Southwestern Ontario

Travel Guide

Old Town featuring street scenes, a city and cycling
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

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.

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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
174594418

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
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

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
Scenic Cascading Waterfalls in Southern Ontario Autumn

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
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 CA $143 per night from Mar 22 to Mar 23
CA $143
CA $170 total
Mar 22 - Mar 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,614 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on Feb 21, 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 CA $266 per night from Mar 23 to Mar 24
CA $266
CA $316 total
Mar 23 - Mar 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a nightclub. Popular attractions Budweiser Gardens and Western Fair ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (544 reviews)
Everything and everyone was perfect. Definitely would recommend.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 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 CA $159 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
CA $159
CA $219 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Windsor. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,200 reviews)
Room was great, really nice review

Reviewed on Feb 20, 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 WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (458 reviews)
Everything was great! Only thing that would have been a good thing to have was a fan/regular coffee.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 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
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Kitchener. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
7.2/10 Good! (546 reviews)
Lots of space in the room and the price was very affordable

Reviewed on Aug 27, 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 coffeemaker. 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 Oct 13, 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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