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.
Sights
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Niagara-on-the-Lake
This
charming historic town looks much as it did when built in the early to
mid-1800s. Beautiful Georgian and Neo-Classical homes and quaint shops
reward leisurely exploration. History buffs won’t want to miss the
Niagara Historical Museum, with exhibits on the region’s fascinating
past. The town is a good base for excursions along the scenic Niagara
Parkway and to excellent wineries. In summer, it is home to the Shaw Festival.Niagara Historical Museum
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43 Castlereagh St
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905 468 3912
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Open May–Oct: 10am–5:30pm daily; Nov–Apr: 1–5:30pm daily
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Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Goderich
Founded
in 1827, this town on the shores of Lake Huron has a rich marine
history and fine Victorian architecture. Its downtown streets radiate
from an unusual octagonal “square,” at the center of which is the town
hall (1890). The Huron County Museum has a superb collection of old farm
equipment and military artifacts. Other stops of interest include the
Huron Historic Gaol, a jail built 1839–42; an 1847 lighthouse; and a
marine museum in an old lake freighter, open seasonally.Huron County Museum
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110 North St
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Open 10am–4:30pm Mon–Sat, 1–4:30pm Sun year-round except Labour Day–Victoria Day: closed Sat
Huron Historic Gaol
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181 Victoria St N
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Open Victoria Day–Labour Day: 10am–4:30pm daily
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Windmill in Goderich
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Georgian Bay Islands National Park
Georgian
Bay’s rugged landscape is characterized by the windswept rock and pine
trees of the Canadian Shield. Thousands of islands – some just mounds of
granite – dot the Bay; 59 of them make up the park. Access to the
largest island, Beausoleil, with its hiking trails, sandy beaches,
forest, and the largest variety of reptiles and amphibians of any
national park in Canada, is via a 40-minute water taxi ride from the
town of Honey Harbour.
Moored boats, Georgian Bay
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Stratford
Known
worldwide for its Shakespeare festival, the city continues the theme of
the bard with, among other things, a garden planted with every species
named in his plays. Riverside parks are picnic-perfect; shops sell works
by local artisans. Check out local history at Stratford-Perth Museum,
and a fine example of High Victorian architecture – Perth County Court
House (1887).
Festival Theatre, Stratford
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St. Jacobs and Elora
Arts
and crafts, antiques, and gift shops set in 19th-century buildings;
bakeries; and cozy restaurants abound in these historic villages. St.
Jacobs’ two markets have hundreds of flea-market and produce stalls –
including those offering the area’s specialty, maple syrup, sold by
local Mennonites. For more on this sweet treat, visit the Maple Syrup
Museum at 1441 King St N, St. Jacobs. A 15-mile (24-km) drive northeast
is Elora, on the bank of the Grand River and stunning Elora Gorge.Farmers’ & Flea Market
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Farmers’ Market Rd, St. Jacobs
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Open year-round 7am–3:30pm Thu & Sat and Jun–Labour Day: 8am–3pm Tue
Maple syrup stand, St. Jacobs Market
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Collingwood
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.Blue Mountain Ski Resort
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705 445 0231
Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
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705 446 0256
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Royal Botanical Gardens
Four
nature sanctuaries are replete with greenhouses, cultivated gardens,
and trails. In spring, the world’s largest lilac collection bursts into
bloom. Centuries-old roses thrive summer to fall. In winter, visitors
get their fix at the indoor Mediterranean Garden. Gift shop, café, and
teahouses (seasonal).-
680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
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Open 9am–dusk daily
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Gravenhurst
The
city of Gravenhurst is a good base from which to explore the Muskoka
region. It is also the point of departure for lake cruises aboard an
1887 steamship – the oldest operating steamship in North America.
Stretching from Algonquin Park to Georgian Bay, Muskoka has over 1,600
lakes and rivers and is a fantastic summer destination. Hundreds of
beaches offer excellent swimming opportunities; boats can be rented at
launches throughout the region; outfitters organize canoe trips to
secluded areas.Muskoka Fleet lake cruises
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705 687 6667
Bethune House, Gravenhurst
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Long Point Provincial Park
This
world-renowned refuge for migrating birds, especially waterfowl, has
been recognized by the United Nations as a biosphere reserve. Formed
over thousands of years by sand washed from Lake Erie’s shoreline, the
25-mile (40-km) sand spit has white sand beaches; the lake’s shallow
depth ensures warm water throughout the swimming season. Spring and fall
are excellent for bird-watching; miles of trails through dunes,
forests, wetlands, and grasslands can be enjoyed year-round. Campsites
are equipped with showers, laundry facilities, and electrical hook-up.
