There are still a few more weeks of summer left, and if you’ve already exhausted Ontario’s freshwater beaches and rural hiking trails, maybe it’s time to add something a little more unexpected to your summer bucket list: Fly an actual airplane without having a pilot’s licence, snorkel above a century-old shipwreck and even spend the night in a former Ontario jail cell (it’s surprisingly comfortable!).
Whatever your vibe, here are five unusual but seriously fun Ontario experiences that will make the final weeks of summer a little more memorable.
1. Spend the night locked inside a 150-year-old jail cell
So, we’re all about cool and unusual alternatives to hotels, and the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel is about as niche as it gets. The hostel occupies the capital’s former Carleton County Gaol, which opened in 1862, and guests can sleep inside converted cells featuring original stone walls and iron doors.
Both private and shared rooms are available, and your stay even includes free breakfast! Don’t skip the daily historical jail tour as it ventures through the former death row. The hostel is located at 75 Nicholas Street in downtown Ottawa, about a 4.5-hour drive from Toronto, so perhaps turn your stay into a weekend getaway and explore some of the charming little towns along the Rideau Canal.
2. Fly a plane without a pilot’s licence
Most people don’t know that you can fly an actual plane, and you don’t need a pilot’s licence or any previous experience to do it! Just book an introductory flight package at a local flight school (a pilot will be by your side to step in when needed, as well as handle takeoff and landing). Ellipse Aviation in Stayner offers introductory flights lasting 20 to 60 minutes ($95 and $220). Scenic options start at $175 and include routes over Blue Mountain, Wasaga Beach, Barrie, Muskoka, the GTA, Niagara Falls and Tobermory.
3. Snorkel over historic shipwrecks in Tobermory
Tobermory’s famously clear waters are hiding more than 20 historic shipwrecks, and you can snorkel right above them. Dive Life’s Tobermory Dive & Snorkel Centre runs guided tours around Fathom Five National Marine Park, with no scuba certification or previous snorkelling experience needed. Depending on conditions, you could spot wrecks like the W.L. Wetmore, which sank in 1901, or the Sweepstakes, a schooner that has been underwater since 1885! Daytime tours last about two hours and start at $85 for adults, while 1.5-hour evening tours through Big Tub Harbour start at $65. Wetsuits, masks, snorkels and fins are all included!
Tobermory is about a 3.5-hour drive from Toronto, so you’ll want to make the most of your getaway. After exploring the shipwrecks, check out this tiny Ontario beach just a few minutes from the snorkelling site: it was recently named one of the most iconic beaches in the world!
4. Ride in a real military armoured vehicle
The Canadian Tank Museum hosts themed Tank Saturday events throughout the year, giving visitors the chance to see its historic vehicles in action and even hop aboard for a ride! The next event takes place on Aug. 8 and honours the Canadian soldiers who served in the Korean War. The experience includes live demos, a tank-on-tank battle and rides in real military vehicles, like the M113 armoured personnel carrier, the M548 “Battle Bus” and even a Leopard 1A5 main battle tank.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with general admission priced at $25 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. The museum is located at 1000 Stevenson Road North in Oshawa, just under a one-hour drive from Toronto.
5. Dig for your own amethyst crystals and take them home
This is a bit of a road trip, but totally worth it for the gems alone! Head to Amethyst Mine Panorama near Thunder Bay to hunt for your own Ontario gemstones (you can even take your faves home with you). Scan through a five-acre digging area filled with purple, lavender, red and black amethyst, with tools and washing stations provided. Keep in mind that whatever you decide to keep costs $6 per pound, plus tax.
Admission is $12.50, while children five and under are free. The mine is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October 1 and is located at 500 Bass Lake Road in Shuniah, about a one-hour drive from Thunder Bay.
