Every woman needs a getaway with her gal pals, and summertime is the perfect season to plan an exciting retreat. If you love exploring Toronto and the outskirts of the city, check out these 24 day trips for you and your girlfriends.
Visit a U-Pick Flower Farm
Visit 165 acres of stunning countryside found along the Niagara Escarpment, only a 46-minute drive from Toronto. Andrew’s Scenic Acres offers the opportunity to explore their farm and choose from seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, flowers, pumpkins, and apples. Enjoy walking trails and wagon rides, along with their farm store, where you can purchase fresh pies.
If you are looking for other places, here is a list of 10+ flower farms near Toronto.
Address: 9365 10th Side Rd, Milton
Admission: $15.00 for visitors between six to 64 years old. Seniors aged 65 and up can enjoy a 50% discount. U-picks are at an additional cost to your admission.
The Cheese Trail
For years Oxford County has been synonymous with high-quality cheese. The county has been referred to as Canada’s Dairy Capital, which is a befitting title for an area that was once home to 98 cheese factories. While they may not be as many today, Oxford is still the place to sample signature cheeses. Go on a self-guided tour of the Cheese Trail and visit cheesemakers, restaurants, local food producers, museums, artisans and boutiques.
Address: Oxford County
Cost: Varies
Spend the day in a Conservation Park
Take a drive to Brampton and discover the beautiful conversation park that is full of exciting amenities in addition to the picnic areas and various trails. In particular, nature and bird-lovers will enjoy the conversation as the site attracts many birds and wildlife. Pack a picnic and don’t forget your camera!
If you carve adventure, you can walk high up in the trees with Tree-Top Trekking.
Address: 10818 Heart Lake Rd, Brampton
Cost: free but parking fees may be required
Do a wine tour in Bowmanville
Travel approximately an hour outside of Toronto and enjoy a tour of Archibald’s Orchard and Winery. Tours and the apple orchard are now being offered from Friday to Sunday from 10 am-5 pm. Or check out their beautiful arranged gift baskets that include wines, sweet and savoury snacks, jams and candies.
Address: 6275 Liberty St N, Bowmanville
Cost: Contact directly for information on tours and prices.
Discover the Aberfoyle Antique Market
Approximately 90 minutes outside of Toronto is ‘Canada’s largest antique market,’ located just outside Guelph. Aberfoyle welcomes additional vendors on Saturdays, offering 150 exhibitors showcasing their antiques, furniture, and collectibles. This family-friendly market makes a great day trip for children and adults of all ages.
Address: 57 Brock Road South, Puslinch (Guelph)
Cost: $5/adult
Do a full-day tour at Tiffany Falls
A trip to Tiffany Falls is both inspiring and also provides a good amount of physical activity. Go at your own pace while discovering trails, bodies of water, and hills that are suited to every level of hiker. The waterfalls are particularly captivating; a fun adventure for the whole family.
Address: 752-936 Wilson Street E Hamilton
Cost: Parking is $5 a day (nearby).
Canada’s Wonderland
It’s just not summer without a trip to this famous themed amusement park. With 17 roller coasters, a massive water park, concession stands, and a midway, Canada’s Wonderful is a fantastic place to enjoy all-day outdoor excitement with your girlfriends.
Address: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan
Cost: Starting at $43.99
Frolic in the lavender fields
You and your girlfriends will love the scented lavender fields at Laveanne, approximately an hour’s drive outside of Toronto. You can visit their farm and tour the areas, taking in the fresh, calming scent of both English and French-variety flowers. Or check out their gift shop for an array of health, beauty, and culinary items.
Address: 8667 Gilmour Rd, Campbellcroft
Cost: Farm admission $14 per person.
Experience the Pillar and Post Inn Spa
Every woman needs a spa trip with her girlfriends, but the Pillar and Post Inn Spa will provide you with the ultimate spa vacation inside their five-star hotel. From spa packages and luxury massages to health and wellness services, you and your friends will enjoy hours of pampering and heartfelt connection.
This summer, you and your friends can also take a scenic route to Vintage Hotels exclusive picnic locations on a Vintage Hotels Trolley and order a picnic for 2 from Noble Restaurant, The Cannery, Masaki Sushi, Niagara’s Finest Thai or Butler’s Bar & Grill.
Address: 48 John St W, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0
Cost: Prices will vary depending on the packages. Trolley – free.
Visit the Stratford Festival
Ending in late September, the Stratford Festival is a favourite destination for theatre lovers. If you and your girls love to experience arts and culture, plan a trip and visit this charming town to take in live production.
Address: 55 Queen Street, N5A 6V2, Stratford
Cost: Tickets may vary depending on the production.
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Visit Paris
A short and scenic 90-minute drive will lead you and your girlfriends to the charming town of Paris, Ontario. Named ‘Canada’s Prettiest Little Town,’ the area will provide a spirited trip, full of dining, attractions, shopping and outdoor recreation.
Cost: Travel expenses will vary, depending on activity.
Wade in Wasaga Beach
While Toronto has plenty of beaches to explore, it’s also fun to pile your girlfriends into the car for a trip to the popular area Wasaga Beach. The site provides various activities, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping, perfect for an overnight trip or a girl’s weekend.
Address: 11-22nd St. North Wasaga Beach
Cost: Parking fees and some amenities.
Top Beaches to Visit this Summer in Ontario
Unite in Unionville
In Markham lies the enchanting town of Unionville. The main street and surrounding areas are filled with independent shops, locally-owned restaurants, and scenic walking trails. Spend the day with your gal pals as you take in art and cuisine while mingling with locals.
Address: 157 Main St Unionville Unit B1, Unionville
Cost: free; shopping and dining is an extra cost
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Haute Goat Farm
‘Be one with the herd,’ with a visit to Haute Goat Farm. If you are an animal lover, your group will love this expansive farm that includes various animals. See Nigerian Dwarf Goats, baby goats, Huacaya Alpacas, baby alpacas, exotic chickens, Icelandic horses, Tornjak livestock, guardian dogs, and a big mule named “Lucy.” The farm offers activities and dining, where you can enjoy fresh goat’s milk products and fresh meals
Address: 1166 5th Line Port Hope
Cost: Expenses will vary. ~$59
Take a cruise (that won’t break your budget!)
Embrace the sunny, warm weather and hop aboard a boat for an incredible cruise experience. Landmark Cruises provides many cruise types with the option to pair your adventure with a meal. Coast along the many islands and inlets while taking in beautiful views of beaches, cliffs, and clear, sparkling waters.
Address: : Town Dock Penetanguishene
Cost: $33.95 to $75.45
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St. Jacobs
Indulge in culinary delights while perusing antiques and various local businesses at St. Jacobs. With over 300 vendors available, your girlfriends will enjoy spending the day shopping (including antiquing), sampling, and socializing.
Address: Weber St N, Woolwich
Cost: free parking. Expenses will vary upon purchase.
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Celebrate summer at a sunflower farm
Find yourself exploring the beauty of blooming sunflowers while strolling through fields with your gal pals. Starting in August, the flowers will be available for viewing at Campbell’s Cross Farm. With workshops, events, and a gift shop, you will be surrounded by golden opportunities to reconnect with nature within a beautiful, flowering environment!
Address: 3634 King St, Inglewood
Cost: Starting at $20 per person
Sunflower Fields and Mazes in Ontario For a Day Trip
Stroll through a botanical garden
The Whistling Gardens in Wilsonville, Ontario, is best known for its largest peony collection. Aside from stunning and vibrant gardens, your group can also enjoy observing birds and the fountain amphitheater. Your friends will also love the variety of activities available, such as wellness workshops, visual arts, and horticultural therapy.
Address: 698 Concession 3 Townsend, Wilsonville
Cost: Starting at $13.50
Learn about petroglyph
Take your girlfriends on a road trip just outside of Peterborough to discover the largest concentration of Indigenous rock carvings. Otherwise referred to as ‘teaching rocks,’ you will learn about ancient teachings and traditions of the Ojibway (Nishnaabe) people. Enjoy hiking through various trails while observing wildlife and lush greenery.
Address: 2249 Northey’s Bay Rd. Woodview
Cost: $13.72 per vehicle
Parkwood Estate
If you and your girlfriends are history buffs, plan to visit the Parkwood Estate, Canada’s last and finest grand estate. Choose from various tours such as the Auto Baron guided tour or visit the gardens, greenhouses, and statues. Or get the gang together for a special private event held directly on the estate grounds.
Address: 270 Simcoe Street North | Oshawa
Cost: $15.00
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Visit Chugleigh’s Farm
Find juicy and crispness at Chudleigh’s Farm, the apple of your eye! There are many activities in this famous apple orchard, from food events and live summer music. Or you and your girlfriends can pick freshly grown apples from their trees to enjoy later at home or in recipes.
Address: 9528 Regional Rd 25, Milton
Cost: $13
Escape Maze
Relive the days of hide-and-go-seek with a playful adventure at the Escape Maze. Beyond just indoor escape rooms, the site also offers outdoor games and various trails that will send you on a hunt within nature and provide fun and exercise for you and your girlfriends.
Address: 156 Cedar Bank Road Peterborough
Cost: $28.00 per person
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Horse around!
Spend the day horseback riding within the scenic Niagara region. Discover the trails and beaches with your guided tour. Horseplay Niagara offers group or private lessons for novices, and more experienced riders will love the beauty and tranquillity of this equestrian adventure.
Address: HorsePlay Niagara, 11061 Ellsworth Rd N, Port Colborne
Cost: Starting at $85 per person
Explore Welland Canal
Experience a unique adventure with your girlfriends by sightseeing on a Segway! Receive equipment and personalized instructions as you travel along the Welland Canal, passing the Glendale Bridge and taking a break at the Twin/Flight Locks Canal during this one hour tour within Niagara.
Address: 1932 Welland Canals Parkway, St. Catharines
Cost: Starting at $69/per person