Southern Ontario is full of great places to spend a weekend. When planning a group trip there are so many destinations that would make for an amazing time. From wine tasting with your girlfriends to an overnight class ski trip, there are several destinations to choose from. So, pick your favourite, book a bus, and hit the road for a fun escape from the ordinary!
Top 5 Great Staycation Spots in Ontario
For your Ontario staycation, you don’t have to do the driving yourself. At Switzer-Carty, we’ll get your private group to your destination of choice on-time and safely. Best of all, it’s a ton of fun when the whole group can travel together without the stress of driving. Fun, affordable bus rentals are here!
1. Deerhurst Resort
This year-round resort in Muskoka has been in continuous operation since it opened and considers themselves one of Ontario’s greatest hospitality success stories. Opened in the late 1890’s as an upscale destination resort, the beautiful setting has been drawing in guests for 125 years.
Now guests can experience the onsite conference center, golf course, waterfront condos and spa year-round. Regardless of what season you visit in, you’re sure to find plenty of fun activities to entertain you. From snowshoeing, skating, cross-country or downhill skiing and snowmobiling in the winter to treetop trekking, escape rooms, axe throwing, hiking and swimming in the summer, there is no shortage of fun things to do for your group!
2. Blue Mountain
Ontario’s only year-round resort is a destination no matter what season you’re visiting. Although most groups head to Blue Mountain for its world-class skiing, there are many other activities to experience if this isn’t your thing.
Blue Mountain Village is home to many different resorts, restaurants, shopping experiences and recreational activities. Whether your group plans to hit the slopes in the winter, host a conference in the spring, visit a waterpark in the summer or travel the Apple Pie Trail in the fall, Blue Mountain is an excellent choice for a group staycation this year.
3. Hockley Valley
Just 45 minutes north of the GTA you’ll find Hockley Valley Resort, a boutique golf, ski and spa resort that offers 4 seasons of fun. From weddings and conferences to family getaways, friends’ trips and romantic weekends, Hockley Valley Resort has you covered.
4. Niagara on the Lake
Located on the south end of Lake Ontario and just 25 minutes from Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake is the prime destination for wine and beer lovers in southwestern Ontario. With dozens of wineries and breweries located around the town, your group can easily keep them selves entertained for a weekend. If drinking isn’t a goal, group members will love to stroll the tree and flower lined streets of the town, relax by the lake and dine at one of the many amazing eateries in the area.
5. Kitchener-Waterloo
Home to the second largest Oktoberfest in the world (only after Munich, Germany!) and significant Mennonite and German populations, Kitchener-Waterloo is a fun staycation destination for groups of all kinds. Whether you’re planning a fun weekend with friends, an educational destination for a school trip or a foodie adventure for your family, you’ll find it all in the KW.
Visit the St Jacob’s market for some amazing local treats and then the Mennonite Story to learn about how the Mennonites came to call southern Ontario home for an educational group trip or plan a food tour to enjoy some of the best that Kitchener-Waterloo has to offer.
A school bus is the best stay-cation transportation
When transporting a group to one of the local staycation destinations, figuring out how to get everybody there safely can be a difficult game of coordination. To take all of the guesswork out of the task, consider hiring a school bus! There are many positives to this decision, including:
- A designated driver is included
- Everyone will be on time
- Bus sizes vary, so there is an option to suit all needs
- Parking is a breeze with only one vehicle to park
- Busses are affordable
Time for a staycation!
Regardless of what time of year you’re planning for, there’s tons of fun staycation destinations in Ontario! When you settle on a destination, it’s only a matter of figuring out your transportation and what kind of activities you’ll do as soon as you arrive!
