Off the Beaten Path Ontario Staycation Destinations

So, you’ve done the usual: Niagara Falls, CN Tower, Muskoka’s cottage country… yawn! It’s time to shake things up and explore Ontario’s lesser-known treasures. Yes, Ontario has more to offer than just “Oh, you went to Toronto, eh?” Get ready to uncover the province’s best-kept secrets, the places where your GPS might stutter and say, “Are you sure about this?”

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We all deserve a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life at times in order to just decompress. However, it isn’t always possible to escape our daily lives to laze on the sunny beaches of the Caribbean, or wander the cobblestone streets of Europe.

Ontario is a vast Province located in the heart of Canada which offers many off the beaten path staycation destinations all of which provide an abundance of opportunity for foodies, adventure enthusiasts, lovers of architecture, and even the beach bum.

Welcome to my guide on Ontario’s off the beaten path staycation destinations, where the most popular attraction might be a lone moose and the local tour guide could very well be a chatty squirrel. These hidden gems are perfect for those who crave a dash of adventure without venturing too far from home.

Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey filled with quirky towns, unexpected trails, and the kind of serenity that only a true Ontarian backroad can offer. Who needs crowded tourist traps when you can have a scenic route all to yourself?

Calabogie, Ontario

Recommended by: Kelly of Just One Passport

Calebogie is the perfect off the beaten path Ontario staycation destination designed for the outdoor enthusiast. It has quickly become a year-round playground tucked deep in the Ottawa Valley in Eastern Ontario.

This off the beaten path Ontario staycation destination has something for the entire family, from great restaurants and brew pubs, an abundance of water sports and hiking trails which offer some of the most breath-taking views in Ontario. The Winter lover will find the Region’s highest ski hill at Calabogie Peaks as well as many waterfalls and rock formations to climb. The racecar enthusiast will find Ontario’s largest motorsports park just a short drive from town.

A visit to Calabogie isn’t complete without spending a few hours hiking Eagles Nest and then heading to the Redneck Bistro for a bite to eat and a cold one to quench your thirst.

Essex, Ontario

Recommended by: Erin of Pina Travels

Essex, Ontario is one of Canada’s most southern regions. While Essex itself is a small town, there’s plenty of fun stuff to do in the surrounding county, which makes it the perfect region to escape to for an Ontario staycation. You can visit wineries, go cycling, explore Point Pelee National Park, and more. Essex is just 30 minutes from Windsor and 4 hours from Toronto by car, and there’s plenty of hotels and Airbnb’s to choose from in Essex itself or in the nearby towns of Kingsville, Leamington, or Amherstberg. 

A must-do in Essex is to explore Essex Pelee Island Coast (EPIC), which is an emerging wine region. There are over 18 wineries in the area, which means it’s the perfect place to do a wine tour. You can tour the wineries independently, or, rent a bicycle to ride through the countryside from winery to winery. For a unique tour, join WE Trolley Tours. It’s a hop on, hop off service that brings you between wineries in an antique trolley!

Visiting Point Pelee National Park is another must-do on a staycation in Essex. It’s a unique park because it’s actually a peninsula that stretches out into Lake Erie. When visiting the park, you can hike out to the point. When you reach that spot, you’re officially standing at the most southern point in mainland Canada. Point Pelee National Park is also a great spot for swimming, hiking, kayaking, cycling, bird watching and stargazing. 

Glen Williams: The Perfect Off-the-beaten-path Ontario Staycation Destination

Recommended by: Kelly from Just One Passport

For city folk wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city his summer, Glen Williams is the perfect choice for a day trip.

Located In Halton Hills, art lover’s will love meandering the streets of this small town soaking in the talent of local artisans. I recommend a visit to the Glen Girl Shop where you will find locally designed and made unique clothing. The location is also home to a floral show, art shop and jewellery shop. You will have to wander behind the stores on the main to find the entrance.

A day trip to Glen Williams isn’t complete without stopping at the Copper Kettle Pub for a bight to eat, or a coffee and dessert at the Glen Oven Cafe.

For staycationer’s short on time, Glen Williams is the perfect Ontario road trip destination. Believe me when I say that you won’t want to miss this hidden gem.

Haliburton Highlands

Recommended by: Stephanie from The World As I See It

If you’re looking for an alternative to popular cottage country destinations in Ontario like Muskoka, then head to Haliburton! Located approximately 2.5 hours northeast of Toronto, the Haliburton Highlands area is home to a wealth of lakes, charming small towns, and a long list of outdoor adventures. The area is a fabulous off the beaten path staycation destination for a range of visitors. There are a ton of things to do in Haliburton in the area, including museums, parks, art galleries, and more! Plus, it’s a great place to visit year-round!

The village of Haliburton is small but offers a variety of accommodations, places to eat, and things to do. A couple of popular places to visit in and around town include Skyline Park, the Sculpture Forest, and Haliburton Highlands Museum. One of the cutest places to eat in town is Castle Antiques. It’s an antique shop and quirky café that serves up some incredible light fare and tasty desserts.

Another awesome place to visit is the Haliburton Forest and Wild Life Reserve. Along with accommodations, tours, and events, there’s a lot of things to do and see here. There are a variety of trails, a museum, and treetop trekking. It’s actually home to the longest canopy boardwalk in the world!

Also, on site is the Wolf Centre. The centre has a museum with a small theatre and a pack of wolves! Plus, you’ll also find an amazing restaurant within the Forest, Truss Foodworks Cookhouse. It serves up an assortment of fun dishes ranging from lumberjack breakfasts to beer and brisket!

Long Point, Ontario

Recommended by: Kelly of Just One Passport

Long Point is a hamlet which can be found along the shores of Lake Erie, in the heart of Norfolk County. When visiting Long Point, it would be very easy to spend the day soaking in the views of one of Ontario’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, but for the more adventurous traveller you might want to try ziplining through the forest, hiking one of the many trails, or just relaxing and soaking up the sun at one of the many beaches in Long Point Beach.

For those wanting to spend more than a day in order to explore all of the small towns and hamlets surrounding Long Point, spend a night or two camping at Long Point Provincial Park or a night of glamping at Long Point Eco Adventures.

Long Point has also quickly become known as a budding wine region in Ontario which makes it the perfect off the beaten path staycation destination for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Paris, Ontario

Recommended by: Kelly of Just One Passport

Paris is known as the Cobblestone Capital of Canada boasting at least a dozen cobblestone buildings. When visiting Paris it is always fun to take a self guided tour in search of the 12 cobblestone homes and 2 cobblestone churches that are still in existence today.

Once you have found all of the cobblestone buildings, make time to sample the food at all of the amazing restaurants that are scattered along the main street. If you’re looking for more of a fine dining atmosphere, make reservations at EDIT. For a more casual dining experience, then the patio at Stillwaters, overlooking the Grand River is where you will want to be. The foodie will be in heaven in this town!

Although it is easy to explore this small off the beaten path town in one day, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Arlington Hotel or Mulberry House on the Grand is reason enough to visit Paris and stay the night.

Whether you are planning on getting away for one day or two day, Paris is the perfect off the beaten path destination for the foodie and lover of architecture.

Perth, Ontario (an amazing Ontario staycation destination)

Recommended by: Nina of Nina Out and About

Just an hour south of Ottawa is a one of the best staycation towns in Ontario.

Perth, Ontario is a small town in the heart of Lancaster County. With the foliage of Niagara on the Lake and the Ottawa River as its own Rideau Canal, Perth has something for everyone.

The town is best known for the Mammoth Cheese sculpture beside the Ottawa River. This marks the historic creation of the world’s largest wheel of cheese in the 1800s. Now you can partake in Perth cheese at summer farmers’ markets.

The town also has a strong brewing history, with craft lagers and IPAs that are perfect on a hot summer day.

Families will love Perth in the winter for the free skating rink in the park and canoeing along the river in the summer. Your kids will never run out of things to do exploring this small town.

Couples will enjoy the romantic patios along the waterfront. And solo travellers will be excited by the coffee shops for a morning fix before exploring the town’s historic houses.

When visiting Perth, stay at the Best Western beside the city for a luxurious stay, complete with a spa and glass dining room. The hotel is pet friendly so you can even bring your furry friend with you for this staycation.

The Best Ontario Staycation Destinations

With so many great off the beaten path Ontario staycation destinations, there is no need to fret if you are unable to hop on a plane and fly away to an exotic destination. Ontario offers so many great places. It would take a lifetime to see them all.

SAFE & HAPPY TRAVELS 🙂

PIN FOR THE PERFECT ONTARIO STAYCATION DESTINATION