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Ontario is a hidden gem and not a lot of people know about some of the treasure it bears. I moved with my family to Toronto, Ontario from Quebec when I was a kid and boy was it the best decision ever. There is so much to see and do and such a beautiful, multi-cultured, clean and exciting place to be whether you are living in Ontario or just visiting. While there are so many top rated tourist attractions, what I am about to share are some of the best kept secret. 

A little history about Ontario before sharing some really cool places to visit. Ontario is a Canadian province located in the East-Central Canada that borders the US and the Great Lakes.It is home to Ottawa which is Canada’s capital. Toronto is Ontario’s capital. The population is close to 15 million or more (old stats)

 

8 PLACES YOU WON’T BELIEVE ARE IN ONTARIO

BONNECHERE CAVES – Have you ever been fascinated and have a desire to explore some really cool caves. If so, well this should be on the top of your list. This beauty is located in Eganville, Ontario and they provide one of the best tours you will ever get. Friendly and informative. Below are some of the interesting things you will learn from getting a tour of this amazing place.

  1. The different types of rocks
  2. The process of fossilization
  3. The impact of glaciers on our landscape
  4. A greater understanding and respect for the planet we all share
  5. The formation of caves
  6. How stalactites grow
  7. Hibernation practices of the small brown bats
  8. Some local history
  9. How the caves were discovered and explored
  10. Fossils of the Ordovician time period.
 Photo Credit: Bonnechere Caves

Photo Credit: Bonnechere Caves

 

SAUBLE BEACH- Located in the town of South Bruce Peninsula, Bruce County. This white sand beauty was voted number one beach in Ontario, it is one of the crown jewels in Bruce County with it’s seven kilometers of pristine sandy beach. Sauble Beach is the second longest freshwater beach in the world. Be sure to take the family and chill for a day or more. There is so much to see and do nearby as well.

Photo Credit: Explore the Bruce /Facebook

 

TORRANCE BARRENS DARK SKY PRESERVE- I bet you didn’t know that the Torrance Barrens is the worlds first permanent designated dark sky reserve. It truly is the premier location for viewing the cosmos. If you are into camping, hiking or stargazing, it is about 2 hrs drive up north from Toronto, this reserve can be found in the heart of Muskoka, Ontario. Don’t miss out on this experience. 

Photo Credit: Mike Killian Photography

 

MANTOULIN ISLAND-  What makes this island so special you ask? It is the largest freshwater island lake on the planet. It’s also home to Canada’s first European settlement, the town Manitowaning, and the historic Anishinaabe settlement. Located in Lake Huron in Laurentia, Ontario. The list is endless of things to do in the Mantoulin Island.

Photo Credit: Mississagi Lighthouse and Campground

 

BATHTUB ISLAND – Here you will find the hidden gem that is in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Ontario’s Bathtub Island will leave you feeling as if you are in the Caribbean somewhere just relaxing only to find out that you haven’t left the province. Who wouldn’t want that? 

Photo Credit: @shae.collins/instagram

 

FRENCH RIVER PROVINCIAL PARK – This beauty offers a 105 kilometer paddling route of interconnected lakes, gorges and rapids from Lake Nipissing to Georgian Bay.If you are a thrill seeker, then this is a perfect place to visit as there is so much to explore.

Photo Credit: Hartley Bay Marina

 

BIG TUB HARBOUR RESORT Located on the shoreline of Georgian Bay, Big Tub Harbour Resort is host to the most spectacular setting in Tobermory. The natural beauty of the shoreline has been preserved, making it the ideal place to just relax for the weekend.

Photo Credit: Bayshore Cottages

 

KAKABEKA FALLS PROVINCIAL PARK Kakabeka Falls is the second highest waterfall in Ontario and is open year round. The views of the falls and gorge from the boardwalk that wraps around the top of the falls The Kaministiquia River has cut deep into the rocks to reveal 1.6 million year old fossils at the bottom of the falls. Simply magnificent.

 

Photo Credit: William Ennis