Let’s be honest—sometimes the concrete and chaos of city life can wear even the most committed urbanite thin. Whether it’s the relentless traffic, the honking horns, or the grind of back-to-back meetings, there comes a time when you need to swap the skyline for a starry night, a skyline view for a treetop canopy, and your go-to café for something made with love in a cozy roadside diner.
Luckily, you don’t need a plane ticket or a passport to reset. Ontario is brimming with weekend getaways that are not only scenic and peaceful but also actually worth the drive. Whether you’re looking to unplug in nature, indulge in great food, or discover a small-town gem, these three destinations offer all that—and more.
1. Prince Edward County: The Foodie’s Wine-Soaked Wonderland
Distance from Toronto: ~2.5 hours
Vibe: Rustic sophistication meets artisanal charm
If you haven’t yet explored Prince Edward County (PEC), it’s time to change that. This island county in Lake Ontario has quietly become Ontario’s answer to Napa Valley—with a twist. Here, charming vineyards sprawl across rolling hills, quaint inns beckon with fireplaces and clawfoot tubs, and the farm-to-table food scene is enough to make you forget Toronto’s trendy brunch spots.
Start your weekend with a tasting at Norman Hardie Winery or Closson Chase, two PEC staples known for their crisp Chardonnays and elegant Pinot Noirs. Hungry? Head to Flame + Smith in Bloomfield, where wood-fired cooking takes local ingredients to a new level. Or grab a seat at The Marans Dinebar, a hidden gem known for eclectic small plates and a rotating seasonal menu.
For accommodations, The June Motel offers serious Instagram appeal, with retro-chic décor, vinyl records in every room, and a wine hour that brings guests together around a communal fire pit. If you’re looking for something quieter, try Drake Devonshire in Wellington—a boutique lakeside inn where every window seems to frame a postcard-worthy view.
Beyond eating and sipping, PEC offers plenty to explore. Wander through Sandbanks Provincial Park, rent bikes and cruise along the Millennium Trail, or pop into the many art galleries and antique shops peppered throughout Picton, Bloomfield, and Wellington. No matter your itinerary, one thing’s for sure: this is a weekend you’ll want to repeat.
2. Elora: Art, Adventure, and Gorge-ous Views
Distance from Toronto: ~1.5 hours
Vibe: Boho beauty meets natural wonder
Nestled along the Grand River, the village of Elora is one of Ontario’s most picturesque small towns. But Elora isn’t just pretty—it’s also packed with things to do, see, and eat, all against the dramatic backdrop of the Elora Gorge.
Start your escape with a hike or tubing adventure through Elora Gorge Conservation Area. Towering limestone cliffs, rushing rapids, and deep green waters make this one of the most scenic natural spots in the province. In the warmer months, tubing down the gorge is practically a rite of passage—just be prepared to get wet and hold on tight.
After working up an appetite, wander into town and refuel at The Evelyn, a cozy spot with farm-fresh fare and the kind of service that makes you feel like family. For a more refined experience, Elora Mill Hotel & Spa offers fine dining with panoramic river views. Speaking of the Mill—if you can snag a booking at this five-star boutique hotel, do it. The historic stone building has been transformed into a luxury haven, complete with a world-class spa, outdoor pool, and soaking tubs overlooking the river.
Art lovers will want to visit The Elora Centre for the Arts or check out local studios as part of the Elora Fergus Studio Tour. The village is also home to the Elora Festival, a world-class music event held each summer, attracting top talent from across Canada and beyond.
What makes Elora truly special is the balance—it’s equal parts wild and refined. You can spend the morning zip-lining or caving, then unwind with wine and charcuterie on a riverside terrace by afternoon. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity, Elora delivers.
3. Tobermory: A Wild Blue Escape at the Edge of Ontario
Distance from Toronto: ~4 hours
Vibe: Rugged nature, crystal-clear water, and cabin-in-the-woods vibes
Tobermory isn’t just a summer destination—it’s an experience. Located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, where Georgian Bay meets Lake Huron, this rugged region feels like the edge of the world. It’s also home to some of the clearest, bluest water you’ll ever see in Canada.
Your first stop should be Bruce Peninsula National Park, where you can hike the Grotto Trail to find a stunning sea cave carved into limestone cliffs. The water here glows an almost tropical turquoise—no filter needed. Just be sure to reserve a time slot in advance during peak season, as this spot is wildly popular.
If you’re up for an adventure, take a glass-bottom boat tour to Fathom Five National Marine Park, where you can spot shipwrecks beneath the surface and explore Flowerpot Island with its strange rock formations and historic lighthouse.
Back in town, Tobermory is small but charming, with local restaurants like Shipwreck Lee’s for casual seafood and Tacomory for a fun taco truck experience right near the harbour. Accommodations range from rustic cabins and campgrounds to cozy B&Bs and lodges. For a comfortable stay, Adventure the Bruce Inn offers modern amenities just steps from the action.
Tobermory is all about disconnecting. Cell service can be spotty, which only adds to the appeal. Instead of scrolling, you’ll be stargazing, swimming, hiking, and roasting marshmallows by a fire. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how good it feels to be surrounded by nature, silence, and maybe a few loons calling in the distance.
Making the Most of the Drive
The beauty of these getaways is that they’re accessible—each one within a half-day’s drive of the GTA—yet they feel like a world away. To make the most of your road trip:
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Leave early to beat traffic and maximize your time at your destination.
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Make playlists or download podcasts to set the mood for the drive.
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Pack snacks or plan a pit stop at a cute café or roadside farm stand.
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Book ahead, especially in summer and fall, as Ontario’s top spots can get busy fast.
Whether you’re craving a luxurious weekend with wine and fine dining, a rejuvenating stay immersed in nature, or an artistic escape in a quirky town, Ontario delivers the goods. So pack your weekender bag, grab your favourite travel buddy, and hit the road—these escapes are more than worth the drive.
[Sidebar: Quick Tips for the Road]
Best Time to Go
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PEC: Spring through fall (for winery season)
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Elora: Year-round, but best in summer for tubing and fall for colours
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Tobermory: Late spring to early fall, book parks in advance
Don’t Forget
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Hiking boots or water shoes
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Reusable water bottle
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Layers (Ontario weather is unpredictable!)
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Your camera—the photo ops are endless
Escape the city. Embrace the journey. And discover that sometimes, the best weekends are hiding just down the highway.
Photos by: Jadon Lem, Peter Law and Deneen L Treble.
markmunroe