When I was growing up, Ontario’s tourism slogan was “Yours to Discover.” You would see it on Ontario license plates as you drove down the highway, and I always thought it was such a great reminder of how much there is to do and see in my home province.
I’ve lived in Ontario my entire life, and I still haven’t run out of towns I’ve never visited, hiking trails I didn’t know existed, and restaurants, beaches, and parks that have flown under my radar.
One of the things I appreciate most about living here is how much variety exists within just a few hours of Toronto, where I’m based.
On one weekend you can be paddling through Algonquin Provincial Park. On another, you can be walking the streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake, spending a day at a winery in Prince Edward County, or hiking along the shoreline of the Bruce Peninsula.
These 12 short trips from Toronto highlight some of my favourite places in Ontario, from small towns and wine regions to provincial parks, hiking trails, and lakeside communities. And none of them are more than a 4-hour drive from Toronto, which makes them perfect for a weekend getaway.
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- 1. Go wine touring in Prince Edward County
- 2. Stand at the southern tip of Canada in Point Pelee National Park
- 3. Visit the quaint town of Elora
- 4. Relax in Georgian Bay at Bruce Peninsula National Park.
- 5. Visit Creemore, the village with a big heart
- 6. Hike The Crack in Killarney Provincial Park
- 7. Take in nature in Algonquin Provincial Park
- 8. Relax and dine in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- 9. Hike, Paddle, and Explore Caves at Rockwood Conservation Area
- 10. Experience the historic town of Almonte
- 11. Embrace “Muskoka time” in cottage country
- Bonus Trip: Enjoy art, history, and nature in Thunder Bay
- Let’s Travel Ontario Responsibly
1. Go wine touring in Prince Edward County
Location: 200 km (125 miles) east of Toronto
Drive time: 2 to 2.5 hours from Toronto
Best for: Wineries, cycling, beaches, and small towns
Where to stay: Drake Motor Inn
Prince Edward County combines wineries, local food, beaches, and a small-town vibes within a few hours of Toronto.
This region east of Toronto is right on the shores of Lake Ontario. To get there, you’ll take Highway 401 east to Exit 522 and follow County Road 49 south into the heart of “The County.”
The county is made up of several small communities, each with its own character. Picton is the largest town and has the most restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
Wellington is smaller and quieter, with a walkable main street and easy access to many of the county’s wineries. Bloomfield sits somewhere in between, with local boutiques, cafés, and historic buildings lining the main street.
Personally, I’d base myself in Wellington. It’s centrally located, easy to get around from, and puts you close to both wineries and beaches.
For accommodations, I really like the Drake Motor Inn. It’s a retro-inspired motel that’s comfortable, well-designed, and within walking distance of Wellington’s restaurants and waterfront which is nice and convenient.
One of the best ways to explore Prince Edward County is by bike (or e-bike!). The roads around Wellington are relatively quiet, and cycling gives you the freedom to enjoy the views, and stop wherever you like.
There are lots of wineries in the area, so if you love wine, you’ll want to dedicate time to visiting some of them.
A few of my favourites include Sandbanks Estate Winery, Closson Chase Vineyards, Hinterland Wine Company, and Karlos Estates.
Hinterland is particularly known for its sparkling wines, while Closson Chase is hard to miss thanks to its distinctive purple barn. Most wineries offer tasting flights and outdoor seating.
If you’d like to rent a bike or e-bike, check out County Bike Rentals. They offer rentals all throughout Prince Edward County, and you can rent them for a day or several. They offer a discount if you rent for the weekend (Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon).
If wine isn’t your thing, don’t worry, there’s plenty more to do in Prince Edward County. The region is home to some of Ontario’s best beaches!
Sandbanks Provincial Park is the most famous, known for its long sandy beaches and beautiful dune system that stretches along Lake Ontario. In summer, the shallow water warms up surprisingly quickly, making it one of the better swimming spots in the province.
If you’re looking for something a little quieter, North Beach Provincial Park is another good option with soft sand and views across the lake.
When you’re not at the wineries or the beach, spend some time visiting the county’s different communities. Picton has independent bookstores, cafés, galleries, and restaurants that can easily fill an afternoon.
Bloomfield is great for wandering in and out of local shops, and Wellington’s waterfront and compact downtown make it a great place to spend a relaxed morning with a coffee before heading out for the day.
2. Stand at the southern tip of Canada in Point Pelee National Park
Location: Leamington, Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 4 hours from Toronto
Best for: Birdwatching, hiking, cycling, beaches, and wildlife viewing
Where to stay: Seacliffe Inn
Point Pelee National Park is one of the most unique landscapes in Ontario. Jutting out into Lake Erie, it’s a narrow peninsula with sandy beaches, marshes, forests, and tons of wildlife packed into a relatively small area.
For a weekend trip, I’d base myself in nearby Leamington at Seacliffe Inn. The hotel sits right along the lake, making it easy to unwind after a day in the provincial park.
One of my favourite ways to spend an evening here is having dinner at the hotel’s restaurant and then taking a walk along the beach just outside. The sunsets are epic!
The main attraction inside the Point Pelee National Park is “The Tip,” the southernmost point of mainland Canada. In fact, Point Pelee is so south it sits at roughly the same latitude as Northern California!
To reach The Tip, you can walk (or take a short shuttle ride) followed by a brief walk to a narrow strip of land where the waters of Lake Erie meet on either side.
Either before or after visiting The Tip, be sure to climb the viewing platform that overlooks it. From the top, you’ll get a better sense of the geography of the peninsula, with Lake Erie stretching out in every direction and the narrow point of land extending into the lake below.
Although Point Pelee is Canada’s smallest national park, it’s one of the country’s most important ecosystems. The park sits along a major migration route, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in North America.
During spring migration, birders travel from across the continent to spot warblers and other migratory species. In the fall, thousands of monarch butterflies pass through the park as they make their journey south to Mexico.
Even if you’re not a dedicated birder, there’s plenty to do. Several easy hiking trails wind through forests and marshlands, including the Boardwalk Trail, which takes you out over the marsh itself.
You can rent a kayak or canoe to explore the wetlands from the water, cycle along the park roads, or simply spend time relaxing on the beaches that line the Lake Erie shoreline.
One thing many people don’t realize is that Point Pelee is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve.
On select Dark Sky Nights, the park stays open late, allowing people to come and see stars, planets, and the Milky Way with way less light pollution than you’ll find around the Greater Toronto Area.
You can see the dates for designated viewing nights, here.
You can definitely fill two days in Point Pelee National Park, but if you want to mix it up, you can also visit Essex County. The region is right next door to the park and it’s home to wineries, farm stands, small towns, and a growing food scene.
VHead to Viewpointe Estate Winery and Paglione Estate Winery for wine tastings, vineyard views, and lakeside patios overlooking Lake Erie.
You can also visit Serenity Lavender Farm, stop by the historic town of Amherstburg to visit its Freedom Museum, or spend an afternoon at Holiday Beach Conservation Area, which is known for its bird migration viewing and waterfront trails.
3. Visit the quaint town of Elora
Location: Wellington County, Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 1.5 hours from Toronto
Best for: Nature, river views, and local shops and restaurants
Where to stay: The Village Inn
Elora is one of my favourite small-town getaways from Toronto. Set along the Grand River, the village is known for its historic limestone buildings, independent shops, art galleries, and easy access to nature.
One of my favourite parts about Elora is the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, where hiking trails follow the edge of a 22-metre-deep gorge carved by the Grand River.
The views from the lookouts are beautiful year-round, and during the summer, tubing through the gorge is one of the area’s most popular activities.
You can also head to the nearby Elora Quarry Conservation Area to swim in a former limestone quarry filled with remarkably clear water – it’s so clear that people go scuba diving there!
Elora is also the perfect town to just go wandering through, it’s very walkable. The village has managed to hold onto much of its historic character, with 19th-century limestone buildings now home to bookstores, cafés, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. You’ll want to pop into all the shops.
Elora is known for it’s strong arts community. You can browse galleries featuring Ontario artists, visit the Elora Centre for the Arts, or check whether any festivals or events are happening during your visit. If you’re there between May and October, the weekly farmers’ market is worth stopping by as well.
When it comes to food, there are plenty of options packed into a relatively small area. Grab a craft beer and wood-fired pizza at Elora Brewing Company, settle into one of the village’s cafés, or book a table at Elora Mill Restaurant, which overlooks the Grand River and Elora Gorge.
What makes Elora such an easy weekend trip is the balance of things to do. You can spend part of the day hiking, swimming, or enjoying the river, and another part wandering through town, browsing shops, and stopping for a good meal.
4. Relax in Georgian Bay at Bruce Peninsula National Park.
Location: Near Tobermory, Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 4 hours from Toronto
Best for: Hiking, turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, camping, and kayaking
Where to stay: Adventure the Bruce Inn
Bruce Peninsula National Park is known for its limestone cliffs, clear water, beautiful shoreline, and extensive hiking trails.
If you’re planning a weekend here, I’d base myself in Tobermory. It’s the main gateway to both Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, and it’s where you’ll find most of the area’s hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
I recommend staying at Adventure the Bruce Inn, which is comfortable, centrally located, and within walking distance of the harbour. You also have the option to camp at one of the park’s designated campgrounds, just be sure to book well in advance.
The Grotto is easily the park’s most famous attraction. To reach it you do need to hike from the Cyprus Lake area, and during the summer you’ll need to reserve a parking time slot in advance.
The cave itself is carved into the limestone shoreline and overlooks some of the clearest water you’ll find in Ontario. I always feel like I am in a tropical country when I look out over the lake from The Grotto.
Beyond the Grotto, there are lots of trails worth walking. The Marr Lake Trail is a good option if you’re looking for a shorter hike, while sections of the Bruce Trail offer longer routes along the escarpment and shoreline.
One thing I appreciate about hiking here is how varied the landscape can be. In a single walk, you might pass through dense forest, rocky shoreline, wetlands, and along exposed limestone cliffs.
Just outside the park, I recommend spending some time at Singing Sands. Unlike the rocky shoreline around the Grotto, this beach has shallow, warmer water and a long boardwalk through the wetlands.
You’ll also want to spend time in Tobermory itself. The harbour area has several restaurants, local shops, and boat tour operators.
One of the most popular things to do is take a boat tour to Flowerpot Island, where you can hike, visit a historic lighthouse, and see the island’s famous rock formations. Many tours also pass over shipwrecks that are visible through the clear waters of Georgian Bay.
5. Visit Creemore, the village with a big heart
Location: Simcoe County, Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Toronto
Best for: Small-town vibes, breweries, cycling, and scenic countryside drives
Where to Stay: Gables Bed & Breakfast
Creemore is a small village tucked into the rolling hills of the Niagara Escarpment. The drive alone is worth the trip, particularly if you take the scenic backroads through Clearview Township, passing farms, forests, historic homes, and some of Ontario’s most picturesque countryside.
Founded in 1842, Creemore takes its name from the Irish Croí Mór, meaning “big heart.” After spending time here, it’s easy to see why the name has stuck.
The heart of town is Mill Street, where you’ll find independent shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants housed in historic buildings.
I recommend stopping into Curiosity House Books & Gallery, browsing the local businesses along the main street, and visiting the Creemore Log Cabin, the oldest surviving building in the village and a reminder of the area’s early settlement history.
No trip to Creemore is complete without a stop at Creemore Springs Brewery. You can tour the brewery, learn about its brewing process, and sample a flight of beer. If the weather is nice, grab a pint and spend some time on the patio.
When it comes to food, I usually stop at Chez Michel for a meal. This long-running French restaurant has become something of a local institution. For coffee and a baked treat, the Old Mill House Pub also has a café and bakery counter that’s popular with both locals and visitors.
Creemore also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Nearby sections of the Bruce Trail wind through the Niagara Escarpment, and Pretty River Valley Provincial Park are where you’ll find some of the best trails in the region.
During the fall, the forests around Creemore are particularly busy with hikers there to enjoy the autumn colours.
A short drive from town, you’ll also find places like Mad & Noisy Gallery, known for its folk art and outdoor sculptures, as well as Duntroon Highlands Golf Club, which has excellent views over the surrounding hills. You’re also a short drive away from Wasaga Beach, so you can fit in some beach time, too!
If you’re visiting on a Saturday morning, stop by the Creemore Farmers’ Market to browse local produce, baked goods, preserves, and handmade products while chatting with local vendors.
What I like most about Creemore is that it doesn’t require much planning. You can spend a weekend wandering the main street, stopping into local businesses, hiking nearby trails, and just enjoying a slower pace.
6. Hike The Crack in Killarney Provincial Park
Location: Killarney, Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 4.5 hours from Toronto
Best for: Hiking, canoeing, camping, and scenery
Where to stay: Killarney Mountain Lodge
Killarney Provincial Park is often called one of Ontario’s best provincial parks. It’s known for its white quartzite hills, pink granite shoreline, and clear lakes.
If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend basing yourself either at George Lake Campground or at Killarney Mountain Lodge in the nearby village of Killarney.
The lodge is a good option if you want to stay in accommodations rather than camp, while still being close to the park’s trails and canoe routes.
The park has several awesome hikes, but The Crack Trail is the one I recommend to most people.
The trail is about 6 kilometres round trip and includes a scramble through a narrow rock fissure before reaching a lookout over the La Cloche Mountains.
It’s challenging enough to feel rewarding without requiring a full day of hiking. If you’re looking for something longer, Silver Peak is the highest point in the park and has some of the best views in Killarney, just be warned that it’s a much more demanding hike.
Getting out on the water is just as popular as hiking. Killarney Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, making it easy to spend a few hours on the lakes even if you don’t own equipment.
George Lake is a great place for a shorter paddle, and if you’re more experienced at paddling you can head deeper into the park on multi-day canoe trips. One of the classic routes takes you through George Lake and into O.S.A. Lake, one of the park’s most recognizable paddling destinations.
Outside the park, the village of Killarney is worth spending time in as well. It’s a small community on the northern shore of Georgian Bay with a marina, a few shops, and several restaurants.
Before heading home, stop at Herbert Fisheries for fish and chips. It’s become something of a tradition for visitors returning from a day of hiking or paddling.
7. Take in nature in Algonquin Provincial Park
Location: Central Ontario (between Huntsville and Pembroke)
Drive time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours from Toronto
Best for: Canoeing, wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, and fall colours
Where to stay: Wolf Den Nature Retreat
Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most iconic provincial parks. Established in 1893, it was the province’s first provincial park and today protects more than 7,600 square kilometres of forests, lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
One of the best ways to experience Algonquin is on the water. Whether you’re heading out for a few hours or planning a longer canoe trip, paddling gives you access to parts of the park that you simply can’t reach by road.
If you don’t have your own equipment, Algonquin Outfitters rents canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at several locations throughout the park.
For an easy paddle, Canoe Lake is one of the most accessible options along Highway 60. Canisbay Lake is another good choice, with calm water, a sandy beach, and plenty of space to spend an afternoon swimming or relaxing by the shoreline.
If hiking is more your thing, Algonquin has trails for every experience level. The Spruce Bog Boardwalk is a short and easy walk through wetlands and black spruce forest.
The Lookout Trail is one of my favourites because it delivers a great view without requiring a full-day hike. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, Centennial Ridges offers some of the best views in the park, with several rocky lookouts overlooking forests and lakes.
Wildlife is another reason people keep coming back to Algonquin. If you’re out early in the morning or around sunset, there’s a good chance you’ll spot beavers, turtles, loons, or even a moose.
Fall is particularly popular, because it’s when the maple forests turn shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Before you leave, it’s worth stopping at the Algonquin Visitor Centre. The exhibits do a good job explaining the park’s ecology, wildlife, and logging history, and the lookout behind the building offers a nice view across the forest.
I’ve included accommodation recommendations above, but camping is also a great option if you want to spend more time in the park.
Canisbay Lake Campground and Lake of Two Rivers Campground are two of the most popular choices, both offering easy access to Highway 60, hiking trails, beaches, and paddling opportunities.
Campsites can book up months in advance, especially during summer and fall colour season, so it’s worth reserving as early as possible.
8. Relax and dine in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Location: Niagara Region, Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Toronto
Best for: Wineries, historic sites, theatre, cycling, and food-focused weekend getaways
Where to stay: Canterbury Inn
Niagara-on-the-Lake has long been one of Ontario’s most popular weekend getaways, in part because it’s close to Toronto and only 20 minutes from Niagara Falls. While it’s best known for its wineries, I’ve always found there’s plenty to do here even if wine tasting isn’t your main reason for visiting.
One of my favourite things about Niagara-on-the-Lake is how walkable it is. The historic downtown is filled with 19th-century buildings, independent shops, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants, making it easy to spend a few hours simply wandering around.
Queen Street is the heart of town, and I usually start there with a coffee from Balzac’s before browsing the local shops.
If you’re interested in history, Fort George National Historic Site is worth a visit. The fort played an important role during the War of 1812, and walking through the reconstructed buildings gives you a good sense of the area’s military history.
Nearby, you can also visit Fort Mississauga or take a walk along the Niagara River Recreation Trail, which follows the river and connects several historic sites.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is also home to the Shaw Festival, one of Canada’s best-known theatre festivals. Productions run from spring through fall, and even if you’re not a regular theatre-goer, it’s worth checking what’s playing during your visit.
If you do want to visit a winery, you’ll have plenty of options. The surrounding region is home to dozens of wineries, including Trius Winery, Peller Estates, and Two Sisters Vineyards. Many offer tastings, tours, and restaurants overlooking the vineyards.
That said, some of my favourite meals in Niagara-on-the-Lake have had nothing to do with wineries.
Treadwell Cuisine is one of the town’s most well-known restaurants and focuses on seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. For something more casual, grab lunch downtown before heading to the waterfront to watch the boats on Lake Ontario.
What I appreciate most about Niagara-on-the-Lake is that it works just as well for people who aren’t interested in wine.
Between the historic sites, theatre performances, restaurants, waterfront walks, and downtown shops, there’s plenty to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake that doesn’t involve wineries.
9. Hike, Paddle, and Explore Caves at Rockwood Conservation Area
Location: Rockwood, Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 1 hour from Toronto
Best for: Hiking, kayaking, swimming, and unique limestone caves and glacial potholes
Where to stay: Norfolk Guest House Inn
Just over an hour from Toronto, Rockwood Conservation Area is one of my favourite places when I want a quick escape into nature without having to drive far.
What makes Rockwood special is its geology. More than 10,000 years ago, glaciers shaped the landscape, leaving behind limestone cliffs, caves, and massive potholes carved into the rock.
They’re easy to access from the main trail system, and seeing them is one of the highlights of visiting the park.
The two main hiking trails, the Potholes Trail and Cedar Ridge Trail, are relatively short and manageable for most people.
As you walk, you’ll pass through forest, along the river, and past some of the park’s most interesting rock formations. There are also several viewpoints overlooking the Eramosa River that are worth stopping for.
If you’re visiting Rockwood Conservation Area in the summer, it’s worth bringing a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The reservoir is generally calm and very beginner-friendly, making it a good place to spend some time on the water. If you don’t have your own equipment, rentals are available at the park.
There’s also a small swimming area with both sandy and grassy sections along the shoreline. On hot summer weekends, you’ll find plenty of people spending the day here swimming, picnicking, and relaxing by the water.
One thing I love about Rockwood is that it works equally well as a day trip or a weekend getaway.
You can camp right inside the conservation area (I’ve done this, it makes for a really easy camping weekend!), or stay nearby in Guelph or Elora and combine your visit with local restaurants, cafés, and breweries.
If you don’t have a car, Rockwood is also one of the easier nature escapes to reach from Toronto thanks to Parkbus service. You can book a return trip from downtown Toronto to Rockwood Conservation area, making for a great day trip.
10. Experience the historic town of Almonte
Location: Lanark County, Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 4 hours from Toronto
Best for: Historic architecture, cafés, and local shops
Where to stay: The Almonte Suites
Almonte is one of my favourite small towns in Eastern Ontario. The town sits along the Mississippi River, and is known for its historic stone buildings, independent businesses, and former textile mills that still shape much of the downtown.
One of the things I like most about Almonte is how easy it is to get around on foot. Mill Street is lined with local shops, bookstores, cafés, restaurants, and galleries, all housed in buildings that date back to the town’s industrial boom.
If the streets look familiar, there’s a good chance you’ve seen them in a Hallmark movie. Almonte has become a popular filming location over the years because so much of its historic downtown has been preserved.
The Mississippi River runs right through town, and so walking along the Riverwalk is a must-do. The pathway follows the river past old mill buildings, waterfalls, and several viewpoints that help tell the story of how the river powered Almonte’s textile industry for generations.
To learn more about that history, stop by the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. Housed in a former woollen mill, it’s one of the best small museums I’ve visited in Ontario and does a great job explaining how the textile industry shaped both the town and the surrounding region.
Almonte is also the hometown of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. If you’re a sports fan, you can visit the James Naismith Museum and see exhibits about his life and the origins of the game.
For something a little different, head to Dairy Distillery. It’s one of the most unique distilleries in Ontario, producing vodka and cream liqueurs using dairy byproducts sourced from local farms. You can stop in for a tasting, a cocktail, or a tour of the facility.
When it comes to food, there are plenty of options packed into a relatively small downtown. I usually stop at North Market for coffee and lunch, and if you’re looking for dinner, Heirloom Kitchen is a good choice for seasonal dishes made with local ingredients.
If you’re visiting between May and October, the Almonte Farmers’ Market is also worth a stop.
What makes Almonte such a good weekend getaway is that you don’t need much of an itinerary. You can spend a couple of days walking around town, learning about its history, eating well, and enjoying the river without feeling rushed.
11. Embrace “Muskoka time” in cottage country
Location: Central Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours north from Toronto
Best for: Lakes, cottage country scenery, hiking, paddling, and waterfront towns
Where to stay: Inn at the Falls
If you’re after a quintessential “cottage country” experience, Muskoka is the place to go. It’s famous for its lakes, forests, small towns, and cottage country culture. Lots of folks in Toronto own their own cottages in the region, but you don’t need to own one yourself to have a beautiful cottage weekend.
If you’re planning a weekend trip, I’d base yourself in Bracebridge. It’s centrally located, has a walkable downtown, and it’s easy to visit other parts of the region from there.
In town, you can take a walk to Bracebridge Falls, grab a coffee at Camp Muskoka Coffeehouse, and stop by Muskoka Brewery for a tasting flight or a meal.
Huntsville is another town worth spending time in. The downtown sits along the Muskoka River and has a good mix of restaurants, local shops, and waterfront walking paths. It’s also the closest major town to Arrowhead Provincial Park, where you can hike, paddle, or swim.
It’s also worth making time for Gravenhurst. The town’s waterfront is home to Muskoka Wharf, where you’ll find restaurants, shops, and the historic RMS Segwun.
If you’re interested in learning more about the region’s history, booking a cruise aboard the Segwun or Wenonah II is one of the best ways to get out on Lake Muskoka.
Of course, the lakes are the main reason most people come to Muskoka.
Renting a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard is an easy way to spend a few hours on the water, whether you choose Lake Muskoka, Lake Rosseau, Fairy Lake, or one of the region’s many smaller lakes.
Even if you don’t have a cottage, it’s still easy to spend time on the water.
You can swim at Kirby’s Beach in Bracebridge, relax at Muskoka Bay Park in Gravenhurst, or book a sightseeing cruise aboard the RMS Segwun or Wenonah II to see the lakes from a different perspective.
For hiking, I recommend Huckleberry Rock Lookout near Milford Bay. The trail is relatively short and leads to one of the better viewpoints in the region. Hardy Lake Provincial Park is another good option if you’re looking for a longer hike through classic Muskoka landscapes.
When it comes to food, make sure to stop at Don’s Bakery in Bala. Their butter tarts have developed a bit of a cult following over the years, and I can tell you first-hand that they are worth the hype!
Muskoka also has no shortage of breweries, cafés, farmers’ markets, and waterfront restaurants, so it’s easy to fill a weekend eating well between outdoor activities.
What I like most about Muskoka is that you can make the trip as active or as relaxed as you want. You can spend your days hiking, paddling, and exploring the towns, or simply find a spot by the water and slow down for a few days.
Bonus Trip: Enjoy art, history, and nature in Thunder Bay
Location: Northwestern Ontario
Drive time: Approximately 15 hours from Toronto (or a 1.5-hour flight)
Best for: Hiking, Lake Superior scenery, waterfalls, and exploring Northern Ontario
Where to stay: The Courthouse Hotel
I’m including Thunder Bay as a bonus recommendation because it’s not exactly a quick road trip from Toronto.
The city is about 15 hours away by car. It’s an amazing drive that’s worth doing, but if you prefer, you can fly up (it’s a 1.5 hour flight) and rent a car once you arrive.
If you have a long weekend and want to see a completely different side of Ontario, I think it’s worth considering.
What surprised me most about Thunder Bay was how much there is to do within a relatively short drive of the city. The landscapes in this part of Ontario are really impressive, and many of them are easy to access.
One of the most popular stops is Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. The 40-metre waterfall is often called the “Niagara of the North,” and the boardwalks around the falls make it easy to see from several different angles. It’s only about 30 minutes from Thunder Bay and is well worth the detour.
If you’re a hiker, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is one of the highlights of the region. The Top of the Giant Trail is the park’s signature hike and leads to cliffs overlooking Lake Superior.
It’s a long and challenging day hike, but it’s worth it. From the top you’ll be standing on cliffs hundreds of metres above Lake Superior, with uninterrupted views across the water and the rugged shoreline below.
If you’re not up for a full-day trek, there are plenty of shorter trails throughout the park as well.
Another place just outside of Thunder Bay that is a must-visit is Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park. A short walk leads to boardwalks overlooking a massive gorge that’s more than 100 metres deep.
Just east of the city, you’ll also find the Terry Fox Monument. Overlooking Lake Superior, it marks the place where Terry Fox was forced to end his Marathon of Hope. It’s one of the most meaningful landmarks in Ontario and a stop I’d recommend to anyone visiting the area.
There’s plenty to do in Thunder Bay itself, too. Fort William Historical Park is one of the city’s biggest attractions and offers a fascinating look at the fur trade era through reconstructed buildings, demonstrations, and exhibits.
I also recommend spending some time along the waterfront at Prince Arthur’s Landing, visiting the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, and checking out Hillcrest Park, which has one of the best views of Sleeping Giant across the harbour.
If you’re interested in local food, stop by Goods & Co. Market, a community market housed in a historic building downtown that brings together local restaurants, cafés, and small businesses.
The city also has a great food scene, with everything from Hoito Finnish pancakes at the Thunder Bay Market to local breweries and independent coffee shops.
And before you leave Thunder Bay, make sure you try a Persian. This local pastry, topped with its signature pink frosting, is a Thunder Bay institution. You can find them at The Persian Man. They’re one of those foods that all locals will tell you not to leave town without trying, so you don’t want to miss it!
Let’s Travel Ontario Responsibly
As tourism continues to grow across Ontario, I think it’s important to remember that Ontario’s Provincial Parks, towns, and villages aren’t just attractions for tourists.
They’re communities where people live and work, and landscapes that require ongoing care and protection. Many of these places are also located on the traditional territories of Indigenous Nations whose histories, cultures, and connections to the land long predate modern tourism.
If you’re visiting one of Ontario’s parks or conservation areas, follow Leave No Trace principles by staying on marked trails, packing out everything you bring in, and respecting wildlife from a distance.
Many of the places on this list have become increasingly popular in recent years, and our small actions as individual visitors can have a big impact over time.
The same idea applies when visiting towns and cities. Support local businesses when you can, be respectful of residents, and remember that you’re a guest in the communities you visit.
Ontario’s old tourism slogan, “Yours to Discover,” has stayed with me for a reason. The province still feels that way.
There is so much to see, so many stories and histories to learn. Just remember that the goal shouldn’t necessarily be to check destinations off a list. It’s important to experience these places as responsible tourists, so they’re just as rewarding for future visitors as they are for us today.
Looking for more Ontario travel inspiration?
