By: Ayesha Islam

Now that the summer months that we have all been waiting for are finally here, we can’t wait to head outdoors to soak up some sun. Many of us are disappointed that we can’t plan vacations abroad or visits back home this year, but there’s no reason why we can’t plan an exciting trip to local destinations!

Here are the top 5 road trip destinations that you can take with your family this summer:

1. Tobermory

Located on the edge of Bruce Peninsula, this picturesque lakeside town is located at about a 3-hour drive from Toronto. The stunning, crystal clear turquoise water is truly a sight to see and is so refreshing to take a dip in the cool water of the Georgian Bay. Your visit would be incomplete without taking a cruise to Flowerpot Island, which is around a 45 minutes journey through the scenic Georgian Bay. The island has cliffs that were naturally formed in a flowerpot like shape, where you can have fun all day swimming in the clear waters, hiking on the trails, kayaking, boating, beautiful spots to have a picnic and the most ideal location for snorkelling and scuba diving! If you are looking to spend the night or even a few days, there are a number of campsites located on the island that you can book in advance through Parks Canada. Alternatively, you can book cottages with gorgeous lakeside views to spend an enjoyable and relaxing few days with your family.

2. Mont Tremblant

A bit of a drive for us Ontarians, this six-hour journey is worth the wait to the stunning city of Mont Tremblant, Quebec. The city is most well-known as a ski resort, but is just as beautiful and fun-filled in the summer time. You will be spoilt for choice with the number of activities that you can book online or in the village in Mont-Tremblant. From horse riding in the beautiful hills, to golfing, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, ziplining, hiking on the hills after your gondola ride, cycling, and so much more. Take a relaxing stroll through the village, which has a number of hotels where you can book your stay and many restaurants and cafes to choose from.

3. Elora

This small, charming town is located north of Guelph and just an hour’s drive away from Toronto. The must-visit spot in town is Elora Gorge Conservation Area, that is over 350 acres of beautiful, natural beauty and the Grand River flowing through it. If you and your family are feeling adventurous, pack your camping gear and pitch your tents on the camping grounds available within the park. There are a number of activities that the whole family can enjoy, such as hiking, ziplining, fishing, kayaking, boating, and tubing in the river!

4. Blue Mountain

Only a one-hour drive away from Toronto and just northwest of Collingwood, this town features the largest mountain resort in Ontario. The village offers many different activities including annual festivals, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. There are many activities you can book for your kids to have fun in the warm summer days, such as a ride in the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, playing water games and enjoying the slides in the Aquatic Center, having a thrilling experience on the Climbing Wall, and much more.

5. Niagara Falls

Last but not least, is the family favorite destination in Ontario! Only an hour’s drive away, this wonder of the world never gets old no matter how many times you plan a visit. Book a night’s stay or even a two night’s stay at one of the many hotels which have a Falls view. Spend your day on a boat ride on the Falls, which is surely a surreal and thrilling experience with spectacular closeup views of the Falls and getting wet while you’re at it! Enjoy walking on Clifton Hill, which stays alive till late at night and has a range of restaurants, cafes, and fun attractions for everyone to enjoy. Experience taking a ride in the Niagara Sky Wheel, ziplining over the Falls, mini golf, laser tag, seeing strange and interesting displays at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and many more!

About the Author:

Ayesha Islam is a digital media specialist and freelance writer who lives in Toronto. She is a third culture kid who was brought up in Saudi Arabia and has lived in the UAE and Pakistan. She has worked in digital and print publications throughout the Middle East and Pakistan. As a passionate individual, she enjoys creative writing and reading in her free time and dreams of getting her debut novel published.