Mia Shabsove for Narcity
Ontario is a massive province that we're all incredibly lucky to call our home. While most of us are here living in big cities like Toronto or Ottawa, there's tons of small towns, unique spots and nature filled area that are hidden in plain sight that a lot of people don't even know about.
Spring is just around the corner which means it's almost time to get back out there an really explore what this province has to offer us. Luckily, there's tons of cool and unusual things to do here in Ontario.
Our province is home to tons of unique things that no other province in the country has. Use this list as your Spring exploring bucket list!
16. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
@explorecanadWhere: Toronto, Ontario
This is probably one of the most interesting libraries in all of Canada. It holds around 700,000 volumes and 3,000 metres of manuscripts that you can't find anywhere else in the world! They have unique books like the 'monsters' volumes that are reprints of works written way back in the 18th century filled with ancient monsters and myths.
15. The Comfort Maple
@smchavocWhere: Pelham, Ontario
The Comfort Maple is believed to be Canada's largest living Sugar Maple tree! It has been growing since around the year 1500 and could be as old as 541 years! It's a gorgeous destination all year round with fall and summer being the best seasons when the leaves are lush and green or changing colours.
14. Cheltenham Badlands
@lo.pazWhere: Caledon, Ontario
This unique spot looks like we're out in the badlands of Alberta/Saskatchewan but it's actually right here in Ontario! It was created back in the 1930's when poor farming practices created this unique land, rolling landscape. In the past year's the badlands have been closed to visitors and could only be seen from a viewing area but this year they'll be reopened to the public to explore!
13. Lake On The Mountain
@adel.farid3Where: Prince Edward County, Ontario
This mysterious lake is perched on top of a mountain located way above Lake Ontario's Bay of Quinte. The reason this spot is so unique is because there's no known water source, defying all geological theory on how lakes are formed and sustained. It receives a constant flow of water without anyone knowing how or where it's coming from!
12. Camp 30
@mariachapovWhere: Clarington, Ontario
Camp 30 is piece of significant history in Ontario. Back during WW2 this camp was used to house Prisoner's Of War for German soldiers. A pair of prisoners even attempted an elaborate escape attempt. It's sine been abandoned and is now filled with artistic graffiti that's frequently used for photo ops.
11. Half House
@sydneydeliciousWhere: Toronto, Ontario
This weird half-a-home was built back in 1890-1893 and is a super unique part of Toronto's history. Believe it or not, this house was once whole but during a time when real estate in the city was changing only half the house was torn down and the other half was left up and is still standing today!
10. Pleasantville Curve
@tito_renhfpWhere: Witchurch-Stouffville, Ontario
This odd bend in the road in the Stouffville area is covered in paint stripes. It's called a 'test deck' where painters come to test the durability of roadway paints. It's turned into an unintentional piece of public art that's open for viewing whenever!
9. Bruce Peninsula Grotto
@pketronWhere: Tobermory, Ontario
Bruce Peninsula National Park is probably one of the most beautiful natural spots in Ontario to visit in the summer. Not as many people know that there's a hidden grotto that makes for the perfect swimming hole. The water is bright blue and refreshing and is an amazing hidden gem.
8. Whirlpool Aero Car
Where: Niagara Falls
Past the massive waterfalls everyone knows and loves is he Niagara Falls Whirlpool that's a huge basin of vortex waters. There's an Aero Car that's suspended over this magnificent whirlpool that carries 10 passengers across for stunning views of the natural occurrence!
7. Brockville Railway Tunnel
@sara_miabWhere: Brockville
This gorgeous piece of Canadian history was the first railway ever built in Canada way back in 1860! It has since been out of use as an active railway and is now an artistic tunnel. Visitors can walk or bike through this colourful tunnel for a magical underground experience.
6. Balaclava Ghost Town
@vanosexploringWhere: Balaclava, Ontario
This creepy ghost town is a super cool spot to explore in Ontario. Back in the 19th century this town was flourishing in the midst of the success of it's timber industry. Eventually though, the industry was depleted and the town was deserted. It's now a popular 'ghost town' that feels extremely haunted so if you're brave enough go check it out!
5. Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve
Where: Gravenhurst
Located just outside Toronto is this amazing piece of Crown Land dedicated to stargazing. It offers super clear views of the sky and even the Northern Lights on the rare occasion they're visible in Ontario. Just bring some blankets, snacks and your camera for an gorgeous night with gorgeous views!
4. Bridal Veil Falls
@tarynvuorensyrjaWhere: Manitoulin Island
These stunning water falls are an amazing spot to explore in Ontario. In the summer months it's the perfect place to hike and take a refreshing dip and in the winter months it becomes a magical frozen wonderland!
3. Bathtub Island
@infinimentcanadaWhere: Lake Superior National Park
Bathtub Island is one of the most popular spots in Ontario to visit during the summer. Since Lake Superior is way too cold to swim in usually, these 'bathtub-like' pools are shallow and warmed up by the sun to create a heated swimming area!
2. Spruce Bog Boardwalk
@_ryan_ry_Where: Nipissing
For a gorgeous piece of nature to explore, take a walk on the Spruce Bog Boardwalk! It's a popular spot all year round for bird lovers and nature lovers to come and explore while taking in the scenic views around them.
1. Thousand Islands
@littlecoalWhere: St Lawrence River
Located on the St. Lawrence River is this unique archipelago made up of over 1,000 islands! Some of them are inhabited by tiny houses and towering castles and others are fully of only nature! It's an amazing spot to visit in our beautiful province.
