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!
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Did you know you can tour Prince Edward County’s wineries in a vintage hippy van? 🚐🍷
Yep, it’s just as fun as it sounds.
Westy Wine Tours lets you customize your dream wine day in the cutest retro vans (yellow, blue, or pink, your pick!). I stopped at:
🍷 Traynor Vineyard for their famous wine slushy
🌸 Rosehall Run for a glass of their Pixie Rosé
🍹 Old Salt Cocktails for craft drinks, hot dogs, and a round of mini games
It’s the ultimate summer vibe : good wine, good company, and very aesthetic transportation.
💬 Which van are you choosing: yellow, blue, or pink?
💾 Save this for your next PEC weekend!
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
*invited*
#PrinceEdwardCounty #PECwine #WestyWineTour #OntarioWineries #WineTourOntario #RetroVanTour #ExploreOntario #GirlsWeekendVibes #PECgetaway #OntarioAdventures #WeekendInTheCounty #summerinpec
Planning a summer weekend in Bruce Peninsula? 🏕️🌊
Here’s your guide to make it iconic: turquoise waters, epic hikes, quiet beaches, and the cutest glamping stay.
Start in Tobermory with coffee and a boat tour, spend the night in a luxe tent at the Grotto Getaway, then hike to Lion’s Head Lookout (one of my fave views in all of Ontario). Finish with a beach day on the quieter side of the peninsula. — And a reminder that yes, Ontario can absolutely deliver on those summer getaway dreams. 💫
💾 Save this itinerary for your next long weekend in Bruce County!
👇 Been to the Bruce? What’s your must-do?
👇 Never been? What’s holding you back?
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
#BrucePeninsula #TobermoryOntario #LionsHead #OntarioHikes #GrottoGetaway #ExploreOntario #WeekendGetawayOntario
This might just be the most beautiful stay in Ontario, and trust me, I’ve stayed in a lot of beautiful places. ✨
Aux Box in Muskoka is a dreamy off-grid cabin tucked in the forest… and it just got even better.
They’ve added a brand new Nordic spa setup: a cedar sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge, all surrounded by trees and birdsong.
It’s peaceful, cozy, and ridiculously aesthetic.
Perfect for a solo reset, a couples retreat, or a weekend escape where your only plan is to do nothing (in style). 🛁🔥❄️
💾 Save this for your next Ontario getaway idea. This one’s so worth the drive.
👇 Would you try the cold plunge or just stick to the hot tub? Be honest.
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
*collab*
#MuskokaGetaway #OntarioStaycation #UniqueStaysOntario #OntarioCabins #TinyCabinLife #glampingontario
Everyone knows Algonquin, but did you know that just 30 minutes away, there’s a quieter park that’s still totally worth a visit? 🌲✨
Arrowhead Provincial Park might not have the same dramatic views as Algonquin, but it makes up for it with peaceful trails, cozy campsites, and way fewer crowds.
In the summer, you can see the Big Bend lookout, paddle on calm lakes, or unwind at your campsite surrounded by trees. In the fall, the colors are next-level. And in the winter? That forest ice skating trail is straight out of a movie. ❄️⛸️
💾 Save this mini guide for your next Ontario park day. Arrowhead deserves a spot on your list.
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires
👇 Been here already? Tell me your favorite Ontario park that flies under the radar!
#ArrowheadProvincialPark #OntarioParks #ExploreOntario #HiddenGemsOntario #SummerInOntario #OntarioHiking #DiscoverON
Did you know you can stand on ice that’s older than the pyramids? 🧊⛰️
The Columbia Icefield Adventure is one of the most iconic experiences in the Canadian Rockies, and one I’ll never forget. It’s more than just a stop on your road trip… it’s a wild ride through time.
The whole experience takes about 2.5 hours and includes:
🚍 A ride in a massive Ice Explorer up to the Athabasca Glacier
🧊 Time to walk on the glacier itself
🌉 A stop at the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored lookout 280 meters above Sunwapta Valley
Located between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, this is one of those “if you’re even thinking about it, go!” kind of experiences.
💾 Save this post if you’re planning a trip to Alberta this summer and tag your road trip buddy below!
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
#ColumbiaIcefieldAdventure #AthabascaGlacier #JasperNationalPark #BanffToJasper #IcefieldsParkway #CanadaBucketList #CanadianRockies #AlbertaRoadTrip #GlacierSkywalk #ExploreCanada #TravelAlberta #NatureAdventure #OnceInALifetimeTrip
