Local ideas to make the most of this summer break.
From exploring the Royal City, to taking a weekend trip to Tobermory, these ideas will help plan your summer and explore the beautiful province of Ontario.
Staycation in Guelph
Change your scenery with backyard camping for the perfect outdoor staycation. Set up a tent, pull out your sleeping bags, and spend a night under the stars. If you really want to immerse yourself in nature, visit Guelph Lake where you can swim and hike, and feel like you’re on a northern retreat within the city.
Day trips from Guelph
With so many small towns and fun places to explore near Guelph, you can be busy all summer. If you love to spend time outside, consider a day trip to Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. About an hour and a half from Guelph, Collingwood is filled with activities like biking and hiking, and Wasaga Beach is the perfect getaway to lounge in the sand and swim. Both towns also have good shopping and food – something else to check out!
If you’d rather explore the area for culture and art, visit Elora and Orangeville. Elora is about half an hour from Guelph, and the downtown strip is filled with locally owned stores and art displayed in the park. While you’re in the area, you can drive 10 minutes up the road to Fergus to watch a production at the Fergus Grand Theatre. Similarly, Orangeville is the perfect combination of nature and culture, with Island Lake Conservation Area, Theatre Orangeville, and a wide selection of bookshops, cafes, and other independent stores.
For a different vibe, why not take a day trip to Niagara Falls? There’s so much to do here from viewing the falls, checking out everything on _ street, and walking through Niagara on the Lake.
Weekend trips
Ontario has so many underrated destinations perfect for beach days, outdoor activities, and culture. Here are three places to consider visiting for a weekend trip:
- Tobermory: 3 hours from Guelph making it the perfect distance for a weekend getaway! Go swimming in the crystal blue water at Bruce Peninsula National Park, and feel like you’re far away from home.
- Kingsville: 3 hours from Guelph, and this town has everything you need to feel like you’ve gone on vacation. Check out Point Pelee National Park (visit the island if you get a chance), and you can hike to the most southern point of Canada!
- Kingston: just over 3 hours from Guelph, the downtown is filled with shops and restaurants to explore. With the town right on the water, you can try a new water sport like kayaking. You can even take a boat cruise through the Thousand Islands!