Unwind with weekend getaways in Ontario
If you want a break from day-to-day life, a weekend getaway is a great option for a short retreat of fun and sightseeing. With weekend getaways in Ontario, you don’t have to travel far from home to experience something new and different. From provincial parks to prime tourist destinations and quiet lakes and mountains, there’s something for everyone in Ontario’s top travel destinations. Whether you want a romantic weekend, a solo retreat, or a vacation with the family for a few days, take a look at the top weekend getaways from Ontario to plan a relaxing break.
Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and is a fascinating destination for a weekend trip. You’ll have an array of institutions and historic sites to explore, such as the Parliament Buildings and Canada’s national museums. There’s also the historic Fairmont Château Laurier, a landmark hotel with spectacular architecture. In winter, one of the most popular things to do is ice skate on the frozen Rideau Canal, but you can have outdoor fun and sightsee in Ottawa all year long at the city’s lakes and parks. If you have the kids, they’ll enjoy visiting places like the Calypso Waterpark and Saunders Farm.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Filled with restored 19th-century homes, romantic bed-and-breakfasts, and charming historic sites, Niagara-on-the-Lake is ideal for a weekend getaway for 2. The historic town boasts waterfront accommodation, dining, and boutiques with lush boulevard gardens. You’ll find wineries, breweries, and distilleries just beyond the old town area for culinary tours and tastings. While you’re here, be sure to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through town.
Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain is one of Ontario’s top ski areas and is a wonderful destination for a relaxing weekend getaway with outdoor activities. In winter, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski activities at the resort. The mountain base’s village has shopping, dining, and nightlife as well. If you have the kids, you can try snow tubing, mountain biking trails, or water sports on the lake at the Niagara Escarpment.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s top travel destinations. Along with seeing the waterfalls in all their glory and taking tours like the Maid of the Mist boat tour and Journey Behind the Falls, you can attend city events throughout the year for the whole family. Clifton Hill, a tourist promenade near the falls, offers dining, bars, kitschy attractions, museums, and arcades. Some of the highlights of the Niagara Falls area include the Butterfly Conservatory, the Aquarium of Niagara, the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, and the Grand Island Fun Center.
Algonquin Provincial Park
If you want to spend your weekend enjoying the outdoors, Algonquin Provincial Park is just the place. This massive park offers an outdoor playground of forests, rivers, and lakes for adventure. You’ll find extensive hiking trails that travel through the forest where you can see wildlife like loons, bears, elk, and moose and take in beautiful views of the landscape. Another highlight is the Algonquin Logging Museum, a living-history museum with a re-created campsite and antique logging equipment.
Jacksons Point
Jacksons Point is a charming small town that gives you a break from the activity in the city for a weekend. The area is filled with resorts and spas near the lakefront where you can enjoy luxurious spa treatments, golf at premier resorts, play tennis, or go hiking. Resorts in Jacksons Point are ideal for couples looking for romance, but you’ll also find plenty of family-friendly resorts with indoor and outdoor activities for both kids and adults.
Muskoka
The Muskoka region is filled with lakes and wilderness in the Adirondacks that’s perfect for a quiet weekend getaway. You’ll have plenty of gorgeous places to choose from, such as Georgian Bay Islands National Park for boating and fishing, and the Fathom Five National Marine Park shipwreck site. There’s also Huntsville, a nature lover’s retreat destination with hiking trails, premier golf courses, winter ski areas, and a charming town area with shops and restaurants.