3 Ontario Day Trip Destinations

August is coming to an end, but summer isn’t over yet! 

When there’s a day or two with nothing else going on, especially without sport leagues, Amy and I call for ROAD TRIPS. These days are especially nice when you can squeeze in a visit with friends and family. Cousin Kent and Grace were able to squeeze us in at the last minute (between meetings and DIY projects). Thanks for the cold Bucsh Ice, hamburgers….and most importantly the cream cheese stuffed dogs wrapped in bacon! 

Here are our favourite three, Southwestern Ontario, destinations doable for a day trip. AND our  go-to spot for hiking, snacks, local shopping and beverages;

Destination 1: Niagara Region

Niagara is made up of 12 municipalities sandwiched between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario connected by Niagara River. And yes, the famous Niagara Falls. The Region has far more to offer than water pouring over the Horseshoe Falls. The escarpment offers some great hiking and lots of WINE!

Hike - Niagara Glen Nature Centre offers a gorgeous view of the Niagara Gorge and Niagara River. You may even see the Whirlpool Jet Boats whipping by or some people bouldering in the rock formations of the Gorge. Make sure you take a photo of the map before you head down, we may have added an hour to our hikes thanks to wrong turns.

Snacks - We like our sweets, that is no surprise to anyone that knows the Smiths and the Wilsons! We’ve got two favourites down here; Beechwood Doughnuts in St. Catharines for a gourmet treat. We haven’t stopped drooling over their cronut...it’s a must try. Secondly, Avondale Dairy Bar in Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL), big fans of having a banana split :) 

Local Shopping - The Post Office by Shannon Passero in the quaint downtown of Thorold offers some great and sometimes unique pieces to add to your wardrobe, ladies. Another little gem is The Local Life in Port Dalhousie, she offers a variety of handmade items from local artisans.

Beverages - Silversmith Brewing Company in Virgil has a unique set up in an old church where you can enjoy our favourite Black Lager. SO TASTY. If beer isn’t your thing, there are tons of wineries to choose from...tons! Our favourite stop, even during a pandemic, is 13th Street Winery. Not only can you enjoy a glass of wine outside soaking in the countryside views and art sculptures scattered across the property, and an entire gallery on site. THEY HAVE BUTTER TARTS...to say they are unreal is an understatement. You can find them in the Farm Shop.

Destination 2: Point Pelee to Erieau

Point Pelee is the most southern part of Canada’s mainland. And the only area in Canada that stretches South beyond the 42nd parallel. Knowing this, it offers a unique scenery of birds and plants you don’t necessarily see anywhere else in Canada. Like cactuses!

Hike - Point Pelee National Park has a few great spots to go for a hike. Beach glass hunting along the shore of Lake Erie is always one of our favourites. And don’t forget to actually walk to the point where the two currents meet. Walking through the Wetlands on the East side of the Park is also nice and very different scenery from the West side. You can even hop in the marsh on a canoe! It will definitely be on our to-do list for next time.

Snack - Birdie’s Perch is right outside the National Park; it’s a British Double Decker Bus serving great Fish n’ Chips! Disclaimer: It is currently closed.

Local Shopping - There is definitely no time for shopping by the time you tour around the National Park and make it to Erieau for dinner and a cold one. Priorities, people.

Beverages - Bayside Brewing Co. is perched on a sandbar in Erieau and has a great patio to enjoy one of their cold beers while taking in the views of Lake Erie. While visiting Erieau with a few friends a few years ago, we even stumbled upon Joe Exotic’s Canadian Zoo. All of this is right near Rondeau Provincial Park. Also, definitely kidding about Joe Exotic but not about the zoo.

Destination 3: Port Franks to Bayfield

Call us a little biased, but Lake Huron is our favourite of the Great Lakes. This is such a great drive with some lovely places to stop along the way. You’ll pass through the big ole beach town of Grand Bend, which is nice but can also be busy AF!

Hiking - Starting from the Port Franks Community Centre you can hike through the Lambton County Heritage Forest. With moderate terrain you are likely to come across fellow hikers and maybe even people on horseback. Ausable River Cut is another nice walk as you continue your drive toward Grand Bend, you can find parking just south of the river. 

Snack - Zaney Bread at Grog’s Restaurant is a must when dining here (you could literally ask anyone in Lambton County and they would agree). Located on Highway 21 on your way to Grand Bend from Port Franks, it’s a great spot to stop for lunch and enjoy their delicious pizza and sometimes live entertainment. Once you’ve ventured up toward Bayfield, stop at The Pink Flamingo Bakery & Boutique. They have Hello Dollies that are to die for. And if you’re thirsty you can enjoy a pink lemonade!

Shopping - Sea Jewels in Grand Bend has some cool gems, with two locations. One on the main strip if you're looking to get out and walk around or one on Highway 21 as you are passing through. Amy and I always love shopping for home decor making Dublin Mercantile in Bayfield an appropriate stop….where (most importantly) you can also treat yourself to some homemade fudge!

Beverages - A little out of the way, but in Thedford you can stop at Shale Ridge Estate Winery for a six pack of hard cider. My personal favourite is the peach flavour. As you continue on route up to Bayfield you’ll pass Bad Apple Brewing Company, another great spot to stop for a cold one.

Let us know if you have any other day trip adventures we might be missing out on! One item on our bucket list is definitely to venture on a trail ride and cider tasting at Shale Ridge Estate Winery in Thedford.

Until next time,

Kate