For those stuck in the mind-altering ugliness of Southern Ontario, here are some easy day trips to take.

Caledon
Located in the southern reaches of the Headwaters region and less than an hour's drive northwest of Toronto, the Town of Caledon offers a distinctive urban/rural setting to its visitors. Major natural features such as the Oak Ridges Moraine and the Niagara Escarpment, as well as the Humber and Credit river valleys, green spaces and productive agricultural land of the Peel Plain create some of the most beautiful scenery in the Greater Toronto Area. Caledon is peppered with historic villages such as Terra Cotta, Inglewood, Cheltenham, Bolton, Belfountain and more, making it a day-trippers paradise.

Dufferin
Dufferin County takes in the central and northern most reaches of Headwaters. The County consists of three towns: Mono, Orangeville and Shelburne, and five rural townships: Amaranth, East Garafraxa, East Luther-Grand Valley, Melancthon and Mulmur. Over half of the County's population lives in Orangeville, the heart of Headwaters. The beautiful Niagara Escarpment forms a dividing ridge through the County. It is easily accessed via the Bruce Trail or the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. Other highlights of the County's natural heritage are the Grand River, a Canadian Heritage River, Luther Lake and Marsh and the Nottowasaga river system.

The Town of Erin
Located in the southwest corner of the Headwaters region, the town of Erin consists of 10,000 plus residents in an area of 360 square kilometres (140 square miles). The village of Erin and Hillsburgh offer interesting opportunities for shopping and dining as well as the annual Thanksgiving Fall Fair in the village of Erin. The Hamlets of Ballinifad, Crewson's Corners, Ospringe, Cedar Valley and Orton are residential communities, each with their own personalities. All are close to the trails and streams that make the trip 'back to nature' so convenient.

Township of Mulmur
Mulmur contains the most diverse landscape of Dufferin County.  The township of Mulmur features:  rivers, steep hills, plunging valleys, and some of the best farm land in the area.  Due to the varied landscape Mulmur offers a large array of outdoor activities for tourists and locals year round.  These activities include:  cross country and downhill skiing, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, and farm experiences (have sex with pigs if that's what you want). Most visitors who explore Mulmur are pleasantly surprised to find it has vistas that rival any in Ontario.  To experience these vistas book an adventure with one of Mulmur’s many horseback riding facilities (but not with Crusty).   If adrenaline is what you crave, then come in the winter for the so-so downhill skiing.  If history and education is your cup of tea, stop in at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives, and learn about the history of Dufferin.  The Museum is located at the corner of Hwy 89 and Airport Road.  Finally, if all you want is a little relaxation; Mulmur offers that as well with peaceful fishing spots located on the Boyne and Pine Rivers which were once used to power the mills in the region.

Town of Mono
Hills, trees, streams and meadows… these are the words that one uses to describe the Town of Mono.  The must see sight in the town is the astounding Mono Cliffs Provincial Park with 1,300 acres to explore.  Here the Bruce Trail runs right through the park but there are also many other trails to explore.  Bike, hike or horseback ride through this beautiful scene in summer, spring, winter or fall; see the geological wonders of dolomite crevices by taking the staircase the park features right through the Niagara Escarpment. The Town of Mono is situated at the south-east corner of Dufferin County, just north of Caledon. It stretches from Highway #9 north about twelve miles to Highway #89, and west to its border with the Township of Amaranth about ten miles away. More here.

Brighton
Located on scenic Highway 2 on the shores of Lake Ontario. Many visit the area to fish Presqu'ile Bay for trophy walleye and pike or alternatively, head out into Lake Ontario for championship salmon and trout fishing. Boaters can enjoy shallow and deep water boating. At Presqu'ile Provincial Park, visitors can enjoy swimming, camping, windsurfing, diving, nature programs and a host of activities for the day tripper or camper, including a Heritage Centre at the oldest operating lighthouse on the north shore of Lake Ontario. Visit Proctor House Museum, said to be haunted by the Nix ghost, and see the 'widows walk' with views of the Bay, or Memory Junction with its railway memorabilia.

Bancroft
Located on the Hastings Heritage Trail, Bancroft is set in the spectacular scenery of the Precambrian Shield. It boasts examples of almost all the rocks and minerals found in North America. Here in this "Mineral Capital of Canada", you can search for beautiful mineral-laden rocks in old mines that have been mapped and groomed. Before you leave the area, witness the breathtaking vista of forests, rivers and open fields from atop Eagle's Nest Lookout, located just outside of town.

Renfrew
Situated in the heart of the Upper Ottawa Valley and surrounded by pristine forests and waterways, Renfrew was named for the town and shire in Scotland. Stroll across the Bonnechere River on the swinging footbridge, one of the last remaining in all of Ontario, or explore one of the many regional attractions including the McDougall Mill Museum. Once a flour mill and built in 1855, the three storey stone building displays period clothing, wartime souvenirs, military uniforms and a collection of local history.

Bonnechere Caves in nearby Eganville is a sight to behold. Caves twisting their way through the rock display stalactites and fossils of coral and sea creatures which lived long before the age of dinosaurs. The caves are said to have been the bottom of a tropical sea some 500 million years ago. These limestone caverns carved over thousands of years since the last ice age have been painstakingly drained and set up for guided tours.