Ontario Weekends Away: Top 23 Escapes for 2025
Plan Your Trip to Prince Edward County
It's a 2.5-hour drive from Toronto Pearson International Airport, 3 hours from Ottawa's Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, and 3.5 hours from the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.
- The Ultimate Guide to Prince Edward County
- Top Stay: Drake Devonshire Inn
Blue Mountain & Collingwood
Best For: Skiing, spa weekends, hiking trailsA year-round resort town packed with outdoor activities. Hit the slopes, soak in Scandinave Spa, hike to panoramic lookouts, or simply relax by the fire.
Collingwood is an action-packed destination in Ontario. In the summer, you can explore limestone caves, and in winter, it's the best place in Ontario for skiing. You can get all your family zipping down the slopes at Blue Mountain Resort in winter and then escape to the hot tub apres ski. It truly is the perfect weekend getaway anytime of the year.
Plan Your Trip to Blue Mountain
Getting there: Blue Mountain Village is just over a two-hour drive from Toronto and is full of things to do.
- Where to Stay: Blue Mountain Inn Slopeside.
- Top Stay: Westin Trillium House
Stratford
Best For: Theatre, strolls, and French cuisineEnjoy a romantic escape in this walkable town known for the Stratford Festival, its Victorian architecture, and cozy dining spots perfect for dinner with a special someone.
Plan Your Trip to Stratford
Getting There: Stratford is easily accessible from major cities like Toronto and London, either by car or via a scenic train ride on VIA Rail.
Top Stay: The Bruce Hotel
Muskoka
Best For: Cottage getaways, lakes, natureLocated in the heart of cottage country, Muskoka takes the cake. Think tranquil mornings by the lake, hiking trails through fall foliage, and evenings curled up in a lodge with a roaring fire. Muskoka is the quintessential Ontario cottage destination.
Plan Your Trip to Muskoka
Top Stay: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka
Paris, Ontario
Best For: River tubing, romance, Wellington County charmKayak the Grand River, browse boutique shops, or take in views from the scenic footbridge. This small-town gem is ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway with friends or a romantic escape.
Plan Your Trip to Paris
Apart from shopping and enjoying the cafes of downtown Paris, you can try some activities like river tubing or kayaking on the Grand River, visiting Alexander Graham Bells House, or cycling the Hubs of Ontario Trails. Read our complete guide: [27 Things to do in Paris, Ontario – A Local’s Guide]
Accommodation in Paris - Arlington Hotel established in 1851 and offers historical, chic accommodation.
Tobermory & Bruce Peninsula
Best For: Hiking, diving, and Georgian Bay adventures
Known for its crystal waters and epic hiking trails, this destination is a haven for nature lovers. Don’t miss the Grotto or a boat ride to Flowerpot Island.
Bruce Peninsula Park is over 30,000 acres in size and is an absolute haven for outdoor lovers.
The best thing to do in the park is to visit its natural attractions, like Flowerpot Island, Little Cove, and Fathom Five National Marine Park in Tobermory. Read our guide on things to do in Tobermory.
Getting There: From Toronto, it is a three-and-a-half-hour drive.
You can book a day trip from Toronto to Tobermory. This tour includes a guide and driver that takes you to visit the lighthouse and hiking to see the beautiful cliffs of Georgian Bay. You’ll visit The Grotto, Indian Head Cove, and Marr Lake.
Top Stay: Tobermory Princess Hotel
This beautiful waterfront cottage is 5km from downtown Tobermory. It offers kayaking and beautiful views for sunset. Camping is one of the best options for accommodation in Tobermory in the summer. Tobermory Village Campground or Cyprus Lake Campground.
Kingston
Best For: History and lake views
Tour Fort Henry, enjoy a Thousand Islands cruise, or relax with a lakeside dinner. Kingston mixes heritage with waterside relaxation.
Getting There: Kingston is located just a three-hour drive from Toronto or two hours and twenty minutes by train.
Best accommodation option in Kingston – Delta Hotels by Marriott Kingston Waterfront is beautiful, though. The three-star hotel features an indoor rooftop pool and an onsite restaurant.
Elora
Best For: Romance, spa, and Elora Gorge adventure
With its cliffside views, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa is one of the top accommodations in Ontario. Soak in luxury while exploring the nearby gorge or enjoying a couple’s pampering package.
Getting There: It is just an hour and a half from Toronto, so book a hotel and stay for dinner.
Best accommodation option in Elora – Elora Mill Hotel & Spa. The historic hotel is set in an old riverside mill and features rooms with a fireplace, a full-service spa, a gym, and yoga facilities.
Grand Bend
Best For: Summer vibes, beautiful beaches, and nightlife
With golden sands, vibrant summer energy, and epic sunsets over Lake Huron, Grand Bend is an Ontario beach getaway favorite. My family had a cottage here growing up and my parents retired here for about 10 years, so we know Grand Bend well.
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to Pinery Provincial Park for some camping. You can relax on a patio in one of the downtown restaurants. Catch a show at Huron Country Playhouse, or enjoy its excellent beach.
Getting There: Grand Bend is approximately two hours from Hamilton and one hour from Windsor and is ideally situated for a relaxing getaway. Best accommodation option – Amber Hotel is the best accommodation here.
Killarney Provincial Park
Best for: Nature photography, hiking, and serenity
Unplug and explore pink granite cliffs and peaceful inland lakes. This is a top destination for breathtaking views and peaceful hikes.
Top Stay: Killarney Lodge is an all-inclusive park hotel with rustic lakeside cabins – well worth a look at.
Langdon Hall, Cambridge
This property has the distinction of being recognized by Relais & Châteaux for a standard of excellence. The Five Diamond dining experience is the perfect romantic evening out and its spa packages include a half-day retreat of a Swedish massage, facials, and manicure and pedicure. There is a huge hot tub, saunas, and steam rooms to chill out in for the afternoon.
St. Jacobs
Best For: Markets, dining, and Mennonite charm
Not far from Langdon Hall is St. Jacobs. Browse local food stalls, shop artisan goods, and dive into culture in this charming Waterloo Region destination.
Top Stay: Hotel 52 St. Jacobs
Haliburton Highlands
Best For: Lakes, hiking, and forest adventure
Hit the trails, book a couples’ package at a nearby inn, or simply enjoy outdoor activities like snowshoeing in winter or canoeing in summer.
And when you aren’t enjoying outdoor activities around Haliburton, Stay at Sir Sams where can enjoy complimentary spa access to its waterspa. There are plenty of activities for both summer and winter trips, from skiing and snowshoeing to boating and fishing.
Plan Your Trip to Haliburton
Haliburton is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Ottawa, making it well-placed for a weekend of luxury. Getting There: Haliburton.
Top Stay: Sir Sams Resort and Spa.
Temagami
Best For: Wilderness and stargazingA backcountry paradise where guests can paddle, portage, and truly unwind beneath the stars. Perfect for reconnecting with nature.
Top Stay: Smoothwater Outfitters & Lodge.
Lake of Bays
Best For: Adults-only serenity and natureHome to upscale lodges, lakefront resorts, and endless opportunity for rest and relaxation. Watch the night sky beside a wood-burning fireplace.
Top Stay: Port Cunnington Lodge.
Bon Echo Provincial Park
Best For: Canoeing, hiking, and scenic cliffsAn underrated gem for nature lovers—paddle past Indigenous pictographs or hike the Mazinaw Rock Trail for panoramic views.
Top Stay: Nearby cottage rentals or glamping sites.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Best For: Romance, wine, and charming innsThis historic town is one of the best romantic getaways in Ontario. With its elegant restaurants, boutique inns, and vineyard views, it’s the perfect place to unwind with your special someone.
This town in Ontario is packed with culture, from post-1812 war buildings like Old Fort York and Laura Secord’s house to world-class theater productions at the Shaw Festival. If you want a romantic getaway, book this wine tasting tours and a relaxing hotel for you and your significant other. In the winter, don’t miss visiting the Cie-Wine Festival.
Idlewyld Inn and Spa
Idlewyld Inn and Spa is the number one destination for an elegant getaway in Western Ontario. Located in London, Ontario, Idelwyld Inn and Spa is set in a classic mansion.
The property features a full-service spa, onsite restaurant, courtyard garden, and stained glass windows throughout. It is perfect for anyone wanting an inspiring property for a relaxing city break. Get ready to step back in time.
Apart from its facilities, Idlewyld Inn and Spa also offers an all-inclusive package with a complimentary breakfast. And located in the heart of London, it is a deluxe base for a city break.
This all-inclusive spa resort in Grafton is the perfect place to relax and indulge. Breakfast in bed, outdoor hot tubs, and soothing treatments await.
Sauble Beach is a fantastic destination. The tiny beach community on the shores of Lake Huron is famous for its calm, shallow waters that are perfect for younger children to learn to swim and older children to hone their water skills.
Manitoulin Island offers an array of activities, from exploring the stunning Bridal Veil Falls to hiking the Cup and Saucer Trail, which boasts some of the most spectacular views in Ontario. Visit the charming villages of Little Current and Kagawong and immerse yourself in local culture at the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation.
Some of the best romantic getaways in Ontario include Niagara-on-the-Lake for its vineyard views and charming inns, the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa for luxury with a view of Elora Gorge, and Muskoka for its cozy lakeside lodges with wood-burning fireplaces. These destinations are perfect for couples looking to relax, unwind, and reconnect.
Top luxury spa weekend destinations in Ontario include Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, and Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain. These resorts offer pampering amenities like hot pools, massages, gourmet dining, and serene settings for the ultimate weekend of indulgence.
Affordable weekend getaways from Toronto include Paris, Ontario for river tubing and boutique stays, Prince Edward County for wine and beach vibes, and St. Jacobs for local food and artisan shopping. All are within a 2–3 hour drive and offer unique experiences without breaking the bank.
- Book early for popular summer and winter resorts
- Check for packages that include breakfast, spa access, or dinner
- Plan around local events and seasonal outdoor activities