Southwestern Ontario

Travel Guide

Old Town featuring street scenes, a city and cycling
Harbourfront featuring a bay or harbour, a city and a skyscraper
Toronto featuring a city, night scenes 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 featuring a park

Downtown London

4/5(844 area reviews)

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

Explore Barker's Bush trails and admire rare Carolinian forests, then unwind at riverside restaurants while enjoying views of the illuminated Penman's Dam at night. Don't miss the historic Arlington Hotel and the charming cobblestone architecture.

Paris
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Stoney Creek

Explore the Bruce Trail, visit Battlefield Park, Devil's Punch Bowl, and Erland Lee Museum, or unwind at Fifty Point Conservation Area. Shop at Fiesta Mall and Eastgate Square Mall, with convenient access via Hamilton Street Railway.

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

Historic town on the Niagara Escarpment, Ancaster offers recreational centers like Morgan Firestone Arena and Ancaster Aquatic Centre, as well as sights such as Fieldcote Memorial Park and Museum, and the scenic Bruce Trail.

Ancaster
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Beamsville

Nestled in Ontario's wine country, Beamsville boasts picturesque orchards, award-winning wineries, and a charming downtown with century-old brick buildings. Easily accessible via the Queen Elizabeth Way.

Beamsville
Caesars Windsor

Caesars Windsor

4 out of 5
377 Riverside Dr E, Windsor, ON
The price is CA $152 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $152
CA $207 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (3,042 reviews)
"This hotel and Casino is an outstanding getaway location. Conveniently located just out of the tunnel border and easy to park. The rooms are very clean and spacious. Some have river and skyline views. If the room doesn’t have a view restaurants and views of river and skyline are throughout the hotel. ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 18, 2025

Caesars Windsor
Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington

Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington

3 out of 5
2020 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON
The price is CA $189 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
CA $189
CA $222 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,394 reviews)
"Wonderful staff, very quiet, very clean. Will definitly be back!"

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington
Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront by IHG

2.5 out of 5
33 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, ON
The price is CA $144 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $144
CA $172 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Windsor. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,298 reviews)
"La proximité les service a la clientelle excellent"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 2025

Holiday Inn Express Windsor Waterfront by IHG
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! (392 reviews)
"very clean and spacious room ! much better than an average hotel ."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 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! (751 reviews)
"Staff were great,location was great too"

Reviewed on Aug. 16, 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! (364 reviews)
"We had a great stay here. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on Aug. 20, 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