You're not a true Ontarian unless you've seen at least 5 of these 11 stunning natural wonders
Ontario is rich in natural beauty, featuring sparkling lakes, long sandy beaches, and lush forests.
There are so many sights to explore, but only true Ontarians can say they’ve experienced at least five of these 11 epic natural wonders in the province.
How many of these breathtaking destinations have you seen? If you're missing a few, it might be time to start planning your next road trip to some of Ontario's stunning natural wonders.
The Grotto
Price: $9 day use fee per adult, $15.75 parking fee
Address: Cyprus Lake Rd., Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Grotto is an iconic natural wonder hidden away in Bruce Peninsula National Park. The ancient sea cave is surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs and azure waters that will whisk you away to a Greek island.
It's a popular summer destination, and reservations are required from May 1 to October 31, so be sure to plan ahead.
Cheltenham Badlands
Price: $10+ per vehicle
When: May 9 to November 17, 2025
Address: 1739 Olde Base Line Rd., Caledon, ON
Why You Need To Go: Fancy a trip to outer space? This natural wonder near Toronto will have you feeling like you're wandering through Mars.
The Cheltenham Badlands is "one of the most recognizable and visited natural heritage landmarks in southern Ontario." You can gaze over rolling red hills and wander across a boardwalk that leads through the otherworldly landscape.
Niagara Falls
Price: Free
Address: Niagara Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: One of Ontario's most renowned natural wonders is Niagara Falls. The majestic landmark is composed of three waterfalls that tumble into a vast gorge.
According to Niagara Falls Tourism, over 6 million cubic feet of water go over the Horseshoe Falls every minute during peak daytime hours in the summer.
It's a gorgeous spot to visit during the winter as well, when frosty pillars of ice form around the rushing water.
Flowerpot Island
Price: $9 + ferry fee
Address: 121 Chi sin tib dek Rd., Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: This dreamy island is surrounded by crystal-clear water that's straight out of the tropics, and it's worth adding to your bucket list.
The island is home to natural "flowerpot rock pillars," which give the destination its name, as well as caves, a historic light station and rare plants. During your visit, you can explore the scenic hiking trails, take a dip in the turquoise waters and even camp overnight.
The island is accessible by boat, and several companies offer cruises to this destination from Tobermory.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Price: $12.25 + for daily vehicle permit
When: April 25, 2025 to October 27, 2025
Address: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: You don't need to leave Ontario to discover rolling sand dunes, powdery shores, and crystal-clear waves.
Sandbanks Provincial Park is home to the "world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation," and you'll be transported to the tropics as you wander along its rolling sand hills.
Bonnechere Caves
Price: $25 per adult
When: Until Thanksgiving
Address: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd., Eganville, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll need to travel underground to experience this mystical natural wonder in Ontario. The Bonnechere Caves are made up of underground passageways that snake through rocky caverns beneath the earth.
The landmark is thought to "have been the bottom of a tropical sea 500 million years ago," and allows you to step back in time. The passageways are home to fossils of ancient sea creatures, stalactites and more.
Ouimet Canyon
Price: $12.25 + day use fee
When: May 16, 2025 to October 31, 2025
Address: Greenwich Lake Rd., Pass Lake, ON
Why You Need to Go: Known as "Canada's answer to the Grand Canyon," this majestic natural wonder will take you on a mini trip to Arizona.
Ouimet Canyon boasts a 150-metre-wide gorge with breathtaking cliffs dropping 100 metres to the canyon floor.
The park is home to a scenic boardwalk and lookout platforms, where you can take in the views of the towering cliffs.
Scarborough Bluffs
Price: Free
Address: Scarborough, ON
Why You Need To Go: Situated just 30 minutes from Toronto, the Bluffs offer 15 kilometres of stunning shoreline and 11 scenic parks.
According to Destination Toronto, the Bluffs are "a testament to the end of the Great Ice Age, making them a remarkable geological feature."
The towering white cliffs are a majestic sight to take in, and you can even enjoy some beautiful sand beaches along the shores.
Kakabeka Falls
Price: $12.25 + for daily vehicle permit
Address: 4853 Hwy. 11/17, Kakabeka Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: Already seen Niagara Falls? You'll want to plan a trip to this massive Ontario waterfall, which has been dubbed the "Niagara of the North."
The towering cascade is the second-highest waterfall in Ontario, standing at 40 metres high. It's just a short walk from the parking lot, so you don't need to go far to discover this landmark.
Elora Quarry
Price: $10.40 per adult + parking fee
Address: 319 Wellington Rd. 18, Elora, ON
Why You Need To Go: This majestic turquoise swimming hole is worth a summer road trip.
The heat-shaped quarry is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs which reach up to 40 feet. You can float around the serene waters and relax on the small, sandy beach.
Agawa Canyon
Address: Agawa Canyon, ON
Why You Need To Go: Formed over a billion years ago, the Agawa Canyon is a breathtaking spot to explore. One of the best ways to see it is with a train tour from Sault Ste. Marie.
It's especially beautiful during the fall, when the trees transform with fiery hues of red and gold.
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.
Entrance to Niagara Takes Flight.Courtesy of Niagara Parks
Flying theatre.Courtesy of Niagara Parks
Overhead view rendering.Courtesy of Niagara Parks
An artist's impression of a hovercraft going over Lake Ontario with CN Tower in the background.
Rendering of the new hovercraft.
The hovercraft would take thousands of cars off the road, according to Hoverlink.