RECOMMENDATIONS

The Insider

The Heaps Estrin team shares their favourite weekend getaways.

A GREAT ESCAPE DOESN'T HAVE TO INVOLVE A PASSPORT—just a tank of gas, a solid playlist and a reservation you’re excited about. We asked the Heaps Estrin team where they go when they need a reset. Here are the places that made the shortlist.

Photography iStock

Prince Edward County

under 3 hours

Things to do Winery hopping, lakeside strolls and Wellington’s boutiques.

What makes it special A relaxed mix of food, wine and waterfront charm with something for everyone.

Pro tip Stop into L’Auberge de France in nearby Belleville for handmade French pastries and a Parisian bistro lunch.

—Ashley McClinton, COO

Photography iStock

Prince Edward County

under 3 hours

Things to do Winery hopping, lakeside strolls and Wellington’s boutiques.

What makes it special A relaxed mix of food, wine and waterfront charm with something for everyone.

Pro tip Stop into L’Auberge de France in nearby Belleville for handmade French pastries and a Parisian bistro lunch.

—Ashley McClinton, COO

Cambridge & Langdon Hall

1–1.5 hours

Things to do Estate trails and gardens, spa mornings, poolside afternoons and dinners in the Gaslight District.

What makes it special Incredibly peaceful without ever feeling boring—a perfect mini escape from the city.

Pro tip Pair a stroll around Langdon Hall’s grounds with dinner in Cambridge for two experiences in one day.

—Kasey Mundinger, Client Services & Operations

Montreal

over 5 hours by car or train

Things to do Brunch at Larry’s and thrift shopping in the Mile End. End the day with an expertly poured cocktail at Bar George.

What makes it special French language and culture, cool street art, cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture—almost like a mini European vacation wrapped up in a weekend.

Pro tip Dust off your French. Even a little effort makes the weekend more fun.

—Jane McIver, Director of Marketing & Brand Innovation

Highway 2 Road Trip

approx. 2–3 hours depending on stops

Things to do Antiquing in Cobourg and Port Hope, hiking Presqu’ile and staying at The Wilfred in Milford.

What makes it special A scenic alternative to the 401 that turns the drive itself into part of the holiday.

Pro tip Roof down and leave room in the trunk for treasures.

—Alex Corey, Real Estate Agent

Grand Bend

approx. 3 hours

Things to do Walk the main strip, explore small businesses and settle in for a beach day.

What makes it special The perfect alternative to Muskoka, with incredible sunsets over Lake Huron.

Pro tip Plan at least one sunset picnic—you don’t want to miss it.

—Ava Wombwell, Social Media & Community Events Manager

Cambridge & Langdon Hall

1–1.5 hours

Things to do Estate trails and gardens, spa mornings, poolside afternoons and dinners in the Gaslight District.

What makes it special Incredibly peaceful without ever feeling boring—a perfect mini escape from the city.

Pro tip Pair a stroll around Langdon Hall’s grounds with dinner in Cambridge for two experiences in one day.

—Kasey Mundinger, Client Services & Operations

Montreal

over 5 hours by car or train

Things to do Brunch at Larry’s and thrift shopping in the Mile End. End the day with an expertly poured cocktail at Bar George.

What makes it special French language and culture, cool street art, cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture—almost like a mini European vacation wrapped up in a weekend.

Pro tip Dust off your French. Even a little effort makes the weekend more fun.

—Jane McIver, Director of Marketing & Brand Innovation

Highway 2 Road Trip

approx. 2–3 hours depending on stops

Things to do Antiquing in Cobourg and Port Hope, hiking Presqu’ile and staying at The Wilfred in Milford.

What makes it special A scenic alternative to the 401 that turns the drive itself into part of the holiday.

Pro tip Roof down and leave room in the trunk for treasures.

—Alex Corey, Real Estate Agent

Grand Bend

approx. 3 hours

Things to do Walk the main strip, explore small businesses and settle in for a beach day.

What makes it special The perfect alternative to Muskoka, with incredible sunsets over Lake Huron.

Pro tip Plan at least one sunset picnic—you don’t want to miss it.

—Ava Wombwell, Social Media & Community Events Manager

Photography Humyn/Rami Accoumeh

Collingwood

under 2 hours

Things to do Skiing, hiking, cycling, cider visits, farmers’ markets and Hurontario Street browsing.

What makes it special A place of long-held family traditions that balances adventure with the serenity of Georgian Bay.

Pro tip Book early for Bocado, the newest tapas spot in town—tables go fast.

—Linda Drope, Real Estate Agent

Photography Humyn/Rami Accoumeh

Collingwood

under 2 hours

Things to do Skiing, hiking, cycling, cider visits, farmers’ markets and Hurontario Street browsing.

What makes it special A place of long-held family traditions that balances adventure with the serenity of Georgian Bay.

Pro tip Book early for Bocado, the newest tapas spot in town—tables go fast.

—Linda Drope, Real Estate Agent

Photography Christopher Liando

Tobermory

3-4 hours

Things to do Bruce Peninsula National Park, kayaking the coast, hiking the Bruce Trail and harbour-side wandering.

What makes it special Crystal-clear turquoise water, the Grotto for underwater exploring, dramatic cliffs and views that don’t even feel like Ontario—a real getaway feeling.

Pro tip Book parking at the park well in advance, and arrive early for thinner crowds.

—Christopher Liando, Senior Brand Designer

Photography Christopher Liando

Tobermory

3-4 hours

Things to do Bruce Peninsula National Park, kayaking the coast, hiking the Bruce Trail and harbour-side wandering.

What makes it special Crystal-clear turquoise water, the Grotto for underwater exploring, dramatic cliffs and views that don’t even feel like Ontario—a real getaway feeling.

Pro tip Book parking at the park well in advance, and arrive early for thinner crowds.

—Christopher Liando, Senior Brand Designer