From visiting the province’s national and provincial parks to spending quality time at the nearby Niagara Falls, you can easily explore some of these destinations on a weekend trip from Toronto.
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Algonquin Provincial Park(3.5 hrs)
For CA$150 you can book a round trip by public transport from a number of pick-and-drop locations around Toronto to the Algonquin Provincial Park.
While hiking and kayaking are popular activities in the warmer months, the park becomes a mecca for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Some private agencies also organize dog sledding trails for day trips and longer weekend excursions. Remember to pack clothes for all weather conditions, regardless of the season.
Niagara Falls(2 hours)
Depending on the nature of your visit, you can reach Niagara Falls by bus or train(CA£50 for a round trip) and book the tickets on the Niagara tourism website.
During the peak season, you can use the WEGO shuttle to travel between Niagara-on-the-Lake and the falls, the price of which is included in your ticket.
It is recommended to set a day aside for both Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. You can experience the falls in a number of ways: by a boat tour or even by zip-lining across the falls.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its Heritage District and its old world charm. To taste some of the best wine in Canada, head out into the Wine Country.
For an all-in-one Niagara experience, suggest bundling your tickets to save some money.
Point Pelee National Park(3.5 hours)
A 3.5-hour drive south of Toronto will take you to Point Pelee National Park, located at the southernmost tip of Canada, extending into Lake Erie.
Though it is relatively small compared to the Algonquin National Park, its location and unique ecology makes it one of the most rewarding place in North America for birdwatching.
During summer, Point Pelee is also popular for hiking, swimming, kayaking and much more. Additionally, it is a designated Dark Sky Reserve, where you can enjoy one of the best views of the night sky in all of Canada.
The park is open till midnight on designated viewing nights and can be explored over the weekend, making it a perfect getaway from Toronto.
Killarney Provincial Park(4 hours)
This is easily one of the best provincial parks in the Ontario district and is home to turquoise-blue lakes, shimmering quartz peaks and a horizon of pine trees as far as the eye can see.
The park is located on the northern shores of Georgian Bay and offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors.
To enjoy some of the best views of Killarney, it is highly recommended to hike The Crack, while those seeking a more ambitious challenge can hike up to Silver Peak, for views of Georgian Bay and the lakes from the highest point in the park.
Given the activities and attractions, it is recommended to spend a couple of nights at the George Lake Campground which is perfect for car camping.
If camping is not your thing, consider staying at the Killarney Mountain Lodge, located just outside the park.
Rockwood Conservation Area(1.5 hours)
The Rockwood Conservation Park is a Grand River Park in Ontario and is ideal for a short weekend trip from Toronto, as it is conveniently located near the city via Highway 401.
You can travel to Rockwood on a weekend by car or using the services of Parkbus. Accommodation options are available at the campground or in the nearby town of Guelph.
Rockwood has a number of exciting walking trails, including the Cedar Ridge Trail and the Pothole Trail, which run along the Eramosa River and offer scenic views of the river running below.
Besides the hiking trails, you can relax on the public beach at Rockwood or go for a swim in the many stretches of shallow water found there.
Rockwood is also great for outdoor activities like kayaking, canoe and paddleboarding, all of which can be rented on-site at the Inside Out Nature Centre.