Best Places for Children To Visit in Ontario

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Popular and Secret Weekend Trips from Toronto

Looking for a transformative weekend? Initiate change, begin a new phase, or set the foundation for something fresh with these top weekend getaway recommendations. 

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is renowned for its diversity, with immigrants comprising nearly half of its three million citizens and 52 percent of the population identifying as visible minorities. Various international cultures are honored in “The Six,” evident in the neighborhoods, restaurants, stores, and museums. This is a significant attraction for travelers seeking novelty without the need for extensive travel, particularly when time is limited during a weekend.

During the pleasant summer months, you can take leisurely walks outside and visit cultural festivals, so make sure to adjust your plans accordingly. During the winter, you are more inclined to stay indoors. Rest assured, there are numerous things available to keep you occupied year-round. Here are some suggestions for inspiring your weekend in Toronto.

Chasing Waterfalls

Let’s start off with one that is not so obvious. There are well-known waterfalls in Toronto, but Ontario also has other hidden waterfalls spread around the region.

Located adjacent to Highway 401 and in close proximity to Milton, there is an ecological preserve called Hilton Falls that you may have overlooked despite passing by it numerous times. This area is a section of Conservation Halton park that offers a wonderful natural relaxation and is ideal for athletes with its 33.5 km of trails.

The combination of the Niagara Escarpment and a rushing river creates an ideal environment for a waterfall. What sets this location apart is the presence of ancient Mill Ruins visible next to the roaring water. The paths here are color-coded and well-marked, suitable for activities such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, or leisurely walks with your dog. Additional activities comprise bonfires for cooking s’mores near the falls, horseback riding, geocaching, and multiple photography opportunities.

Grey Sauble County Falls

This could be just the kind of weekend getaway from Toronto you’re searching for if you want a little bit of an adventure on your road trip. Grey Sauble County, often known as Grey County, features several waterfalls along Highway 10 as you head north towards Owen Sound.

These waterfalls are ideal for individuals seeking brief walks and exceptionally distinctive waterfalls. Entrance is free of charge, although there is a parking fees of $6.00 per vehicle. On weekends from the May long weekend to Labour Day Weekend and Thanksgiving Weekend, the parking rate at Inglis is $8.00, utilizing the Mack Meters system.

Key points:

  • Recreation Trails
  • Snowshoeing
  • Picnicking 

Prince Edward County

Despite its proximity to Toronto, Prince Edward County offers an ideal setting to experience a more leisurely lifestyle. Toronto offers beaches, provincial parks, stunning vistas of the Great Lakes, and a variety of wineries, breweries, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for relaxation.

Activity recommendations:

Ontario is a top wine-producing region in Canada, with Prince Edward County standing out as one of the best within Ontario. Visiting the wineries of Prince Edward County is a popular weekend vacation from Toronto. Exploring vineyards such as Huff Estates and Sandbanks Estates will familiarize you with the diverse Canadian wine industry and help you understand why this region is ideal for wine cultivation. You will have the opportunity to sample several vintages and discover numerous excellent restaurants to dine in.

Sandbanks Provincial Park is considered one of the most popular weekend getaways from Toronto and is known for having some of the nicest beaches in Canada. 

This park, located on the beaches of Lake Ontario, is a popular destination for bird migration and offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and beach relaxation. Many cottages are available for rent in this area, allowing you to plan an ideal weekend escape in this delightful region.

Blue Mountain Village

Blue Mountain Village, located on the beaches of Lake Huron in Ontario, is a highly sought-after ski resort that provides an excellent weekend escape from Toronto, suitable for both summer and winter visits. 

Activity recommendations:

Blue Mountain resort is one of the nearest ski resorts to Toronto, making it an ideal weekend destination for those eager to ski. You have the option to either bring your own gear or rent it at the hill. Additionally, there are numerous instructors available to assist you with honing your abilities in skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Additionally, there are extensive paths ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

The hamlet offers a wide variety of attractions, ensuring visitors will have plenty to do even during the summer when the slopes are devoid of snow. Explore the renowned Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, a roller coaster that travels alongside the ski slopes. The resort offers axe throwing, a virtual reality room, tennis courts, and an aquatic center, providing enough family entertainment options.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

If you want to get away from it all, there are few better places near Toronto than this. The Bruce Peninsula is an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts looking for a weekend escape.

Activity recommendations:

The park’s renowned grotto is undeniably one of the main attractions in this location. The natural cave is accessible by a brief one-kilometer climb from the parking lot and provides extensive views of the sparkling blue waters of Georgian Bay.

The distinctive rock formations here, which resemble flowerpots, give this little island its name. You may access the island via a brief boat journey from the park, where you can also find excellent hiking paths with stunning views.

Summer is the ideal time for weekend getaways to this national park due to the abundance of outdoor activities available.

Stratford

Stratford is renowned for the Stratford Festival and is a cultural center in Ontario, making it an ideal destination for a weekend trip throughout the year.

Activity recommendations:

The Stratford Festival is the largest Shakespeare Festival in Canada and a major attraction for weekend getaways on the Stratford calendar. The festival runs annually from April to October and draws top Canadian actors. Furthermore, Shakespeare isn’t the only subject. Attendees can view new and contemporary plays by renowned authors at this extensive arts event.

The World in a Weekend festival is a popular event designed for families, with puppet shows, musical performances, and various activities to engage children.

Kitchener-Waterloo

The Kitchener-Waterloo region, where my alma institution is located, is sometimes overlooked but holds some hidden gems known only to insiders.

Exploring the KW on a short day trip offers some distinctive features. The majority of the attractions in this area are focused on the growing global communities. If you are unable to attend during Oktoberfest, the Heidelberg Restaurant Tavern & Motel is highly authentic in its German-style dining experience. The restaurant’s notable specialties are pig Hock, a large serving of smoked pork knuckles known as Schweinshaxe in German.

Aside from the two unique cultural experiences, Kitchener-Waterloo is also becoming known for its craft beer culture.

Conclusion

In reality, there is no shortage of great weekend getaways in Toronto.

If you are planning a weekend getaway from Toronto or creating an itinerary for your visit to the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario, we would appreciate your feedback on this list or any queries you may have. 

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