11 Perfect Weekend Roadtrips from Toronto (Less Than 3 Hours Away)

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!

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!

Prince Edward County, Ontario

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.

Lion's Head Lookout
Lion’s Head Lookout

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.

Beaver Valley, Ontario

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

Thousand Islands, Ontario

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.

Day trips from Toronto

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.

White Water Walk, Niagara Falls
White Water Walk, 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.

Away Cabins on Rice Lake
Away Cabins on Rice Lake

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.

Frontenac Provincial Park

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.

Pinery Provincial Park

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

Bon Echo Provincial Park

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.

Sauble Beach, Ontario

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 Matera has been continuously inhabited for over 9,000 years? 🤯 That means people have been watching sunsets from these ancient cliffs since before Rome even existed!

📌 SAVE & SHARE this reel for your next Italian adventure! 🇮🇹✨

What makes Matera so special?

🏛️ One of the oldest cities in the world – It’s the 3rd oldest continuously inhabited settlement after Aleppo and Jericho. If you move into the Sassi di Matera, you’d be living in the same cave homes as people from the Middle Ages!

🪨 Matera is literally carved into stone! – The word Sassi means “rock” in Latin, and most of Matera’s dwellings are dug directly into limestone cliffs. That’s why the cave hotels here are some of the most unique stays in Italy!

⛪️ 155 hidden cave churches! – Matera is home to an underground world of frescoed churches and monasteries, carved into the rock centuries ago.

😳 Once abandoned, now a UNESCO site! – In the 1950s, Matera was called the “shame of Italy” due to extreme poverty. Families were forced to relocate, leaving the city in ruins.

✨ But by the 1990s, everything changed! Matera was revived and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Today, it’s one of the most breathtaking and unique places in Italy!

Visiting Matera = stepping back in time!

Between its ancient history, unreal landscapes, and magical golden-hour views, this place is unforgettable.

Would you visit Matera? Or have you already been? Drop a 🏛️ in the comments if this is on your bucket list! 👇

 🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires

#Matera #ItalyTravel #VisitItaly #SassiDiMatera #HiddenItaly #CaveHotels #UNESCOWorldHeritage #AncientCities #TravelEurope #HistoricPlaces
Would you stay in a cabin so remote, you have to hike to get there… Trust me it’s 100% worth it.

Looking for a secluded winter getaway near Toronto? Meet Lavender Landing, a hidden off-grid cabin in Creemore, Ontario, just 1.5 hours from the city. No cars, no crowds—just snow-covered trees, a crackling fireplace, and total privacy.

🚶‍♀️ Getting there is part of the adventure – You’ll hike 1km through the forest to reach this cozy retreat, but don’t worry, the owners provide snowshoes and a sled for your trek.

🔥 Cozy perks:

✔ Heated by a wood-burning fireplace (because nothing beats the sound of crackling fire in winter)
✔ Gorgeous views over the snowy forest—no neighbors, just nature
✔ Off-grid, but still has WiFi & power outlets
✔ Mini fridge, camping burner & BBQ  for simple meals
✔ Heated outhouse just steps from the cabin

🌲 Endless trails & a hidden waterfall!

This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a winter adventure. You’ll have access to scenic trails, including one leading to the largest privately owned waterfall in Ontario.

📌 SAVE this post for your next Ontario cabin getaway! Would you hike 1km in the snow for a morning like this? Let me know in the comments! 👇

📍 Lavender Landing | The Hollow Mill | Creemore, Ontario

*invited stay*

🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires

#OntarioCabins #WinterGetaway #CozyCabin #SnowyEscape #HikingOntario #OffGridCabin #WinterHiking #CreemoreOntario #HiddenGems #CabinInTheWoods #cabinvibes
Winter hiking can be magical… unless you make these mistakes. ❄️

I’ve made my fair share of winter hiking mistakes, and trust me—some made my hike way harder than it needed to be. Avoid these 5 common mistakes (and don’t miss the 3 extra ones at the end!👇).

1️⃣ Overdressing & Overheating
I was afraid of being cold, so I layered up too much. Big mistake. Once you start moving, your body warms up fast—and sweating in the cold makes you freeze later. Wear breathable layers you can easily remove.

2️⃣ Skipping the Snowshoes
The trail looked packed, so I thought I didn’t need them. Two minutes later, I was sinking knee-deep in snow. If there’s fresh or soft snow, bring snowshoes.

3️⃣ Not Checking Trail Conditions
Deep snow, ice, or even surprise closures can ruin your hike. Check trail reports before heading out and bring microspikes or snowshoes if needed.

4️⃣ Starting Too Late in the Day
Winter days are short, and the sun sets fast. Start early so you’re not racing against daylight.

5️⃣ Forgetting a Second Pair of Gloves
Wet gloves = cold, miserable hands. Whether from snow or sweat, a dry backup pair is a lifesaver.

🚨 And here are 3 mistakes most people don’t think about… but definitely should! 👇

6️⃣ Not Protecting Your Phone from the Cold
Cold weather drains your phone battery FAST. Keep it in an inside pocket close to your body and bring a portable charger.

7️⃣ Ignoring Wind Chill
-5°C might sound fine, but with wind chill, it can feel like -15°C or worse. Dress for the “feels like” temp, not just the forecast.

8️⃣ Not Telling Anyone Your Plan
Winter hiking conditions can be unpredictable. Always tell someone your route and expected return time.

📌 Save this post so you don’t make these mistakes! Have you ever had a winter hiking fail? Tell me in the comments! 👇

 🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires


#WinterHiking #HikingTips #OutdoorAdventure #WinterHikes #HikingOntario #WinterExploration #StaySafeOutdoors #DiscoverOntario #HikingFails #coldweatherhiking
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: There is no connected business account for the user .
Close
© Copyright 2024. Msurlaroute All rights reserved.
Close