Queen’s University, Kingston

This historic town has plenty of pubs, great dining and Queen’s exuberant school spirit.
Stay: Situated close to campus, the Frontenac Club Inn is housed in an elegant 1845 limestone building.
Eat: For a break from KD, Le Chien Noir (69 Brock St., 613-549-5635) is a cozy spot for AAA steak frites ($26) or duck confit ($25).
See: Some of the city’s most interesting museums are found on campus, including the Agnes Etherington Art Centre (613-533-2190), with some 14,000 artworks.
Shop: Sample the artisanal breads and gourmet takeout at Pan Chancho Bakery and Café (44 Princess St., 613-544-7790), an offshoot of fancy resto Chez Piggy.

Trent University, Peterborough

On the banks of the Otonabee River, Peterborough’s Trent campus has an outdoorsy appeal.
Stay: The luxe Spa Suite at King Bethune House (270 King St., 1-800-574-3664) has its own sauna, steam room, outdoor hot tub and massage room ($299, includes breakfast).
Eat: Nice weather warrants the 40-minute drive for a seat on the patio at the Old Bridge Inn (2057 Old Highway 28, 705-652-8507). Try the asparagus ravioli ($16.95).
See: No paddler worth their salt would miss the Canadian Canoe Museum (910 Monaghan Rd., 705-748-9153), which houses more than 1,000 canoes and artifacts.
Shop: Browse the wide selection of comics and used books at family-run Dixon’s Book Store (383 Water St., 705-742-9656).

University of Western Ontario, London

The forest city boasts period architecture, plenty of green space and an understated charm.
Stay: Set on a hilltop near Western’s campus, Windermere Manor (200 Collip Cir., 1-800-997-4477) is a 1925 Tudor revival pile owned by the university. Some rooms are suite style, with separate kitchen and living areas (double room from $125, suite from $141).
Eat: Tucked in the Museum London, On the Fork Bistro (421 Ridout St. N., 519-850-3675) has organic chicken with wheat berries ($24) and a gorgeous view of the Thames River.
See: The storied Grand Theatre (471 Richmond St., 1-800-265-1593) opened in 1901, and everyone from Mary Walsh to William Hutt has tread its boards.
Shop: A drool-worthy selection of shiny Le Creuset kettles, Bialetti stovetop espresso makers and cookbooks are on offer at Kiss the Cook (551 Richmond St., 519-850-5477).

University of Waterloo, Waterloo

A surging tech centre with soaring property values, Waterloo is coming into its own.
Stay: The lovingly restored 1890 Waterloo Hotel (2 King St. N., 1-877-885-1890) is tricked out with antique furnishings, six-foot-high windows, pine floors and wireless Internet (double from $140).
Eat: Meat-averse undergrads make regular stops at Jane Bond Café (5 Princess St. W., 519-886-1689) for vegetarian fare such as the Whoppie, a hearty, giant-sized lentil-cashew burger ($10.95).
See: The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery (25 Caroline St. N., 519-746-1882) showcases beautiful (sometimes quirky) works made of ceramic, glass and enamel.
Shop: Explore the nearby Mennonite countryside of St. Jacobs and its year-round farmer’s market, which has everything from handcrafted furniture, flowers and produce to locally made maple syrup.