As the saying goes, “a change is as good as a holiday.” No one has ever said, however, that you can have both! If you’re looking for a bit of change of scenery and a short-haul break that doesn't take you too far from Ontario, these weekend getaway spots are the perfect choice. Enjoy mountains, life by the water, charming towns, and bustling cities as you allow a little space from your regular daily life.

Your Weekend Getaway

Taking the time to get away from it all and explore gorgeous Ontario and destinations other than Toronto will give you a far better understanding of the area's beauty and charm.

Whether you prefer nature-focused destinations that require roughing it a bit or a sweet historic town to explore, make your escape memorable by treating yourself to the best accommodation, experiences, and travel. A charter plane will make short work of the journey and deliver you in first-class comfort. Each listed destination has an excellent collection of boutique hotels and stays catering to your every whim. At each destination, the experiences are unique, welcoming, exciting, and will leave you with lasting memories. So, choose your adventure below and enjoy!

Prince Edward County

The destination: Prince Edward County is known for its stunning scenery, its collection of wineries and cideries (yum, especially in the Fall), its wonderful produce and farm-to-table cuisine, beautiful beaches, and charming small-town life. This is the place to come for a slow take on a short vacation, indulging in all the good things that the town and its surroundings have to offer.

The perfect stay: Mirazule PEC. This oasis of comfort features striking modern touches balanced against comforting, warm wooden floors and exquisite panoramic views. This adults-only boutique inn includes both private rooms and shared spaces. Each room has a king bed, Egyptian cotton sheets, and a free-standing tub big enough to swim in. Think welcoming, high-end luxury.

The experiences: Prince Edward County is all about slowing down. If you’re up for some exercise, you can rent a bike and ride from winery to winery; obviously, doing more than tasting will be off the table if you’re planning to drive or ride your car or bike. If you start in Wellington, you’ll easily be able to bike, drive, or be driven to Karlos Estate, Sandbanks Estate, Closson Chase, and Hinterland wineries for the scenery and the tasting experience. For those who don't like wine, a visit to The County Cider Company is in order, and don’t forget to take an orchard tour and try their pizza.

Elora

The Destination: Elora is one of the cutest villages in Ontario and maybe all of Canada. The town is known not only for its historic facades and welcoming locals but also for the exquisite nature that surrounds it. We advise visiting either in summer, when the flowers are blooming and the forest is alive, or in the fall, when the foliage is at its best. The village is an artsy place and home to many local crafters, artists, and artisans.

The experiences: If you visit in October, you can enjoy the annual Horse and Hound Parade, where beautiful horses with riders in full regalia and the cutest hounds take over Main Street for a morning. Downtown has lovely historical buildings and the cutest stores full of everything from local crafts to beautiful clothing and treats. This sweet town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including Elora Gorge Falls (often named Canada’s Grand Canyon). The river provides an excellent summer tubing spot; there's nothing more relaxing. The Elora Festival brings the smooth strains of classical, jazz, and contemporary performances to the town every summer.

The perfect stay: Elora Mills Hotel and Spa. Perched over Elora Gorge, this one-of-a-kind hotel and spa manages to be both modern and classic simultaneously. The elegant rooms and suites blend reclaimed woods and exposed brick with huge windows and warm, welcoming textiles for the perfect stay. For a bit of pampering, enjoy a spa menu created just for you and relax into ideal bliss.

Niagara-On-The-Lake

The destination: If you’re looking for the potential for some more glamour but still don't want your getaway to be anywhere too “hectic,” then Niagara-On-The-Lake is the perfect choice. While the town has a lot of history and charm, many destinations attached to the lake and falls have a heavy tourist trade, so there are many luxuries. You’ll get the whimsy of several hundred steps back in time, but the comfort and convenience of excellent restaurants, wineries, accommodations, and experiences.

The experiences: Niagara is a place to indulge all the senses. Wine tasting is a must, as over 30 wineries surround this stunning town. You’ll want to stop by Nolaa’s Bakery or Balzac’s Coffee to get your caffeine and pastry fix while checking out all the beautiful historical architecture in town. If you’re traveling with your partner, take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride or browse the boutiques for keepsakes. If you’re a foodie or just looking for a beautiful restaurant, there are excellent choices like the farm-to-table focused Tradwell Cuisine. There are also winery restaurants like Peller Estates and Trius, which have an unbeatable atmosphere and service. Take a scenic bike ride down the Niagara Parkway or tour historic Fort George.

The perfect stay: White Oaks Resort and Spa. This refined, chic, modern stay sits on 13 stunning acres and offers amenities in Paris or London. The accommodations are at the Four Diamond level, the indoor pool is perfect for swimming laps even in winter, the resort is adjacent to a golf course that looks and plays like heaven on earth, the spa is ranked number one in Niagara, and fine dining is available at LIV on the premises.

Short, But Spectacular

These short-haul vacations around Ontario may be close by, but they’re no less inviting and spectacular for it. Indulge in luxury travel, treat yourself to delicious meals, and explore everything nature offers.