Activities in Midland, Ontario

Not only a dream destination for cottagers, but the southern end of the Georgian Bay is a unique part of the province, brimming with unique sights and scenery. With walkable historical sights, a cultural centre, great restaurants and bakeries, harbour views, and the annual Midland Butter Tart Festival, this Midland, Ontario, makes for an ideal Canadian weekend trip during the summer or winter. Ready to start planning your trip? Check out the top places to go and things to do in Midland, Ontario.

Whether it’s for some winter outdoor fun or a summer getaway, here is our list of the top attractions and things to do in Midland, Ontario.

The Town of Midland, Ontario, is located on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat Nation and the Anishinaabek people. Now known in English as the Chippewa Tri-Council and composed of the Beausoleil First Nation, Rama First Nations, and the Georgina Island First Nation, the indigenous and Métis population significantly influenced the development of the town of Midland. Today, they are formally recognized as traditional keepers of the land and continue to advocate for legal and historical presence.

Midland was one of the first sights the early Europeans encountered. In 1639, about one-fifth of the entire population of New France used Midland, then known as part of Huronia, as the headquarters of the French Jesuit Mission to the Wendat people. Sainte-Marie was burned down and abandoned in 1649, but significant archaeological and historical research has allowed it to be recreated on its original site as Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, complete with costumed historical interpreters.

This National Historic Site of Canada offers many educational programs and events that you can book ahead of your visit. Check out some of the most popular events to explore the museum's archives, such as the Shadows and Stone evening experience, Sky Stories, and National Indigenous Peoples' Day.

2. Take the Midland mural tour

Arts and culture are a central part of Midland communities, and murals painted on building exteriors throughout the town offer unique glimpses into the town's history. With more than 30 murals and sculptures throughout the town, Midland is one of the largest public outdoor art galleries in Ontario, attracting many visitors each year.

Pick up a map of Midland's public art, and go on a self-guided walking tour. Discover a reproduction of a famous Norman Rockwell painting, a mural of the Brebeuf Lighthouse, and even a depiction of the town’s first apothecary shops. 

In addition to checking out murals located around the main street of Midland, you can also plan your visit around the Midland Mural Festival every September. Celebrating art and culture in Midland, this festival centers around the creation of new murals and features live music from local musicians, food trucks, crafting, and interactive art experiences. 

The Grounded Coffee Company is a gem of a coffee shop and roastery located in the heart of downtown. Midland, Ontario, is home to many great cafés and bakeries serving coffee and desserts made with local ingredients, and Grounded Coffee Company often tops that list for visitors and locals alike. Pop in and enjoy the delicious, freshly baked pastries, like vegan cinnamon rolls or maple-filled cookies. Pair your treats with a coffee or buy some beans to go.

4. Go to the Midland Cultural Centre

Take an art class, head to one of its exhibitions, or enjoy a night of theatre — the Midland Cultural Centre is one of the best attractions in Midland, Ontario, and it has something for everyone. The MCC also hosts a variety of concerts, live theatre, talks, comedy nights, and more. Check the Midland Cultural Centre’s website for the latest news and upcoming performances. 

5. Make waves with Georgian Spirit Cruises

Georgian Spirit Cruises set sail each summer season at the Midland Harbour. From private events to sightseeing and dining excursions, these cruises offer a unique way to discover Georgian Bay, one of the top places to visit in Ontario. When you join a daily boat tour on board the Georgian Spirit, you'll cruise through the Georgian Bay's landscapes and get to enjoy exceptional views of some of the area's most scenic islands.

6. Check out the Midland Butter Tart Festival

Known as the sweetest day of the year in Midland, the annual Midland Butter Tart Festival began in 2013 and has grown in popularity each year, becoming one of the biggest draws for tourism in Midland, Ontario. During the 2025 festival, the event's vendors sold about 300,000 butter tarts to more than 60,000 visitors.

This favourite local festival takes place every June, featuring about 200 vendors and food trucks downtown and at the Midland marina throughout the day. Celebrities, chefs, food and travel bloggers serve as judges to determine the best-in-class butter tarts from professional and amateur bakers, in both traditional and wild-style categories.

Sample from the impressive variety of butter tarts, including traditional raisin or pecan recipes and more experimental versions featuring bacon, PB&J, s'mores, pumpkin, and more. The festival also offers a Kidszone, live music, and a cookie decorating party.

Midland is home to some of Ontario’s incredible animals, many of which you can spot at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Center. Take a walk on a boardwalk through the marsh to spot trumpeter swans, turtles, frogs, snakes, and the Midland painted turtle, and visit the Interpretive Centre for educational displays on the area's natural and cultural history. 

For more immersion in local nature, hike, paddle, or snowshoe among the reserve's 3,000 acres and keep an eye out for muskrats, beavers, deer, groundhogs, and even brown bears.

8. Stroll through Little Lake Park

Named after the man-made Little Lake at the park, this popular green space has lots to offer the entire family on a sunny day in Midland, Ontario. Check out the little beach and tennis courts, and explore the Huronia Village nearby.

9. Have a lakeside meal at the Boathouse

Right at the town dock is one of the best restaurants in Midland, the Boathouse Eatery, a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. Enjoy a burger (veggie options available), a salad, and a delicious summer cocktail while soaking up the live music and views of the many boats coming in and out of town.

With more than 400 years of history to explore, the nearby town of Penetanguishene is known for having one of the most scenic and protected harbours in the Georgian Bay. The Discovery Harbour is a must-see, where visitors can spot warship replicas docked at the harbour. 

Penetanguishene also offers Rotary Champlain Wendat Park, where kids can cool off at the splash pad and playground. To wander the day away, explore the locally-owned boutiques, and pop into one of the town’s inviting restaurants and cafés.

11. Tee off at the Brooklea Golf Club

Visitors in Midland can also enjoy a round of golf or two at the Midland’s Brooklea Golf Club. Hungry after the game? The ’59 Lounge serves up amazing food and drink seven days a week during the golf season, making it the perfect place to relax and refuel after a round. 

12. Stay at one of Midland’s bed and breakfasts

Midland is home to some of the most charming B&B’s in Ontario. Stay in quaint, comfortable accommodations in character-style homes, meet other visitors to the area, and enjoy home cooking, hospitality, and amenities right on the Georgian Bay with your travel buddies.

Head to the longest freshwater beach in the world, right in our own Canadian backyard. About 45 minutes from Midland, Ontario, Wasaga Beach is the perfect place to relax and catch some rays. Grab a paddleboard or kayak for a water adventure, or just soak up the sun on the soft sand. For accommodation ideas, check out our guide on what hotels and inns to stay at in Wasaga Beach, winter or summer.

14. Sample local snowmobile trails

If you're heading to Midland during the winter, rent a snowmobile and check out the local trails to experience Ontario's winter at its best. The Seguin Trail is a favourite for many locals and visitors, with riding along the lake and through forests, while more experienced riders take a multi-day adventure on the Round Algonquin Park Tour route. 

Check the conditions before your ride to avoid thin ice and winter storms, and make sure to bring your snowmobile driver’s license and vehicle registration permit.

15. Try ice fishing

Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and Lake Couchiching are dotted with small huts each winter, when they freeze over and provide ideal ice-fishing conditions. There are several ice hut operators in the area, so rent a hut, get your ice fishing equipment, and try catching your dinner.

16. Relax and unwind at Panache Spa

If you want to treat yourself while in Midland, Ontario, a day at Panache Spa is worth checking out. Enjoy the peak of Ontario's luxury spa experience and choose from a range of body treatments, including the Dead Sea mineral mud wrap, hot stone massage, or the Panache Spa signature head-to-toe salt scrub. The spa also offers hand and foot therapies, a variety of skincare treatments, and even Medi Spa services if you’re looking for clinical-level treatments.

17. Indulge in homemade fudge and other treats at the Elegant Gourmet

After hiking one of Midland’s beautiful trails, stop into Elegant Gourmet Chocolate and Coffee Shop for a sweet treat. Enjoy a variety of homemade fudge, truffles, tarts, and more — the perfect way to immerse your taste buds in the local flavour.

18. Hike the Tay Shore Trail

The Tay Shore Trail is one of the top-rated hiking and walking trails in the Midland, Ontario, area. Located near Victoria Harbour, nature seekers can enjoy this beautiful space of 18.5km of paved trails year-round. Fun for the whole family, check out the swans, squirrels, chipmunks, and much more local wildlife as you hike, bike, or just take a leisurely walk.

Your Midland adventure awaits

When you’re ready to explore the best that Ontario has to offer, plan your trip, grab your bags and favourite travel companions, and head to Midland for an unforgettable Canadian getaway.