Best Spring & May Long Weekend Trips from Toronto GTA (2026 Guide)
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We moved to Canada from India in 2019 and have spent the years since exploring Ontario one weekend at a time. These are the destinations we keep returning to for a quick escape from the city.
The first long weekend of spring in Ontario always feels like the province collectively waking up from hibernation ☀️
From tulip festivals and waterfall hikes to beach towns and cottage escapes, the May long weekend near Toronto GTA is the perfect excuse to hit the road.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family trip, girls weekend, or baby-friendly escape, here are some of the best places to visit near Toronto during spring and Victoria Day weekend. Whether you are searching for weekend trips from Toronto with family or the best long weekend getaways from Toronto for a couple’s retreat, this guide covers every travel style.
Planning your Ontario road trip? Browse our Canada travel itineraries for step-by-step planning guides.
1. Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls
Just 1.5 hours from Toronto, this area transforms beautifully in spring.
What to do:
- Visit Niagara Falls when the mist and greenery come alive
- Explore wineries and patios in Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Ride the Whirlpool Aero Car
- See blooming tulips and spring gardens
- Enjoy Clifton Hill attractions with kids
Perfect for: Families, couples, quick overnight trips
We have done this drive in early May and the crowds are noticeably thinner than in July, which makes exploring the Niagara Parkway on foot much more enjoyable. The wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake were just starting patio season, and we grabbed a table outdoors with no wait.
For accommodation inspiration across Ontario, see our best cottage areas in Ontario guide.
Address: Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6T2
Hours: outdoor Falls viewing year-round; seasonal attractions vary by venue
Admission: outdoor Falls viewing free; paid attractions vary by venue
Parking: paid lots available near Clifton Hill and Table Rock Confirm current attraction hours and admission before visiting.
2. Blue Mountain and Collingwood
Spring here is underrated. You get fewer crowds, scenic hikes, and cozy village vibes without winter chaos.
What to do:
- Walk around Blue Mountain Village
- Take the gondola ride for spring views
- Visit Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
- Explore nearby Collingwood cafés and waterfront
Bonus: Perfect stroller-friendly trails and outdoor dining weather.
We visited Scandinave Spa in late April and it was one of our most relaxing weekend getaways from Toronto. The outdoor thermal pools surrounded by spring trees felt peaceful in a way that a summer visit cannot quite match.
For a different kind of outdoor Ontario escape, see our guide to best glamping in Ontario.
Address: Blue Mountain Village, 190 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 3Z2
Hours: village open year-round; gondola and activity hours vary seasonally
Admission: free to walk the village; gondola and spa require separate booking
Parking: paid and free parking available within the village Confirm gondola availability and spa booking requirements before visiting.
3. Ottawa and the Tulip Festival
Spring and Ottawa are basically inseparable thanks to the famous Canadian Tulip Festival.
What to do:
- See millions of tulips bloom across the city
- Walk along Rideau Canal pathways
- Explore ByWard Market
- Visit museums and Parliament area
Why go in May: This is peak tulip season and one of Canada’s prettiest spring experiences.
We spent a May long weekend in Ottawa for the Tulip Festival and were genuinely surprised by the scale of the display at Commissioners Park. The canal was calm and beautiful, and we ended the evening at ByWard Market for dinner.
Read our full Ottawa weekend guide for everything to see and do in the city.
Address: Commissioners Park (main tulip display), Ottawa, ON K1Y 4G6
Hours: festival typically runs throughout May; check official annual dates
Admission: free to view tulips at Commissioners Park; some ticketed events available
Parking: limited near major sites; public transit and rideshare recommended Confirm festival dates and any ticketed events before visiting.
4. Prince Edward County
A dreamy spring road trip destination about 2.5 hours from Toronto.
What to do:
- Visit wineries and lavender farms
- Explore beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park
- Browse cute cafés and boutique shops
- Stay at cozy farmhouses or boutique inns
Vibe: Slow mornings, patio lunches, and countryside charm.
We drove out to Prince Edward County in May and loved how unhurried everything felt before the summer crowds arrived. Sandbanks was quiet and peaceful, the wineries were pouring, and we stayed at a farmhouse that felt like a world away from the city.
For places to stay across the province, see our guide to Ontario resorts and getaway stays.
Address: Sandbanks Provincial Park, 3004 County Rd 12, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
Hours: open daily from the Victoria Day weekend; day-use hours vary
Admission: Ontario Parks day-use fee applies; check current rates at ontarioparks.com
Parking: vehicle permit required and included with day-use fee Confirm park opening dates and current fees before visiting.
5. Muskoka Spring Cottage Escape
Before summer crowds arrive, Muskoka feels peaceful, affordable, and extra scenic.
What to do:
- Book a lakefront cottage
- Hike scenic trails
- Enjoy spring campfires and hot tubs
- Explore towns like Huntsville and Bracebridge
Great for: Families wanting a quiet reset.
We booked a lakefront cottage in Muskoka for a May long weekend and found it significantly more affordable than the same property costs in July. The trails were soft underfoot and the lake was mirror-still in the mornings.
Read about our Muskoka waterfront cottage stay to see what a weekend there can look like.
Address: Muskoka District, ON (multiple towns including Huntsville and Bracebridge)
Hours: seasonal; many businesses open from the Victoria Day weekend onward
Admission: varies by activity
Parking: available at most town centres and trailheads Confirm individual attraction and cottage check-in hours before visiting.
📍 Planning Your Muskoka Stay?
Find and compare the best hotels and cottages in Muskoka Lakes — browse availability, read reviews, and lock in your dates.
6. Elora
Just under 2 hours from Toronto, Elora is one of Ontario’s prettiest spring destinations.
What to do:
- Visit Elora Gorge
- Shop local boutiques
- Enjoy riverside cafés
- Walk historic stone streets
Why it’s great in spring: Fresh greenery and fewer summer crowds make this the perfect timing.
We have visited Elora in both spring and summer and honestly prefer spring. The gorge trails were less busy, the café patios were easy to get into, and the whole town had a fresh, just-woken-up energy that feels unlike any other season.
Elora also features in our guide to Ontario small towns alongside other hidden gems across the province.
Address: Elora Gorge Conservation Area, 7400 Wellington County Rd 21, Elora, ON N0B 1S0
Hours: seasonal; typically open from May
Admission: Grand River Conservation Authority fees apply
Parking: on-site parking available Confirm current seasonal hours and admission fees before visiting.
7. Toronto Island Day Trip
If you don’t want a full getaway, this is one of the best spring mini escapes.
What to do:
- Take the ferry to Toronto Islands
- Bike along the waterfront
- Picnic with skyline views
- Visit Centreville with kids
Budget-friendly option: Easy and affordable without hotel costs.
We took the ferry over on a sunny May Saturday with folding chairs and a picnic and spent four hours doing absolutely nothing. With the city skyline behind us, it felt like the best possible way to reset without spending anything on accommodation.
For another family-friendly Ontario day out, see our guide to African Lion Safari Ontario.
Address: Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3
Hours: ferry service runs daily; schedule varies seasonally
Admission: round-trip ferry fare required; confirm current adult and child rates at toronto.ca
Parking: paid parking available near the terminal Confirm current ferry schedules and fares before visiting.
8. Stratford Spring Getaway
Known for theatre, but spring here is also beautiful and relaxing.
What to do:
- Explore riverside gardens
- Enjoy local cafés and bakeries
- Watch live theatre performances
- Stay at charming boutique inns
Best for: Couples and peaceful weekend trips.
We went to Stratford in early May, caught a matinee at the Stratford Festival, and followed it with a long lunch at one of the riverside restaurants. It is a genuinely lovely town that rewards a slow afternoon with no plan.
For more towns like Stratford, see our round-up of charming small towns in Ontario.
Address: Stratford, ON N5A
Hours: Stratford Festival runs April to October; café and restaurant hours vary by venue
Admission: festival tickets required for performances; riverside gardens and town are free
Parking: available throughout downtown Stratford Confirm performance schedules and availability before visiting.
9. Hamilton Waterfall Road Trip
Spring is waterfall season in Ontario, and Hamilton is known as the waterfall capital.
Must-see waterfalls:
- Webster’s Falls
- Tew’s Falls
- Albion Falls
Tip: Go after rainfall for the most dramatic flow.
We chase waterfalls every spring because the post-snowmelt flow is dramatic and the trails are still quiet before summer hikers arrive. Webster’s Falls looks completely different in May compared to August, and the trail leading down to it is an easy walk with a genuinely big payoff.
Hamilton is also close to Cambridge, home to African Lion Safari Ontario, making the two easy to combine into a full family weekend.
Address: Spencer Gorge Wilderness Area, Greensville, ON (Webster’s Falls and Tew’s Falls)
Hours: accessible year-round; some seasonal gate hours apply
Admission: Hamilton Conservation Authority fees may apply at certain trailheads
Parking: paid and free lots near individual falls Confirm current access, trail conditions, and parking fees before visiting.
10. St. Jacobs and Waterloo Region
A wholesome spring getaway full of markets, farms, and countryside charm.
What to do:
- Visit St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market
- Explore Mennonite country roads
- Stop at local bakeries and maple syrup farms
- Enjoy tulip and flower farms nearby
Great for: Families with kids and relaxed day trips.
We hit the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market on a Thursday morning to avoid the weekend crowd, and it remains one of our favourite morning routines within driving distance of Toronto. The maple syrup stands and fresh bread alone are worth the trip.
For more rural Ontario getaway ideas, browse our Ontario small town escapes.
Address: St. Jacobs, ON, Woolwich Township, Waterloo Region
Hours: Farmers’ Market typically open Thursdays and Saturdays; confirm seasonal hours
Admission: free entry to the market area
Parking: free on-site parking available at the market Confirm current market days and hours before visiting.
Spring Travel Tips for May Long Weekend
- Book hotels early because Victoria Day weekend fills up fast
- Start road trips early to avoid cottage traffic
- Ontario weather changes quickly, so pack layers
- Many attractions reopen for the season in May
- Perfect season for patios, hiking, and outdoor festivals
Best Time to Visit Ontario on a Weekend Trip
Spring (April to June): Spring is our favourite time for weekend trips from Toronto. Waterfalls are at their most dramatic after snowmelt, tulips are blooming across Ottawa and Niagara, and most provincial parks reopen around the Victoria Day weekend. Crowds are noticeably lighter than summer and accommodation prices are lower. We find early May hits the sweet spot between unpredictable April weather and the full summer rush.
Summer (July to August): Summer is peak season for Ontario travel. Sandbanks fills up early, cottage country in Muskoka books out months in advance, and popular spots like Niagara Falls and Blue Mountain are at their busiest. If you plan to travel in summer, book well ahead and leave before 7 a.m. on Fridays. The payoff is long daylight hours, full outdoor dining, and warm lake swimming.
Fall (September to November): Fall brings our second favourite weekend travel conditions. The colour change around Muskoka and Elora Gorge is spectacular in late September and October, and crowds thin out significantly after Labour Day. Prince Edward County wine harvest runs through fall and is one of the most underrated times to visit the region. Temperatures are comfortable for hiking well into October.
Winter (December to March): Winter weekend trips from Toronto are quieter but rewarding for the right traveller. Blue Mountain and Collingwood are excellent for skiing and snowshoeing, and Scandinave Spa is at its most atmospheric surrounded by snow. Many small towns like Stratford and Elora remain open through winter, though seasonal attractions close until spring. Confirm venue hours before travelling and pack for cold weather.
Weekend Trips from Toronto by Area
East of Toronto (Prince Edward County, Ottawa) Prince Edward County sits approximately two and a half hours east of Toronto along Highway 401. We find it one of the most rewarding areas for a wine-focused weekend, and the drive along the county roads in May is genuinely scenic. Ottawa is a longer drive at four to five hours, but the May long weekend Tulip Festival makes it a worthwhile overnight destination.
West and Southwest (Niagara, St. Jacobs, Stratford) Niagara-on-the-Lake is one and a half hours southwest via the QEW and is one of the easiest overnight trips in the province. St. Jacobs is about an hour and a half west on Highway 401. Stratford is just under two hours and is easy to combine with a St. Jacobs morning market stop on the same weekend.
North (Blue Mountain, Muskoka) Blue Mountain is approximately two hours north via Highway 400. Muskoka covers several towns including Huntsville and Bracebridge, all within two to two and a half hours. Both areas book up heavily for Victoria Day weekend, so we recommend reserving cottages and spa visits well in advance.
Within the GTA Region (Hamilton, Elora, Toronto Island) Hamilton is under an hour from downtown Toronto and easy to do as a half-day waterfall walk before returning home. Elora is approximately one hour and forty-five minutes northwest. Toronto Island is in the city itself and accessible by a short ferry from Queens Quay.
Free and No-Reservation Weekend Escapes from Toronto
Several of the best weekend trips from Toronto require no advance booking and no admission fee. Hamilton’s waterfall trails are free to access at most entry points, and we have walked the Webster’s Falls and Albion Falls trails on completely spontaneous days with no planning at all. You pay for parking at some lots, but the hikes themselves cost nothing.
Toronto Island is as close to free as a spring escape gets. The ferry costs a few dollars round-trip and once you are on the island you can picnic, bike, and walk for the rest of the day without spending anything further. We keep folding chairs and a blanket in the car for exactly this kind of unplanned outing.
In Ottawa, the tulip displays at Commissioners Park and along the Rideau Canal are free to view from the pathways. The ByWard Market is also free to walk through, and several Ottawa museums offer reduced or free admission during certain hours. If you are travelling on a tight budget, Ottawa in May is one of the most beautiful free experiences anywhere in Canada.
Tips for Visiting with Kids or Toddlers
Most of the weekend trips from Toronto on this list work well with young children, but a few practical adjustments make the experience much smoother. We recommend packing a portable change pad, extra layers for outdoor time near waterfalls or lakes, and snacks for the drive since highway rest stops can be sparse on some Ontario routes.
Toronto Island is one of our top picks for families with toddlers. The ferry ride itself is a novelty for young kids, Centreville amusement park is well-suited to small children, and the flat paved paths make it easy to walk or wheel a stroller the entire day without difficulty. Blue Mountain Village is also fully stroller-friendly around the main village area.
For a dedicated family day out in the GTA region, our African Lion Safari Ontario guide covers everything to know before visiting the drive-through safari near Cambridge, including what to expect with young children in the car. It pairs well with the Hamilton waterfall trails for a full two-day weekend.
When booking accommodation for trips with babies or toddlers, we always look for properties with full kitchens and laundry access. Cottages in Muskoka and farmhouses in Prince Edward County regularly offer both.
Ready to Book Your Prince Edward County Escape?
Compare hotels, inns, and stays across The County — all in one place. Let Expedia do the searching so you can focus on the wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to go for a weekend getaway from Toronto?
Some of the best weekend getaways from Toronto include Niagara-on-the-Lake, Blue Mountain, Prince Edward County, Muskoka, and Elora. Most are within two and a half hours by car and offer a strong mix of nature, food, and local character suited to couples, families, and groups.
What is 3 hours away from Toronto for a weekend trip?
Within roughly three hours of Toronto you can reach Prince Edward County, Muskoka, and the Niagara region. Ottawa is approximately four to five hours and works best as a Victoria Day long weekend destination, especially during the Canadian Tulip Festival in May.
Where to spend 3 days near Toronto?
For a three-day weekend near Toronto, Prince Edward County, Muskoka, and Ottawa are all strong choices. Each has enough variety in activities, food, and scenery to fill a long weekend without feeling rushed or repeating yourself.
Where do people from Toronto go on vacation?
Torontonians commonly head to Muskoka, Prince Edward County, Niagara, and Blue Mountain for weekend escapes. Many families and couples also travel to Ottawa for the May long weekend, particularly during the Canadian Tulip Festival season.
Where is a good place for a short trip from Toronto with kids?
Niagara Falls, Blue Mountain Village, Toronto Island, and St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market are all excellent short trips from Toronto with kids. Each is within two hours of the city and offers hands-on activities that work well for young children and toddlers.
What is the best time for weekend trips from Toronto?
Spring and fall offer the best combination of mild weather and manageable crowds for weekend trips from Toronto. The Victoria Day long weekend in May is the unofficial start of road trip season in Ontario, when most seasonal attractions reopen and the province feels fresh and green again.
Final Thoughts
Spring in Ontario feels like the province stretching after winter. Patios reopen, waterfalls roar back to life, flowers bloom, and road trip season officially begins.
Whether you want beaches, tulips, hiking, cottages, or cozy towns, there’s no shortage of amazing May long weekend getaways near Toronto GTA.
Save this list for your next Ontario adventure 🇨🇦✨
We have put together this guide based on places we have personally driven to, walked through, and eaten our way around on our own weekend trips from Toronto, and every destination here is one we would return to without hesitation.
We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
Related Pages
- Best Places to Visit in Ottawa: Spring and Summer Guide
- Luxury Muskoka Cottages: Inside Our Stay at the Wolegib Waterfront Retreat
- Best Glamping in Ontario: Top Picks for a Luxury Outdoor Getaway
- Small Towns in Ontario You Need to Visit
- African Lion Safari Ontario: Our Complete Drive-Through Wildlife Guide
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep bringing you great travel content. All recommendations are based on our personal experience.