These Road Trip Destinations Outside the GTA are a Summer Must

For those of us who are lucky enough to call the GTA home, sometimes we forget there's an entirely differnet world out there. Surrounded by non-stop entertainment in a city famous for its blend of cultural and culinary wonder, it's easy to see why some of us never leave. With diverse coffee shops and restaurants on every corner, clothing boutiques, movie theatres and world-wide attractions like the C.N Tower, Casa Loma and the Ripley's Aquarium, Toronto provides is easily one of the best cities in the world to have fun. But sometimes it's nice to get out and explore and see what's outside your comfort zone. Away from all the hustle and bustle are some of the most amazing beaches, parks and trails in Ontario and the best part is, they're only a few hours from the downtown core.  Pack up your picnic cooler with your favourite snacks, copy your playlist and follow your GPS on a road trip you'll never forget. Or, do it old school and ditch the map and let the open road carry you wherever it may. We've put together our favourite spots to hit the road this summer.

The Grotto (Bruce Peninsula Park)

As temperatures continue to soar, it's easy to be envious of anybody away on a tropical vacation, dipping into the cool waters of an exotic paradise. If you couldn't book that last minute trip this summer, now's the time to rejoice. Carved out by the waves of Georgian Bay thousands of years ago, Bruce Peninsula is a series of glorious caves jutting into turquoise waters, located just under 4 hours away from Toronto in beautiful Tobermory, Ontario. Sunlight streams into the caves, showing you the allure of a brilliant underwater tunnel on the inside. You can walk along a ledge inside its cavity or swim in its cool, clear, turquoise water. It’s a 30-minute hike to the Grotto from the Head of Trails parking lot at Cyprus Lake parking lot. Take the Georgian Bay Trail to the shore then follow the Bruce Trail west along the edge of the Niagara Escarpment. The Grotto is located just past Indian Head Cove – another naturally stunning attraction that is a very popular swimming hole in the late summer months.

Cheltenham Badlands

As it turns out, Alberta isn't the only province with a series of badlands formations. The site is located on the south east side of Olde Base Line Road, between Creditview and Chinguacousy Roads, west of Highway 10 in Caledon, and features exposed and eroded Queenston Shale. The formation is located along the Niagara Escarpment and is only a 50-minute drive from Toronto. With its steep slopes and gullies of alternating shale and clay, forming massive, spectacularly coloured undulating rock striations, hiking the badlands is a great diversion when hiking the Bruce Trail and can even be done on the same day that you visit The Grotto!

Scenic Caves Nature Adventure

Walk amongst the treetops on a canopy walk, dig for gems, explore gorgeous caves or glide on zip lines across the dramatic Blue Mountains in beautiful Collingwood, Ontario. Just 2 hours outside of Toronto, Scenic Caves Nature Adventures even features a 420ft. suspension bridge, giving you panoramic views over the entire city! The area is part of the Niagara Escarpment and is one of Southern Ontario’s most prominent and beautiful geographic features. The Blue Mountains, the highest part of the Niagara Escarpment (250 metres/1,000 feet above Georgian Bay) were created by ice movement in the glacier age.  At one time in history, the whole area was under water – a tropical environment teaming with coral reefs and sealife, making it the perfect digging ground for fossils and interesting rocks.

Before you hit the open road, stop by our dealership's Service Department and book a service appointment to make sure your vehicle is reliable and safe to visit the locations on your summer bucket list. Or, give us a call today at 1-(877) 503-5102 today!