Discover Ontario: Top Summer Day Trip Destinations for Students
Written by: Macey Whiteside, 2nd year FIMS
Summer is finally here, and it's the perfect time for students to take a break from the books and spend some time travelling to unique Ontario destinations, exploring some of the natural and urban beauty this Province offers.
With its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, Ontario offers countless day trip options that cater to every interest and budget. Whether you're seeking a relaxing vacation, urban exploration, or simply a scenic escape, Ontario has something for everyone.
In this blog, we'll uncover the best summer day trip destinations ideal for students looking to make the most of their summer break. Get ready to explore the hidden gems and popular hotspots that make Ontario a fantastic place to travel.
Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and Blue Mountain
(Photo Source: Macey Whiteside)
Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and the Town of Blue Mountain are three small Georgian Bay waterfront towns located within ten to fifteen minutes of one another. These destinations offer various day trip options, from spending a relaxing day on the longest freshwater beach in the world, to hiking up Blue Mountain and seeing the amazing water views.
Not only does this area have immense natural beauty, but Collingwood Historic Downtown and Blue Mountain Village are town areas which may make you question if you are in Europe. They are both unique and walkable, with an endless supply of small shops and restaurants to keep you busy throughout the day.
Here is a quick list of a few swimming spots to check out (from someone who lives here). Northwinds Beach and Sunset Point are two of my favourites.
- Sunset Park
- Beach 1, Wasaga
- Allenwood Beach / New Wasaga Beach
- Beach 6, Wasaga
- Northwinds Beach
- Collingwood Pier
- Craigleith Provincial Park
This area is also a great trip destination as there are several locally owned shops and restaurants which gives this place its destination feel.
Here are some food places I recommend
- Press Market
- Press Juice Co
- Brightside Bakery
- Maddogs Vinyl and Cafe
- Kaytoo
- Firehall Pizza
- Bent Taco
- Bello Pizza
Grand Bend
(Photo Source: Grand Bend Town)
Grand Bend is a well-known beachfront town located less than an hour from Western, perfect for those staying on campus this summer. Due to its close proximity to London, it's perfect for university students as the crowd is generally younger. If you plan on staying overnight, this makes for a great and social nightlife.
Grand Bend has 3 km of beachfront access, perfect for lounging and swimming on hot summer days. If you are looking to keep busy during your vacation, Grand Bend’s downtown has several shops and restaurants worth visiting. Lastly, if you are someone who wants a thrill on your vacation, Grand Bend has parasailing, JetSki, and Sea-Doo rentals which are generally around $100 for an hour.
St. Marys Quarry and Lind Sportsplex
(Photo Source: https://www.blogto.com/travel/2023/06/st-marys-quarry-water-park/)
St Marys Quarry is a hidden swimming spot located only 30 minutes from London. For a small fee, you will have access to this swimming spot and several of its amenities. These include cliff jumping, rafts, a slide, a 25-foot water trampoline, shaded seating, grassed area for picnics, and summer snacks available for purchase.
Further, for an extra fee of $25, you can access the Super Splash Water Park located in the water. This is a blow-up obstacle course (yes like Wipeout). Speaking from experience, although this may be geared towards a younger crowd, it is extremely fun going with your friends as a university student.
Provincial Parks
(Photo Source: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/pinery)
Ontario Provincial Parks are the largest provider of outdoor recreation in Ontario with over 330 parks. Covering over 82,000 square kilometers and 8% of Ontario's landmass, there is no shortage of amazing summer destinations here.
The great part about Ontario Parks is that day passes range from $12.25 to $21.00 and if you are not planning to buy anything at the shop or purchase water rentals, that will be the price of your entire day trip.
For students living in London over the summer, Pinery Provincial Park is a beautiful beachfront conservation area located 50 minutes outside of London. It is extremely close to Grand Bend and great if you are looking to spend the day on the beach in a slightly calmer environment.
The parking fee for the day is only $21 and it gives you access to Pinery’s 10 kilometres of beachfront, several biking and hiking trails as well as access to several of their educational programs and a chance to see their ambassador animals.
I encourage you to visit the Ontario Parks Website to search for parks near you to plan your next day trip. If you live in or near the GTA here are some parks that may interest you:
- Sandbanks
- North Beach
- Presquill
- Mara / Mcrae Point / Bass Lake
- Sibbald Point
- Darlington
- Bronte Creek
Toronto
(Photo Source: City News)
If you are not from the GTA area, a Toronto day trip can be an exciting way to do it all at once. With Toronto’s several parks, shops, restaurants, and attractions, it can be a fun day trip for all.
However, Toronto can also be expensive. Here are a couple of ways to make it cheaper.
First, buy a CityPass. The Toronto CityPass is a discounted ticket package that saves you money on admission to top attractions in Toronto. The CityPass includes admission to the CN Tower, plus four more attractions of your choice.
Sign up for PRESTO Perks. PRESTO is a reloadable payment system that allows you to pay for public transit in the GTA using your own card. PRESTO Perks also provides PRESTO card owners with discounts on sporting events, musicals, entertainment, attractions, and more in the city.
What you do in Toronto will be entirely up to your interests and budget. However, here are some ideas.
Kensington Market
Known as one of Toronto’s favourite and most culturally unique neighbourhoods, Kensington can be a great place to browse through vintage clothing stores, vinyl record shops, bookstores, arts and crafts boutiques, and more.
Also, you can visit the market on the last Sunday of the month this summer for a car-free festival with live entertainment and delicious eats.
Toronto Islands
Situated just a 15-minute ferry ride from Toronto, the Toronto Islands offer a perfect day trip. You can cycle, unwind at the beaches, stroll along the boardwalk, or eat at various restaurants and cafes.
For a budget-friendly fare, catch a ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline.
Toronto City Parks
Even though Toronto is densely urban, it is home to around 1,500 parks with large greenspaces, beautiful landscapes, and captivating gardens. Specifically, High Park offers themed gardens, walking paths, a zoo, and picnic areas.
Tobermory / Bruce Peninsula National Park
(Photo Source: Macey Whiteside)
If you’re searching for a summer destination that combines adventure and relaxation Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario is the perfect destination. This area offers a spectacular mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Bruce Peninsula National Park features stunning landscapes and a variety of activities. You can visit the Grotto or the Halfway Log Dump to see mesmerizing sea caves with crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for a refreshing swim. Or, you can hike along the Bruce Trail to enjoy beautiful coastal views of Georgian Bay and spot local wildlife.
After a day of adventures, you can visit the charming town of Tobermory, located only 10 minutes from the National Park. Here, you can enjoy harbour views, many restaurants, and tourist shops.
Whether you’re looking for excitement or peace, Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula National Park offer an unforgettable summer escape.
Conclusion
Ontario’s beauty truly comes alive during the Spring and Summer seasons, offering many places to explore and visit. This is just a short list of some incredible destinations, many just a short distance from home, to discover the best of what Ontario has to offer.
These trips promise fun adventures, breathtaking sights, and countless photo opportunities, all without the need for flights to the Rockies or the West Coast. Enjoy the excitement and beauty of Ontario without breaking the bank.
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