Say “see ya” to the city: summer’s here and we’re hitting the road. Read on for the best excursions from Toronto—glorious getaways that spotlight stunning accommodations, must-order eats and a long list of alfresco activities to really soak up the season.
How to Get Around
If there was ever a vehicle to capture the feeling of summer on the open road, it’s the all-new Volvo EX30. Crafted according to chic Scandinavian design principles, this fully electric SUV—the Swedish brand’s most compact and the smallest CO2 footprint of any vehicle to date—delivers on style and sustainability (think: a high-performance sound bar, ambient lighting themes and nature-inspired interiors made with renewable and recycled materials.) With a range of well over 400 kilometres, lightning-fast charge times and plenty of space for pals and their weekender bags, count on this one to be the ultimate road trip companion.
The Destination: Collingwood, ON
Distance from Toronto: 144 kilometres
Where to Stay
Check into Somewhere Inn’s newest outpost, a 10-room boutique hotel nestled in a restored century home. Come for the cozy, old-meets-new design approach, stay for the lobby wine bar slinging low-intervention sips. Bonus: an on-site sauna and cold plunge plus communal fire pit situated on the tree canopied grounds put you in touch with some much-needed nature.
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What to Do
The cool thing about Collingwood is that the great outdoors are rife with memorable outing options. For a sweet-smelling, TikTok-worthy experience, make your way to Purple Hill Lavender Farm in Creemore, where the sprawling fields are truly a sight to be seen (and captured). Active types will appreciate the area’s plethora of hiking trails, lookouts and scenic caves, plus guided forest bathing bookings for the more
introspective.
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What to Eat
Start your morning at Good Grief Coffee Roasters in neighbouring Thornbury where an iced latte and freshly made bagel are only bettered by its sun-dappled front patio. A
quick spot of lunch can be found at Bent Taco (get the rotating ceviche and house marg, duh). Dinner is well spent at Heart’s Tavern, a bonafide destination from the people behind Toronto’s Côte de Bœuf and Union. Expect fresh, vegetable-forward dishes that have rightly earned this institution-in-the-making some best new restaurant accolades.
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The Destination: Prince Edward County
Distance from Toronto: 215 kilometres
Where to Stay
We’re big fans of Wander the Resort, even more so that its forthcoming lakefront Nordic spa—four distinct pools, saunas, and an exfoliating cabin among other elements—is nearing completion. In the meantime, soak up the Scandi vibes throughout the property and bask in its private beach club (hint: a $45 day pass gets you access without the stay). Looking for a more classic hotel that’s steeped in elevated charm? The Royal Hotel in Picton is it. Between the full-service wellness club and farm-to-table restaurant on site, trust us, you’ll never want to leave.
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What to Do
When in PEC, you wine tour. Self-guided stops at Lighthall Vineyards, The Grange of Prince Edward, Rosehall Run Vineyards and Hinterland are a must for both the tasting
experience and bottle quality. But a day is equally well spent perusing the chic shops in each of its three destination towns (Picton, Bloomfield and Wellington) or setting up on the beautiful beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park with a good book and a blanket.
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What to Eat
Scores of must-visit eateries have cropped up in PEC, each one worthy of a reservation while you’re in the County. For all-day brunch, pull up a seat at Creekside Café where its Turkish eggs, eggs Benny—anything with eggs, really—will set you right after all that imbibing. Other picks include Bocado for Spanish-style eats, Onesta for traditional Italian, pizza at Darlings and the pasta bar out of The Old Third Winery where freshly made carbonanas (among others) go well with their unoaked Chardonnay.
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The Destination: Bruce County, ON
Distance from Toronto: 185 kilometres
Where to Stay
Two majorly revamped roadside lodgings—The June Motel in Sauble Beach and The Beach Motel in Southampton—are icons of the area. Both deliver on small town charm with big city amenities: gorgeous guest receptions, top-tier restaurants and stay-all-day patio spots. More rustic options include an abundance of A-frames, tiny homes and glamping sites for those who want to be one with nature.
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What to Do
The entirety of Bruce County is on the shores of Lake Huron, so in the summer, some beach time is a given. We particularly love Sauble Beach and Little Cove Beach where stand up paddleboard and kayak rentals are a more active alternative to laying out. Hikes here are plentiful too (check out the low-key loops in Bruce Peninsula National Park), but for crystal-clear waters so blue you’d swear you were in the Maldives, a day
trip to Tobermory to see Flowerpot Island and some shipwrecks via a glass-bottom boat is obligatory.
What to Eat
All that outdoor action requires some real nourishment first thing. Get it at The Wellness Refinery, a health-focused smoothie bar out of Sauble Beach where superfood-loaded bowls and toasts will equip you well. The Green Door Café in Wiarton is an ace spot for lunch as is the quintessential Casero Taco Bus. Finally, step into 1970s California at Heydays for dinner—their warm lobster rolls and a glass of frosé is where it’s at.
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Read more:
Our Guide to Bucket List Worthy Travel Experiences
5 Daycation Spots Outside of Toronto You Need to Visit This Summer
Here’s What to Pack For Your Next Vacation—So You Don’t Have to Stress About It
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