Grapes ready for harvest at Pelee Island Winery, Canada’s southernmost winery.
Southwestern Ontario—basically, everything south of an imaginary line running roughly between Grand Bend and Hamilton—is a bit of a hike from Ottawa. But if you’re in the mood for a surprising road trip, it can be worth the drive. This chunk of the province between Lake Huron and Lake Erie is chock full of wineries, farmers’ markets, bird sanctuaries and at least one almost-endless sandy beach (at Long Point) made for strolling.
Ontario’s Southwest, a coalition of local tourism bureaus, has mapped out 12 fall road trip routes through the region. Depending which one you pick, you can see a Cold War submarine or classic cars, go ziplining or horseback riding, see a giant (naturally) statue of Jumbo the Elephant, or go birdwatching in a preserve at the same latitude as northern California.
Among the featured sites I’ve been to and can highly recommend are the Covent Garden Market in London, and Long Point Eco-Adventures and Burning Kiln Winery in St. Williams. (Guest poster Jane Finn wrote a great post on the area around St. Williams, as well.)
But here’s the best part: until October 31, there are more than 40 discounts and deals along the routes.
Here are two more photos to inspire you. All photos in this post are courtesy of Ontario’s Southwest.
Cycling near Burning Kiln Winery in St. Williams.
Fine dining at the Wooden Bear L Winery in Simcoe.