Southwestern Ontario Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Old Town featuring cycling, street scenes and a city
Old Town featuring cycling, street scenes and a city
Harbourfront showing a skyscraper, a bay or harbour and a city
Toronto featuring night scenes, a city and a river or creek
Southwestern Ontario

Discover hundreds of miles of shorelines, rivers, nature trails, scenic roads and more in this beautiful area sandwiched between Lake Huron and Lake Erie.

Nature, history and culture converge in Southwestern Ontario. Hike, dine and shop your way through this popular destination in Canada. As its name implies, the area encompasses the southwestern corner of the province of Ontario. Find it nestled between Lake Huron and the Bruce Peninsula to the north and west, Lake Erie to the south and the Golden Horseshoe region to the east.

Southwestern Ontario has over 550 miles (900 kilometers) of shoreline. Partake in seaside activities in any season. Sunbathe on Port Stanley’s Main Beach as Lake Erie stretches before you. Make a day of it at the beach and village of Grand Bend. Explore Lake Huron and the St. Clair River at Canatara Park’s beaches. Go fishing or just relax in the tranquil environs of Port Glasgow.

Hike through Point Pelee National Park. Although it is one of Canada’s smallest national parks, this lush oasis attracts over 300,000 visitors each year. Enjoy stunning views from the Marsh Boardwalk and the Tip, the peninsula that’s the southernmost point of Canada.

Southwestern Ontario is a birder’s paradise. Learn about the region’s feathered residents at Bird Studies Canada National Headquarters. See rare birds such as the varied thrush and western tanager at Long Point Bird Observatory. In fall, migration brings a plethora of unusual birds to the area.

Discover why Chatham-Kent is so popular among anglers. Charter a trip to catch trophy-size muskie in the waters of Lake St. Clair. In winter, go ice fishing off Mitchell’s Bay.

Explore London, the metropolis of Southwestern Ontario. The city has a packed calendar of cultural events throughout the year, such as the Sunfest music festival and the London Fringe Theatre Festival. Browse through art exhibits at the Museum London or see an excavation in progress at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology.

As well as its bustling towns and unspoiled wilderness, Southwestern Ontario also has a growing dining and drinking scene. Follow the Toast the Coast Trail to sample ciders, beers, wines and delicious meals made from local produce.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Southwestern Ontario

Victoria Park which includes a garden

Downtown London

Downtown London is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Centennial Hall and London Music Hall while in the area.

Downtown London
174594418

Paris

Paris is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lion's Park and Grand Experiences Canoe and Kayak Outfitters.

Paris
The shores of Georgian Bay

Craigleith

While visiting Craigleith, you might make a stop by sights like Blue Mountain Ski Resort and Craigleith Provincial Park.

Craigleith
www.alamy.com

Stoney Creek

Travellers like the museums in Stoney Creek, and Saltfleet Arena Skating Rink is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Stoney Creek
Scenic Cascading Waterfalls in Southern Ontario Autumn

Ancaster

Travellers enjoy Ancaster for its restaurants and parks. Consider checking out Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum while you're in the area.

Ancaster
West Montrose covered bridge

Saint Jacobs

You'll enjoy the museums and riverfront in Saint Jacobs. You might want to make time for a stop at St. Jacobs Scoolhouse Theatre or Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario.

Saint Jacobs
Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre

Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre

3 out of 5
591 Wellington Rd S. London ON
The price is AU$177 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
AU$177
5 Apr - 6 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,626 reviews)
Seniors should go mid week to avoid the family crowds at the pool and whirlpool. Young families had a ball and some played hooky from school and work on Monday to continue the fun. We stayed in South wing, and it needs updating and mattress replaced. (still acceptable) and was told by staff it was ...

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2026

Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre
Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario

Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario

4 out of 5
100 Kellogg Lane London ON
The price is AU$327 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$327
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a nightclub. Popular attractions Budweiser Gardens and Western Fair District ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (571 reviews)
Beautiful hotel with so many amenities. The pool is cool, so many bars and restaurants around. Really fun place to stay.

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Hard Rock Hotel London Ontario
Caesars Windsor - A Caesars Rewards Destination

Caesars Windsor - A Caesars Rewards Destination

4 out of 5
377 Riverside Dr E Windsor ON
The price is AU$187 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$187
6 Apr - 7 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Windsor. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,215 reviews)
Staff were great.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Caesars Windsor - A Caesars Rewards Destination
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Laundry Rooms Augusta Hamilton

The Laundry Rooms Augusta Hamilton

3 out of 5
18 Augusta St Hamilton ON
Stay at this aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (463 reviews)
Best location! I absolutely love the digital check in. It was very easy to manage everything ourselves. The rooms are adorable and huge compared to hotel standards. Laundry Rooms is 10/10. I’ll never stay at a conventional chain again in Hamilton.

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

The Laundry Rooms Augusta Hamilton
Residence & Conference Centre - Kitchener Waterloo

Residence & Conference Centre - Kitchener Waterloo

2 out of 5
99 Conestoga College Boulevard Kitchener ON
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kitchener. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (546 reviews)
Lots of space in the room and the price was very affordable

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Kitchener Waterloo
Nature Retreat | Cabin on 40 Acres, 15 Mins from Beaches

Nature Retreat | Cabin on 40 Acres, 15 Mins from Beaches

Simcoe ON
Stay at this cabin in Norfolk County. Enjoy an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Woodside Greens Golf Club and Wagon Wheel Produce & Corn Maze are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
My close friends and I had a wonderful stay at the cabin over Thanksgiving weekend. There were enough beds for our group and the facilities ensured we enjoyed home comforts while also living up to promises of quiet and solitude in nature. We had long chats by the fire by night and hiked in the surrounding ...

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Nature Retreat | Cabin on 40 Acres, 15 Mins from Beaches
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Southwestern Ontario

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