There are a host of weekend getaways in the five hour driving range from Toronto. Regardless of which direction you head, you'll find an escape to suit your style - rural or urban, adventurous or serene. At this distance, you can completely escape the city and its surrounding areas for an experience that's altogether different.

Here are my picks for the top weekend getaways five hours from Toronto.

Camp on Pelee Island
Often hailed as one of Ontario's best kept secrets, Pelee Island is a perfect escape from urban life. It's saturated with nature, plus it boasts a thriving community of artists, boutiques and restaurants. Make sure to hit up some of the local wine producers in the area.

Catch your own dinner at Lady Evelyn Lake
Ellen Island Camp is a remote fishing lodge on the pristine waters of Lady Evelyn Lake. Retreat to this northern Ontario spot and spend your days upping your fishing game before retiring to one of its cosy cottages for some rustic charm and a nighttime fire.

Practice your French in Montreal
Montreal is a natural getaway from Toronto in the five hour range. With festivals year-round, booming nightlife (this NYC-style cabaret is fun), food trucks, tons of historic and cultural sites to visit, and a culinary scene that rivals our own (this popular bistro offers cheap meals after 10 p.m.), you might want to reserve three days to explore here.

Feel like you're at camp again at Old Forge, NY
The cool thing about this picturesque corner of New York State is that you can go to find some peace and quiet or to seek thrills. Located in the Adirondack Mountains, you can set up in a chalet as home base, and from there go cycling, take a scenic train ride, try out a water safari, go horseback riding... It's like camp for grown-ups.

Get the best of both worlds in West Michigan
The crystal-clear waters and sugar sand beaches of West Michigan are known as one of America's treasures. If you want to combine your beach adventure with some urban exploring, set up in Grand Rapids and drive to the beach for the day before returning to the city to eat, drink and take in the nightlife. This is a city that's (back) on the rise.

Thanks to the Subaru 2015 XV Crosstrek for sponsoring our weekend getaway adventures.

What did I miss? Leave your suggestions in the comments.

Photo of Grumman 78 courtesy Midnight Poutine.