I've Lived In Ontario All My Life & These Are My 9 Fave Destinations For A Girls' Trip

Call your BFFs!

Madeline in a kayak. Right: Madeline and friend.

Two people in a kayak. Right: Two people sitting with wine and pizza.

Lead Writer, Travel

Call up your BFFs! If you and your besties are craving some girl time, then I've got you covered. I've lived in Ontario all my life and these are my favourite spots in the province for a girls' getaway.

From cute small towns with little cafes and local shops to bustling cities with fun attractions and delicious restaurants, you and your friends can have some unforgettable experiences at these spots.

Here are my 9 favourite Ontario destinations for a girls' trip. Get the wine and chocolate ready!

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara Icewine Fest.

Madeline and friends in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Madeline Forsyth | Narcity

Address: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON

Why You Need To Go: This picturesque small town is the perfect spot for a girls' getaway. The area has lots of cute boutiques where you can window shop as well as delicious restaurants and coffee spots.

I never miss a chance to grab an ice cream cone from COWS — a must-have treat while visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The region is known for its many wineries so you and your BFFs can spend the day sipping boozy drinks and wandering through vineyards. Trius is a perfectly pink venue to visit with Insta-worthy photo ops and bubbly beverages.

There are also several spas in Niagara where you can get totally pampered and unwind.

During the summer, the area hosts a range of outdoor events and concerts and each January, you can look forward to the glistening Icewine Festival.

Niagara-on-the-Lake website

Toronto

Address: Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Of course, Toronto is an incredible spot for a girls' getaway. With an huge selection of bars, restaurants and attractions, you and your friends will have no shortage of things to do.

I love spending the Christmas season in Toronto with my friend group since there are so many fun events to attend. From themed bars to the iconic Winter Village, you'll feel like you're in a Hallmark movie.

Summer is another amazing time to visit the city. You can hit up some rooftop patios, wander along the waterfront, and go bar-hopping downtown.

Some of my favourite things to do in Toronto with my BFFs are shopping around Queen Street West, eating all the pasta at Terroni, getting pampered at Majesty's Pleasure and going to fun events like ROM After Dark.

Destination Toronto website

Kingston

Address: Kingston, ON

Why You Need To Go: Having lived in Kingston for a few years, I can confidently say that it's a fun destination for a trip with your besties.

The city has lots of things to do in every season, from skating during the winter months to cruises and cute markets in the summer.

If you and your friends are foodies, it's the place to be. You can indulge in drool-worthy pizzas at Wooden Heads and fill up on brunch at Pan Chancho's.

The city also has a great nightlife scene with so many bars, pubs and patios to check out.

Plus, there are super cute B&Bs, inns and spas where you can book a stay.

Visit Kingston website

Sauble Beach

Address: Sauble Beach, ON

Why You Need To Go: Dubbed the "Daytona of the North," this small beach town is a summer hotspot for girls' getaways. With 7 kilometres of silky shoreline, this stunning destination is an idyllic place to soak up some sun and take a dip with friends.

Other than relaxing on the beach, you can enjoy boozy mini golf, an arcade, speedway and cute local shops filled with unique finds.

The June Motel is a great place to stay and has "''70s inspired beach town vibes." You can lounge with your besties by the pool and indulge in meals at Heydays Restaurant.

Sauble Beach website

Elora


Address: Elora, ON

Why You Need To Go: I love spending a day in this cute little town with friends. Elora is a quaint spot where you can slow down and enjoy your time together.

My day always starts with a trip to Cafe Crêperie for delicious crepes and coffee. Then it's time for window shopping and wandering through all the funky local shops.

If you're feeling fancy, you can book a treatment at the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa. There are also several picturesque trails surrounding the town as well as the iconic Elora Quarry — a magical swimming hole surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Elora website

Guelph

Address: Guelph, ON

Why You Need To Go: I grew up in the Guelph area and it's one spot I just keep coming back to. The city has a lot going on but has a more relaxed feel than Toronto.

During the summer, my friends and I never miss a trip to the Boathouse for one of their giant ice cream cones. Another must-visit spot is Bardō Guelph where you can fill up on all the carbs.

From catching a movie at the Mustang Drive-In to visiting the consignment stores, this city is a fun spot for a getaway with your favourite ladies.

Visit Guelph website

Blue Mountain Village

Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ON

Why You Need To Go: Blue Mountain Village is such a fun spot for a girls' getaway and there's lots to to year-round. Christmas is always a magical time to visit when the village lights up with holiday magic, but it's also a fun summer and fall destination.

There are tons of chalets, cottages and more to rent, and you can pop over to the nearby town of Collingwood for more shopping, eateries and attractions.

Blue Mountain Village website

Stratford

Address: Stratford, ON

Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a fun, low-key getaway, Stratford is the place to go. I love visiting this spot with friends no matter what season it is.

There are lots of cafes and restaurants where you and your besties can grab a coffee or enjoy a meal.

The theatre scene in the city is a major highlight, and catching shows with friends has always made for some unforgettable getaways. Don't forget to stop by Rheo Thompson Candies for some delicious treats.

Visit Stratford website

St. Jacobs

Address: St. Jacobs, ON

Why You Need To Go: Another fun spot for a getaway with your besties is St. Jacobs. It's one of my favourite small towns to visit during the fall when the air turns crisp and the little bakeries are filled with cozy treats.

There are lots of farms and pumpkin patches surrounding the area as well as cute dining domes at The Village Biergarten.

You can take your friends on a trip to the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, which is the largest year-round farmers' market in Canada. Here you can find all sorts of goodies and local products.

St. Jacobs Village website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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