While the focus is often about getting us from point A to B, our vehicles also offer freedom, discovery and adventure. They can be about experiences that transform the act of driving into something memorable, whether through destination, luxury, adrenaline, or social events that provide the opportunity for people to connect. From winding country roads to racetracks and curated mystery tours (see my Road Trip story in this issue for more information), the car journey itself becomes part of the story — sometimes even the best part.
Scenic Drives, Near and Far
There’s a special kind of magic in a scenic drive, especially when the road itself feels like part of the destination. Add in your favourite playlist or podcast via your vehicle’s sound system and heated seating, and you have a living room on wheels.
In Norfolk County, the route along the Lake Erie shoreline offers a peaceful meandering journey through rural landscapes that invite you to slow down and take it all in. Rolling past fields, forests and vineyards, the drive becomes a sensory experience, with the sunlight flickering through tree canopies, and occasional roadside stands offering local products.
At the heart of this experience is the Burning Kiln Winery, a destination that beautifully captures the spirit of transformation. Once a tobacco farm, the site has been thoughtfully repurposed, with kilns once used to dry tobacco leaves now playing a role in the winery’s unique appassimento wine-making process.
Visitors are welcomed into tasting rooms that echo the past while celebrating the present. The wines are crafted with care, character, and a nod to the region’s heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon, the experience at Burning Kiln is where history, innovation and the joy of the drive converge.
Few experiences rival the legendary Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii. Stretching over 103 kilometers of the dramatic Pacific shoreline, the drive features 630 curves and hairpin turns. A total of 59 bridges — 49 of them single-lane — cut through lush valleys and dramatic gulches that challenge and reward skilled drivers.
The scenery is nothing short of spectacular, from the vibrant Rainbow Eucalyptus Grove in The Garden of Eden, to cascading waterfalls and the fascinating Hana Lava Tube, a natural underground cave formed by ancient volcanic flows. Friends who had taken this trip recommended the GuideAlong GPS audio tours app. They said the real-time insights and directions “felt like there was a guide sitting next to you in the car,” and we recently enjoyed the same experience.
The Mystery Drive
For those who crave spontaneity and surprise, Guess Where Trips offers a playful twist on the traditional road trip. These curated one-day mystery car trips come with sealed envelopes that guide you through a series of stops, each one a surprise until you open the next. It’s a concept that turns the drive into a treasure hunt, perfect for couples, families or solo adventurers looking to rediscover the joy of the unknown and the open road.
Whether it’s stumbling upon a hid-den waterfall, a quirky pub or a local historical gem you never knew existed, the experience is about embracing the unexpected. And for those who want to take the mystery even further, the newly launched Detour Club’s Detour Diaries add depth to the journeys. With interactive journals, curated guides and road trip games, it’s designed for travelers who know that the journey itself can be just as fun, if not more so, than the destination.
Track Nights at Grand Bend Motorplex
Not every car-based experience has to be about leisure; some are about adrenaline. At Whitelaw Automotive’s Wednesday Evening Open Lapping events at the Grand Bend Motorplex, everyday drivers get the chance to feel like racers. The concept is simple: bring your own car, no experience required. The track is open to all, with safety and structure built in through groupings based on experience level.
It’s an accessible way to dip into motorsport without the pressure or cost of professional racing. Drivers get to push their vehicles in a controlled environment, learning the limits of their machines and their own reflexes. Registration is easy and online, making it approachable for anyone curious about stepping into the thrill of the track. For many, it’s not just about speed; it’s about confidence, control and the sheer joy of driving.
A repurposed tobacco kiln at Burning Kiln Winery in
Norfolk County OPPOSITE PAGE The Road to Hana on Maui in Hawaii
The Porsche Experience Centre
For those who dream of precision engineering and high-performance vehicles, the Porsche Experience Centre in Pickering offers more than just a thrill. It is an immersive, hands-on introduction to the art of driving. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious, the Centre provides in-class instruction, expert coaching and on-track sessions that let you feel the full potential of Porsche’s legendary performance.
One of the people behind this experience is Gerhard Metzger, a name well-known in southwestern Ontario. Metzger is not only a Porsche and Trillium BMW driving instructor — he’s also an award-winning butcher and the owner of Metzger Meats, a local institution based in Hensall. His journey into performance driving began growing up near the Porsche factory in Germany. “I always admired the cars, since I was young,” he says. That admiration turned into ownership in 2012, when he bought his first Porsche and soon after became a certified driving instructor.
Metzger brings a unique blend of precision, passion and approachability to the track. For those who don’t yet own a Porsche, he recommends the Porsche Experience Centre as the perfect way to get behind the wheel. These sessions, often purchased as gifts, allow drivers to explore the brand’s capabilities through structured learning and exhilarating track time.
It’s not just about luxury, it’s about understanding the machine, refining your skills and experiencing the road in a way that’s both thrilling and deeply personal.
Car Club Communities
For many drivers, the joy of owning a car goes beyond the vehicle itself; it’s about the community that comes with it. Across Canada and beyond, car clubs offer a space for enthusiasts to connect, learn and share their passion. These clubs, often organized by brand or model, bring together people who speak the same automotive language, whether it’s the refined power of a Porsche engine or the nostalgic charm of a classic MINI.
Craig Hardy, President of CLAY Design, Construction & Cabinetry, knows this firsthand. He spent several years participating in both local London and national MINI car club events with his daughter, Becky. “The local London MINI club was very active when I was part of it,” Hardy recalls. “They met every few months for a get-together and a drive.” As their interest grew, the father-daughter duo took part in sections of two coast-to-coast MINI road trips. “We had a blast! Becky was allowed to drive on a racetrack in Detroit!” he says. The national group, backed by MINI Corp, organized multi-day events and long-distance drives that blended adventure with camaraderie.
The Porsche Experience Centre, Pickering ON
The Porsche Club of America, Upper Canada Region hosts a wide range of events, driver education programs, social gatherings and organized tours, from scenic East Coast drives to breathtaking trips through British Columbia. Track days at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (formerly Mosport) give members a chance to test their skills in a safe, structured environment.
Whether it’s a casual car meet, a cross-country tour or a weekend track session, car clubs offer something special: a chance to turn driving into a shared adventure. “It’s a social event for people to connect via cars,” says Metzger. For many, it’s not just about horsepower, it’s about connection.
More Than Just a Drive
From winding vineyard roads to high-performance tracks, mystery tours to car club meetups, the experiences we have in our cars are as varied as the vehicles themselves. What begins as a simple drive often becomes something more, a chance to explore, to connect, to learn, and to feel the thrill of the road beneath us.
So the next time you turn the ignition, consider where the road might take you — not just geographically, but experientially. Because sometimes, the best part of a journey is the drive itself.
