All Canadian Summer: 12 Ontario Summer Daytrip Destinations

The weekend’s almost here, and you’re ready for a drive — good food, local shops, and new places to explore. The best part? You don’t have to go far. Eastern Ontario’s Highlands are packed with great daytrip spots, and you’ll spend more time discovering them than stopping for gas.

Queue up your best playlist and hit the road — whether you're heading out from Ottawa or Toronto, here are the top daytrip destinations, just a short drive away.

From Ottawa

Almonte: Shop 'Til You Drop

30 minutes from Ottawa

If you love hunting for locally made finds, put Almonte at the top of your list. Mill Street — as photogenic as it gets — is lined with shops selling handmade goods, homeware, and clothing. After browsing, take a walk on the Riverwalk Trail and watch the Mississippi River rushing past. Park your car at the Metcalfe Geoheritage Park and explore the region's geological history.

Arnprior: Walk Among Giants

Arnprior is home to Ontario’s tallest tree — a 47-metre eastern white pine — nestled in Gillies Grove, one of the province’s last old-growth forests. Keep the heart pumping by extending your hike at Macnamara Trail, across town.

Carleton Place: Classic and Cute

30 minutes from Ottawa

Begin your Carleton Place exploration with a stroll down scenic Bridge Street, downtown. Pop into shops like The Dress Shop, The Granary, and the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers' Real Wool Shop at the far end of the street. If you’ve come prepared for a long walk, stretch your legs on the Mississippi Riverwalk Trail, running from Princess Street to Anthony Curro Park.

Pembroke: Murals and More

80 minutes from Ottawa

Take a scenic drive out to Pembroke, a small city big on outdoor art. Follow the self-guided art crawl through downtown, snapping photos of heritage murals along the way. Browse the cute downtown shops like Dot. Boutique and West on Main for local finds.

Perth: Foodie Favourite

45 minutes from Ottawa

Pencil in a visit to picture-perfect Perth, another Lanark County gem. Start by treating yourself to a rich hot chocolate from Perth Chocolate Works and walk over to Stewart Park to feel like a movie star on a manicured set as you cross the classic red arched bridge.

Smiths Falls: Photo Opps

40 minutes from Ottawa

Smiths Falls is a lovely little town and a favourite among photographers. Wander along the Heritage Trail which follows the Rideau River as it cuts through town. Look for the iconic lock stations and the decommissioned Bascule Bridge, now designated a National Historic Site of Canada.

From Toronto

Minden: Waterfalls and Walks

2.5 hours from Toronto

Nestled in the Haliburton Highlands, Minden is a relaxed riverside town that punches above its weight when it comes to charm. Start with a stroll along the Minden Riverwalk, a scenic pathway following the Gull River right through downtown. For nature lovers, a quick drive to the Minden Wild Water Preserve lets you watch kayakers and whitewater rafters tackle rushing rapids.

Haliburton: Art in the Wild

2.5 hours from Toronto

More than just cottage country, Haliburton is a creative hub surrounded by lakes and forest. The Haliburton Sculpture Forest blends art with nature, with dozens of contemporary sculptures tucked along wooded trails. You can also visit Rails End Gallery, housed in an old railway station, for exhibitions by local artists.

Bancroft: Rockhounding Capital

2.5 hours from Toronto

Known as Canada’s Mineral Capital, Bancroft is a daytrip must for anyone who loves geology, hiking, or just cool outdoor finds. Visit the Bancroft Mineral Museum to learn about the area's rich geological history, then try your hand at finding your own treasures at nearby public collecting sites like the Princess Sodalite Mine.

Tweed and Madoc: Small-Town Gems

2 hours from Toronto

These two neighbouring towns are easy to explore together and are packed with down-to-earth charm. In Tweed, visit the charming artisan shops and take a walk along Stoco Lake. In Madoc, browse the shops downtown, then head to O'Hara Mill Homestead, a restored 19th-century pioneer site surrounded by peaceful walking trails.

Sharbot Lake: Lakeside Chill

2.5 hours from Toronto

Tucked between bigger names, Sharbot Lake is a quieter, underrated destination that's ideal if you’re craving a relaxed day out. Spend time swimming or kayaking in Sharbot Lake Provincial Park, or stroll the K&P Trail, a former rail line now converted into an easygoing hiking and biking route.

Carnarvon: Cottage Country Eats

2.5 hours from Toronto

If your idea of a perfect daytrip leans more food-focused, Carnarvon delivers. This small village has some seriously good eats. Rhubarb Restaurant is famous for its upscale comfort food, while the adjacent Boshkung Brewing Co. is perfect for a laid-back pint and lakeside views.