It’s snowy, it’s cold and all you want to do is go on a vacation. But let’s face it, your wallet just isn’t on the same page as you.
As nice as it would be to hop on a plane and jet off to some quaint European town or a luxurious beach somewhere off the coast, it isn’t necessarily an option for everyone. Between bills and responsibilities, it’s either not the right time or you simply can’t afford it. Oh well, this is life.
But lucky for you, Ontario has a lot of unexpected gems nestled between its borders to make for the perfect weekend getaway. So unexpected that they can make you feel like you did, in fact, go on a vacation. Between the ambience, scenery and locals, you’ll feel like you left the province, even the country.
Here are eight places in Ontario that will make you feel like you went on a vacation.
Tobermory, Bruce Peninsula
Tobermory is a well-known spot, mostly for its rocky shores and picturesque landscape. Regardless of its distance from the city, its stunning clear lakes and lush forestry have people flocking to it at all times of the year. It’s hard to believe a place like this really exists in Canada – it feels like it should be somewhere in Europe instead.
Georgian Bay Grotto, Bruce Peninsula
Georgian Bay features some of the most beautiful sunsets in the province but that’s not all it has. If you don’t mind driving a bit of ways out of the city, Georgian Bay also hosts the Canadian version of cenotés, predominantly found in Mexico. So save yourself the cost of a flight and just drive over to the Georgian Bay Grotto instead.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto
This serene temple is located right in the GTA so you won’t have to travel far with this one to feel like you went on a vacation. With its stunning architecture, intricate detailing and cultural significance, it’s sure to make you feel like you took a trip to India for the day. But don’t forget to be respectful while exploring the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple as it is a place of worship.
Port Dover Beach, Lake Erie
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXHUPMhlojT/?taken-by=devbravener
Some people may feel our beaches here in Canada fail in comparison to those in tropical places like Hawaii or Cuba. But did you know some Canadian beaches can house palm trees? Port Dover Beach on Lake Erie can and the rare sighting is sure to make you feel like you’re oceanside at a tropical resort far from Canada.
Centreville, Toronto Islands
Although Centreville is closed for the season, you can add it to your ‘Explore Ontario’ bucket list for the summer. Centreville is an extremely underrated spot seeing how most people think of it as a space mainly for kids. But it’s not! The mini-theme park hosts some great options for adults, plus they have a sky ride and a Ferris wheel that are sure to give you some major Coney Island vibes.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake is the perfect spot if you love wine and want to experience Californian or Italian wineries but can’t afford to actually fly to either of those places. With a selection of large estates, medium-sized operations and small boutique wineries, you’ll really get the chance to indulge in Wine Country without breaking the bank.
Perth, Ontario
Although it’s not the Perth in Australia, the Perth right here in Ontario has the power to make you feel like you’re in Europe. It’s the perfect spot if you’re craving a trip but can’t justify the flight costs or flying time. This small town has an abundance of gorgeous architecture that is reminiscent of quaint European spots like that in Ireland and Scotland.
Inglis Falls, Owen Sound
If you love waterfalls – and maybe even chasing them, we won’t judge – this is one you need to go and see. Inglis Falls is 18 meters high and was formed from Sydenham River meeting the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. The result is nature at its finest. Inglis Falls is located in the middle of a forest, making it feel and look like you’ve escaped to an exotic place, possibly one of Thailand’s many gorgeous waterfalls.
Do you know any other places in Ontario that will make you feel like you went on a vacation?
Featured image:by ruffin_ready
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