Within easy driving distance of Toronto are many delightful communities worthy of a daytrip or a more extended visit. North of the city, Honey Harbour and Gravenhurst are the gateways to cottage country, with beautiful lakes and forests, while Collingwood offers excellent skiing in winter and summer fun on Georgian Bay. To the west of Toronto are many charming small towns, such as Stratford, with its world-renowned Shakespearean theater festival, and the Mennonite community of St. Jacobs. Further west, along the shores of Lake Huron, wide sandy beaches stretching north and south of the lovely town of Goderich beckon. The Niagara Peninsula, south and east, can easily fill a weekend, with attractions such as Niagara Falls and Ontario’s best wine country, charming inns, and award-winning restaurants.
For information about the Shaw Festival, call 1 800 511 7429, or visit its website at www.shawfest.com Stratford’s Shakespeare festival runs April to November; call 1 800 567 1600 for details-
Morning
Start at St. Jacobs Farmers’ and Flea Markets, admiring the handicrafts, collectibles, and foodstuffs of over 600 vendors. After stocking up snacks, walk across the parking lot to the Trolley Shop for a 75-minute horse-drawn trolley tour through Mennonite farm country (Apr–Oct).
After the tour, drive to the Visitor Centre at 1406 King St N; it features a short video on Mennonite history, photo exhibits, and a replica of a Mennonite Meetinghouse. Then, ready for lunch, head to Stone Crock (No. 1396), for a country-style buffet.
Afternoon
Drive east on County Road 17; in a few miles you’ll come to Road 22. Turn north to Route 86, then east on 86, watching for the sign to West Montrose. In this small town, look for the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario – called the kissing bridge by locals. The bridge crosses Grand River, a Heritage Waterway. Take Route 23 (turning into R21) north to charming Elora, 10 minutes away.
Once there, browse in the craft and antique shops and admire the old limestone buildings before walking to the Elora Gorge Conservation Area to swim, hike, and enjoy your picnic snacks by the water.
Next, it’s a short drive on Route 18 to Fergus, rich in Scottish history and late 19th-century architecture. Dine at the 1860s Breadalbane Inn (487 St Andrew St W).
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Hunting for vintage Canadian furniture, toys, silver, and china in the towns of Ontario is great sport. For a large choice of shops, head to Jordan, St. Jacobs, Erin, Neustadt, and Elora.
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The work of Ontario’s vibrant arts and crafts community, such as pottery, hand-blown glass, and jewelry, can be found thoughout the province at fairs, markets, boutiques, and galleries.
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Casual fine-dining amid small-town charm. The diverse selection of meat, fish, and pasta changes daily. Known for its clam chowder.
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Close to the sandy beaches of Lake Huron, this inn combines country charm and sophisticated elegance. Many of the rooms are in an historic wool mill. Spa.
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Quirky decor sets the stage for imaginative modern French dishes.
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This family vineyard boasts over five generations of wine-growing experience, with ancestral roots in Frances’s Alsace region. A tasting bar, shop, and splendid rose garden.
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This city takes full advantage of Niagara Escarpment scenery. Nearby Blue Mountain, a high point of the escarpment before it dips to lake level at Collingwood, is Ontario’s best ski hill. At Scenic Caves Nature Adventures, walk Ontario’s longest suspension footbridge, set high in the treetops, or explore the limestone and ice caves.
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Ontario’s microbreweries have enjoyed great popularity in recent years. Many, such as Neustadt Springs, offer tastings and tours.
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This lakeside resort set on 800 acres (325 ha) of Muskoka countryside, is suitable for both family vacations and quiet getaways. Spa.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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