Best weekend getaways from Toronto

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 top weekend getaways from Toronto. To spark your wanderlust, here are some short trips from Toronto with a little something for everyone.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

A romantic overnight 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 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?

Be sure to add a romantic picnic in the park to your itinerary—travellers love the Queen's Royal Park Gazebo and the Gardens at Pillar and Post. 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 ice wine and walk the snow-covered, quaint Queen Street 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, though the caves are closed from mid-October to the end of March to protect hibernating bats.

For a little history lesson, wander through McCrae House, the childhood home of John McCrae, the 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 the University of Guelph, 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-and-a-half-hour drive east along Lake Ontario from Toronto, and you’ll hit one of Ontario’s favourite staycation destinations, 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 Canada's best wine, so booking a wine tour beforehand is highly recommended.

If you’re visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park, be sure to stop by the seasonal seafood shack, Sand and Pearl, just minutes from the beach. Stella’s Eatery and the Drake Devonshire and Motor Inn are popular options if you want to spend a leisurely afternoon enjoying some nibbles and drinks on a patio. Want to watch a movie the old-school way? Check out the Mustang Drive-In in Bloomfield.

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

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 a romantic weekend getaway from Toronto, or do you just need a long-weekend city escape? The welcoming capital of Quebec has so much to see and do year-round. 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 its annual Carnaval, a little dose of French Canada will 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, the only preserved walled city of its kind in Canada and the US, Quebec City tells the story of French history in North America. Just a short drive north of downtown is Montmorency Falls—towering at 83 metres, these waterfalls are actually higher than Niagara Falls.

Want to indulge in the local food scene? Visit Le Grand Marché for 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 Michelin-starred Légende on rue St. Paul.

One of the best things about Old Québec is that it's very walkable, with many major sights close together.

Where to stay: To be near the heart of the action, Les Lofts St-Joseph offers 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, a trip to New York City is an easy 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 in fall and spring. Central Park, Battery Park, and Prospect Park in Brooklyn are among the city's most beloved green spaces and deserve a visit. With some of the world's best museums, no trip to the Big Apple is complete without visiting at least one. Unmissable options include the Met, MoMA, The Morgan Library & Museum, and The Whitney.

You can reach all five New York City boroughs by public transport, including the subway, buses, and the Staten Island Ferry. Tap your contactless card or phone on an OMNY reader, and once you’ve spent $35 within seven days, the rest of your rides that week are free.

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

Boston, USA

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

Often overlooked compared to other East Coast destinations, Boston is a quick trip from Toronto that’s waiting to be explored. Fill your time in Boston with historic walks, visits to outdoor markets, and picturesque neighbourhoods, and indulge in some tasty eats. Boston also offers plenty of kid-friendly activities if you’re planning a family weekend getaway from Toronto.

The Freedom Trail is a Boston attraction (or a series of attractions, really) that will take you the entire day. Stretching four kilometres, this outdoor history museum experience passes through Boston’s oldest neighbourhoods. The Boston Public Garden is a great place to explore, especially in spring when the tulips 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 + Ice in Back Bay takes an interactive approach to dining: you pick your ingredients buffet-style, and the chefs grill your food in front of you on a large circular grill. The Boston Public Market on Hanover Street has a huge selection of local food, including produce, meats, fish, cheese, and delicious gourmet snacks.

Boston's major sights are very walkable, so book a hotel in the city to stay close to your favourite 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 a heated rooftop pool and a fitness centre.

Miami, USA

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

From 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 from Toronto or plan a longer getaway over your winter break.

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

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

For excellent Cuban cuisine in a classy setting, try Versailles Restaurant along popular Calle 8. And if you can’t get enough, real Havana is less than an hour's flight away.

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

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

Final thoughts on weekend trips from Toronto

So the next time you find yourself longing for a little getaway, know that there's no shortage of weekend 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 inspire you. 

Ready to book your weekend getaway? Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest dates to fly and plan your trip around the best fare.