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Like many people, I have a long list of bucket-list countries I want to visit (like Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day, for example). But ticking things off that list takes time. It usually requires vacation days, a flight, and a full day of travel. What I sometimes forget is how many places in Canada are worth exploring, without any of that.
Canadian travel is seriously underrated. Whether you prefer a weekend on the lake, a city with a real nightlife scene, or somewhere that feels like you’ve briefly left the country without the jet lag, there’s more to choose from than most people realize. No passport and no red-eye required.
I’ve travelled across Canada extensively and I’m always struck by how different the experiences are depending on where you land. As someone who grew up in Guelph and then spent 11 years in Ottawa, I’ve done a lot of long weekend trips from both cities. These are my top three picks for a long weekend if you live in Ontario – places I’ve actually been, really enjoyed, and would recommend without hesitation.
1. The Kawarthas
I’ll be honest, I’m biased here. I’ve been going to the Kawarthas my whole life, for many long weekends. But bias aside, it genuinely is one of the most beautiful parts of Ontario, and for a long weekend, it’s almost impossible to beat.
Gull Lake, Minden ON – September 2021
The Kawarthas are classic Canadian cottage country: lakes, forests, small towns, and a pace of life that reminds you why you needed a break. Minden and Haliburton are two of the main towns in the area, both worth a wander for independent shops and local restaurants.
Gull Lake, Minden ON – February 2021
Distance-wise, it’s very accessible. About a 2 to 3 hour drive from the GTA, and roughly 3.5 hours from Ottawa.
Lackies Lane, Minden ON – August 2020
Summer is when it really shines, with warm lakes, open trails, and a calendar of events including Canada Day celebrations, a fall fair in Kinmount every Labour Day weekend, and an artist studio tour every Thanksgiving. That said, it’s beautiful year-round if winter activities are your thing.
Snowshoeing on Landside Trail in Minden, ON – February 2021
Where to stay
If you don’t have a cottage connection, Bonnie View Inn on Lake Kashagawigamog is one of the best options in the area. A family-owned inn that’s been operating since 1924, it sits on 500 feet of waterfront with kayaks, paddleboards, a private beach, and an on-site restaurant, all about 7km from Haliburton village. I stayed there for a weekend in May 2024 and had a great time despite the cool weather. The food was excellent, the rooms have been recently updated, and the property has everything you need to unplug and relax. The prices were excellent too: $200 per person for two nights, which also included breakfast both mornings and access to all water activities and lawn games. For anyone who’s never done cottage country and doesn’t know someone with a dock, this is the place.
2. Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake could easily veer into tourist trap territory but somehow manages to stay quaint and charming.
Niagara-on-the-Lake (Source: Canadian Affair)
The main draw is the wine. The Niagara Peninsula is one of Canada’s best wine regions, and it makes for a great trip whatever the occasion, whether it’s a girls’ weekend, a bachelorette, a couple’s getaway, or just a summer weekend with friends. The main street has independent shops, good restaurants, and old architecture. Two or three days of eating well, wine tasting, and wandering is what you can expect.
Niagara-on-the-Lake (Source: Expedia)
It’s also worth knowing the Shaw Festival runs April through October, drawing serious theatre-goers from across the country. I was there one summer for a Mumford & Sons concert with some friends. It made for a laidback summer weekend with great music and relaxed vibes, which was the perfect combination.
From Toronto it’s about an hour and a half drive. From Ottawa it’s closer to 6 hours – more of a commitment, but doable on a long weekend if you’re up for a road trip.
3. Quebec City
Quebec City is the closest thing Canada has to a European city break. Old Quebec is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walking through it feels like actually being in France. The architecture, the cobblestone streets, the cafés and the French language everywhere, offers an experience that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in North America, and for history lovers, it’s particularly rich.
Quebec City – March 2024
I’ve visited twice. My most recent trip was March 2024 and I’ll be honest, it was freezing cold. But even in the dead of winter the city was beautiful. The snow against the old stone buildings and narrow streets adds a charm and coziness to it. However, summer is ideal if you want patio weather and a full restaurant experience, but don’t let the winter put you off entirely.
Quebec City Views – March 2024
The food is excellent. It’s Quebec after all, so expectations should be high. From classic French bistros to modern Quebecois cuisine, there’s a lot to eat well here. A long weekend looks like wandering the old city, eating too much, and drinking local wine. That’s really all you need.
Quebec City Eats
From Ottawa it’s about 4.5 hours. From Toronto, it’s closer to 8 hours. A bigger commitment from the GTA, but worth it for a long weekend if you’re willing to make the drive.
Quebec City – March 2024
Final Thought
There’s a tendency to overlook what’s close to home in favour of what’s further away, but sometimes the best trip is the one that’s already within reach. Closer also means easier to get people onboard, which makes all three of these destinations great options for a trip with friends or family.
The Kawarthas – July 2022
