Dreaming of a weekend away with the one you love but if you’re on a budget, options may seem limited! Here are some budget-friendly suggestions to create those special memories together in Ontario.
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Doors Open Ontario Getaways
Explore great architecture, museums and go on walking tours all for free across Ontario throughout summer during Doors Open Ontario Days. Plan a home stay, where you can get accommodations for ~ 50 dollars and you are all set!
Similar to Doors Open, Culture Days weekend (last weekend of September), is a great time to visit Ontario’s Big Cities. There will be plenty of free activities (that includes free admissions), performances and more across the province (and the country).
Stay Like a Local
Find accommodation in many expensive vacation locations in Ontario for much cheaper rates than hotels and stay at homes of locals. You can enjoy log cabins, cottages and other unique stays, so you can enjoy an immersive experience into the province allowing you to live like a local!
Beach Break
What’s more romantic than the sound of waves crashing or sitting on the beach watching the sunset? The Breakers Motel on the Lake in Cobourg is one of those hidden gems that will remind you of summers from your childhood. Located on one of Ontario’s nicest, blue flag beaches, and a short walk to the heritage downtown, they offer simple but clean accommodations in both motel-style rooms and cottages.
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Muskoka
A dream getaway but not usually the first option for the budget conscious, Spring Lake Resort offers an exception to the rule. With accommodations, somewhere between a motel and lakeside resort you can enjoy the beautiful Muskoka cottage country and all it has to offer without breaking the bank.
Turkey Point
Benefiting from the warm temperatures of Lake Erie, the great rural roads for cycling, a lovely 2km sandy beach and the only provincial park in Canada with a golf course Turkey Point is one of the best budget vacation options. Pitch a tent and snuggle up together around a crackling campfire.
Niagara Falls
As long as you skip the casino, this is one of the best cheap getaways in the province with so much to see and do for free. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the roaring Horseshoe Falls, rent bicycles and tour the wine country, take in a fireworks display, smell the flowers at the botanical garden and people watch on Clifton Hill.
Camping
A bit of a no brainer, Provincial parks are the poor person’s cottage but many times, just as fancy. And what’s more romantic than snuggling up together in a sleeping bag listening to the sounds of nature. If you don’t have the equipment or like a bit more luxury don’t worry, both Ontario Provincial Parks and Parks Canada (oTENTik) offers, rustic cabins, yurts and other more stylish camping options, making rainy days a bit more bearable!
Ohsweken
Travel into the heart of the Six Nations and experience Iroquois Culture and Hospitality in Canada’s most populous and active Aboriginal community. The Bear’s Inn is a wonderfully relaxed hotel within walking distance to Six Nations village life and offers thirteen rooms starting at just $70/night each one uniquely decorated and telling a different story.
Golden Lake
For all the amenities they offer, Sands on Golden Lake is a great value and who doesn’t want the most for their money. Set in Renfrew County surrounded by miles of breathtaking wilderness it’s truly a nature-lover’s paradise. With 900 lakes, 4 river systems and world-class rafting and boating, there’s plenty to experience. Or, just relax lakeside on the beach and pamper yourselves with time in the spa. The options are endless.
Farm Stay
Share your love for each other with animals while staying with the lovely hosts Bodo and Sue at the unique Foymount Farm in the Ottawa Valley. Be a part of the daily life helping with the few farm animals, horses, fruit trees and home-grown veggies. For those wishing to reconnect with nature, let the horses lead the way with an Equine retreat. This is rural rest at its best.
Prince Edward County
Tucked in the “golden triangle” between Toronto and Ottawa, The County is a great option for a fun, affordable and memorable escape. Take a drive or hope on a bike and explore beautiful shoreline, sheltered harbours and sandy beaches. Tantalize your taste buds with a journey along the Taste Trail and Wine Route and pick up some souvenirs to remember your trip on the Arts Trail.
Fergus & Elora
Few towns are quainter than Fergus and Elora and being only 5 minutes apart both can be explored together. Take in the dramatic beauty of the Elora Gorge, attend world class festivals, shop for unique arts-and-crafts and pick up some treats at one of the prettiest farmers’ markets in Ontario. For cozy accommodations including breakfast at a reasonable price consider the historic Saint George B&B or you can consider camping at Highland Pines.
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