Is there anything better than a fall getaway in Ontario? There are hikes through forests with changing leaves. Farmer’s markets with handmade condiments and soup ingredients, or wineries and breweries if you want something a little harder. And beautiful road trips, with or without a pumpkin spice latte in hand.
Unfortunately, going on these adventures can add up. That’s why we’ve sourced some of the best Ontario fall getaways that are also budget-friendly. Whether you’re headed out for a romantic weekend or an escape with friends, here are five trips that won’t break the bank.
Take in Lake Erie at the Elgin County Lakeshore
Many people flock to Ports Burwell, Dover, Stanley and Glasgow in the summer to swim in Lake Erie’s gigantic waves, but the ports make for beautiful fall escapes as well. There are plenty of budget-friendly motels and hotels to stay at, and even more to do in the surrounding towns. There are boutique wineries, delicious restaurants, tons of shopping and art, and plenty of nature to check out. Hike some bluffs, check out migrating raptors and monarch butterflies, walk some of the dunes, or rent a kayak and see the pretty fall colours from the water.
It’s the ideal location for a romantic getaway or a relaxing weekend with friends. Or, if you’ve got kids, there are plenty of parks, museums, railway exhibits, and authentic rides on an L & P.S. railcar over at Port Stanley Terminal Rail.
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Camping and Wine Tasting at Sandbanks
Fall camping is one of the most beautiful experiences, and it’s completely affordable if you invest in the equipment. Sure, you’ll want to bring extra blankets and batch-cook some soups and chili to bring along, but the views are worth it.
That’s particularly true at Sandbanks Provincial Park, where electric sites cost roughly $50 a night. The best part is there’s plenty to do within and outside the park to make your weekend memorable. Hike the trails, dunes or beaches and take in the sparkling water. Or, head into Prince Edward County for a day of wine tours, breweries and shopping. Picton and Wellington are also great places to explore, with their share of hidden wineries and antique shops that are always worth checking out.
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A Romantic Retreat in Muskoka
Why book a hotel room when you and your sweetie can cuddle up in a lakeside log cabin instead? Huntsville’s Cedar Grove Lodge offers 19 log cabins along 1,600 feet of natural shoreline, and each rental comes with a wood-burning stone fireplace. A two-night stay is less than $400 per person, including a full buffet breakfast and afternoon snack. A stay also includes free use of the resort’s water toys, like kayaks and paddleboards, and onsite games like disc golf, ping pong, shuffleboard, and pool.
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Scenic Caves at Blue Mountain
Skiing at Blue Mountain in Collingwood is a popular winter activity, but there’s still plenty to do in the fall — with fewer tourists. There’s zip-lining, hiking and mountain biking, or you could head golfing or relax in the spa. The price per activity varies, but there’s always something to do. There are also many things to do offsite, including a hike through the Scenic Caves Nature Adventures (and across the 420-foot suspension bridge) or a relaxing day at Scandinave Spa. Take advantage of off-season pricing at the mountain, or there are tons of lodges, rentals and hotels nearby.
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Tobermory
Summers in Tobermory fill up, but the fall is an equally popular — and affordable — time to go if you get a good deal on your stay. There are plenty of hostels, rentals and budget-friendly motels to consider, or you could go fall camping at Bruce Peninsula National Park. (Cyprus Lake has 10 yurts available, but they book up fast.) Once there, you can take advantage of the gorgeous fall trails, grab some local grub, visit Flower Pot Island, or check out the famous shipwrecks.
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