The Call of the Open Road: Beyond the Bumper-to-Bumper

For the true Backroads for Scenic Drives enthusiast, the destination is often secondary to the journey itself. While Ontario’s major highways connect its bustling cities, the real magic lies on the backroads. These lesser-traveled routes, winding through rolling hills, dense forests, and along the shores of pristine lakes, offer an escape from the daily grind and a chance to truly connect with the province’s natural beauty.

This guide is for those who crave a more intimate Backroads for Scenic Drives experience. We’re trading the four-lane superhighways for a collection of Ontario’s most scenic and thrilling backroads. We’ll explore routes that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a spontaneous afternoon drive, highlighting the hidden gems, charming towns, and breathtaking views that make these journeys unforgettable. So, fill up your tank, pack a picnic, and get ready to discover the side of Ontario you’ve been missing.

The Niagara Parkway: The Prettiest Backroads for Scenic Drives

Sir Winston Churchill famously described the Backroads for Scenic Drives as “the prettiest Sunday afternoon drive in the world,” and it’s easy to see why. This 55-kilometer stretch of road runs along the Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie, passing through the heart of wine country and offering stunning views of the Niagara Gorge.

Why It’s a Scenic Masterpiece

Vineyards and Vistas: The parkway is a sensory delight. On one side, you have the powerful Niagara River, and on the other, meticulously manicured vineyards and orchards. The road itself is smooth, with gentle curves that invite a leisurely pace, perfect for soaking in the scenery.

Charming Stops: The journey is as much about the stops as it is about the drive. Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming 19th-century town, is the perfect starting point. You can visit world-class wineries, explore quaint shops, or enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. As you head south, you’ll pass numerous historical sites, including Queenston Heights Park and the Floral Clock.

Breathtaking Finale: The drive culminates at the awe-inspiring Backroads for Scenic Drives. While the falls are a major tourist attraction, seeing them from the parkway gives you a new perspective on their power and grandeur.

 A Drive for All Seasons

While the parkway is spectacular in the summer, it’s a true hidden gem in the fall and winter. The fall foliage turns the route into a vibrant spectacle of reds, oranges, and yellows. In the winter, the landscape is transformed into a serene wonderland of snow and ice, offering a unique kind of beauty.

The Forks of the Credit Road: Southern Ontario’s Best-Kept Secret

For the enthusiast who loves a challenge, the Forks of the Backroads for Scenic Drives. Located in the Caledon region, just a short drive from Toronto, this twisting and undulating ribbon of asphalt is a local legend among motorcyclists and performance car drivers.

 The Driver’s Delight

Technical Twists and Turns: The road winds its way through the Backroads for Scenic Drives, following the natural contours of the landscape. It features a series of challenging switchbacks, elevation changes, and tight corners that demand your full attention. It’s a perfect place to practice your driving skills in a safe, scenic environment.

Stunning Scenery: The road is surrounded by the lush, protected lands of the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park. The scenery is breathtaking, with deep valleys, thick forests, and the tranquil Credit River flowing alongside the road. In the fall, the colors are simply spectacular.

A Journey to a Hidden Village: The road leads you to the picturesque village of Belfountain, a charming hamlet with a classic general store, a quaint cafe, and the scenic Belfountain Conservation Area, where you can stretch your legs and explore a beautiful suspension bridge.

 A Word of Caution

Due to its popularity, the Forks of the Credit Road can get busy, especially on weekends. Drive with caution, be mindful of cyclists and hikers, and respect the posted speed limits. It’s a place to enjoy the drive, not to race.

The Thousand Islands Parkway: Cruising the St. Lawrence Seaway

Tucked away in Eastern Ontario, the Thousand Islands Parkway is a beautiful 37-kilometer route that runs along the St. Lawrence River between Gananoque and Brockville. This drive offers a constant stream of breathtaking views of the river and its countless islands.

An Island Hopping Fantasy

Island Vistas: The name says it all. The drive offers continuous views of the more than 1,800 islands that dot the Backroads for Scenic Drives. The islands range in size from tiny rocky outcrops with a single tree to large, forested retreats with opulent summer homes.

Historical Charm: The parkway is steeped in history, passing by numerous historical sites, including the ruins of castles and old lighthouses. A boat tour is a must-do from Gananoque to get an even better perspective on the islands.

A Relaxed Pace: This is a drive meant to be savored. The road is relatively flat and has a low speed limit, which is perfect for a leisurely cruise. There are numerous pull-offs and picnic areas where you can stop to take photos or just enjoy the peaceful scenery.

Beyond the Drive

The Thousand Islands region is a destination in itself. After your drive, explore the charming towns of Gananoque or Backroads for Scenic Drives, take a scenic boat tour, or cross the border to the American side for a quick getaway.

The Bruce Peninsula Coastal Route: Rugged Beauty and Turquoise Water

For a longer, more adventurous road trip, the Bruce Peninsula Coastal Route is the answer. This drive takes you through the heart of the Bruce Peninsula, a region known for its rugged limestone cliffs, stunning turquoise waters, and ancient forests.

A Taste of the North, Down South

Dramatic Landscapes: The route offers a constantly changing landscape. You’ll drive through quaint towns, past rolling farmland, and then suddenly find yourself with views of the Georgian Bay coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and Caribbean-like water.

The Grotto and Tobermory: The drive is a prelude to some of Backroads for Scenic Drives most iconic natural attractions. The Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park, with its stunning sea cave and crystal-clear water, is a major highlight. The journey culminates in the picturesque harbor town of Tobermory, where you can catch a ferry to Manitoulin Island.

Perfect for a Weekend Trip: This route is best enjoyed over a full weekend, allowing you enough time to stop, hike, and explore the numerous provincial parks and natural wonders along the way.

The Ultimate Adventure Drive

The Bruce Backroads for Scenic Drives isn’t just a drive—it’s an adventure. It’s a chance to see some of Ontario’s most spectacular scenery and to experience the raw, rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield without having to drive to Northern Ontario.

The Southwood Road Cottage Country’s Twistiest Road

While Muskoka is known for its serene lakes and charming cottages, it’s also home to one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets for a thrilling drive: the Southwood Road, also known as Muskoka Road 13.

A Twist on Cottage Country

Winding Through the Trees: This 26-kilometer road connects Highway 118 with Highway 11. Unlike the wide, straight highways, Southwood Road is a winding, twisting roller coaster through the dense forests of Muskoka. The pavement is generally smooth, and the corners are perfectly banked, making it a joy to drive.

The Sights and Sounds: The route takes you past pristine lakes, massive granite rock faces, and beautiful cottage properties. You’ll feel a sense of isolation and tranquility, even as you enjoy the dynamic nature of the road.

A Detour to Discovery: A drive on Southwood Backroads for Scenic Drives is a great way to break up the monotonous journey to cottage country. It’s a perfect detour for those heading to Backroads for Scenic Drives or Gravenhurst, adding a dose of excitement to your weekend trip.

Embrace the Unexpected

The Southwood Road is a reminder that the most rewarding drives are often the ones you don’t plan for. It’s a testament to the fact that even in the most well-known parts of Backroads for Scenic Drives, there are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.