10 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Ontario
Ontario may be home to some of Canada’s largest cities, but the province’s small towns and scenic hideaways are where long weekends shine. From summer-friendly beach escapes along Lake Erie to winter getaways filled with skiing and snowshoeing, Ontario has many adventures worth the trip. Each town on this list offers a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a side of the province that feels personal and refreshing. Whether it’s sipping wine in Niagara-on-the-Lake or diving into turquoise waters off Tobermory, these ten destinations show why Ontario is perfect for a long weekend escape. The only question left is which one you’ll choose first.
Kingsville
Kingsville is Canada’s southernmost town, and it feels like a secret worth sharing. The community sits on Lake Erie in Essex County, where wineries line County Road 50 and craft breweries pour some of the best-tasting pints around. Nature lovers can head to nearby Leamington for a day at Point Pelee National Park. Here, you’ll find the southernmost tip of mainland Canada, along with the migration of warblers, hawks, and monarch butterflies in season.
For a taste of Essex County, stop at Willow Tree Market, where homemade pies, flaky butter tarts, and farm-fresh goodies are almost too good to make it home without sneaking a first bite. If your visit falls on the August long weekend, nearby Leamington roars with the Hogs for Hospice event, where more than 1,000 motorcycles line Main Street before stopping into Leamington's Seacliff Park. Back in town, Lakeside Park is just as beautiful, offering views of the Lake Erie shoreline.
Grand Bend
Grand Bend turns every extended weekend into an escape worth bragging about. Located in Lambton Shores, along the edge of Lake Huron, this town is famous for its sandy shoreline and sunsets that belong on a postcard. Summers mean swimming, boating, and lively nights along the strip. Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Pinery Provincial Park for camping under the stars. With trails that pass through old-growth forests and plenty of wildlife to go along with it, the park is the perfect balance to the town's beachy vibes.
When you step away from the shoreline, Grand Bend offers even more reasons to stay. Golf lovers can also enjoy a round (or two) at Oakwood Resort Golf Course before catching the sunset over the lake or winding down in the resort’s log-inspired rooms. Whether you pitch a tent, book a tee time, or lay your towel on Grand Bend Beach, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay just one more day.
Port Stanley
Port Stanley is a coastal village that turns holiday weekends into beachside retreats. Located on one of the most beautiful stretches of Lake Erie’s north shore, it's best known for Port Stanley Main Beach, a Blue Flag-certified shoreline that's perfect for summer days. Visitors can spend the day swimming, paddling, or soaking up the sun, then roam into town for boutique shopping and perch dinners that taste as fresh as the lake breeze feels.
In the mood for a history lesson? The historic village of Sparta is a short drive away. Settled in the early 1800s by Quakers, the village still retains its heritage, with unique shops, historical buildings, and local artists that make it feel like a place back in time. Back in Port Stanley, hop on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail for a scenic ride, then wind down at the Kettle Creek Inn or one of the town’s charming lakeside cottages.
Port Dover
Port Dover may be small, but it has a big personality. Famous for its sandy beach and iconic pier, this Norfolk County town is where weekenders head for swimming, boating, and walking by the lighthouse. Fish and chips are practically a local tradition here, with plenty of spots serving fresh perch straight from the lake.
History buffs can visit the Port Dover Harbour Museum to learn about the town’s strong connection to the fishing industry and life on Lake Erie. Visit on Friday the 13th, and you will see thousands of motorcyclists fill the town for a celebration unlike anything else. The local motorcycle rally tradition is perfect for all, with performances, food, and of course, lots of bikes.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a storybook town that makes every long weekend feel like a getaway to another era. Just a short drive from Niagara Falls and about 90 minutes from Toronto, it offers the perfect mix of accessibility and charm. Walk along Queen Street, lined with boutiques, pastry shops, and other dining, or settle into one of the town’s many charming bed and breakfasts for a warm, personal stay. For example, 11th Post on Queen Restaurant is ideal for some drinks and nachos throughout the day. Afterward, spend some time in 124 on Queen Hotel and Spa, a great place to unwind and spend the night for your weekend.
Fall is especially magical here, with vineyards glowing in autumn colors and Thanksgiving weekends filled with seasonal classics and wine tastings. Add in the Shaw Festival Theatre for a cultural twist, and Niagara-on-the-Lake easily becomes a favorite place for those who love history, flavor, and small-town beauty.
The Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains is a four-season playground that knows how to turn weekend retreats into memorable adventures. Located along the southern shores of Georgian Bay, the town is home to some of Ontario’s best skiing and snowboarding. Blue Mountain Village keeps the energy high year-round with dining, shopping, and events, whether you arrive in the middle of ski season or a sunny summer weekend. Skiers spend most of their time at the Blue Mountain ski resort, which has 43 trails spanning a total length of 35 kilometres. There are also nearly a dozen lifts, so the fun never ends.
For a slower pace, unwind at Scandinave Spa, where hot pools, outdoor saunas, and forest views create a reset in every season. The town also impresses visitors with hiking and biking trails, waterfront strolls, local breweries, and art galleries. In the fall, follow the Apple Pie Trail, a scenic route linking orchards, bakeries, and cideries that showcase the region’s autumn harvest. Add in The Candy Factory in nearby Collingwood, and it's easy to see why The Blue Mountains has become one of Ontario’s favorite long weekend destinations for visitors of all ages.
Muskoka
Muskoka has long been Ontario’s go-to region for lake life, and it turns holiday weekends into cottage escapes people daydream about. With over 1,600 (you read that right) lakes scattered across the region, there is no shortage of places to swim, paddle, or dock a boat for the afternoon. Visitors can rent rustic cottages or lakefront cabins that make mornings with coffee on the dock just as memorable as afternoons on the water. Lake Muskoka stands out as a popular option for all sorts of activities, just west of town.
In town, stop by Muskoka Brewery to sample local craft beers or grab a few cans to bring back to the cottage. If you're traveling with little ones, don't forget to make time to visit Santa’s Village, a family-friendly amusement park located in a bend of the Muskoka River. The park includes rides, live entertainment, and even a chance to meet Santa himself (yes, even in July). Looking for some exercise? Hit the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, where cycling and hiking combine a good workout with stunning views of lakes, forest, and wildlife.
Tobermory
Sitting right at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory feels like the kind of place made for extended weekends. Known as the "freshwater scuba diving capital of the world," it rivals the Caribbean with turquoise waters and famous shipwrecks scattered throughout Fathom Five National Marine Park. Dive beneath the surface or hop on a glass-bottom boat to see these historic wrecks up close.
Another must-see is Flowerpot Island, where visitors can hike among towering rock pillars and take in sweeping lake views. Explore the Bruce Peninsula National Park to see the famous Grotto, a natural sea cave where sunlight filters through the water to create an unforgettable blue glow. The Big Tub Lighthouse stands nearby, guarding the entrance to the harbor and offering one of the most photographed views in the region.
Back in town, unwind with a cold pint at Tobermory Brewing Company and Grill, the town’s waterfront brewery serving craft beer and delicious meals with a view of the harbor. For something extra sweet, stop into Little Cove Bakery, a local favorite known for baked goods that taste even better after a day of wandering.
Prince Edward County
Long weekends look especially good in Prince Edward County. This county sits between the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario, attracting travelers with a landscape that feels island-like. Spend an afternoon tasting your way through local estates like Huff Estates or Sandbanks Winery, then head to Sandbanks Provincial Park, where wide beaches and towering dunes make it one of Ontario’s most loved waterfront spots. Bringing kids along for the ride? Caddy Shack Mini Golf will keep them happy. This 18-hole mini putt course comes complete with tricky tilts, water hazards, and sand traps. Once you're done, roam through lavender fields for a colorful break from the beach.
Lake of the Woods
Sitting at the meeting point of Ontario, Manitoba, and Minnesota, Lake of the Woods is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its countless islands, sparkling lakes, and thriving wildlife, the region is a summer staple with hiking, fishing, kayaking, and boating. It's also a perfect winter escape for those who love ice fishing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
If you are lucky enough to spend a holiday weekend here, you can camp under the stars, hike the trails of Rushing River Provincial Park, or snap a photo with the towering Husky the Muskie statue in Kenora. Afterward, step inside the Lake of the Woods Museum, which has one of the most comprehensive collections of First Nations artifacts in the region. Pair that with a visit to the historic Lake of the Woods Brewing Company, and you will experience both the heritage and modern flavor of this unforgettable region.
The Best Long Weekend Destinations in Ontario
Whether you crave beaches, ski hills, vineyards, or wildlife, Ontario has a long weekend spot for you. Each of these ten destinations offers its own blend of scenery, culture, and small-town charm, giving you more than enough reasons to plan your next escape. No matter the season, these Ontario getaways prove that the best memories are often made off the beaten path—and in the hidden corners that make the province unforgettable.
