One of the perks of living in a province that spans more than a million square kilometres of vastly different geography? There’s no shortage of beautiful spots that have yet to be Instagrammed. After all, while the quaint towns of the County or the vineyards of Niagara have their charm, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of discovering a spot before the crowds get there – a feeling the age of social distancing has only heightened. That’s why, in the spirit of exploring our backyard, we’ve scouted further afield than the usual suspects, and found three unspoiled, but totally road trip-worthy gems in Ontario. Let’s hit the road.
Huron County
A butterfly mural takes centre stage in the charming town of Goderich, ON.
Whether you’re a sandy beach devotee or drawn to the rugged romanticism of a rocky shore, you’re sure to find your match at one of this coastline’s 16 postcard-worthy beaches. Grand Bend Beach is the closest you can get to Miami Beach in Ontario, and the nearby Dark Horse Estate Winery has a lovely patio, perfecting for sipping a tipple over a charcuterie board while gazing out across the vines. Or indulge in a delicious meal made with fresh, seasonal and local ingredients at the Eddington’s of Exeter in Exeter, Ont. It’s Feast On-certified—a program that highlights businesses sourcing Ontario-grown and -made food and drink—and has a SafeTravels Stamp, a World Travel and Tourism Council initiative awarded to businesses that have adopted COVID-safe hygiene protocols. If you like your shorelines with a side of birdwatching, there are several beaches popular with amateur ornithologists, including Sunset Beach, conveniently close to the adorable town of Goderich. If you’re looking for a ramble, head for the nearby Maitland Trail, which meanders for nearly 50 kilometres, hugging the curves of the Maitland River through meadows and forest glades. All of that wholesome exercise may leave you thirsty, in which case you—and your designated driver—should head for Bayfield, home to River Road Brewing, where the hops for the beer are grown right on the property. (Don’t forget to say hi to the highland cattle!) Wherever your day ends, make sure you’re looking westward to catch one of Huron Country’s famous sunsets.
Elora
An iconic view of Elora with the Elora Mill Hotel taken from the Bradley Bridge.
Calling yourself “Ontario’s most beautiful village” is quite the claim—but fortunately, it’s not a stretch for this adorable settlement. With its embarrassment of historic stone buildings and a main street straight out of central casting, Elora is the sort of place that feels purposely designed for a Saturday morning stroll, dipping in and out of adorable local shops as you go. (Insider tip: Pick up a fresh-baked raspberry iced bun at Anna Mae’s in nearby Millbank for snacking.) But that’s not why you’re in Elora, diverting as it is. No, you’re here for the natural wonders that await you down a set of stairs in Victoria Park. (On your way down, don’t miss some historic graffiti on the stone pilings, carved by one “Archie Scott” to mark Queen Victoria’s Jubilee in 1887.) The Elora Gorge has been drawing tourists since the town’s founding in 1832, and its dramatic cliffs and the Grand River’s rushing water haven’t lost their lustre over time. You can hike the trails, or, for the more adventurous, try tubing, kayaking or even ziplining. When it’s time to unwind from all that adrenaline, take a drive over the county line to St Mary’s and round off your day in the country with a tour of the area’s farm stalls, where you can pick up fresh produce and fruit pies from McCully’s Hill Farm and a generous wedge of the award-winning Grand Trunk gruyere-style cheese from Stonetown Artisan Cheese. Or, settle in for a delicious dinner at the newly-renovated Elora Mill Hotel and Spa. Executive Chef Jonathan Gushue, formerly of Fogo Island Inn and Langdon Hall, just signed on to oversee the Mill’s restaurant, which always highlights produce from the property’s organic farm.
Bracebridge
Not-to-be-missed: the handmade sourdough pie at The Oven Wood-Fired Pizza in Bracebridge, ON.
This itinerary is designed for the night owls out there—although, to be clear, the Muskoka nightlife you’ll be experiencing on this excursion is of the celestial variety. That’s because you’re headed for Torrance Barrens, designated the world’s first dark sky preserve in 1999. Essentially, that means 5,000 acres of land were set aside to be free of light pollution, resulting in shockingly good stargazing for a destination that’s only a few hours from the largest city in Canada. Even with a not-that-great telescope, you can see the rings of Saturn, and, if you time it right in early fall, your naked eyes might even see the northern lights dance over the rocky landscape. To stay up to see this spectacle, you’ll need to be well-caffeinated, for which we recommend grabbing a cup (or three) of house-roasted brew from Camp Muskoka Coffeehouse in Bracebridge, just a short drive away. They also have soft serve, but we’d hate to spoil your appetite for a handmade sourdough pie at The Oven Wood-Fired Pizza, just down the road. If you’ve still got time to spare—or arrive earlier in the day—there’s a trail leading up to the magical Wilson’s Fall right near the town’s picturesque downtown.
Clarington
Sunrise at the Oak Ridges Trail in Clarington, ON, one of Ontario's most important natural features.
Though it’s less than an hour from downtown Toronto, this country escape feels a world away from anything vaguely urban. It’s got rolling fields, charming little towns—Newcastle is straight out of some old-timey fantasy—and the lovely, ecologically important Oak Ridges Moraine, one of Ontario’s most important natural features. (Moraines are deposits of dirt and rock left behind by moving glaciers; to get an up close and person view of the “rain barrel of Ontario,” just take a walk along the Clarington Oak Ridges Trail.) If your fall isn’t complete without a bushel of fresh, crisp apples, you’re spoiled for choice: Algoma Orchards is just outside Newcastle, while Archibald Orchards and Estate Winery offer both pick-your-own and a glass of wine after all that family fun. Cap off your jaunt to the countryside with a visit to Buddha Belly Bakery, where you’ll have no choice but to get both the pumpkin tarts and the apple cider doughnuts. (All gluten-free and vegan, by the way!)
Explore The Great Taste of Ontario at ontarioculinary.com/great-taste
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.
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