Points of Interest between Cambridge, Ontario to Penetanguishene, Ontario

picture of Cambridge, Ontario

The Best Things To Do on a Road Trip from Cambridge and Penetanguishene

Cambridge to Penetanguishene may just seem like another road trip, but this journey is full of exciting stops and amazing adventures. Starting from Cambridge, the drive takes about two and a half hours and is around 238 kilometers long. The halfway point, King City, in Ontario, can be a great place to take a quick stopover.

Here are some of the top-rated destinations to visit on your trip, along with interesting facts about each location.

1. Muskoka Lake

Known as the "Jewel of the Canadian Shield", Muskoka Lake is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Ontario. The lake offers panoramic views that can be enjoyed through outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, or paddle-boarding. Muskoka Lake is also home to 1,600-plus islands, each offering unique experiences, such as art galleries, museums, and thematic festivals.

  • Interesting Fact: The islands of Muskoka Lake are mainly made of granite and shale, and they were formed over 2 billion years ago.

2. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is a national historical site located in Midland, Ontario. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the history of early Canadian settlements. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons offers live performances and recreations of the activities of French Jesuit missionaries and the indigenous people during the 1600s.

  • Interesting Fact: Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is situated in an area that used to be inhabited by the Wendat people, who played an integral role in the interactions between the Jesuit missionaries and the indigenous populations.

3. Blue Mountains

If you’re looking for scenic views along with some advanced outdoor activities, then the Blue Mountains should be on your to-do list. The Blue Mountains are a popular tourist destination in Ontario, and the vicinity is home to some renowned hills for cross-country and downhill skiing. Visitors can also go on hiking trails or take part in adventure sports such as ziplining, caving, and mountain biking.

  • Interesting Fact: The Blue Mountains are composed of some of the oldest rock formations in the province of Ontario, dating back to approximately 1.2 billion years ago.

4. Wasaga Beach

Ontario's Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world, with the shoreline spanning 14 km. Wasaga Beach is a popular location for summer vacationers, where they can enjoy the sun and the waves. Activities at the beach range from swimming, beach volleyball, to kiteboarding! The Summerfolk Music and Crafts festival is among the many events that happen at Wasaga Beach every year.

  • Interesting Fact: Wasaga Beach shares a unique history with the Canadian military. During World War II, the Canadian military built an ammunition depot and bomb range, which was used to dispose of un-exploded American bombs.

5. Discovery Harbour

Discovery Harbour is another national historic site located in Penetanguishene, Ontario. It is here that visitors can view an authentic nineteenth-century British military and naval station that was used during the War of 1812. The 15-acre park includes a historic copper mill, the King’s Wharf Theatre, and the Georgian Bay.

  • Interesting Fact: More than 250 years ago, the French navigator Étienne Brûlé sailed through Georgian Bay and discovered the sheltered harbor, called "Penetanguishene," which means "Place of the White Rolling Sands."

At the end of this adventurous journey, visitors have experienced some of the most remarkable destinations Ontario has to offer. The trip spans 238 kilometers and takes about two and a half hours to complete, but the memories will last a lifetime.