Weekend Getaways from Toronto: Are you planning to study in Canada? Or already studying and fed up with your monotonous academic schedule? If yes, this blog will be very helpful for you. Let’s explore the best weekend getaways to add some fun and adventure to the academic schedule. Check out these 7 Weekend getaways to escape from your hectic schedule.
| Destination | Distance from Toronto | Google Ratings |
| Niagara Falls | 1.5 hours drive (Approx. 130 km) |  |
| Niagara-on-the-Lake | 1.5 hours drive (Approx. 130 km) | NA |
| Collingwood | 1.4 hours drive (Approx. 145 km) | NA |
| Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory | 3.5 hours drive (Approx. 300 km) |  |
| Kitchener-Waterloo | 1 hour 10 minutes drive (Approx. 108 km) | NA |
| Muskoka | 2 hour 18 minutes drive (Approx. 200 km) | NA |
| Buffalo | 1 hour 40 minutes drive (Approx. 100 km) | NA |
This Blog Includes:
Also check our blog on
The Best Activities to Do While Studying Abroad
1. Niagara Falls
Embed from Getty ImagesCommonly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world, Niagara Falls is an amazing weekend getaway from your student accommodation in Toronto. The place has so much to offer including Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls. Get closer to the falls to experience the best of it. Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, the Butterfly Conservatory, and Floral Showcase is something which you must experience.
| Category | Highlights |
| Best time to visit | Summer is the preferable choice. Also, the best fall after every weather. |
| Activities | Take a boat tour to get close to the falls. Head to Clifton Hill for fun attractions. Explore nearby wineries in the Niagara region. Head to Butterfly Conservatory to explore a tropical paradise with thousands of butterflies. |
| Shopping | Souvenirs, Shops, Boutiques, and Outdoor Malls nearby. |
| Transportation | Cars, buses, and trams are available. Avail shuttle service, if looking for budget-friendly travel. |
| Tips | Plan in advance. Be prepared for a mist near the falls. Carry waterproof clothing to get a closer view of the falls. |
Where to Eat
| Restaurants | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Marketside Restaurant | 712 E Market St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, United States |  |
| Polish Nook | 2242 Cudaback Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States |  |
| Gadawski’s | 1445 Falls St, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States |  |
Where to Stay Overnight
| Hotels | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Niagara Falls, ON | 5525 Victoria Ave, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3L3, Canada |  |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York | 401 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, United States |  |
What To Do
| Key Attractions | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Niagara SkyWheel | 4960 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 3N4, Canada |  |
| Bird Kingdom | 5651 River Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M7, Canada |  |
How to Reach
2. Niagara-on-the-Lake
Embed from Getty ImagesA charming town renowned for its colonial-style architecture, Niagara-on-the-Lake was once the capital of Upper Canada. Stroll on the streets, do a bit of window shopping, and try to grab a chance with flavoursome delicacies in your lunch and dinner. If you are fortunate enough to witness the Shaw festival, then don’t miss it. Also, head to Fort George National Historic Site to explore a reconstructed military base dating back to 1812.
| Category | Highlights |
| Best time to visit | Summer season |
| Activities | A boat ride Clifton Hill for fun attractions. Wineries tour Butterfly Conservatory |
| Shopping | Souvenirs, Shops, Boutiques, and Outdoor Malls nearby. |
| Transportation | Cars, buses, and trams are available. Shuttle service is also available. |
| Tips | Plan in advance. Carry your food items. |
Where to Eat
| Restaurants | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Ginger Restaurant | 390 Mary St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada |  |
| Gyros on the Lake | 12 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada |  |
| Oaklands at The Riverbend Inn | 249 John St E, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada |  |
Where to Stay Overnight
| Hotels | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Prince of Wales Hotel | 6 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada |  |
| Shaw Club Hotel | 92 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada |  |
What To Do
| Key Attractions | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Fort Niagara State Park | 1 Scott Ave, Youngstown, NY 14174, United States |  |
| Queen’s Royal Park | 45 Front St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada |  |
How to Reach
3. Collingwood
Embed from Getty ImagesCollingwood is an ideal choice for a romantic landscape from the city. Try skiing in the daytime and go for night dining beside a roaring fire in any of the restaurants located on the street. Head to the nearby orchards and enjoy the world-famous Elvis Festival. If you are seeking a street with an amalgamation of great dining, pocket-friendly shopping, and fun-filled entertainment options, head straight to Hurontario Street from your student housing in Canada.
| Category | Highlights |
| Best time to visit | Summer season |
| Activities | Skiing and snowboarding at Blue Mountain Ski Resort.Adventures like hiking and cave exploration. Visit Collingwood Harbour Take a boat ride for scenic views. Outdoor adventures like mountain biking and golfing. |
| Shopping | Shop local and artisanal products. |
| Transportation | Cars are readily available. Local buses are also available. |
| Tips | Plan accommodations in advance. Dress according to the season. Research for the events and festivals in advance. |
Where to Eat
| Restaurants | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Bent Taco | 48 Pine St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2A7, Canada |  |
| BRGRZ Inc. | 316 Hume St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1W3, Canada |  |
| Al Carbon | 61 Hurontario St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L7, Canada |  |
Where to Stay Overnight
| Hotels | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Holiday Inn Express & Suites Collingwood, an IHG Hotel | 500 Hume St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4H8, Canada |  |
| 11 Rooms | 128 St Paul St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4X9, Canada |  |
What To Do
| Key Attractions | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Pretty River Valley Provincial Park | County Rd 31, Nottawa, ON L0M 1P0, Canada |  |
| The Fishway | 45 Bridge St #9, Thornbury, ON N0H 2P0, Canada |  |
How to Reach
Also Check out 100 Interesting Facts about Canada! In one of the most interesting blogs about Canada.
Check out 100 Interesting Facts about Canada!
4. Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory
Embed from Getty ImagesWith being a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Bruce Peninsula is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes and turquoise clear waters. Although it is quite far for the students studying in Toronto but offers an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. Your trip will turn into an adventurous one if you will head straight to Tobermory. For flower pot rock formations, picnic shelters on the shoreline next to Beachy Cove, areas to swim and snorkel, a light station, and a lightkeeper’s cottage, head straight to FlowerPot Island and spend a day there.
| Category | Highlights |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early autumn for pleasant weather. |
| Activities | Hiking and Camping at the National Park.Witness rock formations. Visit Flowerpot IslandTake a boat tour. Visit Fathom Five National Marine Park. |
| Shopping | Souvenir shops in Tobermory are available. |
| Transportation | Cars are the most convenient source of transportation. Local buses are also available. |
| Tips | Plan accommodations in advance. Plan for changing weather conditions. Plan the boat tours in advance. |
Where to Eat
| Restaurants | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| RB’s Diner | 3255 Bruce County Rd 9, Lion’s Head, ON N0H 1W0, Canada |  |
| Moms pizza | 2845 Hwy 6, Lion’s Head, ON N0H 1W0, Canada |  |
| Corbetta’s Wood Fired Pizza | 197 Miller Lake Shore Rd #3, Miller Lake, ON N0H 1Z0, Canada |  |
Where to Stay Overnight
| Hotels | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Tamarac Island Inn | 240 Tamarac Rd, Stokes Bay, ON N0H 2M0, Canada |  |
| Red Bay Lodge | 462 Huron Rd, Mar, ON N0H 1X0, Canada |  |
What To Do
| Key Attractions | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Peninsula Observation Deck | 1 Bruin St, Lion’s Head, ON N0H 1W0, Canada |  |
| Lion’s Head Provincial Park | Lion’s Head, ON N0H 1W0, Canada |  |
How to Reach
5. Kitchener-Waterloo
Embed from Getty ImagesKitchener-Waterloo is one of the hidden places in Canada. It offers an amazing choice for a weekend getaway from Toronto. Don’t miss to witness the Oktoberfest hosted by the German community of Kitchen-Waterloo. Try your taste out at Heidelberg Restaurant Tavern & Motel. It is renowned for offering authentic cuisine in a German-style restaurant.
| Category | Highlights |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early fall |
| Activities | Explore the museums. Attend festivals and events. |
| Shopping | A wide array of shops and boutiques are also available. |
| Transportation | The ION light rail transit system is a preferable choice. Cars and buses are convenient sources of transportation. Grand River Transit provides local bus services. Rail connectivity is also there |
| Tips | Plan accommodations in advance. Local dining will be an addition to your trip. |
Where to Eat
| Restaurants | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| J & B Family Restaurant | 79 Victoria St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 5C1, Canada |  |
| Jack’s Family Restaurant | 20 Benjamin Rd, Waterloo, ON N2V 2J9, Canada |  |
| Veslo Family Restaurant | 100 Arnold St, Kitchener, ON N2H 6C9, Canada |  |
Where to Stay Overnight
| Hotels | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Courtyard by Marriott Waterloo St. Jacobs | 50 Benjamin Road, East, Waterloo, ON N2V 2J9, Canada |  |
| The Walper Hotel | 20 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1V6, Canada |  |
What To Do
| Key Attractions | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory | 2500 Kossuth Rd, Cambridge, ON N3H 4R7, Canada |  |
| Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum | 10 Huron Rd, Kitchener, ON N2P 2R7, Canada |  |
How to Reach
6. Muskoka
Embed from Getty ImagesMuskoka is the heart of Ontario’s cottage country. Its proximity to Toronto makes it the most preferable choice for weekend getaways in Canada. It is an ideal place for a lakeside retreat offering 1,600 lakes, painters’ dream rocky landscape, rivers, beaches, and rolling green countryside. Head to Algonquin Provincial Park for a unique experience.
| Category | Highlights |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early fall |
| Activities | Explore the magnificent lakes and beautiful parks. Explore wildlife in forests. Go hiking and boating. Also try camping and canoeing. |
| Shopping | Explore boutique shops, art galleries, and local crafts. |
| Transportation | Cars are the most convenient sources of transportation. Local bus services and rental services are also there. |
| Tips | Plan accommodations in advance. Carry mosquito protectors. |
Where to Eat
| Restaurants | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Main St. Local Kitchen | 24 Main St E, Huntsville, ON P1H 2C8, Canada |  |
| Tall Trees | 87 Main St W, Huntsville, ON P1H 1X1, Canada |  |
| Westside Fish & Chips | 126 Main St W #1, Huntsville, ON P1H 1W5, Canada |  |
Where to Stay Overnight
| Hotels | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Home2 Suites by Hilton Huntsville | 159 Howland Dr, Huntsville, ON P1H 2P7, Canada |  |
| Best Western Plus Muskoka Inn | 86 Howland Dr, Huntsville, ON P1H 1M3, Canada |  |
What To Do
| Key Attractions | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Lions Lookout | Lookout Rd, Huntsville, ON P1H 1R1, Canada |  |
| Arrowhead Provincial Park | 451 Arrowhead Park Rd, Huntsville, ON P1H 2J4, Canada |  |
How to Reach
Before planning to study in Canada Check out which city is the best: Toronto vs Montreal! in one of our amazing blog
Check out which city is the best: Toronto vs Montreal!
7. Buffalo
Buffalo is across the border from Niagara Falls and is an ideal choice for a weekend getaway. It is a city with a glorious past and tough history. For an adventurous experience, head to the Buffalo River and check out the ziplines at the abandoned grain elevators. Try your taste out at Watson’s Chocolate and Anchor Bar.
| Category | Highlights |
| Best time to visit | Late spring to early fall |
| Activities | Try recreational activities at the harborside or canalside. Attend cultural festivals and events. Witness live theatres and live music. |
| Shopping | Various malls and boutiques are available. |
| Transportation | Cars, buses, and the NFTA Metro Rail are available. |
| Tips | Check out the local dining scene. Explore the nearby Niagara Falls, just a short drive away from Buffalo. |
Where to Eat
| Restaurants | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Italian Table | 320 Scenic Dr S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B4, Canada |  |
| Tacos Made In Mexico | 610 3 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0H5, Canada |  |
| Hickory Street | 317 4 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1Z9, Canada |  |
Where to Stay Overnight
| Hotels | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Wingate by Wyndham Lethbridge | 120 Stafford Dr S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4W4, Canada |  |
| Holiday Inn Express Lethbridge Southeast, an IHG Hotel | 217 41 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1Z3, Canada |  |
What To Do
| Key Attractions | How to Reach | Google Ratings |
| Helen Schuler Nature Centre | 300 Indian Battle Rd S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P6, Canada |  |
| The Great Escape Lethbridge | 1806 3 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4C9, Canada |  |
How to Reach
Are you planning to study in Canada? Check out the Best Universities in Canada.
FAQS
Niagara Falls is the nearest weekend getaway destination from Toronto with just 1.5 hrs drive from the city centre.
Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake offer an ideal choice for the best adventurous travel.
Always carry warm clothes as the temperature keeps on changing.
Above mentioned are just a few of the most amazing and thrilling weekend getaways from Toronto. Be sure to escape from the busy monotonous schedule and make your academic journey a memorable one. Happy travels!
For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
Follow Us on Social Media
