Hidden gems in Ontario to discover on your next road trip

Ontarians are truly lucky people. Beyond being one of the most breathtaking regions of Canada, Ontario offers a beauty, grandeur and quality of life second to none - with far more beneath the surface than many may realize. While the world may know icons like the CN Tower, Parliament Hill or Niagara Falls, the province is also home to a sweeping landscape filled to the brim with hidden treasures waiting to be explored. 

There’s no better time to get out and discover everything Ontario has to offer. From majestic hikes to underground wonders and hidden art installations, here’s your essential guide to discovering Ontario’s hidden gems. 

Agawa Rock Pictographs 

Where: Algoma, Unorganized, North Part 

Etched into the rocky coasts of Lake Superior, about two hours north of Sault Sainte Marie, are the Agawa Rock Pictographs: a series of several century-old rock paintings made with red dyes by the indigenous Ojibwe people.  

The pictographs, inside Lake Superior Provincial Park, offer Ontarians a truly unique glimpse into the spiritual world and artistic lives of the Ojibwe people and an opportunity to reflect on the relationship with nature and geography that the images convey. Depicting coins, spirits, people and animals, they are an example of living art that tells a deeper story about the land itself.  

Ouimet Canyon

Where: Greenwich Lake Rd., Pass Lake 

Out west in the rugged gorge near Thunder Bay, you can find Ouimet Canyon - a breathtaking gorge that offers Ontarians a majestic set of views that few would expect to see ‘in-province’. With cliffs plunging 100 metres deep and stretching 150 metres wide, its dramatic scale and raw beauty are sure to thrill any visitor.  

But don’t be intimidated - the official canyon trail is a gentle, well-maintained one-kilometre loop accessible to all fitness levels, made up of a series of trails, boardwalks and suspension bridges that offer all the best canyon views.   

However, one of the most unique elements of the canyon is its microclimate. Thanks to its depth and distinct orientation, the canyon floor supports arctic plant and animal life, generally never seen south of a line over 1000 kilometres to the north.  

Whether you’re a hiking enthusiast, nature lover or simply someone who is happiest in the orbit of a majestic view, Ouimet Canyon offers a uniquely accessible glimpse into Ontario’s wilderness, and is well worth the trip.  

Bonnechere Caves

Where: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd., Eganville, ON 

Deep in the Ottawa Valley, and even deeper below the earth’s surface, lie the Bonnechere caves: an expansive network of tunnels that offers Ontarians a rare glimpse into the ground beneath their feet as well as a glimpse into the ancient past.  

Guided tours lead visitors through these haunting and alien underground chambers, revealing how caves form and shedding some light on the geological history of Ontario itself. With their surreal formations and otherworldly ambience, the Bonnechere caves provide a stunning, safe and accessible way to experience a cave biome without having to book a flight. 

The Screaming Heads

Where: 981 Midlothian Rd., Burk's Falls 

For lovers of outsider art or anything eerie, the ‘Screaming Heads’ in the rural community of Burk’s Falls near Parry Sound should be a priority destination. Created by artist and retired high school art teacher Peter Camani, this surreal installation features a sprawling collection of towering concrete faces, frozen mid-scream, that adorn an enormous 310-acre property. Intended as a warning against ‘environmental degradation’, the sculptures are strange, haunting and thought-provoking - creating an otherworldly atmosphere that pulls you into the artist's world and leaves you reflecting on the intended message. 

Sitting at the centre of the installation is Camani’s studio, a castle-like structure that complements surrounding figures and gives the property an interrupted atmosphere that feels both ancient and immediate, living and long dead. It is a compelling piece of outsider art, and one all Ontarian art-lovers should make the trek to see.  

Brockville Railway Tunnel

Where: 1 Block House Island Rd., Brockville 

Hidden beneath Brockville’s Victoria Hall lies the Brockville Railway Tunnel - a refurbished underground passage that has transformed from an industrial relic to one of Eastern Ontario’s most unique public attractions since reopening in 2017.  

Built in the 1850s, the tunnel is Canada’s first railway tunnel, constructed with the strategic purpose of ferrying lumber from the Ottawa Valley to trading ports along the Saint Lawrence River. Today, it allows visitors to step into a fascinating chapter of Canadian history and explore deep below the city. It even offers immersive musical light show events that bring the tunnel and its history to life. 

Carry your CAA Membership with you 

Starting at only $30 a year, CAA Members enjoy discounts on everything from museums and sports tickets to restaurants and more. You can view the list of 126,000 partner locations worldwide and join online.