Northern Ontario Map
Explore Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, and the vast northern wilderness.
About Central Ontario
Central Ontario represents the scenic heartland of the province, stretching from the shores of Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe northward through the famous Muskoka region and eastward to the Kawartha Lakes. This diverse area encompasses approximately 1.2 million residents and serves as Ontario's premier recreational destination, characterized by countless pristine lakes, forested landscapes, granite outcroppings of the Canadian Shield, and charming resort communities. Central Ontario seamlessly blends year-round tourism, growing urban centers, and natural beauty that has attracted cottagers and outdoor enthusiasts for over a century.
Barrie, the region's largest city, anchors the southern area along Lake Simcoe's western shore and serves as a rapidly growing commuter city with connections to the Greater Toronto Area. Peterborough, known as the gateway to the Kawarthas, offers a vibrant cultural scene, Trent University, and access to the Trent-Severn Waterway. The famous Muskoka region encompasses resort towns like Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst, renowned for their stunning lakes, luxury cottages, and outdoor recreation. Other notable communities include Orillia (Sunshine City), Collingwood (Blue Mountain ski resort), and the City of Kawartha Lakes, one of Ontario's largest municipalities by area.
Central Ontario's economy balances tourism and recreation, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and increasingly, technology and remote work as urban residents relocate permanently to cottage country. The region features exceptional natural attractions including Algonquin Provincial Park's western approaches, Georgian Bay's rugged coastline, the Trent-Severn Waterway system, and numerous provincial parks. Major highways include Highway 400 running north through Barrie to Muskoka, Highway 11 continuing further north, and Highway 115 connecting to Peterborough. Central Ontario's combination of natural splendor, recreational opportunities, cultural vitality, and growing urban amenities makes it one of Ontario's most desirable regions for both residents and visitors.
Major Cities in Central Ontario
- Barrie - Lake Simcoe's largest city
- Peterborough - Gateway to the Kawarthas
- Orillia - Sunshine City on Lake Simcoe
- Huntsville - Heart of Muskoka
- Bracebridge - Muskoka's gateway town
- Gravenhurst - Gateway to Muskoka
- Kawartha Lakes - Cottage country hub
- Collingwood - Blue Mountain resort town