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, 12 Best things to do in Prince Edward County in the Summer 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
More Info: Check out my guide on what to do in the Thousand Islands.
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.
More Info: Check out my list of Things to do in Sauble Beach.
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!
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Follow me on Instagram!
✨ Did you know you can stay in the most luxurious glamping tent just minutes from the famous Grotto in Tobermory?
Welcome to The Grotto Getaway, where camping meets comfort in the best way possible. Each tent has its own unique vibe (I stayed in The Boho), and trust me, the bed is soooo comfy. Add a private fire pit, string lights, and all the cozy touches? You’ll never want to leave.
It’s glamping, but elevated. And honestly? It’s the perfect base for exploring Bruce Peninsula, especially if you’re planning a hike to the Grotto or Lion’s Head.
⛺️ Just minutes from the national park
🔥 Private fire pits + luxury vibes
🛏️ A bed so good you’ll forget you’re in a tent
Save this for your next girls’ trip, romantic escape, or solo reset.
📍 Have you ever tried this type of glamping? Would you? Drop your answer below!
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
*invited stay*
#glampingontario #brucepeninsula #tobermoryontario #grottoontario #uniquestaycanada #ontariotravel #campingbutmakeitcute
Seen all the waterfalls in Hamilton? Here are 8 stunning Ontario waterfalls to explore this summer instead 💦🌿
✨ Why you’ll want to save this:
• They’re spread across the province : from Thunder Bay to Bancroft
• Less crowded than the famous Hamilton ones
• Perfect mix of photo ops, hikes, and beauty!
The full list:
1. Jones Falls, Owen Sound
2. Aguasabon Falls, Terrace Bay
3. Egan Chute, Bancroft
4. Kakabeka Falls, Thunder Bay
5. High Falls, Bracebridge
6. Inglis Falls, Owen Sound
7. Robertson Creek Falls, Sault Ste Marie
8. Ragged Falls, Algonquin Highlands
💾 Save this post for your next Ontario getaway.
Which of these waterfalls have you seen already and which ones are you adding to your summer travel list? ⬇️
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#OntarioWaterfalls #WaterfallsInOntario #ExploreOntario #CanadaRoadTrip #OntarioParks #SummerInOntario #HiddenGemsOntario #NatureInOntario #WeekendGetawayOntario #HikingOntario #OntarioTravelGuide #BucketListOntario #WanderOntario #waterfallchasing
Planning a summer weekend in Bruce Peninsula? This is your sign to do it, and yes, here’s your perfect 2-day itinerary. ⬇️
Tobermory is the dream combo of Caribbean-blue water and rugged trails, but it can get busy, so this plan keeps it stress-free while still hitting the best spots.
✨ Expect:
• Coffee & cute town vibes in Tobermory
• Kayaking over shipwrecks or taking a boat to Flowerpot Island
• A night under the stars at the coziest glamping tent
• A hike to one of the most iconic views in Ontario (Lion’s Head!)
• Plus a quiet beach that’s not as crowded as the big-name ones
Honestly, if you’re into epic views, peaceful overnights, and small-town charm, this one’s for you.
💾 Save this for your next Ontario getaway, and tag someone you’d glamp here with!
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
#BrucePeninsula #OntarioRoadTrip #ExploreOntario #TobermoryOntario #OntarioHikes #TheGrotto #LionsHeadLookout #OntarioGetaways #WeekendInOntario #CanadianSummer #DiscoverON
Planning a road trip through Alberta? Steal my 6-day itinerary, it’s packed with epic views, and once-in-a-lifetime stops. 🚗🏔️
I flew in and out from Calgary and explored the Rockies for a little less than a week. Here’s how it all breaks down:
📍 Day 1 – Kananaskis
Quiet hikes, glamping, and peaceful mountain vibes far from the crowds
❄️ Day 2 – Icefields Parkway + Columbia Icefield Adventure
One of the most scenic drives in Canada + a glacier walk you’ll never forget
🦌 Days 3 & 4 – Jasper National Park
Canyons, lakes, wildlife, and so many underrated gems
🏞️ Days 5 & 6 – Banff National Park
Classics for a reason!
💾 Save this post if Alberta’s on your bucket list — and head to the blog for the full itinerary, map, and all my tips!
Which stop would you be most excited to visit?
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires! ⬇️
#AlbertaRoadTrip #TravelAlberta #ExploreCanada #Kananaskis #ColumbiaIcefield #IcefieldsParkway #JasperNationalPark #BanffNationalPark #CanadaItinerary #AlbertaAdventure #RockyMountainRoadTrip
I’m manifesting that by the end of today…
the person you send this Reel to will say:
“Okay fine, let’s book it.”
Back Forty Glamping =
✨ Beautiful domes
🔥 A private hot tub with nature views
🌲 A forest sauna you will stay in too long
🌌 And the kind of stargazing that makes your phone camera give up
This place is made for weekend escapes, slow mornings, and that “can we just stay one more night?” kind of feeling.
💫 Send this to your go-to adventure buddy — and let the manifesting begin.
Who would you bring with you?
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
*invited stay*
#BackFortyGlamping #OntarioGetaways #GlampingCanada #UniqueStaysOntario #ManifestThatTrip #ExploreOntario #ForestGetaway #WeekendEscapeVibes
