We spend a lot of time day dreaming about road trips and rural adventures in the most delicious nooks and crannies of Ontario — probably more than we should, especially since most of our team are not drivers.
Not owning a car hasn’t stopped us from eating our way across Ontario though! There’s plenty of ways to get around this big, BIG province. With last month’s announcement that the Ontario Northland’s Northlander Passenger Train is returning to ferry folks from the GTA to Northern Ontario, we thought it time to revisit the topic.
VIA Rail
Starting at $49 | Year Round Service | viarail.ca
For those traveling along the Windsor – Montreal corridor, VIA Rail is a great option. It also travels out as far as Sioux Lookout for those looking to head north. Bonus, unlike our national airline — VIA Rail serves Ontario wines on board!
Where it goes: Windsor to Ottawa Corridor , as well as the Lake Superior’s North Shore
Go Bus/Train
Starting at $10 | Year Round Service | gotransit.com
For those looking to explore the outreaches of the GTA, the GO Bus is a great option. It stops in many of our favorite edible destinations like Kitchener, Caledon, Niagara Falls and Peterborough. Some of the destinations are also accessible by train, but with free WiFi available at most GO stations, bus terminals and on some GO Buses– we’ll stick to the bus!
Where it goes: Niagara, Hamilton, Milton, Kitchener, Barrie, Oshawa and much of Durham Region
Park Bus
Starting at $51 | Year Round, but Limited Winter Service | parkbus.ca
Leaving from Toronto and Ottawa, Park Bus is a great way to get out and enjoy Ontario’s Provincial Parks. This season, they’ve got shuttles heading up to Arrowhead Provincial Park — perfect for those who love skating as Arrowhead is home to Ontario’s celebrated skate trail! In the summer months, they head up seven different parks including the Bruce Peninsula National Park!
Where it goes: Algonquin Park, Bruce Peninsula, Killbear, Killarney, Grundy Lake, Georgian Bay, Lion’s Head, Elora Gorge, Christie Lake, Rockwood, Rattlesnake Point, and Rouge Park
Ontario Group Of Touring Companies
Starting at $79 | Year Round Service | ontariogroupoftouringcompanies.com
Sometimes, it’s not that you don’t have a car — it’s that you don’t want to drive it! When heading to wine country, look to OGTC for a chaffeur service for up to 20 guests. They also do great beer-themed tours of Guelph and Mississauga.
Where they go: Almost anywhere!
Car Sharing
Starting at $29 | Year Round Service
There are numerous car sharing businesses setting up shop in Ontario. It’s a great way get access to car if you don’t need one regularly, and it’s environmentally friendly! Try Zip Car in Toronto or VRTUCAR in Ottawa.
Where they go: All across Ontario – thought most have 200km a day included.
Cycling
Ontario has a vast network of long distance cycling routes – including the The Grand Greenbelt Route from Port Hope to Niagara and the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail – you can explore on two wheels. If bike camping is your jam, or you just want help planning, check out our friends at Ontario by Bike!
Where they go: All across Ontario
Craigslist/Phone A Friend
Starting at a case of beer | Year Round Service
If all else fails, you can always put an ad on Craigslist looking for a ride. Often times, folks will gladly carpool in exchange for gas money or a six pack of good beer!
Where they go: All across Ontario
Coming mid-2020s: Ontario Northland’s Northlander Passenger Train
The route will have 13 stops, including Toronto (Union Station), Langstaff, Gormley, Washago, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, North Bay, Temagami, Temiskaming Shores, Englehart, Matheson and Timmins or Cochrane. Bus service will connect with passenger rail to provide service to communities between rail stops too! Service will be offered based on seasonal travel demands and will range from four to seven days a week. Stay tuned!
Where they go: Toronto to Muskoka to North Bay and beyond
None of these fit your bill? Don’t forget about:
- Porter Airlines leaving from City Airport daily!
- Megabus
- Ontario Ferries — taking you to awesome off the beaten track places like Pelee Island, Chi-Cheemaun, Moose Factory and Wolf Island!
