If you’re looking for that unique vantage point, a different perspective, or that bird’s eye view, don’t miss these twenty-five incredible lookouts in Ontario. From man-made towers to wonders of nature, these high points will be sure to take your breath away.
1. Top of a giant – Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
The Sleeping Giant is a Northwestern Ontario landmark. If you’re venturing to the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park or Thundery Bay area this summer, you should think about hiking to the top of the Giant.
If you are thing about hiking to the top of the Giant hike the Kabeyun Trail. This 23km trail is rated as moderate, but parts of the hike can be difficult in spots. Just remember to come prepared. It’s quite a journey, but the panoramic views of the area are unparalleled.
Or head to Silver Islet (Perry Bay) on Highway 587 and park at Kabeyun trailhead and hike half a kilometer across rocky outcrops along Sea Lion Trail to discover “sea lion rock formation” and interpretive displays that explain the formation of the Sea Lion.
Directions: R R 1, Pass Lake
2. A Towering escarpment – Devil’s Rock Trail
Located only a short distance from Haileybury, Devil’s Rock is a huge granite escarpment. At 600 feet tall, (300 feet above Lake Timiskaming) you won’t find a more impressive lookout in the area. Devil’s Rock isn’t just a great area to hike to and photograph- though it definitely is great for that too. People have actually begun climbing it over the past few years.
Directions: Temiskaming Shores
3. Rise to the top – Lookout Trail – Agawa Canyon Park
The Lookout Trail in Agawa Canyon Park might not be for the faint of heart, but the view is definitely worth the climb. What a climb it is! You’ll venture up more than 300 stairs to rise 250 feet above the train tracks in the area. There is a large viewing platform at the top of it all, which offers panoramic views of the spectacular canyon. Try the trail in the fall, when all the trees have changed colour. It’s quite a magnificent sight to behold.
Directions: Accessed by Agawa Canyon Train
4. Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower
Located just north of Dorset in the Algonquin Highlands, the Dorset Scenic Lookout Tower offers spectacular views of Lake of Bays, as well as all the amazing forests and rugged scenery in the area. The tower’s observation deck is 465 feet above Lake of Bays. There is also a hiking trail in the area you can enjoy on your stop, as well as picnic sites and visitor information.
Directions: 1191 Dorset Scenic Tower Rd., Dwight
5. Visit the Visitor Centre Tower – Bruce Peninsula National Park
Located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park, in Tobermory, the Visitor Centre Tower is 65 feet tall and provides incredible views of the park and of Georgian Bay. The visitor centre also has a ton of other fun things to do including a theatre, exhibits, trails, and interpretive programs. The area is a gorgeous one to explore and vacation in.
There are plenty of lookouts in the park – at the famous Grotto, Halfway Rock Point, Overhanging Point and many more!
Directions: Chi sin tib dek Rd, Tobermory
6. Views of a thousand islands
The 1000 Islands Tower boasts incredible views of the 1000 Islands, the St. Lawrence River, and all the surrounding countryside. You’ll get to see the bridge spanning the river in the distance. If you’re visiting the area, you work a stop at the tower into your trip. It’s well worth it, even if you have to take a slight detour, as there isn’t anything like it in the area. The tower is 400 feet tall, has three observation decks, and an elevator to take you right to the top.
Directions: 716 Highway 137 Hill Island, Lansdowne
7. An Edge Walk at CN Tower
It doesn’t get much more iconic than the CN Tower. If you’ve never been to see the tower, or gone up, it’s an experience like no other. At 553 meters tall, not only are the views of Toronto unbeatable, there’s also a glass floor that you can step out on to look beneath you. The tower offers unique exhibits and is a popular tourist destination for a good reason. It’s totally fascinating and the photo opportunities are endless. Or you can join for the special Edge Walk and walk around the edge of the tower.
Directions: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto
8. The best of both Tower Hill Lookout & Heritage Garden
Parry Sound combines the best of beauty, both on the ground and from the air, at the Tower Hill Lookout & Heritage Garden. The tower is 30 meters tall and has about 130 stairs to climb to get to the top. Once you’re there, you’ll be able to overlook the wondrous Georgian Bay. You can literally stand and watch boats come and go all day.
The Tower Hill Heritage Garden is a series of gorgeous gardens, so you can wander through after you’re done at the tower. The Museum on Tower Hill is also nearby, so be sure to check it out as well.
Directions: 19 George St, Parry Sound
9. Discover new heights at Cup and Saucer Trail
If you went to reach new heights on Manitoulin Island, take the Cup and Saucer Trail. The hiking trail is famous for breathtaking views and stunning scenery.
Experience the towering cliffs that are a staggering 70 meters high. It’s a new and exciting way to experience the island and the photo opportunities are limitless. The trails extend for 12km and are varying degrees of difficulty, so you can choose the right path to match your pace.
Directions: Manitoulin Island
10. Fabulous Views of Finlayson Provincial Park
For fabulous views of the Finlayson Provincial Park, head on over to the Temagami Fire Tower. The tower stands 100 feet high on Caribou Mountain and overlooks the park, incredible forests, and beautiful bodies of water. The tower was originally built to spot forest fires (as the name indicates), but is now used for tourism.
Don’t visit the park, and not make the climb to the tower. Once you’re there, you’ll understand why people make it a point to stop and journey to the top.
Directions: Temagami
11. Elora Gorge Lookout
While it’s not exactly a lookout like you’d imagine it, Elora Gorge is one of the most incredible natural wonders in the whole province. There are hikes in the area that will take you up the cliffs in the area. The views from the top of the trails are pretty amazing and the views of the gorge from the trails are unparalleled.
Come see for yourself this summer or fall, why the Elora Gorge is so unique.
Directions: James St, Elora
12. Get inspired
If you’re looking to be inspired by natural vantage points this summer, look no further than Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area. Located in Milton, the area boasts five different lookouts. The area features cliffs that overlook the Niagara Escarpment.
If you haven’t been to the area, trust us when we say that this is one of the most gorgeous areas you’ll ever see. The area has camping and hiking as well, but is popular as a rock climber’s destination, as there are three designated sites where experienced climbers can come and take on the towering cliffs. Most of Halton Conservation areas have great lookout points.
Directions: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton
13. Towering Cliffs of Ouimet Canyon
Speaking of natural vantage points, Ouimet Canyon is made up of sheer cliffs that rise 100 meters straight above the canyon’s floor.
If you follow the trails, there are two different lookout platforms where you can go to get a bird’s eye view of the canyon. The park is day use only, but you can dedicate your entire day to taking in all the scenic wilderness and the unique plant life normally not found in the area.
Directions: Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, Greenwich Lake Rd, Pass Lake
14. Spy Rock of Foley Mountain Conservation Area
The Foley Mountain Conservation Area, located on Upper Rideau Lake, is home to Spy Rock. The granite ledge lets you take in some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.
Spy Rock is 500 million years old and also overlooks Westport. You’ll be able to see all the natural landscapes in the area and the town in the distance. If you’re passing through the area, it’s a pretty neat place to stop.
Directions: 105 Foley Mountain Ln, Westport
15. Bluffs!
Located right along the edge of Lake Ontario in Toronto, the Scarborough Bluffs offer scenic views of the water, as well as the area. The bluffs extend for 15km, and there are 11 different parks along them. The parks feature walking paths, hiking trails, beaches, facilities, and so much more.
If you’re vacationing in Toronto this year or have an afternoon to kill, come check them out for yourself. You won’t be sorry you did!
Directions: Various Parks in Scarborough
16. A lion of a hike – Lions Lookout Trail
Vacationing in Muskoka this summer? Be sure to check out the Lions Lookout Trail in Huntsville. The trail is 1.5km long, but takes some interesting twists and turns through some of the most beautiful countryside the province offers. The trail is quite steep, so be sure to keep that in mind before you begin your climb. It might be a little more arduous, but the views from the top are stellar. If you’ve never been to Muskoka before, the trail gives you a bird’s eye view of all the reasons you’ll want to keep coming back again and again!
Directions: 100 Lions Lookout Point Road, Huntsville
17. Lion of a Lookout – Lions Head Provincial Park
Go hiking at Lion’s Head Provincial Park. From Lion’s Head Lookout, you can see Cape Dundas and Barrier Island, the cliffs of White Bluff, Cape Chin, Cabot Head and more! More Things to Do in the Bruce Peninsula
Directions: 5 McCurdy Drive, Lion’s Head
18. Venture to the Eagle’s Nest
If you find yourself in Bancroft this summer, or if you’re nearby, you should take the short detour to see the Eagle’s Nest cliff. The natural vantage point offers gorgeous views of the York River Valley and of Bancroft. The cliff itself is a wonder to behold, so be sure to bring your camera with you to capture all those amazing sights.
Directions: 79 Eagles Nest Park Rd, Bancroft
19. A cable car adventure – Whirlpool Aero Car
It’s easy to understand why Niagara Falls is such a hotspot tourist destination. It’s one of those must see wonders in Ontario. If you’re going to be seeing the falls this summer, be sure to check out Thompson Point. You can get a great view of the whirlpool created by the falls and of the Niagara River by taking a cable car right over all the action. The cable car turns so that you can take in the insane views from all different angles.
Directions: 3850 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls
20. Let the lighthouse guide your way
If you can’t make it out to the Slate Islands to see the lighthouse there, you can see the replica that was built in Terrace Bay. The Terrace Bay Lighthouse stands 50 feet tall.
You can climb to the top in the warmer months (it’s open seasonally) for amazing views of the Slate Islands, Lake Superior, and the surrounding area. The lighthouse is pretty cool in itself, too!
Directions: 2W0, Simcoe Plaza, Terrace Bay
21. Mountain vistas from Irish Mountain Lookout
Irish Mountain Lookout is a great addition to any vacation in the Georgian Bay area. From the top of the natural vista, you’ll be able to take in breathtaking views of Georgian Bay, Nottawasaga Bay, and some of the Niagara Escarpment.
Rolling hills, orchards, sparkling water, majestic trees- you’ll be able to see it all.
Directions: 26556 Side Road 25, Meaford
22. Dundas Peak
Located near Dundas and Hamilton, the Dundas Peak is a natural overlook that provides panoramic views of the wilderness, waterfalls, and towns. You can reach the trail via the Bruce Trail or other options, so get out those hiking boots and walking shoes! The trail is rated as moderate difficulty and the peak can be reached on a 3km loop.
Directions: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, Hamilton
23. Journey to a lookout
Taking a trip to Algonquin Provincial Park this summer?
Don’t miss the Track and Tower Trail. The trail is a 7.5km loop that features a lookout over Cache Lake. The trail is rated as brutal, so if you’re a more experienced hiker or an avid adventurer, be sure to get out there.
Algonquin Provincial Park is a great place to visit, especially in the warmer months. There are a ton of exciting things to do, so you can bring the whole family.
Directions: Algonquin Provincial Park
24. Adventure to vantage points
The La Cloche Silhouette Trail is nearly 48 miles in a loop. Located in Killarney Provincial Park, the trail is rated as difficult. If you are an experienced hiker or are prepared to take on a new adventure this summer, the trail offers spectacular vantage points of the area throughout. The area is a natural wilderness wonderland with dense forests and sparkling waters, plus there are a ton of things to do in and around Killarney as well.
Directions: Killarney Provincial Park
25. Buzwah Lookout
Visit Wiikwemkoong, Canada’s only officially recognized Unceded Indian Reserve located in Manitoulin Island. Experience breathtaking views of Manitowaning Bay from Buzwah Lookout. The rugged hiking trail leads directly to Manitowaning Bay, where you can enjoy shoreline fishing for rainbow trout or just take in the breathtaking scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic bald eagles who call the bay their home.
Directions: Wiikwemkoong, Manitoulin Island
26. An amazing tower – Dorion Tower
As far as natural wonders go, the Dorion Tower is pretty unique. Located near Dorion and the Ouimet Canyon, you can reach the tower by a short easy to moderate hike.
The Dorion Tower will probably steal your breath when you first see it. It’s just so neat, as it juts straight up into the air, seemingly out of nowhere. It’s pretty crazy to think that people actually climb it. Of course, the views are said to be absolutely astounding.
Directions: Valley Rd, Ouimet