Between Toronto And Detroit Lies Lake Huron's Largest City With Stunning Beaches

Between the bustling metropolis of Toronto and the large Midwestern city of Detroit lie dozens of smaller towns and cities with their own personalities. If you live in or frequent the area, though, you might be wondering which of those destinations are worth visiting for longer than a pit stop. Luckily, there is one such place, located on the southern tip of Lake Huron, that is definitely primed for a weekend or even week-long getaway. About an hour east of Detroit, you'll find Sarnia, Ontario, home to Blue Flag beaches, art galleries, and plenty more to do whether you're vacationing with the whole family or having a romantic getaway for two.

Right across the St. Clair River from smaller Port Huron (population 28,000 and home to one of the Great Lakes' most stunning lighthouses in winter), Sarnia boasts a population of around 70,000, making it Lake Huron's largest city. As such, it isn't exactly a sleepy town. In fact, around 2 million tourists visit Sarnia and the surrounding region each year. That's no surprise given its proximity to the lake, general affordability, and fairly enjoyable climate.

Start the day in Sarnia with an omelet from South East Cafe, a local favorite with an eccentric vibe that serves breakfast all day long. For a quicker morning fix, Blackwater Coffee Co. is perfect for picking up your favorite hot or cold espresso drink and a pastry or bagel. If it's a Wednesday or Saturday, consider dropping by the year-round Sarnia Farmer's Market next. It's a great spot to pick up yummy snacks or souvenirs like cheese curds, mini donuts, and local honey.

Of course, Sarnia's hundreds of miles of lake front are really what makes the city a popular destination. Bright's Grove is known as an ideal spot for swimming, picnicking, and water sports. You can also spend a full day exploring Canatara Park, home to the wheelchair accessible, Blue Flag-recognized Canatara Beach. Blue Flag beaches are designated as such by meeting certain safety, environmental, educational, and accessibility criteria, making them ideal vacation destinations. Not only a great spot for sunbathing and splashing in the water, the park is also home to walking trails, a kid's playground and animal farm, a BMX bike track, and even a seasonal children's train.

Culture also abounds in Sarnia. Peruse the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery or the more modest gallery at The Lawrence House Centre For The Arts, a community-based, non-profit arts organization. The Imperial Theatre is another Sarnia cultural institution that hosts touring bands, plays, musicals, and ballets. Speaking of live music, the Rüstr Music Hall and Club is a great spot to check out smaller acts and tribute bands on stage. End your night at Maud's Variety, a beloved local bar hosting vinyl nights, karaoke, bingo, and live music.

Sarnia's proximity to Detroit makes it a perfect weekend getaway in the area. Located just an hour north, U.S.-based tourists can easily fly into Detroit Metro Airport first and then drive across the border. Michigan's St. Clair County International Airport is another U.S.-based option. Canadian visitors, meanwhile, will find that Sarnia is a leisurely three-hour drive west from Toronto (itself a perfect destination for your next fall getaway). If you're in a different province and don't plan to explore Toronto, fly into London International Airport, just an hour east of Sarnia.

Once there, you can expect very affordable accommodations year round. The Insignia Hotel, for example, is a 4-star hotel under the Marriott umbrella that averages around $100 a night and is right across the river. There are also even more budget-friendly options, like the Quality Inn, which ranges from $50 to $70 a night depending on the season.

While you can certainly visit in the winter, when temperatures generally hover between 15 and 30 degrees, the lake is definitely most enjoyable in the summertime. Sarnia's summer weather generally doesn't cross past 80 degrees, making it perfect for spending lots of time kayaking, boating, or simply reading a good book by the beach. Don't forget to pack a bathing suit, sunscreen, and some layers for the evening, when the temps can dip into the 60s even on the warmest days.

For more short trip ideas, check out our roundup of the best weekend getaways from across the globe.