10 Incredible Ontario Destinations To Visit In 2024, According To A Travel Writer
There are so many places to explore!
A flamingo floaty in a swimming hole. Right: A person standing in front of a historic building.
It's no secret that Ontario has tons of dreamy destinations to visit. From charming small towns to vibrant cities, the province is full of stunning getaway spots.
If you're planning on doing some travelling this year, I've got you covered. As a travel writer, I've seen and researched some incredible places across the province and these are my top 10 picks for must-visit Ontario destinations in 2024.
Whether you're dreaming of a beach retreat or mini vacation with European vibes, these places have something special to offer every type of traveler.
Make 2024 a memorable one by heading to some of these amazing spots right here in Ontario.
Prince Edward County
Address: Prince Edward County, ON
Why You Need To Go: Prince Edward County is a magical destination to visit in Ontario this year, especially during the summer months. It was actually named as one of Airbnb's trending 2024 domestic destinations for Canadians and with turquoise waters and soft sand beaches, it's easy to see why.
Whether you're wandering through the small towns, wine tasting at the vineyards or basking in the rolling dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park, you're in for a postcard-worthy summer adventure.
Kingston
Address: Kingston, ON
Why You Need To Go: Dubbed the "Limestone City," Kingston is the place to be if you're craving some European vibes. The historic destination has a bustling main street, sparking lake views and so many attractions.
You can enjoy trolley tours, explore the penitentiary, shop at Ontario's oldest market in Springer Market Square and more.
One of the highlights of the city is its food scene, so you'll want to bring your appetite when travelling to this spot. From unique bars to Italian restaurants and sushi, there's something for everyone.
Bayfield
Address: Bayfield, ON
Why You Need To Go: I always love a trip to this charming small town. Nestled along the shores of Lake Huron, Bayfield has Hallmark movie feels and makes for a quaint getaway spot.
The village has many local shops to explore and you can find everything from clothing to home decor and sweet treats.
Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, sip coffee from a cute cafe or take a trip to one of the area's three beaches to enjoy some waves.
For some extra magic, visit the town during the Christmas season to see it lit up with decor and holiday enchantment.
Perth
Address: Perth, ON
Why You Need To Go: Tucked away in scenic Lanark County, Perth offers a range of things to do and see.
The quaint small town is another spot to go for those European vibes and is full of old-time buildings and local boutiques.
You can step back in time at the Perth Museum, wander through dreamy Stewart Park, or dine at one of the drool-worthy restaurants.
There are many festivals and events that take place throughout the year, including the Perth Night Market, Halloween attractions and Christmas activities.
Muskoka
Address: Muskoka, ON
Why You Need To Go: Brimming with small towns and rugged beauty, Muskoka is one of my favourite year-round destinations in the province.
The area boasts endless activities, resorts, parks and more for an idyllic vacation.
It's even been dubbed the "Hamptons of the North" due to the amount of celebs that spend time there.
From glistening ice trails in the winter to stunning summer hikes and unbeatable fall views, Muskoka is a dreamy all-season destination.
In the summer of 2024, a unique new retreat is opening in the region, so it may be worth booking a little vacay to Arcana Muskoka.
The 1000 Islands
Address: 1000 Islands, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're craving blue waters and dreamy islands, you'll want to plan a trip to this destination this summer.
The 1000 Islands is a "sightseer's paradise" and is situated along the border of northern New York State and southeastern Ontario.
The area is dotted with beautiful small towns and cities and offers tons of outdoor adventures. From boat cruises to castle tours and lookout towers, there's no shortage of things to do here.
Stratford
Address: Stratford, ON
Why You Need To Go: This charming city is one of my top places in the province and it makes for an incredible getaway spot.
There are tons of cute inns, delicious restaurants and charming cafes for all your vacation needs.
The highlight of the city is its theatre scene. The Stratford Festival runs from April to October and is renowned for its Shakespearean and modern plays.
Stratford is also home to many unique tours, festivals and attractions, including a Chocolate Trail, Justin Bieber-themed tour, a winter film festival and more.
Collingwood
Address: Collingwood, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located along the shores of Georgian Bay, Collingwood offers lots of small town charm, shopping opportunities and delicious food.
The downtown is a gorgeous place to spend a day and has so many local shops and cafes to enjoy.
You can also pop over to the nearby Blue Mountain Village for year-round fun, including skiing, dining, hiking and a magical Christmas trail.
There are over 60 kilometres of trails that connect to the downtown so you'll want to pack your hiking shoes.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Why You Need To Go: I never get tired of visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake. The village has so much charm and is like a little slice of Europe in Ontario.
Whether you're checking out a summer festival, enjoying the Christmas decor, sipping drinks at the Icewine Festival or learning about its spooky history during Halloween, this town is a year-round destination for fun.
It's also surrounded by some incredible wineries where you can spend a day sipping boozy drinks and going on unique tours.
Elora
Address: Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: This small town is renowned for its charm and beauty, and while it can get busy during tourist season, it's still worth a trip.
If you love exploring boutiques, relaxing on patios and exploring historic destinations, Elora is the place for you. Nestled on the edge of a gorge, the beautiful village is full of things to do.
The Elora Mill & Spa is a dreamy place to unwind and get pampered. You can even book an overnight stay for an extra treat.
The nearby Elora Quarry is a summer hotspot and you can take a dip in the turquoise waters surrounded by towering white cliffs.
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.