One of Ontario's 'best' staycations has 500 km of shoreline and quaint waterfront villages

It's a beautiful spot for a getaway.

A person sitting on a dock by a lake. Right: A historic mill.

A region in Ontario.

@mackenziexosarah | Instagram, Darlene Munro| Dreamstime
Lead Writer, Travel

Planning a getaway? You don't have to hop on a plane to enjoy a dreamy vacation. This Ontario staycation spot is among the "best" in the province and offers old-world charm and lakeside views.

On Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers to share the province's best and most affordable staycations, and this dreamy destination was one of the recommended spots.

The Township of Rideau Lakes is a scenic region boasting beautiful scenery and cozy villages. According to the website, "a top drawing card is its abundance of scenic lakes," and while visiting this spot, you can discover 500 kilometres of shoreline, excluding the Rideau Waterway.

You can spend your getaway exploring some of the quaint small towns throughout the area. The town of Delta is a charming spot nestled between two lakes. It offers old-world streets and the beautiful Old Stone Mill, built in 1810.

Another spot to explore is Portland, dubbed the "gateway to Big Rideau Lake." Here you'll find cozy cafes, pizzerias, a charming harbour and a community beach.

Westport is another quaint spot to visit, located on Upper Rideau Lake. You can wander the historic streets and enjoy a scenic hike at Foley Mountain Conservation Area.

The region is home to several beaches, including Sand Lake Park and Westport Lions Beach.

If you're looking for a staycation spot, locals suggest this scenic region.

Township of Rideau Lakes 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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