South Eastern Ontario’s local favourites worth the drive from Toronto
When Toronto settles into peak summer season, the city hums with activity. Hotels fill quickly, patios buzz with energy, and the streets are full of people making the most of the sunshine.
Sometimes the best plan is to point the car toward something a little quieter and memorable.
South Eastern Ontario sits just far enough from the city to feel like a true escape, yet close enough for a day trip or weekend road adventure. From island boat tours and vineyard tastings to historic villages and waterfront trails, the region offers experiences that feel well worth the kilometres.
Driving times are approximate and calculated from downtown Toronto.
For the adventurer
St. Lawrence shipwreck diving — Brockville and the Thousand Islands
Clear river waters reveal historic shipwrecks that attract divers from around the world. Guided charters operate throughout the region.
Drive time: about 3.5 hours
Helicopter tours of the Thousand Islands — Gananoque
See the St. Lawrence River from above as helicopters lift off over scattered islands, historic estates and winding river channels.
Drive time: about 3 hours
Skydiving — Gananoque
Jump from a plane above the sightline of the St. Lawrence River and free-fall toward one of Canada’s most scenic landscapes. Tandem jumps allow first-timers to experience skydiving with an instructor while taking in aerial views of the 1000 Islands region.
Drive time: about 3 hours
Treetop Trekking 1000 Islands — 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways
One of Canada’s largest aerial adventure parks features treetop zip lines, rope courses, and suspended bridges through forest canopy overlooking the river.
Drive time: about 3 hours
Thousand Islands boat cruises and castle tours — Gananoque or Rockport
Classic sightseeing cruises weave through island channels and famous summer estates along the St. Lawrence River. See castles, including Boldt Castle on Heart Island, where you can disembark. (U.S. passport required to disembark at Boldt Castle).
Drive time: about 3 hours + 1 or 3-hour cruises
GT racing and motorsport experiences — Shannonville
Trade the highway for the racetrack at Shannonville Motorsport Park, where visitors can get behind the wheel of real performance cars including GT race cars, Ford Mustang GTs, Chevrolet Camaro SS models and Nissan 370Zs. Professional coaches ride along as drivers tackle the private road course with no arbitrary speed limits, making it one of the most adrenaline-filled experiences in South Eastern Ontario for anyone who has ever dreamed of life on a race track.
Drive time: about 2.5 to 3 hours
Frontenac Provincial Park — north of Kingston
Rugged hiking trails, canoe routes and backcountry lakes create a wilderness experience just a few hours from Toronto.
Drive time: about 3 hours
For wine lovers
Prince Edward County has become one of Ontario’s most celebrated wine destinations, known for cool-climate wines, scenic rural roads and relaxed tasting rooms.
Closson Chase Vineyards — Hillier
A recognizable stop in the County with award-winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Black Prince Winery — Picton
A long-time leader in Ontario’s cool-climate wine movement with vineyard tastings and a popular wood-fired pizza patio.
Sandbanks Estate Winery — Wellington area
Combines vineyard tastings with views across rolling vines and nearby Lake Ontario shoreline.
Waupoos Estates Winery & Restaurant - Waupoos
A triple threat with award-winning wines, stunning water views and farm-to-table dining, this winery is beloved by locals and visitors.
Drive time to Prince Edward County: 2.5 hours
For food lovers
Bay of Quinte craft breweries — Belleville and area
Relaxed tasting rooms and small-batch breweries add another flavour to the waterfront region.
Drive time: about 2 hours
Prince Edward County farm-to-table dining
Restaurants across the County highlight local ingredients paired with vineyard views and lakeside patios.
Drive time: about 2.5 hours
Kingston Food Tours — Kingston
Guided walking tours introduce visitors to local restaurants, historic pubs and hidden culinary stops throughout the city’s limestone downtown.
Drive time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Downtown Kingston dining scene
From waterfront patios to chef-driven restaurants, Kingstonlicious has become one of Ontario’s most interesting regional food destinations.
For families
Homestead Adventure Park — Quinte West
The ultimate outdoor adventure for all ages: high ropes, mini golf and remote control boat. We're not sure who has more fun here, the kids or the grown-ups!
Drive time: about 2.5 hours
Upper Canada Village — Morrisburg
Step into life in the 1860s at one of Ontario’s most immersive historic sites, complete with working mills, heritage homes and costumed interpreters.
Drive time: about 4 hours
Vanderlaand The Barnyard Zoo — Winchester Springs
A family-run farm attraction where visitors can meet animals, explore play areas and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in the countryside.
Drive time: about 4 hours
Calypso Waterpark — Limoges, Prescott-Russell
Canada’s largest themed waterpark features wave pools, towering slides and full-day summer fun.
Drive time: about 4.5 hours
Canada Day the local way
If you’re visiting during Canada Day, July 1, you can also experience celebrations that feel distinctly local. Across South Eastern Ontario, communities host waterfront fireworks, small-town parades and outdoor concerts that bring residents and visitors together.
Those looking to celebrate Canada Day outside the city can explore regional event listings and discover festivities happening throughout the area.
A few hours on the highway can lead to vineyard tastings, island boat tours, sandy beaches or historic villages where summer moves at a different pace. Sometimes the best plan is simply to drive east.
