These are some of the best places to stop at while driving to cottage country from Toronto
Take a little break, you deserve it!
Two people holding wine glasses outside. Right: A person posing in front of The Big Apple.
Cottage season in Ontario has officially kicked off, and if you're driving up to your summer home from Toronto, it's nice to make a stop or two along the way to break up the potentially hours-long drive (thanks GTA traffic!).
Whether you're headed north along the 400 to Muskoka or east on the 401 towards cottage country in Peterborough, Kingston or beyond, there are some really great destinations to stop at, stretch your legs, use the bathroom and pick up some goodies to make the drive a little less painful.
Here are some of the best places to stop in at while you're on your way up to the cottage this summer!
The Big Apple
Address: 262 Orchard Rd, Colborne, ON, K0K 1S0
Why You Need To Go: If you've ever driven past Colborne, Ontario, you've almost definitely seen The Big Apple and his smiling, 40-foot-tall face looking out at you on the 401.
The Big Apple has tons of parking as it's a popular stop-in for people driving east out of the city and it has a wide variety of products, foods, activities, and a really good bathroom.
To tire your kids out, there's mini golf, a carousel and a petting farm (seasonally and weather dependent), and for the adults, there's wine, ciders and beers to shop.
As well, they have a giant variety of freshly baked foods to either eat right away or to take up to the cottage with you, like pies, crumbles, muffins and breads.
Don't forget to snap a pic with The Big Apple before you head out — it's Instagram gold!
Muskoka Brewery
Address: 1964 Muskoka Beach Rd, Bracebridge, ON, P1P 1V4
Why You Need To Go: Stretch your legs and grab some local brewskis (alcoholic or non-alcoholic!) for the cottage at this must-see brewery.
Grab classics like the Muskoka Cream Ale and Craft Lager, try out a mixer pack of the hard sparkling waters, or enjoy an NA sparkling tea infusion.
"Venture off the beaten path to shop in our taproom or enjoy a refreshing drink on our patio or in our taproom," says the brewery. "We have also have a snack menu with kid friendly options."
It's dog-friendly as well, so feel free to bring your pooch with you so they can get a good stretch in too!
Webers
Address: 8825 ON-11, Orillia, ON L3V 6S2
Why You Need To Go: A true Ontario landmark, Webers on Highway 11 has been open since 1963 and has been serving up fresh burgers since 1987.
As well as burgers, you can choose from poutines, hot dogs, smoothies, ice cream and more to fuel up before finishing that last leg of the trip up to the cabin.
You can buy uncooked patties to-go, so you can grill them up yourself when you're settled in at your home away from home.
Presqu'ile Provincial Park
Address: 328 Presqu'Ile Pkwy, Brighton, ON, K0K 1H0
Why You Need To Go: Home to the second oldest operating lighthouse in Ontario, Presqu'ile Provincial Park has over 2.5 kilometres of sandy beach and 16 kilometres of trails and hikes that'll lead you through woodlands and meadows.
In the spring and fall, it's a hotspot of animal migration with 338 bird species recorded and 130 breeding species and in the summer you can visit the Nature Centre and Lighthouse Centre to learn more about the area and its history.
"Located on Lake Ontario in Brighton, Presqu’ile Provincial Park is one of our most popular parks in Southeastern Ontario, welcoming thousands of visitors every month," they say.
The park can get very busy and hit capacity, so for 2024, make sure you book your day permit in advance to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.
Sandbanks Estate Winery
Address: 17598 Loyalist Pkwy, Wellington, ON, K0K 3L0
Why You Need To Go: Stock up on all your vino needs at Sandbanks before getting to the cottage so you can sit back and relax all weekend. They have a tasting room, boutique, barrel room, a large outdoor picnic area and tasting bars as well as lively events in the summer.
In terms of wine, they grow Baco Noir, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Vidal, Geisenheim and Marechal Foch grapes that you can enjoy by the flight.
"We do take walk-ins for groups smaller than 12 people (first come first serve bar tastings), so if the day and time you are looking for is fully booked, you are welcome to enjoy a walk-in tasting," the winery says. "We also have an outdoor picnic area that you may enjoy wine by the glass in as well!"
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Address: 3004 County Rd 12, Picton, ON, K0K 2T0
Why You Need To Go: With three gorgeous, sandy beaches that are said to be among the best in Canada, Sandbanks Provincial Park offers the world's largest baymouth barrier dune formation. If you have little ones, Outlet Beach is the spot to head to as it has shallow waters and a gentle drop-off that's ideal for kids.
In the spring there are plenty of birds migrating, which makes for great nature-watching, and there are walking trails that allow visitors to experience the dune and wetland habitats of the park to snap pictures for memories.
Rich Hill Candles
Address: 193 Manitoba St, Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1S3
Why You Need To Go: Let's be real — cottages don't always smell the best, particularly if you're opening it up for the first time after the winter season.
Stock up on sweet-smelling candles at Rich Hill Candles and Gifts to get rid of the musty scents, and enjoy some "fun filled, old- fashioned family entertainment" as the employees show you how they make candles and even let you get in on the process.
You can even bring in your own vessel that you'd like to get filled with wax and a wick to create your very own unique candle!
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.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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