Summer Has Arrived In Ontario, Here Are 3 Refreshing Places To Keep Cool

We have officially welcomed the summer solstice and Ontario, Canada’s second largest province, is the perfect place to enjoy the hot sunny weather. Ontario has endless water activities including swimming at stunning beaches, natural swimming pools, and boating along rivers and lakes. The rugged beauty and natural landscapes of Ontario make a great road trip destination whether you live in Canada or are driving from the United States. You can make Toronto or Ottawa your home base and visit several small towns and experience multiple natural attractions with refreshing water activities. Summer in Ontario never seems to last long enough, but here are three ways to extend the season as long as possible and create lasting memories.

Swimming At Elora Quarry

Elora Quarry, one of the many hidden gems in Ontario, is about a 90-minute road trip from downtown Toronto. This ‘old swimming hole’ as locals fondly call it, looks like a tropical oasis with turquoise water and is the perfect place to keep cool on a hot summer day. The stunning limestone quarry is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs up to 40 feet high and majestic forests, so you are guaranteed amazing views while swimming. There is a large beach area with easy access to the water and a sandy area for kids to play and build sandcastles. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under a shady tree. Admission tickets and parking permits for the Quarry can be purchased online and you must book a four hour session in advance.

The Quarry is separate from the Elora Gorge, another incredible destination in the Grand River valley with hiking trails, cliffs, rock formations and incredible views of the rapids down below that you can explore on a tube or kayak for a summer thrill.

White Water Rafting Along The Ottawa River

Ottawa, Canada’s charming capital city, is one of my favorite places to visit in the summer and perfect for families. In addition to being home to state of the art museums and galleries, excellent attractions to learn about Canada’s history, and the famous Byward Market packed with restaurants where you are guaranteed a delicious meal, it’s also a destination where you can get out on the water. The Ottawa River has many channels to choose from ranging from calm rafting with gentle floats to adrenaline-inducing white water rapids where you are guaranteed to get soaked. Whether you decide to go rafting or tubing on a private tour, take a beginners clinic with the kids, or are an experienced whitewater kayaker seeking serious adventure, one thing is for sure, views of Canada’s epic Parliament Buildings will not be too far away.

Canoeing Or Kayaking At The Toronto Islands

Only a 15-minute ferry ride or water taxi from downtown Toronto and you arrive at one of my most beloved Ontario destinations, the shores of Toronto Island. Located in Lake Ontario, the Island is technically a group of 15 islands inter-connected by bridges and pathways and you can even walk from one end to the other. There are canoe and kayak rentals at the Toronto Island Boathouse and once on the water you can relax to the sound of nature while searching for fish, turtles, swans, and the legendary Canadian geese. After your boating adventure, go for a swim at one of the many beaches, rent a bike, walk along the boardwalk, admire the beautiful gardens, enjoy a picnic on the beach, or visit the 200-year-old lighthouse. Centreville Amusement Park is open for the summer season and packed with kid friendly rides including the famous log ride – a guaranteed way to cool off this summer.