Ontario Getaways to Have This Summer

If there is one time of year that I appreciate staycations more than ever, it’s during summer in Canada. We wait all winter for a few short months of beautiful, summer weather, so the last thing I’m thinking of is leaving to travel to a different country. However, looking for some summer fun adventures to have in my own backyard is definitely still a priority. Here are some of my fav Ontario getaway spots that are perfect if you’re planning a summer staycation.

Wine Country: Prince Edward Country or Niagara-on-the-Lake

Ontario has two distinct wine regions to visit, and in the summer when the grapes are in full bloom is one of the best times to go. Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) is only a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto, and Prince Edward County (PEC) is only a 2 hour drive from Toronto. Both of these areas offer so much to do, but of course, the main activity is renting a bike, or hopping on a bus/car tour of the local wineries, and breweries. If you’re looking for inspo on how to plan a weekend in either of these spots, here are my guides:

Cottage Country: Muskoka, Parry Sound

If you are from Ontario, you know that cottage country is THE place to spend your summer vacay. However, we’re not all lucky enough to own a cottage of our own or have friends/family that invite us every weekend. Instead, I always start looking for summer cottages to rent about 8-10 months in advance to book a few spots throughout the summer to get me out of the city and have the cottage experience. The Muskoka region has some great options such as Gravenhurst, Huntsville, Bracebridge, etc. and Parry Sound is also a beautiful region. BUT to be honest, any cottage/house on a lake or body of water will do in the summertime.

Provincial Parks: Killbear, Algonquin, Arrowhead, Bruce Peninsula

There are 340 provincial parks in Ontario to visit, and the summer is the perfect time. Whether you plan to camp, or rent an Airbnb or hotel nearby so they are easily accessible, consider exploring some of natures wonderlands this summer (they’re also so beautiful in the fall). When I was younger we always camped at Killbear, but Algonquin and Arrowhead are in the Muskoka region and absolutely stunning. Bruce Peninsula in Tobermory area is also notorious for the crystal blue waters and beautiful hiking trails. Some of these parks even offer glamping opportunities.

Glamping

Another fun option is to seek out a unique glamping opportunity. There are so many options from yurts, to cabins, to tiny houses, and treehouses on Airbnb. A few that I have saved for future adventures are: