13 Affordable Weekend Getaways for Adventurous Couples

When it comes to planning the perfect couple’s getaway, the options can feel overwhelming—and expensive. A weekend stay at an all-inclusive resort might sound enticing, but if you’re looking to escape on a shoestring budget, Ontario’s outdoor playgrounds offer loads of easy-to-plan possibilities while keeping expenses low.

For adventurous couples, the province’s pristine lakes, trails and backroads can be enjoyed for little more than the price of a tank of gas. From cozy campsites and scenic trails to guided excursions that reveal the region’s hidden wonders, there’s no shortage of affordable ways to reconnect with each other. Love tranquil lakes and sleeping out under the stars? We’ve got you covered with wallet-friendly weekend canoe trips. Rather ramp up the excitement and challenge yourself to try something new? Check out our picks for value-packed learning mini-vacations.

Your next adventure is closer (and more affordable) than you think.

Affordable Weekend Camping Getaways in Ontario

Imagine a romantic candlelit dinner in the dusky woods, cozied up next to a crackling campfire. Done right, camping can be a wonderful weekend escape for adventurous couples, and Ontario has no shortage of fabulous places to pitch your tent. Whether you’re a seasoned wild camper looking to explore new locations, or a new-to-camping couple planning your first overnight adventure, Ontario’s parks and camping providers offer a budget-friendly break from your weekly routine.

1. Pukaskwa National Park

Why You’ll Love It: Pukaskwa’s Hattie Cove Campground is the jumping-off point for an action-packed weekend’s worth of outdoor adventures, from canoeing or kayaking on the peaceful blue-green waters of the cove to hiking to spectacular beaches, waterfalls and coastal cliffs overlooking mighty Lake Superior.

How to Make It Happen: Pukaskwa’s standard campground sites can be booked online for $28.50 per night, or make the modest splurge on one of the park’s airy oTENTik wall tents for an affordable-but-oh-so-comfortable glamping getaway. The cost is $133.25 per night and advance reservations are a must. Each oTENTik sleeps six, so frugal friends can make it a double date.

While You’re There: I’ll never forget the first time I felt the roar and caught sight of Chigamiwinigum Falls. The must-do day hike to this spectacular waterfall culminates in a thrilling wire footbridge suspended high above the gorge. After swaying above the spray, settle in for a well-deserved picnic with your sweetheart—you’ll want to pack plenty of snacks for this 18-km day hike.

2. Kettle Lakes Provincial Park

Why You’ll Love It: Just 45 minutes east of Timmins, Kettle Lakes Provincial Park is a hidden gem of spring-fed lakes and quiet waterfront campsites. Formed by receding glaciers some 10,000 years ago, today the park’s lakes offer peaceful paddling and excellent fishing right from your campsite. On-site canoe, kayak, paddleboard and bicycle rentals make it easy for active couples to get on the water and explore the park’s 14 km of biking trails.

How to Make It Happen: Kettle Lake’s two car campgrounds offer 137 sites that can be booked online for $38.75 per night through the Ontario Parks Reservations website.

While You’re There: In Timmins, paddle a scenic local river with Timmins Adventure Tours, then sample the mouthwatering, made-from-scratch menu and freshly baked treats at award-winning Radical Gardens.

3. Manitoulin Eco Park

Why You’ll Love It: Encompassing leafy hardwood forest, scenic meadows and ancient fossil reefs, this charming adventure camping park is also a Royal Astronomical Society-designated Dark Sky Preserve. Manitoulin Island is far from any urban light pollution, making the stargazing here truly out-of-this-world. Take a hike, join a wild food walk, or learn about constellations, galaxies and meteors on a guided Astronomy Night.

How to Make It Happen: Manitoulin Eco Park offers a choice of secluded forest campsites or meadow stargazing sites from $30 per night, as well as tipi and bunkie rentals from $100 per night. Check availability and book online here.

While You’re There: I love the laid-back vibes that permeate every corner of Manitoulin Island. Catch the stunning sunset—and, if the wind is onshore, catch some waves too—at Providence Bay. The beach here is one of the finest in northern Ontario with soft sands, clear waters and a beautiful boardwalk. Grab an ice cream at Huron Island Time, settle into a specialty coffee at the Peace Café, or get a bite to eat at Lake Huron Fish & Chips. Don't miss the hike up the Cup and Saucer Trail for spectacular views over the North Channel. 

Affordable Weekend Canoe Trip Getaways in Ontario

Canoes and romance have a long shared history, so whatbetter way to reconnect with your special someone than a weekend romp in a boat-built-tor-two? Many Ontario Parks offer on-site canoe rentals and diverse overnight route options for paddlers of all abilities and appetites. Less experienced canoe trippers can opt for affordably priced partial or complete outfitting packages from local specialists, or let an expert handle the logistics (and camp cooking!) on a fully guided paddling adventure.

4. Mississagi Provincial Park

Why You’ll Love It: Two hours west of Sudbury is one of northern Ontario’s best-kept secrets: a beautiful provincial park that’s perfect for an easy weekend canoe trip. Mississagi Provincial Park’s three backcountry canoe sites are situated on the sparkling waters of Semiwite and Helenbar lakes—just a brief paddle and portage from the park dock—and the surrounding rocky ridges and maple-pine forest tempt paddlers to stretch their legs on some of the 40 km of scenic hiking trails.

How to Make It Happen: Mississagi’s three backcountry canoe sites can be booked online for $9/person per night through the Ontario Parks Reservations website. Rent canoes at the park.

While You’re There: In Elliot Lake, climb the 100-foot Fire Tower Lookout for panoramic views as far as Manitoulin Island and the North Channel of Lake Huron.

5. Temagami Backcountry

Why You’ll Love It: Old-growth pines, deep clearwater lakes, and beautiful campsites and rugged portage trails steeped in Indigenous history. The Temagami region offers an accessible and budget-friendly canoe tripping alternative to busy parks like Algonquin and Killarney. Even better, much of this backcountry paradise is crown land—which means Canadian couples aren’t required to purchase camping permits.

How to Make It Happen: Choose a novice-friendly weekend route like the Cassels Lake Loop, Wasaksina Lake Basecamp, Cliff Lake, or Mannajigama-Snare Loop. All feature crown land camping, superb swimming and stunning scenery. Contact Temagami Outfitting Company or Smoothwater Outfitters for canoe and gear rentals. Both companies offer complete outfitting packages—which include everything you need to get on the water, including trip food—starting from $126/person per day.

While You’re There: Be sure to hike the White Bear Forest trails, located in the town of Temagami, to marvel at the towering old-growth white pines and climb the historic Temagami Fire Tower.

6. Algonquin Park Classic

Why You’ll Love It: Just show up, paddle and relax—Voyageur Quest’s three-day Algonquin Classic is a fully guided canoe trip through the northwest corner of Algonquin Park that is ideal for first-time canoe campers. Enjoy wildlife, stunning lakes, and tasty meals cooked over an open fire while learning about park ecology and developing your backcountry skills in a fun, supportive setting.

How to Make It Happen: Scheduled trips depart Friday to Sunday from June 23^rd through October 1^st. Trip cost is $665 per person and includes all equipment, meals, park permits and services of a wilderness guide. Book online or call to reserve.

While You’re There: Grab a bite at cozy Bernard’s Bistro on the Lake in South River, then stop by Copperhead Distillery to toast a brilliant first (or next) paddling trip.

Affordable Weekend Hiking Getaways in Ontario

The original mode of travel is still the cheapest, making a couples’ hiking getaway the perfect weekend escape for penny-pinching adventurers. Whether you choose to basecamp and explore enticing day hikes, or load your backpacks for an overnight trek, Ontario’s beautiful trails are just steps away.

7. Lake Superior Provincial Park

Why You’ll Love It: Jaw-dropping coastal and highlands scenery with outstanding options for day hiking or backpacking. Lake Superior Provincial Park’s long-distance Coastal Trail can be sampled in shorter stretches from basecamps at Agawa Bay or Gargantua, or hike to a gorgeous backcountry campsite of your choice. Wherever your feet take you, you’ll find secluded beaches and unforgettable Superior sunsets await.

How to Make It Happen: Lake Superior Park’s backcountry sites can be booked online for $9/person per night through the Ontario Parks Reservations website. Car camping sites at Agawa Bay Campground fill quickly during peak summer season, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

While You’re There: Stock up on last-minute outdoor supplies at Great Lakes Outfitters in Sault Ste. Marie. After your hike, be sure to stop in at The Voyageurs’ Lodge & Cookhouse in Batchawana Bay. Their world-famous apple fritters are a sweet—and well-deserved—reward for your efforts.

8. Ottawa-Temiskaming Highland Trail

Why You’ll Love It: For experienced hikers, the Ottawa-Temiskaming Highland Trail (OTHT) offers a challenging tramp through the rugged landscapes of northeastern Ontario. Totalling 142 km end-to-end, shorter sections of the OTHT make excellent weekend adventures. Expect clifftop vistas, lovely hardwood forest and peaceful lakeside campsites that you’ll likely have all to yourself.

How to Make It Happen: For a fantastic introduction to the OTHT, begin your hike at the Friday Lake access point off of Hwy 11 south of Latchford. Hike north to backcountry campsites at Fat Lake, Red Pine Pond or Bryan Lake. Circle back on the Friday Lake or Cliff Lake side trails for a breathtaking finale to your adventure. There are no camping fees for the OTHT and maps are available to download for free. Consider making a donation to Nastawgan Trails or purchasing an annual membership for $20 per person.

While You’re There: Detour into the sleepy hamlet of Latchford for the ultimate hiking fix—a cheesy pile of poutine at the Beach House Chipstand. If you need to rent camping gear, Smoothwater Outfitters on Hwy 11 can get you trail-ready.

Affordable Weekend Bikepacking Getaways in Ontario

If you haven’t tried bikepacking, a weekend ride is a great way to experience the freedom of self-sufficient cycle camping. Riding gravel trails and backroads with your gear on your bike and sleeping out along the way, bikepacking’s minimalist ethos is the ideal fit for grab-and-go weekend adventures for busy couples. Even better, it’s as inexpensive as you want it to be; strap a compact camping kit to your bike rack for a budget getaway, or travel light and splurge on more comfortable accommodations.

9. Algoma Highlands

Why You’ll Love It: The ancient rocky summits, hidden lakes and hardwood forests of the Algoma Highlands form the perfect backdrop to a challenging bikepacking adventure. Sault Ste. Marie’s Red Pine Tours offers guided or self-supported, one- or two-night bikepacking excursions with various types of terrain and the option to wild camp or stay at a backcountry cabin.

How to Make It Happen: Contact Red Pine Tours to inquire about rentals, route options and book a custom tour. Reach out to Vélorution for year-round mountain, electric-assist and fatbike rentals.

While You’re There: Bike-friendly Sault Ste. Marie is a delight to explore on two wheels: ride the Hub Trail to experience every side of the city, including the scenic waterfront; visit Parks Canada’s Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site; and pedal up to the patio at Northern Superior Brewing Co. for food and refreshments.

10. Simcoe County Bikepacking Loop

Why You’ll Love It: This was my first—and still one of my all-time favourite—bikepacking experiences. The Simcoe County Loop Trail is an easy 160-km route and excellent weekend introduction to bikepacking in Ontario. Looping through Orillia and Barrie along Lake Simcoe, the route continues past one of the province’s largest remaining wetlands and traverses quiet rural landscapes into Penetanguishene and Midland on the shores of Georgian Bay. The best part: nearly all of this bikepacking loop is on off-road, multi-use trails.

How to Make It Happen: Barrie’s Born to Ride Bicycle offers rentals and delivery to your starting point from $67 per day. Alternatively, rent performance mountain, gravel and electric-assist mountain bikes from Hardwood Ski and Bike for $80-$140 per day. Book a tent site at Bayfort Camp in Midland for $60, or upgrade to a cozy B&B in Victoria Harbour for $190 per night.

While You’re There: Grab lunch in Penetanguishene at the World Famous Dock Lunch. Stock up on picnic supplies in downtown Orillia at Mariposa Market and head down to beautiful Couchiching Beach Park to enjoy your feast.

Affordable Weekend Skills Getaways in Ontario

If your definition of adventure includes learning thrilling new skills with your significant other, then a guided learning getaway with one of Ontario’s outdoor experts promises a weekend to remember. Sure, these packages will stretch your budget more than a self-supported weekend getaway, but you’ll develop invaluable skills and confidence while having an amazing experience in a safe environment. Find the perfect adventure skills package below.

11. Learn to Rock Climb

Why You’ll Love It: Rock climbing is all about trust, commitment and adrenaline-pumping adventure in some of the province’s most spectacular wild places. In particular, the vertical cliffs and rugged gorges of northwestern Ontario attract climbers from around the world. During this two-day climbing course near Thunder Bay, you and your partner will learn the skills needed to confidently climb, rappel and set up anchors on natural rock cliffs.

How to Make It Happen: Outdoor Skills & Thrills offers half-, full- and two-day rock climbing courses and guided adventures for all skill levels. A private weekend course costs $498 per person. Reservations are required. Call 807-472-4742 or email info@outdoorskillsandthrills.com for more information.

While You’re There: See the surreal beauty of Ouimet Canyon Provincial Park, where a short trail and boardwalk connect two lookout platforms with spectacular views of the canyon. Save on accommodation and stay at Thunder Bay’s Trowbridge Falls Campground, a peaceful municipal campground beside the cascading Current River. Tent sites are available from $15-$36 per night.

12. Learn Sea Kayaking Skills

Why You’ll Love It: Lake Superior’s wild grandeur inspires awe in even the most diehard adventure travellers, and there’s no better way to experience it for yourself than with a paddle in hand. Designed for newer paddlers looking to hone their sea kayaking skills and enjoy spectacular wilderness camping, Naturally Superior Adventures’ all-inclusive Weekend Getaways include equipment rental, freshly prepared meals and kayaking instruction.

How to Make It Happen: Naturally Superior Adventures’ paddling centre near Wawa is the jumping-off point for Weekend Getaway kayak tours in Michipicoten Bay. From here, you’ll paddle east to Lake Superior Provincial Park or west to the sandy beaches of Doré and Minnekona—both are so gorgeous, I honestly can’t pick a favourite. The cost is $620 per person, and reservations are required. Such a Nice Day Adventures offers similar three-day weekend trips in the island archipelagos at Rossport or Porphyry on Lake Superior’s north shore. Self-catered kayak tours start at $495 per person, or go all-inclusive for $702 each.

While You’re There: Pop into Young’s General Store in Wawa to snap a selfie with Henrietta the moose, snag a unique souvenir, or treat yourself to their trademark massive scoops of ice cream (I recommend the “Moose Tracks”).

13. Learn to Paddle Whitewater

Why You’ll Love It: Ontario’s outstanding whitewater rivers become thrilling natural playgrounds under the guidance of an experienced paddling instructor. Nothing hones communication skills and commitment like your canoe hurtling toward the swirling currents and splashing waves of a whitewater rapid. These weekend whitewater courses offer something for every skill level, from first-timers to seasoned paddlers looking to polish their moving-water skills.

How to Make It Happen: Many introductory whitewater courses run out of Palmer Rapids, on the beginner-friendly Madawaska River. Weekend offerings from top whitewater schools like Madawaska Kanu Centre, MHO Adventures, and Black Feather are competitively priced from $580 to $725 per person. Camping is included in course fees, or upgrade to MKC’s glamping and meal plan for an additional $370.

While You’re There: Palmer Rapids is nestled in the lovely landscapes of the Madawaska Highlands; if you can, make time for one of the beautiful hikes in this area. My favourite is the climb to the bald-rock summit of Gun Mountain, just up the road in Combermere. 

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