Top 10 road trips to take around Ontario next long weekend

It’s summer and summer is the time for road trips. Whether going across town or across the province, Ontario has tons of beautiful places to explore and discover. We decided to take a survey around the office to find out where some of our co-workers like to go when they have a full tank of gas and good tunes on the radio.

10. Cheltenham Badlands

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Located just north of Brampton Ontario in Caledon, the badlands are currently (temporarily) closed to the public but there is a viewing area at the top of the badlands slope which gives a perfect overview of the martian like surface. The badlands are also located close to the Bruce Trail so bring your hiking shoes and enjoy the fresh air.

Location: 1501-1901 Old Base Line Rd, Caledon, ON L7C 0J2

09. Forks of the Credit Provincial Park

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A few km north of the badlands is the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. This 700 acre area of land features, hiking trails, picnic areas, waterfalls and a viewing platform of the river valley. The park is also on the famous Bruce Trail so if you’re feeling adventures it is possible to hike there from the badlands.

Location: 17760 McLaren Road, Caledon, ON L7K 2H8

08. Bonnechere Caves

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If you’re not claustrophobic, you will want to make this trip. Located outside of Ottawa in Eganville, Ontario. The Bonnechere Caves offer underground exploration and education all in one shot. Handle some fossils and then take a 1 hour tour of the cave system,  at the end of which you emerge to look down a giant sinkhole. If you’re feeling adventures, combine this trip with white water rafting down the Ottawa River.

Location: 1247 Fourth Chute Rd, Eganville, ON K0J 1T0

07. Devil’s Punch Bowl

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It may come as a surprise to you that Hamilton Ontario has quite a number of waterfalls. With Niagara Falls just down the road many of us don’t bother looking for falling water closer to home. According to WikiPedia, Hamilton is home to over 100 waterfalls and cascades. One of those is the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Located right on the escarpment the views from the viewing platform are breathtaking. Overlooking the entire city of Hamilton, Stoney Creek and even the GTA. Try to time your visit to enjoy the sunset.

Location: From QEW take the Centennial Parkway South exit. Merge onto Centennial Parkway. Turn left at Ridge Road. Park at the Devil’s Punchbowl CA. Follow the trail to the waterfall lookout.

06. Albion Falls

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Remaining in Hamilton and on the waterfall subject, make sure you take the short drive to Albion Falls. This 62ft waterfall will take your breath away, the best part is, you can stand right under it, which will help take some of the heat away on a hot summer day. This cascading waterfall can look like something out of the Amazon in Instagram photos…. just sayin’

Location: 972 Mountain Brow Blvd. Hamilton, ON L8T 1B1

05. Sandbanks Provincial Park

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Looking for a beach experience with sand which rivals tropical destinations? The Sandbanks Provincial Park may be just the place for you. Located about 2 hours east of Toronto in Prince Edward County, this park features not one, not two but three beautiful, sandy beaches as well as sand dunes for the kids, or “adults” to roll down on.

Location: 3004 County Rd. 12 RR 1, Prince Edward, ON K0K 2T0

04. Elora Quarry

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Two acre limestone quarry, filled with water for the swimmers, encircled by sheer cliffs up to 40 feet high is located just North-West of Toronto in the town of Elora. Sandy beach area for the sunbathers. What else does one need? Hiking? Yep possible. Picnicking? Yep, also possible. If you’re going to check this one out keep in mind that dogs and alcohol are not allowed at this swimming hole.

Location: 319 Wellington County Rd 18, Elora, ON N0B 1S0

03. Scarborough Bluffs

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Located right in our backyard (quite literally) it always amazes me to hear how many Torontonians have never checked out this natural wonder. Perfect place to enjoy a picnic with that special someone, while enjoying magnificent views of Lake Ontario and you can even take TTC there if you don’t drive.

Location: 61 Under Cliff Dr, Scarborough, ON M1N 3Z5

02. Humber Bay Park

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Another one you don’t have to have a car to get to. TTC will drop you off and pick you up right from this magnificent location. It is hard to believe that the Humber Bay park did not exist before 1984. The park was created by using 5.1 million cubic metres of lakefill, at a cost of $6.56 million. Today the east side of the park is a nature habitat and features gorgeous views of the Toronto skyline and not paved walking trails with bonfire areas. The west side of the park has a paved driveway allowing you to park your car and enjoy the skyline views with that special someone or taking in the rocky beach. Saturdays you can purchase farm fresh products from the Farmer’s market.

Location: 100 Humber Bay Park Rd W, Toronto, ON M8V 3X7

01. Algonquin Provincial Park

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The oldest Provincial Park in Canada at 7,653 square kilometres this park is about a quarter the size of Belgium and 1.5 times the size of Prince Edward Island. It features over 2400 lakes, 1,200 campsites, fishing holes, mountain bike riding trails, a logging museum, canoe routes, you name it this park has it. You may get even catch a glimpse of the Norther Lights from here.

Location: Ontario 60, Ontario K0J 2M0