Weekend escape

Locations: Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Trent—Severn Waterway National and Bethune Memorial House National Historic Sites
Distance: 430 km round trip from Toronto

Get out of the city for a 3-day getaway from Toronto. Enjoy local cuisine at Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site, experience the tranquility on one of the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, and dive into history to discover an international hero.


Tour boat at Beausoleil Island.

Day 1


Location: Trent—Severn Waterway National Historic Site, lock 45, Port Severn
Distance: 165 km from Toronto

Want to escape the city for the weekend? Enjoy the local cuisine as you watch boats rise and fall in the last lock connecting Lake Huron to Lake Ontario. Learn about the history and importance of the waterway at the nearby self-guided visitor centre.

Location: Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Honey Harbour
Distance: 15 km from Port Severn

After lunch, enjoy the view as you embark on the scenic boat ride to Beausoleil Island. Take in the sights and sounds as you gather round the campfire and watch the stars appear over the sparkling waters of the lake.

Recommended accommodation: Cabin, Cedar Spring campground


A hiker soaks up the shoreline scenery at Thumb Point on Beausoleil Island.

Day 2


Location: Georgian Bay Islands National Park

Be sure to bring your camera as you hike or bike the trails! Explore the beauty of the rugged Canadian Shield and the hardwood forests, then spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or cooling off in the crystal waters of Georgian Bay.

Recommended accommodation: Cabin, Cedar Spring campground


A guide and visitors in period costumes walking in front of the Victorian home at the Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site.

Day 3


Location: Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, Gravenhurst
Distance: 70 km from Honey Harbour

Dive into the history and life of Dr. Norman Bethune and discover what made him an international hero. Learn about his legacy and experience what it was like to be a stretcher bearer in the trenches of World War I.

Location: Trent—Severn Waterway National Historic Site, lock 42, Washago
Distance: 20 km from Gravenhurst

On the way home, stop by the final lock constructed in the Trent−Severn, which was completed in 1920. Admire the ingenuity that went into building this world renowned waterway!


Distance: Return to Toronto, 160 km


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