Ontario is home to some Canadian icons like the CN Tower, the Parliament Buildings, and Niagara Falls, but it is also home to great hidden gems tucked away in corners across the province. Want to discover some of our off the-beaten-path finds? We’ve collected three cool and quirky historic places from corners around Ontario. Take a look, then let us know your own favourite Ontario hidden gems!
Brockville Railway Tunnel – Brockville, Ontario
Did you know that Canada’s Oldest Railway tunnel can be found under the downtown core of Brockville, Ontario? To permit lumber traffic from the Ottawa Valley to pass on to the United States it was necessary to extend the railway tracks to the Brockville waterfront on the St. Lawrence River. Between 1854 and 1860 this 1,700 foot tunnel was constructed under the town, which you can still peek into today!
How to get there: Head towards Brockville’s Blockhouse Island, and find the tunnel on Water Street East just east of, Market Street.
Photo by farfando http://ow.ly/uySTl
Rochelau Court – Kingston, Ontario
Nicknamed “The Limestone City”, many of the buildings in Kingston’s historic downtown date back to the 1840s when the city was the capital of Canada for a short period of time. Today, during a wander downtown you’ll come across all sorts of discoveries, including this historic carriageway, which is now a pedestrian walkway and handy shortcut between main downtown streets. You’ll also find great restaurants & pubs like Chez Piggy and the Toucan in this passageway.
How to get there: Look for the entrance to Rochelau Court of Princess Street, just north of King Street.
Gibraltar Point Lighthouse – Toronto, Ontario
You may not expect to find a lighthouse near downtown Toronto, but the Gibraltar Point Light House on Toronto Island is a key piece of the city’s history. It’s the oldest landmark in the city, dating back to 1803 and has guided watercraft passing on Lake Ontario in many key moments in the city’s history. Of course, like any historic buildings, there are spooky stories about the lighthouse, including the mysterious death of one lightkeeper in 1815.
How to get there: The Centre Island Ferry, then walk to the south side of the island.
Photo by @su_per17
We want to hear about your favourite historic Ontario hidden gems! Let us know in the comments.
7 replies on “Historic Hidden Gems to discover in Ontario”
The Walker distillery in Windsor is great for $6, show you a real Speakeasy below, historical stories were great
I’v found a couple of cool places, i took this photo of this historic lake front church in muskoka only accessable by boat, http://www.panoramio.com/m/photo/72517939 another is a historic barn style rink with naterally frozen ice http://www.panoramio.com/m/photo/86847861 i took the photo as well. i have lots more photos of both.
Great photo with this blog and with Such great info,.
Dundela Ontario.The McIntosh apple was developed by John McIntosh In the 1700s. Dundela is about 35 mile south of Ottawa
Hi J.P – We’d love to hear your picks for historic gems in Ontario’s Southwest! 🙂
What about things in S.W. Ontario? It seems to me that all you people feel Ontario ends at London. There is more, try and find it.
A person might be better off taking the Hanlon’s Point Ferry to the Toronto Islands to see he lighthouse…probably closer and less congested in the busy times of the year.