16 Popular and Secret Weekend Trips from Toronto

Whether you’re visiting the GTA or living in the city, there are surprisingly a lot of options when it comes to weekend trips from Toronto.  In this guide, you’ll find both popular and hidden secret Toronto getaways that can be done in the spring, summer, fall, or winter whether for a day or the full weekend.  With each trip, you’ll learn the details of what you can do there, where to eat, activities to book, and how to get there.

Simply put, Ontario is yours to discover and so let’s jump into those best weekend trips from Toronto.

Table of Contents

Jump straight to the weekend trip ideas from Toronto of interest.

Best Weekend Trips from Toronto

Chasing Waterfalls

Let’s start off with one that is not so obvious.  We all know the BIG waterfalls that are easy to get to from Toronto but there are actually plenty of hidden waterfalls scattered all around Ontario that are only a couple of hours drive from Toronto.  There are a couple of regions of waterfalls that I first introduced in my day trip idea from Toronto so it’s worth breaking them down.

Hilton Falls

Right off the 401 and near the city of Milton is a conservation area that you might’ve passed by many times but never knew was there.  This is part of a Conservation Halton park with a great escape to nature and an athlete’s paradise with its 33.5 km of trail.

The Niagara Escarpment and flowing river is the perfect formula for a waterfall and what makes this unique is that remnants of old Mill Ruins can be seen right alongside the thunderous water.

Whether you’re hiking, trail running, mountain biking, or just walking the dog, the trails here are colour-coded and well-marked.  Other activities include bonfires for s’more making near the falls, horseback riding, geocaching, and tons of photography opportunities.

Dundas Valley

Carved out of glaciers some 10,000 years ago, Dundas Valley Conservation Area is one of Southern Ontario’s gems and natural treasures.  There is much to see and do here including a rich mix of plants, wildlife, geological formations, meadows, and streams.  The area features 1,200-hectares Carolinian forests, colourful meadows, cold-water streams, stunning geological formations and an array of rare plants, birds and wildlife.

The environment is so naturally rich here that it is actually designated by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve since is part of the Niagara Escarpment.

Like Hilton Falls, this conservation area is extremely well maintained with its three main trail loops that are easy to navigate and explore.  Whether you’re here to walk your dog, mountain bike or just putting your legs to good use, it’s another great way to spend time away from the big city.

To start your trip, start with the Trail Centre which is housed in a replica of a Victoria train station.  Inside you’ll find food concession, brochures, maps, and interpretive displays.  You’ll be be able to orientate yourself here and it’s also the starting point for guided hikes and workshops.

The network of trail you’ll find here, one of which is the Heritage Trail that extends into the world famous Bruce Trail.  Along the way, you’ll encounter two other waterfalls – Canterbury and Sherman.  They may not be the thunderous kind but they evokes a certain a tranquil serenity as the water roll down jagged edges of rock.

Read next: We have a full guide of the best waterfalls of Hamilton that you should check out.

Grey Sauble County Falls

If you’re looking for a bit of a road trip adventure, this might be the weekend trip from Toronto you’re looking for.  In Grey Sauble County (or simply Grey County) there are a number of waterfalls you can encounter on your drive up north along Highway 10 towards Owen Sound.

These waterfalls are perfect for those looking for short hikes and impressively unique waterfalls.

The ones you want to see are:

• Eugenia Falls
• Hoggs Falls
• Inglis Falls
• Indian Falls

I won’t spoil too much for you so make sure to add this to your list of weekend getaways whether with a car or if you’re looking to build an itinerary with your RV rental in Ontario.

Collingwood

The cottage are region of Collingwood is a popular getaway destination for locals living in the GTA and beyond as it’s easy to drive to, has an abundance of things to do, places to eat, and most importantly, has a large beach that’s perfect for those hot summer days.

Wasaga Beach

Wasaga Beach is a long and sandy beach that lies at the southern end of Ontario’s Georgian Bay.  It is in fact the longest freshwater beach in the world at 14km.  Come here for swimming, walking along its trails, suntanning, and its connection with nature.

Blue Mountain

The other most popular place to visit in Collingwood is Blue Mountain resort.  In the winter, the mountain transforms to the region’s tallest mountain for snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding.  In the summer, there are plenty of activities on the resort grounds and surrounding areas to take advantage of its location along the Niagara Escarpment.  The most notable adventure activity is Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster.

Niagara-On-The-Lake

The famed wine region of Ontario is one of the most magical places to visit and while staying here overnight is preferable, it’s certainly possible to have a memorable weekend day trip.  Matched with the beauty of the flower-lined streets, cute boutique shops, and historic towns are the endless number of world-famous vineyards, the Shaw Festival, and Fort George.

NOTL for short, the epitome of a perfect Saturday or Sunday itinerary includes renting a bicycle, riding out to a winery for a tasting, walking along the main street, having a fabulous dinner, and slurping on ice cream from Moo.  More trip ideas can be found in this 3 day Niagara Falls itinerary.

While you’re planning your trip here, make sure to check the Niagara-on-the-Lake calendar for events.

When you’re here, also make sure not to miss out on one of my favourite hiking trails in the region, Niagara Glen.  From here, you get an incredible view of the Niagara Gorge.  In the Fall, the colours are absolutely stunning here.

Another area adjacent to NOTL you need to include in your trip is Queenston Heights Park, Whirlpool Aero Car, and White Water Walk.  Many of these spots you can find in our Fall Colours in Niagara video.

Niagara Falls

Now this is the big elephant in the room right?  Niagara Falls is commonly referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, or at least Canadians would love for it to be declared with that title.  What more can I say about the 168,000 cubic metres of water that thunders down the edge of the Niagara escarpment as a plume of cool mist emerges from Horseshoe Falls.  It’s truly a natural icon in Canada.

Without a doubt the Canadian side is the best side.  What makes the area a perfect weekend trip from Toronto is that there are so many ways to see and enjoy the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls.  You can see the Falls up-close from the Hornblower Cruise, in a cave as part of Journey Behind the Falls, or White Water Walk.  Just be prepared to get wet!

Beyond the falls themselves, there’s so much more entertainment to discover here whether it’s the zany Clifton Hills, the casinos, water parks, amusement park, gardens, and parks.

When planning your trip to Niagara Falls, consider the Wonder Pass to make your life easier with you and your family.  With advanced purchase, you get one-day access to Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, the Butterfly Conservatory, and Floral Showcase.  You’ll also get two-day access to WEGO and Falls Incline transit and discounts to local shops and eateries.

If you’re looking for something organized, there’s the small group half-day tour or Gems of Niagara if you’re already in Niagara Falls or the full day tour from Toronto if you don’t feel like driving.

While Niagara Falls isn’t far from Toronto, it is always a winner as a weekend getaway.  Make it better by staying at one of the hotels with tower views of the falls.

Prince Edward County

On the north shore of Lake Ontario is a county characterized by a charming rural lifestyle with tasteful urban flavour.  Located only 2 hours away from the GTA, you come here for a weekend day to take advantage of the region’s sandy beaches and dunes, beautiful slice of nature, wineries, breweries, and a town of creative and passionate folks.

Prince Edward County is known as “The County” by the locals but may be more modernly called, simply PEC.  What started off as an expanse of agricultural land, the past few decades has been a renaissance of developing must-visit highlights for local and international visitors.  What makes it such a gem is that you wouldn’t know it from driving by along Highway 401 as most people travelling east would continue to Belleville and onwards to Kingston.

In PEC, you definitely want to start off visiting a few wineries.  The most popular ones TerraCello Winery, ThreeDog Winery, and Sandbanks Estate Winery which is known for their Baco Noir.

From there, make sure to hit up my favourite Parsons Brewing Company, which has a fun, contemporary vibe of fresh hop creations, and a fantastic selection of foods to pair with your flight of beers.  There’s a ton of sprawling open space here at the farm and great for kids as well.

Another main attraction in Prince Edward County is Sandbanks Provincial Park.  With the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, you have three sandy beaches that are among the best in Canada with their shallow waters and gentle drop off.  The large sand dune hills are also awesome for some sliding fun.

In the towns of Picton and Wellington make sure to look out for great locally-made goods and farm-to-table restaurants that serve with locally-grown ingredients.

If you come here during the right time of the year, Prince Edward County Lavender is another highlight that you have to visit.  Better yet, plan to come during the Lavender Festival so make sure to check the PEC event calendar.

On your way out, don’t forget about the Glenora Ferry which is an alternative way to get to Kingston as opposed to hopping back onto the 401.

Lastly, if you’re a fan of The Drake Hotel in Toronto, their second property is here and is the Drake Devonishire.

Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory

Another jewel of Ontario is the entirety of the Bruce Peninsula.  Stretching between Georgian Bay up to Lake Huron, the turquoise clear waters, stunning coastal landscape, are something you just need to see in person.  It is in fact part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

A weekend day trip getaway to the Bruce Peninsula might seem a little far but it’s totally do-able.  From Toronto, you take Hwy 10 and then Hwy 6 all the way up north until you reach the very end which happens to be the town of Tobermory.

Read next: We did an amazing weekend in Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula that will give you an idea of how to plan a trip up to here.

Tobermory is where your adventure starts.  It’s a charming town that’s packed with local artisan shops, fish & chip shacks, bars with patios, and live music.  This is also where you’ll find the harbor where you’ll be able to get on the thrilling Jet Boat Flowerpot Island Express by Blue Heron Cruises that takes you out to Flower Pot Island and along the way see Big Tub Lighthouse, and two 19th century shipwrecks.

Flower Pot Island is a full day on its own.  There are several trails to follow here that follow a rugged terrain and takes you out to the the flower pot rock formations, picnic shelters on the shoreline next to Beachy Cove, areas to swim and snorkel, light station and lightkeeper’s cottage.

The other place you have to visit is part of Bruce Peninsula National Park.  The renowned trails are a must-do but since you’ll only have one day to see it all, focus your efforts on getting to the park’s famous Grotto.  This area is known for its pristine waters and shoreline sea cave where the adventurous ones will go in for a jump and swim.  Note that the parking day pass to the park is $11.70.  Since this is a national park, you’ll be able to use the Parks Canada Discovery Pass.

For those looking for a bus tour from Toronto, there’s this tour of Tobermory and Flower Pot Island in a day that you can consider.

Kitchener-Waterloo

Home to my alma mater, the Kitchener-Waterloo region doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves but there are a couple of hidden secrets here that only those in-the-know will tell you.

A quick day trip to the KW has a few key highlights that are quite unique.  The attractions you’ll find here mostly centre on the international communities that have grown here.

The first comes from the large Mennonite community that goes all the way back to the 1790s when they immigrated here from the US, settling on the vast area of farmland and continue to do so today.  While they are easily recognizable by their traditional black suits and broad-brimmed hats for men, and ankle-length dresses and matching bonnets for women, they aren’t to be confused with the Amish.

To best understand their history and faith, the Mennonite Central Committee has an interpretation centre in the village of St. Jacobs, just north of Waterloo.  It’s at St. Jacobs where you’ll find many Mennonite stores selling farm-cultivated produce and goods.  Of particular interest is their maple syrup which is stupendously good.  The Mennonites are well-known for their woodworking skills so anyone in need of hand-crafted furniture would do well to visit here.  The area has grown to encompass the St. Jacob Market District which now also includes a farmer’s market, market road antiques, and small outlet mall.

The second large community in Kitchener-Waterloo is the German community.  Every October, huge tents are set up downtown for Oktoberfest and is billed as Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival, and you’ll be surprised to hear that this is the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world.

If you can’t time your visit to come during Oktoberfest, the Heidelberg Restaurant Tavern & Motel is as authentic as it gets when it comes to a German-style restaurant.  Its signature dishes include Pork Hock which is a giant dish of smoked pork knuckles or Schweinshaxe in German.

In addition to these two distinct cultural experiences, Kitchener-Waterloo is a growing scene for craft beer.

Port Perry

This community of 9,500 may not be on the top of your list, but trust me, there’s more than meets the eye.

Located on the shores of Lake Scugog, Port Perry is seen as the gateway to a region known for its lake adventures but looking inwards, the city itself is rapidly growing whether it’s the historic Downtown Port Perry, or the parks that surround the lake.

In the summer, there are a number of festivals in Port Perry including the Mississauga First Nation PowWow, the Highland Games, the Dragon Boat Races, StreetFest, and the city’s own annual fair.  Downtown is becoming a small foodie paradise as well with its selection of bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.  On Queen Street, the main artery, you’ll marvel at Victorian-era architecture while shopping at unique boutique shops.

For those that are avid fishermen, the region offers something different for both winter and summer.  In the winter months, Lake Scugog freezes over and you’ll find many ice-fishing huts over the lake.  In the summer, you can easily take 1 of the 4 municipal ramps to take your boat out on the lake.

From Port Perry, you can also head out to the Great Blue Heron Casino where you’re guaranteed to have a great time whether you’re a high roller or you play the penny slots.  Make sure to try the Heron Burger here.

Kawartha Lakes

There is a chain of lakes 90 minutes northeast of Toronto that create the most remarkable outdoor getaway.   With beautiful lakes, meandering rivers, rolling farmland, large park spaces to choose from, and well-preserved wilderness, there’s a panoramic beauty here that is why this is another popular weekend destination.  While the Kawarthas span several different counties including Peterborough, it’s the simplified marketing term for the area similar to Muskoka.

The Kawarthas are best known to be part of cottage country.  With many beautiful properties dotting the Trent-Severn Waterway, the overnight travellers will definitely be settling in one of these to relax on the dock, go fishing, or explore the local towns.

A different way to see the lakes is to actually be on the lake.  For fishing enthusiasts, taking a boat out is the obvious choice but there’s something else you can consider.  Did you know that the Kawartha Lakes is the Houseboat Capital of Ontario?  Rent a houseboat with a company like R&R Houseboat Rentals for the day or more.  What makes the Kawarthas attractive is their tightly connected system of locks as you jump from one lake to the next.

Another fantastic option to consider are the wealth of provincial parks and conservation areas by the lake.  My particular favourite is Balsam Lake Provincial Park.  They have plenty of day-use space with the beach, easy hiking trails, canoeing, birding, and biking.  Overnights at the campsite are also a great way to spend the weekend here.  Otherwise there are the hotels you can see down below.

Lastly, on your way in or out, you must visit the Kawartha Dairy store in Lindsay as they have the best ice cream in Ontario.

Muskoka

This is the heart of Ontario’s cottage country and where everyone flocks to in the summer for their cottage residences by the lake.  What makes it so popular is because of its proximity to Toronto and wealth of the quintessential Canadian outdoors – surrounded by 1,600 lakes, painters’ dream rocky landscape, rivers, beaches, rolling green countryside, it’s a lakeside retreat that everyone dreams about.

However, as much as it’s great for a week-long getaway, you can still enjoy the province’s premiere cottage country in a day.  You just need to know where to go.

Huntsville is considered to be the gateway into Muskoka and this is where you’ll start.   In this town there are several attractions to check out.  There’s the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery which showcases 30 large-scale murals that have been reproduced and scattered throughout town.  These famous painters spent much of their time here and it really showcases the beauty of this region.

Right outside of town is Arrowhead Provincial Park.  It’s a great day-use camp with sandy beaches and a ton of incredible trails but where they really shine is in the winter with their 1.3 km outdoor ice trail and tubing hill.

From here, you’re right by the entrance into the famed Algonquin Provincial Park.  The park itself is massive so you’ll have to pick one or two spots to visit near the West Gate.  Oxtongue River Picnic Grounds is a great place for a packed lunch or you can head straight for a hike.  I recommend Two Rivers Trail (easy) or Whiskey Rapids Trail (moderate)

South of Huntsville and great on your way back home is Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm which is a great opportunity to learn, taste, and purchase that Canadian liquid gold.

Anyone who’s interested in beer and wine will do well to visit Muskoka Brewery and Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery.

If you’re interested in seeing Algonquin more thoroughly as a day trip, there are Algonquin Provincial Park day tours from Toronto or if you’re interested in multi-day tours, these activities can get you started.

Lastly, the SS Bagwin Lake of Bays cruise is quite the remarkable trip that includes a 2.5 hour trip from Dorset to Port Cunnington Lodge where you’ll have a 3 course dinner before returning back to Dorset.

Ferris Provincial Park

If you’re looking to head out east for a day-camping experience, Ferris Provincial Park is an excellent choice.  Located in Campbellford, Ontario, it is situated along the banks of Trent River.

From the park, you have access to the suspension bridge above Ranney Gorge.  From here, you’ll get unobstructed views of Trent River, Ranney Falls, and an old tannery.  Just be careful if you’re afraid of heights!

The park also has several hiking trails to choose from, most of which will take you to or close to Ranney Falls and the Trent River gorge.  Along the way, also expect to see stone fences and rare flora and fauna.  The hikes to look for are the Ranney Falls, Ranney Gorge, and Drumlin Trail Systems.

If you’re staying overnight, the provincial park has excellent camping facilities.   You can also stay in Campbellford.

Point Pelee National Park

This one’s a little further away from Toronto but if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, you can consider doing this stretch day-trip to the most southern point of mainland Canada or stay overnight to truly maximize what you can see and do here.

Point Pelee National Park is an ecologically diverse park that has a plethora of natural wonders to be discovered whether in the summer or winter.  70% of the park is composed of marsh that is and 21% is forest.

One of the highlights is to visit the southern most point and you can visit there by shuttle which is offered between April and October.  From here, you can see wild flowers, local birds, dragonfly, and monarch migrations.   In the winter months, you can drive down here.

There are numerous hikes you can do in the old Carolinian forest.  There are simple hikes like the Marsh Boardwalk (1 km loop) that take you through the Ramsar Wetlands, the DeLaurier Homestead & Trail (1.2 km loop) to learn about the land’s history with the First Nations,  the Botham Tree Trail, the Tilden Woods Trail (1 km loop), or there’s the Woodland Nature Trail (2.75 km loop) .

Other activities you can enjoy while you’re out here is cycling, geocaching, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.

The park also offers guided tours.  They have a Junior Naturalist Program in the summer for kids 7 to 11.  They also have a Freighter Canoe Tour, Wildflower Walk, and Family Migration Hike.

Point Pelee is not to be confused with Pelee Island which can be reached by ferry.

Lastly, since this is a national park, you can use your Parks Canada Discovery Pass for free access.

Buffalo

Last but not least is are our friendly neighbours to the south.  Buffalo is just across the border from Niagara Falls and is a great option as a day trip.  While it won’t be enough to truly see the entire city, there’s plenty of time to get a feel for what that revitalization of Buffalo that I experienced all those years ago is all about.

At Buffalo’s core, this is a city that has a glorious past and one that has seen tougher times but is on a new trajectory of growth.  This can be seen from the examples of art deco in its architecture including the City Hall.  Another piece of interesting architecture is the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House.

The best examples of revitalization can be seen from the RiverWorks, the waterfront that’s transformed into an entertainment complex as a venue for skating, hockey, curling, concerts, dining, bars, and concessions.  Canalside is adjacent to RiverWorks and closer to the downtown core.  Here, you’ll have access to waterfront views, public park space, and event venue space for things like summer concerts.

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site are two highlights for visitors.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more adventure, check out the ziplines at the abandoned grain elevators or paddleboard the Buffalo River.

When it comes to food, Watson’s Chocolate and and Anchor Bar are classic institutions in the city.  That said, some of the best hops are had at Resurgence Bar.

Of course, if you’re primarily interested in shopping and checking out the sights on the American side of Niagara Falls, there’s always that too!  Also, don’t forget to check out Fort Niagara and the lesser known Buffalo wine trail.

If you like what you see in your planning, add a day or two to your trip to make it a full weekend or long weekend!

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Whether you’re looking for a weekend trip from Toronto or just building your own itinerary for your visit to the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario, I’d love to hear from you about whether you agree with this list or have questions.  Drop a comment down below!

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