{"id":818183,"date":"2026-07-22T08:12:23","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T08:12:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/818183\/"},"modified":"2026-07-22T08:12:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T08:12:23","slug":"great-ontario-weekend-and-daytrips-from-toronto-on-a-budget-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/818183\/","title":{"rendered":"Great Ontario weekend and daytrips from Toronto on a budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the concrete heats up, city-dwellers start dreaming of fleeing Toronto in favour of forests, beaches and lakes<\/a>. One issue: the rising cost of living, high gas prices and inflation anxiety has a way of skewering big travel plans.<\/p>\n

But getting out of the city in the dog days of summer is still very much an option, and it doesn\u2019t have to blow up your budget. To prove it, we searched high and low for excellent and affordable day trip and overnighter destinations and experiences, from forest art trails to winery<\/a> hotspots to classic drive-ins. Here\u2019s the cr\u00e8me of what Ontario has to offer.<\/p>\n

Destination dining<\/p>\n

Want the finesse of fancy dining with less pomp, circumstance and credit card anxiety? Savvy diners will leave these spots fully sated.<\/p>\n

Award-winning burgers in St. Catharines<\/p>\n

St. Catharines is a great place for a weekend getaway \u2014 the bus from Toronto takes an hour ($18) and the main drag, St. Paul Street, is packed with gems. Di\u2019s Pizza Pies<\/a> makes a mean cheese pie ($25), while Helliwell Hall<\/a> offers music nights and nice flights of four 5-ounce beers for $16. On Tuesdays, seafood-centric bar Les Incompetents<\/a> serves a decked-out seafood platter for two plus two glasses of Cava for $60.<\/p>\n

\"Fat<\/p>\n

Fat Rabbit\u2019s award-winning burgers make St. Catharines a foodie destination.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pat Ozols<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s the Michelin-recommended restaurant Fat Rabbit<\/a> (34 Geneva St., St. Catharines) that has secured the only Canadian spot on this year\u2019s list of the world\u2019s best burgers. After 5 p.m., chef Zach Smith\u2019s menu is a meat lover\u2019s paradise: rib steak, porterhouse, striploin and Miami short ribs, served by the pound and flame-kissed to order. But during the day, a more chilled-out menu features breakfast and comfort staples, most notably the smokehouse burger ($23), served with a house-ground patty, white cheddar, house-cured beef pancetta, crispy onions, and a swirl of hot pepper relish and burnt lemon mayo.<\/p>\n

The local expert\u2019s take: \u201cAs a chef, Zach and Fat Rabbit have food I want to eat every day. It\u2019s craveable. It\u2019s worth driving for. Especially the burger.\u201d \u2014 Joel Gray, owner of Down Home Restaurant, a destination-worthy restaurant in Grey County<\/p>\n

The fine dining farmstand in Grey County<\/p>\n

Down Home Restaurant<\/a> (135299 9 Line, Markdale) specializes in long, leisurely lunches and dinners with tasting menus that highlight produce from the on-property farm, cooked over a live fire. But you can also stop into their farm stand for ultra-fresh veggies, herbs, preserves and eggs (wave at the chickens), plus local treasures like Donald\u2019s honey, Good Family Farm\u2019s regeneratively grown pork and beef (try the jerky), and Lovebird\u2019s sunny Pale Ales.<\/p>\n

The hot reservation in Hamilton<\/p>\n

Pay a visit to this cosy French-ish bistro to scope out its TV ties: In \u201cHeated Rivalry,\u201d Shane and Rose went on a date to Le Tambour Tavern<\/a> (345 James St. N, Hamilton). It\u2019s the sister restaurant to Union on Ossington, so you know the food is good, and it offers plenty of weekly specials: half-price wine on Mondays, $35 steak frites on Sundays, and a $55 three-course prix fixe on Wednesdays.<\/p>\n

\"RPM<\/p>\n

RPM Bakehouse in Jordan.<\/p>\n

RPM Bakehouse<\/p>\n

Michelin-starred baked goods in Jordan<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t afford (or get) a reservation at Restaurant Pearl Morissette<\/a> in the Niagara region \u2014 ranked Canada\u2019s best restaurant for two years running \u2014 stop into the farm-restaurant\u2019s no-reservations bakery-slash-caf\u00e9 RPM Bakehouse<\/a> (3839 Main St., Jordan).<\/p>\n

Similar to the two-Michelin-starred restaurant, RPM leans on local purveyors and farm-grown veggies to make its incredible house-baked goods, chef-level sandwiches and smart small plates. Grab a mixed basket of pastries ($29), which includes buckwheat financiers, scones and croissants.<\/p>\n

\"RPM<\/p>\n

Delectable pastries at RPM Bakehouse.<\/p>\n

Supplied<\/p>\n

The local expert\u2019s take: \u201cWhen I lived in Paris, my friend and I would get taramasalata and bread from the boulangerie, crack the windows open and sit looking over the street with a cold glass of Chablis. When I went to RPM Bakehouse and saw their scallop roe pat\u00e9, it shot me right back to that blissful Paris night.\u201d \u2014Teo Paul, chef-owner of Toronto\u2019s Union, Grey County\u2019s Hearts Tavern, and Hamilton\u2019s Le Tambour Tavern.<\/p>\n

\"RPM<\/p>\n

Pearl Morrissette\u2019s more casual RPM Bakehouse in Jordan, Ont. specializes in small plates and excellent pastries.<\/p>\n

RPM Bakehouse <\/p>\n

Wild (and cuddly) experiences<\/p>\n

From donkey picnics to ostrich feeding, Ontario is full of quirky and delightful animal encounters.<\/p>\n

Cuddle with baby goats or highland cows<\/p>\n

For a fraction of the cost of therapy, you can enjoy a mood-boosting snuggle with bouncing baby goats for $30 at Udderly Ridiculous Farm Life<\/a> (906200 Township Rd 12, Bright), 90 minutes west of Toronto. More farm experiences include bonding time with mini highland cows, fibre crafts with alpacas, picnics with donkeys and goat yoga.<\/p>\n

\"Udderly<\/p>\n

Pet fluffy highland cows at Udderly Ridiculous, 90 minutes from Toronto.<\/p>\n

Feed an ostrich<\/p>\n

Pull off Loyalist Parkway, the road leading into Prince Edward County, and pay $10 for a self-guided tour around Struisvogel Ranch<\/a> (3555 County Rd. 3, Carrying Place), which specializes in raising ostriches. Feed and chat with the world\u2019s largest birds, stand on an egg to prove that each can hold 485 pounds with breaking and, if you\u2019re lucky, pet a newly hatched chick.<\/p>\n

Wineries worth the trip<\/p>\n

Wine country isn\u2019t all fancy flights and pricey bottles. These unique spots are unlike any other in the province.<\/p>\n

Beachfront sipping<\/p>\n

Ontario\u2019s only beachfront winery is Sprucewood Shores Estates<\/a> (7258 Essex County Rd. 50, Amherstburg). Linger on the shaded patio, underneath vined pergolas by the pond, or at picnic tables overlooking the beach and enjoy a flight of four pours for $11 per person. If you\u2019re looking to make a day of it, the best move is to get the beachfront experience ($56), which includes a pitcher of sangria and a picnic basket.<\/p>\n

\"Joanna_Wojewoda_Sprucewood_Shores<\/p>\n

Sprucewood Shores Estate is Ontario\u2019s only winery on the beach.<\/p>\n

Joanna Wojewoda <\/p>\n

A value-packed wine tour<\/p>\n

With Wines of Niagara-on-the-Lake\u2019s tasting pass<\/a> ($60), you get one weekday tasting at 25 wineries (including Reif Estate\u2019s ice wines, Ch\u00e2teau des Charmes\u2019s sparkling wines, or Marynissen\u2019s smart Rieslings), and it\u2019s valid for a full year.<\/p>\n

The island getaway<\/p>\n

Canada\u2019s oldest commercial winery isn\u2019t in the middle of rolling vineyards: it\u2019s on an island. A ferry ($7.50) cruises you over to Pelee Island<\/a> to relax in the outdoor garden and partake in a $20 tasting. The island also offers hiking and biking paths (island e-bike rentals start at $59), a lighthouse and a butterfly sanctuary.<\/p>\n

\"pelee-sunrise_COL3226.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Pelee Island winery at sunrise.<\/p>\n

Steve Elphick<\/p>\n

Drive-ins to remember<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t spend your summer in an air-conditioned Cineplex \u2014 pile some friends in the car and catch old favourites and new releases under the stars.<\/p>\n

The wine-country drive-in<\/p>\n

Prince Edward County\u2019s retro Mustang Drive-In<\/a> shows movies all summer long on giant outdoor screens\u00a0(1521 Prince Edward County Road 1, Bloomfield; there are also locations in Guelph and London). Tickets ($35) are good for a carload of people so bring family and friends and stop by for a double feature like \u201cToy Story 5\u201d and \u201cHoppers,\u201d or \u201cDisclosure Day\u201d and \u201cObsession.\u201d BYO snacks or if you get really hungry, grab a taco party box from Rebel Taco on-site (4 tacos for $25).<\/p>\n

\"Trius<\/p>\n

Outdoor cinema nights at Trius Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake.<\/p>\n

Supplied<\/p>\n

Hollywood and vine<\/p>\n

While the scenic vistas and tasting rooms make wine country enough of a draw on its own, Trius Winery<\/a> (1249 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake) is turning the vineyard into a cinema this summer. Grab a blanket and a glass \u2014 $30 tickets include a glass of wine in a souvenir cup \u2014 and watch, say, \u201cMamma Mia\u201d or \u201cCoyote Ugly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Art in the open air<\/p>\n

Appreciating the arts isn\u2019t only an indoor pastime, and it doesn\u2019t have to be expensive. There are free galleries \u2014 en plein air \u2014 all around the province.<\/p>\n

\"Haliburton<\/p>\n

One of many outdoor installations at\u00a0Haliburton Sculpture Forest.<\/p>\n

Supplied<\/p>\n

Take an art-filled hike<\/p>\n

In the Haliburton Highlands lies the Haliburton Sculpture Forest<\/a> (297 College Drive, Haliburton), where over 40 sculpture and art huts, crafted by Canadian and international artists, are woven through a 1.4 km trail through the forest. Entry is by donation.<\/p>\n

Visit an alfresco sculpture gallery<\/p>\n

Behind Prince Edward County\u2019s slick contemporary art space Oeno Gallery<\/a> (2274 County Rd. 1, Bloomfield) is a three-acre sculpture garden filled with more than 100 grand and creative pieces (entry is free). A few feet away, Huff Estates Winery houses an excellent patio and pizza oven. Grab a glass there and explore the art.<\/p>\n

\"OenoGallery_6.jpg\"<\/p>\n

An outdoor sculpture at Oeno Gallery in PEC.<\/p>\n

Supplied<\/p>\n

Wander a waterfront art trail<\/p>\n

Closer to home, in the recently opened Biidaasige Park, the new\u00a0Lassonde Art Trail<\/a> (39 Commissioners St., Toronto) is 4.2 kilometres of interconnected trails with 14 sculptures, which will rotate frequently to welcome in new artists. While it\u2019s in the city limits, on the waterfront south of the Keating Channel in the Port Lands, it\u2019s a trek for west enders, and definitely worth it. Reward yourself afterward with delicious wings ($16) at the nearby Keating Channel Pub & Grill.<\/a><\/p>\n

The perfect picnic<\/p>\n

Eating out adds up, but plenty of great restaurants and shops offer gourmet park-ready picnic boxes with everything you need for a rustic yet gourmet lunch on the ground. Just BYOB (blanket).<\/p>\n

Nibbling in Niagara<\/p>\n

The Niagara region is an agricultural paradise, so why not dine on its produce al fresco?<\/p>\n

Pique-Nique<\/a> (166 Russell Ave., St. Catharines) will pack a to-go picnic for two for $30, including cured meats, local cheeses, crunchy pickles, jams, fresh bread and crostini.<\/p>\n

The local expert\u2019s take: \u201cNiagara is made for picnics,\u201d said Pique-Nique owner Katy Hodgson. Not sure where to set up your basket? \u201cIn downtown St. Catharines, Montebello Park is stunning.\u201d She loves the old pavilion and rose garden designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind Central Park.<\/p>\n

For waterside nibbling, head to Lakeside Beach Park or Jaycee Gardens Park, which has \u201cwaterfront views but more of a tranquil vibe,\u201d Hodgson said. \u201cThere are lots of mature trees and a bridge that takes you across the bay with views of Henley Island \u2014 you might catch a rowing race!\u201d<\/p>\n

Snack your way through Stratford<\/p>\n

The Stratford Festival runs a direct bus ($42, round-trip) between downtown Toronto and the city\u2019s main theatres. Catch a show and a deal: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can see two shows for the price of one. You can also book in advance for pay-what-you-can pricing, or book same-day for 50 per cent off rush tickets.<\/p>\n

While you\u2019re there, snack your way through town by opting in to the Savour & Sip tasting pass<\/a> ($40), which includes five vouchers valid at 38 stops. Redeem them for delicacies like sausage rolls at Black Angus Bakery, craft beers at Black Swan Brewing or preserves at Bradshaw\u2019s Berry Farm.<\/p>\n

Get Outside<\/p>\n

Make the most of a hot Ontario summer by partaking in activities in the great outdoors.<\/p>\n

Soak in thermal waters<\/p>\n

Take the thermal waters at Prince Edward County\u2019s swish Nordic spa, Wander The Spa<\/a> (15841 Loyalist Pkwy, Bloomfield), which has a 10,000-square-foot thermotherapy circuit, beachfront saunas and a sunken fireside lounge. After 5 p.m., passes drop from $95 to $55 on weekends; Monday, Wednesday and Thursdays are $50.<\/p>\n

Note: Wander\u2019s indoor spa offering massages has been closed since April due to a fire but should reopen within weeks; the thermotherapy circuit is open.<\/p>\n

\"Wander<\/p>\n

Wander The Spa\u2019s thermal circuit.<\/p>\n

Andrew Fearman<\/p>\n

Walk an Indigenous plant medicine trail<\/p>\n

You can easily spend a full afternoon at The Royal Botanical Gardens, which spans 2,700 acres between Hamilton and Burlington and can be reached by taking the Go Train to Burlington and hopping on a route 1 bus; or a 30 minute bike ride from Aldershot Station.<\/p>\n

There are rock gardens, waterfalls and a Medieval garden of plants used for tinctures and dyes. Explore the Indigenous medicines trail,<\/a> built in collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, which weaves through the grounds and into the Cootes Paradise nature sanctuary, with stops along the way to learn how Anishinaabe peoples use the plants of the area.<\/p>\n

Stop and smell the flowers<\/p>\n

Break up a day at Clifton Hill or the falls with a trip to the (free!) Niagara Botanical Gardens<\/a> (2565 Niagara River Pkwy., Niagara Falls). Ninety-nine acres of gardens are groomed to bloom with lush florals (80,000 of them) and sculptured shrubbery. The displays are spectacular all season long \u2014 daffodils and magnolias in the spring, roses and canna lilies in the summer, and chrysanthemums when the weather starts turning cool.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When the concrete heats up, city-dwellers start dreaming of fleeing Toronto in favour of forests, beaches and lakes.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":818184,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[194291],"tags":[49,48,3302],"class_list":["post-818183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-toronto","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-toronto"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/818183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=818183"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/818183\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/818184"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=818183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=818183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=818183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}