Romantic Weekend Getaways Ontario: Couples Trip Guide

I’ll be honest. I’m not the most romantic person around. Cheesy at times but I don’t know much about being romantic. However, as a local, what I do know well is Ontario, the province I live in and when it comes to the best romantic weekend getaways Ontario, has to offer – I know where all the top spots are located.

Ontario is one of the country’s most popular travel destinations for local and international travellers. It has an incredible mixture of vibrant cities and quaint towns, each boasting its own unique splendour. What’s even better is that these cities and towns offer a fantastic romantic getaway in Ontario during all seasons. Fun is to be had all year round, soak up the sun at one of the beaches or the lakes, or zoom across the snow on a snowmobile.

Some of the areas in Ontario are within proximity to each other, so you can visit two or three of them in just one weekend if you’re short on time. But don’t be fooled though, they have splendour worthy of your entire weekend — it’s just up to you how you spend your time!

Top Weekend Getaways in Ontario for Couples

Thanks to the diversity of the province’s cities and towns, there are Ontario getaways for all seasons and couples. Whether you’re in search of a serene experience or a lively outing, the following romantic places in Ontario have got you covered.

Ottawa

Starting off the list of romantic getaways in Ontario is the Canadian capital with its diverse profile. It’s the perfect spot for lovebirds who enjoy an outing with the perfect balance between lively and serene. If you aren’t familiar with the capital, keep reading to find out how to spend 2 days in Ottawa.

Kick-off your time in Ottawa with leisurely strolls along its historic streets while admiring the buildings. Alternatively, you could swap out the buildings for lush greenery at Major Hill’s Park, where you can also set up a picnic highlighted by bubbles and strawberries. Afterwards, make your way to a few local museums to learn some of Ottawa’s interesting history.

Put your teamwork skills to the test as you wade the scenic Dow’s Lake waters from a kayak or canoe. If that’s not your thing, you can opt to enjoy lake views while snacking on delicacies from one of the casual eateries on the marina.

As the day draws to a close, visit the National Gallery of Canada to share your interpretation of the art with your partner. Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic sunset at nearby Nepean Point.

For winter fun, ice skate hand-in-hand with your significant other at the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is the world’s largest natural skiing rink. Then take a 10-minute drive to the iconic Corktown Footbridge, where you can enjoy a scenic sunset. Here, you can attach love locks with your names or initials to the railing and then throw the key away.

If you and your partner want nothing but serenity, make your way to the Au Natural Spa to receive treatments from professional hands. This place is particularly perfect because it’s set on Brookstreet Hotel, which you can use as the base for your Ottawa adventures.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has long been one of the first places to pop up in the minds of anyone thinking of Ontario honeymoon ideas. In turn, it has also become a fantastic destination for short romantic getaways in the province with the falls and scenic strolls ahead.

As you may expect, one of the very first things to do here is to visit the iconic Niagara Falls. You can choose to enjoy a relaxed walk in the area with the falls serving as the background music. Alternatively, thrill-seekers can zipline across the falls or admire the scenery from the skies in a helicopter flight.

Another romantic way to soak up views of the falls is from the Skylon Tower’s observation deck and restaurants. The Summit Suite Buffet Dining Room is an affordable eatery, while the Revolving Dining Room Restaurant offers 360-degree views of the falls while you nibble on various delicacies.

For something a little closer to the ground, make your way to the Clifton Hill promenade, where plenty of fun awaits. Get competitive while go-karting on the Niagara Speedway, bowling, or playing a game of miniature golf. Share a kiss on the famous Niagara Skywheel while soaking in views of the falls before making your way to the many restaurants here.

Once you’ve had your fair share of fun, make your way to a spa to rid your body of any stress — even if temporarily. While there are many great spots in Niagara Falls, I suggest the Christienne Fallsview Spa for its spectacular service with views of the falls right in your sight. Also, they belong to the chic Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, which is a great place to stay in the city.

Toronto

While not popular for romance, Toronto is easily one of the top places to visit in Ontario for the weekend of your dreams with your partner in crime. Ontario’s capital has a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor activities for both the hot and cold seasons.

While walking the city’s streets is incredible, we think a stroll surrounded by beautiful flora is even better. Spend time at either the Allan Gardens Conservatory or the Toronto Botanical Garden, which boasts many species for photo ops.

Toronto has a ton of high-rise buildings, meaning you’re in for an incredible time if you love uninterrupted city views. Of the structures here, you can’t afford not to have the CN Tower’s observation deck in your Toronto itinerary. Alternatively, book a table at the revolving 360 Restaurant for panoramic views or watch some foot traffic via the glass floor.

Art and history buffs can have fun while visiting the Art Gallery of Ontario or the Royal Ontario Museum. View over 80 000 works on display at the gallery and learn about some of Toronto and Ontario’s history at the museum. If that doesn’t pique your interest, there’s an aquarium ready to let you view sharks and other interesting marine life.

Dinner dates are sure to feature in any of the best Ontario getaways, and there are several places in Toronto for that. Ditch the traditional sit-down eatery for a cool dinner cruise featuring some of the best skyline views. A great one we recommend is the Mariposa Cruises’ Dinner Cruise, where a buffet-style dinner over a lake awaits.

If you’re confident enough, visit Koreatown for its many karaoke bars. Here, you can express your love via a song or sing together as you perform the duet of a lifetime.

Blue Mountain

While Blue Mountain is a popular winter destination, it’s a great visit throughout the entire year. The resort also happens to be one of the most romantic places in Ontario, and it’s particularly perfect for couples that love activity.

When you aren’t walking along its pedestrian-only streets or shopping up a storm at the high-end stores, take on the slopes. Blue Mountain is home to over 40 trails perfect for thrilling skiing or snowboarding. Don’t worry if you don’t have any prior experience as the staff here offer some of the best training possible.

For something a little less hair-raising, snowshoe your way through the snow as you take in the resort’s beauty. At times, there may be music festivals and other special events happening in addition to the great dining here.

In the summer, replace your skis with mountain bikes and your snowshoes with hiking boots. Many hiking and biking trails lead to incredible waterfalls and scenic views. One of the most popular is the hike on the Niagara Escarpment, where you can stroll amongst lush greenery.

Alternatively, you could forgo all the intense activities and stick to a weekend of serenity. Enjoy a gourmet dinner under the stars before enjoying the picturesque views of Blue Mountain from the comfort of your accommodation’s patio.

For something even more relaxing, we suggest booking a visit to the Scandinavian Spa. It’s located in a natural forest and has plenty of treatments on offer. Also here are outdoor hot baths, cold plunges, thermal and Nordic waterfalls.

While the accommodation options are incredible here, the Village Suites stand above the rest.

Killarney

If you prefer going small for your romantic getaways, Ontario has you covered with plenty of small towns. Up first on the list is Killarney, which many consider a hidden gem with nature as its main drawcard.

As the natural splendour is the main feature here, it’s only appropriate that we start with the Killarney Provincial Park. Trek, snowshoe, or cycle your way through its rugged pathways dotted with flora, or head to the water via canoe or kayak. End your visit here with a 12-minute drive to the Killarney East Lighthouse for incredible sunset views.

The Killarney Provincial Park is quite popular, meaning it can get crowded, and since three is a crowd, you may want something more intimate. That’s where Mashkinonje Provincial Park comes in. This small park boasts hiking trails in stacked loops, all of which showcase the area’s marshes, bogs, and ponds.

We also recommend visiting Baie Fine for its beautiful, natural scenery. Soak in views of aqua blue waters and towering mountains, or swim in Topaz Lake’s beautiful water.

Natural splendour isn’t all that awaits here, though, as plenty of fun awaits in the town itself. Stroll the small town streets hand-in-hand and enjoy views of its buildings, including the Ross Castle. Take a breather and drive to Herbert’s Fisheries to enjoy delicious, fresh-caught fish and chips while overlooking the George Bay.

Killarney doesn’t have much in terms of luxurious accommodation, but plenty of places are ready to offer a comfortable stay. One such place is the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sudbury.

Prince Edward County

Set just a few hours from Toronto is this incredible area renowned for its rolling hills and fascinating small towns. It’s one of the best places to go in Ontario for a weekend full of nothing but serenity with touches of romance.

It doesn’t have much going on for itself — which is perfect for couples looking to recharge their batteries, but some fun things are waiting too. At the top of the list are the beaches at the Sandbanks Provincial Park. Swim the shallow waters, or sunbathe before taking on the trails and birdwatching many of the park’s species.

Strolling the streets of the county’s small towns is another fantastic idea as you can just hop into one of the diners once you feel peckish. During summer and fall, you may even get lucky and run into one of the festivals and events hosted annually.

If you didn’t already know, Prince Edward County is a popular wine region in Ontario and has over 40 wineries in the area. Take your partner on a wine tasting tour to one of these wineries and vineyards, where you may even get to taste some complementary foods.

Whether you’re interested in art or not, we recommend visiting the Oneo Gallery for an unforgettable experience. Walk around admiring the paintings and sculptures from local and international artists, some of which are temporary exhibitions. Be sure to explore the incredible sculpture garden and view around 30 installations located on four acres of ground.

In between all your expeditions in Prince Edward County, you will need a place to rest. We recommend booking a stay at The Backcountry Inn and Hostel. While it isn’t luxurious, it offers comfort beyond measure.

Stratford

Stratford is a small town that screams romance at nearly every turn, making it one of the best getaways in Ontario. The quaint region is perfect if you and your partner are fans of the performing arts, with theatre productions on display all year round.

Before enjoying the work of incredible performers, you can start the day with some romantic fun. As with any town or city, strolling through the streets of Stratford is a must, with the main street being a draw thanks to its heritage buildings and unique architecture. One of the best walks is along the Avon River, with a bridge perfect for enjoying river views.

Your strolls will ultimately bring you to the town’s lush parks and gardens with some beautiful flora. One of the best stops is the Shakespearean Gardens (hey, we did say theatre is big here).

Along the streets, you’ll also find a number of restaurants offering a gastronomic experience with gourmet and comfort foods galore. Be sure to try out the town-famous pavlova at The Parlour Inn for a dessert you can share with your sweetheart.

After days spent walking streets, tuck into a seat at one of the many theatre houses and get ready for a delightful night with Oscar-worthy performances. While there are no permanent shows, we’re sure you’re going to enjoy some of the work from these artists.

Another great reason to visit Stratford is its Lights on Stratford experience, where nearly the entire town is draped in lights. Be sure to visit between December and January as this is a winter festival.

Stratford also takes care of your resting needs as there are plenty of accommodation options during your getaway in Ontario. One of the top choices in the area is the Best Western Plus The Arden Park Hotel.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a historic town that doubles as one of the best Ontario weekend getaways for couples. It is less popular than the globally renowned Niagara Falls, but this may be to your advantage as it means you aren’t met with the touristy crowds that frequent the former.

Start your visit with a stroll down the town’s glorious streets, with your partner in one hand and a beverage from one of the cafes in the other. The walk is made interesting by some of the beautiful, historic buildings that line these streets with an architecture style from days past. 

While you can tell which building is new and which is old, keep your eyes open for the plaques on the walls that shed a little light on how old a building is. Additionally, you can learn about the small town’s history at Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, home to some 8 000 artifacts and around 2 500 photographs.

As an alternative to walking the town, you can view the town by bike or while getting transported by a horse-drawn carriage. We recommend the latter above all else because you’ll have a knowledgeable guide taking you around town and telling you all they know about it.

If you and your partner are fans of art galleries, you can have a fun, little tour of your own as the town has many galleries. Whether you visit the All in the Wild Gallery, the Edward Spera Gallery, or Upper Canada Native Art Gallery, the exhibitions are sure to blow your mind.

Niagara-on-the-Lake doesn’t have a shortage of accommodation options, and it can be hard to choose one. Of those choices, we recommend a stay at the Staybridge Suites Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Jackson’s Point

While located just an hour away from Toronto, Jackson’s Point feels like it’s eons away from the big city. This romantic getaway near Toronto is situated on the incredible Lake Simcoe and has a host of activities for just about everyone.

Enjoy a relaxing outing at the town’s many beaches where you can either swim on the cool waters or sunbathe with your lover. There are also three waterfront parks for water enthusiasts; here, you can set up a picnic or just wander around.

If you’re an art buff, the Georgina Centre for Arts and Culture is a must-visit for permanent collections from the town’s most talented artists. You can also stop by the Eildon Hall Museum to interpret the diverse collection and view the artifacts and furnishing of the home-turned-museum.

The fun isn’t limited to the summer and spring, though, as winter also has its fair share of attractions here. Chief amongst all is The ROC, which is a winter wonderland with a ton of activities. 

Ski and snowboard down the slopes, slide down the tube lanes or ride the snow atop a toboggan. There’s also an outdoor skating rink for anyone who wants to put their arsenal of moves to use. If the thrills aren’t for you, opt to snowshoe your way around The ROC. Just be sure to reserve your spot online, as tickets are only sold online.

End your day with a visit to the Briars Spa, where several treatments await you and your partner in the countryside overlooking Lake Simcoe. We also recommend this spa because it’s set on The Briars Resort and Spa, one of the best accommodation options here.

Muskoka

Much like Killarney, Muskoka is a natural haven dotted with many activities and incredible sights. The rugged, natural atmosphere is perfect for nature lovers, and the region is one of the most romantic summer getaways in Ontario.

Starting off the exploration of the natural splendour is fun out on the azure waters. Work as a duo as you paddle, canoe, or kayak your way to the scenic Ragged Falls or through Muskoka River.

Muskoka also has many trails that can be hiked or biked on, with bike rentals available at various suppliers. Cycle around with lush greenery at the Old Railway Bike Trail or hike the scenic Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail. The latter boasts an incredible view of the sunset; you just need to time your hike perfectly.

If you guys are kids at heart, be sure to visit the Summer Water Sports Floating Waterpark for fun-filled days. You can also take on the Zig-Zag Escape Room and put your detective skills to the test.

Afterwards, you can spend time strolling the Gravenhurst or Muskoka Wharf’s boardwalk. Be sure to stop for some waterfront dining, attractions, and fascinating shops dotted around the area. 

For a unique experience, you can cruise around Muskoka (bookings open in May 2022) or view the town from the skies in a helicopter. On the cruise, you have sightseeing fun while enjoying delicious cuisine and great beverages.

What’s fascinating about Muskoka is that, despite being a prime summer destination, it’s one of the best weekend getaways in Ontario in winter. Here, you and your partner can take on downhill skiing, snowboarding, and incredible lake views.

Elsewhere, you can skate on the famous Cranberry Ice Trail, in one of the several outdoor rinks, cross country ski, and ice climb. You can also zoom across the snow in a snowmobile or take the less thrilling snowshoeing route.

After expanding your energy, retire to your comfortable bed at Christie’s Mill Inn and Spa.

Huntsville and Algonquin Provincial Park

Like Muskoka, the summer is the high season here due to the natural splendour in the area. However, you can also find many things to do in Huntsville and the Algonquin Provincial Park throughout the whole year. 

It’s located just two hours from Toronto, meaning you can combine a visit to Toronto with a visit here. Due to its proximity to the Muskoka region, we’ve included it as an alternative to Muskoka.

During the summer, visit Algonquin Park for its natural beauty led by the various tree species and the beautiful lake. Here, you can join in on the water sports fun, with canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding being the order of the day. Don’t fret if you don’t own any of the right equipment, as you can rent it at one of the many outfitters in the area.

Hiking trails are also scattered around Huntsville, with some of the best waiting at the Arrowhead Provincial Park. While trekking among the greenery, expect to find wildlife like deer, otters, moose, and beavers. Another popular trail is the Lions Lookout Trail, leading to a panoramic viewpoint with lake views.

You can substitute hikes with snowshoeing and watersports with snow sports like skiing and snowboarding in the winter. When you aren’t restaurant hopping, visit the historic Algonquin Theatre to watch various performances.

After a long day of exploring, choose the Bartlett Lodge as your home for your mini-honeymoon in Ontario.

Tobermory

If you’re looking for a beach weekend getaway, Ontario has no place better than Tobermory. The quaint town is dotted with beaches boasting pristine waters. It’s also considered the diving capital of Canada, thanks to the many shipwrecks found in the town’s water bodies.

When you arrive here, start with a visit to the beach to sunbathe or wade the waters. Afterwards, grab your (rented) goggles and scuba diving equipment and make your way under with your partner. Bring your best Lara Croft impersonation as you look around the shipwrecks for any interesting details.

Above the water, you can go bird-watching and hiking at the Bruce Peninsula National Park. Between your outings, be sure to stop by the many restaurants in the town to refuel for the day.

One of the must-do things in Tobermory is to take a tour with your partner to Flowerpot Island. Here, you’ll see unique rock formations on the shoreline and may also spot some shipwrecks in the water.

The beach town has many accommodation options on offer, with Adventure the Bruce Inn our pick.

Note: Tobermory is a summer destination that sees some of its attractions close in the fall and winter, so confirm whether a place is open before making your way to the town.

Weekend Couples Getaways Ontario: Final Thoughts

If you were wondering where to go for a weekend in Ontario with your partner, we hope we’ve helped answer your question. As is evident, the expansive province has many things to do for various interests. There’s something for everyone from winter sports lovers and nature enthusiasts to art buffs and active people.

Pick whichever spot sounds best for you and your partner, and you’ll be ready to jet off and have fun.