With international travel largely shut down, everyone is looking for something to do near Toronto this summer. While cottage rentals are almost entirely sold out at this point there are still lots of great local vacation options available near Toronto. Below we’ve listed our five favourite towns to base yourself out of for a few days of adventure this summer!
Parry Sound - Islands and Bikes
This quiet town in the northeast corner of Georgian Bay is a launching point to explore the 30,000 islands of the Georgian Bay Biosphere and the world’s largest freshwater archipelago. In addition to the endless maze of sea kayaking routes through the islands, Parry Sound is also home to some of Ontario's best gravel biking routes and one of the country’s top bike shops!
Lion’s Head - Climbers and Kayaks
Nestled up against Georgian Bay about halfway up the Bruce Peninsula is a climber and kayaker’s dream town, and a quieter alternative to the crowded piers of Tobermory. With rock climbers scaling granite cliffs that drop into Georgian Bay, sea kayakers watching them from the turquoise waters below, and hikers exploring the legendary Lion’s Head Provincial Park, this town is a miniature adventure wonderland tucked into one of Ontario’s fastest growing tourist areas.
Bobcaygeon - Lakes and Farms
Eternalized by the Tragically Hip song of the same name, Bobcaygeon is a great spot to take the family for a local vacation this summer. With plenty of family-friendly cycling and hiking trails, local farms providing delicious farm to table food, and the massive Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park close by, you won’t run out of exciting outdoor activities.
Saint Jacobs & Elmira - Fishing, Food and Road Bikes
Just a few kilometres down the road from the bustling town of Elora are a series of quiet pastoral towns where Ontario’s Old Order Mennonite communities have been living for generations. In addition to the delicious food available at St Jacobs Farmers’ Market and the famous local furniture stops, the surrounding streets and streams provide some of the best road biking and fishing in all of southern Ontario!
Turkey Point - Birds, Bikes and Brews
The north coast of Lake Erie is home to one of Ontario’s fastest growing winery and brewery scenes. In between drinks, you can head to Turkey Point Provincial Park for world-class birdwatching, or saddle up to explore over 90 km of mountain bike trails!
Let Us Plan your Local Vacation
If you’re looking for help in planning your local vacation you can contact us here or browse our summer adventure catalogue for more ideas!