Great nearby Road Trips from London Ontario
We are fortunate to live in one of the largest countries in the world with a relatively small population. That’s why even though Ontario isn’t coastal California, or the Swiss alps, we still have breathtaking roads with nearly no traffic. And what better way to enjoy your passion for driving and your car than taking a Sunday drive outside the city with no other purpose other than the drive itself.
Since we are in London, let’s use it as our starting point. All directions lead to what can be a beautiful road trip. We will begin with West, towards Windsor. Our favourite destination in this direction is Point Pelee, and the route we would suggest is taking the #3 from St. Thomas. It only adds 25 min to your total commute to get to the park and the drive is gorgeous with the lake visible most of the time out the drivers side window. It will only take you a total of 2.5 hours to reach the park, and the park itself is another great place for a more relaxed drive. You will pass some interesting small towns and likely never take the 401 to the park ever again.
Another great road trip is to the Scandinave Spa in the Blue Mountains. Most people take the 401 and then north through Barrie but did you know that you can avoid all highways and only add 8 min to your total commute? Not only that but you won’t hit any towns big enough that show up on the map. It’s an epic drive with lots of zig zags that is far from boring. It’s a combination of taking the ON-7 and 121. The best way to get the route is to select “avoid highways” on google maps and you should see the route. In 3 hours you will arrive at one of Canada’s best outdoor spas with outdoor hot and cold pools, steam room and sauna. What more could you ask for after a long beautiful peaceful drive. And what better way to conclude your day at the spa than a peaceful drive home.
If East is your destination, then you might as well hit wine country and the escarpment around Niagara Falls. Except just like we did going North, choose to avoid highways and get ready to be awed. The 401 might be great at getting you to Toronto in a jiffy (when it’s working) but it truly hides what living in Canada is all about. It’s boring and there’s nothing to see except ads and factories. Take the back roads and you will be impressed.
Last but not least, going South. You might be thinking that we are going to suggest to take Wellington Rd to Port Stanley, and as nice as a drive that is, it’s one we have all done before. So let’s make the destination still a beach, but let’s make it Long Point. Not only is Long Point Canada’s Caribbean, but it’s also a little over an hour away, and most people forget that. If you take back roads (again, avoid the highways on your GPS) you will be taken down small back country roads that wind their way around beautiful country land that Canada is know for. When you arrive you will think that you’re at a tropical island, and hate yourself for not coming here before.
Remember road trips are for the scenery and the tranquility of the drive, not to get their as fast as you can. Take it easy out there, and if you’re doing it right you will find that you are getting passed by other cars instead of doing the passing. Now is the best time to be thinking about your spring tune up so you too can enjoy an uneventful road trip. Come in and meet the team at Top Gear, and we will get your car ready. As always, drive safe!