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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Whoever denounces winter blues as a real condition, can shove it. You definitely deserve a vacation, no explanation necessary, and you should leave ASAP.
While Florida is overdone and Mexico is less of a vacation for your liver, Bahamas could be your perfect winter escape.
Blessed by an always sunny climate, the tropical Islands are little slices of heaven; one of the main islands is even called “Paradise Island.” And for good reason – pure Instagram bliss is inevitable with picture perfect beaches and blue skies for days.
Here are eight reasons why vacationing in the Bahamas is #LifeGoals.
1. Sunwing flies direct
Departing from Toronto, Sunwing has more direct flights than any other leisure carrier, meaning getting to your sunny Island destination is easier than ever. Flights from Toronto to Nassau (the Bahamas capital) are scheduled every Thursday and Sunday until April 29, 2018.
2. The flight is only three and a half hours long
Paradise is closer than you think. The flight to Nassau averages at approximately three and a half hours. Better yet, if you hate flying or are just fancy, passengers can upgrade to Elite Plus for only $50. Hello, legroom.
3. You’re treated like royalty the second you arrive
Sunwing is the only Canadian operator who offers signature vacations with RIU Hotels and they want every vacationer to feel like Beyonce upon arrival. Think things like welcome cocktails, in-room liquor dispensers, 20% discounts on select local excursions, spa credits, poolside waiter service, and daily champagne breakfast.
4. There are no annoying kids at RIU Paradise Island
The RIU Paradise Island is an adult-only resort so your vacation won’t be riddled with the screams of spoiled children. That sounds like pure bliss in itself.
5. There’s a sh*t ton of food and endless cocktails
Unlike Cuba (sorry for naming names) the food is actually delicious in the Bahamas. The RIU features daily buffets for all meals, a number of a la carte restaurants and a cappuccino bar. Was a huge fan of the buffet doughnuts and Steak Restaurant. Two words: surf & turf.
6. Your Instagram will thank you because.. beaches
White sand. Blue skies. Crystal clear waters. The beaches in the Bahamas are glorious. The serene environment is basically begging you to have an Insta photo shoot. Don’t be shy – live your truth!!! Even if it’s five outfit changes and 30 different angles.
7. Exploring the island is easy
Sunwing took it upon themselves to scour the Island for the best it has to offer and then neatly packaged those experiences into exclusive excursions. Sailing on a catamaran and visiting the local fish market are a must. Conch (the dish of the Bahamas) is freshly caught and diced up right before your eyes. If you’re a fan of ceviche, you’ll LOVE it.
8. The Bahamas is really, really cool
The Islands are rich with culture and have way more to offer than just idyllic beaches and blue shores. Among the pastel colour buildings, there’s so much history, including pirates, canons and an old fort. The Bahamas is also a major producer of cigars and chocolate with a number of workshops you can visit.
You won’t want to leave, ever. Enough said.
To book a vacation to the Bahamas, head to the Sunwing website.
What do you think about vacationing in the Bahamas?
Featured images: Aly Zorn
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