Visit Ontario: The Ultimate Vegan Travel Guide & 7-Day Itinerary
Ontario isn't just another Canadian province – it's a world of adventures wrapped in one incredible destination. Stretching from the Great Lakes to the Hudson Bay, this magnificent region offers everything from urban exploration in Toronto to peaceful kayaking along Lake Erie. Ontario's diverse landscape and vibrant culture create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable trip!
Toronto: The Urban Playground
Must-Try Eats
Hawker - Tucked away in Toronto’s popular Augusta Ave, a street where you’ll find cool, hip restaurants, bars, and cafes. Hawker uses foraged ingredients to create beautiful and delicious seasonal dishes. It is redefining plant-based dining with its innovative spin on Pan-Asian street food.
Beautifully plated seasonal dishes from Hawker.
PLANTA Queen - Asian-inspired vegan dining in Toronto's bustling Yorkville neighborhood, offering innovative plant-based sushi, dumplings, and wok dishes in an elegant, modern setting.
Eat Nabati - brings the vibrant flavors of the Middle East to Toronto through its fully vegan menu, featuring fresh falafel wraps, shawarma plates, and house-made hummus in a bright, welcoming space.
The Hogtown Vegan - Serves up hearty Southern-inspired comfort food classics with a plant-based twist, dishing out Toronto's most beloved vegan versions of mac and cheese, unchicken and waffles, and decadent desserts in a cozy Bloorcourt Village setting.
Tori’s Bakeshop - Freshly baked organic, vegan and gluten-sensitive pastries, from classic cinnamon rolls to innovative seasonal treats, all crafted in their charming east-end bakery that feels like a cozy slice of Paris in Toronto's Beaches neighborhood. All pastries are free of all animal products and byproducts, refined sugar, and also often free of wheat and gluten.
City Adventures
The stunning greenery on Center Island
Center Island: A hidden urban oasis in the heart of Lake Ontario, Toronto's Center Island offers a magical escape just minutes from the city's bustling downtown.
How to get to Center Island: Accessible via a 15-minute ferry ride from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (located at 9 Queens Quay West), the island costs approximately $8.19 for a round-trip adult ticket, with reduced rates for children and seniors.
Best time to go to Center Island: The best times to visit are late spring through early fall (May to September), when the weather is warm and all attractions are fully operational.
What to do on Center Island: The island offers something for everyone: rent a bike and explore 4.5 kilometers of car-free paths, enjoy picturesque picnic areas with stunning Toronto skyline views, visit the Franklin Children's Garden, or relax on the beach. Families will love the centrally located Centreville Amusement Park, which features over 30 rides and attractions perfect for younger children. Nature enthusiasts can explore the island's diverse gardens, including a beautiful butterfly habitat and carefully maintained green spaces.
Pro tip: Purchase tickets in advance online or arrive early on weekends, as ferries can fill up quickly during peak summer months.
Unique insider tip: Pack a full day's worth of supplies, as amenities are limited and everything must be carried on and off the island. The island offers public washrooms, a few small restaurants (some have vegan options), and bike rentals, but bringing your own food and essentials is recommended.
August Ave: In the heart of Kensington Market, Augusta Avenue is a vibrant street that perfectly captures the eclectic spirit of Toronto. This lively thoroughfare is lined with charming shops, trendy cafes, and colorful murals. There’s even a car that was converted into a garden if you can spot it! Stroll down Augusta Avenue to discover unique boutiques offering everything from vintage clothing to artisanal goods, or grab a delicious bite at one of the many eateries serving up international cuisine. Many great vegan spots here as well!
The Distillery District: Step into a charming slice of history at the Distillery District in Toronto, where cobblestone streets and Victorian-era architecture transport you back in time! This pedestrian-only village is a delightful hub of creativity, featuring over 40 unique boutiques, art galleries, and several eateries. Sip on artisanal coffee at Balzac’s, indulge in craft brews at Mill Street Brewery, or explore the vibrant art scene with local galleries showcasing stunning works.
The beautiful cobblestone streets and brick buildings in the Distillery district.
Hamilton: The Waterfall Capital
Hamilton being the “Waterfall Capital of the World” has many easy to walk to waterfalls as well as longer trails.
Known as the "Waterfall Capital of the World," Hamilton transforms the notion of being just another industrial city with its spectacular collection of over 100 waterfalls along the Niagara Escarpment – boasting more cascades per square kilometer than any other city globally!
Each season offers a unique waterfall experience: spring brings powerful flows from snowmelt, summer offers lush green surroundings, fall explodes with colorful foliage, and winter creates magical ice formations.
For the perfect half-day adventure, try the "West End Triple": start at the magnificent 41-meter Webster's Falls, continue to the equally impressive Tews Falls (just shy of Niagara Falls' height), and finish at the picturesque Greensville Falls – all connected by scenic sections of the Bruce Trail. Alternatively, the "Mountain Brow Circuit" combines the geological wonder of Devil's Punchbowl (best at sunrise!), Felker Falls, and Albion Falls for a diverse waterfall experience.
Essential planning tips: download offline maps (cell service is unreliable), check the Bruce Trail Conservancy website for trail conditions and permits, and time your visit right – early morning on weekdays means fewer crowds, while autumn weekends burst with fall color seekers.
Spring visitors should wait a day after rainfall for safer trails, summer hikers should start early to beat the heat, fall explorers should pack cameras for stunning foliage, and winter adventurers need ice cleats and extra layers.
Pack plenty of water, snacks, and wear sturdy waterproof footwear regardless of season.
Most impressive waterfalls are just 15-30 minutes from downtown Hamilton, making it perfect for both quick visits and full-day adventures.
Remember: stick to marked trails, respect closure signs, and never climb the escarpment faces – the best photos come from designated viewing platforms!
Don't Miss
The Hearty Hooligan: Fuel up at this punk rock-inspired vegan joint that has all your favorite comfort food dishes before or even after your waterfall adventures!
Made from scratch vegan dishes at The Hearty Hooligan
Stratford: Shakespeare's Canadian Home
Nestled along the Avon River, Stratford is far more than just the hometown of Justin Bieber – it's a cultural gem that seamlessly blends theatrical excellence with small-town charm. Home to the world-renowned Stratford Festival, this picturesque city attracts theater enthusiasts from around the globe with its professional Shakespeare productions running from April to October.
History buffs will love exploring the city's impeccably preserved Victorian architecture, while nature lovers can enjoy leisurely walks along the Avon River, where swans glide gracefully and historic bridges create picture-perfect backdrops. The city's compact downtown is walkable and bikeable, filled with independent boutiques, art galleries, and local artisan shops.
Don't miss the annual Stratford Festival, which transforms the city into a cultural hub, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually.
Fun fact: The city was meticulously planned in the 19th century to mirror an English town, complete with wide tree-lined streets and elegant gardens.
Where To Eat:
Bowl Bar - Offers a variety of healthy options including a popular vegan Buddha bowl. Casual atmosphere with outdoor seating available.
Mercer Kitchen - Asian American bistro with many vegan choices!
El Cactus Taco Shop - A farm-to-table Mexican restaurant with vegan options!
Best time to visit Stratford:
Best times to visit are late spring through early fall, when the gardens are in full bloom and outdoor performances are in full swing.
Pro tip: Book accommodations and festival tickets well in advance, as this small city becomes incredibly popular during peak season.
Elora: Ontario's Most Beautiful Village
Elora defies typical small-town expectations, emerging as a cultural and natural wonderland that captures the imagination of travelers seeking something extraordinary. Founded in 1833 by Scottish settlers, this village is a living museum where every limestone building whispers stories of pioneering history.
The Elora Gorge Conservation Area stands as nature's masterpiece – a geological marvel featuring 40-meter limestone cliffs carved by glacial waters, offering year-round adventures that shift dramatically with each season. Spring brings wildflower blooms and gentle river kayaking, summer explodes with tubing adventures and outdoor festivals, autumn paints the gorge in spectacular harvest colors perfect for hiking, and winter transforms the landscape into a serene, snow-covered wonderland ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.
Vegan culinary explorers will be pleasantly surprised by the area's unexpected plant-based offerings: The Wooden Shoe Bakery crafts innovative local vegan treats, while nearby cafes in Fergus showcase farm-to-table plant-based cuisine that celebrates Wellington County's agricultural richness.
Beyond the gorge, the village itself is a treasure trove of experiences – artisan studios where glassblowers and potters continue centuries-old crafts, boutique shops selling locally made crafts, and architectural tours that reveal the intricate stories behind each meticulously preserved limestone building.
The annual Elora Festival turns the entire village into a classical music paradise, while local art galleries and workshops offer immersive experiences that connect visitors directly with the community's creative spirit.
Unique local tip: Visit during the harvest season when local farms open their doors, offering everything from pumpkin patches to apple picking, and the entire region comes alive with agricultural celebrations.
This 19th-century village looks like it jumped straight out of a fairy tale.
Must-dos:
Explore the Elora Gorge
Take photos of the historic limestone architecture
Go tubing in summer months
Where to Eat:
Cafe Creperie: Crepe cafe with vegan and gluten-free buckwheat crepes options!
Sheperd’s Pub: A pub inside a historic building with vegan options. Reservations are required.
Niagara Falls
The iconic Horseshoe Falls drops an jaw-dropping 57 meters, with over 168,000 cubic meters of water thundering down every minute – enough to fill 3 Olympic-sized swimming pools in a single second.
Pro tip: Visit closer to the evening so you can get a chance to see the spectacular illumination shows, where the falls are lit up in vibrant colors, or time your visit during the summer fireworks series. The show starts once the sun has set and is fully dark.
Must do activities at Niagara Falls:
Niagara Power Station Tunnel: An engineering marvel that offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the region's hydroelectric history, complete with an immersive light show that brings the infrastructure to life. You also get to go down 180 feet in a glass-paneled elevator, walk through the 2,200-foot long tunnel that leads to an observation deck at the river's edge. You do get ponchos to avoid your clothes getting wet as you are very close to the falls on the deck!
Hornblower Niagara Cruises: This takes you right to the base of the falls (prepare to get thoroughly soaked!).
Journey Behind the Falls attraction: This is where you can walk through tunnels directly behind the cascading water.
When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls?
Best times to visit are late spring through early fall, when the weather is perfect and all attractions are fully operational. Adventure seekers should consider the WhirpoolJet boat tours for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the Niagara River's rapids, while history buffs will love exploring the nearby historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its preserved 19th-century architecture and local wineries.
Niagara Falls Fun Fact:
Fun fact: The falls generate enough hydroelectric power to supply 24% of Ontario's electricity, making it not just a natural wonder but a crucial energy source.
Markets & More: Local Flavors
St. Jacobs Farmer's Market
The largest year-round farmers’ market in Canada, there are multiple floors and buildings to explore!
More than just a market, St. Jacobs Farmers' Market is a living cultural experience that offers a vibrant glimpse into Ontario's agricultural heritage and Mennonite community traditions.
Located in the heart of Waterloo Region, this is Canada's largest year-round farmers' market, attracting over 1 million visitors annually with its authentic blend of local produce, artisan crafts, and community spirit.
Inside the food hall, there are many vendors who have vegan options! There are food vendors offering plant-based perogies, falafel, and several other international cuisines. From Egyptian and Argentinian cuisine to Vietnamese sugar cane juice and Asian boba stands.
The market operates both indoors and outdoors, with over 300 vendors spread across multiple buildings and outdoor spaces, creating a sensory experience that changes dramatically with each season. Unique to this market is its strong connection to the local Mennonite community, where traditional horse-and-buggy transportation is still common and visitors can experience a living slice of agricultural history.
Pro tip: Arrive early on Saturday mornings for the best selection, and don't miss the outdoor market on Thursdays and Saturdays, which features local farmers, artisans, and food producers.
Seasonal highlights include spring's fresh asparagus, summer's berry bounty, autumn's pumpkin and apple harvest, and winter's preserved foods and hearty root vegetables.
The market isn't just about food – it's a cultural experience where you can watch local craftspeople at work, purchase handmade goods, and connect directly with the region's agricultural producers.
Beach Life & Water Adventures
Grand Bend Beach
The beautiful beaches at Grand Bend Beach makes you feel like you’re at the coast rather than a lake.
Grand Bend Beach, nestled along the shores of Lake Huron in Ontario, is renowned for its stunning sunsets and 30 miles of pristine sandy shoreline that has earned a coveted Blue Flag certification for its environmental and safety standards. Located about 2.5 hours west of Toronto, the beach is easily accessible by car via Highway 21, with ample parking available for a fee (typically $15-20 per day during peak season). The main beach area doesn't require a ferry as it's directly accessible from the mainland. For the best experience, visit during the summer months between June and August when temperatures are ideal for swimming, though September offers smaller crowds and still-pleasant weather. During peak season, arrive early (before 10 AM) to secure parking and your perfect spot on the beach. Beyond swimming and sunbathing, visitors can enjoy water sports rentals, explore the lively Main Street's shops and restaurants, hike the nearby Pinery Provincial Park trails, or join sunset boat tours. The beach town comes alive during summer weekends with various events and a vibrant nightlife scene, making it a popular destination for both families and young adults. Keep in mind that weekends in July and August can be extremely busy, so weekday visits are recommended for a more relaxed experience.
One of Ontario's best beaches! Perfect for:
Stunning sunsets
Swimming in crystal clear waters
Beach volleyball
People watching
Where To Eat
Completely Rooted - Located inside The Lake Hound, this is an all vegan and gluten-free spot/shop with smoothies, bowls, and snacks!
The Lake Hound - A rustic spot with comfort foods using local ingredients. Has great vegan options!
Midori Sushi - A sushi and Japanese spot with patio dining. Has vegan options!
The Growling Gator - Beach bar with tropical vibes and has vegan options!
Kayaking at Cronmiller's
Head to Cronmiller's at the Bridge along Lake Erie for an unforgettable kayaking experience. Best time to go: Early morning for calm waters and possible wildlife sightings!
Cronmiller's at the Bridge offers a serene escape along Lake Erie's shoreline, where paddlers can explore the gentle waters while spotting local wildlife like herons and turtles. Located in Port Dover, this family-run rental service provides kayaks (single and tandem), canoes, and paddleboats for hourly or daily adventures – perfect for anyone who is seeking an eco-conscious outdoor activity that connects them with nature without disturbing local ecosystems.
Rental rates start at around $25 per hour for single kayaks (bring cash as it is a cash only location), and it is reservation only! You must call prior to your arrival to reserve your vessel.
It's advisable to arrive early on summer weekends to secure your preferred vessel. For the most peaceful experience, visit during weekday mornings when the waters are typically calmer and wildlife more active. Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and your favorite vegan snacks for a day of mindful exploration on the water.
Travel Tips & Tricks
Getting Around
Rent a car for maximum flexibility. Some great options are:
Alamo: Highest customer satisfaction with a 9.0/10 rating
Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Extensive network with 100 locations in Ontario
Hertz: Global leader with diverse vehicle options
GO Transit connects major cities
VIA Rail for longer distances
Best Time to Visit Ontario, Canada
Summer (June-August): Perfect for outdoor activities
Fall (September-October): Stunning foliage and fewer crowds
Winter (December-February): Magical snow scenes but pack warm!
Money-Saving Tips
Book accommodations in advance
Look for city passes in Toronto
Visit attractions during off-peak hours
Many outdoor activities are free!
Planning Your Trip
Sample 7-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2: Toronto exploration/Center island (depending on the season)
Day 3: Hamilton waterfalls
Day 4: Stratford & St. Jacobs
Day 5: Elora
Day 6: Niagara Falls
Day 7: Beach day at Grand Bend
Remember: Ontario is HUGE! Don't try to pack too much into one trip. It's better to explore fewer places deeply than rush through many spots superficially.
Final Tips
Always check opening hours - many attractions have seasonal schedules
Make restaurant reservations when possible
Keep an eye on the weather forecast
Download offline maps for rural areas
Carry a reusable water bottle - Ontario tap water is great!
