5 Ways to Get Away from the City This Weekend
Summer in Toronto is a double edged sword. After a long, cruel winter the promise of warm sunny days seems more than welcome. If you want to get away from the city there are several great places around the GTA where you and your family or friends can spend a great long weekend.
Hop in a car for a weekend road trip, buy a bus ticket for worry free travelling or check out VIA Rail for discount prices on train tickets to get you to your favourite destination. If you are travelling by car don't forget to make sure your car insurance is up to date and your roadside assistance is still valid, just in case.
I think it's safe to say Canadians love to make the most of the warm summer months and trust me when I say our great country has a lot to offer. Here are five great places to visit in Ontario before the leaves turn brown.
Enjoy the Countryside at Niagara-on-the-lake
Just a couple of hours away from the GTA lies one of the most picturesque locales in Canada. Rolling hills, sandy beaches, and some of the finest wineries in Canada are just a few of the reasons to take a trip out to Niagara-on-the-lake. It’s the perfect weekend trip for couples.
Stay at one of the many cozy bed and breakfasts, book a winery tour to sample some delicious homemade wines and get a dose of culture by visiting one or both of the historic military forts along the riverside.
Get Entertained at the Stratford Festival
If culture really is your thing, it’s hard to beat a weekend full of theatre. The Stratford Festival has a long and established history of producing fresh, high-quality takes on Shakespeare, but have branched out into other works recently.
The festival has also attracted an impressive number of famous actors including James Mason, Christopher Plummer, and even William Shatner. Stratford is only a few hours drive from Toronto and the festival runs all the way into October so you’ve got plenty of time to catch a performance before it's over.
Relax at Sauble Beach
You’ve probably already gone to Sauble Beach or at least heard about it. If you haven’t gone, you should go. In my opinion it's by far the best beach in the province. You get crowd-free white sand beaches, cool, clear water and comfortable motels that don’t break the bank.
If privacy is more your thing, there are plenty of cottages available to rent and plenty of relaxing activities such as golf or boating to help pass the time.
Visit Niagara Falls
This is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations. There’s plenty to do in Niagara Falls, from taking a boat ride on the Maid of the Mist, to hitting the casinos, to family trips at Great Wolf Lodge or even Marineland - if seeing Blackfish on Netflix didn’t put you off of these marine life establishments.
Go Camping
Ontario has such a great natural landscape; no wonder it’s home to over 78,000 square kilometers of parks. Many of these parks have campsites, with varying amenities. Roughing it for a few days is one of the best ways to spend time with some friends or family and can often cost next to nothing if you’re sharing costs.
Make sure you stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors. Lots of people like to roast marshmallows and make s'mores, but Canada has seen more than enough forest fires this year. So be careful when making that campfire crackle. Visit the Ontario Parks website to find a park close to you.
What's your favourite place to visit for a long weekend?