16 Weekend Vacation Packages from Toronto for Adventurous Couples
Experience memorable adventures just a few hours from the city with these easy weekend vacation packages from Toronto. Each of the 16 short holidays highlighted here is within a two- to 5.5-hour drive, so you can enjoy more time outside with your special someone.
Travel just a few hours outside Toronto, and you are rewarded with uncrowded trails, secluded waters and your choice of charming lodging—all of it well off the beaten path. The farther north you head, the wilder and more remote your surroundings, and the fewer other adventurers you’ll see.
All-inclusive holiday packages are ideal for busy couples who want to leave the city knowing every detail of their adventure has been looked after—just book and go. Friendly local hosts are eager to share their knowledge of the area’s hidden gems and ensure you don’t miss out on the best experiences.
For couples who are willing to do a bit more planning, putting together your own weekend adventure itinerary can make for an energizing and cheap vacation from Toronto. Whether it’s renting SUPs or a canoe and dipping your paddles in quiet waters, lacing up your hiking shoes to connect with the natural beauty of a northern forest, or simply breathing crisp, clean air from the deck of a remote cabin, we’ve got just the right experience for you. Simply pick your adventure, book your accommodation and pack your bags.
Go ahead, treat yourselves—it’s remarkable how relaxed and revitalized you’ll feel after just a weekend away together.
2-day vacations from Toronto
Short on time? These two-day vacation ideas from Toronto are long on adventure. Savour a fully guided or self-guided cycling tour with an epicurean twist, or explore some of the province’s best-kept secrets by paddle. Rent equipment or bring your own.
Best Getaway #1: Collingwood, Blue Mountain & South Georgian Bay
Travel Time From Toronto: Two-hour drive
Package: Apple Pie Trail Pedal & Paddle Adventure
Why You’ll Love It: This self-guided adventure begins with a spectacular gondola ride to the peak of Blue Mountain Resort, followed by 40 km of fantastic cycling along the Niagara Escarpment and down through apple orchards and vineyards. After a delicious picnic lunch and butter tarts at Blackbird Pie Company, the friendly folks at Free Spirit Tours will set you up with your choice of paddleboards, kayaks or canoe for a gentle one-hour paddle down the Beaver River. Wrap up this adventurous day trip with a relaxing pedal back to Blue Mountain Village along the Georgian Trail, a flat and easy rail trail that hugs the shore of Georgian Bay.
How To Make It Happen: Book this Ontario Signature Experience through Blue Mountain Village. They also offer a diverse range of accommodations with something to suit every budget.
While You’re There: Take a scenic drive along the Apple Pie Trail and enjoy charming villages, amazing food and acclaimed local wines, ciders and microbrews. Download the route map and start planning your trip.
Best Getaway #2: Goderich and Huron County
Travel Time From Toronto: 2.5-hour drive
Package: Goderich Paddling Routes
Why You’ll Love It: Known as the “Prettiest Town in Canada,” Goderich boasts historic architecture and a breathtaking natural setting atop bluffs overlooking Lake Huron’s endless blue waters—making it perfect for a romantic and adventurous weekend getaway. Paddle, fish and camp along the Maitland River, or plan a downriver day trip ending at Goderich’s beautiful beaches. Book an early morning or sunset SUP yoga class or guided paddleboard tour with The Yoga Den.
How To Make It Happen: Reserve a room at one of Goderich’s many historic inns and B&Bs, or choose from several lovely local camping options.
While You’re There: Rent bikes from 360 Bikes ‘n Boards or the Goderich Bike Shop for a leisurely spin around the historic downtown. Replenish at West Street Willy’s Eatery with their famous local fish dishes and hand-tossed pizza.
Best Getaway #3: Essex Pelee Island Coast
Travel Time From Toronto: 3.5-hour drive
Package: Wine Trail Ride Cycling Tour
Why You’ll Love It: Experience the sights and tastes of Ontario’s world-class wine region while cycling scenic, flat country roads. Windsor Eats’ award-winning Wine Trail Rides meander through farmlands along the Lake Erie coast, with scrumptious food stops and tastings at four local wineries enroute. Coast the coast on a 20-km guided tour or set your own pace on a romantic self-guided tour—including bike rental, route map and delicious picnic-basket-for-two.
How To Make It Happen: Book cycling tours through Windsor Eats. Find a naturally inspiring place to stay—treat yourself to rustic luxury in the Walnut Grove Bed & Breakfast’s nature-themed rooms, or reserve a cozy oTENTik at Point Pelee National Park.
While You’re There: Spend a day exploring the unique Carolinian forest, wave-swept beaches, and fascinating cycling and hiking trails of Point Pelee National Park, the most southerly and ecologically diverse national park in Canada.
3-day vacations from Toronto
Travel a bit farther up the highway on your next long weekend, and you will begin to feel the embrace of Northern Ontario’s empty trails and the solace of quiet lakes and forests. These three-day adventure trips from Toronto are the perfect blend of challenge, discovery and rustic comfort. Choose an all-inclusive holiday package, or create your own vacation by sampling the best outdoor experiences in each region.
Best Getaway #1: Haliburton Highlands
Travel Time From Toronto: Three-hour drive
Package: Horseback Trail Riding and Algonquin Eco-Lodge
Why You’ll Love It: Escape the crowds at this off-grid eco-lodge tucked beside a private lake on the lightly travelled southern edge of Algonquin Park. Join South Algonquin Trails’ seasoned trail guides and friendly horses for two or three days of trail riding, with two nights’ stay at Algonquin Eco-Lodge. When you’re not cantering to cascading waterfalls and scenic vistas, you can canoe to secluded beaver lodges and meandering creeks. After a mouthwatering meal, relax your riding muscles in the eco-lodge’s lakeside sauna or carbon-neutral, outdoor hot tub.
How To Make It Happen: Contact South Algonquin Trails or Algonquin Eco-Lodge to book your trail ride package.
While You’re There: Take a 15-minute drive to the tiny village of Maynooth, where you’ll find fantastic folk art, antiques and plenty of tasty treats for the drive home. Discover more authentic, awesome adventures with Yours Outdoors.
Best Getaway #2: Algonquin Park and Almaguin Highlands
Travel Time From Toronto: 3.5-hour drive
Package: Classic Guided Canoe Trip or Romantic Fall Culinary Getaway
Why You’ll Love It: Experience Algonquin Provincial Park’s breathtaking backcountry lakes and forests while developing canoeing and camping skills on Voyageur Quest’s award-winning three-day guided canoe trip. This all-inclusive, beginner-friendly trip includes canoe and camping equipment, an experienced wilderness guide, tasty meals and two nights sleeping under the stars. Looking for an autumn vacation? The decadent Romantic Fall Culinary Getaway is the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, comfy cabin accommodation and delicious harvest feasts. Take in the fall colours from your deck, hike to spectacular forest lookouts, paddle Kawawaymog Lake at sunrise and finish the day with a wood-fired floating sauna.
How To Make It Happen: Book these vacation packages with Voyageur Quest. Guided excursions can be added to your cabin stay.
While You’re There: The northwest corner of Algonquin offers some of the park’s finest, most remote backcountry. After dark, listen for wolf howls and loon calls, and don’t miss stargazing from the lakeshore.
Best Getaway #3: Mattawa
Travel Time From Toronto: 4.5-hour drive
Package: Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge
Why You’ll Love It: Start relaxing the moment you arrive at this 485-acre eco-retreat overlooking the Laurentian Mountains and the inviting waters of Bang’s Bay. Immerse yourself in a remote, natural setting; learn more about environmental sustainability; and experience an off-grid lifestyle in comfort at Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge. With zero light pollution, the night sky will take your breath away. Zero noise pollution means you can enjoy the calm stillness and sounds of the forest.
How To Make It Happen: Book your choice of off-grid cabin, authentic Mongolian yurt, luxurious glamping tent, or secluded rustic campsite with Nature’s Harmony Ecolodge.
While You’re There: Grab a complimentary canoe, kayak or paddleboard to explore beautiful Bang’s Bay, which connects to the Ottawa River; hike or bring your mountain bikes to ride the extensive trail network; wake up early to watch for wildlife; or settle into a hammock to swing beneath the pines and let any worries slip away.
Best Getaway #4: Greater Sudbury
Travel Time From Toronto: 4.5-hour drive
Package: Sea Kayaking Skills Weekend
Why You’ll Love It: Designed to give you a taste of what kayak touring is all about, Horizons Adventures’ Introduction to Sea Kayaking weekend will get you started on the basics with a one-day skills clinic so you’re comfortable enough to spend the second day paddling Lake Huron’s scenic North Channel on a guided day trip. This package includes kayaking equipment and instruction. More experienced paddlers can take their kayaking to the next level with a one-day or weekend Surf and Current Clinic. Head to nearby Manitoulin Island and beautiful Providence Bay, where you’ll learn how to make your kayak dance among the waves.
How To Make It Happen: Book with Horizons Adventures, who can also help you arrange the best accommodation for your needs.
While You’re There: Spend your third day exploring the vibrant city of Sudbury, including a paddle on Lake Ramsey or visit to Science North. Pack a picnic and go hiking or mountain biking in Kivi Park, Sudbury’s premier multi-sport recreation area set among 480+ acres of rugged Precambrian Shield. Rent fat bikes at Adventure365, or bring your own.
Best Getaway #5: Temagami
Travel Time From Toronto: 4.75-hour drive
Package: Temagami Lodge-Based Packages
Why You’ll Love It: You don’t have to be super outdoorsy to enjoy the Temagami wilderness. If your idea of a perfect long-weekend adventure ends each day with a cozy room and a hot shower rather than a tent and a dip in the lake, a lodge-based vacation at Smoothwater Outfitters & Ecolodge is the perfect choice. Explore Temagami’s lakes and forests by day, and then return to the lodge on quiet James Lake for a home-cooked meal and an evening of relaxation. Lodge staff can help you plan stunning canoeing and hiking day trips, as well as provide canoe and kayak rentals.
How To Make It Happen: Book your lodge stay with Smoothwater Outfitters. The outfitter also offers complete trip planning services for self-guided backcountry paddlers and guided canoe trips.
While You’re There: The old-growth forest trails of White Bear Forest are a must-see. Walk among towering white and red pines in this ancestral home of the White Bear clan of the Teme-Augama Anishnaabe people on trails ranging from 2.5 to 5 km in length.
4-day vacations from Toronto
Getting away for a longer vacation doesn’t have to be more difficult. These self-guided and all-inclusive adventure getaways from Toronto offer something for every budget and ability. With a little planning, you can create a romantic retreat, an affordable extended weekend adventure or a custom multi-activity mini holiday. Recharge your body and spirit with a four-day escape in the serene outdoor landscapes of Northern Ontario.
Best Getaway #1: Manitoulin Island
Travel Time From Toronto: 3.75-hour drive and two-hour ferry ride
Package: Gordon’s Park Astronomy Events
Why You’ll Love It: Tucked between hardwood forest, panoramic meadows and a 450-million-year-old fossil reef just minutes from the ferry landing, Gordon’s Park Campground and Dark Sky Preserve is a unique home base for star-crossed couples exploring Manitoulin Island. The park’s many amenities include hiking trails, access to four of Manitoulin’s esteemed cycling routes, and your choice of camping, cabins or tipi accommodation. Even better, Gordon’s Park hosts three-night Stargazing Parties, Aurora Borealis Weekends and a Perseids Meteor Party throughout the summer.
How To Make It Happen: Book accommodation and the astronomy event of your choice with Gordon’s Park. Ask about renting their cozy Stargazing Cabin for a little pampering. To get to Manitoulin Island, you’ll need to reserve a spot on the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry from Tobermory to South Baymouth.
While You’re There: Check out the Great Spirit Circle Trail to book an authentic Aboriginal experience, including specialty workshops and cultural day trips by canoe and on foot.
Best Getaway #2: Mattawa
Travel Time From Toronto: Four-hour drive
Package: Mattawa River Canoe Trip
Why You’ll Love It: Paddle down the wild and scenic Mattawa River, learning about the fascinating geology and rich cultural heritage of this route from your knowledgeable guide. Travel back in time along a river infused with First Nations history, the exploration of Canada and the fur trade.
How To Make It Happen: Contact Algonquin North Wilderness Outfitter to learn about route options and to book the trip length of your choice. Day trips and multi-day tours, as well as self-guided outfitting options, are available.
While You’re There: Le Voyageur Inn in Mattawa has comfy rooms and authentic Thai cuisine. Base yourself here for quick and easy access to the trails at nearby Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park and Algonquin Park’s lightly travelled north entrance.
Best Getaway #3: North Channel, Lake Huron
Travel Time From Toronto: Five-hour drive
Package: Benjamin Islands Sea Kayak Trip
Why You’ll Love It: More remote and less travelled than Georgian Bay, the North Channel is an unforgettable landscape of granite islands, windswept pines and open crossings. The Benjamin Islands lie in protected waters off the channel’s main passage, making for easy paddling and spectacular camping. Horizons Adventures’ Benjamin Islands Trip basecamps on beautiful Fox Island for three nights and explores the surrounding cluster of small islands, nosing into hidden waters only a sea kayak can navigate.
How To Make It Happen: Book this fully outfitted and guided four-day trip through Horizons Adventures.
While You’re There: The Northern Ontario hamlet of Massey serves as the jumping-off point for your sea kayak trip. Stock up on homemade picnicking supplies at Martin’s Country Market, then visit Chutes Provincial Park, a lovely little park with a quiet campground and 6-km hiking trail along the Aux Sables River.
Best Getaway #4: Spanish River
Travel Time From Toronto: 5.5-hour drive
Package: Spanish River Whitewater Canoe Trip
Why You’ll Love It: Less than an hour northwest of Sudbury, the wild Spanish River is one of Ontario’s finest introductory whitewater canoe trips. It has all the right ingredients: the river feels remote but is easy to get to; it has beautiful and diverse wilderness scenery; it is a provincial park waterway with marked campsites and portages; it has lots of easy rapids and kilometres of fast-moving swifts; and, best of all, it gets far fewer visitors than popular rivers to the south.
How To Make It Happen: Contact Fox Lake Lodge/Spanish River Outfitters for route planning assistance and to book shuttles, equipment rental and accommodation. Four days is enough time to paddle the river’s East Branch from Duke Lake to The Elbow. For a guided river trip, contact Paddle The Spanish River.
While You’re There: Watch for quintessential boreal forest wildlife along the river’s banks and portage trails. On a recent trip, we paddled up close to a bobcat sunbathing on the shore! Learn more at Ontario Parks.
Best Getaway #5: Sudbury
Travel Time From Toronto: 4.5-hour drive
Package: Sudbury Mountain Bike Trails
Why You’ll Love It: Sudbury is a mecca for two-wheeled trail enthusiasts. Singletrack here is so good, some riders have compared the city’s mountain bike trails to the slickrock paradise of Moab, Utah. Put your knobby tires to the test on the bare rock ridges of the Precambrian Shield at Walden Trails Park, Kivi Park and Lake Laurentian Conservation Area.
How To Make It Happen: Bring your own bikes, or rent rides in Kivi Park at Adventure365. Book accommodation at one of Sudbury’s inviting B&Bs.
While You’re There: Get a taste of Sudbury’s vibrant craft beer scene at Stack Brewing, check out the open-air Sudbury Market on Saturday morning and take a stroll (or a swim) in Bell Park along lovely Ramsey Lake.
Best Getaway #6: Killarney
Travel Time From Toronto: 4.25-hour drive
Package: Killarney Fall Colours Canoe Trip
Why You’ll Love It: Quartzite ridge tops, sapphire lakes, and superb camping and paddling make Killarney Provincial Park a dream destination for canoeists of all skill levels. In autumn, the crystal-clear lakes and white-rock cliffs are adorned with the blaze of hardwood forests changing colour. This three-day guided trip with MHO Adventures combines paddling and backcountry camping with hiking to a spectacular lookout atop Silver Peak.
How To Make It Happen: Book this fully outfitted trip with MHO Adventures. Check out MHO’s “21 Things to Do in Killarney” for a taste of what to expect!
While You’re There: Visit the historic village of Killarney, established in 1820 as a fur trading post. Enjoy refreshments with a waterfront view at luxurious Killarney Mountain Lodge, and then grab a picnic table over at Herbert Fisheries on the village wharf for a serving of Canada’s top 10 fish and chips.
Best Getaway #7: Temagami
Travel Time From Toronto: 4.5-hour drive
Package: Under 25 Self-Guided Canoe Trip
Why You’ll Love It: Conveniently based right on the waterfront in Temagami village, Temagami Outfitting Co. makes it easy for adventurous young couples to enjoy a cheap vacation from Toronto. This affordable package takes the expense out of exploring Temagami’s world-class wilderness lakes and forests.
How To Make It Happen: Book Temagami Outfitting Co.’s Under 25 and Broke package. For just $30 per person per day, you’ll get all the equipment you need to canoe and camp comfortably in the backcountry, as well as route planning advice.
While You’re There: Climb the restored (and free) Temagami Fire Tower atop Caribou Mountain for breathtaking views on the edge of town. You can’t miss Gramp’s Place General Store, an old-fashioned northern gift shop and more, sprawling beside the highway a few minutes south of town.
Best Getaway #8: Greater Sudbury
Travel Time From Toronto: Four-hour drive
Package: Scuba Diver Training Course
Why You’ll Love It: For a unique and challenging learning vacation, join The Scuba Shop and master instructor Mike Patrick for an introductory open water diving course. Develop basic skills in the Olympic-size pool at Laurentian University, and then take to the clear waters of Ramsey Lake or Moose Mountain Quarry.
How To Make It Happen: Book this course with The Scuba Shop. Dive equipment is included, and can be rented after the course for additional dives. Find hotel, motel or B&B recommendations at Discover Sudbury.
While You’re There: Once you and your partner have successfully completed the course, you’ll have the training to explore some of Sudbury’s unique local dive sites. All that time in the water is sure to work up your appetite—go gourmet at upscale Sudbury sensation Tommy’s Not Here, or refuel with the hearty and homey creations at Respect Is Burning Kitchen & Bar.
It’s easy to escape the crowds
Adventurous couples love these easy and accessible short holidays from Toronto. Just pick your vacation package and bring your sense of adventure.