Road Trip Ideas for Ontario Drivers

Ontario is enormous and most of us only drive the same routes to the cottage or the in-laws. Here are road trips I have actually driven, with real distances, fuel costs, and stops that are genuinely worth your time.

Bruce Peninsula: Toronto to Tobermory

Distance: 300 km one way | Fuel: ~$50 to $65 each way | Time: 3.5 to 4 hours direct

Highway 10 to Orangeville, then Highway 6 through Owen Sound to Tobermory. The Grotto at Bruce Peninsula National Park has turquoise water in a collapsed sea cave that is genuinely jaw-dropping. Book parking at ontarioparks.com well ahead. The Chi-Cheemaun ferry extends the trip to Manitoulin Island. Coming back, take Highway 26 through Meaford for Georgian Bay scenery.

Algonquin Park Loop

Distance: 500 km loop from Toronto | Fuel: ~$85 to $100 | Time: 2 days minimum

Highway 400 to 11, then east on 60 through Huntsville into Algonquin. The 56 km corridor has lookout points, trailheads, and moose. The Lookout Trail (1.9 km) is spectacular in fall. Exit east at Whitney, south to Bancroft, loop back via 28 and 115. Gas up in Huntsville — no fuel inside the park. Minimal cell service. See our packing list.

Prince Edward County Wine Route

Distance: 220 km from Toronto | Fuel: ~$40 to $50 | Time: Weekend trip

401 east to Trenton, south on 33 into the County. Over 40 wineries in a compact area. Sandbanks Provincial Park has world-class freshwater beaches. Picton for lunch. Book accommodations early for summer weekends.

Thousand Islands

Distance: 300 km from Toronto | Fuel: ~$50 to $65 | Time: Weekend trip

401 east to Gananoque, then the Thousand Islands Parkway along the St. Lawrence — 37 km of riverbank scenery. Boat tours to Boldt Castle, the 1000 Islands Tower, and Kingston 30 minutes west for restaurants and Fort Henry.

Ottawa Valley Run

Distance: 450 km from Toronto | Fuel: ~$75 to $90 | Time: 2 to 3 days

Highway 17 west from Ottawa through Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke. Big river views, Bonnechere Caves near Eganville, white-water rafting near Beachburg. See our Ottawa Valley and Petawawa area guides.

Muskoka Classic

Distance: 200 km from Toronto | Fuel: ~$35 to $45 | Time: Weekend trip

Highway 400 to Barrie, 11 to Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville. Our Muskoka roads guide covers the best backroads. Traffic warning: 400 north of Barrie is gridlocked every Friday from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. Leave before 2 PM or after 8 PM.

Small-Town Southwestern Ontario

Distance: 300 to 400 km loop | Fuel: ~$55 to $70 | Time: Weekend trip

Lake Erie shore through Port Dover and Long Point, up to Bayfield and Goderich on Lake Huron, back through Stratford and St. Jacobs. See our small-town road trips guide. Check Ontario 511 before heading out, and see our vehicle preparation guide.