Ontario escapes: Where to taste, relax and explore

---

With economic shifts and tariff concerns affecting travel plans, more Canadians are choosing local adventures over trips to the U.S. If you’re looking to stay closer to home, why not make the most of it and explore some of Ontario’s hidden gems?

Prince Edward County

A sought-after escape, Prince Edward County (PEC) offers charming small towns, beaches, lakeside trails, boutique accommodations, cheese producers and exquisite experimental vineyards. PEC is home to over 40 wineries. The area’s unique terroir, with its lakeside climate and limestone-rich soils, provides the ideal environment for cultivating cool-climate grapevines.

Wineries worth visiting in PEC:

1. The Grange offers a unique wine experience in their tasting room, set in a charming 200-year-old barn, where history meets lovely local wines.
2. Traynor Vineyards is a certified vegan and organic winery that crafts hand-harvested, handmade wines, focusing on sustainability.
3. Rosehall Run has earned both local and international acclaim for its estate-grown pinot noir and chardonnay.  

Muskoka

For a glamping experience that combines starry skies, crackling campfires and the beauty of nature with comfort and style, head to the Muskoka region. Whether you’re relaxing by the campfire, kayaking on the lake or hiking through the woods, this region provides the right balance of adventure and relaxation for a memorable glamping experience.

Glamping spots worth visiting in Muskoka: 

1. The Northridge offers panoramic views of Lake Bernard. Their glamping tents feature solar electricity and goose-down duvets, providing all the joys of camping without the cramped tent. 
2. Muskoka Dome boasts heated floors, a towel warmer and an equipped kitchen. Outside, grill on the BBQ, unwind by the bonfire or relax in the hammock.
3. Fort Treehouse is worth mentioning! Although not in Muskoka, Fort Treehouse is the first of its kind in Ontario’s cottage country. This two-story treehouse blends nature with innovative design, offering modern amenities such as heated floors, a propane fireplace, an outdoor shower in the tree canopy and a hot tub nestled in the woods.

Collingwood

When you think of Collingwood, Blue Mountain likely comes to mind, but the town also boasts a vibrant food scene. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and creative dining, it offers a range of culinary experiences that will surprise you.

Great restaurants in the area:

1. Low Down is a stylish Asian-fusion snack bar with bold dishes and an excellent cocktail menu.
2. Bruce Wine Bar is famous for its sommelier-curated wine list, complemented by wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas and sustainably sourced seafood.
3. The Curly Willow serves up elevated comfort food, delivering a memorable dining experience, not only for the food but also for the hospitality.

---

Have an idea for an alumni blog? We’d love to hear from you.

---

Deepi Harish, Publishing ’12, is a Toronto-based writer specializing in food and travel, who also covers unique experiences locally and globally. Her work has been featured in Bon Appétit, The Huffington Post, The Food Network, China Daily, Post City Magazines, Taste Toronto, Foodism, Escapism, Destination Toronto, Toronto Life and many more.

Photo credit: Jess Joyce