As more and more travel influencers share best-kept travel secrets with the masses through their social media feeds, finding off-the-radar adventures is getting increasingly difficult. Fortunately, Ontario’s Southwest still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve for travellers eager to enjoy excellent experiences that feel like they’re all yours. When it comes to delivering the undiscovered and unexpected, our Ontario’s Southwest Hidden-Gem Genie is here to grant all your getaway wishes!
The Getaway Wish: I Want an All-New Winery with a One-of-a-Kind Vibe
The Hidden Gem To Head To: Skye Chase Estate Winery in St. Thomas
Skye Chase Estate Winery, which recently opened in St. Thomas, is the exciting result of a team of dreamers, adventurers, and planners working together to create a stunning space that encourages connection. There’s no need to wait for sunny summer weather to take in the rolling vineyard views here. Cozy outdoor firepits and windproof wine domes let guests enjoy wine and light bites even if winter weather lingers. Inside, there are multiple picture-perfect perches for discovering some favourite new wines, including a stunning altar bar, lounge area, restaurant, and retail shop.
The Getaway Wish: I Want to Escape with My Self-care Squad for Some Ultra-Private Spa Time
The Hidden Gem To Head To: Thedford’s Shale Ridge Nordic Spa
Want to enjoy a spa circuit that allows you to catch up with besties without being shushed? Next-level your self-care routine with a stay at Shale Ridge Nordic Spa. Groups of up to 10 can book this private luxury wellness retreat, which invites guests to enjoy its cold plunge, thermal pool, Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam room, and salt ritual, without a stranger in sight! There’s also a fully equipped fitness studio for sneaking in a few strength and recovery sessions, and a chef-style kitchen for preparing healthy meals. Guests who enjoy wine and cider will appreciate the added perk of being just steps away from tasting flights and delicious snacking plates at Shale Ridge Winery, located right next door.
The Getaway Wish: I Want to Explore a Historic Neighbourhood Without Fighting Huge Crowds
The Hidden Gem To Head To: London’s Wortley Village
With interesting architecture, peaceful parks, amazing (and affordable) restaurants, and truly unique retail, London’s Wortley Village is a fantastic alternative for travellers looking to enjoy a vibrant, charming community away from the busiest tourist hubs. Explore the community’s tree-lined streets on foot, or hop on a bike and let an expert from London Bicycle Tours guide you through charming streets, hidden laneways and winding park paths. Consider timing your trip with fun annual events, like June’s Gathering on the Green or August’s Wortley Village Jazz & Blues Festival.
The Getaway Wish: I Want to Enjoy a Walk That’s Like Nothing Else In Canada
The Hidden Gem To Head To: St. Thomas Elevated Park
After its completion in 1872, Canada Southern Railway’s Kettle Creek Bridge in St. Thomas quickly became an engineering marvel of its era. Over the last 150 years, that bridge has continued to evolve, including its stunning transformation in 2017 into Canada’s only Elevated Park. With a 95-foot rise from the creek bed, this wheelchair- and dog-friendly park with a 4-km promenade offers can’t-miss views, art installations, and seating areas for walkers who wish to put up their feet and take it all in.
The Getaway Wish: I’m All About Great Drinks, Good Company, and Even Better Laughs
The Hidden Gem To Head To: Windsor’s Walkerville
Toronto’s not the only city with an incredible cool distillery district! In addition to being the home of Hiram Walker & Sons Distillery, one of the largest distilleries in North America, Windsor’s Walkerville historic district boasts craft breweries, a creative food and lively patio scene, excellent shopping, and an outstanding weekly night market. Can’t-miss to-dos to add to your Walkerville wander include a lazy brunch at The Twisted Apron, a relaxed browse at Urban Art Market, Windsor's 100% locally handmade gift shop, a tour of the grand Willistead Manor, a pint at Walkerville Brewery or Chapter Two Brewing Co., and a plate of the house-made sourdough pasta at Nico Walkerville. Since Caesar’s Windsor is just a short Uber ride away, wrap up your night with some big laughs courtesy of the impressive lineup of stand-up comedians regularly performing here, including upcoming shows by Jim Gaffigan and Daniel Tosh.
The Getaway Wish: I Want to Experience a 200+ Animal Sanctuary as its Only Guests
The Hidden Gem To Head To: Charlotte’s Freedom Farm in Dresden
Animal lovers eager to meet an adorable crew of goats, sheep, ponies, cows, donkeys, pigs, birds, cats, rabbits, dogs, and Chewy the alpaca will want to make the trip to Chatham-Kent. Charlotte's Freedom Farm believes that every animal deserves unconditional love and offers a second chance to dozens of delightful animals who might not have had one otherwise. The farm’s private tour option invites groups of up to 10 guests to enjoy a two- or three-hour experience exploring the sanctuary on their own or with a guide. The farm also hosts regular drop-in days during the spring, summer, and fall.
The Getaway Wish: I Want a Trip That Gives Me a True Taste of Life on a Farm
The Hidden Gem To Head To: Udderly Ridiculous Farm in Bright
Oxford County’s Udderly Ridiculous Farm’s Taste of Farm Life is an award-winning way to dive right into farm life and an Ontario’s Southwest Signature Experience! As you hang out with curious alpacas, feed playful goats, meet charming Highland cows, and interact with adorable mini donkeys, your host, Cheryl, will share stories, immersive learning experiences, and farm-fresh flavours that will transport you beyond the barnyard.
The Getaway Wish: I Want to Shift My Car Racing Goals From Daydream to Reality
The Hidden Gem To Head To: Cayuga’s Toronto Motorsports Park
Haldimand County is the place to go for an Exotic Dream Car Experience that lets you push the limits of world-class supercars in a safe and controlled track environment. The 2.5-hour experience includes classroom instruction and a technical briefing, insurance, discovery laps to familiarize yourself with the 1.8-km road racing circuit, and a driving session at the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari F430, Porsche 997 Turbo, or Nissan GT-R.
The Getaway Wish: I Want an Exclusive Night at a Unique Local Spot
The Hidden Gem To Head To: Port Dover’s The Dover George
With only four sumptuous suites, The Dover George in Port Dover is the perfect escape for 4 couples or 8 besties to experience the luxury of having an entire boutique hotel to call their very own! No detail is overlooked in this beautiful hotel that’s just steps away from the shores of Lake Erie and the charming shops and restaurants of Port Dover’s Main Street. Guests are pampered with spa bathrooms, Frette linens, Dyson hairdryers, and a complimentary continental breakfast boasting a bespoke coffee program. Regular pop-up dinners and cooking experiences offered at the hotel are the ultimate addition to your escape.
The Getaway Wish: I Want a Scenic Horseback Trail Ride That Wraps Up With a Cozy Evening Campfire
The Hidden Gem To Head To: Ilderton’s Willow and Water Experiences
A horseback trail ride at Willow and Water Experiences, just minutes outside of London, offers a true escape from everyday life. Watch for bald eagles gliding through the sky as you take an hour-long ride along tree-lined trails on this 96-acre property lined. Upgrade to the Campfire Package to end your ride around a private fire pit with a s’mores board to snack on, locally made cider to sip, cozy blankets, and comfy Muskoka chairs to relax in. Later this year, Willow and Water will launch new glamping tents nestled beside a tranquil river, allowing guests to camp on the property after their ride.