15 Historic Places to Visit in Ontario This Summer

Built in 1895, the Sault Ste. Marie Canal was the world’s longest lock and the first to operate using electricity. It offered passage from Lake Superior to Lake Huron for the shipping industry as it allows large transport vessels to dodge the St Mary’s Rapids while navigating the 25 ft (8m) height difference between the two lakes. The lock was used up until 1987 when a wall failure rendered the lock closed indefinitely.

While the canal is only used by recreational watercraft now, it’s a great spot for a picnic on a sunny day. You might even catch a tour boat going by so you can see the lock in action! The Sault Ste Marie Canal is a must-visit on a Northern Ontario road trip.

Many people from Northern Ontario often head towards the Chapleau area to escape to “camp”. However, they might not realize this important historical spot is so close by. The St John’s Anglican Church was once one of the horrific residential schools, a dark part of both Ontario and Canada’s history. You can learn more about the Chapleau Residential School here.

In 2018, it became the Chapleau Hub – a place for the community to come together to spur and support local entrepreneurs. While some businesses aren’t running due to COVID-19, pop into the restaurant in the lower level for some wood-fired pizza.

If you’re looking for a great day trip from Sault Ste Marie or a pit stop while you’re road tripping in Northern Ontario, head to St Joseph Island. At the base of the island, you’ll find the Fort St Joseph National Historic Site, a Parks Canada property.

Here you’ll learn about the rich history of the War of 1812 history as this was a pivotal place where the British and the Indigenous People of this land created an alliance. Explore the ruins and what remains of the fort, enjoy a hike to the shores of Lake Huron and be sure to catch a demonstration which will give you insight into everyday life at the fort.

One of my favourite places in Ottawa, the ByWard Market is said to be “where Ottawa was born”. A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, the ByWard Market is one of Canada’s largest and oldest public markets!

While you’d never expect turmoil occurred here, the ByWard market was the site of the Stoney Monday Riot of 1849, a conflict over the possible relocation of the nation’s capital. Nowadays you’ll find amazing shops, entertainment and great dining options. It’s a must see when exploring Canada’s capital. Ottawa also makes a great destination for an Ontario road trip!

This restored 1830’s grist mill is home to both the R. Tait McKenzie Memorial Museum and the Dr James Naismith Museum.

R. Tait McKenzie was not only an accomplished sculptor but he also became an early leader in physical therapy for sports injuries. Inside this museum, you’ll find pieces from Canadian artists who were inspired by the areas natural scenery, including A.Y. Jackson and the Group of Seven. As for James Naismith, you won’t want to miss this museum if you love basketball. You have him to thank for inventing the sport!

Once you’ve explored the museums, be sure to explore the incredible network of trails on the property. This spot is not to be missed while visiting Lanark County!

Overlooking the confluence of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Kingston Fortifications National Historic Site of Canada is located in and around the harbour area of Kingston, Ontario.

Here you’ll find five 19th-century military installations which were built from 1832-1840. The limestone fortifications were constructed as a defensible platform for guns and played an important role for the British Military during the War of 1812. These five sites were built to defend Kingston Harbour and the strategic placement of the Rideau Canal’s southern terminus.

Located on the Otonabee River section of the Trent Canal in Peterborough, the Peterborough Lift Lock was designed by Richard Birdsall Rogers, a superintendent of the Trent Canal in the late 1800s. It is one of just two hydraulic lift locks located on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Also referred to as Lock 21, this large concrete structure was designed to lift boats 19.8 metres. For a number of years, the dual lifts found here were known to be the highest hydraulic boat lifts in the world! This is quite impressive considering other conventional locks which only lifted about 2.1 metres.

Rouge National Urban Park is the newest National Park in Ontario and was established in May 2015.

It is home to Carolinian ecosystems, Toronto’s only campground, one of the region’s largest marshes, a beach at Lake Ontario, and some of Canada’s oldest known Indigenous sites. It’s a must-visit local gem in Toronto! You won’t want to miss hiking one of the 13 hiking trails within the park. They vary in length and difficulty meaning every hiker will find a trail they enjoy!

If you visit, don’t miss playing Rouge National Urban Park Bingo and see how many squares you can complete.

The Toronto Botanical Garden has a series of contemporary themed gardens spanning nearly four acres. These unique green spaces are designed for Torontonians and visitors to enjoy the splendour of nature.

There are over 20 award-winning gardens to be explored! Don’t miss the innovative learning experiences visitors of all ages will enjoy. If you get hungry, be sure to visit their LEED Silver Certified Building which houses a seasonal café.

From lounging in the sun at The Greensward to enjoying the waterfall by Westview Terrace, you’ll have a wonderful day outdoors at the Toronto Botanical Gardens.

Chances are you’ve visited the Distillery District as it’s home to Ontario’s largest Christmas Market but it’s a great spot in the summer months too!

Surround yourself with gorgeous 19th-century buildings as you explore the cobblestone streets. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant patio, pop into one of the galleries or take in the beautiful outdoor sculptures.

Did I mention it’s pedestrian-only? That’s just one of the reasons it’s one of my favourite spots in Toronto!

The Necropolis cemetery is a beautiful example of a Victorian-era park-like burial ground. Opening in 1850, it’s one of Toronto’s oldest and most historic cemeteries.

Within it’s beautifully maintained grounds, you’ll find the earthly remains of many historically significant Canadians. NDP leader Jack Layton, the first Canada-born Black surgeon Anderson Ruffin Abbot and the city’s first mayor William Lyon Mackenize are just a few of the people who have been laid to rest here.

Be sure to pay your respects as you enjoy a quiet stroll within this picturesque setting in Toronto.

While Dundurn Castle is one of the great indoor attractions in Hamilton, the grounds are absolutely gorgeous and a great spot to enjoy a sunny day. You’ll also find a two-acre garden on the property which the staff use as their ingredients in on-site cooking demonstrations!

If you feel comfortable heading inside, you’ll step back in time as you enter the home of Sir Allan MacNab, one of our country’s first premiers. Built in the 1930s, it featured gas lighting and running water which was almost unheard of back in those days!

Fun fact: it isn’t actually a castle, the residents of Hamilton just called it that! Dundurn Castle is impressive even to this day.

Built between 1855 and 1859, the Point Clark Lighthouse is one of the first imperial tower style lighthouses to be erected along the Great Lakes. Built by John Brown, it’s one of the few on the Great Lakes to be made primarily from stone.

Acquired by Parks Canada in 1967, it is now a commemoration to the vital role lighthouses played in navigating the Great Lakes. Fast forward to 2009 where it was one of six lighthouses from across the country to be featured on a postage stamp!

The Point Clark Lighthouse stands 26.5 metres tall. While you can only admire it from the outside this year, you can plan a future visit to climb the 114 steps to the top for amazing views of the Lake Huron shoreline. I’d still recommend visiting this year as it’s located on one of the best beaches in Ontario!

Visit the only remaining building of the Mohawk Village that once stood here and what’s said to be Ontario’s oldest building – Her Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks. It was built in 1785 and was formerly known as St Paul’s until the early 1900s. Why is it a “royal” chapel? It was designated as such to recognize the important alliance with the British.

It’s important for many other reasons though, including the incredible way the Mohawk Chapel shares about the true history of this land.

While this is technically an indoor attraction, the building can be admired from the outside and is one of the important things not to be missed when visiting Brantford.

Rondeau Provincial Park is the second oldest provincial park in Ontario, Canada. It was established to protect one of the last remaining clusters of old-growth Carolinian Forest in Ontario. Within its over 3000 hectares, you’ll find coastal wetlands, dune habitats and much more! It is also home to one of North America’s best examples of a Cuspate Sandspit.

Explore the Rondeau peninsula as extends into Lake Erie as well as the protected bay it forms. Don’t forget to practice ‘leave no trace’ as it’s an important habitat for a variety of species at risk!