Staycation series: where to go from Toronto

by Bianca Bujan

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto has it all - culture, cuisine, nightlife, and nature can all be found in your own backyard. But even a city with such diverse offerings has more to offer beyond the borders of the bustling metropolis. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly lakeside stay, or a forested road trip that takes you far from the city’s soaring skyscrapers, these staycation ideas should help you plan your perfect summer getaway.

 

For family fun: Port Carling

Hit the road on a two-hour drive from downtown Toronto and enjoy an all-inclusive lakefront lodge that’s sure to wow your family. Tucked along the pristine shores of Lake Rousseau, Shamrock Lodge offers the perfect setting for a summer getaway with kids. This small, family-run resort in Muskoka has it all. From the beach, guests have access to canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards. Take a dip in the indoor pool or hot tub, and enjoy a sunset pontoon cruise, included with summer packages. Plus, supervised programs for kids will keep the little ones busy so the parents can enjoy some quiet time on the lake.

Accommodations range from cozy lodge rooms, to secluded private cabins with lake views, to a spacious 3-bedrooms tree house with a loft. Your stay includes three meals a day, prepared fresh daily by a highly-skilled executive chef and a pastry chef, who work hard to make sure families don’t go hungry while they splash and play by the lake all day.

 

For a couples trip: Niagara-On-The-Lake

Before you head out of town on your trip for two, consider taking a few moments to give back to your community. Donating blood can be a very personal, private thing to do. It’s a selfless way to give patients in need the possibility of a stronger tomorrow — and donating blood with someone you love can be a bonding experience. The blood donation process is simple, and about an hour of your time could save someone’s life. With 23 locations found around the Greater Toronto Area, there’s sure to be one on your way, and booking an appointment is easy.

Found in the heart of Ontario Wine Country, the village of Niagara-On-The-Lake epitomizes old town charm, with quaint boutiques and bistros sprinkled throughout the Heritage District, and horse-drawn carriages to take you for a tour of the town’s historical landmarks. Rent an e-bike and cruise through the countryside, soaking in the stunning waterfront views as you sip on award-winning wines found throughout the region. Then pick up some snacks from Queens Street and head to Queens Royal Park for a picnic as you watch the sunset.

For a special occasion, splurge on a stay at the Prince of Wales Hotel, where you can cocoon yourself in luxury in one of the over-the-top Victorian-themed rooms fit for royalty (Queen Elizabeth stayed there in 1973). For a more affordable accommodation choice, book a room at the Staybridge Suites - an all-suites property with an indoor pool, free parking, and breakfast included with your stay.

 

For a wellness weekend: Algonquin Highlands

Unplug from the hustle and bustle of city life and head to the Wolf Den Nature Retreat - a beautiful log cabin lodge situated on the Oxtongue River in the Algonquin Highlands. Stay in one of four independent eco-cabins, each equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, living room, deck, barbecue and wood or propane stove, offering a private getaway for one to six people nestled in the serene surroundings of nature. Hostel facilities are also available on site, featuring bunkhouses (private quarters in small, multi-user lodges with a private, outdoor entrance), and bedrooms in the main lodge. Guests staying in this type of accommodation enjoy the privacy of their own sleeping quarters but share a bathroom, kitchen, and lounge facilities with others staying at the hostel - a great option for solo travellers or visitors looking to make new friends.

Not a place for partying, loud music, or late nights, this retreat focuses on fostering a personal connection with nature, soaking up the surrounding vibes, and meeting like-minded hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts while swimming in the river, sitting by the fire pit, strolling through the trees, and steaming in the on-site cedar log sauna.

Camping is also available in the Algonquin Highlands area through the Highland Backpacking Trail - an overnight backpacking trail with loops of 19 and 35 km in length. The challenging trail can be accessed from the Highland Backpacking Trailhead near the Mew Lake Campground.

 

Bianca Bujan is an award-winning travel writer with bylines in Lonely Planet, Food & Wine, Canadian Geographic, Chatelaine, WestJet Magazine, The Globe & Mail, and others. She is also the Editor for WestCoast Families magazine. When she's not off on a new adventure or sharing stories of her travels, Bianca is exploring the outdoors with her family on BC’s North Shore where she calls home. For more travel inspiration follow her at bitsofbee.com, or on Instagram @bitsofbee.