The Ontario Summer Staycation Guide
Of all of the changes the past year or so has brought, one of the biggest ones is changing (aka cancelling) almost all travel plans. While in 2019 all destinations were on the table, these days staying close to home is a safe bet when planning a trip. With summer finally here, and hopefully some more freedom to travel, this round up of local Ontario vacation spots might just come in handy.
Manitoulin island
This little slice of paradise is still off the radar of a lot of travellers, and isn’t crowded like some of the other favourites (ie. the Bruce Peninsula). The world’s largest freshwater island is only accessible by ferry to the south and swing bridge via Sudbury to the north. While you might expect rugged Canadian Shield landscapes of northern Ontario, Manitoulin is actually the northernmost point of the Niagara Escarpment, making it home to lush rolling farmland, with lookouts and waterfalls similar to what you find in southern Ontario.
Must sees: Bridal Veil Falls, Split Rail Brewing Company, Cup and Saucer Trail, Providence Bay.
2. Westport
Maybe you’ve skated on the Rideau Canal as a kid, or biked along it while in Ottawa, but the really interesting part of this waterway starts once you get outside the cities and into the heart of the eastern Ontario towns it runs through. The canal is a lock system that runs all the way from Kingston to Ottawa, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The perfect way to tour it is by boat, which you can rent, even if you’ve never driven a boat before!
Must-sees: Westport (take the shuttle from the marina to Schulermann’s Winery!), The Opinicon (a historic resort which serves the most delicious margaritas on their veranda), Kingston Mills (check out the historic lock house)
3. Goderich & BaYfield
Summer means swimming, and there’s nothing better than finding the perfect beach town to soak up the sun in. Two very good options are these neighbouring towns on the west coast of Lake Huron. After a day lounging on the beach explore both equally cute towns, then grab some ice cream and enjoy the sunset from one of the many lookouts.
Must-See: Dark Horse Winery (try the frosé), Bayfield Main Street, Cravings Bakery, Goderich Town Square, Cowbell Brewery
4. Ottawa
There’s more than museums and parliament to see here (though those are great too). One of my favourite things about Ottawa is how outdoors focused this city is. From patios with epic views, to travelling around the city on bike, you don’t feel like you’re missing out on cottage time on a summer visit.
Must-sees: Besides the usuals, like Parliament and The National Gallery, check out some local favs, like Little Jo Berry’s Ice Cream, Suzy Q’s Doughnuts, swim at Dow Beach and eat on the patios at the Fairmount or Terrace on the Hill. Bonus points if you fit in cocktails on the Andaz’s rooftop patio.
5. Perth
This little town will satisfy some of those cravings for a European getaway. From the river that winds through the centre of town to the weekly farmer’s markets, all against a backdrop of Scottish-inspired architecture, this is the perfect spot to spend a leisurely summer day.
Must-sees: Perth Pie Company, Artizen Kombucha, Stewart Park (grab some takeout and bring a picnic here), Top Shelf Distillery
6. Niagara Region
Yes for the falls and the wine, but also for the food, towns and some natural wonders that aren’t quite so famous. The Niagara Region also has one of the best bike routes - you can bike all the way from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls in a dedicated bike lane with views of the Niagara river the whole way.
Must-sees: Some of the lesser known waterfalls like Ball’s Falls and Decew Falls, some personal favourite wineries including 12th Street Winery and Tawse Winery, Bench Brewing Company and the Whirlpool Aero Car to get a bird’s eye view of the Niagara Gorge.
7. Creemore
One of the newest lavender farms happens to call this town home, as do a number of antique and vintage shops, not to mention the brewery that put this town on the map. Plan to visit in late June and July to see the fields in full bloom.
Must-sees: Purple Hill Lavender Farm, Creemore Brewery, Miller Island (for vintage furniture and decor), the Bank Cafe for lunch.
