Toronto is a beautiful and lively city and we are sure that you love the place you live in. While there are many parks and squares, there are not a lot of nature sites in the city itself. If you’d like to treat yourself to a little Toronto getaway after a hard week at work, we’re here to share with you some of our favorite spots. Here are the top 10 best weekend trips for nature lovers in Toronto.
Top 10 best weekend trips for nature lovers in Toronto
For all of you outdoor lovers, Number 1 Van Lines Van Lines have prepared a list of amazing nature sites to visit this summer. You will love being a Canadian even more. Especially in these trying times when the economic recession is on the horizon. Holidays in the country can be just as special as traveling abroad.
1. Treat yourself to a luxury spa cut into a cliff
The small-town charm of Elora will surely swipe you off your feet. This has become a popular weekend getaway spot thanks to the construction of a luxurious new hotel and spa. Plus, it’s only an hour and a half away from Toronto. As the Grand River meanders through Elora, it comes to a halt at a rocky bluff that formerly housed the historic Elora Mill. Which has now been transformed into a luxurious hotel and spa.
For a place that goes back 175 years, the mill’s ultra-luxe facilities, such as the cliff-side spa with fitness and yoga studios, saunas, and steam rooms, are sure to make you feel at home. An infinity pool and hot tub are located on the terrace that overlooks the river, providing the ultimate relaxation. Elora is a peaceful, scenic village north of Guelph that relies heavily on stone for its success. Many of the city’s old buildings, made of limestone, are now home to an array of boutiques, galleries, and gourmet food establishments. That’s where it came from: the town’s ancient quarry, which has subsequently been transformed into a two-acre swimming area.
2. Pay a visit to the Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory
The whole Bruce Peninsula is another one of Ontario’s treasures. It’s hard to put into words the beauty of Georgian Bay and Lake Huron’s turquoise seas and breathtaking coastline scenery. A UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve is in reality located in the vicinity of the site. A weekend escape to the Bruce Peninsula may seem like a long way away, but it’s not impossible to make it happen. It’s a two-hour drive from Toronto to Tobermory, which is located at the terminus of Highways 10 and 6.
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Tobermory
Your journey begins at Tobermory. Charming boutiques, restaurants, and pubs line the streets, as well as outdoor seating and live music. Flowerpot Island Express by Blue Heron Cruises departs from this port and brings you to Flower Pot Island, where you’ll witness Big Tub Lighthouse and two 19th-century shipwrecks on your route there. Many have chosen to relocate after visiting. And if you’d want to follow in their footsteps, local movers Toronto will be more than happy to help.
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Flower Pot Island
On its alone, Flower Pot Island is worth a full day’s travel. Flower Pot Island is also one of the top places in Ontario for artists. So if you like to paint or sing, this Island will be heaven for you. Paths wind through the difficult terrain, leading to flower pot rock formations, picnic shelters on the coastline adjacent to Beachy Cove, swimming and snorkeling spots, and the light station and lightkeeper’s home. There are various trails to choose from here.
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The Bruce Peninsula National Park
The Bruce Peninsula National Park is also a must-see. It’s a good idea to prioritize going to the park’s famed Grotto over the park’s renowned trails since you’ll only have one day to see everything. This region is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and sea caves along the beach, where the most daring swimmers may take a plunge. The park’s daily parking permit is $11.70. You’ll be able to utilize the Parks Canada Discovery Pass since this is a national park.
3. The mesmerizing Niagara Falls
It’s The 8th Wonder of the World. Or at least Canadians like to think that. The Niagara Falls. With 168,000 cubic meters of water rushing over Horseshoe Falls, we don’t think there’s much more we can say about this breathtaking spectacle of nature. It’s a national symbol of Canada’s natural world. And there are many things to do in Niagara Falls. Visiting Niagara Falls is an ideal weekend getaway from Toronto. The Hornblower Cruise, Journey Behind the Falls, and the White Water Walk all provide close-up views of the Falls. Just be prepared to get a little wet!
If you’re thinking about visiting Niagara Falls with your family, the Wonder Pass may make your vacation more convenient. One-day admission to Niagara’s Fury, the Butterfly Conservatory, and the Floral Showcase is included with advance purchase. Two-day access to WEGO and Falls Incline transportation, as well as discounts at nearby stores or restaurants, are included.
4. Niagara on the Lake
Another great place for weekend trips for nature lovers in Toronto. Niagara on the Lake is Toronto’s best option for a romantic weekend vacation. If you’re looking for a romantic retreat, consider the historic Pillar and Post or one of its old hotels or bed and breakfasts. There are a plethora of options within a short distance of the city’s historic core.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a historic and scenic getaway about 90 minutes from Toronto. Explore the Niagara Gorge by whirlpool jet boat, see a play at the Shaw Festival, or hire a bike to ride among the vineyards. Fort George National Historic Site is only a short walk from the Shaw Festival, making it a great place for history lovers to explore.
5. The beautiful Blue Mountain Village
All year-round, we like to visit Collingwood and Blue Mountain Village. In the winter, we look forward to hitting the slopes since we have some of the greatest skiing in the province. Summer, on the other hand, is a season for excitement and adventure. Blue Mountain Village and Collingwood, both located on the shores of Georgian Bay, are brimming with outdoor activities. Go rock climbing on the Niagara Escarpment; take a panoramic boat excursion; or see the beautiful caverns and suspension bridge.
In the winter, this year-round resort is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, but the hamlet comes alive in the summer with the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and mountain bike routes. You may unwind in the Scandinavia Spa Blue Mountain after you’ve had enough outdoor pleasure. The best part of Blue Mountain Village? You’re able to move on a budget there and it’s inexpensive.
6. Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River
Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River may be an excellent weekend trip from Toronto if you make your way to OWL Rafting or Wilderness Tours. Between rafting sessions, you can spend the weekend meeting new people and spending time resting by the river.
Join OWL for a day in a large raft by signing up for the sport rafting weekend. There are just a few companies that have the ability to navigate the river’s most dangerous rapids. The next day, we’ll be on a sports raft with a crew of only four individuals. It’s going to be a great weekend. Both businesses rent cabins and provide camping. It’s an all-inclusive vacation that includes meals and rafting.
7. Recharge your batteries at Algonquin Provincial Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is a great place to get away from city life if you’re looking for some peaceful time. This is hands down one of the best weekend trips for nature lovers in Toronto. Recharge your batteries by spending time in the great outdoors. If you’re traveling with a group, family, or even just one adventurous person, here is where you want to be. It’s up to you what you’d want to do when you visit Algonquin Park. You may hire a canoe and go off for a paddle, or you can go trekking and explore the paths.
Camping in the woods or along the shoreline beneath old-growth white pine trees is a possibility, as is a stay in a luxurious resort or the rental of a rustic cottage. Resorts may be found in Huntsville, as well. The trip to Algonquin Park from Toronto takes just over three hours thanks to a split roadway that runs the length of the park. If you choose to make it your permanent residence, long distance movers Toronto can take care of that.
8. Visit the Stratford Festival
Those with a taste for theater may want to travel straight to Stratford, where there are many things to do. There are four stages in this little town that feature plays from the Stratford Festival, which is a major draw for visitors. You can enjoy in the festival from April through November. Justin Bieber was born and raised in Stratford, which is a great place to visit if you’re more interested in contemporary music. Then, when you arrive at your hotel room or bed and breakfast, take a stroll about town to see such sights as the city’s riverbank region and its magnificent gardens. Just ask your hotel to point you in the right direction for the best restaurants in this burgeoning culinary scene. And if you decide to move here after visiting, feel free to call long distance movers Canada. They’d be eager to help.
9. Fun times at Wasaga Beach
Visiting Wasaga Beach during the warmer months promises to be a memorable experience. During the summer, there is always something going on in this coastal town. You should expect to see a lot of people if the weather is favorable. There is no better place for families than Wasaga Beach, the world’s longest freshwater beach, with its sandy shores and calm, mild waves. This is one of Ontario’s finest beaches. In the sand dunes close beyond the beach, you’ll discover a diverse network of paths for hiking, bicycling, and strolling. The majority of hotels and Airbnb’s in town are tiny, independent establishments. On summer weekends, these spots fill up quickly, so prepare ahead. If you want to move to the beachside, make sure you choose a reliable moving company. Compare at least two moving rates. For example, Number 1 Van Lines vs Atlas Van Lines. Choose the best rate you find.
10. Royal treatment at Lake Rosseau
Lake Rosseau is suitable for a celebrity and king or queen. If you want to feel like a king or queen, Lake Rosseau is the place for you. Paignton House, the current A-list hangout, first opened its doors to the public in 1894. National Geographic once dubbed it “The World’s Most Beautiful Destination,” and now weekenders from Toronto flock to the five-star getaway to experience it. It was on a trip to Lake Rosseau that Dave and I spent our first costly weekend away from Toronto, and it remains one of our most treasured memories. Sitting on the pier, drinking wine, and taking a boat trip on the mirror lake were our only activities for the day.
Final note
We hope you’ll get to enjoy one of these weekend trips for nature lovers in Toronto this summer. This is the perfect time to rediscover the beauty of our beautiful countryside. If you’re a true nature lover, we are sure you’re going to have the time of your life at one of these locations. If you want more recommendations for things to do in and outside of Toronto, feel free to visit our blog page.