Southwestern Ontario Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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
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.

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
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Paris

Paris is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Paris Presbyterian Church and Grand Experiences Canoe and Kayak Outfitters.

Paris
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Stoney Creek

Travellers like the museums in Stoney Creek, and Confederation Park is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Stoney Creek
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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
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Ancaster

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

Ancaster
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Beamsville

You'll enjoy the wineries and lake views in Beamsville. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Ontario or Cornerstone Estate Winery.

Beamsville
Caesars Windsor

Caesars Windsor

4 out of 5
377 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON
The price is NZ$253 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
NZ$253
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Windsor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,037 reviews)
"Ain’t have no microwave and the fridge was broke it wasn’t cold and the damn tv channels suck"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Caesars Windsor
Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington

Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington

3 out of 5
2020 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Burlington. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,383 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington
Colonial Hotel & Suites

Colonial Hotel & Suites

2 out of 5
1 Main St W, Lambton Shores, ON
The price is NZ$275 per night from 2 Sept to 3 Sept
NZ$275
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Grand Bend. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (963 reviews)
"My stay at the Colonial Hotel was a pleasant experience. The staff were consistently friendly and attentive, making sure all our needs were met with a smile. The pool area was absolutely beautiful—well-maintained and a perfect place to relax. Overall, the property was very clean and well cared for, ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

Colonial Hotel & Suites
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.
Residence & Conference Centre - Windsor

Residence & Conference Centre - Windsor

2 out of 5
3995 Geraedts Drive, Windsor, ON
Stay at this residence in Windsor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (391 reviews)
"very clean and spacious room ! much better than an average hotel ."

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Windsor
Residence & Conference Centre - Hamilton

Residence & Conference Centre - Hamilton

2 out of 5
245 Fennell Avenue West, Hamilton, ON
Book a stay at this family-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and 2 meeting rooms. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (750 reviews)
"Staff were great,location was great too"

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

Residence & Conference Centre - Hamilton
The Laundry Rooms Augusta Hamilton

The Laundry Rooms Augusta Hamilton

3 out of 5
18 Augusta St, Hamilton, ON
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (362 reviews)
"Clean and reliable"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

The Laundry Rooms Augusta Hamilton
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