While Blue Mountain Village gets a lot of love, there are so many other amazing spots for a weekend getaway near Toronto.
Whether you're looking for charming small towns or dreamy beach paradises, these destinations within a three-hour drive from the city have everything from European vibes to outdoor adventures.
You can spend your days cozied up in cafés, exploring unique shops, and lounging on white sand beaches.
Here are eight weekend getaways from Toronto to check out if you've already been to Blue Mountain Village.
Kingston
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: Craving a little trip to Europe? You don't have to leave Ontario in order to enjoy cobblestone streets and historic charm. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Kingston is an old-world gem with an enchanting downtown, quaint shops, and lots of things to do.
Bring your appetite, because the city boasts an array of delicious restaurants, from gelato shops to bakeries and Italian eateries.
The city offers so many attractions, including art galleries, trolley tours, and historical sites like Fort Henry. During the warmer months, you can enjoy movies in the town square and cruises around the nearby islands.
There are many quaint inns and boutique hotels where you can book a weekend escape.
Sauble Beach
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: This charming beach town will have you feeling like you're on a summer trip to Florida. Sauble Beach boasts kilometres of white sand shores and sparkling waves, making it a beautiful spot for a weekend escape. It's even been dubbed the "Daytona of the North," so you can expect some tropical vibes here.
Quaint beach shops and ice cream parlours line the streets, and you'll also find attractions like an arcade and mini putt.
If you're looking for a place to stay, the June Motel has retro vibes, a colourful restaurant and a pool.
Prince Edward County
Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: You can find white sand beaches, old-world towns, rolling vineyards, and more in this dreamy region in Ontario.
Prince Edward County is a scenic spot for a staycation and boasts endless things to see and do.
Sandbanks Provincial Park is a summer oasis featuring silky white sand dunes and tropical-like waters.
Little villages like Wellington and Picton are brimming with cute local shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal on a sun-filled patio.
The region also boasts scenic wineries and farm markets waiting to be explored.
Southampton
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a summer escape, this beach town with white sand shores and lakeside charm is the place to be. Located along the shores of Lake Huron, Southampton is a majestic destination for a waterside getaway.
According to Bruce County, "the town has a definite maritime feeling, with its old cottages, a fine sand beach and tasteful shops."
There are multiple beaches where you can lounge on sandy shores, as well as local restaurants, ice cream parlours and cozy boutiques.
From stunning sunsets to laid-back beach vibes, this spot has no shortage of summer appeal.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: Niagara-on-the-Lake is a beautiful spot for a getaway. The fairytale village is full of quaint shops and old-world charm that will transport you to Europe.
The town is surrounded by scenic vineyards, making it a great spot for wine tours and boozy drinks. You can enjoy exploring the vineyards and the local cuisine at the restaurants overlooking the vines.
The town is also home to luxurious hotels and spas, so you can get totally pampered during your weekend escape.
Stratford
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
Why You Need To Go: Dreaming of a European escape? You'll find endless charm in this enchanting Ontario town filled with quaint shops, old-world streets, and fairytale parks. Stratford is a magical spot for a getaway in any season, with many attractions and European vibes.
One of the main highlights is the Stratford Festival, which runs annually from April to October and showcases a range of Shakespearean and contemporary performances.
There are many charming inns where you can book a stay, as well as food trails, stunning gardens, museums and more.
Huntsville
A person sitting at a restaurant.
Madeline Forsyth | Narcity
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: If you love the outdoors, this charming town is the place to be. Located in the beautiful Muskoka, Huntsville offers a range of outdoor activities and cozy, small-town vibes.
You can spend your getaway hiking through some of the provincial parks in the region, such as Arrowhead, or paddling your way around one of the surrounding lakes.
The downtown is lined with shops and restaurants where you can find all sorts of unique items and treats.
St. Jacobs Village
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour
Why You Need To Go: St. Jacobs Village is a charming place for a weekend getaway near Toronto. The old-world destination has German heritage and is brimming with unique shops and warm bakeries.
You can wander along the quaint main street, where you'll find a range of boutiques and eateries featuring homemade goods.
Don't miss out on a trip to the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market, which is home to delicious treats, local produce, artworks and more.
From cozy small towns to beachside gems, these destinations are worth packing your bags for.
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.