Discover 11 perfect outdoor escapes less than 3 hours from Toronto—ideal for weekend roadtrips from Toronto or spontaneous day trips from Toronto!
Are you craving a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Whether you’re looking for Weekend Road Trips from Toronto or spontaneous Day Trips from Toronto, this guide has you covered. Within just three hours of driving, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns, and endless outdoor adventures perfect for nature lovers.
From hiking trails and scenic lookouts to waterfalls, beaches, and lakes, these destinations offer something for everyone. Whether you want to wander through the vineyards of Prince Edward County, marvel at the rugged beauty of Bruce County, or explore the crystal-clear waters of Georgian Bay, this list has the perfect outdoor getaway for you.
Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road—here are 11 perfect outdoor escapes less than 3 hours from Toronto that are ideal for nature-filled weekends and quick day trips!
Read More // For more Ontario inspiration check out my 11 Best Ontario Lookouts!
Let me help you plan your next weekend roadtrips from Toronto!
11 Perfect Weekend roadtrips from Toronto
1. Prince Edward County
Distance from Toronto: ~2.5 hours
Why Visit: Known for its wineries, sandy beaches, and charming towns, it’s perfect for foodies and nature lovers alike.
What to Do: Explore Sandbanks Provincial Park, enjoy some of the local wineries and breweries, have a spa day at Wander the Resort.
Where to Stay: The June Motel or Drake Devonshire for trendy, Tiny Stays for a unique glamping experience.
More Info: Check out my guides to Prince Edward County in the Fall and Prince Edward County in the Winter for seasonal tips!
2. Bruce Peninsula
Distance from Toronto: ~3 hours
Why Visit: Ideal for hiking, camping, and exploring the rugged shoreline of the Bruce Peninsula.
What to Do: Visit Bruce Peninsula National Park, hike the Grotto Trail or Lion’s Head Lookout, and kayak in Tobermory.
Where to Stay: The Grotto Getaway for a glamping experience or rent a cottage on Lake Huron.
3. Beaver Valley
Distance from Toronto: ~2 hours
Why Visit: A peaceful valley offering scenic drives, hiking, and charming villages.
What to Do: Hike Old Baldy Lookout, visit Eugenia Falls, and try one of the many wineries
Where to Stay: The June Motel in Beaver Valley (one of my favorites in Ontario!)
More Info: Check out my guide on what to do in Beaver Valley.
4. Thousand Islands
Distance from Toronto: ~3 hours
Why Visit: A stunning collection of islands along the St. Lawrence River, ideal for boating and history lovers.
What to Do: Take a boat cruise, explore Boldt Castle, hike the Landon’s Bay trail in Thousand Islands National Park or go kayaking between the islands.
Where to Stay: The Ivy Lea Camping group or rent an O’Tentik tent at Parks Canada
5. Muskoka & Algonquin
Distance from Toronto: ~2.5-3 hours
Why Visit: A quintessential cottage country experience with forests, lakes, and wildlife.
What to Do: Canoeing, hiking trails in Algonquin Park, and relaxing at Muskoka’s lakeside resorts.
Where to Stay: One of the many cottage rental on Airbnb.
More Info: Check out my guide for a weekend away in Bracebridge, Muskoka.
We are halfway through the list of weekend roadtrips from Toronto…
6. Niagara Falls
Distance from Toronto: ~1.5 hours
Why Visit: World-famous waterfalls combined with family-friendly attractions and wineries.
What to Do: Take a Hornblower Cruise, hike Niagara Glenn, and tour Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries.
Where to Stay: Sheraton Fallsview or charming inns in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
More Info: Check out my complete guide to Niagara Falls.
7. Rice Lake
Distance from Toronto: ~1.5 hours
Why Visit: Great for fishing, boating, and nature escapes with fewer crowds.
What to Do: Fish, kayak, and explore local hiking trails.
Where to Stay: Away Cabins for the most gorgeous views.
8. Frontenac Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: ~3 hours
Why Visit: Ideal for backcountry hiking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting.
What to Do: Paddle through lakes, hike rugged trails, and camp under the stars.
Where to Stay: Cabinscape for a remote glamping experience or A Frame on Thirthy Lake for the cottage vibe.
9. Pinery Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: ~2.5 hours
Why Visit: Home to sand dunes, beaches, and rare oak savanna forests.
What to Do: Swim at the beach, hike or bike the trails, and go canoeing.
Where to Stay: Park campgrounds or Kiwi Motel for a trendy vibe.
10. Bon Echo Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: ~3 hours
Why Visit: Famous for its towering Mazinaw Rock and Indigenous pictographs.
What to Do: Hike to viewpoints, kayak or canoe along Mazinaw Lake, and explore the rock carvings.
Where to Stay: Try some glamping at Tiny Village
11. Sauble Beach
Distance from Toronto: ~3 hours
Why Visit: One of Ontario’s longest freshwater beaches, perfect for swimming, sunsets, and summer relaxation.
What to Do: Swim, sunbathe, stroll along the boardwalk, and explore nearby hiking trails.
Where to Stay: The June Motel in Sauble Beach or the Beach Motel in Southampton.
I hope this will help you choose your next weekend roadtrips from Toronto!
No matter what type of outdoor adventure you’re looking for, these Weekend Road Trips from Toronto and Day Trips from Toronto provide the perfect escape into nature. From stunning beaches and rugged hiking trails to charming small towns and scenic lakes, these destinations offer something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a weekend retreat, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to unwind, explore, and create unforgettable memories. So grab your bags, hit the road, and start your next adventure today!
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Think Belleville isn’t a foodie destination? Think again! ☕️🍴 Let’s uncover some must-visit spots that will have you planning your next trip ASAP:
1️⃣ Benji’s Coffee Bar – Cozy vibes, incredible coffee, and baked goods you can’t say no to.
2️⃣ Tropical Blend – Refreshing smoothies that taste like sunshine in a cup!
3️⃣ The Kafana – Authentic Balkan cuisine that will blow you away. Try the perogies—trust me.
4️⃣ The Lark – This is the hit spot in Belleville and your go-to for the best dinner experience.
5️⃣ The Brake Room – The perfect mix of specialty coffee, bikes, and community vibes.
Which spot are you most excited to try?
👉 Don’t forget to like, save, and share this with your foodie crew—let’s spread the word about Belleville’s hidden gems! 🙌
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#bellevilleontario #bellevilleon #bayofquinte #bayofquintetourism
❄️ GIVEAWAY TIME! ❄️
This winter, I’m teaming up with Three Dog Winery to give one lucky winner the ultimate snowy vineyard experience! 🍷 Strap on some snowshoes and explore the beautiful trails at Three Dog Winery with 2 tickets for their snowshoeing adventure.
Here’s what’s included:
✨ Snowshoe rentals for 2 people
✨ A guided snowshoe tour through the vineyard
✨ Delicious lunch for 2
✨ Wine tasting
✨ PLUS 2 cozy Three Dog Winery toques to keep you warm and stylish!
This experience can be used on any date when the tour is running (reservations are required), so you can plan the perfect winter outing! ❄️
How to enter:
1️⃣ Like this post ❤️
2️⃣ Follow @ThreeDogWinery and me!
3️⃣ Tag your adventure buddy in the comments (1 tag = 1 entry, enter as many times as you like).
4️⃣ Share this post to your story and tag us for a bonus entry!
🎉 Giveaway ends January 22, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will be announced on January 23 via my stories.
This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram.
Good luck, and may the snow be on your side! 🥂❄️🍷
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#threedogwinery #visitthecounty #princeedwardcounty
🌌 Did you know there’s a place in California that feels like you’ve landed on another planet?
Welcome to Death Valley National Park, home to some of the most surreal and otherworldly landscapes you’ll ever see. From salt flats that stretch for miles to golden dunes and colorful hills, this park is a must-visit for any adventure lover.
Here are 5 spots in Death Valley that will blow your mind:
1️⃣ Badwater Basin – Walk on the lowest point in North America at 282 feet below sea level.
2️⃣ Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes – Explore rolling dunes that feel straight out of a sci-fi movie.
3️⃣ Artist’s Palette – Marvel at the vibrant, colorful hills painted by nature itself.
4️⃣ Dante’s View – Take in sweeping views of the valley from 5,000+ feet above.
5️⃣ Zabriskie Point – Watch the sun set over golden, wave-like hills that look like they belong on another planet.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and snacks—it’s called Death Valley for a reason!
🌟 If you’re dreaming of epic landscapes and unforgettable adventures, save this post for your next trip! Don’t forget to like and share to inspire your fellow adventurers.
Which spot are you most excited to visit? Drop it in the comments! 👇
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#DeathValleyNationalPark #TopThingsToDoInDeathValley #USNationalParks #DeathValley
If you’ve ever dreamed of luxury glamping in Utah, this might just be your 2025 adventure.
Bryce Glamp and Camp is the perfect basecamp for exploring Bryce Canyon National Park. Just minutes away, these luxury domes let you experience the best of Bryce Canyon glamping without sacrificing comfort. Hike through Bryce’s iconic hoodoos, chase sunsets, and then come back to plush beds, and panoramic views that will leave you speechless.
Tag someone who needs this kind of adventure in their life!
And don’t forget to like, save, and share this post so you can find it when you’re ready to plan your 2025 getaway and enjoy stunning Utah sunset views! 🌟🏕️
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* Gifted Stay *
#brycecanyonnationalpark #brycecanyon #utahglamping #bryceglampandcamp
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Exploring Ontario
I’ve lived in Ontario for 10 years and spent the last 5 years chasing waterfalls, hiking trails, and paddling through its endless lakes. And let me tell you—this province is massive, a little buggy, and absolutely worth the hype. But there are a few things I wish I knew before I started exploring. 👇🏼
1️⃣ It’s HUGE—Plan Your Routes
Ontario is bigger than Spain and France combined—no joke. If you’re planning to visit Toronto and then make a “quick stop” at Sleeping Giant to hike Top of the Giant, think again—it’s a 15-hour drive one way. 😅 Pro tip: Plan your routes and book stays early if you’re traveling in summer or fall.
2️⃣ Pack for Every Season
Ontario’s weather has a personality disorder. Summers are hot, but spring and fall can be unpredictable, and winters? Freezing. ❄️ Layers are your best friend, and don’t forget rain gear if you’re chasing waterfalls. Trust me, soggy socks are not the vibe.
3️⃣ Provincial Parks = Must-See Gems
With over 300 parks, Ontario is a playground for nature lovers. Favorites like Algonquin, Killarney, and Bon Echo are perfect for hiking, paddling, and camping. Just book early—especially in summer, when campsites disappear faster than your phone signal in the backcountry.
4️⃣ Bring Bug Spray (Lots of It!)
Ontario’s forests and lakes are stunning, but they also come with mosquitoes and black flies—especially in spring and early summer. Pack bug spray, long sleeves, and hats unless you want to become a snack. 🦟
5️⃣ Paddle Your Way to Hidden Gems
Some of Ontario’s best spots can’t be reached by car or foot—you’ll need a canoe or kayak to get there! 🌊✨ Think remote islands, secret beaches, and quiet coves. If you’re up for an adventure, renting a canoe is 100% worth it.
What’s your favorite spot in Ontario? Or what’s still on your bucket list? Let me know below! 👇🏼
📌 Save this for trip planning, ❤️ if you love nature escapes, and share with your adventure buddy! 🥾🌲
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#exploreontario #ontarioadventures #hikingontario
