well as enjoy guided tours of the area.
The Orchard Trail is an iconic Rouge Valley hike and you'll explore "young forests mixed with wetlands and traces of early European settlement, including remnant orchards, residences and an old mill."
The Rouge Marsh Trail is another scenic spot to adventure through and you can enjoy "stunning views of the largest remaining wetland in the City of Toronto."
The park is a great spot for cycling and paddling as well as bird watching.
You don't want to miss a trip to The Vista Trail’s two-level viewing platform, which is "one of the best places to view Toronto’s autumn colours and spectacular valley views." Even in the summer, it's a stunning spot to check out.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Price: $9 per adult
Address: Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located at the tip of the Niagara Escarpment near Tobermory, this stunning national park is known for its majestic limestone coast, towering cliffs and crystal clear water.
You'll feel like you've taken a trip to the Caribbean as you gaze across the turquoise waves of Georgian Bay.
The 155 square-kilometre park is a beautiful place for a hike, canoe or swim.
Some gorgeous hikes include Halfway Log Dump, where you can enjoy a "stunning view of sheer cliffs and white cobble stone beaches," according to the website.
Another option is The Georgian Bay Trail, which offers views of Flowerpot and Bear's Rump islands in Fathom Five National Marine Park. The trail takes you to Indian Head Cove, where you can find two sea caves, the Natural Arch, and the iconic Grotto nearby.
The Grotto is one of the most famous aspects of this park. The majestic sea cave is full of turquoise water and looks like something you'd see in the Mediterranean.
The Bruce Peninsula National Park is also a Dark Sky Preserve and you can see magical constellations and stars from the limestone coast.
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Price: $6.50 per adult
When: May 17 to October 14, 2024
Address: 2611 Honey Harbour Rd., Honey Harbour, ON
Why you need to go: Located in Muskoka, this park is home to an array of islands, crystal blue waters and gorgeous sunsets. It's about two hours away from Toronto, making it a convenient spot to explore.
Located in "the world's largest freshwater archipelago," the park is made up of 63 islands and boasts lots of outdoor adventures to enjoy, such as hiking along the picturesque trails or going for a swim at one of the beaches located along the eastern shores of Beausoleil Island.
Since the park is only accessible by boat, you'll have to do some planning in advance before you visit. There is a DayTripper and a water taxi you can use, or you can bring your own canoes or kayaks.
Pukaskwa National Park
Price: $6.50 per adult
Address: ON-627, Heron Bay, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Northern Ontario park is known for its rugged beauty. Located along the shores of Lake Superior, it's a stunning place to explore.
From lounging on the sandy shores of Horseshoe Beach to wandering along boardwalk trails, it's an idyllic spot to get lost in nature.
One of the highlights of the park is the White River Suspension Bridge Trail which leads to a towering suspension bridge over a rushing waterfall.
Enjoy your summer adventures at these gorgeous national parks.
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.