This romantic Ontario town with fairytale charm is one of Canada's top summer destinations
It's just a road trip from Toronto.
Planning some summer escapes? You don't need to go far to experience one of Canada's top summer destinations.
This enchanting Ontario village is gaining traction as a warm-weather escape this year thanks to its storybook streets, European vibes, and endless magic.
Expedia recently released its "Unpack '26 Summer: The Trends in Travel," showcasing how travel behaviour is shaping summer travel decisions.
According ot the report, 53% of Canadian travellers are planning a domestic trip this summer, and interest in this Ontario town has spiked by 25%.
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a dreamy small town nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, about an hour and a half from Toronto.
The village is beautiful year-round, but summer brings a whole new kind of magic to the scene.
You can wander along flower-filled streets, stop by the local cafes, fill up on ice cream, pop into boutiques, and enjoy a range of events throughout the sunny season.
According to Visit Niagara Falls, it's "often described as the prettiest town in Ontario," and is "a well-preserved 19th-century village and the heart of Ontario Wine Country."
There are endless experiences and activities to enjoy during the summer months. You can catch a theatre performance at the Shaw Festival, ride a horse-drawn carriage through the old-world streets, unwind at a spa, and enjoy some of the region's farm-to-table dining.
The area is also famed for its wineries, and you can find endless vineyards scattered around the town. It's a dreamy spot for a wine-hopping adventure, and you can soak up some sun on a patio while sipping local vinos.
Niagara-on-the-Lake offers events throughout the summer, such as Artistry by the Lake and a Peach Festival in September. There are also a number of concerts, outdoor movies, and more to enjoy.
Other Ontario destinations trending for domestic travel this summer include Muskoka and the Blue Mountains.
If you're looking for a dreamy summer escape, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the place to go.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and his wife Diana Fox Carney board a government plane in Ottawa, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Trucks are seen in front of the Chateau Laurier hotel as a protest marked by gridlock and blaring horns reached its 14th day in Ottawa on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
James Cody Bryant, centre, is seen in a court sketch drawn during the accused's appearance in U.S. district court in Seattle on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lois Silver
Trent Vichie, founder and CEO of Everwind, speaks during a funding announcement at Everwind Fuels in Point Tupper, N.S., on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Steve Wadden