These are the 8 best Ontario destinations to visit on a long weekend, according to locals
Start planning that long weekend escape!
A beach in Ontario. Right: A city in Ontario.
Ontario has so many beautiful destinations that are perfect for a long weekend getaway. Whether you're planning a day trip or a longer escape, these places offer stunning views and a wealth of activities, allowing you to make the most of your time off.
We asked readers to share the best places in Ontario to visit on a long weekend, and these are eight of the recommended spots.
From quaint harbour villages to beach towns and hidden gems, here are the eight best weekend getaways in Ontario, according to readers.
Grand Bend
Why you need to go: If you're craving white sand shores, cute beachy vibes and scenic patios, this lakeside village is worth a long weekend escape.
Dubbed "one of Canada's best beach towns," according to Lambton Shores, Grand Bend offers a gorgeous white sand beach complete with sparkling waves and stunning sunsets.
It's even been called "Florida North," so you'll feel like you've travelled to the tropics.
The town offers restaurants, local shops, and nightlife spots throughout the downtown, so there's no shortage of things to do.
You can also pop over to the Pinery Provincial Park where you'll find stunning trails and dune-filled beaches.
Prince Edward County
Why You Need To Go: Long weekends are all about sun-filled afternoons, peaceful strolls through charming towns and enjoying a glass (or two) of wine. This spot is the ultimate long weekend destination, and it's worth a road trip.
Prince Edward County is a picturesque island community that offers stunning beaches, charming villages, rolling vineyards, and more.
You can spend your long weekend wandering through the storybook towns of Picton and Wellington, sipping wine in charming vineyards, popping into the farm markets or exploring fields of lavender.
One of the highlights of the region is Sandbanks Provincial Park — a breathtaking destination featuring three stunning white sand beaches that resemble those of the Caribbean.
Thousand Islands
Why You Need To Go: If you love outdoor adventures and beautiful landscapes, the Thousand Islands is the place to be.
According to its tourism website, it's a "sightseer's paradise" and is home to enchanting castles, numerous islands, and quaint waterside towns with a distinctly European vibe.
Located along the border between northern New York State and southeastern Ontario, the Thousand Islands region is known for its sparkling turquoise waters and majestic scenery.
You can take a boat cruise around the islands or explore towns like Gananoque, where you'll find old-world charm and unique attractions.
Other spots to check out include the 1000 Islands Tower, Brockville Railway Tunnel, Thousand Islands Playhouse and Thousand Islands National Park.
Niagara Falls
Why You Need To Go: As one of Ontario's most iconic destinations, Niagara Falls is a popular spot for a long weekend vacation or day trip.
The area boasts stunning natural wonders and a range of attractions to enjoy all weekend long.
From the towering SkyWheel, cruises to the falls, delicious restaurants, zipling, fun houses, and aerocars, Niagara Falls has no shortage of things to do.
Port Elgin
Address: Port Elgin, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's nothing like a long weekend escape to a dreamy beach town, and this gorgeous spot boasts six white sand beaches that stretch for kilometres along the Lake Huron shoreline.
Port Elgin is a charming town offering a cozy downtown and stunning beaches that will make you forget you're in Ontario.
You can spend the weekend exploring the cute coffee shops, delicious restaurants, local shops, and catching a sunset on the dreamy white sand shores.
Manitoulin Island
Why You Need To Go: If an island getaway sounds like your idea of the perfect long weekend escape, you'll want to head to Manitoulin Island.
As the world's largest freshwater island, it offers a range of things to do, and is home to hidden gems, scenic trails, white sand beaches and more.
It's accessible via ferry from Tobermory or by car from the swing bridge.
During your visit, you can check out historic lighthouses, hike to hidden waterfalls, lounge on the sand shores and more.
Stratford
Why You Need To Go: You don't need to leave Ontario to enjoy a long weekend trip to Europe. This gorgeous destination looks like it belongs on a British postcard and is a magical spot for a day trip or weekend escape.
The city is brimming with small-town vibes and offers a range of things to do, from the renowned Stratford Festival to gorgeous gardens, museums and more.
You can enjoy scenic river strolls, drool-worthy restaurants, food trails, cute local shops, picturesque boat rides and more while visiting this destination.
Tobermory
Why You Need To Go: This picture-perfect destination will whisk you away to the Mediterranean.
Tobermory is a tiny harbour town situated on the shores of Georgian Bay. The downtown is full of local stores, ice cream parlours and dreamy restaurants with shimmering water views.
It's an outdoor paradise, offering cruises, hikes, and more, as well as breathtaking crystal-water beaches.
One of the most popular attractions to visit is Indian Head Cove or The Grotto, where you'll find "crystal-clear waters, dramatic caves and limestone cliffs overlooking Georgian Bay," according to Explore the Bruce.
You can also explore Flowerpot Island for more turquoise water views and natural wonders.
Whether you're craving a small town escape or a beach getaway, these destinations are some of the best spots to visit during a long weekend, according to locals.
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.