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Ontario’s best slow-living escapes to check out this summer

These destinations are all about slowing down for some much-needed R&R.
Alicia Tyler
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Killarney Lodge

The hustle and bustle of day-to-day life cannot be denied. Being overstimulated between a never-ending to-do list and bouncing from one electronic device to another can lead to zapped energy, fragmented focus, and burnout. 

Luckily Ontario summers bring hot temps and beautiful scenery that you don’t even have to get on a plane to enjoy—and ample research has proven the de-stressing and mood-boosting benefits of forest bathing (aka spending time in nature) and slow living—so why not get away for a weekend or two this summer? 

Here are 10 Ontario destinations that are all about slowing down for some much-needed R&R, each with recommendations for where to stay, eat, and fun things to do. (Just be sure to check for availability and make reservations as early as possible, especially during peak season).

1. Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County—also known as PEC—is the land of fabulous wine, breathtaking beaches, and an endless supply of artisan cheese! The perfect blend of a vineyard picnic and a sunny beach vacation, PEC is a wonderful place to road trip to and unwind.

2. Muskoka

Muskoka is the ultimate cottage country playground! Like a summer camp for grown-ups, you can lounge by the lake, take in the breathtaking nature, and savour plenty more "cottagecore" charm.

3. Niagara-on-the-Lake

The epitome of old-town charm, Niagara-on-the-Lake is just a quick hour and 30-minute drive from Toronto and boasts everything from more than 200 bed and breakfasts (!), golf courses galore, wineries, and picturesque scenic views to take in from just about anywhere. 

4. Haliburton Highlands

Home to more than 500 lakes and countless meandering rivers, it’s no wonder Haliburton is a top choice for cottagers. Shrouded in the forest and offering plenty of privacy, it’s a great budget-friendly option for a weekend getaway with plenty of the same charm its fancier, neighbouring destinations offer. 

5. Thousand Islands

Known for its—you guessed it, 1000 beautiful islands—Thousand Islands is a popular summer destination for both kids and parents alike thanks to countless things to do from fishing, diving, boating, shopping, and touring lighthouses and museums. 

6. Tobermory

Known as the “freshwater scuba diving capital” of the world, Tobermory is famous for its emerald waters, caves, and Instagrammable beaches. Whether you prefer to lay out and simply take in the views or you enjoy more of a “moving meditation”, such as hiking the Bruce trail, Tobermory has something for you. 

7. Stratford

You may associate Stratford with theatrical arts but it also boasts some beautiful nature worth road-tripping for that you can enjoy while hiking, biking, walking, or golfing. The town itself is also rife with history for all you history buffs. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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8. Manitoulin Island

With endless places to stay and more to do than you can possibly fit into a weekend, Manitoulin Island—the world’s largest freshwater island!— is a popular Ontario destination for good reason.  

9. Algonquin Park

This one is for all you hard-core nature lovers. If camping and wildlife are your jam, add Algonquin Park—known for more than 7000 kilometres of wilderness— to your bucket list this summer. 

10. Collingwood

Though you may think of winter activities when you think of Collingwood, it actually has plenty to offer to summer visitors, too! It’s known for boating, stunning sunsets, fishing, hiking, and more.