Surrounded by Great Lakes and covered in Carolinian Forests, Southwestern Ontario is one of the most underrated regions of Canada.
Sure, we don’t boast the rugged mountains of northern Ontario or British Columbia, but we do have some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, national parks, and historic sites worth visiting.
These are the 15 best things to do in Southwestern Ontario, including the best places and activities.
A Quick Look At The 15 Best Things To Do In Southwestern Ontario
- Try Windsor Pizza
- Enjoy A Beach Day
- Explore Southwestern Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Areas
- Go Camping At The Pinery Provincial Park
- Road Trip To Niagara Falls
- Visit The Forest City
- Tube Down The Grand River And The Elora Gorge
- Take A Weekend Trip To Blue Mountain Village
- Travel Back In Time At The Fanshawe Pioneer Village
- Explore A War Of 1812 Stronghold At Fort Malden
- Tour The Wineries of Pelee Island
- Ski Down Boler Mountain
- Visit The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
- Take A Day Trip To The Stratford Festival
- Go Horseback Riding
The 15 Best Things To Do In Southwestern Ontario
1. Try Windsor Pizza
Born and raised just east of Windsor, I have to put this first on this list of the best things to do in Southwestern Ontario. You may not believe it, but Windsor is home to some of the best pizzas in the world.
Now, I understand I may be biased. But you don’t have to take my word for it. I have sources, including the fact that one of our local pizzerias took home third place in the Las Vegas International Pizza Expo in 2014 (Armando’s Pizzeria).
While each pizzeria has its own unique take on the culinary masterpiece, Windsor-style pizza is defined as a medium-thin crust with shredded pepperoni and canned mushrooms (not fresh). And while each Windsorite has their preferred pizzeria, my personal go-to pizza spots in town are Antonino’s, Armando’s, and Capri (on Dougall Ave.).
2. Enjoy A Beach Day
When imagining a trip to Canada, many international visitors don’t have beaches in mind. However, as the most southern point of the country, Southwestern Ontario promises several beautiful spots within its Great Lakes for a relaxing beach day.
While beaches can be found all along the Ontario Peninsula, the following spots offer some of the best escapes to the welcoming shores of the Great Lakes of Southwestern Ontario.
- Grand Bend: An iconic beach town along the shores of Lake Huron, Grand Bend occupies a central location in southwest Ontario, about a 50-minute drive north of London. It promises spacious sands and plenty of nearby restaurants and shops along its strip.
- Port Stanley: Another of the most popular beaches in Southwestern Ontario, Port Stanley’s main and small beaches offer a traditional beach day with soft sands, volleyball nets, and lots of summer sun along the shores of Lake Erie.
- Wasaga Beach: Known as a vibrant party destination for university students across the province, Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world, promising plenty of space to stretch out along its soft sands.
- Sauble Beach: Set at the base of the Bruce Peninsula, Sauble Beach is the second-longest freshwater beach in the world and is another fantastic destination in southwest Ontario for a relaxing beach day.
3. Explore Southwestern Ontario’s Provincial Parks and Conservation Areas
While northern Ontario is known to have more natural landscapes, Southwestern Ontario is not without its hidden gems. The following are the best national parks and provincial parks found within the Ontario Peninsula.
- Point Pelee National Park: Formed in 1918, Point Pelee National Park marks the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland, is an important stopping point for many migratory bird species, and is a designated dark sky preserve, making it popular with bird watchers and stargazers.
- Bruce Peninsula National Park: A northern stretch of land jutting out into Lake Huron towards Manitoulin Island, the Bruce Peninsula National Park is one of the most beautiful in the province and promises plenty of natural landscapes for hiking, wildlife spotting and camping.
- Forks of the Credit Provincial Park: Established in 1985 along the Niagara Escarpment, this provincial park is popular for fishing, hiking, and picnics during the summer, while popular winter activities include skiing.
- Komoka Provincial Park: Sitting along the Thames River near London, Komoka Park was opened in 1989 and features 200 hectares of preserved landscapes, with 11 km of walking paths weaving their way through its tree-covered terrains.
4. Go Camping At The Pinery Provincial Park
Speaking of Provincial Parks, camping at the Pinery Provincial Park is easily one of the best things to do in Southwestern Ontario.
Named after the red and white pines planted in the area in the 1960s, the Pinery boasts a diverse ecosystem of oak savanna and freshwater coastal dunes. Along with camping, visitors are encouraged to explore its natural terrains along its 14 km of biking trails, 10 km of nature hiking trails, and 38 km of groomed ski trails open during the winter months.
5. Road Trip To Niagara Falls
Depending on your source, Niagara Falls may not technically fall within the area of Southwestern Ontario. However, it does make for a fantastic road trip from just about anywhere in the region.
Considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, Niagara Falls is one of the world’s most famous waterfalls. But did you know there are three waterfalls making up the Niagara area? While the Horseshoe Falls (AKA Canadian Falls) are the most iconic, the site also features the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls just down the river.
Beyond the natural landmark, the city is also home to several entertainment complexes ranging from thematic museums and shows to terrifying haunted houses and historical tours.
For a unique experience, visit Niagara Falls in the winter for a variety of seasonal attractions.
6. Visit The Forest City
Despite being the most populous city in Southwestern Ontario, the city of London has garnered itself the nickname Forest City. And having lived in the city for the past year, this reputation is really prevalent during the summer and fall seasons.
For starters, London has over 200 parks. These range from simple neighbourhood playgrounds to large preserved areas of urban forests. The city offers several walking paths and running trails perfect for escaping the city feel without actually having to leave the city.
In fact, I live directly downtown. But by following the Thames River Trail System not five minutes from my apartment building, I can come to at least six different parks offering a quiet respite from the downtown life.
So, if you are looking for a city visit with a touch of nature, then a visit to Forest City is by far one of the best things to do in Southwestern Ontario during the summer and fall.
7. Tube Down The Grand River And The Elora Gorge
Visiting the Elora Gorge Conservation Area is easily one of the best things to do in Southwestern Ontario throughout the summer months. Between the Elora Quarry, the Grand River, and the beautiful hiking trails weaving throughout the forest, Elora promises plenty of outdoor adventures for a weekend getaway or a day trip.
Among the most popular activities when visiting Elora is the opportunity to tube through the famous gorge along the Grand River. After your relaxing float, you can head over to the quarry, where you can immerse in the natural swimming hole or cliff jump.
With so many aquatic adventures to be had, Elora could considered the natural waterpark of Southwestern Ontario and is a great way to escape the province’s hot summer weather.
8. Take A Weekend Trip To Blue Mountain Village
Another great place to visit with a myriad of things to do in Southwestern Ontario is the Blue Mountain Village along the Niagara Escarpment. Set near the shores of the Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain Village is a picturesque mountain community of pedestrian-only cobblestone streets with several themed shopping centers and restaurants.
The Blue Mountain Resort ski hill is located just a short walk away, promising some of the best ski slopes in the province during the winter months and fantastic hiking trails during the summer.
9. Travel Back In Time At The Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Offering one of the best historical attractions in Southwestern Ontario, the Fanshawe Pioneer Village transports visitors back to the 19th century to explore the local history of London and Middlesex County within its living history museum.
Boasting a collection of 33 homes and buildings that span from the early Fanshawe Settlement (1820-1850) to the Town of Fanshawe (1910-1920), the village explores a century of history through its urban planning and variety of preserved relics that include furniture, clothing, and tools.
10. Explore A War Of 1812 Stronghold At Fort Malden
Visiting Fort Malden in Amherstburg is another great thing to do in southwest Ontario for any history lover.
Built in 1795 along the shores of the Detroit River to protect the territory of British North America against the growing power of America, Fort Malden played a pivotal role in the years leading up to and during the War of 1812, as well as the Rebellions of 1837 -1838 that occurred over two decades later.
Since 1921, Fort Malden has served as a designated National Historic Site and welcomes visitors to tour its monumental complexes through a series of preserved buildings, artifacts, and reenactments.
11. Tour The Wineries of Pelee Island
Located just under 30 km from Southwestern Ontario mainland, Pelee Island is officially the furthest south you can go in Canada and is the largest island in Lake Erie.
The island offers plenty of activities and things to do, including breathtaking nature walks and touring several historical sites and monuments. However, one of the best things the island is known for is its vineyards, which can be visited along a winery tour.
Visitors are invited to explore over 170 years of the island’s winemaking history with a guided tour of the province’s famous Pelee Island Winery.
12. Ski Down Boler Mountain
Southern Ontario may be known for its flat terrains and sweeping farmland fields, but Boler Mountain is one of the region’s hidden gems and promises perfect mountain conditions for a fun ski trip.
Located just 10 km from the city of London, Boler Mountain Ski Resort features 6 km of slopes, three lifts up the mountain, and a winter sports area of 63 metres between elevations of 265 and 328 metres.
While winters are the best time to visit for the fresh snowfalls, the resort does offer a collection of summer outdoor activities for visiting in the warmer months.
13. Visit The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
Formerly known as Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the Josiah Henson African-Canadian History offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Dawn Settlement, one of the most unique historical settlements in Southwestern Ontario, through its open-air museum.
Founded in 1841 by Rev. Josiah Henson after escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad, the Dawn Settlement was a 200-acre community for other black refugees escaping to Upper Canada.
The Ontario Heritage Trust acquired the site in 2005 and has since preserved the settlement as a museum, which visitors can still explore today. The property features historic buildings and artifacts from the time period, including the sawmill, the smokehouse, the Josiah Henson House, and the Pioneer Church.
14. Take A Day Trip To The Stratford Festival
Stratford is one of the best small towns in Southwestern Ontario, with Victorian-Era architecture making up the stores and restaurants of its inviting main street. A fantastic day trip destination, some of the top attractions in town include the Shakespearean Gardens and the Avon River. The best time to visit is during the Stratford Festival.
With a vibrant art scene focusing on theatrical performances, Stratford is the ultimate destination in Ontario for theatre lovers, with multiple performances and shows being put on throughout the season.
Start your day off with coffee and breakfast at Romoe Cafe, then work your way down the picturesque Avon River to the historic downtown area.
From there, you can spend some time browsing boutique shops, exploring the community’s historical gardens and buildings, or visiting local restaurants along the Bacon & Ale Trail or Chocolate Trail.
Just be sure to give yourself enough time to experience everything before the evening performance.
Check out this post for a full list of fun and exciting things to do in Stratford.
15. Go Horseback Riding
Home to the majority of the province’s farmlands, Southwestern Ontario is a great place for experiencing the traditional activities that accompany farm life, with the most popular being horseback riding.
Stables offering these services can be found in all major areas throughout the region, especially within the area around London, which boasts plenty of stables to choose from.
