5 COVID Getaways
After so many months of self-isolation and COVID restrictions, it’s a great time to book some time off and try to get away from the city for a long weekend. Considering that for the most part international travel currently requires official documentation and negative test results for most countries, travel in Canada is at its peak for the month of October. With the change in seasons, now is the time to see the variety of colors that Fall has to offer. Below are 5 must see destinations that are great for exploring in the month of October, enjoy and be COVID safe!
Hilton Falls Conservation Area
Only an hour away from Toronto, Hilton Falls Conservation Area is an amazing travel destination for any person living in the GTA. With seven different parks combined, there is an endless amount of things to do from hiking trails, bonfires at the falls, or a picnic on the bank of the reservoir. Also right beside Halton Falls, Glen Eden is a great ski hill in the wintertime, however in October it has some beautiful hiking trails which overlook Kelso Lake. Hilton Falls is so popular because it is perfect for a fun day trip, and can even be extended to a weekend trip. Due to COVID , it is necessary to make a reservation to get into the park, and that can be found here.
Cookstown
Cookstown is also another amazing travel destination that is close to Toronto. Roughly an hour and a half away, Cookstown is a trendy and old fashioned little town that has plenty of hidden secrets. Not only are there great parks nearby like Earl Rowe Provincial Park and Innisfil Beach Park which are great for hiking and picnics, but downtown Cookstown has so much to offer in its old fashioned architecture and abundant antique shops as well. There’s always a chance to find something rare and beautiful when jumping from one shop to another in Cookstown!
Tobermory
While Tobermory is considerably further than the two previous locations, it makes up for the 3 hour drive in breathtaking scenery. Located on the Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory has unlimited waterfront access, and is most popularly known for its parks and crystal clear water. Some of the best places to visit are the Grotto, the Fathom Five National Marine Park., and the Bruce Peninsula Park. Fortunately because of how far away Tobermory is and how much it has to offer, it only makes sense to visit this Canadian gem over a weekend or even a couple days. Especially now when all the leaves are changing colors, Tobermory really is a must see place to visit.
Kawartha Lakes
Also slightly further from home and requiring an overnight stay in order to maximize trip investment is Kawartha Lakes. Some say that Kawartha Lakes is sometimes cast in the shadow of Muskoka Lakes, that’s why it made it onto this list. Kawartha Lakes has some of the most beautiful cottage countries, with many different lakes and forests it has some beautiful parks. The top attractions in Kawartha Lakes are the Fenelon Falls, the Victoria Rail Trail, and the Doube’s Trestle Bridge. Kawartha Lakes has endless hiking trails and attractions scattered all around in close proximity which allows for a variety of activities. There are also hundreds of beautiful lakefront cottage rentals to browse through and select for a fun weekend cottage getaway!
Canmore
Canmore is by far, the farthest travel destination on this list, however that being said Canmore definitely raises the bar when it comes to travel destinations. Located just west of Calgary, in the Rocky Mountains, Canmore trumps all the other destinations on this list in terms of lakes, forests, and outdoor scenery. Canmore’s greatest parks nearby include Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, the Grassi Lakes, and the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk. Apart from parks Canmore is also known for its cave tours in the Canmore Caves and many brewing companies. Granted going to Canmore requires somewhat of a longer commitment than a weekend trip but there’s no better time to start planning a vacation than now!
References:
https://explorethebruce.com/
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g7130504-Cookstown_Innisfil_Ontario-Vacations.html
explorecanmore.ca