8 Ontario Weekend Trips You Must Do This Summer

Typically I try not to take international trips in the summer. The prices are usually much higher, the crowds are more dense and depending on where you are going, the weather can be unbearable. My favourite seasons to travel are either the spring or fall. Actually I would say the fall is my favourite but the spring is definitely a close second. All that being said, just because I won’t be taking any major international trips this summer (I will be taking a weekend trip to New York), does not mean I’ll be sitting at home not doing anything. I plan on taking as many day or weekend trips out of the city as possible!

I think people underestimate weekend trips in Ontario. If you aren’t heading up to a friends or your cottage, what’s the point in paying for somewhere to stay? I think this is a shame. There are so many beautiful places to discover and venture out to it’s actually hard to pick just five.

This summer I want to visit as many new places as possible. I’m going to aim to take two weekend trips a month and really start discovering local attractions, destinations and hotels. Because there are three long weekends in the summer (Canadians are pretty lucky that way), there are more opportunities to go a little bit further than I would on a normal weekend. I think the furthest amount of driving we would be able to do is eight hours. That would be pushing it but for the right vacation I would make it work.

Stoney Lake

While we did just visit Stoney Lake this past winter and spring, it’s likely that we will be back. We have very dear friends with an outstanding cottage on this lake and if we are lucky they will invite us back up this summer. Either way it’s a beautiful place to explore. I quite frankly like it more than the Muskoka’s because there isn’t as much traffic, the cottages for the most part are just as glamorous and there is still lots to do in the area. I would definitely recommend visiting the Warsaw Caves as well. Even though we visited in the spring and it was icy pretty much everywhere, the scenery was absolutely gorgeous!

Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
Where to stay: Viamede Resort or Pine Vista Resort

Collingwood / Wasaga Beach

Collingwood and Blue Mountain are really a destination you can go to in any season and have a great time. While I’m part and partial to the winter, you just can’t beat a good day out skiing on the slopes, the summertime has just as many fun things to keep you busy. Hiking up the mountain is a personal favourite. There are some great trails that take you up Blue Mountain with beautiful views of streams and the city below once you reach the top. If you’re a bit more of an adrenaline junky, you can’t beat the mountain biking trails. If you’re not so much of an outdoorsy person, the Village is nothing short of great places to eat and drink. For a night out you’ll definitely want to check out Rusty’s or K2.

Wasaga Beach is not too far from Blue Mountain, about 25 minutes. It’s definitely worth going to see both. Wasaga Beach has some of the most outstanding beaches in close proximity to Toronto.

Distance from Toronto: 1 hour 50 minutes
Where to stay: Georgian Bay Hotel or Cranberry Resort

Bruce Peninsula

The Bruce Peninsula has been on my “Ontario Bucket List” for the past couple of years now. The clear water and beautiful rock formations make this destination look exotic. From what I’ve read you can also visit an old abandoned ship that has sunk in the water. The area is split into four regions; Tobermory, Sauble Beach, Lion’s Head and Wiarton. Tobermory is the region that is photographed the most and the destination I would most love to go and visit. Hopefully I’ll get out that way this June, fingers crossed!

Distance from Toronto: 3 hours 15 minutes
Where to stay: Grandview Motel or Fitz Hostel

Algonquin Provincial Park

Yet another destination for the Ontario Bucket List, Algonquin has been a destination I’ve wanted to travel to for the past several years as well. If you head up north to Algonquin in the right season you can spot plenty of moose wandering through or swimming by. The landscape from what I’ve seen in pictures looks incredible no matter what season you choose to visit but being this would be our first time I would love to visit during the summer to really get the most out of the destination.

Distance from Toronto: 3 hours
Where to stay: Safe Haven Cottage Resort or Stouffermill Bed and Breakfast 

Niagara-on-the-Lake

No summer would be complete without at least one trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake. This mini Napa-of-the-north makes a great spot for a day or a weekend. I obviously have fond memories of this place, having been proposed to right near the water, so I would love to go back any time. There are many wonderful wineries in the region and if you haven’t done a wine tour around I would strongly suggest you do. Bed and Breakfasts are not hard to come by in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and while I have never personally stayed in one (yet!) they all look so quaint.

Distance from Toronto: 1 hour 30 minutes
Where to stay: Queens Landing or Charles Hotel

Ottawa

Ah, Ottawa. The only ever city I have lived in. It’s hard not to fall in love with the nations capital, especially in the summer. The canal that runs through the city is the best place for a run, a bike ride, a walk, a picnic or anything else in between. There is so much to do in this gorgeous city it’s hard to fit it all into one paragraph! The Byward Market is a must in the summer and also a great place to grab some fresh produce. I used to love wandering in and out of the shops, looking at all the souvenirs and knick knacks I didn’t need. If you are looking for somewhere to relax, Parliament Hill is a great go to. You can just sit down and lay on the grass and watch the people as they go by. Visiting Ottawa, you’ll get a mix of history, adventure, luxury and fun. One suggestion I would make is to visit Ottawa for Canada day, there’s nothing like it!

Distance from Toronto: 4 hours 30 minutes
Where to stay: Fairmont Chateau Laurier or Westin Ottawa

Stratford

Most popular for being the home of Justin Bieber, Stratford has so much more to offer. The small town has lots of charm when it comes to the arts and theatre. I don’t know how or why I have never visited, Stratford has been on my list of places to visit in Ontario for quite some time. I would really love to go see a play and spend a weekend wandering through the small town.

Distance from Toronto: 1 hour 30 minutes
Where to stay: Agincourt Manor B&B or Queen’s Inn

Prince Edward County

Yet another place I can’t believe I haven’t visited yet! I have heard so many amazing things about Prince Edward County. As a lover of great food and wine, Prince Edward County I’m sure will not disappoint. The tourism board has created something called the Taste Trail where you can follow the map and travel through the city eating and drinking your way along (responsibly of course). I’m really hoping to get the chance to do this this coming summer because there is nothing I love more than a trip to a nice winery!

Distance from Toronto: 2 hours 10 minutes
Where to stay: Jackson’s Falls County Inn or Best Western

Of course there are many other areas to visit this summer in Ontario but these are just a few of my favourites / the ones at the top of my bucket list. What weekend trips are you planning this summer?