Ultimate Guide of Destinations for Summer Road Trips in Ontario

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Summer months in Ontario may seem to go by too fast, but there is so much to do and see! Are you looking for the best summer road trips in Ontario? You’ve come to the right place! Here is a list of the best Ontario summer getaways to help you discover this beautiful province!

Dream it.

Dream Summer Road Trip Ontario

I am fortunate to live in Toronto, which gives me access to the most beautiful places in Ontario. There are plenty of scenic drives, cities and towns to explore with a variety of great summer activities.

When planning a summer road trip in Ontario, the inspiration includes white sand beaches, quirky towns, famous Ontario attractions, and understanding what I want to do on this summer vacation. Do I want to relax, explore some fairs or partake in an adventure?

Plan it.

Depending on your interests, I have put together an extensive list of places to road trip through Ontario. When planning a road trip to Ontario, the key is to prepare for the drive, think about your budget, and where you want to stay.

Ontario Road Trip Packing List

I’ll keep this list brief for this post, but a detailed road trip packing list will follow soon. When planning your trip, however, it is essential to keep the following in mind.

Car documents (rental or personal documents)
Emergency car kit and first aid kit
Cooler for trunk with water and snacks
Printed maps/itineraries – for GPS mishaps
Sunscreen, bug spray, hats
A blanket for picnics and road stops
Travel sunshade – Read more: List of the Best Travel-Friendly Beach Tents and Sun Shades
Beach Picnic Essentials

View of Viamede resort from water the main building and a small cottage

Live it.

Ontario Road Trips Through Peterborough and the Kawarthas

Viamede Resort

What’s a romantic summer getaway without a cottage by the lake? Located on Stoney lake about a 35-minute drive from Peterborough Ontario, the budget-friendly no-frills resort offers hotel rooms and lakefront cottages to their guests. Activities at the resort include paddle boarding, kayaking, forest hikes, an indoor pool and more. If you travel with your pet, you’ll find this resort happy to host your dogs.

Lakefield Ontario

If you love visiting small towns with local shops and cafes, you must make a stop on Queen Street. You will find several cute stores, including The English Potter, Tragically Hipp Fashion Gallery, the Chocolate Rabbit and more than several home décor and antique shops.

Summer Road Trip to Cobourg Beach and Port Hope Ontario

Day Trips in Ontario’s Northumberland Region

Cobourg, Ontario – Hit the White Sand Beach!

It has become an annual visit for me since discovering this gem. Cobourg is a cute town with this lovely white sand beach and boardwalk. There are many summer festivals on the waterfront, and each time I go, it is just a perfect day!

If you are looking for a place to stay in Cobourg? Why not stay in the Cobourg Jail? It is known as the King George Inn and is a well-known jailhouse converted into an inn!

On the way to Cobourg, be sure to stop off at Betty’s Pies and Tarts! They are quite famous and hands down one of the best local bakeries in the area! Pick up a box of goodies to bring to the beach with you!

Summer Theatre Night in Port Hope, Ontario

After a day at the beach in Cobourg, love catching some local theatre! Port Hope is home to a fantastic summer theatre program in its well known Capitol theatre.

The Capitol Theatre dates back to the 1930s but has been refurbished and maintained and is well-known as the last fully restored atmospheric theatre in operation in Canada. Inside the theatre is an illusion of watching the show outdoors under a perfect starry night! Check out their summer listings here!

Summer Road Trip in Ontario Lakes Country

Orillia, Ontario – Summer on the Lake

Need a cottage country break but on a budget? Take a trip up to Orillia and enjoy a day on Lake Simcoe. Orillia has lots to do during the summer months, including their annual outdoor summer art project called Streets Alive featuring a themed project on display throughout the downtown street!

Orillia also is home to one of my favourite restaurants: Era 67, which has some of the most amazing locally sourced menus I have ever tasted! Stay in Orillia’s Stone Gate Inn for a relaxing stay in a great hotel and turn your visit to Orillia into a weekend!

Where to Stay in Orillia Ontario

Stone Gate Inn: My Review | TripAdvisor | Expedia

Best Western Mariposa Inn: My Review | TripAdvisor | Expedia

Oro-Medonte, Burl’s Creek Event Grounds

Home to the famous Boots and Hearts Music festival, time your Ontario Road Trip in Ontario’s Lake Country with a special concert event at Burl’s Creek.

Girls Getaway at Casino Rama

Suppose you are not looking to experience the outdoors but are looking for a fun getaway, which includes great food, a spa, a relaxing pool, and entertainment. In that case, you may want to book the girls’ getaway package at Casino Rama.

Plan your trip to correspond with one of their concerts held in their event theatre or catch the Rama Pow Wow in August.

See these posts for more Rama planning tips:

Ontario Day Trip in Toronto, Ontario

Toronto’s waterfront is filled with things to do from boat tours on the lake, a ferry ride to the island, or many festivals featuring food and music in its many pavilions. Take a bike ride or walk along the boardwalk, practice Kayaking in the shallow pond or take a tour of Lake Ontario on one of many tour boats.

Toronto has many great summer festivals, and the Harbourfront Centre is a weekly destination for numerous bands and acts appearing on one of many stages throughout the waterfront.

More posts to help you plan a trip in Toronto

Where to Stay in Toronto

Radisson Admiral: My Review | Trip Advisor | Expedia

Intercontinental Toronto: My Review | Trip Advisor | Expedia

Hotel X: My Review | Trip Advisor | Expedia

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Hamilton Ontario

If you haven’t been to Hamilton recently, you may be surprised to learn a lot is going on there. The restaurant resurgence alone is enough to make it a destination for a summer road trip. Still, if you factor in the Friday night art crawl, beautiful waterfront, and fantastic restaurants opening up in the city – you have yourself the perfect Ontario summer road trip stop.

More posts to help you plan a trip to Hamilton:

Burlington Ontario

I love visiting Burlington during the summer. Its downtown features many pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops, just steps from the waterfront. Take a walk along the boardwalk, make your way downtown for a bite to eat, a drink on the patio, or some ice cream.

Be sure to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, where you can walk through their Rock Garden and beautifully manicured parkland.

Read more: Royal Botanical Gardens Rock Garden.

Wine Tasting Ontario Road Trips and Day Trips in the Niagara Region

Twenty Valley Wine Tasting Road Trip

If miles and miles of vineyards are what you crave, consider the lesser travelled Twenty Valley region of Ontario. The extension of Niagara on the Lake’s already famous wine region, there are plenty of wineries to visit here and the town of Jordan, Ontario, which has several local shops, restaurants and bakeries.

Stay at the Inn on the Twenty

If you are planning on staying multiple days in the Twenty Valley region, I recommend the Inn on the Twenty. It’s located smack dab in the middle of everything. The Inn has 27 rooms, some two-level suites and other single floor suites all with their decor and charm.

Niagara Falls Ontario Day Trip

Let’s face it. Most Ontarians have taken a road trip to Niagara Falls at some point in their lives. If you haven’t, it’s time to start planning. I don’t know how many times I’ve been, and it doesn’t seem to matter because each time when I stand in front of that railing and see the falls, it takes my breath away.

Niagara Parks Adventure Pass

There are so many attractions, restaurants and things to see in Niagara Falls. If you plan your road trip in conjunction with a summer festival, it is a bonus. I love the Niagara Parks attractions like White Water Walk and Journey Behind the Falls. They get you up close to the awesomeness that is the falls.

Road Trip Ideas In Ontario’s Southwest

Norfolk, Ontario and Area

I have a new summer must do – it’s kayaking! One of the most memorable experiences was this fantastic Kayak adventure on Lake Erie. I’ve been kayaking in several Ontario spots on lakes and rivers, and there is nothing more relaxing than watching the reflection of trees or clouds on a flat lake or river.

While in Norfolk, be sure to visit Port Dover’s beach and visit Ontario’s palm trees! These trees only come out during the summer months and certainly add a bit of the tropics to this Ontario destination.

If you happen to need something to eat during your visit, check out The Combine and Schofield’s Bistro from some pretty amazing locally sourced fine dining.

Here are some more articles to inspire a road trip to Norfolk County.

Sharon sitting on waterfront looking at fishing village Port Stanley Ontario Elgin County

Summer Ontario Road Trip to Port Stanley Ontario

This little fishing village is a popular Ontario Summer Getaway spot. Its small inns and B&Bs fill up fast as people come to explore its theatre, shops, train and, of course, its fabulous beach.

Port Stanley is a popular place to visit in Ontario for the weekend. With nearby Sparta and Quai Du Vin winery, you’ll find plenty to do during your summer road trip to Port Stanley.

London Ontario Road Trip

Farmers’ markets, historical museums and a small city filled with shops and restaurants is the best way I can describe London Ontario. At the heart of its downtown core is the fabulous Covent Farmer’s Market filled with local vendors and farmers.

Plan your road trip during Culture Days and explore it as it opens its doors to popular attractions like Banting House, Eldon House and the London theatre.

Sarnia Ontario Road Trip

Many of us drive through Sarnia on the way to Michigan. Home to the famous twin bridge the Blue Water Bridge (pictured above), Sarnia plays a critical part in linking us to our US neighbours and has a few attractions to discover. From beautiful waterfront walks, great museums and galleries, you’ll love exploring Ontario’s Blue Coast.

Discovering the Farm Life in Chatham-Kent

You may be wondering why I put a farming region on the list? Sometimes a girl just needs to explore and experience new things. Chatham is a small town surrounded by beautiful farms and barns, and I couldn’t help getting lost on the side roads to snap photos.

Then upon returning to Chatham, you will see local shops, eateries and the best hotel ever! I entered my hotel with my jaw dropped. I didn’t understand how such a quirky and cute boutique hotel would find itself in this little town.

Must Stay – Retro Suites Hotel

I’ve honestly now returned to Chatham and planned Ontario road trips to stay in one of the rooms at the Retro Suites Hotel. This funky hotel filled with collectables like the toy soldiers from FAO Schwarz in NYC. Each room decorated with its unique theme like the Harley Davidson room seen above.

Discover the Beautiful Sunsets of Ontario’s West Coast

Summer Getaway in Grand Bend Ontario

At some point, you have to add Grand Bend to your Ontario summer road trip list. Grand Bend is not a luxury destination, but if you love beach towns and great beaches, I’m confident you’ll love exploring this region.

The sunsets alone are spectacular and repeat almost daily. There are plenty of beaches to discover, including Grand Bend Beach and the many beaches at Pinery Provincial Park. Accommodations in the area range from inns, lodges and campsites.

See these Grand Bend Articles for more inspiration for your Ontario Summer Getaway.

Do you have a favourite Summer Road Trip, Ontario? Share it in the comments below! I’m always looking for new local spots to visit!

This post is the result of many trips, some hosted press trips and some personal summer getaways in Ontario.

Destinations for Summer Road Trips in Ontario