5 Hotspots outside of Brampton for a Family Day long weekend road trip

Published February 14, 2020 at 4:23 pm

Long weekends are always exciting — an extra day or two where you can sleep in, calories don’t count, and there’s the option to go on a long, leisurely road trip! Family Day is on Monday February 17 this year, and the long weekend offers a great opportunity to gather the family and get out of the city.

Here are five places outside of Brampton for a Family Day long weekend road trip:


5) Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is quickly becoming Ontario’s newest vacation destination hotspot and it has a little something for everyone. It’s scenic, quiet and perfect for relaxing, but there are also activity options. If you’re into libations, it offers a ton of wineriesbreweries and cideries that you can tour. If you’re more activity-oriented or have children with you, you can enjoy cottages, campgrounds, live entertainment, and outdoor activities like family fishing days and a winter carnival. The area isn’t too far outside of the city–about two-and-half hours or so–so it’s perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay.


4) Collingwood

Looking for a sports-centered getaway? Collingwood is known for winter sports! Hockey aficionados can try their hand at sledge hockey this Family Day, while fans of traversing the slopes can scope out Blue Mountain for skiing, tubing, and snowboarding. Additionally, hiking fans can take a nature adventure at the Scenic Caves, and beyond.

Road trip here to enjoy a picturesque Southern Ontario hotspot located on the shores Georgian Bay. The town is roughly two hours away and offers artistic and cultural events, parks and trails that are perfect for hiking and sightseeing.


3) Ottawa

If you’re willing to drive a little longer, what better place for a Family Day road trip than our nation’s stunning capital? You can go skating on the first-ever skating rink in front of Parliament Hill or the Rideau Canal Skateway, or even catch the last day of Winterlude, which runs until Family Day.

As for indoor activities, you can take your family or friends to one of the capital’s best museums, or scope of ByWard Market. There’s no shortage of things to do in Ottawa.


2) Muskoka

About two hours north, you can revel in the gem that is cottage county! Skate through the magical trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park, go fat biking through the wilderness, or even go sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing through scenic back country areas.

Muskoka is a stunner in the winter, and whether you’re booking a cottage or a hotel room for the fam jam, it’s a solid road trip spot. It’s also winter carnival season, so that’s a unique activity option, too.


1) Niagara Falls

Clifton Hill or the falls themselves, the entire family will find fun in Niagara Falls. Check out Fallsview Indoor Waterpark for waterslides in the middle of winter, go up the Skylon Tower, or visit the Bird Kingdom or the Butterfly Conservatory.

There are an abundance of restaurants in the area and no shortage of iHOPs, too, you can take a walk to the falls and see if they’re frozen, or even catch a show at the IMAX Theatre. There’s even a magic show! This road trip option is for the family looking for endless entertainment fun.

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