posted on April 8, 2025
As Canada’s largest city, Toronto is bound to keep you entertained day and night, but sometimes it’s nice to break away from the familiar. When you need a change from Toronto’s fast paced lifestyle, there are no shortage of relaxing weekend getaways just a short drive from the city.
Whether you’re local to Toronto or visiting, Ontario’s cottage country and small towns offer a world of relaxation and adventure perfect for a short trip. Read on for more inspiration, then rent a car in Toronto and prepare to hit the road!
From quaint towns to campgrounds, here are five of our favourite weekend getaways from Toronto.
Best Toronto weekend getaways
Bruce Peninsula
Why it’s great
Is this Canada or Punta Cana? Turquoise waters and breathtaking vistas of the Niagara Escarpment give Bruce Peninsula National Park an unreal tropical vibe in the summer. For a weekend trip lounging on the beach and surrounded by nature, this is it!
When is the best time to visit Bruce Peninsula
July and August are the best months to take a weekend trip to the Bruce Peninsula, when the weather is best for swimming, boating, and relaxing at Singing Sands Beach.
In the winter, nature enthusiasts can visit the park for snowshoeing or winter camping. Book a yurt at Cyprus Lake for a cosy weekend in the wilderness.
Practical tips
Reservations for camping and most parking are required at Bruce Peninsula National Park. Make sure to book well in advance, especially for the summer. If you want to extend your trip, take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry toManitoulin Island to experience its starry night skies and rich Indigenous culture.
How to get to Bruce Peninsula
Where is the Bruce Peninsula? Located on Georgian Bay, the Bruce Peninsula is located about three and a half hours from downtown Toronto. Follow Highway 410 out of Toronto to Highway 10, then continue on Highway 6 to get there.
What to do in Bruce Peninsula
Hike the trail to The Grotto to experience the stunning coastline of Bruce Peninsula National Park. A glass-bottom boat tour from Tobermory to Flowerpot Island is one of the best things to do, offering views of shipwrecks and spectacular Georgian Bay sunsets.
Prince Edward County
Why it’s great
Wine-sipping, spas, and sand dunes — Prince Edward County has everything you need to slow down on a weekend getaway from the city. Quaint and idyllic, the region is one of the best places to visit for couples and families, known for its warm hospitality, arts and culinary scenes, and natural beauty.
When is the best time to visit Prince Edward County
Summer offers the best weather for swimming at Sandbanks Provincial Park, but is also the busiest time to visit. Spring is another great time to go, especially for foodies. Swing by in late March or early April to catch flavourful festivals like Maple in the County and Countylicious.
Practical tips
Prince Edward County is made up of ten regions of small hamlets and villages. Do your research ahead of time and decide where you want to spend the most time to ensure a smooth and relaxing weekend trip.
How to get to Prince Edward County
Where is Prince Edward County? Head east on Highway 401, following the shores of Lake Ontario, and you’ll arrive in this pastoral paradise in about two and a half hours. Take exit 522 for County Road 40 and continue onto Loyalist Parkway until you reach the town of Picton, located in the heart of the County.
What to do in Prince Edward County
In the summertime, walking and relaxing on the stunning beaches and dunes at Sandbanks Provincial Park is a must! Food and wine is another big draw here. Book an afternoon tour or spend the night at a local winery like Three Dog Winery or Waupoos Estate, and browse the Wellington Farmers Market for a firsthand taste of County gastronomy.
Elora
Why it’s great
Known as “Ontario’s most beautiful village” for its charming architecture, art galleries, and the stunning Elora Gorge, Elora is one of the best places to visit for a short trip from the city. Spend some time in the nearby town of Fergus for more heritage charm, Scottish history, and boutique shopping.
When is the best time to visit Elora
Summer is the best time to explore the Grand River waterfront and catch festivals like the Fergus Scottish Festival and Riverfest Elora. In the winter, visitors can enjoy winter walks in local conservation areas, explore the Elora Art Walk, and admire heritage buildings in the enchanting, snow-covered scenery.
Practical tips
Book your accommodations a few months in advance if you plan to visit Quebec City during the Festival d’été de Québec in summer, Carnaval de Québec in winter, or during Christmas. To experience the surrounding natural beauty, take a detour to Montmorency Falls or Jacques-Cartier National Park.
How to get to Elora
Where is Elora? Located just an hour and a half west of Toronto, Elora is an easy weekend getaway or day trip from the city. Take Highway 401 to Highway 6, and continue to County Road 7 to arrive in Elora. If you’re arriving in Toronto by air, pick up your Toronto rental car from Pearson International Airport so you can hit the road as soon as you land.
What to do in Elora
Visit the Elora Gorge Conservation Area to explore scenic hiking trails, or take a dip and relax on the beach at the Elora Quarry. In town, grab a freshly-baked treat at the Elora Farmers Market or Elora Bread Trading Company, then take a historic walking tour or visit a glass blowing studio.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Why it’s great
Known for its wine scene and old-town charm, “NOTL” is a sophisticated alternative to the tourist buzz of Niagara Falls and considered one of the most romantic destinations in Canada. Treat yourself to a weekend of fine dining, spa treatments, or cycling through Lake Ontario’s most cherished wine region.
When is the best time to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake
Go between May and October, when the weather is warmest. The Shaw Festival is in full swing during this time, offering a full schedule of plays and events. Winter is the best time to visit if you want to try the region’s famous ice wine at the Niagara Ice Wine Festival.
Practical tips
Summer is the busiest time to visit, so make sure to book your reservations at popular restaurants to avoid disappointment. Visiting in the off season is a great idea to avoid peak season crowds and enjoy spring flowers in bloom or fall colours.
How to get to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Where is Niagara-on-the-Lake? Located on the Niagara River between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, this charming town is just an hour-and-a-half drive from the city of Toronto. Set off on your weekend trip from downtown Toronto by taking the Gardiner Expressway West and continuing onto the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) to reach the Niagara region.
Renting a car and departing from Pearson International Airport is even quicker, shaving half an hour off the drive. Book your Toronto airport rental car on Turo for a stress-free road trip!
What to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake
Stroll through the Heritage District to soak up local history and enjoy afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel. Travelling with your partner? Pamper yourselves with a spa date for two at Spa at Q, then grab a bite to eat at one of NOTL’s fantastic restaurants.
Killarney Provincial Park
Why it’s great
Killarney is widely regarded as one of thebest provincial parks in Ontario, rivalling Algonquin Provincial Park as a backcountry camping paradise. Located on the rugged shores of Georgian Bay, Killarney promises an invigorating weekend getaway of paddling, hiking, and relaxation in the heart of nature.
When is the best time to visit Killarney Provincial Park
Visit Killarney in the summer for the best hiking and camping conditions, as well as the warmest weather for swimming and relaxing on the beach. Each winter, Friends of Killarney Park hosts a Family Day weekend featuring a guided snowshoe hike, barbecue, and access to over 30 km of cross country skiing trails — perfect for a winter weekend getaway with the family.
Practical tips
You don’t need to rough it to explore the beauty of Killarney. Book a private campsite at George Lake Campground or a room at nearby Killarney Mountain Lodge for a lakefront stay that suits your travel style. Killarney is one of Ontario’s most popular parks, so make sure to book your accommodations early.
How to get to Killarney Provincial Park
Where is Killarney? Located in the heart of nature on the shores of Georgian Bay, Killarney is about four and a half hours from Toronto. Head north on Highway 400, then continue on Highway 69 and Highway 637 to reach the park.
What to do in Killarney Provincial Park
Camping in Killarney is the perfect way to disconnect from everyday city life. Hike “The Crack” Trail for panoramic views of the mountains, or tackle Silver Peak to reach the highest point in the park. With over 50 crystal-clear lakes to explore, paddling is another must-do at Killarney. Local canoe and kayak rentals are available near the park.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go two hours from Toronto?
Where do people travel from Toronto for a short trip? There are many places just outside Toronto that offer a rejuvenating break from city life. The Niagara region and Ontario’s cottage country are some of the best options for a weekend getaway from Toronto if you don’t want to spend too much time on the road. Muskoka, Collingwood, and Wasaga Beach are all approximately two hours from the city and are popular spots for getting away for a weekend or just a day trip.
What is the most scenic road trip from Toronto?
Wondering what is the best road trip from Toronto? It all depends on what you want to want to see and how long you want to spend on the road. Driving to the Kawartha Lakes, St Catharines, or Blue Mountain can all be done in under two hours, highlighting local history, beautiful lakes, and iconic landmarks.
For a longer drive, Algonquin Provincial Park and the Bruce Peninsula are two destinations that take you into the heart of nature. The Highway 60 corridor in Algonquin is known for incredible wildlife sightings, and you can admire the Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay Islands from the driver’s seat as you cruise through Bruce and Grey Counties.
Where to go in Ontario this weekend for couples?
Niagara Falls is often considered one of Canada’s best romantic getaways and makes a dreamy day trip, too. Prince Edward County, Muskoka, and Blue Mountain are other classic choices for a romantic weekend getaway, offering spa packages and plenty of places to eat, drink, and explore.
Book your Toronto rental car with Turo
Whether you’re walking nature trails, touring vineyards, or exploring different islands on the Great Lakes, there’s no shortage of places to visit for a memorable weekend getaway near Toronto.
Ready to start planning your Toronto weekend getaway? Rent a car in Torontowith Turo to take you from the city to the beach in comfort and style. For ultimate convenience, pick up your vehicle at Pearson International Airportand hit the road as soon as you land!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this road trip into reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just a lover of travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
