📅 March 19, 2026 | 111 RENTALS ONTARIO

5 Best Small Towns in Ontario for a Day Trip

If you’re looking to get out of the city and onto the water or the trails, Ontario has some incredible spots just a short drive away. We’ve rounded up five of our favorite small towns that offer the perfect mix of scenery and high-speed action.
Whether you are hauling a Jet Ski GTA rental or looking for the best place to off-road with 111 Rentals, these spots belong on your summer bucket list.

Port Carling (The Hub of the Lakes)

This is the heart of Muskoka. Port Carling is famous for its “large wall” of photos, but for us, it’s all about the water. It connects Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau, making it a prime spot to cruise past massive cottages and hidden bays.
The Action: This is the best place to open up a PWC Rental and explore the “Big Three” lakes.
The Stop: Grab a burger at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka right on the water, then walk over to the Muskoka Lakes Museum to see the vintage wooden boats that made this area famous.

Grand Bend (The Beach Party)

If you want that “ocean” feel without the salt, Grand Bend on Lake Huron is the place. It’s high energy and has some of the best waves in the province for catching air.
The Action: The wide-open shoreline is perfect for testing the speed of your Sea-Doo rental.
The Stop: After you’re done on the lake, hit the main strip for some fries or check out the Lambton Heritage Museum just down the road to see the history of the local dunes.

Kearney (The Gateway to the Wild)

For the ATV and Side-by-Side fans, Kearney is legendary. It sits right on the edge of Algonquin Park and serves as a massive hub for the forest trails.
The Action: This is where you bring a 111 Rentals ATV to get muddy on the Algonquin West ATV Club trail system.
The Stop: Stop at the Kearney General Store for supplies before heading into the bush. If you need a break, the hiking views at Rainy Lake are unbeatable.

Tobermory (The Crystal Clear Coast)

Located at the very tip of the Bruce Peninsula, the water here is so clear and blue you’ll swear you’re in the Caribbean.
The Action: Riding here feels different than anywhere else. It’s the ultimate backdrop for your @jetskigta photos.
The Stop: You have to see The Grotto from the water—it’s the best view in the province. Just keep an eye on your depth finder; the shipwrecks in Fathom Five National Marine Park are cool to see, but the rocks are no joke!

Haliburton (The Rider’s Highland)

Haliburton is the “quieter” cousin to Muskoka, but the riding is just as good. With deep lakes and a massive network of managed forest trails, it’s a power sports playground.
The Action: Perfect for a weekend trip with a multi-day rental package.
The Stop: Check out the Haliburton Sculpture Forest for some unique photos, or head up to the Skyline Park lookout for a panoramic view of your riding territory.

Conclusion: Your Next Adventure is Closer Than You Think

You don’t need a week off or a massive budget to experience the best of Ontario. Whether you’re carving through the turquoise waters of Tobermory or hitting the muddy trails in Kearney, these small towns prove that the best adventures are usually found just a few hours from the GTA.
At 111 Rentals, we don’t just provide the gear—we provide the gateway to these experiences. Whether you need a high-performance Jet Ski GTA rental for a day at the beach or a rugged ATV for a weekend in the highlands, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to ride? Don’t wait for the weekend to disappear. Space fills up fast during the peak season, especially for our popular multi-day cottage packages.
Browse Our Full Fleet
Check Jet Ski Availability
Call/Text Us: 647-407-4016
See you on the water (or the trail)!

About 111 Rentals

Dominate every terrain with the region’s premier powersports rentals. From high-performance Jet Ski and Wave Runner rentals for summer lake days to rugged ATV and side-by-side rentals for off-road trail riding, and mountain-ready snowmobile rentals for deep powder adventures—we have the fleet to get you there. At 111 Rentals, we provide late-model motorized rentals, top-tier safety gear, and expert local guidance to ensure your next outdoor trek is legendary.