There’s nothing quite like a summer road trip in Ontario. From turquoise lakes and sandy beaches to charming small towns and scenic highways, Ontario offers some of the best road trip experiences in Canada. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long escape, this guide highlights 7 must-visit road trip destinations for summer 2025 — along with rental car tips to help you travel smart and comfortably.
Why Take a Road Trip in Ontario This Summer?
Ontario is massive — and packed with destinations that are best experienced by road. Unlike international trips that require passports and flights, a road trip gives you flexibility, spontaneity, and access to hidden gems across the province. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or solo, road trips allow you to stop where you want, when you want.
- Rental Car Tips Before You Hit the Road
Before we dive into the list, let’s cover a few essential rental tips to make your road trip smooth and affordable:
- – Book Early: Summer is peak season. Book your rental at least 2–3 weeks in advance for better availability and lower prices.
- – Choose the Right Vehicle: Going with a group? Consider a minivan or SUV. For couples or solo travellers, a compact car is fuel-efficient and easy to handle.
- – Look for Unlimited Kilometres: Some rental companies, like Bristol Car and Truck Rentals, offer great weekend deals and generous mileage options.
- – Inspect Before You Go: Always check for damage, take photos, and make sure you’re familiar with the vehicle features.
- – Bring a Phone Mount & Charger: You’ll need GPS navigation and hands-free driving.
1. Tobermory & the Bruce Peninsula
Distance from Toronto: ~4 hours
Perfect for: Nature lovers, hikers, couples, and families
Why go: Crystal-clear water, the Grotto, Flowerpot Island, and hiking trails at Bruce Peninsula National Park make Tobermory one of the best road trip destinations in Ontario. It feels like you’re in the Caribbean — minus the flight.
Rental tip: Choose a vehicle with enough trunk space for hiking gear and picnic supplies. SUVs or mid-size sedans are perfect.
- Prince Edward County
Distance from Toronto: ~2.5 hours
Perfect for: Foodies, wine lovers, couples
Why go: With charming wineries, art galleries, and the famous Sandbanks Provincial Park, PEC is ideal for a romantic summer weekend.
Rental tip: If you’re wine tasting, consider having a designated driver or renting for multiple drivers. Book a compact or mid-size car for fuel savings on the drive.
- Muskoka & the Cottage Country Loop
Distance from Toronto: 2–3 hours
Perfect for: Families, friend groups, nature lovers
Why go: Muskoka is iconic for its lakes, cottages, and docks. Enjoy water sports, boat rentals, and peaceful evenings by the fire.
Rental tip: Need to carry outdoor equipment? Consider a pickup truck or an SUV with roof rack options.
- Algonquin Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: ~3 hours
Perfect for: Camping, wildlife spotting, kayaking
Why go: One of Canada’s oldest and most famous parks, Algonquin is perfect for a deep-woods adventure. Expect moose sightings, stargazing, and refreshing lake swims.
Rental tip: If you’re camping, you may need to rent a cargo van or SUV to pack tents, coolers, and gear.
5. Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake
Distance from Toronto: ~1.5 hours
Perfect for: First-timers, families, day-trippers
Why go: One of Canada’s most iconic sites, Niagara Falls is great for a classic summer day trip. Pair it with wine tasting and shopping in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Rental tip: A compact or electric rental car can save on parking and gas. Some areas charge extra for oversized vehicles.
- The Kawarthas & Peterborough Region
Distance from Toronto: ~2 hours
Perfect for: Canoeing, culture, quiet retreats
Why go: A peaceful mix of lakes, historic sites, and Indigenous culture, this region is underrated but incredibly rewarding. Try canoeing the Trent-Severn Waterway or visiting the Peterborough Lift Lock.
Rental tip: Mid-size cars or hybrid vehicles work best for a blend of highway and backroad driving.
- Lake Superior North Shore (Thunder Bay to Wawa)
Distance from Toronto: ~12+ hours (best done as a multi-day trip)
Perfect for: Adventure seekers, photographers, RVers
Why go: This epic Northern Ontario road trip features rugged landscapes, waterfalls, cliffs, and dramatic lake views. It’s one of Canada’s most scenic drives.
Rental tip: Consider renting an SUV, minivan, or even a camper van if you’re extending your trip across multiple days. Be sure to get unlimited kilometres.
Final Rental Checklist Before You Head Out
Here’s a quick rundown of what to check when renting a vehicle for a summer road trip:
- ✅ Valid driver’s license and credit card
- ✅ Coverages (check if your credit card covers rentals or purchase from the rental company)
- ✅ Confirm included mileage
- ✅ Test the air conditioning, wipers, lights, and brakes
- ✅ Fill up your tank before returning the car to avoid fees
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Looking for affordable, reliable, and road-trip-ready vehicles in Ontario?
Book with Bristol Car and Truck Rentals — a trusted Canadian company offering everything from compact cars to pickup trucks with competitive pricing and excellent customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the best car to rent for a road trip in Ontario?
An SUV, mini-van or passenger van is ideal for comfort, fuel efficiency, and storage. If you’re camping or bringing gear, a minivan or pickup truck might be better.
– Can you road trip around Ontario in a weekend?
Yes! Trips to places like Niagara, Prince Edward County, or Muskoka are perfect for 2- to 3-day weekends.
– Do you need a special license to rent a car in Ontario?
No — a valid G-class license (or international equivalent) is enough. Most companies require drivers to be 21+.
– Is it safe to drive in Northern Ontario in summer?
Yes, but fuel stations and services can be far apart. Always fill up your tank before long stretches.
– Ready to Plan Your Summer Road Trip?
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring vineyards, or setting up camp in the wilderness, Ontario has a road trip for everyone. Just make sure your vehicle is ready for the ride — and your playlist is loaded.
For the best deals, vehicles, and service, trust Bristol Car and Truck Rentals to get you there and back — safely and affordably.