5 spots near Toronto to check out on your first weekend getaway in the new year

The holiday season may be over, but the good times don’t have to be.

Kick off the new year with a weekend getaway! It’s the perfect way to unwind after the hustle and bustle of December festivities and start 2025 on a good note. And, best of all, this vacation doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg with so many great destinations just a hop, skip, and a GO away.

Thanks to GO Transit, local tourism is as easy as it is affordable. Here are five Ontario locations to consider for a weekend trip, with unlimited travel across the GO network starting as low as $10 per day.

See Niagara Falls

No matter the weather, Niagara Falls is a must-see at any time of year. If you’re willing to embrace the chill, you can take the Journey Behind the Falls for a unique perspective of the cascading falls from below and behind, Zipline to the Falls across the breathtaking frozen landscape from above, or stroll alongside the picturesque Falls on the Niagara Parkway.

To get there, take advantage of the GO/WEGO Niagara Falls Combo Pass with one or two-day tickets that include GO train fare and a 24/48-hour pass for Niagara’s local bus, called WEGO. Taking the kiddos along? Children 12 and under ride for free on GO Transit.

Relax in Burlington

If you prefer your vacations on the relaxing side, then Burlington is the place to be. Get pampered at The Pearle Spa, visit local shops along Village Square, check out the Art Gallery of Burlington, and end your day with dinner and drinks at the exquisite Paradiso Restaurant.

You can take advantage of special fares like the One-Day Weekend Pass for $10 or the Weekday Group Pass starting at $30, which includes unlimited travel across the GO network — all trains, lines, and buses included. And, as always, kids under 12 ride free.

Discover Barrie’s charm

Go walking in the winter wonderland that is Barrie, a charming city with activities and attractions for everyone.

Escape into nature’s beauty by exploring the Nature Preserve nearby at Friday Harbour in Innisfil, feast on the famous fish and chips at Dirty Oar Public House for lunch, and hit the trails on rented fat bikes or snowshoes during golden hour, before dining on local flavours and panoramic views at Lake Club Restaurant.

Skip the drive and bask in the comfort of GO Transit with the One-Day Weekend Pass for $10 or the Weekday Group Pass starting at $30.

Indulge in Hamilton

Calling all foodies! Hamilton is the place to go for an exceptional culinary journey. Grab a delectable ‘Drive Thru’ breakfast sandwich from St. James Eatery and one of the best brews in Hamilton from Relay Coffee before hitting up some of the city’s galleries or next-level antique and thrift shops.

After a lunch of homemade soups and sides from The Burnt Tongue and some local shopping, end your day of indulgence with dinner at Rapscallion, a cozy restaurant with a tantalizing, rotating menu that blends traditional and avant-garde culinary techniques. And, no need to worry about your ride home thanks to the GO Transit options available. Bon appetit!

Traverse Toronto

This list wouldn’t be complete without Toronto! If you don’t already live in the bustling city, GO Transit makes it easy to zip in and out whenever it suits you, allowing you to move around freely and avoid gridlock where possible.

Toronto has all sorts of experiences that you can save money on by using the perks of your PRESTO card, such as the Illuminarium light exhibit, The Second City comedy shows, Toronto Marlies games, the Royal Ontario Museum, and more.

Meanwhile, the Distillery District has plenty of dining options, and there’s always some sort of sporting event or live show happening downtown!

So, kick off 2025 on a positive note by exploring beautiful Ontario with GO Transit. Check out the website for further information, and start planning your trip today!