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The 8 best weekend getaways from Ontario

Plan your Ontario weekend getaway with top spots for couples, families, and friends, plus travel tips, activities, and seasonal highlights.

yuehwen

Published: December 3, 2025

Ontario’s central location makes it the perfect base for short escapes. Within a few hours’ drive or train ride, travellers can reach lakeside resorts, charming wine regions, nature trails, and even cross-border destinations in the U.S. 

This guide highlights eight of the best weekend getaways from Ontario, including practical tips on travel time, activities, seasonal highlights, and connectivity. 

Quick Picks — Where to go for a weekend getaway from Ontario

If you’re short on time or want a quick overview, these top destinations are perfect for planning your weekend getaway. Each spot offers a mix of activities, scenic beauty, and convenient travel from Toronto. Use it to decide which getaway matches your interests—whether it’s outdoor adventures, relaxing spa retreats, wine tastings, or family fun.

DestinationTravel time from TorontoHighlights
Blue Mountain & Scandinave Spa2 hours driveSkiing in winter, hiking in summer, spa relaxation
Prince Edward County2.5–3 hours driveWineries, art galleries, boutique accommodations
Elora & Elora Mill Hotel & Spa1.5 hours driveScenic gorge, spa treatments, quaint town
Niagara-on-the-Lake1.5 hours driveWineries, theatre, lakefront strolls
Gatineau & Nordik Spa-Nature4.5 hours driveSpa resort, outdoor adventures
Finger Lakes, NY4–5 hoursWineries, waterfalls, boating
Muskoka2.5 hours driveLakes, cottages, boating, hiking
Niagara Falls1.5 hours driveWaterfalls, attractions, family-friendly activities

Planning tip: Travel times may vary depending on traffic and season, so it’s always a good idea to check conditions before you set out. Weekend trips are best started early in the day to maximize your time at the destination.

Ladies weekend getaway from Ontario

Ontario offers plenty of options for a relaxing girls’ trip. From spa retreats to charming small towns with boutique shopping and wineries, these destinations are perfect for unwinding and connecting with friends over a weekend.

Blue Mountain & Scandinave Spa

How to get there: About a 2-hour drive north from Toronto

What to do: Blue Mountain offers skiing, snowboarding, hiking trails, and scenic gondola rides. After outdoor activities, relax at the Scandinave Spa, known for its outdoor baths, saunas, and massage treatments.

Why it’s ideal for ladies’ trips: Combines adventure and relaxation in one spot, perfect for a rejuvenating weekend.

Blue mountain resort winter view.
Blue mountain resort winter view. Source: Blue mountain resort

Prince Edward County

How to get there: A 2.5–3 hour drive from Toronto

What to do: Explore vineyards, taste local wines, visit art galleries, and enjoy lakeside dining. Don’t miss Sandbanks Provincial Park for its sandy beaches.

Why it’s ideal for ladies’ trips: Wine tastings, boutique shopping, and charming accommodations make it a leisurely, indulgent getaway.

Elora + Elora Mill Hotel & Spa

How to get there: A 1.5-hour drive from Toronto

What to do: Walk along the Elora Gorge, enjoy hiking or tubing in summer, and book spa treatments at the historic Elora Mill Hotel & Spa.

Why it’s ideal for ladies’ trips: Combines natural beauty, historic charm, and wellness amenities in one scenic town.

Stunning view of Elora Gorge.
Stunning view of Elora Gorge. Source: Shutterstock

Couples weekend getaway from Ontario

If you’re planning a romantic escape, Ontario and nearby regions offer destinations that blend scenic beauty, cozy accommodations, and activities designed for two. Think wine tastings, lakeside dinners, spa treatments, and quiet countryside walks. 

Niagara-on-the-Lake

How to get there: A 1.5-hour drive from Toronto

What to do: Wine tours, lakeside strolls, boutique shopping, and theatre performances at the Shaw Festival. Ideal for romantic dinners and sunset views.

Why it’s ideal for couples: Picturesque town, vineyards, and cultural experiences make it perfect for bonding and relaxation.

City view of Niagara-on-the-Lake
City view of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Source: Shutterstock

Gatineau + Nordic Spa-Nature

How to get there: A 4.5-hour drive from Toronto

What to do: Enjoy Nordic-style spa treatments at Nordik Spa-Nature, go for scenic hikes, or visit Gatineau Park for wildlife and autumn colors.

Why it’s ideal for couples: Couples can combine scenic adventure and relaxing treatment with plenty of privacy and natural beauty.

Autumn colors in Gatineau Park
Autumn colors in Gatineau Park. Source: Shutterstock

Finger Lakes, New York

How to get there: A 4–5 hour drive from Toronto (crossing into the U.S.).

What to do: Wine tours, waterfall hikes, boat trips, and cozy lakeside dining. The Finger Lakes are famous for their vineyards and artisanal food.

Why it’s ideal for couples: Combines scenic drives, romantic lodging, and a slow-paced retreat ideal for reconnecting.

Travel tip for U.S. trips: To prepare for your weekend getaway to the US, you can check resources like Tips for travelling from Canada to the US. You can also consider Holafly’s US travel eSIM.

Finger Lakes, New York
Finger Lakes, New York. Source: Shutterstock

Family weekend getaway from Ontario

Looking for a weekend that keeps the whole family entertained? Ontario offers destinations with outdoor adventures, family-friendly attractions, and activities suitable for kids of all ages. Families can combine learning, play, and outdoor fun without feeling rushed.

Muskoka

How to get there: A 2.5-hour drive north from Toronto

What to do: Cottage rentals, lakeside activities, boating, hiking trails, and kid-friendly attractions like Santa’s Village or the Muskoka Heritage Place.

Why it’s ideal for families: Plenty of outdoor activities for kids and adults alike, plus scenic lakes and forests perfect for bonding.

A drone view of Muskoka
A drone view of Muskoka. Source: Shutterstock

Niagara Falls

How to get there: A 1.5-hour drive from Toronto

What to do: Explore the falls from observation points, take a boat tour, visit Clifton Hill for family-friendly attractions, and explore nearby parks.

Why it’s ideal for families: Combines awe-inspiring natural attractions with fun entertainment options suitable for all ages.

Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls. Source: Shutterstock.

What to prepare for a weekend getaway?

Before heading out on your Ontario weekend trip, consider these practical tips:

  • Book accommodations early: Popular spots like Blue Mountain and Prince Edward County fill up quickly on weekends, so make sure to book well in advance.
  • Reserve spa treatments in advance: Especially for ladies or couples trips, booking ahead ensures availability.
  • Check cross-border requirements: If you’re travelling to the US, confirm passports, visas, and travel rules in advance. You can find more information on the Canada-to-US travel requirements here.
  • Pre-book activities: Winery tours, theatre shows, or family attractions can sell out on peak weekends, so make reservations in advance.
  • Seasonal tips: Winter for skiing and spa, summer for lakeside fun, fall for foliage hikes. Spring offers blooming gardens and fewer crowds.
  • Pack essentials: Swimsuits, layered clothing, hiking shoes, and snacks for kids. Don’t forget sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and camera gear.
  • Stay connected: Use a Holafly travel eSIM for Canada and the US to keep maps, translation apps, and travel info at your fingertips. If you’re driving a trailer, check internet for travel trailers in Canada guide for more information. To estimate how much data you’ll need, use Holafly’s data calculator!

Stay connected on your weekend getaway from Ontario with Holafly

Traveling for a short weekend doesn’t mean you have to compromise on connectivity. Holafly eSIMs let you stay online across Canada and the US, ideal for navigating routes, booking last-minute tickets, or staying in touch with friends and family.

Benefits include:

  • Instant installation before departure
  • Unlimited data and 24/7 customer support
  • Options for single-country, North America regional plan, or global plans

Whether you’re heading to Muskoka for family fun, Niagara-on-the-Lake for a romantic escape, or the Finger Lakes across the border, staying connected makes planning, navigation, and sharing memories stress-free. 

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哈囉我是來自台灣的 Wen,平常最喜歡旅遊,也喜歡將旅遊的種種化成文字跟大家分享,希望大家能在我的文章中找到有用的資訊,加上 Holafly 的 eSIM,讓你的旅程更美好!✈️✈️✈️ Hi! I'm Wen, a passionate content writer and travel enthusiast from Taiwan. I transform my wanderlust adventures into engaging stories and practical guides, helping fellow travelers make the most of their journeys.Through my articles, I strive to provide travel tips while introducing how our eSIM technology can enhance your travel experience - keeping you connected wherever your adventures take you!

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