DAY TRIP IDEAS:
Here are some ideas if you are looking for fun day trips in and just out of the GTA:
- Ontario Parks Learn to Camp Weekends – For a hundred bucks a family, this is a great family weekend away idea. The program gives every family the opportunity to camp out in a provincial park, equips them with all the gear (tents, coleman stoves, cooking gear including all plates, cutlery, pots, etc,) and the opportunity to participate in camping lessons that cover anything from how
to pitch a tent to how to make a fire in the rain. My kids loved the whole weekend. So get some friends together and book a weekend away with Ontario Parks. There is minimal planning involved (the program plans for you) and you can stay on adjoining camp sites. We spent our days at the park’s beach and swimmable lake.
- Horton’s Sugar Bush – Ring in spring with a trip to the sugar bush. This family run spot, is authentic, warm and quaint. They greet you with a wagon ride to the “sugar shack”, where there is a bon fire going all day.
From there you can take a little hike through the trees to see where the syrup is collected, see a demonstration of how maple syrup was made and end with freshly made pancakes and fresh maple syrup by the fire. A super way to spend a March day. I do recommend going at the beginning rather than the end of March (it is WAY) less busy and there is still some snow on the ground which makes it so special. 
- Scandinave Nordic Day Spa – A great spot to renew, rejuvenate and reconnect to nature.
- Rockwood Beach – Toddler and child friendly beach with great views of Canadian natural landscapes (rock formations, evergreen trees). Think Algonquin like views, but only 30 minutes from the city and perfect for a day trip with toddlers. It does get busy though, so people that like secluded quiet spots, this beach is not for you. You can rent canoes though for a paddle with your family and their is even a spot to get ice-cream for a mid afternoon treat.
A LITTLE FARTHER (BUT WORTH IT!)
Algonquin Park – If you want to go to Algonquin, but just can’t get it together for camping, there is an amazing hostel just outside the park gates. I know what you are thinking: hostel! I don’t wan to stay in a dirty communal hostel like I did in my late teens. This hostel is different though. Yes, it has a communical kitchen, but the kitchen is rustic, clean and set in a beautiful log algonquin cabin. In advance of the trip, I too was questioning how much I would like it. I ended up loving the communal aspect of the cooking. Everyone who stayed there made their own food, but you cooked communally in the same space. There was also a bon fire going just outside the cabin during dinner time. We met people from France, Israel, Canada, Italy. It felt like we were away, while really only 3 hours away from our hoses. There was also a sauna cabin, veggie and pollinator garden, and cottage cabins if you wanted to stay in your own cottage. Was really great.
Wolf-Den Veggie and Pollinator Garden
Wolfe Island (a short free ferry ride from downtown Kingston)
If you are looking for a great weekend getaway or short afternoon activity on the way to or from Montreal, take the free ferry to Wolfe Island. Its a gorgeous 20 minute boat ride trip (through the outer edge of the Thousand Islands). Wolfe Island is full of gorgeous farms and beaches. Check it out!