9 beautiful weekend getaway spots near Toronto that aren't just to Niagara Falls
Time for a staycation!
A small town in Ontario.
Niagara Falls is a popular weekend getaway spot, but there are so many other amazing places to explore near Toronto.
From dreamy small towns to vibrant cities, these staycation spots are three hours or less from the city and boast unique attractions, outdoor adventures and more.
You can enjoy a vacation filled with cozy cafes, local shops and hidden gems at these destinations.
Here are nine weekend getaways near Toronto that aren't just to Niagara Falls.
Muskoka
Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: Muskoka is a stunning spot to visit year-round. With endless lakes, rugged wilderness and cozy small towns, it's a beautiful place for a weekend getaway.
From cruises to dreamy spas, breathtaking provincial parks and gorgeous fall colours, there are endless activities and attractions to enjoy. During the summer, you can take a dip at the hidden beaches, while the winter months are perfect for skiing, skating and more.
You can rent a cozy cabin or waterfront cottage or treat yourself to a stay at one of the luxurious resorts.
Prince Edward County
Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: Beautiful beaches, scenic vineyards and charming small towns await at this dreamy vacay spot in Ontario.
Prince Edward County is a gorgeous place for a staycation and offers a range of things to do.
During the summer, you can head to Sandbanks Provincial Park, where you'll find rolling white sand dunes and turquoise waters.
The quaint villages like Wellington and Picton are lined with cute local shops, cafes and eateries that are waiting to be explored.
You'll also want to visit some of the renowned wineries in the region and enjoy some tastings and cuisine.
Elora & Fergus
Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: If small town charm and European vibes sound like your idea of the perfect getaway, you'll want to head to this destination.
Elora and Fergus are two picturesque small towns nestled along the Grand River. They both offer cute local shops, charming cafes and old-world architecture that will transport you to another time.
You can spend your days window shopping, filling up on local cuisine, splashing around in the quarry or checking out the community events that take place throughout the year.
Stratford
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours
Why You Need To Go: You can soak up the charm of a beautiful Ontario town filled with local boutiques, cozy vibes, and a dreamy atmosphere at this getaway spot. Stratford is an idyllic escape in any season, offering an amazing culinary scene and a European feel.
From April to October, the renowned Stratford Festival showcases a range of Shakespearean and contemporary performances.
During your visit, you can relax at charming inns, explore the food trails, stroll through stunning gardens and more for an incredible weekend staycation.
Blue Mountain Village
Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours
Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., The Blue Mountains, ON
Why You Need To Go: This four-season destination offers endless adventure, relaxation, and activities. Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, there's lots to experience.
In the warmer months, you can go for a dip at the private beaches, enjoy an outdoor film screening, or sip drinks on sun-filled patios with beautiful mountain views.
During the winter, the village transforms into a snowy wonderland complete with skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. You can discover cozy après-ski spots, twinkling shops, and seasonal events that add to the magic.
Kingston
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: You can take a mini trip to Europe without even leaving the province by heading to this historic city. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, Kingston boasts an old-world downtown, quaint market, and tons of things to do.
The city has an incredible food scene, and you can find all sorts of cuisines and eateries.
There are many attractions to enjoy, from art galleries to trolley tours and historical sites. The city is dotted with quaint inns and boutique hotels where you can book a charming escape.
Paris
Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours
Why You Need To Go: While a weekend trip to France may not be in the cards, you can enjoy a little trip to Ontario's Paris instead. Known as the "Cobblestone Capital of Canada," this quaint village boasts historic streets and European vibes.
The downtown is home to lots of shops and local boutiques, as well as the Paris Wincey Mills Co., where you'll find a variety of vendors.
You can dig into mouthwatering cuisine at the town's many restaurants and explore some of the scenic trails along the Grand River.
Sauble
Distance from Toronto: 3 hours
Why You Need To Go: Looking for a summer escape? This beach town is a little slice of paradise and is home to kilometres of white sand shores. Dubbed the "Daytona of the North," Sauble Beach is a magical summer escape with sparkling waves and major beach vibes.
The area has cute shops and cafes, as well as attractions like an arcade and mini putt.
You can book a longer stay at the retro-themed June Motel, where you'll find Heydays Restaurant and a pool.
Burlington
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour
Why You Need To Go: Just an hour outside of Toronto, this beautiful city is an idyllic staycation spot. Perched on the shores of Lake Ontario, it offers lots of local shops, places to stay and things to do.
You can stroll through Spencer Smith Park, explore the pier, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and dine at the waterfront restaurants.
You'll want to check out Village Square for some major European vibes or head to the Pearle Hotel & Spa to get totally pampered.
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.