_edited.png)
_edited.png)
_edited.png)
With the summer winding down , it's time to hit the road with some great road trip destinations close to Toronto By Pina Travel ..
Go wine touring in
Prince Edward County
Unwind in Prince Edward County, a scenic region on Lake Ontario known for its wineries, cideries and farm-to-table cuisine. The gastronomic area is a 2 to 3.5 hour drive from Toronto (depending on traffic), making it a great road trip destination for a weekend getaway in Ontario. From Toronto, take HWY 401 east until you reach exit 522. This will take you south to the relaxed area with quaint towns, pretty farms and stunning beaches.
Prince Edward County is packed with charming places to stay and fun things to do. One of the best ways to experience the countryside is to rent a bike and winery hop. Rent bikes in Wellington and bike to wineries such as Sandbanks Estate, Karlos Estate, Hinterland and Closson Chase. If you’re not a wine drinker, check out The County Cider Company. It has marvellous views of Prince Edward Bay from the hilltop. Enjoy a craft cider tasting, go on an orchard tour or have pizza on their outdoor patio.
Prince Edward county has a mix of quirky places to stay. If you’re looking for a trendy place, try The Drake Motor Inn, a hip retro motel named one of the Best New Affordable Hotels in the World by Conde Nast. For a charming luxurious stay, try Merrill House, a gothic revival mansion beautifully restored with contemporary elements.
Visit the quaint town of Elora
If you are looking for the perfect Ontario road trip destination, consider a day trip to one of the cutest little villages in rural Ontario, Elora. Located along the Grand River, it’s a charming day trip destination about 90 minutes from Toronto. One of the famous Group of Seven painters, A.J. Casson, called Elora “Ontario’s Most Beautiful Village.”
There are tons of things to do in Elora. If you love the outdoors, there are parks and extreme activities like river tubing and zip-lining while hiking in the beautiful Elora Gorge will make you one with nature. Another popular attraction is the Elora Gorge, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim during those hot and humid summer days.
In addition to nature, there are tons of authentic family-owned shops, with numerous places to eat and drink, from fine dining and cute cafes to brunch spots and Elora’s very own brewery. Elora also has several art galleries, where you can not only see art but make your own art at one of the many classes.
No need to board a plane! With just a quick drive from Toronto, you’ll find yourself in a quiet and quaint place to relax.
Discover Georgian Bay at Bruce Peninsula National Park
Bruce Peninsula National Park is a 3.5 hour drive north from Toronto. It’s a must-add to your Ontario summer road trip itinerary due to its jaw-dropping beauty. With the lush forest and stunning views of Georgian Bay at the edge of cliffs, it’s no surprise why the park is known as one of the most beautiful places in Ontario!
It is worthwhile embarking on a day trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park or book a camping site for a longer stay. Due to its popularity, campsites do sell out ahead of time so it is best to plan your visit far in advance. Spending a weekend camping is the best way to see the park, especially because you can wake up early and explore the park undisturbed before the flock of day-trip visitors arrive.
While visiting Bruce Peninsula National Park you can hike through the forest, swim, canoe, scuba dive, and so much more. The Grotto is definitely the most popular place to visit in the park, and for a good reason. There, you can swim in the crystal clear waters and admire the unique and natural sea cave.
Head to the nearby town of Tobermory to explore boutique shops and great seafood restaurants. From there, you can take a glass-bottom boat tour. On your tour you’ll see shipwrecks or head to Flowerpot Island for more adventures.
Visit Creemore, the village with a big heart
Only 90 minutes north of Toronto, an ideal road trip is to the charming village of Creemore. Take the scenic backroads where you will be treated to an idyllic countryside drive along the way—which is a highlight in itself. Through the rolling hills of the incredible Niagara Escarpment, gaze upon the large heritage homes, farms, towering trees, creeks and ponds. This entire area is a huge draw for road cyclists and hiking enthusiasts for the nearby Bruce Trail.
Creemore, first settled in 1842, was named after the Irish Cro Mor, meaning “big heart”. That’s why today, Creemore is often referred to as “the village with a big heart.” There is a strong sense of community there – everyone is welcoming and proud to show off their village. It’s a thriving arts and culture hub filled with artists, galleries, and year-long festivals.
Stroll the lovely little shops that line the main street or stop in at one of Creemore’s many eateries. It's also home to their very own Creemore Springs Brewery. Take a tour and learn about their unique fire-brew process using a copper kettle followed by a sampling on their patio. Or join the locals every Saturday morning at the lively Farmer’s Market. Creemore is that quintessential charming small town. It’s no wonder that it is often described as “one of the prettiest towns in Ontario” by Harrowsmith Magazine.
Check Out Rookwood conservation Area
a Grand River Park in Rockwood, Ontario. This conservation is a great Ontario road trip destination because it’s an easy 1.5 hour drive from Toronto. Simply take Highway 401 headed west, and at Campbellville exit onto Guelph Line 1 headed north. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can book to take the bus to Rockwood for a day trip or for the weekend, using the service Parkbus. If you’re staying overnight, book a site at Rockwood’s campground, or stay nearby in Guelph.
Rockwood has two easy hiking trails — the Pothole Trail and the Cedar Ridge Trail. The trails run along the Eramosa River, and although they aren’t very long or challenging, both trails give you stunning views overlooking the river below. At one end of the Cedar Ridge Trail, you’ll find one of Rockwood’s interesting attractions, a collection of natural caves! Some of them stretch back quite far, so much so that you’ll need a headlamp or the flashlight to be able to explore them.
Aside from the trails, you can spend an afternoon relaxing on Rockwood’s public beach. The beach has both a sandy area and a grassy area, and the swimming is perfect — plenty of shallow water that eventually becomes deeper. This is also the perfect spot to launch a kayak, canoe, or paddle board. If you don’t have your own, you can rent them hourly from Inside Out Nature Centre.
If you are hitting the road Our Blackbird
Dj Sudeep K
has put together a quintessential
Road trip mix for you to kick back and enjoy the ride
Or at least pretend you are on one
Alt Gems
“our Weekly Dose of Alternative Gem's Selected By Sudeep K For BlackDonnelly Media
This weeks Mix Is Dedicated to roadtrips/car tunes
Enjoy”
(Sudeep K)
Click the picture below for this weeks
DON'T FORGET TO LIKE AND FOLLOW OUR PAGE FOR NEW SHOWS
MAY GOOD JUJU FIND YOU