10 Beautiful Places for a Weekend Getaway in Ontario

The province of Ontario has so many beautiful places to discover, from picturesque small towns to expansion provincial and national parks! One of the things that I love about living in Canada is the huge range of places we can explore within a few hours of our own home. I have gone on some fantastic getaways within Ontario and would love to see more of this province myself, so I had some other bloggers submit their favourite places for this post, too. The next time you want to explore, choose one of these beautiful places for a weekend getaway in Ontario!

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Weekend Getaways in Ontario

Killarney Provincial Park

Killarney is a sleepy village looking out to George Island and the mesmerizing blue of Georgian Bay. Spend the weekend in the village to enjoy top-notch ice-cream, delightful walks to the red-and-white Easter Lighthouse, and boat trips on the lake. I recommend staying at Killarney Mountain Lodge for the best experience. Or head over to Killarney Provincial Park for a day of paddling on George Lake, a hike up The Crack or canoe camping at Killarney Lake. Nothing beats a weekend in the backcountry. – Kathi of Watch Me See Me

Manitoulin Island

Did you know that Ontario is home to the world’s largest freshwater island? An often overlooked destination, Manitoulin Island should be on your travel radar. There are so manythings to do on Manitoulin Island from incredible cultural experiences like Indigenous guided tours, amazing art galleries like the Perivale Gallery, and stellar hikes like the Cup and Saucer trail that you’ll need more than just one weekend to see it all! Known as Manidoowaaling in the Odawa language, meaning ‘cave of the spirit,’ this magical destination will have you returning again and again. – Lindsay of I’ve Been a Bit

Kawartha Lakes

Go on a road trip to explore the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario. This is the ideal region if you love exploring different small towns. Its most famous for Kawartha ice cream but its also home to some of the best butter tarts around (you can even go on a butter tart tour!) and beautiful small towns to stop in and explore. There is a beautiful, boardwalk section of the Trans Canada Trail that extends through the area, along with the Victoria Rail Trail which is perfect for long walks or cycling. Great stops along the way include Fulton Falls and the Kawartha Settler’s Village.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Beautiful Algonquin Provincial Park is only a 3-hour drive from Toronto and Ottawa, but it feels like a world away. This lovely park was established in 1893, making it the oldest provincial park in Canada. There are lots of things to do in Algonquin Provincial Park, such as fishing, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and (backcountry) camping. During the summer months be sure to join one of the Discovery Programs that are organized in the park. Canisbay Campground is a lovely spot and offers all facilities you need for a comfortable stay. Next to the campground is Canisbay Lake, one of Canada’s beautiful lakes. Here you can rent a kayak, go for a swim or relax at the lovely beach. – Lotte of Phenomenal Globe

1000 Islands Hotels

1,000 Islands & Gananoque

The 1000 Islands is a stunning destination, perfect for a weekend escape from Toronto, Ottawa, or the surrounding areas. The 1000 Islands is made up of 1864 islands, several of which are operated by Parks Canada and are opening for camping and visitors. There is a lot to do in 1000 Islands, ranging from relaxing boat tours to more adventurous activities like kayaking or a helicopter tour. Stay in the small town of Gananoque as the perfect starting point. For fantastic views of the 1000 Islands, hike to the Landon Bay Lookout or go up to the top of the 1000 Islands tower.

Paris

If you’re looking for one of the prettiest places in Ontario to visit for your next weekend getaway, then consider Paris. This adorable small town is located an hour outside Toronto and is set along the Grand River. It may be small but there are a ton of things to do in Paris to fill your weekend. For nature lovers, there are hiking trails or you can go rafting. For foodies, you’ll love the array of cafes and restaurants with river views. It’s rich with history, full of quaint local shops, and a unique hotel. – Stephanie off Lady’s Travel Blog

Tobermory

Located about 4 hours from Toronto, you’ll find the charming town of Tobermory. It’s ideal for a weekend getaway because you can experience some of the best nature that Ontario has to offer. Must-sees include Flowerpot Island, part of Fathom Five National Marine Park, and the Tobermory Grotto that is part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park. There are plenty of hikes around the area as well and a lot of wildlife to experience safely. Besides nature, there’s plenty of other things to do in Tobermory like great restaurants, boutique shopping, lighthouses and shipwrecks. – Liliane of My Toronto World

Prince Edward County & Sandbanks Provincial Park

Renowned for its lavender fields and vineyards, Prince Edward County is the perfect place for a laid-back weekend getaway. Prince Edward County is ideal for a couple’s weekend of a girls trip. Book a wine tour or make a day of it visiting vineyards and breweries on your own. For time outdoors, make your way to Sandbanks Provincial Park. You will feel like you’ve left the country!

Port Carling, Muskoka Lakes

One of the top destinations for a weekend getaway in Ontario is Muskoka Lakes cottage country, located two and a half hours north of Toronto. This region of rugged Canadian Shield rock formations, pristine lakes, and tall pine trees is dotted with luxurious Muskoka resorts, historic inns, and posh cottages where you can relax in comfort while soaking up the fresh air and natural beauty. The charming town of Port Carling is the hub for services in the area offering shopping along its quaint streets, a historic mural, and docking for boats. In the fall it’s popular to take a scenic drive along one of several loops that pass through the towns of Bala, Port Carling, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge enjoying spectacular fall colors along the way. – Michele of A Taste for Travel

Niagara Falls

One of the most famous landmarks in Canada is Niagara Falls (and although it straddles the border of the USA and Canada, the best side to visit is the Canadian side). Niagara Falls an excellent place to go for a weekend getaway in Ontario and is only a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto. Things to do in Niagara Falls include the Niagara Hornblower Cruise to the base of the falls, exploring behind the falls, ziplining, seeing the falls from the Niagara Skywheel, flying over Niagara Falls in a helicopter, and riding the rapids on a jetboat. Not far away, there’s the wonderful wine region of Niagara on the Lake. – Christina of Travel 2 Next

Note: The availability of activities at Niagra Falls may currently be restricted.