What is your favourite Sunday drive in the Greater Toronto Area?

Heading out on an afternoon drive has been an escape for many over the last year. The ability to jump into your vehicle and hit the road — even on a short trip — to experience nature and get out of the house has allowed for some form of escape during the pandemic. This is even more true for travel journalists and destination marketers who are used to always being on the go.

We asked parenting and travel writer and media personality Kathy Buckworth, travel consultant and writer Loren Christie and Charmaine Singh, president and CEO of Reach Global Marketing (which represents destinations around the world), to tell use where they like to drive on a Sunday afternoon. Share your favourite excursion with use at wheels@thestar.ca.

“A drive along Lake Ontario is always a good choice and heading out to Burlington takes you to an area that feels like a small town but with big city energy. Take the Burloak Drive exit on the Queen Elizabeth Way and drive toward Lakeshore Road. Head west and you’ll soon pass by Burlington’s charming downtown, with its unique shops and restaurants, around Brant Street. Take a few minutes to walk the waterfront trails and Brant Street Pier. Continue driving west and take Lake Shore Boulevard East. You will soon arrive at to the gorgeous LaSalle Park, which features a marina, splash pad and pavilion.”

— Kathy Buckworth

“Last October, I left my Toronto neighbourhood and headed up to Caledon in search of maple leaves for a work assignment. The drive was mostly urban sprawl until it wasn’t. I was suddenly humming along country roads surrounded by fields of corn stalks and roadside trees brimming with vibrant autumn colours. But I wasn’t looking for those leaves. I was headed to the Spirit Tree Estate Cidery where owner Thomas Wilson was serving up his signature dishes that, for a few weeks in the fall, included deep fried maple leaves as an ingredient. Throw in a cider tasting (I wasn’t driving) and some amazing baked goods and it was a delicious afternoon.”

— Loren Christie

“A Sunday drive has become one of my favourite things to do during to past year and I look forward to it every weekend. I love Oakville’s Lakeshore Road and the views of Lake Ontario. It has become my special place. Not only is the view incredible, but the area offers the best retail therapy, delicious restaurants and some of my favourite places for sweets. The lineup at the Black Forest Bakery is always worth the wait. Recently, the Lemonwood Boutique customized my shopping experience without notice. I just had to have that sweater with the word ‘Weekend!’ on it and those slippers for my mom. This little neighbourhood centres me.”

— Charmaine Singh