It's officially summer, which means that the world is opening up again. This is the perfect time to start planning a road trip across Canada — and we're here to tell you about all the cool roadside attractions between Thunder Bay and Montreal.
If you haven't checked out or article covering our favourite roadside attractions in Western Canada, check that out here.
Here's are a few of our favourite places to visit along the Trans-Canada Highway in Eastern Canada:
Yes, this is a real observatory, with a real telescope that can actually be used to see the stars above Northern Ontario. If you're planning on passing through Thunder Bay at night, you'll definitely want to book a tour!
Why not break up your long drive with a stop at the world's largest goose? It's an attraction that seems to exist purely for the amusement of tourists, but it's also a great place to pick up souvenirs (full disclosure, they're mostly goose-related!).
If you haven't been to Dynamic Earth, you really should go ASAP. There's the largest IMAX theatre in Ontario, a planetarium, an outdoor geology exhibition…. basically everything you could ever hope for when it comes to the study of our world is in this complex!
If you like to see the beauty of nature or really just want to try out a kayak (or two!) for yourself, head to the Ontario Sea Kayak Centre. You can rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and other watercraft for the day.
These delicious charcoal burgers are a staple for anyone traveling through Ontario. They're not particularly complicated and they don't need to be because the ingredients are simple: a fresh bun, a handful of lettuce, a thick beef patty and of course plenty of cheese!
If you're in the mood for an adrenaline rush, head to this unique park in Barrie where you'll go down a giant waterslide, test your strength in a rock climbing wall and try your hand at tightrope walking! Hopefully you're not afraid of heights!
Considered Canada's premier amusement park, Canada's Wonderland has a wide selection of roller coasters and family attractions. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit to check out Splash Works, a water park with something for everyone!
Kensington Market is a small collection of shops and restaurants that sits just outside of downtown Toronto. It's a great place to grab lunch, go for a stroll and browse the many eclectic shops.
This aquarium is home to over 100 species of animals, including rays, sharks, turtles and crabs. It's a great place to bring whole families and is always extremely popular with tourists and locals alike.
This landmark in Toronto is home to some of the most famous trophies and memorabilia in hockey. If you're a fan of Canada’s favorite sport, visiting this attraction should be at the top of your list.
This massive zoo is home to over 500 species of animals, including some exotic species like snow leopards, elephants, and gorillas. There's also a very impressive giant panda enclosure.
If you like to immerse yourself in cultural activities, you'll want to check out the Canadian Museum of Civilization. There's an extensive collection of artifacts and historical records that teach you about the history of Canada.
This clocktower in the center of Canada’s Parliament is one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. Take a tour all the way up to the top to get amazing views of the city and Ottawa river.
This museum perfectly embodies the Canadian values of honour and bravery. It's home to an extensive collection of military exhibits that can get a little graphic, so be careful if traveling with young children!
If you have any interest in coins and currency, this is a must-see attraction for you. The Royal Canadian Mint is a Canadian government institution that produces all of Canada's coinage and employs over 1,200 people!
This museum is a great place to learn about the history of science and technology in Canada. There's a ton of interactive displays and great exhibits including models of famous inventions like the airplane and the first automobile.
This massive pirate-themed waterpark is a great place to cool off on a hot day. There's plenty of slides and pools to splash around in, as well as a wave pool and lazy river. Check out their website for hours, admission rates and any other details you need to know before going.
If you're a huge fan of the movies, you'll want to visit this labyrinth-like underground city which is filled with tunnels and passageways. There's also an amusement park, restaurant, science museum and a mini-golf course.
If you're looking for some more modern attractions, Montreal's subway system is a great place to start—no seriously! The impressive Brutalist architecture, colourful art and sculpture and mosaic tiles make this one of the most interesting subway systems in the world.
If you like bugs, you'll love the Montreal Insectarium. As the largest insect museum in North America (and one of the largest on the planet), it’s home to creepy crawlies from all across the world! A visit here and you’ll never look at insects the same way again!
I hope this list of unique and interesting things to see in Ontario and Quebec gave you some new ideas for your next road trip across the provinces. Whether you're traveling for work, pleasure, or research, I hope this list helped to inspire your next adventure.
But even though you now know of a ton of places to see on your trip, do you know where you'll find your bed? Rather than booking every room individually or risk dealing with an online travel agency, you can simply give our team a call and we'll find you every short-term rental suite along your trip's route.
Let our team know your destinations and needs, and we'll find the perfect short term rentals tailored to your needs.
