Top 5 Road Trips from Mississauga That Are Perfect for Any Time Frame

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With the end of summer within view you may be wondering how you can make the most of what’s left of the season? An Ontario road trip may be just the answer. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking to get away for a day or two, Ontario is jam-packed with adventure waiting to be discovered. From cliff diving in the Bruce Peninsula, to sipping cider in Prince Edward County, the experts at OK Tire have curated a list of must-drives across the province that’ll keep you from wasting your summer away.

Caledon (45 min drive from Mississauga)

Looking to get out of the city, but not stray too far from home? You may want to consider the quaint town of Caledon. Only a 45-minute drive from the city and located right in Toronto’s backyard, this town has lots to see and do. Once here art enthusiasts are encouraged to check out the Alton Mill Art Centre, as it’s home to 25 studio artists, galleries, a heritage museum, café and unique shops. The Belfountain Conservation Area can also be found here, this gorgeous park features a fountain and picture-perfect suspension bridge, so do not forget your camera. Finish off your experience with a stroll down the Cheltenham Badlands Trail where you can get up close and personal with the rolling landscapes of rounded hills and gullies, a rare geological phenomenon known as the ‘badlands’.

Niagara Region (1.5 hrs. drive from Mississauaga)

The Niagara region has become the go-to place for GTA residents, a short drive out of the city will lead you to this beautiful community filled with fun things to-do. Typically, people flock from near and far to Niagara to experience their long list of award-winning wineries, but to keep things dry for the drive you may want to dive into some of the other things this region has to offer. If you’re like most, a pit-stop at the iconic falls is a must, the views there never get old. Drive a little further and you’ll arrive at Niagara-on-the-Lake where you’ll find countless restaurants offering fresh and locally sourced fare suitable for all tastes. If you’re a history buff you’ll want to take full advantage of the region’s many museums, forts and monuments. Check out the Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum, here guests can get their hands dirty with a working linotype and eight different operating heritage presses. Looking to relax? Zen out for the afternoon at the Healing Salt Caves where the powers of minerals and micro-elements have been harnessed to offer natural respiratory healing treatments.

Prince Edward County (2.5 hrs. drive from Mississauga)

Calling all foodies and winery tourists alike, Prince Edward County is the place for you! Heading to the region from the GTA makes for a scenic and straightforward drive across the 401. Once you arrive in Prince Edward County you’ll most-likely have worked up an appetite, which can be appeased by meandering through the county’s “Taste Trail”, a self-guided route linking restaurants, artisanal food producers, and wine and spirit purveyors. If you’re staying the night finish off your day by experiencing Prince Edward’s Bay of Quinte, which is home to Canada’s largest rural craft beer and cider region and where you’ll find your new favourite cold one. Before you hit the road ensure your tires are properly inflated to the proper pressure, which is listed a sticker in the door jamb, or in your owner's manual. This simple yet often overlooked pro tip could save you money on gas for the drive.

The Bruce Peninsula (4.5 hrs. drive from Mississauga)

If you’re up for the drive this destination will make it worth it!  This nature lover’s paradise is home to some of our province’s most crystal blue waters, this spot will have you questioning if you’re even in Ontario anymore. Once you get on to the peninsula, make your first stop the sandy shorelines of Sauble Beach, known for its shallow blue waters perfect for beaching at any age. Next stop Tobermory, located at the most northern tip of the peninsula this town features the iconic Flowerpots rock formations of Flowerpot Island and a grotto. If you’re a true adventurer gear up for a scuba dive into the Fathom Five National Marine Park, a freshwater ecosystem of ancient rocks, cliff-edge forests, fascinating dive sites on 22 shipwrecks, and orchid species both abundant and rare. With this road trip requiring a lengthy drive be sure to pack an emergency kit in case you have any issues along the way. Your kit should include non-perishable food and bottled water, washer fluid, a spare tire, jumper cables, jack and tool kit, first aid supplies, flares, candles and matches or a lighter, flashlight, batteries, and your cell phone charger. Keeping this small yet crucial kit with you could make all the difference in getting to your destination safely.

Thunder Bay (14.5 hrs. drive from Mississauga)

A trip north to Ontario’s Thunder Bay will provide you with views of some of the province’s most remote areas. This trip isn’t for everyone but those who dare to take the drive will be greeted by Thunder Bay’s many natural attractions. One of the most popular is known as The Sleeping Giant, a natural rock formation that offers adventurers over 100 km of extraordinary hiking trails with spectacular geological features such as the ‘Sea Lion’ and Tee Harbour along the way. Other must-sees are Kakabeka Falls and the local working amethyst mine, where visitors can dig up their own precious gemstones. Before you get on the road, know this drive will require preparation and you’ll want to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before making the long trek. Be sure to have an auto technician check your car’s brakes, fluid levels, tires, and anything else that has you concerned. Use the OK Tire Location Finder to locate your nearest store. Making sure you have jumper cables on board and that your spare tire is inflated is also important in case of an emergency. For extra assurance, OK Tire stores guarantee the quality of their work with their 12 months/20,000 km North American warranty program meaning help is only a phone call away when you’re on the road.