Weekend getaway near Toronto?

[MamaLema]

I embarrassingly have never done a single vacation in my own country

Can anyone suggest a weekend getaway for us near Toronto?

Our family is me and DH and our “boys” 16, 21, 23. Don’t want to drive more than 2 hours since it’s just a weekend trip. Want to avoid Niagara Falls because it’s seems too busy. We like go carting, mini golf, Segway tours. We’d really like to explore some nice hiking trails and scenery. Is Blue Mountain too babyish for my sons ages?
Any suggestions are appreciated

Edited to add: We are not cottage people but enjoy all outdoor activities

 

[alohamom]

I was thinking about the Blue Mountain area. I don't think it is too young for your sons but I would ask them too. There are some fantastic beaches in the area, especially north of Wasaga in the Tiny and Balm Beach area. Go Karts there too
http://balmbeachgokarts.com/
The scenic caves are actually very cool
https://sceniccaves.com/
The mountain coaster is fun but certainly not a thrill ride by any means
https://www.bluemountain.ca/things-to-do/activities/ridge-runner-coaster
The only thing I find is so much is weather dependent that if you plan a weekend and it rains you are kind of at the mercy of it

 

[Pinkgurlshubby]

Blue Mountain is a good spot and not too childish at all. You should be able to find enough to do to keep you busy. If you pick a place like the Georgian bay hotel you can pick a 1 or 2 bedroom condo. We've stayed there before so I'm not just googling an answer for you. We couldn't use the coaster the first time we went because freezing rain they couldn't keep the tracks clear and brakes were not effective. Last year our boys went but if someone in front of you is going at a snails pace and this happened to them then it was more a waste of time and money. But if you have not yet gone to the village I would definitely go. Eat at Firehouse Pizza, buy some hot sauce at the Pepper Palace, get some beavertail snacks, get a ride up and down the mountain. It's a good place to relax

 

[ccudmore]

A few suggested area:
- Prince Edward County - amazing beaches, great hiking, picturesque towns
- Niagara on the lake/Niagara escarpment - more great hiking and beaches and cute towns. Rent bikes and tour the winery regions
- Post-Covid - Stratford. There's a lot more than just world-class theatre.

 

[hdrolfe]

A few suggested area:
- Prince Edward County - amazing beaches, great hiking, picturesque towns
- Niagara on the lake/Niagara escarpment - more great hiking and beaches and cute towns. Rent bikes and tour the winery regions
- Post-Covid - Stratford. There's a lot more than just world-class theatre.

Prince Edward County is amazing but has been overwhelemed with tourists, I've seen pictures of lines to get into Sandbanks Provincial Park going miles, way too many cars and people... so you may want to go at a more "off peak" time for that, or not plan to go to the beach.

 

[TommyJK]

I'll echo the recommendation for Blue Mountain.

The area is great in the summer with many beaches as well as activities and fun within the village. They often run promotions too if you're staying on-site for different activities and they also have a free shuttle to a private beach for onsite guests only.

Here's a link to look at their "Play all day" resort packages:

https://www.bluemountain.ca/plan-your-trip/deals-and-packages/play-all-day-adventure-package
Edit: Also a good blog post about the different activities - https://thebarn.bluemountain.ca/barn/lift-line/how-to-play-all-day/

 

[mort1331]

Just back from Niagra on the lake. Jet boat tours, normally 48 to a boat, now 15, Loads of bike trails, peaches in season, and Cows Icecream, best ever. You do not even need to get close to the falls and clifton hill. During week is even quieter.

 

[Frozen2014]

Can't comment yet as we haven't been but we are trying Bayview Wildwood Resort. It gets pretty good reviews (even in covid times) and has a good variety of things to do. It's pricey but they also have an all inclusive with food and it's under 2hrs from our home. I had looked at Blue Mountain too but DH wanted something a little quieter and less touristy. Looks fun though.

 

[starvenger]

So in the last three weekends we've done day trips to Elora, Paris and Stratford. Planning to go to Niagara-on-the-lake with my parents (who are in my circle) next weekend. My kids are a little younger so it works well for us.

Blue Mountain/Collingwood, as people have noted, would be a good spot for you as it probably hits all the things you're looking for. The only issue I'd see is that it is *ON* the beaten path so you could in theory see more people than you're comfortable with seeing there.

 

[Pinkgurlshubby]

So in the last three weekends we've done day trips to Elora, Paris and Stratford. Planning to go to Niagara-on-the-lake with my parents (who are in my circle) next weekend. My kids are a little younger so it works well for us.

Blue Mountain/Collingwood, as people have noted, would be a good spot for you as it probably hits all the things you're looking for. The only issue I'd see is that it is *ON* the beaten path so you could in theory see more people than you're comfortable with seeing there.

Sorry everyone totally unrelated to anyone else reading this. Paris huh? What did you do? Did you take your pictures on the bridge looking at the water? Chocolate Sensations is pretty much a must. Sorry I'm 5 minutes away I just perk up when someone says Paris

 

[starvenger]

We didn't do all that much really. Walked around the dam area and along the river where we could. Strolled around downtown but the kids were not impressed with the cobblestone buildings. Had a nice lunch overlooking the river. Kids wanted to do canoeing but we were decidedly not dressed for the water.

I wanted to do some of the Alexander Graham Bell stuff in Brantford as well but it was closed.

As for the chocolate store... we're really not much for chocolates, so we didn't even look for Chocolate Sensations.

 

[lisaviolet]

Heads up if you are a family that enjoys late day activities -

Niagara-on-the-lake closes up shop at a ridiculous hour. Night owls beware. Crazy short hours.

As for Collingwood if you can get a hot weekend, because Georgian Bay can be a bit chilly, it is great fun simply to jump off the spit and see if you have to work on upper body strength to get back up.

(I call it the spit -up toward the grain tower).

There is an amazing spot up the highway past the Blue Mountains towards Thornbury/ Meaford that is not known as a public beach area. It is in a sort of closed community, so it is not like they advertise "Come on in". Let me see if I can find it on the map, I just know the right turn.

Do you golf? Friday Harbour is not breathtaking or anything, full of condos but lots of activities on the weekend. And tucked in nicely on Simcoe. Check out the rules for airbnbs. Some owner only situations for certain activities.

Gravenhurst has a popular stay right in town. During normal times it is routinely sold out. I think it is a Residence Inn.

(It is- https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...FjAMegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw1Rn58qogpCCGuPtcMB2Ohi)

I almost dropped my phone when you said you have never vacationed in Canada. Welcome Home.

Crystal Beach area has that old time vacation vibe. But once again some parts close early.

Down the highway Port Dover can be both fun and busy. But that area and Long Point can have a cottage feel, which is not your thing.

Do you visit the city core (no clue where you are in the city). Ever consider a condo airbnb downtown Toronto for a different experience? I am sure your boys would love that if you are in a suburb. There are some with crazy breathtaking views. I go to the island multiple times a week and I feel "away". Daily bike rentals on Queens Quay are easier than dealing with the city bike stands. Are they into basketball? Ontario Place has set up a Raptors' games drive-in, ticketed event. **Just took in everyone's ages! Whoopsie, maybe they live in the city.**

Whatever you choose - Enjoy!