7 unmissable weekend getaways from Toronto

Longing to wine and dine for days, hike and adventure in the great outdoors, or make new memories in the city that never sleeps? Whatever your preference, it's time to make the most of your vacation days and plan an adventure to one of these amazing weekend getaways from Toronto this year. To help spark your wanderlust, here are some ideas for fun-filled weekend trips that offer a little something for everyone.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

A romantic weekend getaway from Toronto in wine country

An hour and a half drive from Toronto and about 30 minutes from the notorious Niagara Falls, is the centre of Ontario’s stunning wine region. What better way to spend a few days with your favourite person than wandering through gorgeous vineyards, indulging in delicious food and wine, and exploring the beautiful town of Niagara-on-the-Lake? Make sure to add a romantic picnic in the park to your itinerary - Queen's Royal Park Gazebo and the Gardens at Pillar and Post are just two recommendations in town that travellers love. Want to indulge in some culture for the evening? The Shaw Festival runs theatre productions and more throughout the season, both indoor and outdoor.

The best part about this weekend getaway is that it's not only for the summer months. If you're headed to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the wintertime, the Icewine Festival in January is definitely worth a visit. Sample local Icewine and walk the snow-covered and quaint Queen Street, located in the heart of town.

Where to stay: The Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake offers great value and is just a quick drive to all the main wineries and attractions.

Guelph, Ontario

Spend your long weekend getaway in the great outdoors of this southern Ontario city

Guelph is an underrated destination in Ontario that you should consider for your next weekend getaway from Toronto. The city is only about an hour's drive west of the GTA, making it an ideal option for a fun-filled weekend trip from the big city.

If you're travelling with the kids, they'll love exploring the limestone cliffs and caves at the Rockwood Conservation. The park is open year-round and offers plenty of activities for the whole family. For a little history lesson, take a wander through McCrae House, which is the childhood home of John McCrae, writer of the poem In Flanders Fields. Then take the kiddos to the interactive Royal City Families Gallery at the Guelph Civic Museum. Animal lovers of all ages will love the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Guelph. Hungry? Head downtown and warm up with a bowl of homemade ramen at Crafty Ramen on Macdonell St. For something unique and delicious, check out Miijidaa, whose menu draws inspiration from First Nations, French, and British cuisines.

Where to stay: About ten minutes from Guelph University, Norfolk Guest House Inn is a beautiful bed and breakfast.

Prince Edward County

One of the best weekend trips from Toronto for foodies

Take a two-hour drive east along Lake Ontario from Toronto and you’ll hit Canada’s new favourite staycation destination, Prince Edward County. Locally referred to as “The County”, this is where you can discover a ton of natural beauty, award-winning wineries, and culinary offerings that will tantalize your taste buds.

Taste your way through the region by sampling cheese at Fifth Town Artisan Cheese and different types of vinegars and wine at Black Prince Winery in Picton. Prince Edward County has some of the best wine in all of Canada, so booking a wine tour beforehand is highly recommended.

If you’re visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park be sure to visit the seasonal seafood shack, Sand and Pearl, located just minutes from the beach. Stella’s Eatery and the Drake Devonshire Hotel are popular options if you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely afternoon enjoying some nibbles and drinks on a patio. Want to watch a movie the old school way? Check out The County’s popular Mustang drive-in theatre.

There’s no public transport in The County, so we recommend bringing a car and make this a little road trip adventure from Toronto.

Where to stay: A ten-minute walk to Lake Ontario, the Picton Harbour Inn offers comfortable rooms for the whole family.

Quebec City, Quebec

A perfect romantic weekend getaway to experience Quebec's unique history, culture, and food

Looking for romantic weekend getaways from Toronto or just need a fun-filled long weekend escape? The welcoming capital of the province of Quebec has so much to see and do any time of year. Whether you want to stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec City on a late summer night or be transported to a winter wonderland for their annual Carnaval, a little dose of French Canada to keep the spark alive.

From the Citadel to the Plains of Abraham, the world-class Museum of Civilization and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Fortifications, which is the only preserved walled city of its kind in all of Canada and the US, French history in North America tells its story here in Quebec City. And just a short drive north of downtown is the nearby Montmorency Falls - towering at 83 metres, these waterfalls are actually higher than the ones in Niagara Falls.

Want to indulge in the local food scene? Check out Le Grand Marché and get some of the freshest produce, meats, and cheese from local farmers. For a dinner splurge, unleash your inner foodie and book a table at the award-winning Légende on rue St. Paul.

One of the great things about Vieux-Québec is that it's a very walkable city, and a lot of the major sights are within close proximity to each other.

Where to stay: To be near the heart of the action, Lofts St-Joseph has sparkling clean rooms with modern chic vibes.

New York City, USA

Always a perfect long weekend getaway in the Big Apple

With world-class sights, architecture, and food, New York City is always an excellent choice for a long weekend getaway from Toronto. Just hop on a short flight to one of NYC’s three main airports and you’ll be on your way to adventure.

New York City’s many parks are inspiring and easy to explore, especially during the fall and spring months. Central Park, Battery Park, and Prospect Park in Brooklyn are just some of the city's most beloved green spaces that deserve a visit. With some of the best museums in the world, no trip to the Big Apple is complete without going to at least one during your trip. Some unmissable ones are The MET, the MoMa, The Morgan Library & Museum, and The Whitney.

The five New York City boroughs are accessible by public transport: from the MTA and the Staten Island Ferry. You can purchase a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard for easy access to the New York City subway system and discounts on numerous New York City attractions.

Where to stay: The Wyndham Garden Brooklyn is right next to Sunset Park and a few blocks from the subway, so you’ll be able to easily get around all weekend.

Boston, USA

A kid-friendly long weekend getaway from Toronto with so much to do

Often overlooked by other destinations along the East Coast, Boston is a beautiful city just waiting to be explored. Fill your time in Boston with historic walks, visits to outdoor markets, picturesque neighbourhoods, and indulge in some excellent food. There’s also plenty of kid-friendly activities in Boston if you’re planning a family weekend getaway from Toronto.

A Boston attraction (or a series of attractions, really) that will take you the entire day is the Freedom Trail. Stretching 4 kilometres, this outdoor history museum experience passes through Boston’s oldest neighbourhoods. The Boston Public Garden is a great place to explore, especially during the spring when the tulips are in bloom. Take the kids to the Boston Children’s Museum, complete with a toddler play area, a science playground, and an art studio. The hands-on exhibits are sure to keep everyone entertained and engaged.

The popular Boston restaurant Fire and Ice takes an interactive concept to the dining experience, where you can pick your ingredients buffet-style and the chefs grill your food in front of your eyes on a large circular grill area! The Boston Public Market on Hanover Street has a huge selection of local food including produce, meats, fish, cheese, and delicious gourmet snacks.

The major sights in Boston are very walkable, so book a hotel in the city to be close to your favourite Boston attractions. The MBTA or “the T” is Boston’s public transportation system which connects the city and metro area by subway, train, bus, and ferry.

Where to stay: The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is an ideal family-friendly hotel option, complete with an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.

Miami, USA

Tropical beaches are just a 3-hour international flight from Toronto

With stylish beaches along its shores to a booming art scene, Miami is the closest you can get to paradise on a long weekend getaway from Toronto. When things start to cool down in The 6, head to Miami for a quick weekend escape or plan a longer getaway over your winter break.

The Wynwood Arts District in the north of Miami features the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum home to the works of some of the world’s top graffiti and street artists. Wander and admire the art all day, and all for free! For some outdoor experiences, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden offers free admission and is a beautiful space to explore for a few hours.

Travelling with kids? Head to the Miami Children’s Museum where you can spend the day enjoying interactive exhibits like the Glass Lab, Castle of Dreams, and the Construction Zone.

A top-rated Miami restaurant is the Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, which serves some of the best soul food in the city. For some excellent Cuban cuisine in a classy setting, try the Versailles Restaurant along the popular Calle 8. And if you just can’t get enough, the real Havana is less than an hour flight away.

Worried about getting around? The Miami Trolley is free and an easy way to get around major attractions and tourist areas in the city.

Where to stay: The Arlo Wynwood Miami is a stylish and affordable option in Midtown, complete with a rooftop pool and a lot of amenities for a luxurious stay.

Final thoughts on weekend trips to Toronto

So the next time you find yourself longing for a little getaway, know that there's no shortage of amazing destinations accessible from Toronto for an unforgettable weekend trip. Whether it's for a little romantic getaway, a trip with the whole family, a solo adventure, or travelling with your best friends, we hope these long weekend getaway ideas have inspired you.