A One-Way Road Trip You’ll Never Forget
Embark on a foodie tour across the Great Lakes: wineries, diners & breweries with a scenic one-way road trip from Ontario to Upstate New York. Whether you’re heading south from Ontario into the U.S. or taking the reverse route, this journey offers a mix of vineyard tastings, craft breweries, and iconic diners that will satisfy any culinary craving.
Planning a road trip like this can be overwhelming, especially when crossing borders. Luckily, US Canada Auto Transport makes it easy to ship your vehicle one way, so you can focus on tasting your way through the Great Lakes without worrying about the return drive.
If you’re visiting New York, check out our guide on shipping a car to New York from Ontario for helpful tips and information on border crossings and don’t miss New York to Ontario: The Great Lakes Getaway for a scenic look at the journey itself.
Day 1: Ontario → Niagara & Buffalo
Start your adventure in Southern Ontario, heading toward the U.S. border near Niagara. Your first stop is the Niagara Wine Region on the U.S. side, where local wineries offer tastings and scenic picnic areas.
Lunch: Grab a light meal at a winery overlooking the vineyards.
Dinner: Head into Buffalo for a classic diner experience or a brewpub dinner featuring local craft beers.
Drive Time: ~2–3 hours
Scenic Detour: The Niagara Escarpment offers rolling vineyards and lakeside views perfect for a quick photo stop.
Hotel Recommendation: Mid-range hotel in Buffalo/Niagara Falls area (~US$130–150/night).
Day 2: Buffalo → Rochester → Finger Lakes
Travel east toward Rochester, stopping at Rohrbach Brewing Company for lunch. Sample their wood-fired dishes and local beers before continuing into the Finger Lakes region.
Afternoon: Explore local breweries or wineries along the way.
Dinner: Dine in Geneva, NY at The Deluxe Grill or a seasonal tasting menu at FLX Table for a farm-to-table experience.
Drive Time: ~3–4 hours total
Hotel Recommendation: Geneva On The Lake boutique resort overlooking Seneca Lake.
Day 3: Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Spend the day exploring the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, known for its more than 50 wineries. Enjoy tastings, lakeside picnics, and the region’s charming small towns.
Lunch: Stop at a winery offering seasonal dishes or light bites.
Dinner: Return to Geneva On The Lake for a seasonal farm-to-table dinner at Diciannove Dieci (1910).
Scenic Detour: Visit Watkins Glen State Park for a gorge hike and waterfalls.
Hotel Recommendation: Geneva On The Lake.
Day 4: Cayuga Lake & Ithaca
Head to Cayuga Lake, part of the Finger Lakes AVA, and enjoy another day of winery and brewery hopping.
Lunch: Lunch at a local winery along Cayuga Lake.
Dinner: Ithaca Commons offers a variety of farm-to-table dining options.
Drive Time: ~1 hour local driving
Scenic Detour: Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway winds past vineyards, orchards, and lake overlooks.
Hotel Recommendation: Hampton Inn or Country Inn & Suites in Ithaca (~US$140–160/night).
Day 5: Keuka Lake & Hammondsport
Spend the day exploring the Keuka Lake Wine Trail. Visit boutique wineries like Dr. Frank’s, and stop at Keuka Brewing Co. for craft beer.
Lunch: Lakeside winery picnic or tasting menu.
Dinner: Cozy bistro in Hammondsport or nearby.
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Hotel Recommendation: Best Western Plus Hammondsport Hotel (~US$140–160/night).
Day 6: Finger Lakes → Rochester
Return toward Rochester, taking scenic routes and stopping at local diners or breweries.
Lunch: Stop in a Finger Lakes village diner or brewery.
Dinner: Rohrbach Brewing Company in Rochester offers German-style pub fare.
Drive Time: ~1.5–2 hours
Hotel Recommendation: Mid-range hotel in Rochester (~US$140/night).
Tip: Use our Road Trip Planner to customize your route and map out must-see stops.
Day 7: Rochester → Ontario
Drive back to Ontario, stopping along the way for lunch or final tastings. This completes your one-way trip, giving you the freedom to ship your car with US Canada Auto Transport, so you don’t have to retrace your route.
Drive Time: ~2–3 hours depending on border crossing
Tips for a Smooth Cross-Border Foodie Adventure
- Border Crossing: Have your passport and vehicle documents ready. Check COVID or customs regulations before traveling.
- Designated Drivers: When tasting wines or beers, plan for a designated driver or use ride-sharing/local taxi services.
- Timing: Many wineries and breweries have limited hours; check ahead to ensure you can enjoy tastings.
- Booking Hotels: Early reservations in Finger Lakes towns ensure the best mid-range options.
Why Take This Trip?
A foodie tour across the Great Lakes: wineries, diners & breweries combines the best of culinary experiences, scenic driving, and flexible travel. Whether you’re driving south from Ontario to New York or taking the reverse route, this road trip offers freedom, adventure, and unforgettable meals.
Plan your route using our Road Trip Planner and let US Canada Auto Transport handle your car shipping so you can focus on enjoying every winery, diner, and brewery along the way.
Check out our New York to Ontario guide for inspiration on the return journey.
Google Maps Itinerary
View the Ontario to Upstate New York Road Trip:
