If you live in London, Ontario, and are looking for a family-friendly trip nearby, you need not look very far. Ontario is one large province filled with natural beauty, historic sites, and more.
With the weather warming up, who doesn’t want to take advantage? One way to soak in the spring and summer is to venture out for weekend trips from London, ON. Check out these memorable weekend getaways the whole family will enjoy.
These trips give you a chance to try something new and offer ample opportunities to learn about Ontario’s culture. The best part is these trips are close enough to home, and a weekend is all you need to make it worth your while.
1. Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a small town in the Niagara region in Southern Ontario that spans seven different municipalities. This region includes St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, West Lincoln, and Port Colborne.
Niagara-on-the-lake is the ideal family weekend getaway and isn’t complete without visiting Niagara Falls and the surrounding attractions. It is 2 hours and 15 minutes from London, ON.
Must-see attractions and activities in Niagara-on-the-lake:
- Ziplining
- Niagara Rapids
- Butterfly Conservatory
- Wine tour on one of the many wineries and vineyards
2. Collingwood
Collingwood offers many opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities, including Wasaga Beach and Blue Mountain. It has something for the whole family and is 3 hours from London, ON.
Wasaga Beach is a sandy beach popular with weekend holidaymakers. Boasting the title of the longest freshwater beach in the world, families will love swimming, walking along the trails on the water’s edge, or just relaxing in the sun.
For a weekend packed with nature, adventure, and outdoor activities for adults and children, Blue Mountain is the place for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. You can consider Blue Mountain for a relaxing spa weekend getaway.
Must-see attractions and activities in Blue Mountain:
- Timber Challenge
- Gondola ride
- Scandinave Spa
- Mountain Coaster at Blue Mountain Resort
3. Kitchener
Located north of Waterloo along the Conestoga River, the village of St. Jacobs is full of history. You can learn more about the Mennonite community and culture by visiting this village. St. Jacobs is less than one and a half hours from London, ON.
Must-see attractions and activities in St. Jacobs:
- St. Jacobs walking tour
- Mill Race Trail
- St. Jacobs walking tour
- St. Jacobs Market
- The Mennonite Story
4. Muskoka
The region of Muskoka is in the heart of Ontario and consists of four unique communities–Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville, and Georgian Bay. Located along the shores of Lake Muskoka, family vacations are sure to be fun while you explore the many islands, waterfalls, and beaches it offers.
A three-and-a-half-hour drive from London, ON, makes this weekend trip well worth it. Muskoka, also known as cottage country, has around 1,600 lakes with numerous lakeside cottages. Families can enjoy the lakes by swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking. Enjoy a river cruise, visit provincial parks or a winery.
5. Prince Edward County
If all you plan to do is wine, dine, and relax, choose Prince Edward County for your weekend trip. Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, it is just shy of four hours from London, ON.
Attractions include something for adults and children. Adults can explore the Prince Edward County Taste Trail, which takes you through the city’s wineries, breweries, and restaurants. Children will love the Sandbanks Provincial Park, with three sandy beaches and the world’s largest bay-mouth barrier sand dune formation.
Another wonder or natural curiosity is Lake on the Mountain. A lake that sits on a ridge 60 metres above Lake Ontario, with no known source of freshwater that feeds into it. Enjoy the day at Lake on the Mountain and take in the stunning views of the Bay of Quinte, the north shore, and the Glenora Ferry.
6. Kawartha Lakes
Kawartha Lakes are a chain of small lakes including rivers, farmland, and the wilderness. Away from city noise, Kawartha Lakes provides a country feel with lots to do. It is 3 hours from London, ON.
Highlights of Kawartha Lakes include:
- Experience being on the water by renting a houseboat
- Spending the day at Balsam Lake Provincial Park
- Exploring the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail
- Touring the PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary
- Last but not least, trying some Kawartha Dairy ice cream
7. Sauble Beach
Sauble Beach is a community in the municipality of Central Huron, Ontario, Canada. It is located on the northern shore of Lake Huron by Highway 21 and is two and a half hours from London, ON.
Sauble Beach is a popular summer tourist destination for families with young children. It’s known for camping and its long, sandy beach, approximately 11 kilometres, with the water warm and shallow due to the sandbars.
Family past-time includes spending time at the beach, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, or kayaking on the Sauble River. Take time out of your weekend to spend the day at Sauble Falls Provincial Park. It has picnic spots, a short hiking trail, and waterfalls.
8. The Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory
The Bruce Peninsula and Tobermory is a tourist destination in Ontario and encompasses the northern section of the Great Lakes, stretching between Georgian Bay up to Lake Huron. The clear waters and rock formations of this coastal landscape are a must-see.
Bruce Peninsula National Park is worth seeing and includes the famous Grotto, hiking trails, and Boulder Beach. Choose from the Tobermory hiking trail, Bruce trail, Georgian Bay Trail, Dyers Bay Hiking Loop, or Cape Chin North.
View Tobermory from another angle with a cruise, boat tour, or ferry. From Tobermory, you can take a trip to Flowerpot Island, Cove Island Lightstation, or Manitoulin Island.
Conclusion
Weekend trips from London, ON, are a fantastic way to break away from the busyness of life and take time to focus on spending it together as a family. Whether you desire a weekend of outdoor adventure, a lakeside cottage hideaway, time spent on the beach, or a spa retreat, these eight trip ideas include all the options and are doable from London, ON.
