If the grind’s getting to you too, get outta town. A weekend getaway is an awesome way to blow off some steam, and the cool thing is that just on the outskirts of the city are a half-dozen or more hidden or at least less-known spots where you can get a break from the mayhem of the city.
The Cheltenham Badlands Trail
Aka. the Ontario badlands, the most popular hiking trail in the area is now closed off,(mainly due to overuse and people who damaged the natural area), but you can still check out the Bruce Trail, which is accessed from the parking area. So hiking the badlands is out, but snapping selfies with the wonky, red, creased bandlands in the background is still kosher from the top.
Driving time: 1 hr
Discovery Harbour
Especially if you have kids, Discovery Harbour has a ton of activities for everyone, most of which are inspired by the country’s naval history. Also, if you get there on a Thursday to Sunday between October 1 and 31, the historic area is putting on Pumpkinferno, a pretty incredible display of intricately carved and illuminated pumpkins.
Driving time: 2 hrs
Dundurn Castle
The big old castle in Hamilton has some pretty cool events, like “Historic Cooking Workshops”, Christmas festivals and a Halloween-esque death and dying presentation. Anyway, both the interior and exterior are worth a look for kids and adults.
Driving time: 1 hr
Prince Edward County
- A) There’s wine.
- B) There’s a beach.
- C) There are breweries.
Pretty much anything you could want to do that has to do with food, bevvies, the outdoors and relaxation is in its prime in the PEC.
Driving time: 2 hrs 15 mins
The Bruce Peninsula
Ever been to Malta? No? Don’t worry because the Bruce Peninsula looks just like it, with crystal-clear turquoise water, rough, vertical, tree-topped cliffs and even a rocky grotto. The drive out’s a bit longer, so consider making it a weekend trip and stay over night, eat some great grub and partake in some outdoor adventures.
Driving time: 3 hrs 45 mins
Elora Gorge
In the summer, tubing is the main activity in the Elora Gorge, but in the fall, the area isn’t too busy, especially when the weather is chilly. Instead of tubing, there are some breathtaking lookouts from the top of the cliffs out over the river below, plus the historic town of Elora is a decent place to stop for lunch.
Driving time: 1 hr 45 mins