25 Top Things to Do in Midland & Penetanguishene, Ontario (2022)

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Looking for the top things to do in Midland and nearby Penetanguishene this season?

Simcoe County is without a doubt known for its abundance of tourist attractions, particularly for the nature-lover.

From the caves and climbs of the Niagara Escarpment to the record-breaking, long sandy shores of Wasaga Beach, to the seemingly endless array of Georgian Bay islands.

Amidst these Ontario wonders lie two quaint little towns called Midland and Penetanguishene.

Midland Waterfront

25 Top Things to Do in Midland and Penetanguishene

Check out our list of 25 of the best and most unique things to do in and around Midland and Penetanguishene, informed by our own recent stay in the area.

With great things to do in every season, we think you’ll love these vacation hot spots just as much as we do.

1. Have Fun on the Water

Price: Various
Location: Diverse Rentals & Vacations

man on jet ski

Anyone visiting the south Georgian Bay area knows that one of the best ways to have fun is to get out on the water.

For adventure seekers and seasoned boaters, you will be happy to know that Diverse Rentals & Vacations has you covered for both motorized and non-motorized rentals.

They also offer boat cruises along the Georgian Bay for a fun way to get out on the water without operating equipment yourself.

Located a bit further from Midland and Penetanguishene is another popular watersport rental company and store: Swift Outdoor Centre.

Swift has multiple sites around Ontario, and its Georgian Bay location is 20 minutes east of Midland, in the town of Waubaushene.

Swift Outdoor Centre offers canoe, kayak and SUP rentals, and is open from May-October. The company recommends calling ahead to book, especially for long weekends.

2. Tour the Waters with Georgian Spirit Cruises

Price: Various
Location: Departs from Midland Town Dock

Georgian Island Queen Boat Cruise is one of the top things to do in Midland Ontario

New as of autumn 2021, Georgian Spirit Cruises offers narrated tours on the open waters of the Georgian Bay, bringing you past the best and most beautiful landmarks of the coastal area surrounding Midland and Penetanguishene. Tour options currently include sightseeing, dining, or specialty cruises, and each run for approximately 3 hours.

Catch breath-taking views of Giant’s Tomb Island, Beausoleil Island, and countless other islands that line the southeastern Georgian Bay coast while having a romantic experience like no other! Cruises depart from the Midland Town Dock.

3. Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

Price: Adults – $12; Seniors & Children – $9; Kids 0-3 are free
Location: Google Maps Link

Marsh near Midland and Penetanguishene, Ontario

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre is another favourite local nature attraction and is in fact an authority on wetland research and education in Ontario.

There are over 25 km of trails at the Wye Marsh, which is open daily from 9am-4:30pm, year round. The trails meander through both woodlands and wetlands, and the majority of trails are suitable for both strollers and wheelchairs.

Winter visitors can look forward to both hiking the regular trails as well as hitting special trails open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Don’t have the equipment you need? Not to worry. The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre has skiing and snowshoeing equipment for rent for a fee. We also love that they offer free daily use of binoculars, so you can really make the most of your hikes!

4. Awenda Provincial Park

Price: Day Permit $12-$21
Location: Google Maps Link

Awenda Provincial Park is one of the best day trips from Midland and Penetanguishene

Awenda Provincial Park is a great location for the adventurous traveler who is itching to get outdoors! With over 2900 hectares of land along the Georgian bay, hikers, bikers and Nordic skiers can explore Awenda’s beauty on 31 km of trails.

Relish in scenic views of the Georgian Bay or paddle across the park’s interior lake by canoe or kayak. Fishing is permitted in the interior lake and swimming is permitted in Georgian Bay (including swimming for your furry friend at the popular Dog Beach).

Awenda Provincial Park is open for day use all year round and for overnight camping (tent, RV, and car camping) from May to October.

5. Catch a Show at King’s Wharf Theatre

Price: Various
Location: Google Maps Link

Theatre near Midland and Penetanguishene

Enjoy a live performance show in a magical location like you’ve never seen elsewhere.

Nestled in Penetanguishene’s picturesque Discovery Harbour, surrounded by historic tall ships and a 19th century British naval and military base, lie the rustic barnboard structures of the 385-seat King’s Wharf Theatre.

Painted in bright, coastal colours and offering a romantic view over the water, this is the perfect location for a majestic night out at the show.

6. Indulge in a Midland Food Tour

Price: $89 *subject to change
Location: Various

Food tour

Who doesn’t enjoy some quality food and drink when they visit someplace new? If that’s you, consider adding a food-venture to your list of must-dos in Midland!

Midland Food Tours offers two exciting ways to explore the gastronomy of North Simcoe County.

The Downtown Midland Walking Food Tour is a scheduled and guided group tour for guests in search of the finest and most popular restaurants in Midland. Participants will have a local guide who will share stories of local history and culture in between tastings.

The Day-Tripper Driving Food Tour offers a go-at-your-own-pace, self-guided driving tour across Northern Simcoe County. The tour highlights five of the best dining spots in the area.

Midland Food Tours has tons of great reviews and is a fun way to explore the area while satisfying your taste buds.

Free Things to Do in Midland & Penetanguishene

Vacation isn’t always about spending a bunch of money, especially when there are some great free things to do to keep you busy. Here are some of our favourite ways to have fun while keeping your costs down.

7. Midland Beaches

Price: Free
Location: Gawley Park Beach (Google Maps); Pete Pettersen Park Beach (Google Maps)

Swim in the refreshing waters of the Georgian Bay in one of the two main public beaches in Midland: Gawley Park or (Pete) Pettersen Park.

Parks and Recreation staff manage both sites and test the water quality regularly. In addition to swimming, Gawley Park Beach also boasts beautiful gardens and offers a popular kids’ play area. Pettersen Park, on the other hand, includes a baseball diamond and access to the popular Rotary Waterfront Trail.

8. Stroll through Rotary Champlain Wendat Park

Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link

Statue of Legend of Kitchikewana for Giant's Tomb at Rotary Park, Penetanguishene Ontario

The Rotary Champlain Wendat Park runs along the picturesque Georgian Bay waterfront in Penetanguishene, offering 90 acres of green space to enjoy.

The park is the perfect west-facing place for a sunset stroll, and also an amazing location for daytime family fun.

The park is equipped with an accessible playground, dog park, skatepark, splashpad, beach volleyball courts, and pavilion and public washrooms.

One of the best features of the park is the large metal sculptures that depict different elements of the land’s indigenous peoples’ history. The park commemorates the historical arrival of French explorer Samuel de Champlain to the Wendat and Anishinaabe Peoples.

We can see how the Rotary Champlain Wendat Park is an obvious choice for a free, educational, exciting and relaxing way to spend part of your day in Penetanguishene.

9. Walk the Midland Harbour & Penetanguishene Town Dock

Price: Free
Location: Midland Harbour (Google Maps); Penetanguishene Town Dock (Google Maps)

Midland Harbour

Midland Harbour is the perfect place to take a stroll by the water. It is lined with beautiful gardens, sculptures, and scenic lookouts over the Georgian Bay.

The Trans Canada and Rotary Waterfront Trail run along the edge of the bay, connecting various parks (including the swimming location at Pettersen Park) to the harbour. The Midland Harbour is also steps away from downtown Midland where you will find cute shops and restaurants to explore.

If you’re looking for a similar experience in Penetanguishene, the Penetanguishene Town Dock will give you just that.

The Town Dock is a short walk from downtown shops and is situated right next to the Penetanguishene Rotary Champlain Wendat Park, which offers beautiful waterfront trails, a splash pad and play area for kids, and a skate park.

Enjoy a bite to eat at the World Famous Dock Lunch restaurant and grab some waterfront ice cream to close off the night!

10. Go for a Hike

Price: Free; various if hiking in provincial/national parks
Location: Various

Hiking trails are one of the best things to do in Penetanguishene and Midland, Ontario

The land surrounding Midland and Penetanguishene offers a plethora of beautiful hiking trails. If you haven’t caught on by now, we are highly in favour of getting out and breathing in that fresh Canadian air!

The peninsula is home to the Great Lakes – St. Lawrence forest, which includes a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, such as white pine, sugar maple, yellow birch and eastern hemlock.

In our recent trip to Midland and Penetanguishene we noticed the incredible change in type of forest as we hiked the Awenda Kettle Lake Trail.

The trail jaunted through sections of deciduous forest and then sections of coniferous forest, through marshy wetlands, and then back through coniferous forest again, making for an intriguing and photogenic experience.

We recommend using the following trail maps to plan out your hiking adventures:
Midland trails map
Penetanguishene trails map
Awenda trails map

11. Cycle the Country Trails

Price: Free
Location: Road & Trail Maps (Cycle Simcoe)

Cycle Simcoe County

Explore the peninsula’s relaxing country roads and well-established trails by bicycle using the Cycle Simcoe Road and Trail Map. Perfect for the casual and avid cyclist alike, there are 8 gorgeous bike paths ranging from 2-75 km in length.

For even more adventure, consider taking the ferry or water taxi across the water to Beausoleil Island within Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Trails in the northern part of Beausoleil Island boast beautiful Canadian Shield terrain of rocky ground and marshy wetlands, whereas trails along the south side of the island are more heavily forested. Check out the Beausoleil Island Trail Map for the full list of bike trails on the island.

Note: Consider planning ahead for a longer stay in the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, where visitors can tent camp or rent a cabin or (luxuriously rustic) oTENTik structure!

12. Swim at Little Lake Park

Price: Free
Location: Google Maps Link

Little Lake Park is home to one of the three swimmable beaches in Midland. Situated on Little Lake, and next to the Huronia Museum and Huron Ouendat Indian Village, Little Lake Park is a convenient picnic and play area for families, especially after exploring the popular museum and Indian Village.

Little Lake Park offers not only a swimming area, but also a skatepark, beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, dog park, trails, picnic shelters, washrooms and more. To ensure water safety, city parks and recreation staff test water quality regularly and make sure the park is well-maintained.

Historic Tourist Attractions

Midland and Penetanguishene are home to some pretty significant historical sites and attractions. If you’re keep to learn local First Nations and European settler history, you’ll definitely want to check these out!

13. Discovery Harbour

Price: Various
Location: Google Maps Link

Tall Ships

Travel back in time as you explore this 19th century British naval and military base, now called Discovery Harbour, in historic Penetanguishene.

Built to protect the area after the War of 1812, this harbour provided a significant location to store British ships until they were needed to supply ports further north.

Visitors can climb aboard replica tall ships, see a 200-year old shipwreck, and walk through buildings from the original period. They will hear stories from the past brought back to life, and may even catch wind of a few ghost stories along the way.

Located next to the popular King’s Wharf Theatre, Discovery Harbour is an easy win for the history and cultural fan looking forward to learning more about local treasures!

Discovery Harbour is open during the summer season.

14. Huronia Museum & Ouendat Village

Price: $7 per person (Kids 5 and under free) *subject to change
Location: Google Maps Link

Located in Midland, the Huronia Museum and Ouendat Village offers indoor and outdoor interactive displays to teach the important history of the land.

The Ouendat Village showcases a life-size replica village of the Huron/Ouendat peoples of the area prior to contact with Europeans.

The Huronia Museum features a gallery of thousands of artifacts including from Huron and Ojibwa First Nations history, as well as various other artifacts ranging from ancient marine biological findings to famous artwork from the Group of Seven.

15. Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

Price: $5 per person (Kids 12 and under free)
Location: Google Maps Link

Adding to the rich array of preserved history in both Midland and Penetanguishene, Saint-Marie Among the Hurons is home to a reconstructed village replicating the first European settler community in the area.

It is located on the very site of the original settlement, which was destroyed and abandoned in attacks by the Iroquois in 1649. Through archaeological findings and extensive research, the settlement was able to be reconstructed as what now stands there today.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons was the central location for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron Wendat peoples on the land.

The historic park includes a longhouse, barracks, a church, workshops, and other period-appropriate buildings. Bringing history to life, visitors to the park can enjoy live re-enactments depicting the events and daily life of inhabitants from nearly 400 years ago.

16. Reflect at the Martyrs’ Shrine

Price: Free; Donations encouraged
Location: Google Maps Link

The Martyr’s Shrine Roman Catholic church was built to honour the lives of the French Jesuits martyred during the French mission in the 1600s. Remembered here are the lives of eight French martyrs who occupied the settlement at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons.

The church began to be built in 1925, and its design and construction was made to resemble and honour the Wendat longhouses.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims journey here every year, and visitors to the area will find that a visit to the Martyr’s Shrine helps to bring understanding to the rich yet messy history of European settlement among the First Nations peoples in Canada.

Best Things to Do in the Winter

Like their fellow southern Georgian Bay neighbours, the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene are popular tourist destinations in all seasons, including the cold and snowy Canadian winters! If you’re not afraid to get outdoors even in the chilly weather, then you’ll be in for some amazing surprises with what these towns have to offer those who brave the cold.

17. Book a Guided Snowmobile Tour

Price: $170 and up
Location: Diverse Rentals & Vacations; Cottage Country Tours

Many winter-lovers admit that nothing beats the thrill of zipping through snow-covered trails on a powerful snowmobile. For those who don’t own one of these winter gliders themselves, booking a guided snowmobile tour is a great option.

Diverse Rentals

Diverse Rentals & Vacations is your best bet for snowmobile tours in the Midland and Penetanguishene area. They have amazing customer reviews and have been in business for over 10 years, faithfully serving Northern Simcoe County. Located just outside of Midland, Diverse Rentals & Vacations offers an 1-3 hour snowmobile tour with an experienced guide, taking you through Awenda Provincial Park and Fairlane Lake.

Cottage Country Tours

Another popular option for snowmobile tours a bit further away (45 minutes east of Midland, in Severn Township) is Cottage Country Tours. Cottage Country Tours also has fantastic customer reviews and multiple tour or rental (for experienced drivers) options.

18. Snowshoeing

Price: Rentals: $5-$10; Ecotour: $65 per person
Location: Google Maps Link

Snowshoeing near Penetanguishene and Midland

Aside from skiing, there are certainly other ways to effectively hit the trails this winter. Snow boots may do for a while, but if you really want to cover some (snowy) ground, then snowshoeing may be your best bet.

The best place to snowshoe in the Midland and Penetanguishene area is at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre. Open year-round, Wye Marsh has a designated snowshoe trail (2.7 km in length) during the winter season.

If you’re looking for a guided adventure, consider booking the Snowshoe Ecotour at Wye Marsh. This 3 hour tour covers 4 km of trails which are otherwise not available to the public. Ecotour participants will have a truly unique winter experience on these empty trails as they learn to follow the tracks of animals and look forward to a restful stop for snacks and warm drinks by the fire.

The Wye Marsh Ecotour is available for participants with any level of snowshoeing experience, but participants should be aware that trails may not always be in optimal condition (and therefore some experience may be beneficial).

19. Cross-Country Skiing & Downhill Skiing

Price: Various
Location: Mountainview Ski Centre; Wye Marsh; Mount St Louis Moonstone; Snow Valley Ski Resort; Blue Mountain Ski Resort

Skiing near Midland and Penetanguishene

The fact that central Ontario isn’t really known for its mountains doesn’t stop ski and snowboard lovers. Whether you’re happy with some level-grounded cross-country skiing, or prefer to hit the slopes, you won’t have to drive far from Midland or Penetanguishene to find some fun.

Here’s your best nearby options:
Mountainview Ski Centre – Nordic/Cross-Country Skiing, located just outside of Midland (Trail Map)
Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre – Over 25 kilometers of Nordic/Cross-Country Ski trails, located 10 minutes from Midland and Penetanguishene
Mount St Louis Moonstone – Downhill Skiing in Coldwater, located 25 minutes from Midland and Penetanguishene
Snow Valley Ski Resort – Downhill Skiing in Minesing/Barrie, located 45 minutes from Midland and Penetanguishene
Blue Mountain Ski Resort – Downhill Skiing in Blue Mountains/Collingwood, located 1 hour 5 minutes from Midland and Penetanguishene

Skiing and snowboarding is some of the best fun to be had in Canadian winters! If you’ve never given it a go, consider taking a beginners lesson and being ready to spend a few hours on the bunny hills. (Don’t worry, we’ve all started there!)

20. Ice Fishing

Price: Free
Location: Various

Ice Fishing on Georgian Bay

If you’re reading this, you’re already among the unique few who will even consider ice fishing a remote possibility on a cold, Canadian winter day! If that’s you, kudos. That’s pretty cool. While we’ve never been ice fishing together, Darren’s dad has been many times and has some pretty amazing stories.

Ice fishing in and around the Midland and Penetanguishene area isn’t as popular as ice fishing a bit further east, on Lake Simcoe.

Nonetheless, locals do still take advantage of thick ice that can form on the coastal areas of Georgian Bay. Look for evidence of people putting in along Midland Bay, Hog Bay, and Penetang Harbour, and if conditions are right, you may be in luck.

Remember to check what’s in season as well as catch limits before venturing out. Online forums are great for hearing about current conditions and locations first hand from locals. Species found in these waters include bass, catfish, pike, salmon, trout, walleye, sturgeon and tiger muskie.

Don’t have a fishing license? Either purchase one here or fish on Family Day weekend in February when Canadian residents are permitted to fish without a license.

Most important, venturing out on the ice is not something to take lightly. Every year, tragic accidents happen. Remember to take safety precautions appropriate to the sport, and consider booking an ice fishing charter with a tour company.

Note: Since ice fishing on Lake Simcoe is more popular than on Georgian Bay, there will be more tour operators in and around the Barrie and Orillia areas.

Things to Do Near Midland & Penetanguishene

21. Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Price: $5.90 per Adult + Transportation (Various)
Location: Google Maps Link

Swimming in Georgian Bay

Comprised of 63 islands along the eastern Georgian Bay coast, Georgian Bay Islands National Park is certainly one of the more unique ways to get out and explore during your travels to the southern Georgian Bay area.

The only means of accessing this national park is by boat, so planning your trip ahead of time is both wise and necessary.

The largest and most popular island to visit in the park is Beausoleil Island. For day visitors, the most popular way to get to Beausoleil Island is by reserving a ticket with the Day Tripper water shuttle service (departing from Honey Harbour).

As the Day Tripper is only available for those visiting the island for the day, those looking to camp overnight will need to hire a water taxi or use their own boat to access the island. Once on the island, your method of transportation will be by foot or by bicycle, so get ready for some exercise!

Beausoleil Island offers tent camping (no RVs or trailers) in serviced or rustic campgrounds, as well as cabins and OTENTiks. The island boasts beautiful beaches to swim in, a playground, boardwalk, lighthouse, picnic areas and of course hiking and biking trails to explore.

22. Windlee Farms Maple Syrup Tour

Price: Various
Location: Google Maps Link

Windlee Farms Maple Syrup is one of the best things to do in Tiny, Ontario

Nothing beats the taste of fresh maple syrup. Am I right, or am I right?!

We think that making a trip to Windlee Farms in Tiny (just outside of Midland) should definitely be on your list of things to do, especially if you’re in prime maple syrup season (March to mid-April).

Windlee Farms is family owned and operated and its maple syrup has won multiple awards in recent years. Stop by to pick up some locally produced maple syrup or consider booking a tour with the owners, Peter and Anne. They love taking guests through the sugar shack and – if you’re up for it – even for a walk through the sugarbush!

Peter and Anne will show you firsthand the many steps involved in turning sap into pure maple syrup. From seeing the network of sap lines in the sugarbush, to understanding the process of a reverse osmosis and a boiling evaporator, to learning about bottling, and finally to tasting fresh maple syrup, you will not be disappointed! 

Oh, and stop by in the winter and you may even find yourself snowshoeing through the sugarbush and then finishing with a hot cup of cocoa in hand!

Peter and Anne are passionate about sharing their love for maple syrup and aren’t afraid of going out of their way to make sure you get the best experience when visiting their sugar farm. Speaking with them directly, we could see that they get great satisfaction out of helping their guests become more connected to the food they eat.

Whether you’re visiting on your own or looking to book a large group tour, Peter and Anne are eager to accommodate you. Tours can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, and prices vary depending on group size. Call in advance to book your tour, at 705-526-0769 or email at lorriman@xplornet.com.

23. Chill Out at Balm Beach & Lafontaine Beach

Price: Free
Location: Balm Beach (Google Maps); Lafontaine Beach (Google Maps)

kids in water

Balm Beach: 15 minutes from both Midland and Penetanguishene lies one of the best beaches on the peninsula and a favourite tourist destination for many Ontarians: Balm Beach.

The popular Balm Beach Resort & Motel has a prime waterfront property that attracts tons of local tourists each year. Just spending the afternoon out? Enjoy mini-golf, go-karting, arcade games and watersport rentals, or relax at one of the beachside patio restaurants that keep this little country town and all of its tourists well fed!

Lafontaine Beach: 15 minutes north of Balm Beach is another cherished public beach: Lafontaine Beach Park. Since you’re in the area, why not check out both of these coastal gems and see which will make your list of favourite Ontario beaches!

24. Day Trip to Wasaga Beach

Price: Parking fees vary
Location: Google Maps Link

A trip to Wasaga Beach is one of the best things to do near Midland, Ontario

Beach goers, be ready to be amazed. In less than a 40 minute drive from Midland or Penetanguishene lies the longest freshwater beach in the world: Wasaga Beach!

Wasaga Beach is one of Ontario’s most popular beaches and has rightfully earned the coveted Blue Flag Beach status for it’s well-maintained waterfront. The long, sandy, western facing beaches come with the beautiful backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment across the bay.

You will be treated with absolutely perfect sunsets, tons to do in the area, and some great waterfront restaurants.

As Wasaga Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Ontario, be prepared for crowds of beach goers (a noticeable difference to Midland and Penetanguishene’s quieter beaches) and possibly a slightly stressful parking experience if you come on a busy day. Despite the parking, it is well worth the visit!

👉 Read more at 23 Fun Things to Do in Wasaga Beach + Complete Visitor’s Guide.

25. Visit the Elmvale Jungle Zoo

Price: Adults – $20.95; Children – $13.95; Kids 0-2 are free
Location: Google Maps Link

Kangaroo

Spend the day at the Elmvale Jungle Zoo for a fun and exciting encounter with some of nature’s coolest creatures! Just 25 minutes south of Midland, Elmvale Jungle Zoo is open seasonally. Visitors can explore the outdoor exhibits, feed and pet the animals and watch live shows.

The Elmvale Jungle Zoo is one of the most popular things to do in Simcoe County for families of all ages, and we think there’s good reason why that’s so!



Where to Stay in Midland & Penetanguishene

As small, yet touristy towns, Midland and Penetanguishene hotel offerings match what one might expect: a handful of mid-range hotel chains, some beautiful bed and breakfasts and guesthouses and a thriving AirBnB community.

Here are our top recommendations for Midland and Penetanguishene accommodations:

Top Hotel Picks:

Best Budget-Friendly Hotel: Midland Inn & Suites
Best Mid-Range Hotel: Balm Beach Resort & Motel

Top Bed and Breakfast / Guesthouse Picks:

Beacon Shore on Georgian Bay Bed & Breakfast
Tucked Inn the Harbour Bed & Breakfast

Best Restaurants in Midland & Penetanguishene

There are so many amazing restaurants to explore in downtown Midland and Penetanguishene, it’s hard to know where to start! We’ve picked a few of our top picks to share with you.

upscale restaurant

Best Coffee Shops/Cafes:

Café Kittyhawk (Penetanguishene)
Penetanguishene’s new favourite hangout place is Café Kittyhawk. Hip and cool with its artisan meals, gourmet coffee, local brews, and abundance of plants and chic gifts for sale, this place is easy to enter and hard to leave.

MegaMindful Living Plant-Based Cafe (Midland)
The name says it all: everything here is bought and made with care for the environment, others and health. Committed to supporting community businesses and sourcing local ingredients, MegaMindful Living is a vegan café (loved by vegans and non-vegans alike!) with smoothies, soups, salads, pasta dishes, coffee and more!

Best Classic Restaurants:

Boathouse Eatery (Midland)
The Boathouse Eatery on the Midland Harbour offers the iconic waterfront, patio experience we all crave in the summer time. Great atmosphere, perfect location, friendly service, and fresh, delicious food are what you can expect here.

The Arch Steakhouse (Midland)
Looking for a romantic dinner out in a better-than-chain-restaurant venue? Consider booking with The Arch Steakhouse, where the service is excellent, food even better, and the outdoor patio is calling your name.

World Famous Dock Lunch (Penetanguishene)
Classic breakfast, fish and chips, Greek food and pub staples, all with a great view. Located on the water at Penetanguishene Town Dock, World Famous Dock Lunch is pretty world famous (in Penetanguishene!) and is a fun option especially when the weather is nice.

World Famous Dock Lunch, Penetanguishene
World Famous Dock Lunch, Penetanguishene

Are Midland & Penetanguishene Worth Visiting?

With so many amazing places to explore in Ontario, are small-town Midland and Penetanguishene worth the time?

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys thrilling watersports, exciting exploration of nature, local small town charm, or the amazing preservation of local history, Midland and Penetanguishene are the perfect spots for you.

No matter the season nor the size of your wallet there are incredible ways you can get out and explore this spectacular corner of Ontario.

While these two great towns are totally trip-worthy on their own – and as you will see, there’s lots to do in their close surrounding areas – they also make a great detour (just 20 minutes off of Hwy 400, north of Barrie) for travelers heading further north to the Muskokas, or further south to the Greater Toronto Area.

Downtown Midland, Ontario

Our Wrap Up: 25 Top Things to Do in Midland & Penetanguishene

Well, friends, that about wraps it up! We hope we’ve convinced you to pack your bags, start your car and head straight in the direction of these two south Georgian Bay favourites. Use this list of top things to do to get the most out of your stay, no matter what season you visit, and no matter how big your wallet. Enjoy!

Awenda Provincial Park