staffWriterTired of the 6ix’s downtown frenzy? It might be high time to trade the concrete jungle for a weekend getaway far from Toronto’s metropolitan buzz.
Whether you’re craving to stroll Algonquin Provincial Park’s natural serenity and splendor or dive into Wasaga Beach’s crystal-clear shallows, we have the scoop you’re looking for.
This guide also has other essentials, from the weekend wonderlands’ locations to their highlights!
Algonquin Provincial Park
Address: Ontario 60, Ontario K0J 2M0
Contact Details: (705) 633-5572
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Distance From Toronto: 278.5 km
Algonquin Provincial Park is nature’s gift for those looking to ditch the city chaos. Here, you can grab a canoe, hit the hiking trails, or just chill as Smoke Lake’s loons put on a show.
Camping enthusiasts also have a smorgasbord of options—ranger cabins, yurts, RV camping, and lodges are the crowd-pleasers. Moreover, these camping grounds are near the water—fintastic for angling newbies and pros.
| Tip: Algonquin Provincial Park attracts adventurers from Ontario and beyond. Making reservations is highly suggested for those looking to spend the night in its sought-after wilds. |
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Address: 1 Jenetta St, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2V9
Contact Details: (705) 429-2516
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Sat to Sun – Closed
Distance From Toronto: 143.8 km
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park boasts the world’s longest freshwater beach, making it the prime spot for beach bums and families alike.
The beach’s sprawling sandy shoreline and shallow, warm waters will make you forget about cramped city pools. Additionally, it’s not just about soaking up the sun here—there are hiking, biking, and strolling opportunities galore.
We also can’t pass on the Insta-worthy (instagrammable spots toronto) dunes just a hop, skip, and jump away from the beach. Oh, and keep those eagle eyes peeled for some feathery VIPs (Very Important Plovers).
| Tip: The park’s facilities and activities depend on weather and ecological conditions. Checking the forecast and their website is a must before you visit. |
Niagara Falls
How To Get Here: Route
Contact Details: +1 (905) 356-5567
Distance From Toronto: 128.3 km
Ah, Niagara Falls, the OG of Canadian weekend getaways from Toronto, which may be a bit cliche to visit or mention at this point, but we can’t help it. The spot is still undeniably stunning.
If you want to keep things simple, you can stroll and admire the falls’ beauty from the boardwalk. But if you’re willing to fork over some big bucks, try the iconic Niagara Hornblower Cruise and Niagara Helicopter Tour.
The Niagara SkyWheel also offers stellar scenery, particularly on starry nights. And if you love good fireworks shows, fireworks light up every night here from June to September.
| Tip: Niagara weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, and check the forecast to ensure you’re prepared for any conditions. |
Ottawa
How To Get Here: Route
Contact Details: 613-236-0044
Distance From Toronto: 449.7 km
Ottawa isn’t just about bureaucrats and serious faces; it’s also a prime weekend destination with attractions such as The Canadian War Museum, Rideau Canal, and the Diefenbunker.
There’s also the Byward Market area, or the epicenter of Ottawa’s awesomeness, as we call it. This spot has it all, from the city’s best eats and finest buskers to trend-setting shops and exceptional artwork.
| Tip: Check the local event calendar. Ottawa hosts various festivals and events throughout the year like the Canadian Tulip Festival, Winterlude, and Ottawa Children’s Festival. |
Prince Edward County
How To Get Here: Route
Distance From Toronto: 204.3 km
Prince Edward County is a countryside escape that might make you hate the city skyline. Undulating hills, calm lake vistas, and shady trees—this spot is as rustic as it gets.
Additionally, if your definition of a weekend getaway is a brew-and-blend bonanza, this county is where it’s at. You can head to Sandbanks Estate Winery to sip liquid gold or visit Parson’s Brewing Company for hoppy brews.
And if that’s not enough, the beach at Sandbanks Provincial Park is a total knockout during summer, not just for sun-soaking humans but also for fur parents looking to stretch out with their pups.
| Tip: Since the cell phone signal can be patchy here, downloading the county’s map ensures you won’t get lost and can navigate the county’s twists and turns smoothly. |
Elora
How To Get Here: Route
Distance From Toronto: 116.5 km
With shops housed in 19th-century establishments, Elora is an old-world town that flaunts the yesteryears’ elegance.
One of our go-to spots here is Gorge Cinema, a stylish movie theater with old-fashioned stone walls. Artsy souls will also have the Elora Center for the Arts—a hub of artwork crafted by established icons and trailblazing up-and-comers.
For nature buffs, Elora Gorge Conservation Area provides gorgeous views (views in toronto) of cliffs, riverside trails, and, of course, gorges. You may also dive deep into the Elora Quarry’s swimming hole, which was once a limestone quarry.
| Tip: If you’re planning for a more nature-centered trip, be sure to pack essentials like comfortable clothing, snacks, and sturdy shoes for exploring. |
Point Pelee National Park
Address: 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON N8H 3V4
Contact Details: (519) 322-5700
Operating Hours: Daily – 7 am to 5:30 pm
Distance From Toronto: 350 km
Point Pelee National Park is a paradise for cycling, paddling, and hiking enthusiasts. In addition, it’s a haven for animals like rare eastern moles, minks, white-tailed deer, and coyotes.
For those who want a cozy stay without the hassle of traditional camping, the park has oTENTik. In case you don’t know, an oTENTIk isn’t just a pun; it’s a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent perched on a raised wooden floor.
These accommodations come with modern amenities, from overhead lights to gas-heated BBQs. Some sites, like campsites 8 and 9, also allow campers with fur babies.
| Tip: Booking is a must if you want to stay in an oTENTIK. You also must secure your own hand sanitizer, insect repellant, flashlights, and food. |
Muskoka
How To Get Here: Route
Contact Details: 705-645-2100
Distance From Toronto: 220 km
In Muskoka, crystalline lakes, towering pine trees, and enchanting shorelines set the stage for a quintessential Canadian weekend escape.
Provincial parks like Algonquin, Six Mile, Arrowhead, and Hardy Lake are a few of this municipality’s most sensational attractions—each showcasing majestic lookouts, treelines, and bodies of water.
Muskoka also offers a waterfront playground with activities ranging from heart-pounding water skiing to leisurely cruises around the lake. And if retail therapy is your jam, the town’s shops sell everything, from luxury goods to handcrafted items.
| Tip: For a stress-free Muskoka experience, try one of their tour packages—everything you need minus the planning. |
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Address: Tobermory, ON N0H 2R0
Contact Details: (519) 596-2233
Distance From Toronto: 274 km
You’ll realize your 3.5-hour drive to Bruce Peninsula National Park is worthwhile once you see its rugged landscape and thriving flora.
Adding to the park’s natural charm are its shores and pristine woodlands. There’s Cyprus Lake Campground too, where you can camp in RV trailers, yurts, or tents while surrounded by poplars, tamaracks, and birches.
| Tips: Arrive early to the park and secure your spot at a few of its first-come, first-serve locations. You’re also allowed to bring alcohol and cannabis products (except on weekends), but you can only partake in them responsibly and solely within your designated campsite. |
Creemore
How To Get Here: Route
Distance From Toronto: 122.1 km
Creemore, nestled in the Niagara Escarpment’s rolling hills, is a weekend getaway spot best for road cyclists and hiking enthusiasts thanks to its proximity to the Bruce Trail.
On top of that, it’s famed for the Old Mill House Pub—a hotspot for enjoyers of pub grub, like wings, homemade burgers, and beer-battered fish and chips.
The village also provides calorie-burning adventures, as it’s just 15 minutes away from the Nottawasaga Lookout. Hike here to see farmlands, forests, and the ultimate prize at the top—unobstructed and jaw-dropping sights of the Niagara Escarpment.
| Tip: Creemore may be a small village, but it doesn’t lack in events. Head to their website to see their current and upcoming happenings. |
Niagara Vintage Wine Tours
Address: 7500 Lundy’s Ln, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1G8
Contact Details: +1 866-628-5428
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 5 pm
Distance From Toronto: 125.6 km
When it comes to grape escapes in Niagara, Niagara Vintage Wine Tours is your passport to a world of vineyard delights.
The options they offer are as enticing as a perfectly aged Merlot. For instance, the Half Day Wine & Cheese Tour promises visits to 3 award-winning Niagara wineries, charcuterie pairing, and more.
But if a full day of sipping excellence is more your style, the Full Day Wine Tour comes with a luxurious à la carte lunch, offering a multi-course feast that’ll make you question every sandwich you’ve ever had.
| Tips: Secure your spot by booking your wine tour in advance, especially during peak seasons and weekends. They also often provide exclusive discounts on their website, so be sure to check their latest offers and promotions. |
Rockwood Conservation Area
– From darkraven12
Address: 161 Fall St S, Guelph/Eramosa, ON N0B 2K0
Contact Details: (519) 856-9543
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 5:30 pm
Distance From Toronto: 83.4 km
Thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike will have a fab time at Rockwood Conservation Area, a sanctuary teeming with limestone cliffs, caves, and glacial potholes.
There are two trails around the reservoir that promise a scenic journey here. Boardwalks through wetlands, meadows brimming with fauna, cliffs with a view—a trek through the trails is a workout for the body and a treat for the eyes.
Now, if you’re angling for more than breathtaking panoramas, Rockwood’s reservoir has carp, bullhead, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and more. Serviced and unserviced campsites are also available for those who crave an extended trip.
| Tip: Bring your furry friends along, but remember to keep them on a leash no longer than two meters, ensure they’re under control, and refrain from taking them to the beach area. |
Killarney Provincial Park
Address: 960 ON-637, Killarney, ON P0M 2A0
Contact Details: (705) 287-2900
Operating Hours: Daily – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Distance From Toronto: 416 km
The journey to Killarney Provincial Park might take a hot minute—around 4 hours and 40 minutes. But, hey, endure the long drive, and you’re in for a weekend getaway that’s straight out of a nature lover’s dream.
What awaits you here are over 50 sapphire lakes, the iconic Georgian Bay Coast flaunting pink granite, and La Cloche Mountains rocking white quartzite ridges.
As for activities, you can dive into outstanding hiking on the 80 km looped La Cloche-Silhouette Trail, embark on extensive backcountry canoeing, enjoy sea kayaking and brave winter adventures like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing!
| Tip: Ensure a hassle-free experience by familiarizing yourself with the park’s rules. |
