Best Vacations within Driving Distance (Toronto Edition)
It’s finally summer which means you can drive with your windows down, music blasting, heading on a day trip with friends/family…but the question is where are you going? This week’s blog post will surely answer that question (or give you some ideas at least). Presenting the best vacations within driving distance (Toronto Edition).
If you live in and around the city, you already know that no matter where you go, you will be surrounded by water, which I mean is beautiful in itself. With the crazy Canadian weather as a factor too, it makes sense that you would want to leave the city and get away from it all, if only for a few hours. Some of the places might be known to you and some may be new, but either way, the world awaits you!
Port Hope, Ontario
Distance from Toronto: 100KM west
Travel Time: An-hour-and-20-minutes
Port Hope was recently named the best small town in Ontario to travel to by travel writer and TV host, Robin Esrock. It makes for a great day trip get away or weekend trip from Toronto. Located by the shores of Lake Ontario, this town attracts people from all over to its beaches, waterfront walking trails, historic buildings, art galleries and museums, and antique shopping areas. There are also a ton of places to stay, including several bed and breakfast places in heritage buildings.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Distance from Toronto: 120KM northeast
Travel Time: An-hour-and-40-minutes
Whether you are visiting on the Canadian side or the American side, Niagara Falls is a sight that never gets old of visiting. With the spectacular views from behind the Falls (on the Canadian side) to the views over the Falls itself on the American side, it’s not hard to see why this location made the list. Of course, there’s Clifton Hill (on the Canadian side) filled with attractions and entertainment as well as gift shops and food. But there is so much more to Niagara than just the Falls, believe it or not.
Niagara is known for it’s wineries to, so if you are up for the adventure, and traveling without kids of course, then why not check out the vineyards along the way? Not to mention they have some pretty awesome casinos up there as well as golf courses.
Stratford, Ontario
Distance from Toronto: 150KM west
Travel Time: Two-hours
Only a couple of hours away from Toronto, Stratford, Ontario is known for more than just being the hometown for Justin Bieber. It is also known for its art and culture. It’s home to a renowned theatre company (Stratford Festival) and its whole Victorian aged style vibe really is what people from all over come to see. Stratford has some really unique places to shop around, local cuisines that showcase their samples, and many art galleries to browse through. While you’re visiting, make sure to check out the well-preserved Victorian architecture around you as well.
Wasaga Beach, Ontario
Distance from Toronto: 123KM north
Travel Time: Two-hours
Did you know that Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world? If that isn’t reason enough to come see it for yourself, then I don’t know what is. But if you need more convincing, keep reading! There are 6 beach areas for you to choose from, but note that Beach Area 1 is the most busiest among the others. There’s also lots of shopping, bars, and dining places to check out.
Make a stop along the way in Collingwood, Ontario (depending on where you’re coming from, you might have to drive through Collingwood along the way) and check out the three minibreweries in town: Side Launch, The Collingwood Brewery, and Northwinds Brewhouse and Eatery.
Prince Edward County, Ontario
Distance from Toronto: 200KM east
Travel Time: An-hour-and-20-minutes
Prince Edward County is the only Canadian destination named in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2015 list of best places to travel, so if you aren’t convinced to visit based on this fact, won’t you go for the beautiful views of the water? Okay fine, you need more convincing I see, but not to worry. Prince Edward County is home to a big culinary scene and over 35 wineries! The area tends to attract the creative types with its galleries and artist studios, as well as one of a kind shops where you can pick up things from your soon to be friends that aren’t available to be found in Toronto.
If you’re planning to stay the night, why not do it at the Drake Devonshire? It’s a lakeside outpost in Wellington, that gives a taste of the cottage life with an artistry (obviously) stylish twist.
Killarney Provincial Park, Ontario
Distance from Toronto: 400KM north
Travel Time: Four-hour-and-30-minutes
Whether you are looking for an escape from the city to climb mountains or to go camping, or just enjoy the view, Killarney Provincial Park, is one of the most beautiful parks in Ontario. Emerald lakes and glittery quartzite cliffs decorate the park and change the minds of even the most cynical travelers.
There’s something really freeing knowing that you can set up your tent and be guaranteed that you’ll see more animals around than humans, because admit it, it is nice to just get away from everything once in a while, isn’t it?
But if camping, paddling, or hiking isn’t your thing, not to worry, this park still is for you. Book a stay at the Killarney Mountain Lodge to experience the beauty of the place without roughing it out in nature.
Ottawa, Ontario
Distance from Toronto: 450KM east
Travel time: Four-hours
A trip to the nations capital, could it get any better than this? As long as you don’t go in the winter, when everything freezes over, then you should be fine. Take it from someone who has been, it is BEAUTIFUL. I would highly recommend going. Take a tour of the Parliament buildings, go shopping, and make sure to take a walk alongside the Rideau Canal. The most worthwhile part of the trip? Take a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint, trust me, it is something you HAVE to do before you leave. Cause I mean, who doesn’t want to see how money is made? And who knows, you might score some big memorabilia there too!
Ottawa had been experiencing a boom in the craft beer industry, so why not say you visited? Make it a point to check out some of the local breweries like Broken Stick Company, Bicycle Craft Brewery, and Lowertown Brewery in the ByWard Market.
Montreal, Quebec
Distance from Toronto: 540KM east
Trave Time: Five-hours-and-30-Minutes
Montreal (as hectic as it is to get around the city) really is beautiful and has something for everyone; whether you want to dine, shop, or party all night and nurse hangovers all day. Known specifically for its culinary scene, you can indulge in just about anything in this French city, cause who does food better than the French?
Make sure to spend some time getting lost in Old Montreal with it’s European vibe. It gets hard to remember where you are when you look down and see cobblestone streets and feel the Old World vibe.
The Adirondacks, New York
Distance from Toronto: 590KM east
Travel Time: Six-Hours
The Adirondacks were made for people who enjoy being outdoors or have a firm belief that time is best spent indoors. Either way, take in the fresh air and keep moving, cause once you see the true beauty of the place you will have a hard time wanting to stay still. This park is a mind-blowing six acres of nature – mountains, lakes, rivers, and trails – making it the destination for everyone.
After all that exploring, why not refuel with a little wine? There are many wineries and cideries along the Adirondacks Coast because nothing pairs better with mother nature than alcohol.
Final Thoughts
Have you visited any of these places? Are you planning on going to any of these destinations? Share your photos and stories online and don’t forget to tag us! We would love to hear what you have to say and your thoughts about these places. Until next time, stay safe and keep exploring!