1 hour trip from toronto

10 Places Within One Hour From Toronto To Explore

Share This Post!

There are days where you want to get into a car and explore. Yet, you only want to do a day trip from Toronto. What are the places within one hour from Toronto to explore?

We’ve done many one-day trips from our hometown of Burlington that anybody in the Toronto area can do as well. Although there’s traffic during the day, if you’re heading out early in the morning to these destinations, you’ll have a quick drive.

Top List of Places Within One Hour From Toronto For Day Trips

Based on our experiences, I’m sharing a list of favourite places within one hour from Toronto for day trips. We’ve visited these places several times over the years and have seen some changes in how many tourists check them out.

Our best tips are to head out early in the morning. Pack something to eat and drink. And wear the right footwear. Prepare to be outdoors! And finally, pack your patience if it’s crowded. It’s still worth the effort getting there and exploring!

1 // Hendrie Valley – Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG), Burlington

Grab your comfortable walking shoes, binoculars or telephoto lenses for the DSLR camera. Check out the many birds, small animals, amphibians and insects that call this sheltered valley home.

Hendrie Valley has a boardwalk around the marshy areas. As well, it has a trail that runs around the slopes with old growth trees. This is a spot where you can pause and wait silently for the wildlife to show up. Nuthatches love to nibble seed off your hands.

Trails here are fairly easy and you may want to head over to Cootes Paradise close by for more exploration. Or you can explore Burlington’s downtown core or the Royal Botanical Gardens. 

Cost : Free to enter; paid parking lot. Directions : Major access points are along Plains Rd, Hamilton and include RBG Centre and Cherry Hill Gate. For more information check out the RBG.

2 // Canadian Art At The McMichael Canadian Art Collection

One of my favourite places within one hour from Toronto is the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

Situated just about an hour’s drive north of Toronto in Kleinburg, the McMichael gallery is the best place to see any of the Group of Seven’s paintings, and the works of my favourite painter, Emily Carr. Other art on exhibit is First Nations and Inuit art, and modern, contemporary Canadian works.

If inspired by the paintings to get closer to nature, check out the many trails on the conservation lands (about 100 acres) by the East Humber Valley right next to the gallery. The Kortright Conservation Centre is right next to it if you are desiring a longer walk.

See the McMichael Art Gallery website for up-to-date information on times and tickets.

Directions : Take Hwy. 400 north to Major Mackenzie Drive. Turn left (west) on Major Mackenzie Drive to Islington Avenue. Turn right (north) on Islington Avenue into the village of Kleinburg. Try the   Art Bus service , which offers transportation from downtown Toronto to the gallery.

3 // Spend An Afternoon Or Evening In Port Credit, Mississauga

If you haven’t visited Port Credit recently , you may be surprised by the revitalization the area is undergoing. This area, and particularly the waterfront, will make you wish downtown Toronto had the same look and feel.

About an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto, take the QEW to Cawthra Rd or Hurontario Rd. Head south and you will find yourself in the heart of a vibrant community.

There are so many things to do in Mississauga . Dining, walking along the marina and lighthouse or grabbing an ice cream on a hot day are just a few things. 

Walk along the waterfront. If you head east of the Port Credit Harbour Marina you’ll reach Adamson Estate, one of the historic buildings in Mississauga. Heading west, you will pass through lovely J C Saddington Park and Rhododendron Gardens.

In the evening, check out the nightlife at one of the many bars and lounges. It’s much easier to enjoy the evening here, than in downtown Toronto.

Port Credit parking : paid parking along Hurontario and some side streets. Your best bet for free parking is the parking lot behind Snug Harbour Restaurant (Stavebank Road, south of Lakeshore Road), and the huge lot by the Port Credit library (entrance to the parking lot is via Stavebank Road, north of Lakeshore, first street on the left at High Street).

4 // Hike At Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

You’d think it was much farther, but if you’re up early, Mono Cliffs is one of the places within one hour from Toronto that takes you into nature.

Probably one of the quieter hiking trails this close to Toronto, Mono Hills is lush and green during the summer period.

Bring good hiking shoes with treads, insect repellent and lots of water with you. The trails at the 750-hectare Mono Cliffs Provincial Park take you into woods, swampy areas and up steep hills that I like to call “Heartbreak Ridges”. This park is part of the Niagara Escarpment. It features a limestone plain, rock crevices and a meadow full of wild plants and flowers.

There are many trails at Mono Cliffs Provincial Park offering several hours worth of wandering. Views from the top of the cliff lookouts are pretty on a clear day.

Directions from Toronto : take Airport Road to Mono Centre Road (Dufferin County Road 8), and then go west to 3rd Line E.H.S., and then north one km on 3rd Line E.H.S.

Cost : parking – for one hour $3.00; 2 hours $5.00; full day $11.00.

For more information about Mono Hills, check out the write up on hiking at Mono Hill in the winter on Outdoor Adventurers.

| Related: Top Day Trips From Toronto

5 // Check Out The Waterfalls In Hamilton

Hamilton has over 126 waterfalls. Yes, you read that correctly. Some of the most spectacular ones are Tews Falls, Webster Falls , Albion Falls, and Sherman Falls. A smaller location with an amazing waterfall is Tiffany Falls .

Exploring the waterfalls in Hamilton has become one of the most popular day trips from Toronto. Thanks to posts like ours from several years ago to big online magazines such as Narcity, people searching for day trip destinations have figured this one out.

Why is it so popular to go waterfall chasing? If you need to hear the rush of water and to see something other than grimy glass condos, this is the place for you to get a big dose of nature. Remember to bring your hiking boots/shoes if you want to get up close. Flip flops are just a stupid thing to wear on trails around the falls (stones can get slick and you need good soles that grip the rocks).

Make sure you check the details regarding parking on the Hamilton Conservation site . Some of the waterfalls are so busy that they require off-site parking.

NOTE: As of 2017, not all waterfalls are easily accessible. Respect the warnings as many have fallen to their deaths or have sustained great injuries over the past few years.

Travel time from downtown Toronto on a Saturday morning: 1 to 1-1/2 hours, possibly 2 hours, depending on which falls you are visiting.

6 // Rattray Marsh In Mississauga

You’re probably wondering why this place is on my list of close day trips from Toronto. It seems unexciting, but if you like extremely quiet places early in the morning, this one is right up there.

Right along the shores of Lake Ontario, you can enjoy an oasis of wildlife, nestled among the suburban streets of southern Mississauga. We love Rattray Marsh for early morning walks.

If you plan to plan to spend the day in Mississauga, head east to Port Credit for brunch, a walk along the marina and shopping.

Travel time from downtown Toronto (early on Saturday morning): 45 minutes to 1 hour.

| Related: Top Camping Sites Near Toronto

7 // Royal Botanical Gardens – Burlington/Hamilton

Fancy a walk amid the flowers? Have a new camera that you want to test out for some beautiful photos of blossoms in bloom?

At the border of Burlington and Hamilton is the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG for short) that are worth the drive west. Take the QEW to Hwy 403 (Hamilton). Exit at Waterdown Road and go south for about 800 metres to Plains Road West. Go about 2 km. The entrance to the RBG will be on the left.

Even if it’s raining, the RBG is a cool spot to explore , even if it’s for lunch.

While in Burlington, explore the small downtown co re by Lake Ontario including Spencer Smith Park and the many places to dine and shop.

Travel time from downtown Toronto early in the morning 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.

8 // Mountsberg Raptor Centre And Conservation Area

This is one of my favourite places within one hour from Toronto to visit for a number of reasons.

Fan of dangerous birds? Want to see a Bald Eagle up close and personal? Love owls?

The Raptor Centre at Mountsberg Conversation Area, just west of Milton, is a must-visit for a walk among over 15 species of birds. Check out the reservoir to view nesting Osprey birds.

There’s a farm on-site for little kids , so this is an ideal place to visit for families. And don’t let cooler Fall weather deter you from a visit. Mountsberg is one our favourite Conservation Areas in the Greater Toronto Area for Fall hikes as well.

Note: Leave your dog at home if visiting here. Pets, even on a leash, aren’t allowed anywhere near the raptor cage areas.

Travel time from downtown Toronto on a Saturday morning: 1 hour.

9 // Bellwood Lake Conservation Area

A bit farther from Toronto, but still worthy of a day trip is Bellwood Lake Conservation Area. Located near Guelph, Bellwood Lake is a reservoir that’s a perfect spot to dip your toes on a hot day, have a picnic and do a bit of fishing.

Travel time from downtown Toronto on an early Saturday morning: 1-1/2 hours to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

10 // Forks of the Credit River / Belfountain Conservation Area

Just over an hour away from Toronto by highway, is Belfountain Conservation Area and the nearby Forks of the Credit River. The trails here take you along waterways, with bridges, hills and lush woods.  Belfountain is a shorter walk, while those who want to really stretch their legs can try the Forks of the Credit. 

Aside from hiking, the winding roads in this area are a popular spot for a drive on a sunny day.

Check Out These Hiking Spots

If hiking is your thing, check out these great spots:

• Mount Nemo Conservation Area (great for early morning hikes and photography)
• Mountsberg Conservation Area Trails And Things To Do

Longer Day Trips Are Doable

For those with an adventurous spirit, there are many more destinations in Southern Ontario that are a short day trip away from the GTA. You can even successfully do a day trip to Tobermory!

Check out these destinations for longer day trips (we did these!):

• Exploring Port Stanley Along Lake Erie
• Doing A Drive Along Lake Erie’s North Short: Things To See And Do
• Walking The Tiger Dunlop Heritage Trail In Goderich
• Visiting Point Pelee Provincial Park

Need travel hashtags? Check out my list of 125 popular travel hashtags for your Instagram posts and reels.

QUESTION: Have any other places within one hour from Toronto? If you have any other recommendations for places to visit or things to do, we look forward to your comments!

Like this post? Share it on Pinterest! Thank you.

Margaret is a blog coach, educator and content creator, helping bloggers transform their blogs into online businesses. Founder of Suburban Tourist - a lifestyle over 40 blog - she inspires women to adopt a positive, thriving mindset, finding balance in life, work and the home.

Similar Posts

Hiking The Bruce Trail Near Hilton Falls

NOTE: As of 2019, this Bruce Trail side trail is apparently closed due to nearby quarry activities. With legs feeling like jelly, quivering from exhaustion, and my ankle joints in pain, I kept on climbing over limestone rocks and tree…

The Prettiest Bridge: Albert Bridge In London

Albert Bridge in London stands out from the others. It’s delicate, fanciful in its colours and old. During my 2008 visit to London, UK, one Sunday morning, I woke up very early and took a trip to Battersea Park. The…

Almost Roughing It at a Cottage in Port Severn

Sometime in March of this year, my parents suggested a weekend at a cottage in Port Severn. It had been many years since my last summer cottage getaway. We were overdue for a bit of communing with nature. I loved…

Mount Nemo Conservation Area Is Magic For Early Morning Photos

Taking photos in the morning light is magic. So when our photographer friend, Mark, suggested we do a photography lesson at Mount Nemo Conservation Area on an early summer morning, we jumped at the opportunity. Mark loves to take photos…

Romantic Hiking Tips For Valentine’s Day And Any Day With Your Outdoor Loving Sweetheart

One of the things I find people searching for around Valentine’s Day and during the summer period is for romantic hiking tips. It’s one of the keyword phrases that keeps popping up in my analytics. It seems we love the…

Top Day Trips From Toronto For A Fun Time Exploring

Chances are if you are a tourist, you’ve found this blog post by Googling “day trips from Toronto.” While exploring the city is exciting for a day or two, inevitably, you want to get a taste of what the province…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

17 Awesome Day Trips From Toronto (+ How to Get There)

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here

Check Out These Day Trips From Toronto – Told By Our Local!

If you want to explore outside of Toronto – and/or you’re short one time – a day trip around southwestern Ontario is a great idea. This area of the province is packed with day trip ideas that have something to offer you in every season (except beaches in winter, obviously).

Eric would know – he grew up north of Toronto (near Barrie) and spent lots of time driving around Ontario for work once upon a time. Recently, and with Lisa, we’ve played tourist quite a bit. Now that we call the “Greater Golden Horseshoe” home once again, it’s an area we know quite well!

While it’s true that many Toronto day trips are best done with a car , Ontario transit is improving so we’ll tell you about all the ways to get somewhere whether that be by car, bus, train, or tour!

From classic small towns like Elora or Niagara-on-the-Lake to attractions like Niagara Falls and plenty of beaches, here is our list of great day trips from Toronto in both summer and winter!

Popular Toronto Day Tours

• Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto (w/ Optional Boat Cruise)
• Day Tour to Niagara on the Lake & Niagara Falls
• Bruce Peninsula National Park & Tobermory Day Trip

Table of Contents

Niagara Falls

Address for Table Rock Welcome Centre: 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

Did you know one of the top natural attractions in the world is a day trip from Toronto? Honestly, you probably did – but it’s good to mention it again anyway!

Niagara Falls is one of the best places to visit in Ontario and a popular sightseeing attraction in all of Canada – and for good reason!

Just so we are clear: Niagara Falls, Ontario is a city in Canada while Niagara Falls, New York is the city in the United States just across the river from it – and “Niagara Falls” is also the name of the three waterfalls that people come to see. This includes:

• Horseshoe Falls also known as the “Canadian Falls” is the biggest one people think of first
• American Falls is the name of a smaller waterfall on the American side (also beautiful)
• Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest one right beside the American Falls!

In any case, a visit to the Niagara Falls region is a great idea. There are lots of great attractions that have to do with the Falls themselves like: the famous Hornblower Boat Cruise , Journey Behind the Falls , Skylon Observation Tower , and much more.

There are even fireworks each evening in the summer, and the Falls are lit up every night all year round for you to enjoy. In winter, the Festival of Lights means Friday and Saturday Fireworks from November to early January!

Subscribe to Ontario Away!

Receive updates & our monthly Ontario Events Calendar straight to your inbox.

• I agree to receive email updates and promotions. | For more details, review our  Privacy Policy . *

You can unsubscribe anytime. No spam.

The downtown core of the city – located around Clifton Hill – is loaded with restaurants, casinos, museums, games, and attractions for the whole family like the Niagara Skywheel, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, and many, many more.

North of the main falls area along the Niagara River, there are other natural attractions like the Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours , the White Water Walk , the Whirlpool Aero Car , The Botanical Gardens + Butterfly Conservatory , and more.

In short, you’d have plenty to do and see in Niagara Falls to fill up a day trip. Because Niagara Falls is so popular (especially in the summertime), it would be a good idea to book tickets for top activities ahead of time to make it easier for yourself.

You can start your visit at the Welcome Centre – it’s right at the edge of Horseshoe Falls.

We’ve also written extensive guides on visiting Niagara Falls:

• Things to Do and See in Niagara Falls, Canada
• How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto – More Detailed
• Where to Stay in Niagara Falls (just in case you decide to stay over)!

Toronto to Niagara Falls By Car

Niagara Falls isn’t that far from Toronto – it’s just around the end of Lake Ontario to the southeast. That said, the driving distance is around 130 kilometres and might take as little as 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The most direct/popular route is to hop on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)/403 towards Hamilton but you could also take a more scenic route on Highway 81 through areas like Beamsville.

Once you get closer to the Falls on the QEW, follow signs and exit onto ON-420/ Niagara Veterans Memorial Highway East. You can then find parking near the Falls for a high price (but convenient) or find a cheaper lot (but have to walk a bit).

HOWEVER, if you are driving you have to account for traffic in and out of Toronto and through Hamilton. During morning and afternoon commuter times, you might expect to add on 30 minutes to an extra 2 hours of driving time.

Toronto to Niagara Falls By Train

If you want to take the train, you have two options which can be limited depending on the time of year: the GO Train and the ViaRail. Both trains leave from Toronto Union Station in downtown Toronto.

Address of Union Station: 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON

As of early 2024, the GO Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls Station now makes daily trips (not just weekend or seasonal). This new Toronto to Niagara Falls GO train schedule makes the GO train much more doable and convenient as a viable option for a day trip.

The ViaRail train also leaves from Toronto Union Station but only runs once per day in the morning taking about 2 hours to get to Niagara Falls. There is also one return ViaRail train each day. You can  check the ViaRail website  for schedules and details.

Address for Go/ViaRail Station: 4267 Bridge Street, Niagara Falls, ON

Both trains arrive at the same station in Niagara Falls located north of the main Falls area. You can hop on the WEGO bus (now operates year-round), call a cab, or just walk – it’s a nice walk along the river (about 25 minutes) to the Falls!

Toronto to Niagara Falls By Bus

For buses direct to Niagara Falls from Toronto, you have two options: Megabus or FlixBus.

The Megabus and the FlixBus now leave from the new Union Station Bus Terminal located right downtown beside Union Station (the central train station). It’s at the corner of Bay St & Lakeshore Blvd. on the 2nd floor.

Address of Union Bus Terminal Downtown: 81 Bay St, Toronto, ON

Megabus and Flixbus have numerous daily departures for trips that take about 2 hours and good fares (approximately 20 CAD one way). You can check here on the  Megabus website and here for the FlixBus website for their schedules to Niagara Falls.

Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, buses get into the bus station in Niagara Falls which is right across from the train station.

Address of Niagara Falls Bus Terminal: 4555 Erie Ave, Niagara Falls, ON

Toronto to Niagara Falls Tour

Another way to get to Niagara Falls that is easy and takes the stress out of the logistics and traffic is by hopping on a shuttle or tour.

Tours are also a good cost-effective way to see the Falls without having added expenses like daily parking. Luckily for you, Niagara Falls is very popular so there are many that you can choose from!

Before you book a tour, definitely look into the itinerary – some tours are just for Niagara Falls while others give you free time/wine tastings in Niagara on the Lake (mentioned below).

In any case, tours are a good way to sit back and relax while a guide takes you to the best experiences and sights!

• This Niagara Day tour from Toronto is popular and includes different activities at Niagara Falls
• This popular day tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls includes a stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake (another great spot for a day trip – read the next section!).

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Address for Downtown NOTL: 6 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada

If you want to explore Ontario’s premier wine region, you have to check out Niagara on the Lake.

Yes, you COULD visit Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) when you visit Niagara Falls – but you could just as easily make either of them their own day trip since there is enough to explore.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is both a region and also a lovely little town in the region. Think of it as the capital of the area. This historic town is full of charm – shops, restaurants, historic sites, waterfront parks, and more.

That said, the region is well-known in Canada for its wine. NOTL is a fertile area with a unique climate that is shaped by the Niagara Escarpment. As such, there are well over 90 wineries in the Niagara Region – many of which are in Niagara on the Lake.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is also one of the few places in the world that can produce Ice Wine – a sweet wine that is harvested from frozen grapes!

In any case, we would recommend a day in NOTL – the region has loads to check out on its own and it’s beautiful.

We did a wine tour of the region from Niagara Falls but you can sign up for a tour once you get to town. You can also do a self-guided tour which is easy when you have a winery map!

We wrote an article about some of our favourite wineries in Niagara on the Lake if you are interested in scouting out a few before you go!

• Our Detailed Guide on Things to Do in Niagara on the Lake
• Niagara-on-the-Lake Wine Tours – Our Awesome Day Tasting!
• Our Niagara on the Lake Accommodation Guide – Just in case!

Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake By Car

The best (and only) way to get to Niagara-on-the-Lake (the town) -and to get around the whole region once there – is with a car.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is located about 20/25 minutes north of Niagara Falls so you drive there the same way – on the QEW/403 highway towards Hamilton.

Once you get close, you can get off in St. Catharines or in Glendale and follow signs into the region (usually via Highway 55 which runs through the whole region) directly to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. You’ll find paid parking downtown NOTL – and free (sneaky) parking near the Fort if you don’t mind a bit of a walk!

Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake By Train

There is no direct train from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake (the town). You can get to “Niagara College” which is a campus IN Niagara-on-the-Lake if you train to St. Catharines but NOT close to the main old town.

Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake By Bus

You also can’t get to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake by bus right from Toronto. You’d have to take a Megabus to St. Catharines and then take regional buses into the region (not super easy for a day trip).

The other option is to get to the Niagara Falls bus station (mentioned above in Niagara Falls) and then take the WEGO NOTL route (only in the summer) or take a taxi (about 25 minutes) from the bus station to NOTL.

Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake Tour

Since a car is the only way to get there for a single-day trip, you could also look into a tour to get there and back without hassle.

A tour is also nice because then you have a designated driver!

• A classic Day Trip from Toronto to Niagara on the Lake (includes stops in Niagara Falls)
• Another Day Tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls which includes a stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Toronto Islands

Address for Jack Layton Ferry Terminal: 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada

If you want to get out of the city for a day – but don’t want to go too far at all, you can head across the lake to Toronto Islands!

“The Island” is made up of 15 large and small islands that are connected by bridges or walkways. It’s the largest car-free neighbourhood in any city in North America! The Islands are a popular escape in most seasons – you can even visit in the winter.

There are many attractions (like Centreville Amusement Park ), beaches (there’s even one clothing option), smaller parks, and green spaces for picnics, biking paths, the opportunity for boat rentals, and more! There are also a handful of cafes, bars, and restaurants around the island.

We visited the Islands this past summer and loved it. We took the ferry from downtown (more on that right below).

Once there, we went to the beach, walked almost the whole length, got a bite to eat, and came home after a long day just enjoying the slower pace compared to being in the big city!

Believe it or not – people do live on the island. Since there are no cars, a bike is a very popular way to get around. You’ll find bike rentals everywhere.

Our Tip: Check out this Island Bike Tour With a Local to make the most of your time on the island!

Toronto to Toronto Islands By Car

It’s a car-free set of islands. You can’t drive there nor can you drive on the Islands, silly.

Toronto to Toronto Islands By Ferry/Water Taxi

To get to the Island, you have to go by boat but you have two options: The official ferry or a private water taxi. We bought a ticket for the ferry.

Three ferry routes leave from the same spot (Jack Layton Ferry Terminal) in downtown Toronto – but the ferries run to three separate locations on the Island: Centre Island, Hanlan’s Island, and Ward’s Island.

The ferry only takes like 13 minutes to cross but loading and unloading can take a few extra (especially in summer).

The nice thing is that when you buy a ticket, it includes the price for a return ticket. So you show a ticket to get on the ferry but to come home from the Island you just get on any ferry you like.

For example, we took the first ferry to Centre Island and came home from Ward’s Island Ferry Dock. No problem. You can buy a Ferry Ticket online (which we recommend because the lineup to buy in-person was massive in the summer).

The other option to get to the island is to hop on a private water taxi. Because they are smaller to load and faster to cross, they are a bit more expensive than the regular ferry ticket – but generally worth it if you don’t like long lines.

There are a few companies if you want to shop around at the pier – or you can check out Toronto Harbour Tours for this.

Location for Mill Street W Intersection

If it’s a small-town vibe you’re after, then heading for Elora, Ontario is the day trip for you. Located to the northwest of Toronto (kind of between Guelph, Arthur, and Kitchener), this picturesque spot is consistently considered one of Ontario’s prettiest small towns.

We visited on an extended weekend in the fall (October) and the colours were amazing. Of course, there is so much to see and do in any season – we wrote a massive guide on visiting Elora !

Elora is known for a few things: the mighty Grand River running through it and creating an impressive gorge, the historic old architecture, local shops and restaurants, and loads of walking trails in the area.

Right on the water, the impressive Elora Mill Hotel and Spa sits in an old mill building – we stayed there and it was beautiful. Nearby, Victoria Park offers views of the Elora Gorge, the waterfall, and the iconic “Tooth of Time” rock formation in the river.

As for the town, we loved our dinner and drink stop at Elora Brewing Company and took to the walking trails along the river and beyond (we did a big loop towards Fergus and back).

In the summer, you can go river tubing at Elora Gorge Conservation Area (very popular) and swim at the Elora Quarry (very busy).

Read More: Check Out Great Inns in Ontario !

Toronto to Elora By Car

Driving from Toronto to Elora takes about 2 hours (plus or minus 15 with or without traffic) depending on where you leave from.

The best way is the 401 Westbound towards Guelph, then take the exit for Highway 6 (towards/through Guelph).

If you stay on Highway 6 after Guelph, you’ll end up in the nearby town of Fergus, so you’ll need to adjust your course slightly. Fergus is only 5-10 minutes up the river driving from Elora. The signs are pretty clear once you’re in the region.

Toronto to Elora by Transit/Shuttle

The only option to not drive to Elora is to take the ParkBus – a private company that runs day trip shuttles from Toronto to parks, conservation areas, and hiking trails around Ontario.

They run trips to both Elora Gorge Conservation and the Elora Quarry (both in the warmer months) which you can check out on the ParkBus destinations page .

Hamilton Area Waterfalls

Address for Albion Falls: 885 Mountain Brow Blvd, Hamilton, ON, Canada

It’s been said that Hamilton, Ontario is the waterfall capital of the world – and we would believe it!

The region just west of Toronto on Lake Ontario is home to well over 100 naturally occurring waterfalls. The number of waterfalls is thanks to the Niagara Escarpment that runs through southwestern Ontario (and beyond).

You can visit Hamilton – the city – but we’d suggest checking out the conservation areas, parks, trails, and waterfalls in the region all around the Hamilton area as well.

We spent a day physically driving around the area chasing waterfalls and going for hikes in conservation areas – and it was awesome!

Read More: Our Guide to Exploring Hamilton Waterfalls

If you don’t want to read our whole post on waterfalls – linked right above – here are the quick notes to get you started. We explored a few popular waterfalls and a few smaller ones to get a variety.

This included Albion Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Devil’s Punchbowl out in Stoney Creek, and the classic Tiffany Falls.

We didn’t get to explore the amazing view from Dundas Peak with Webster Falls nearby. You can also explore Eramosa Karst Conservation Area (with caves) close to Albion.

If you need a great view and hike, Albion Falls is a great option with parking to go on a short hike (about 15 minutes) to Buttermilk Falls. It’s easy terrain – just watch the path in places because it’s a steep drop!

We also really liked Felker’s Falls in Felker’s Falls Conservation Area. You park in a small residential neighbourhood and walk into the small park to get a set of falls all to yourself.

The trails were nice, too – very dense bush even though the car was just a few hundred metres away!

Toronto to Hamilton Waterfalls By Car

Since this day trip is to “explore the waterfalls around Hamilton” it is a must that you have a car.

We spent a whole day driving around the countryside from fall to fall and had a great time – and we only saw a fraction of the waterfalls/conservation areas.

That said, you can get to Hamilton the same way you go to Niagara Falls – on the QEW/403 towards Hamilton. The drive from Toronto to downtown takes about an hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (or a little more) with traffic.

Once you arrive, you might want to know which waterfalls you want to head for and have a bit of a plan.

For example, Dundas, Downtown Hamilton, and Stoney Creek are three very different areas so you shouldn’t just “go for it” or else you’ll waste time crisscrossing your path! The good news: most of the park areas have parking lots (some free, some paid).

Toronto to Hamilton By Train/Bus

You certainly can get to Hamilton by GO Bus from Toronto Union Station Bus Terminal. The ride takes about 50 minutes to get to downtown Hamilton. You can find more information on prices and routes with GO Transit here .

That said, once you get to Hamilton – for a day trip – it would be hard to then get to enough waterfalls using other public transit to make the trip possible. This is a day trip that just requires a car to complete in a worthwhile way.

Address for Cheltenham Badlands: 1739 Olde Base Line Road, Caledon, ON L7C  0K6

Caledon is one of those things on this list that you’ll have to read more into because we cover a lot when we say “visit Caledon”.

Caledon is a rural town that is located northwest of Toronto – and it is divided into several small little villages and areas.

There’s a tiny “downtown” in Caledon Village which you can check out, but the reason to head for the area is for the hikes and the nature.

Caledon is home to some top conservation areas (in the Credit Valley) with waterfalls, walking trails, fishing, and geological attractions unlike anywhere in Ontario. There are MANY but we will focus on three:

One of the most popular parks to check out is Belfountain Conservation Area . It’s popular for day-trippers because there’s a lovely bridge that overlooks a dam/waterfall.

We went for a hike there and it was beautiful. There is even a picnic place for families. If you head for Belfountain, be sure to stop for a coffee and treat at Higher Ground Café !

Another very popular feature of the Caledon area is Forks of the Credit Provincial Park . This small Provincial Park is day-use only and packed with hiking trails, bridges, and a waterfall.

The Bruce Trail and Trans Canada Trail – as well as the Park’s trails- all run through this varied, rolling landscape. We had a great visit and even made our Forks of the Credit guide with a sample hiking itinerary (with detailed photos)!

The last feature of the area that you can check out is the Cheltenham Badlands . As the name suggests, this rock formation resembles the red, rocky Badlands of Utah or Alberta.

The eroding earth is very cool to see up close (but you can’t walk on it, which is good because that protects it from human activity).

They redid the visitor area so that you can now read all about the history, hit the hiking trails, and have a place to park that you must pay for and off the main road. Our advice is to go early since the lot is small!

Toronto to Caledon By Car

Spoiler: This Caledon “explorer’s day trip” is best/only done with a car. Caledon isn’t too far from Toronto – but where you are starting will greatly dictate your route. Generally speaking, Caledon is to the northwest of Toronto past Brampton.

Once you get out of Toronto in the west end, you can take any of Highway 10, Dixie Road, or Airport Road northwest into the area. The driving distance is about 60 km and will take 45 minutes or longer (like an hour) with traffic.

Toronto to Caledon By Bus

Honestly, it would be hard to maximize your time in the area if you travelled by bus to Caledon. That said, you could get to Brampton GO Station via bus or train from Union and then take bus 37 towards Orangeville and get off in Caledon Village.

You’d have a hard time from there, though. Maybe pay for a taxi to take you around?

Collingwood + Blue Mountain

Address for Blue Mountain Resort: 190 Gord Canning Dr, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 1C2, Canada

Summer or winter, it doesn’t matter – it’s always a good idea to head up to Collingwood and the Blue Mountains on a day trip!

The town of Collingwood – located on the shores of southern Georgian Bay – is small with a nice walkable downtown area full of shops and places to eat. The nearby Millennium Overlook Park or the Collingwood Museum are other places to visit!

We loved Duncan’s Cafe for brunch/lunch – but there are many more places to try!

You have to drive through Collingwood to get to the actual “Blue Mountains” which are a raised geological area. There, you’ll find Blue Mountain Resort – arguably the best summer/winter resort in the province.

From top slopes in the winter to dozens of activities in the summer, it’s a popular spot to check out. We went for a visit to The Village last summer (Lisa’s first time) and it was an absolute hub of activity.

Another place you can check out if you’re heading to this area of the province is the Scandinave Spa at Blue Mountain . This VERY popular spa experience is the perfect way to unwind (especially in the winter) with outdoor baths, waterfalls, massages, fire pits, and more.

Toronto to Collingwood By Car

By far the easiest way to get to Collingwood is by car. Collingwood is located to the north of Toronto on the south shore of Georgian Bay (getting into Ontario cottage country) about 2 hours and 20 minutes driving (about 160 km driving distance).

The best route is very similar to how you drive to Caledon – through Brampton, Orangeville (Highway 10), and then just follow County Road 124 the rest of the way.

The other route is up Highway 400 (past Barrie) but then heads west on Horseshoe Valley Road until it becomes Highway 26.

Highway 26 will take you right through Stayner, downtown Collingwood, and Blue Mountain. This route also takes longer because traffic is usually awful on the 400.

Once you arrive in Collingwood, there’s plenty of street parking. If you are heading for Blue Mountain, you will find that they have large parking lots, too.

Toronto to Collingwood By Bus/Shuttle

You can get to Collingwood in the winter season by private tour/shuttle services that run from Toronto to Collingwood. Check out AU Coach Tours with downtown Toronto pick-ups to Blue Mountain.

Wasaga Beach

Address for Nancy Island: 119 Mosley St, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2X1, Canada

Speaking of southern Georgian Bay, how about a day at the beach? How about a day at the longest freshwater beach in the world?! Well, that’s Wasaga Beach for you.

Located in the town of Wasaga Beach north of the city (just east of Collingwood), the stretch of shoreline offers visitors 14 kilometres of sandy beach and summer and winter fun.

Officially Wasaga Beach Provincial Park , the beach is Blue Flag certified (that means it’s really good/safe for world standards) and also includes walking and cross-country ski trails in the winter!

Along the waterfront (in the summer), there are a TON (seriously, very many) restaurants, bars, stores, and shops – you name it, it’s there! The area also has a bit of natural and war history to check out at Nancy Island Historic Site.

Toronto to Wasaga Beach By Car

Once again, for a day trip, the best/only option to get to Wasaga Beach is by car. The town and beach are located about a 2-hour drive north of Toronto with a driving distance of about 150 kilometres.

The route is the same way you would head to Collingwood but instead head slightly east instead of west when you reach Georgian Bay.

You can also go up Highway 400, get off in Barrie, and snake along smaller highways and county roads to get there.

Once you get there, you’ll find ample parking. Some lots and spots are 5 dollars close to the beach. You can also park inside the official park – but it’s 3 or 4 times that price.

Prince Edward County

Address for Beacon Bike and Brew: 188 Picton Main St, Picton, ON K0K 2T0, Canada

This is probably one of the farthest day trips we have on the list, but a day trip to Prince Edward County is worth it!

This “island-like” region (it’s technically a peninsula) extends into Lake Ontario. It’s a great region with unique geography from sandy dunes to fertile land for wine grapes!

As such, PEC – also often called “The County” – is known as another of Ontario’s wine regions! We really like PEC and we’ve spent quite a bit of time exploring the whole region.

That said, there are lots of things to see and do in Prince Edward County . The main towns – Picton and Wellington – offer you shops, cafes (like Beacon Bike and Brew ), restaurants, and more.

You can head for the beach or hike the massive dunes when exploring Sandbanks Provincial Park . It’s a great place in Ontario if you want to try day camping !

Read More: Our Guide to Discovering Sandbanks Provincial Park (+Dunes Trail)

However, the region is best known for its wineries. There are close to 40 wineries – bigger operations and smaller family-run ones. Check out Huff Estates or Sandbanks Estate Winery – famous for their Baco Noir.

We have a post on the best wineries in Prince Edward County (it’s a work in progress as we visit more)!

There are also lots of breweries like Parson’s Brewing Company and Lake on the Mountain Brewing Co . (another of our favourites).

You also can’t forget about The County Cider Company ! We really can’t do the area justice – you have to go and see for yourself. Just remember if you have alcoholic beverages, you shouldn’t be driving (and have a designated driver).

Toronto to Prince Edward County By Car

The best (and only) way to get to and get around the County is by car. There’s just no way around it. The drive from Toronto is pretty easy – just take Highway 401 east, get off in Belleville (or exit #522), and head south into the County.

To head right to Picton, the drive will be about 2 hours and 30 minutes (210 km driving distance) but once you’re there you have the whole region to explore!

Parking will vary but all wineries and breweries have parking plus there’s ample street parking in Picton, Wellington, etc.

Alternatively, if you have a group of people you could look into renting a limo or hiring a taxi for a whole day. If you split the cost, it would make for a more manageable trip – plus then you have a designated driver secured all day!

Toronto to Prince Edward County By Train

You can’t travel to Prince Edward County by train. The best you could do is to get to Belleville on the ViaRail.

Then you’d have to rent a car or get a taxi to get into the County – even then you’d need a direction like Picton or a specific winery.

Barrie + Oro-Medonte

Address for Flying Monkeys Brewery: 107 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A6, Canada

If you want to spend a day at the beach/another lovely little waterfront, then you should head for Barrie! Barrie is a relatively large city located north of Toronto up on the shores of Lake Simcoe at Kempenfelt Bay.

As a day trip, you wouldn’t need to visit most of the city (it sprawls out quite a bit). You would be perfectly fine heading for the small downtown area by the waterfront (Dunlop Street East).

Here, you’ll find a few shops, restaurants, pubs ( Donaleigh’s Irish Public House ), and even a great brewery – Flying Monkeys – with a nice patio.

At the waterfront, there are numerous parks with walking trails that run for kilometres. Heritage Park is close to downtown and if you walk south, you can find the main one – Centennial Park and Centennial Beach.

If you want to get out on the water, you can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard from the small stands along the shoreline. You can even check out the Spirit Catcher sculpture – and there are stalls for ice cream, too!

If you are heading up to Barrie, you might also be interested in heading a bit further north. Just a bit farther up the highway, you’ll find the township of Oro-Medonte and more for a variety of the areas ski hills/recreation areas!

Specifically, check out Hardwood Hills Ski and Bike – mountain biking, hiking, and disc golf in summer and cross-country skiing in winter.

You might also try Snow Valley Resort , Horseshoe Resort , or Mount St. Louis Moonstone for winter skiing/tubing and some summer activities (Horseshoe is open in summer).

• How to Get to Barrie From Toronto – In Detail
• 25 Things to Do and See in Barrie !

Toronto to Barrie By Car

Barrie is located basically due north of Toronto. As such, the easiest way to get from Toronto to Barrie is by car.

The driving distance is about 100 km and it’ll take about one hour and 30 minutes (depending on traffic) on Highway 400 (the major highway you take all the way there).

As you get close to Barrie, get off at Bayfield Street to head for downtown and the waterfront. There is lots of paid parking once you get downtown or to the waterfront.

If you want to head for any of the ski hills north of the city mentioned above, you need a car. Many are accessible past Barrie on Highway 400 or Highway 11 northbound.

Toronto to Barrie By Train

Depending on the time of day, you could take the GO Train to Barrie but they usually only run at night in this direction (to bring commuters home).

So, to go to Barrie in the morning, you’ll need to take the GO Bus OR a combo of train and bus (see more below). The overall trip would take about one hour and 30 minutes. Here’s the  GO Route Planner for this Toronto-Barrie route .

If you do take the train, you will head for Allandale Waterfront GO Station which is right by the waterfront and a short walk to downtown.

Just so you know: Barrie city transit is included in your GO fare if you get off the train and travel within 30 minutes of getting into Barrie. You can learn more  on the city of Barrie website here .

Address for Allandale GO Station: 24 Essa Road, Barrie, Ontario

Toronto to Barrie By Bus

There are more options for taking the bus to Barrie. As we mentioned above, you can take the GO Bus or Ontario Northland.

To be honest, the Northland is a direct trip whereas you may have to change via the GO Bus so you pick your battle here. You can check for fares and times on Ontario Northland .

Both the GO Bus and the Ontario Northland now leave from the new Union Station Bus Terminal in Toronto at 81 Bay Street. It’s at the corner of Bay St & Lakeshore Blvd.

Whichever you take, all buses end at the same station near the Barrie Waterfront downtown.

Address Barrie Bus Terminal: 24 Maple Avenue Barrie ON L4N 7W4

Gravenhurst + The Muskokas

Address for Sawdust City Brewing: 397 Muskoka Rd N, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G3, Canada

If you want your chance at getting a taste of the famous “cottage country” region in Ontario known as the Muskokas, then head to Gravenhurst! This small town just off Highway 11 has plenty of natural beauty to check out for a day.

Nestled up in the bottom of Lake Muskoka, Gravenhurst has a nice little downtown, some historic sites, and a great Wharf area with a boardwalk to check out.

Of course, you can go much higher up into Ontario – but these wouldn’t be day trips. You might be able to check out nearby Bracebridge, but that’s about as far as you’d wanna go in a single day. There are great Muskoka accommodations (like resorts) nearby you could visit for a day.

Once you’re in town, there are lots of great things to do in Gravenhurst . A classic thing to do is to take a cruise on the vintage Muskoka steamships and check out the Discovery Centre to learn about the area.

You might want to visit Gull Lake Rotary Park or Lookout Park overlooking the water. Just be sure to book in advance if you want to cruise because they can sell out in the summer WELL in advance!

Oh, and if you’re passing through downtown Gravenhurst don’t forget to check out Sawdust City Brewing . This brewery does amazing craft beer and has a great venue for tastings and events – we even wrote about our visit to Sawdust City !

Toronto to Gravenhurst By Car

Unsurprisingly, the best way to get to Gravenhurst and explore it is by car. Gravenhurst is located north of Toronto (past Barrie) up Highway 11.

It’s about 2 hours of driving (170 kilometres driving distance) so if you leave in the morning you can get in a whole day of hiking, eating, and enjoying!

Once you get to Gravenhurst, there’s free parking down at the waterfront Wharf area and street parking along the main street through “downtown”. We had no problem finding parking!

Toronto to Gravenhurst By Bus

The Ontario Northland bus does go from Toronto to Gravenhurst around 3 times a day – but the trip takes 2 hours and 50 minutes.

We’d say it’s a great idea but for a day trip you might want that extra hour back so perhaps driving is best. That said, you can see the prices and schedule for Ontario Northland here .

Address for The Bookshelf: 41 Quebec St, Guelph, ON N1H 2T1, Canada

If you are feeling the green vibes and want another option for the country, then you should head to Guelph! This growing farm town is very agriculturally-conscious, and there’s lots to see and do!

We like Guelph quite a bit. It’s got a nice downtown core with restaurants, bars, and plenty of shops.

As for things to do and see, there’s a famous Farmer’s Market on Saturday, a massive Basilica on the hill, a civic museum, The Bookshelf , and more. You can even skate at City Hall in winter!

If you want to connect with nature, you can rent a canoe/kayak on the rivers (and eat ice cream at “ The Boathouse Tearoom “), walk the numerous walking trails through the parks, check out the Arboretum, or head north of the city to Guelph Lake Conservation Area with a beach!

Oh, and Guelph is known for its breweries – so be sure to visit Brothers Brewing right downtown or Royal City Brewing for a taste of some great craft beer!

If you need more Guelph knowledge, we’ve got a bunch of great posts about travelling to and exploring Guelph, Ontario:

• How to Get to Guelph from Toronto – All Ways in Detail
• 21 Things to Do and See in Guelph
• Awesome Pubs and Bars in Guelph

Toronto to Guelph By Car

As with most places on this list, it’s easiest/best to get to Guelph by car for a day trip. Guelph is located west (and a bit south) of Toronto. Just take Highway 401 for about 1 hour and 20 minutes (traffic depending).

It’s about 90 kilometres driving distance so not too far – and it’s an easy one. You then take Highway 46 (which is exit #299). This turns into Gordon Street and you’ll drive right downtown Guelph.

Once downtown, there are lots of places to park whether you’re looking for street parking or parking lots. Parking in the Baker Street lot means you can go eat at Baker Street Station Pub which is a quick walk from downtown.

Toronto to Guelph By Train

You actually can get to Guelph by train with ViaRail but it does not work for a day trip there and back.

There are now several train-only (direct, no transfers) trips from Toronto to Guelph one in the morning, then around lunch, then a bunch in the late afternoon (to serve the commuters heading home to Guelph from Toronto).

These train trips take about 1 hour 30 minutes – so a day trip on the GO Train is possible. It’s also cheaper with a Presto Card, FYI.

Also, since weekday and weekend schedules vary slightly, it’s important to check the GO Transit Schedule ahead of time to know how and when you are travelling.

Toronto to Guelph By Bus

As for the bus, you could theoretically take the GO Bus the whole way if you left early in the morning.

Otherwise, you’d have to take the GO train/bus combo later in the morning (you can check the GO Transit Schedule ) to make it worth your time for a day trip.

Grand River + Cambridge

Address for Downtown Cambridge: 25 Queens Square, Cambridge, ON, Canada

If you want more of a hidden gem day trip from Toronto, you might consider heading to Cambridge, Ontario!

Once known as Galt, this smaller city close to Kitchener is located right on the Grand River – an important feature in Ontario’s landscape and history. The city is made up of smaller towns like Preston, Hespeler, and Galt/West Galt – each with its unique charm.

There are lots of things to do in the Cambridge area such as shop/cafe/pub hop, check out the McDougall Cottage Historic Site, or just simply wander the Grand.

The historic buildings (Central Presbyterian Church, seen above) make for lovely photographs. There are many pathways along parts of the river that cut through tranquil parks and green spaces.

Outside the city centre (this is where a car comes in), there are things like the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Shade’s Mills Conservation Area, and Chicopee Resort for winter tubing and summer fun, too!

Eric has played disc golf at Chicopee in the summer and it was an absolute blast!

One of the top activities along the Grand River is river tubing in the summer. There are a few places you can do it but Cambridge is certainly a popular location. Tubing the Grand launches north of the city centre just upriver!

Toronto to Cambridge By Car

No surprise, but it’s best to head to Cambridge in a car. The city is located to the west and a little south of Toronto (south of Guelph). Just take Highway 401 westbound out of the city.

You can then take exit #286 or #282 and head south into Cambridge. 282 takes you RIGHT into downtown along the river.

The total driving distance is about 100 km and 1 hour (of course, traffic-depending). Once you get there, there’s street parking and a handful of lots to park in.

Toronto to Cambridge By Bus

Since Greyhound shut down its routes in Canada in 2021, there is, unfortunately, no bus option between these two cities.

Kawartha Lakes

Maps Location for Lindsay

One more day trip to the other famous Ontario Cottage region doesn’t hurt, right? Then you may want to check out Kawartha Lakes!

Kawartha Lakes is an actual place, the Kawartha Lakes are a grouping of lakes, and the “Kawarthas” is the name that has come to represent this area of unique rocky landscape and lakes!

The region is known to include towns like Bobcaygeon (also the name of a famous song by the Tragically Hip – a Canadian band), Lindsay, and Buckhorn, and features popular lakes like Stoney and Sturgeon.

There are a few parks in the area – such as Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park and Petroglyphs Provincial Park but they are farther to the east.

Heading more south (close to Campbellford) you’ll find the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge on the Trent-Severn Waterway. This is a great stop if you want another short walk and amazing photos!

Oh, and don’t forget to eat some Kawartha Dairy ice cream. You can find it all over Ontario but it bears the name of the famous region being founded in Bobcaygeon!

Toronto to Kawartha Lakes By Car

Given the large nature of the area, this day trip is best done by car. Luckily, there are a few ways to get to the area – and it depends on where you are heading in the region.

To drive to Bobcaygeon, for example, you’ll head to the northeast of Toronto for about 2 hours (traffic depending) on Highway 401 to Highway 115 then to Highway 35.

The distance is about 160 kilometres so it’s not too long but it’ll certainly be a bit of a trek. You will want to start in the morning to not waste the day.

Milton Conservation Areas

Address for Rattlesnake Point CA: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON L9E 0M9, Canada

If you want an area that is jam-packed with outdoor adventure in all seasons, you should head for Milton, Ontario!

If you’re a local, you might be laughing, but hear us out. Milton is home to some top conservation areas with excellent trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and scenic views.

The reason Milton has such a great outdoor scene is because of the Niagara Escarpment. It runs along the edge of town (and includes part of the Bruce Trail) and shapes the landscape.

As such, there are three places in particular that – if you head out to Milton – you should check out: Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area , Kelso Conservation Area , and Crawford Lake Conservation Area .

In the summer season, these places can get pretty busy (because of the stunning views/vantage points from the high cliffs).

So if you plan on being a day-tripper from Toronto, be sure to be safe when you visit and be flexible enough to check out another area. If you go in the winter, bring your skis and/or snowshoes to make the most of the trails!

Toronto to Milton By Car

Exploring the Milton/Halton area is easiest by car – especially if you plan on visiting more than one place while out for the day.

The drive to Milton is pretty easy – you just take Highway 401 west out of Toronto and head for exit #320. All three areas above can be found from this exit.

The drive will take about an hour (for about 70 km driving distance) but since you are going against commuter traffic in the morning and afternoon you might be spared super stuffy traffic in/out of the west end. Good luck!

Toronto to Milton By Train/Bus

Milton has a GO Station in the town centre that is serviced by GO Bus and Train – the issue is much like the day trip to Barrie: if you wanted to go to Milton in the morning, the train would be coming against you to bring commuters to work. That said, you can still have a look at the GO Transit website .

Cobourg Beach + Cobourg

Address for Cobourg Beach: 138 Division St, Cobourg, ON K9A 3P3, Canada

If you haven’t had enough of beaches – and you don’t want to drive to get to one – then you have one more potential option: heading to Cobourg, Ontario!

This small town on Lake Ontario boasts one of the best beaches in the province – and it’s right downtown close to the centre!

Cobourg Beach is a public beach with lots of amenities and green space, food options nearby, a splash pad for kids, and there are even camping grounds.

A highlight is that there are walking trails along the water that extend along the shoreline – so there’s more to do than just visiting the beach.

As for Cobourg itself, the downtown core is small but full of little shops, cafes, places to eat, bars, an art gallery, and more! Oh, and don’t forget to photograph the lighthouse if you go. It’s quite nice down by the Harbour!

Toronto to Cobourg By Car

The best option (as per usual) is to drive to Cobourg. From Toronto, you head east on Highway 401 for about 1 hour and 30 minutes (120 km driving distance).

Take exit #472 and head south to the water. Once you get there, you can find parking on the street or in a paid lot.

Toronto to Cobourg By Train

You actually could take the ViaRail train to the beach (there is no GO service). Cobourg has a ViaRail station not too far from downtown. The trip will take an hour each way.

The good news is you could do it – leave in the morning and return to Union at night. The potential bad news is for the price you could rent a car and pay for a tank of gas for cheaper (season-dependent).

In any case, it’s an option! You can check for times and prices at the ViaRail website .

Buffalo, USA

Address for City Hall: 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States

If you’re looking for day trips to the USA from Toronto, Buffalo, New York is probably your best bet! Buffalo is surprisingly not far from Toronto – making it a popular spot for cross-border shopping.

Once you get downtown, you can check out the Canalside area, the Naval and Military Park, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and more!

Mind you, this is an international border so you will need to bring ID with you to go there and back!

Toronto to Buffalo By Car

Being located across the border and south of Niagara Falls, driving to Buffalo is a good option – but you should get a head start in the morning.

From Toronto, you take our friend the QEW/Highway 403 towards Hamilton and then head for Niagara Falls.

You can then choose: cross into the USA at Niagara Falls and the Rainbow Bridge OR drive south to Fort Erie and cross on the Peace Bridge (closer to actual Buffalo)!

The trip will take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours (about 170 km driving distance). The thing is, you pass through so many areas that MAY slow you down that it’s just hard to nail down an exact time.

Toronto to Buffalo By Bus

Luckily, because it’s a popular city, you can take both the Greyhound, Megabus, or FlixBus to Buffalo. Yes, Greyhound shut down Canadian operations in 2021 but only routes in Canada – they still run cross-border Toronto to Buffalo.

The Megabus, FlixBus, and Greyhound all leave from the new Union Station Bus Terminal located at 81 Bay Street Union Bus Terminal.

As for time, Greyhound can do it in about 3 hours one way (some slightly more, some slightly less). It depends on the day of travel.

You can check schedules and prices with Greyhound , FlixBus , or the Megabus . All buses arrive at the same station.

Address for Buffalo Downtown Terminal: 181 Ellicott St, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States

Related Articles

If you’re planning on visiting Toronto , we’ve got a ton of knowledge for you:

• 27 Things to Do and See in Toronto
• Where to Stay in Toronto: A Neighbourhood + Hotel Guide
• A Perfect Day in Toronto Itinerary
• Our Favourite Toronto Coffee Shops in Toronto
• The Best Ice Cream Spots In Toronto
• Our Favourite Bars in Bars and Pubs in Downtown Toronto

And there you have it – a rundown of some of the best day trips from Toronto.

Of course, there are a handful more places to check out and dozens of single attractions, but we think we’ve rounded up the best trips to keep you busy for a full day! Let us know where you end up – we’d love to hear it!

As always, Keep Exploring, eh? -E&L

Pin it for later!

Eric Wychopen

Hi, we're Eric and Lisa - an Ontario-born Canadian and a German! After settling in Ontario together, we realized that there is lots more to explore in this beautiful Canadian province! On Ontario Away, we as well as local contributors cover everything from cities and hikes to wineries, attractions, accommodations, and more.

Connect With Us On Social

If you'd like to join the conversation and get more tips, you can find us on social media as well!

Nina Out and About contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See  my Disclosure Policy  for more information.

53 Best Day Trips From Toronto (2024 Local Guide)

Table of Contents

Day trips are the perfect way to get out and explore a new place without having to spend too much time or money.

And Toronto is a great city from which to launch day trips, thanks to its convenient location and wealth of attractions.

After living in Toronto for most of my life, I’ve discovered all of the best one day trips you can take from downtown Toronto or the suburbs out to nearby cities, towns, and hiking areas.

Don’t limit yourself to the downtown core on your next trip to Toronto.

Discover the 53 best Toronto day trips to explore more of what Ontario has to offer (and tips on how to get there!).

How to Get Around Ontario

There are a few different ways to get around Ontario depending on your budget and how much time you have.

If you’re just looking to get out of the city for the day, then the GO Train is a great option as it runs frequently and takes you right into the heart of most destinations.

If you don’t have your own car, other options are VIA Rail , although it can be quite expensive, and Parkbus.

The best way to get around Ontario is to rent a car and drive. This gives you the freedom to go wherever you want whenever you want.

If you’re looking for a cheap rental car in Toronto, I recommend booking via Discover Cars.

53 Best Day Trips From Toronto

1. Niagara Falls

Distance from Toronto : 130 km

Drive Time : 1 hr 45 min

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world.

It is actually a group of 3 waterfalls, namely Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

The falls are situated on the border between Canada and the United States and they are absolutely stunning.

You can get a great view of all 3 waterfalls from Table Rock Centre.

To get even closer to the falls, you can take a ride on the Niagara Falls Incline Railway which will take you down 125 feet to the base of Horseshoe Falls.

For a more unique experience, you can take a ride on the Hornblower Cruise (formerly the Maid of the Mist), a boat that will take you right into the heart of the falls.

Just be sure to bring a raincoat as you will definitely get wet!

There are also plenty of other things to do in Niagara Falls such as visiting Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, taking a wine tour , or exploring the many shops and restaurants in Niagara Falls.

Toronto to Niagara Falls

🚗 Drive : Take the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) west towards Hamilton and continue on it until you reach Niagara Falls.

Read more about the drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls here.

🚐 Tour: The easiest way to get to Niagara Falls is on this one day tour from Toronto , that includes a ride on the Hornblower Cruise!

🚇 Train : The GoTrain runs from Toronto to Niagara from May to Thanksgiving annually, with direct service to Niagara Falls. You can also go to Burlington GO Station and connect on the 12B Go Bus to Niagara to be more flexible on when you leave/return.

🚌 Bus : Megabus runs a service from Union Station to the Casino in Niagara Falls.

👉 I recommend this day tour to Niagara Falls from Toronto !

Distance from Toronto: 220 km

Drive Time : 2 hrs 20 min

Muskoka is a cottage country region located in central Ontario.

It is a popular summer getaway for Torontonians and it’s easy to see why with its stunning scenery, crystal clear lakes, and a plethora of outdoor activities.

There are many charming towns located in Muskoka such as Huntsville, Bracebridge, and Gravenhurst.

In these towns, you’ll find plenty of cute shops and restaurants as well as some great museums and art galleries.

Some of the best things to do in Muskoka include taking a scenic boat cruise, visiting one of the many waterfalls in the area, or hiking to a lookout point for stunning views of the landscape.

Don’t forget to try the local craft beers!

Turn it into a weekend trip by staying at a cute Airbnb cottage.

Toronto to Muskoka

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 east out of Toronto and then take exit 269 onto Highway 11 North towards Huntsville.

🚌 Bus : Take the Ontario Northland bus from Downtown Toronto north to Gravenhurst. They run 4x per day in the summer. Or take ViaRail from St. Patrick Station to Highway 407 Station. Transfer to the Ontario Northland bus here.

👉 I recommend this day trip to Muskoka

Distance from Toronto : 115 km

Drive Time: 1 hr 45 minutes

Paris, Ontario is a beautiful small town located in southwestern Ontario.

It is known for its picturesque setting along the Grand River as well as its many bridges which earned it the nickname “The Little Venice of Canada”.

Some of the best things to do in Paris include strolling through the charming downtown area, visiting one of the many art galleries or museums, or going for a hike or bike ride along the Grand River.

Don’t forget to try some of the delicious local food such as maple syrup, fresh produce, and craft beer.

I highly recommend a stop at Twisted Treats for a $4 ice cream the size of a small child, topped with the best peanut and fudge sauces in Ontario!

Toronto to Paris

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 west out of Toronto and then take exit 275 onto Highway 24 south towards Paris.

4. Toronto Islands

Distance from Toronto: 10 km

Drive Time: 20-30 min

The Toronto Islands are a group of small islands located just offshore from Downtown Toronto.

They are accessible by ferry and make for a great day trip or even a weekend getaway.

There are 3 main islands to explore which are Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point.

There are plenty of things to do on the islands such as swimming at one of the many beaches, exploring the nature trails, or renting a kayak or canoe . You can also bring a picnic and sit in one of the lovely parks for the day.

Be wary of the beaches, as some are nude beaches (and many people don’t know the boundaries between them).

Kids will love visiting Centre Island to see Centreville, a cute amusement park.

Be sure to bring your camera as there are some great views of the Toronto skyline from the islands!

Toronto to the Toronto Islands

⛴️ Ferry: Take the ferry from Bay Street in Downtown Toronto to Centre Island. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes.

🚖 Water Taxi: You can also take a water taxi from the Harbourfront to Hanlan’s Point. The ride takes about 10 minutes.

👉 This tour is my favourite in the Toronto Islands

5. Turkey Point on Lake Erie

Distance from Toronto : 160 km

Drive Time : 2 hrs

Turkey Point is a small town located on the shores of Lake Erie in southwestern Ontario.

It is a popular summer getaway for Torontonians due to its beautiful sandy beaches, clear blue water, and lovely sunsets.

There are also many great restaurants and cafes in the town centre.

Some of the best things to do in Turkey Point include swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and windsurfing.

You can also visit one of the many parks or go for a walk along the beach.

Don’t forget to try the local ice cream!

Toronto to Turkey Point

🚗 Drive: Take the 401 west out of Toronto and then take exit 359 onto Highway 3 east towards Turkey Point.

Small Town & City Lover Toronto Day Trips

6. Stratford

Distance from Toronto: 150 km

Drive Time: 1 hr 30 min

Stratford is a small town located in southwestern Ontario, about two hours west of Toronto.

The town is most famous for being the home of the Stratford Festival, one of the largest theatre festivals in North America.

However, there is much more to Stratford than just theatre.

The town has a charming downtown area with many Victorian-era buildings and cute shops.

You can also visit one of the several parks, go for a walk or bike ride along the Avon River, or take a boat tour.

In the summer, you can cool off at the Splash Pad water park.

And in the winter, you can go ice skating at the Stratford Rotary Complex.

No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something to do in Stratford!

Toronto to Stratford

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 west out of Toronto and then take exit 268 onto Highway 7 towards Stratford.

🚐 Tour: You could also book a small-group or private day tour from Toronto. That way, you don’t have to worry about driving and can just enjoy the day.

🚇 Train : Take the VIA Rail from Union Station West towards Sarnia. Get off at the Stratford stop.

Distance from Toronto: 190 km

London is the largest city in southwestern Ontario and is about a two-hour drive from Toronto.

There is plenty to see and do in London, especially if you are a fan of history or art.

Some of the most popular attractions include the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum, the London Regional Children’s Museum, and the Banting House National Historic Site.

If you are looking for something more outdoorsy, you can visit one of the many parks or go for a walk or bike ride along the Thames River.

And in the winter, you can go skating at the Western Fair Sports Centre.

No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something to do in London!

Toronto to London

🚗 Drive: Take the 401 West out of Toronto. Follow signs for London.

🚇 Train : Take VIA Rail West to London from Union Station.

8. Kingston

Distance from Toronto: 260 km

Drive Time : 2.5 hrs

Kingston is located in southeastern Ontario on the shores of Lake Ontario. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto and makes for a great day trip.

Kingston is well-known for its many museums, including the Kingston Penitentiary Museum, the Fort Henry National Historic Site, and the Museum of Health Care.

There are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors here. You can go for a walk or bike ride along the waterfront, rent a canoe or kayak and explore the Thousand Islands, or go for a hike in one of the many parks.

And in the winter, you can go skating on the Outdoor Skating Rink at City Park.

Kingston is a common stop on Ontario road trips, as it’s halfway between Toronto and Ottawa.

Toronto to Kingston

🚗 Drive: Take the 401 East out of Toronto and take Exit 617 for Kingston 10. Continue on this road until you reach Kingston.

🚇 Train : Take VIA Rail East directly to Kingston.

9. Hamilton

Distance from Toronto: 70 km

Drive Time : 1 hour

Hamilton is a city located in southern Ontario. It’s about an hour drive from Toronto and makes for a great day trip.

The city is home to some excellent museums, including the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, and the Dundurn Castle.

Hamilton is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the best places to go for a walk or hike include the Waterfront Trail, Webster’s Falls, and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

The most popular hiking spot is Dundas Peak.

Toronto to Hamilton

🚗 Drive : Take the QEW towards Hamilton.

🚌 Bus : The Go Bus runs from Renforth Transitway Station or Square One in Mississauga to Main St. in Hamilton.

10. St. Jacob’s and the Farmers Market

Distance from Toronto: 120 km

Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

St. Jacobs is a small town located in southern Ontario. It’s about an hour and fifteen minutes drive from Toronto and makes for a great day trip.

The town is home to the world-famous St. Jacobs Farmers Market. This market has been in operation for over 40 years and is one of the largest in Canada.

The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 7am to 3:30pm.

In addition to the market, St. Jacobs is also home to the Mennonite Heritage Village Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the Mennonite people.

Toronto to St. Jacobs

🚗 Drive: Take the Gardiner Expressway West. Follow signs to exit onto the 427. Exit to the 401 West. Exit onto Highway 8 towards Waterloo. Continue to Highway 7, then follow signs for Highway 85 North. Follow signs to St. Jacob’s and the market.

Distance from Toronto : 95 km

Drive Time: 1 hour

Guelph is a city located in southern Ontario. It’s about an hour’s drive from Toronto and makes for a great day trip.

The city is home to the McMaster Museum of Art, the Guelph Civic Museum, and the Church of Our Lady Immaculate.

Guelph is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the best places to go for a walk or hike include the Royal City Park, the Eramosa River Park, and the Arboretum.

Toronto to Guelph

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 West out of Toronto and take exit 295 for Highway 6 North towards Guelph. Follow this road into Guelph.

🚌 Bus : From Renforth Station, you can take the Go Bus to the University of Guelph.

12. Peterborough

Distance from Toronto : 140 km

Drive Time : 1 hour 30 minutes

1.5 hours from Toronto is the city of Peterborough. This city is located in the Kawarthas, a region known for its many lakes and rivers.

The main attraction in Peterborough is The Liftlock, the world’s highest hydraulic boat lift. The Liftlock is located on the Trent-Severn Waterway and lifts.

1,500 metric tons of water 43 meters up in order to allow boats to pass through.

Definitely, a must-see!

Other attractions in Peterborough include the Art Gallery of Peterborough, the Petroglyphs Provincial Park, and the Fisherman’s Paradise.

If you’re looking for a short drive from Toronto, Peterborough is the perfect place for a day trip!

Toronto to Peterborough

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 east out of Toronto and take exit 437A for Highway 115/7 toward Lindsay/Peterborough. Follow this road into Peterborough.

🚇  Train: Take the Go Train to Oshawa Station. You will then need to transfer to a Go Bus. Take Bus 88 to get to the heart of Peterborough.

13. Kitchener Waterloo

Distance from Toronto: 110 km

Kitchener Waterloo is a region located in southern Ontario. It’s about an hour and fifteen minutes drive from Toronto.

This region is home to the Waterloo Region Museum, the Mennonite Heritage Village, and the Doon Heritage Village.

Kitchener Waterloo is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the best places to go for a walk or hike include the Huron Natural Area, the Grand River Trail, and the Walter Bean Trail.

It’s also home to Waterloo University and Wilfred Laurier University.

This has fostered a large pub scene with some of the best bars outside of Toronto.

Toronto to Kitchener Waterloo

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 west out of Toronto and take exit 275 for Highway 6 North towards Guelph/Kitchener. Follow this road for about 35 minutes before taking the exit for Waterloo/St. Jacobs. Once you’re in Kitchener, follow the signs to the attractions you want to see.

🚌 Bus : Take the 40 Go Bus from Renforth Station to Hamilton. Transfer to the 25J Go Bus and take it to Weber St. E @ Queen St. N.

14. Brantford

Distance from Toronto: 105 km

Brantford is a city located in southwestern Ontario. It’s about a one hour drive from Toronto with lots of activities to check out.

The city is home to the Canadian Museum of Indigenous History, the Bell Homestead National Historic Site (home to the inventor of the telephone!), and the Brant County Museum.

Brantford is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the best places to go for a walk or hike include the Grand River, the Happy Rolph’s Bird Sanctuary, and the Elora Gorge Conservation Area.

Brantford makes the perfect summer day trip from Toronto.

Toronto to Brantford

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 west out of Toronto and take exit 298 for Highway 403 towards Hamilton/Brantford. Follow this road into Brantford.

🚇 Train : VIA Rail runs a direct service from Union Station to Brantford (the 73 to Windsor).

Distance from Toronto: 60 km

Drive Time: 45 minutes

Milton is a town located in southern Ontario. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Toronto, past the airport.

The town is home to the Milton Museum, the Halton County Radial Railway Museum, and the Country Heritage Park.

Milton is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the best places to go for a walk or hike include the Halton County Radial Railway, the Milton Heights Conservation Area, and the Bruce Trail.

Milton makes a great day trip from Toronto for anyone interested in history or the outdoors.

Toronto to Milton

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 west out of Toronto and take exit 322 for Guelph Line/Highway 25 towards Milton. Follow this road into Milton.

🚌 Bus : From the Union Bus Terminal, take the 21B Go Bus to Milton. This terminates at Milton Station.

16. The Kawarthas

Distance from Toronto: 140 km

Drive Time: 1.5 hours

The Kawarthas is a region located in central Ontario. It’s about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto and makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway.

The Kawarthas is home to the Kawartha Lakes, the Haliburton Highlands, and the Peterborough Petroglyphs Provincial Park.

The region is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the best places to go for a walk or hike include the Kawartha Trans Canada Trail, the Lindsay Tract Conservation Area, and the Otonabee River Provincial Park.

The Kawarthas make a great day trip or weekend getaway from Toronto for anyone interested in nature or the outdoors.

Toronto to The Kawarthas

🚗 Drive: Take the 401 east out of Toronto and take exit 436 for Highway 28 towards Lindsay/Peterborough. Follow this road into The Kawarthas.

🚇  Train: Take the Go Train to Oshawa Station. You will then need to transfer to a Go Bus. Take Bus 88 to get to the heart of Peterborough. You will then need to connect via local buses within the Kawarthas.

Fergus is a town located in southern Ontario. It’s about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto and makes for a great day trip.

The town is home to the Earl Grey Golf Club, the Fergus Market, and the Fergus Falls.

Fergus is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Some of the best places to go for a walk or hike include the Guelph Radial Trail, the Elora Cataract Trailway, and the Grand River Conservation Authority.

Combine a trip to Fergus with a visit to Elora.

Arrive in August to see the Highland Games, which are a holdover of Fergus’ founding Scottish members.

Toronto to Fergus

🚗 Drive : Take the 401 West out of Toronto and take exit 275 for Highway 6 North towards Guelph/Kitchener. Follow this road into Fergus.

Hiking Day Trips Near Toronto

18. Algonquin Provincial Park

Distance from Toronto: 300 km

Drive Time: 3 hours

Algonquin Provincial Park is a large park located in central Ontario. It’s about a three hour drive from Toronto and makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway.

This is one of the best day trips from anywhere in Ontario!

The park is home to over 7,000 lakes, as well as numerous hiking trails. Some of the best hikes in the park include the Algonquin Lookout Trail, the Barron Canyon Trail, and the Booth’s Rock Trail.

Algonquin Provincial Park is a great place to see wildlife. The park is home to moose, deer, bears, wolves, and many other animals.

You can camp in the park or stay in one of the nearby towns, such as Huntsville or Dwight.

To break up the drive, consider a day trip from Toronto to Muskoka or Wasaga Beach before continuing on a weekend getaway to Algonquin Park in the summer.

Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park

🚗 Drive : Take the 400 north out of Toronto and take exit 312 for Highway 11 North towards Barrie/Orillia. Follow this road into Algonquin Provincial Park.

🚐 Tour: A day trip via a small group tour like this allows you to see the best of Algonquin without being too exhausted to drive home.

19. Scarborough Bluffs

Distance from Toronto: 20 km

Drive Time: 30 minutes

The Scarborough Bluffs is a park located in the east end of Toronto. It’s about a half-hour drive from downtown Toronto and makes for a great day trip.

The park is home to over 15 km of hiking trails, as well as Bluffers Beach.

The park is a great place to see wildlife. The park is home to many birds, including bald eagles.

You can also go for a swim in the lake or relax on the beach.

I love starting a summer morning on a paddleboard beneath the limestone cliffs.

Toronto to Scarborough Bluffs

🚗 Drive : Take Eastern Avenue to Kingston Road, continue on Brimley Road South to Bluffers Park.

🚌 Bus : Take the Go Train from Union to Kennedy Station. Take the 175 TTC bus to Bluffer’s Park.

20. Lions Head Provincial Park

Drive Time: 4 hours

Lions Head Provincial Park is a park located in Bruce Peninsula National Park. It’s about a four-hour drive from Toronto and makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway.

The park is home to over 15 km of hiking trails, as well as the Lions Head Lighthouse.

Toronto to Lions Head Provincial Park

🚗 Drive: Take the Gardinery Expressway West to the Ontario 410 North. Exit onto the 401 West and continue onto the 410 North. Continue onto Highway 10 to Owen Sound. Follow to Ontario 6 North, following signs for Tobermory.

21. Thousand Island National Park

Distance from Toronto: 320 km

Thousand Island National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. It’s made up of over 20 islands and is a great spot for camping, hiking, canoeing, and fishing.

The park is also home to some of the best bird watching in the province. You can see bald eagles, ospreys, herons, and kingfishers, to name a few.

For a day trip, I would recommend taking a hike on one of the many trails in the park, and then spending some time exploring one of the islands by canoe or kayak.

Toronto to Thousand Island National Park

🚗 Drive : Thousand Island National Park is located on Highway 401, about 3 hours east of Toronto.

22. French River Provincial Park

Distance from Toronto: 325 km

Drive Time: 3.5 hours

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s a little off the beaten path, French River Provincial Park is the perfect place. The park is located in the heart of cottage country, and is a popular spot for canoeing, fishing, and camping.

The French River is one of the most popular canoeing routes in Ontario, and there are plenty of companies that offer canoe and kayak rentals.

For a day trip, I would recommend taking a scenic drive through the park, stopping at some of the lookout points, and then renting a canoe or kayak to explore the river.

Toronto to French River Provincial Park

🚗 Drive : French River Provincial Park is located on Highway 69, about 3.5 hours north of Toronto.

23. Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

Distance from Toronto: 75 km

Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is one of the best day trips from Toronto for nature lovers. The park is home to two waterfalls, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

The trails in Spencer Gorge are relatively easy, and there are plenty of places to stop and take in the views.

For a day trip, I would recommend hiking to the top of Tew’s Falls, and then spending some time exploring nearby Hamilton.

Toronto to Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

🚗 Drive: Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is located on Highway 403, about 1 hour west of Toronto.

🚌 Bus : The Go Bus runs from Renforth Transitway Station or Square One in Mississauga to Main St. in Hamilton. From there you can hike to the conservation area or cycle.

24. Killarney Provincial Park

Distance from Toronto: 275 km

Drive Time: 4.5 hours

Killarney Provincial Park is one of the most popular day trips (and multi-day trips) from Toronto, and for good reason. The park is located in cottage country, and is a popular spot for camping, canoeing, and hiking.

The park is also home to some of the best scenery in Ontario, with its rocky shores, clear waters, and lush vegetation.

For a day trip, I would recommend taking a hike to one of the many lookouts in the park, and then spending some time exploring the town of Killarney.

Toronto to Killarney Provincial Park

🚗 Drive : Killarney Provincial Park is located on Highway 400 North.

25. Craigleith Provincial Park

Distance from Toronto: 165 km

Drive Time: 2.5 hours

Craigleith Provincial Park is one of the best day trips from Toronto for hikers and nature lovers. The park is home to a variety of trails, ranging from easy to difficult. There are also plenty of places to stop and take in the views.

For a day trip, I would recommend taking a hike to one of the lookouts in the park, and then spending some time exploring the town of Collingwood.

Toronto to Craigleith Provincial Park

🚗 Drive: Craigleith Provincial Park is located on Highway 26, about 2.5 hours north of Toronto.

26. Killbear Provincial Park

Killbear is another longer day trip from Toronto, and may work better as a weekend trip.

The park is located in cottage country, and is a popular spot for camping, canoeing, and hiking.

For a day trip, I would recommend taking a hike to one of the lookouts in the park, and then spending some time exploring the town of Parry Sound.

Toronto to Killbear Provincial Park

🚗 Drive: Killbear Provincial Park is located on Highway 400, about 4 hours north of Toronto.

27. Petroglyphs Provincial Park

Distance from Toronto : 210 km

Drive Time : 2.5 hours

Petroglyphs Provincial Park is one of the best day trips from Toronto for history buffs and nature lovers. The park is home to over 500 Indigenous rock carvings, as well as a variety of hiking trails.

Toronto to Petroglyphs Provincial Park

🚗 Drive : Petroglyphs Provincial Park is located on Highway 407 East.

28. Cheltenham Badlands

Distance from Toronto: 65 km

The Cheltenham Badlands is one of the best day trips from Toronto for nature lovers and photographers. The Badlands is a small area of exposed red clay, which was formed over 12,000 years ago.

The Badlands is located in the Town of Caledon, and is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography.

Toronto to Cheltenham Badlands

🚗 Drive: Take the Gardiner to the 410 North. Follow to Hurontario Street in Caledon. Continue to Olde Base Line Road, and follow signs to the Badlands.

29. Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area

Distance from Toronto : 65 km

Rattlesnake Point is another great day trip from Toronto for nature lovers and photographers. The point is located in Milton, and offers stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment.

The point is also a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and rock climbing.

30. Ferris Provincial Park

Distance from Toronto : 185 km

Drive Time : 2 hours

Ferris Provincial Park is a great day trip for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is located in the town of Bancroft, and is popular for its hiking trails and scenic views.

For a day trip, I would recommend hiking to the top of Ferris Provincial Park. The hike is about 3 kilometers long and takes approximately 2 hours.

The views from the top are absolutely stunning, and you can see for miles. There are also a few other shorter trails that lead to lookout points.

31. Dundas Peak

Dundas Peak is one of the best day trips from Toronto for those who love hiking and photography. The peak is located in Hamilton, and offers stunning views of the city and the Niagara Escarpment.

The hike to the top of Dundas Peak is about 3 kilometers long and takes approximately 2 hours.

32. Kelso Conservation Area

Kelso Conservation Area is a great day trip for those who want to escape the city and enjoy some of nature. The conservation area is located in Milton, and offers hiking trails, a beach, and picnic areas.

Adventurous Day Trips From Toronto

33. eramosa karst caves.

Estimated time: 1 hr

The Eramosa Karst is a geological formation that includes over 600 caves and sinkholes. The caves are located in the city of Guelph, and many of them have been turned into walking trails.

If you are looking for an adventure, then exploring these caves is definitely for you!

34. Elora Gorge

Estimated time: 1 hr 30 min

The Elora Gorge is a popular spot for tubing, swimming, and hiking. The gorge is located in the town of Elora, and is a great place to spend a day in the summer.

People come from across Ontario to rent tubes and float down the rapids of the Gorge. Then they head to the Elora Mill for a lovely meal after their fun!

If you are looking to cool off on a hot day, then the Elora Gorge is the perfect day trip for you!

35. Grand River Rafting

Distance from Toronto: 115 km

Driving time: 1 hr 30 min

Grand River Rafting is a popular activity for those who love adventure. The company offers both half-day and full-day trips, depending on how much time you have.

The Grand River is located in the city of Kitchener, and is a great place to spend a day.

If you are looking to get wet and wild, then rafting down the Grand River is the perfect day trip for you!

36. Collingwood Suspension Bridge

Distance from Toronto: 145 km

Driving time : 1 hr 45 min

The Collingwood Suspension Bridge is a popular spot for hiking and photography. The bridge is located in the town of Collingwood, and is a great place to spend a day.

If you are looking for a scenic day trip, then the Collingwood suspension bridge climb is for you!

37. Hardwood Hills

Distance from Toronto: 285 km

Driving time: 3 hrs

Hardwood Hills is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. The hills are located in the town of Barrie, and is a great place to spend a day on 2 wheels.

Best Winter Day Trips From Toronto

38. blue mountain village.

Distance from Toronto: 170 km

Driving time: 2 hrs

Blue Mountain Village is a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and shopping. The village is located in the town of Collingwood, and is a great place to spend a day in the winter.

Don’t forget to stop in at the Nordic Spa to warm up after a day on the slopes. The outdoor hot pools will help you and your muscles forget about falling off the chairlift four times in front of your friends.

If you are looking for a winter day trip, then Blue Mountain Village is the perfect place for you!

39. Horseshoe Valley

Distance from Toronto : 135 km

Driving time : 1 hr 30 min

Horseshoe Valley is a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The valley is located in the town of Barrie, and is a great place to spend a day in the winter.

There are also several restaurants and bars in the area, so you can warm up with a drink after a day on the slopes.

If you are looking for a winter day trip, then Horseshoe Valley is the perfect place for you!

40. Ellicottville

Distance from Toronto : 240 km

Driving Time: 3 hrs

Ellicottville is a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and shopping. The town is located in the state of New York, and is a great place to spend a day in the winter.

The hills are always covered in snow, and the town is filled with quaint shops and restaurants.

If you are looking for a winter day trip, then Ellicottville is the perfect place for you!

Beach Day Trips Near Toronto

41. The Beaches Neighbourhood

Distance from Toronto : 14 km

Driving time: 30 min

The Beaches neighbourhood is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The neighbourhood is located in the city of Toronto, and is a great place to spend a day in the summer.

There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, including Tori’s Bakeshop which caters to all allergies.

If you are looking for a summer day trip, then The Beaches neighbourhood is the perfect place for you!

42. Grand Bend Beach

Distance from Toronto: 225 km

Grand Bend Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The beach is located in the town of Grand Bend, and is a great place to spend a day in the summer.

There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, as well as a boardwalk that is perfect for people watching.

If you are looking for a summer day trip, then Grand Bend Beach is the perfect place for you!

43. Sandbanks Provincial Park

Driving time: 2 hrs 30 min

Sandbanks Provincial Park is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and hiking. The park is located in the town of Prince Edward County , and is a great place to spend a day in the summer.

There are also several campgrounds in the area, so you can make a weekend of it.

If you are looking for a summer day trip, then Sandbanks Provincial Park is the perfect place for you!

44. Georgian Bay

Distance from Toronto: 180 km

Georgian Bay is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing on sandy beaches, and sailing. The bay is located in the town of Midland.

45. Wasaga Beach

Wasaga Beach is a popular summertime destination for Toronto residents. The long sandy beach stretches for 14 km, making it the longest freshwater beach in the world.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and hiking along the Georgian Bay shoreline.

There are also several restaurants and cafes located nearby.

Cabins on the beach make this a great weekend trip as well as a day trip from Toronto.

46. Cobourg Beach

Cobourg Beach is located on Lake Ontario and offers a wide range of activities for visitors.

The beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking in the summer months.

There are also several walking trails nearby where you can enjoy views of the lake.

In the winter, the beach is a popular spot for ice fishing.

Wine Tasting One Day Trips From Toronto

47. Niagara-on-the-Lake

Distance from Toronto: 135 km

Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of the closest day trips from Toronto, and definitely one of the most popular.

It’s renowned for its wineries, Victorian architecture, and charming shops.

This picturesque town situated along the Niagara River is also a great place to try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking .

There are dozens of wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, so you’ll definitely want to dedicate an entire day to exploring them. Many of the wineries offer free tastings, so it’s a great way to sample what the area has to offer without breaking the bank.

Be sure to stroll down Queen Street, which is lined with cute cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops.

And if you’re a theatre buff, you can catch a show at the Shaw Festival, which runs from April to October.

👉 This is my favourite half day winery tour!

48. Prince Edward County

Distance from Toronto: 205 km

Estimated time: 2 hrs

This is another great wine region that makes for a perfect day trip from Toronto. Prince Edward County is located on the shores of Lake Ontario and has become a popular getaway for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

The area is home to over 40 wineries, many of which offer free tastings. So if you’re a fan of wine, this is the place for you.

In addition to its wineries, Prince Edward County is also known for its beaches, art galleries, and local shops.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are a number of bed and breakfasts, hotels, and Airbnbs in the area.

49. Caledon

Estimated time: 1 hour

Caledon is a small town located in the headwaters of the Credit River. It’s a great place for a day trip if you’re looking to get out of the city and explore the countryside.

There are a number of cideries in Caledon, making it the perfect place to go for a cider-tasting tour. The Spirit Tree Estate Cidery is one of the most popular and offers free tastings of their award-winning ciders.

Caledon is also home to a number of farms, so be sure to stop by one of the roadside stands to pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables.

Day Trips From Toronto With Kids

50. african lion safari.

Distance from Toronto: 90 km

Driving time: 1 hr 20 min

The African Lion Safari is a popular day trip destination for families with young children.

The park is home to over 1,000 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants.

Visitors can take a guided tour through the park on a safari bus or go on a self-guided tour in their own vehicle.

There are also a number of shows and animal encounters that take place throughout the day.

51. Canada’s Wonderland

Distance from Toronto: 45 km

Driving time: 45 mins

Wonderland is Toronto’s largest amusement park and a great place to take the kids for a day of fun.

The park has over 200 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water slides, and live shows.

And if that’s not enough to keep the kids entertained, there’s also a 20-acre water park, Splash Works, that’s sure to make a splash.

Shopping Day Trips Near Toronto

52. aberfoyle antique market.

Driving time : 1 hr

Aberfoyle Antique Market is a popular day trip destination for antique lovers and bargain hunters.

The market is located in an old wool mill and has over 150 vendors selling everything from furniture to vintage clothing.

53. Buffalo (New York)

Distance from Toronto: 160 km

Just a short drive from Toronto is the city of Buffalo, New York. This American city is a great place to go for a day of shopping, as it has a number of large malls and outlet stores.

If you’re looking for designer brands at a fraction of the price, be sure to check out the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls.

And if you’re looking for a more unique shopping experience, head to Elmwood Village, where you’ll find a number of local shops and boutiques.

Map of One Day Trips From Toronto

How many days do I need in Toronto?

You could easily spend a week in Toronto and still not see everything the city has to offer.

However, if you only have a few days, I suggest spending at least two days exploring the downtown core and its attractions and then taking a day trip or two to explore some of the other great places nearby.

When are the best times to visit Canada?

The best time to visit Canada depends on what you’re looking to do.

If you want to experience all that the country has to offer, I recommend visiting in the summer or fall .

However, if you’re looking for excellent skiing, winter can be a great time to visit as well.

Best Spring Day Trips From Toronto

Spring is a great time to visit wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, check out theatre in Stratford, or head to Paris for some lovely hiking near Toronto.

Best Summer Day Trips From Toronto

Summer is the perfect time to visit the beach in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, go hiking in Algonquin Provincial Park, or take a dip in the pool at Blue Mountain Resort.

How to take day trips from Toronto without a car?

There are a number of ways to take day trips from Toronto without a car. You can take the GO Train, which offers service to many of the destinations on this list. You can also take the Greyhound bus or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Or consider renting a car to allow yourself more freedom from bus schedules.

Related Posts:

• How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls: 7 Best Ways for an Epic Day Trip
• 21 Best Road Trips in Ontario from Toronto: Unforgettable Places You Need to See
• 15 Best Hotels in Toronto with Private Hot Tubs
• The Best Toronto Food Tours: Reviews of the Top 10 for Travellers
• 25 Jaw-Dropping Things to Do Tobermory, Ontario

Pin this for later!

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑  Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES!  — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧 Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes  — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨  Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes  — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. ( Read more )

📲  Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe  — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩  What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com . For hostels, I use Hostel World . If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️  What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend  Skyscanner .

🎫  Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not  — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do ( check here! ). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Nina Out and About. She has lived in 18 countries in the past 10 years, explored more than 30 countries, and has done most of it solo. A Canadian native, she also shares her favourite things to do in the True North. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their expat adventures and Canadian trips.

Want to move abroad, but don’t know how to start?

Get an expert’s tips & tricks, pick which country to move to – and do it.

25 Day Trips from Toronto to Escape the City

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: April 27, 2024

Looking for some easy day trips from Toronto to get you out of the city? Ontario is an outdoor lover’s playground. Part of the charm of living in this province is to get in the car and look for farmer’s markets, conservation areas (there are 500 of them!), beaches, and parks along the Great Lakes.

We like to look for a section along the Bruce Trail that we haven’t explored yet, pack a lunch and head outside! But if you want to have some more concrete plans for your day trip ideas in Ontario, we’ve got you covered!

Table of Contents

Easy Day Trips from Toronto

The other day, we suggested the best weekend getaways from Toronto, well, today we want to share ideas for quick day trips from Toronto. Sometimes, you only have a day, and these trips will get you back to the city and have you tucked into your bed for a good night’s sleep.

Getting Around Ontario

Most day trips from Toronto require a car. Ontario is a very drivable province, but if you want to get to some provincial and national parks , check out the Park Bus which offers trips from downtown Toronto.

When we didn’t have wheels, we rented a car. You can check out rental prices here. To explore more of Toronto, check out these best Toronto day tours from the CN Tower to the Toronto Islands.

Milton – Perfect Day Trip for Nature Lovers

Our favorite day trip from Toronto is to Milton. Located just 40 minutes from the city, it is the perfect day trip for Nature Lovers with plenty of things to do. The Kelso Conservation area takes you into the Niagara Escarpment where there’s a great ski hill for snowboarding and snowshoeing in the winter months.

In the summer Kelso turns into a fantastic place for mountain biking. You can park at the parking lot at the top so you don’t have to climb the ski hill to get started. (we did that rookie mistake our first time biking here)

Located on the Bruce Trail, it has great hiking too. The Lime Kiln trail allows no mountain bikes, so it’s a great choice.

• Milton is 40 minutes from Toronto

Rattlesnake Point and Mount Nemo

For rock climbers, nearby Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area and Mount Nemo have some of the best sport climbing routes near the city. Located just 10 minutes from each other, we have often checked out routes in Rattlesnake Point and moved on to Nemo after doing the ones that were within our limites. These are also very close to Milton.

If you don’t have lead climbing experience, Book a course with On The Rocks . We used them back in the day to first learn how to rappel and top rope.

• Rattlesnake Point is 45 minutes from Toronto

Hamilton Waterfalls

Who would have thought that Hamilton was so filled with beautiful waterfalls, but it is! And Hamilton has become one of the hottest day trips from Toronto for that reason.

Take a day to hike out to some of its waterfalls. Some of the more beautiful waterfalls in Hamilton are Webster Falls, Albion Falls, Tews Falls. There are 100 waterfalls around the Hamilton area, so take the summer filled with day trips from Toronto to see them all!

• Hamilton is 1 hour from Toronto
• Since this lovely pandemic ruined a lot of outdoor activities, you now need to book appointments to hit the Ontario trails. In a way this is a good thing, because in recent years the trails have been over crowded. So if you do want to explore the waterfalls of Hamilton, be sure to book ahead of time here.

Spencer Gorge Conservation Area

Staying in the Hamilton area, Spencer Gorge Conservation Area is one of the best places in Ontario for fall colors. And most people know it. It is busy! But there is a reason for that the hike to Dundas Peak offers the best view in the area.

I know it is part of the Hamilton Waterfalls list, but it does deserve its own slot on our list. The Tews Falls side trail takes you along the Niagara Escarpment to Tews Falls and then up to Dundas Peak for views of Hamilton and Dundas. After your hike, spend a bit of time exploring Dundas and Hamilton. there are plenty of things to do.

• Book your hiking slot here ahead of time.
• Read more: 35 Iconic Places to Visit in Ontario, Canada
• 41 Beautiful and Best Places to Visit in Canada

Blue Mountain

It’s a bit of a drive at 2 hours from Toronto, but Dave and I have driven up to Blue Mountain Village for only a day many times. In the winter, we snowboard the hills at Blue Mountain, and in the summer, there’s superb mountain biking and hiking. It’s nice just to spend some time wandering Blue Mountain Village while enjoying an ice cream cone or some Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.

Blue Mountain has a lot to keep you busy during the day with the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, a Zipline and a golf course.

• check out Things to do in Blue Mountain and Collingwood
• Blue Mountain is just over 2 hours from Toronto

Scenic Caves Collingwood

One of the first day trips we took from Toronto was to the Scenic Caves in Collingwood. You can take a self-guided tour or book an adventure with Scenic Caves Eco Adventures.

Getting to the scenic caves is half the fun as you need to cross Ontario’s longest suspension bridge. If you book an adventure, you will be doing some ziplining too!

• Read more at Things to do in Blue Mountain and Collingwood
• Collingwood is 2 Hours from Toronto

Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain

It’s worth going up to Collingwood for the Scandinave Spa alone. If you want a relaxing escape from the city, The Scandinave Spa is an outdoor system of hot pools, saunas, steam rooms and waterfalls. Spend the day at a spa surrounded by the Niagara Escarpment.

• Scandinave Spa is 2 Hours from Toronto
• See what it’s like at a spa like this Nordik Spa Nature – A Guide to Ottawa’s Luxury Spa Escape

Ganaraska Forest

If you are looking for day trip idea from Toronto, make your way to the Ganaraska Forest, to Trail Tours and take a dirt bike riding course. You don’t have to have any experience dirt biking and by the end of the day, you’ll be jumping over logs, and zipping through forests with ease.

• 1 hour and 10 minutes from Toronto
• Read all about it here.

Ferris Provincial Park

If you just want a suspension bridge experience, a visit to the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge in Ferris Provincial Park near Cambleford is a good choice.

Spanning the Trent River this suspension bridge is part of a 10 km network of trails. So you can see this beauty with fantastic views while getting your day out in nature. But you can access it in less than 1km if you just want to see the bridge. Another trail lets you get on the bridge after an easy 3km hike.

• 2 hours from Toronto
• Check out the friends of Ferris Trail for details.

Canada’s Wonderland

I worked as a singer at Canada’s Wonderland for 3 seasons and it was the best summers of my life. If you love roller coasters, Wonderland is filled with them and this huge amusement park is the perfect day out from Toronto.

I’ve had friends who live in Toronto purchase seasons passes to the waterpark for an easy escape from the city to relax by the pool or enjoy Canada’s largest wave pool! It is a massive park and many people in Toronto get a season’s pass to escape the city on a regular basis.

• Canada’s Wonderland is 30 minutes from the GTA

Stratford is home to the world famous Stratford Festival. With three theatres in town featuring the works of Shakespeare, it attracts the best actors from Canada and the United States.

The festival has been runninng since 1953 and the town has taken advantage of the crowds and tour buses coming in. There are plenty of boutique shops, fine dining, hotels and museums to spend a day exploring along the picturesque Avon River.

• Stratford is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Toronto

Niagara Falls

Okay so it is an obvious choice for a weekend getaway from Toronto, but Niagara Falls can easily be done in a day as well. Just 90 minutes from Toronto , you can be at the falls for sunrise and then with an adventure pass in hand, you can see the top attractions in a day! Check out the best Niagara Falls Day tours here.

Seriously, we’ve done Niagara Falls in a day several times. Journey behind the falls, The Hornblower (formerly Maid of the Mist), Whitewater Walk and Whirlpool Cable Car can be done in a day. We’ve even thrown in a couple of wax museums and Nightmares on Clifton Hill into our day trip.

• Niagara Falls is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Toronto
• The best way to get to Niagara Falls is by car, but you can take a bus, train or organized tour
• An uber to Niagara Falls will cost you approximately $200 CAD
• Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
• Things to do in Niagara Falls

Niagara-on-the-Lake

For a more laid-back Toronto day trip, Niagara on the Lake is the perfect spot to stock up on your Ontario wines. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this picturesque town oozes history. With fine dining, boutique shops and lovely historic sites, it is the perfect escape from the GTA.

To add some excitement to your relaxing stroll around the heritage buildings of downtown, book a trip on the Whirlpool Jet Boat. After that, you can pop over to the historic Fort George for some 1812 re-enactment fun.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is also home to the Shaw Festival. Niagara’s answer to Stratford. This professional theatre puts on the works of George Bernard Shaw. It’s an excellent thing to do in the evening.

You can easily combine a Niagara Falls trip with Niagara on the Lake. They are only 20 minutes apart. You can book day tours to Niagara on the Lake and see its top sights.

• (1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Toronto)
• See more about Niagara on the Lake Things to do in Niagara on the Lake – A Lovely Ontario Town

We love visiting Muskoka. located just two hours north of Toronto, this is an excellent day trip for an outdoor adventure. With 1,600 lakes, forests and hills, it is a photographer’s paradise. Muskoka attracts thousands of visitors each autumn to take in the fall colours.

There are urban areas to visit as well, the towns of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, and the Townships of Lake of Bays, Georgian Bay and Muskoka Lakes are all located in Muskoka with plenty of places for boutique shopping, dining and sightseeing.

• Muskoka is two hours from Toronto

Elora is a great day trip from the city. In high school this was the popular spot to head to during a spare afternoon to chill out at the Elora quarry but today, it’s turned into a picturesque town that has a charming pedestrian square the Elora Mews to do some shopping and grab a coffee to take with you as you stroll the streets.

The star attraction is the Elora Gorge. With hiking trails along the cliffs for scenic views of the Grand River. The Grand has become one of the premier places in Ontario for tubing and kayaking. The Elora Quarry has been featured in many Hollywood movies most notably Stephen King’s IT.

• Elora is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Toronto

We recently moved to this small town of Paris and it wasn’t until living here that we realized how much there is to do here. Located on the Grand River, we regularly paddleboard and kayak along its shores. After a day of paddling, enjoy lunch at Stillwaters on the Grand and browse it’s one street of shopping. You can pack up your bike too as the bike trails here are awesome. We can ride all the way to Ancaster along the bike trails through Brantford and the hubs of Ontario.

Be sure to visit the Quincy Mills Market to stock up on cheese and jams and from there, walk to Lion’s Park for a lovely view over the Nith River.

• Paris is 1 hour and 10 minutes from Toronto – Come say hello we live here!

Speaking of Brantford, it’s turning into a good little tourist destination in Ontario. Visit the Bell Homestead where Alexander Graham Bell made his first phone call. This historic site was home to the Bell family located on the Grand River. There are tubing and kayaking along the beautiful river, and Brantford has a Casino too! I recommend combining Paris and Brantford in one trip.

• Brantford is 1 hour and 10 minutes to downtown

Hardwood Hills

For awesome mountain biking in Ontario, make your way to Hardwood Hills. We spent many a day off at Hardwood Hills. It’s the ultimate mountain biking destination in Ontario. You can easily spend the day here. We always start with an easy green run to warm up and then work our way to some of the single track black diamond trails. They have a cafeteria to stock up on food, and they offer mountain bike rentals and lessons if you don’t have experience.

• Hardwood Hills is 90 minutes from Toronto

Caledon has become a super popular thanks to the Instagram worth photographs of the Cheltenham Badlands. While you are out there, stock up on some cider at the Spirit Tree Cidery and get a bushel of apples for the seasons. (yes, I can scarf down a bushel of apples in a couple of weeks).

There are cycling and mountain biking in the area too. Our favorite is Albion Hills Conservation about 15 minutes from Caledon. It has great trails for hiking and biking. And there’s camping too if you don’t want to go back to Toronto yet.

• Caledon is 45 minutes from Toronto

Kitchener Waterloo

Another city located on the Grand River, Kitchener Waterloo is another easy trip from Toronto. We’ve been frequenting Kitchener often, and it is worth leaving the city to see.

Waterloo has fast become a major tech hub in Ontario with Google and Blackberry having offices there as well as 500 tech start-ups. Because of this, the Kitchener Waterloo cities have chic cafés, vegan restaurants, and farmers markets in the downtown core.

• Kitchener-Waterloo is 1 hour and 15 minutes from Toronto)

St. Jacob’s Farmers Market

A main attraction to the region is St. Jacob’s farmers market, the largest year-round farmer’s market in Canada. The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is an indoor tropical garden filled with butterflies flitting around.

There are great bike trails, we’ve actually cycled from Paris to Kitchener Waterloo along the Grand and you can do some paddling and tubing on the Grand River. Part of the Tri-Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, it’s a great destination for a road trip. There’s St. Jacobs Be sure to check out the picturesque town of Galt as well.

• St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market is 90 minutes from Toronto

Wasaga Beach

Toronto has some great beaches on Toronto Island, in the beachs and at the Scarborough Bluffs, but if you are looking for a day trip out of the city, check out Wasaga Beach. It has some of the warmest waters in the province and the 14 km stretch of beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world.

• Wasaga Beach is 1 hour and 40 minutes from Toronto

Dave and I used to take a drive from Toronto just to get a hot dog at the Arbor, but it is a lovely town to visit for a day away from Toronto. Take a nice stroll out to the lighthouse Pier, walk along the main street and do some shopping and enjoy a bit of sunshine on its sandy beach. We like starting here and then taking a drive along Lake Erie to Turkey Point and Port Burwell stopping at the wineries and brew pubs along the way to help fill our bar at home.

• Port Dover is 90 minutes from Toronto
• Check out TripAdvisor for a list of the vineyard and breweries in Norfolk County.

Peterborough and the Kawarthas

Heading out to Cottage Country is a good day any day! Peterborough is in the middle of cottage country and this town has a lot going on. Located on the Trent Severn Waterway, there are quite a few day trip ideas for this area. Start at the Lock 21, a National Historic Site that is the highest hydrolich lift lock in the world and move on from there. Take a tour of the Canadian Canoe Museum, grab some art the Whetung Ojibwa Arts and Crafts Center where you can support local artists, and visit the Reptile Museum. Finish it off with dinner at the Publian House Brewery.

• Peterborough and the Kawarthas are 90 minutes from Toronto
• For more information on Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes visit The Kawartha’s.ca

Prince Edward County

It’s just a short jaunt from Toronto to get out of the city and into wine country. The flower fields of sunflower and lavender have been a top draw in recent years. But be respectful and take photos from afar. Don’t go into the fields and ruin the crops!

Presqu’ile and Sandbanks Provinical Park are popular for their sandy beaches and Sand dunes of Sandbanks Provincial Park. And vineyard hopping to explore the local wineries are a top thing to do! We always love touring Ontario wine country to fill our wine rack and discover new vineyards.

• Prince Edward County is 2 hours and 10 minutes from Downtown Toronto

Algonquin Provincial Park

We are getting a little far away now for a day trip from Toronto, but if you are looking for a good long drive, Algonquin Provincial Park is quite beautiful. Algonquin Outfitters offers one-day guided tours of Oxtongue Lake to give you a sample of what a multiday trip through Algonquin Park would be like.

Algonquin is one of the best places in the world to spot moose in the wild. This provincial park is beautiful. Once you’ve been to Algonquin Provincial Park for a day, you’ll find that you’ll keep going back again and again for a longer weekend getaway.

• Algonquin Park is 3 hours from Toronto
• No car? Book this Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park private Tour.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

It’s getting a little bit far away to be considered one of the best day trips (since we suggest an overnight), but the Bruce Penisnula is an amazing place to spend some time outside the city. Outdoor lovers flock to this part of Ontario, located on the Bruce Peninsula of Lake Huron, with plenty of campsites to choose from to make a base for rock climbing at Lions Head or to explore the famous Grotto of Tobermory.

• The Bruce Peninsula is 3 1/2 hours from Toronto
• And Tobermory are nearly 4 hours from Toronto.

Before we leave you let’s answer a few questions about the best day trips in Toronto.

What cities are two hours from Toronto or less from our list of best Toronto Day trips. They are Hamilton, Milton, Collingwood, Stratford, Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, Elora, Paris, Brantford, Port Dover.

Is Tobermory a day trip from Toronto? Not really. We have it on the list, and we have done it as a day trip from Toronto to go scuba diving (only), but it is nearly a four-hour drive from Toronto, so you will need to wake up early and stay out late.

And these are our favourite day trips from Toronto. But there are so many places to visit in Ontario that are just a couple of hours from the city. Where have you gone on a day trip that you love? Let us know, we’re building our list for the summer!

• 19 Most Epic Things to do in Ontario
• 25 Best Places to Camp in Ontario, Canada
• 35 Iconic Places to Visit in Ontario, Canada
• Toronto Tours by Locals
• Where to Stay in Toronto – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

25 Best Things to Do in Niagara Falls, Canada in 2024

The Perfect 48 Hours in Niagara Falls Canada

12 Fun Things to Do in Niagara Falls at Night

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Tours to Take in Toronto

The Best Food to Try in Toronto

Toronto's Most Iconic Restaurants

Toronto's Best Breweries

The Best Time to Visit Toronto

Weather & Climate

Airports in Toronto

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation in Toronto

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Skiing Near Toronto

Toronto's Best Beaches

Toronto's Best Parks

Best Museums in Toronto

Theater in Toronto

Shopping in Toronto

36 Hours in Toronto: An Itinerary

Toronto Day Trips

Day Trips from Toronto

Day Trips Less Than 2 Hours From Toronto

Toronto, Canada, is a fabulous city, but if you have some extra time, why not visit some of the other cities and towns near Toronto in Southern Ontario? From the stunning spectacle of Niagara Falls to the small-town charm of Elora and Stratford, the region surrounding Toronto is worth exploring.

Check out the places you can visit, all within a two-hour drive from Toronto, that offer visitors a wide range of experiences.

Niagara Falls

Helen Filatova/CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

One of the world's natural wonders, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from around the world. If you're in Toronto, Niagara Falls is an easy day trip . It is about 80 miles away. The famous  Maid of the Mist  boat that sails around the falls can be a thrilling adventure, although it is only seasonally available from April to November.

Jordan and the Niagara Wine Region

 ChristopheLedent/Getty Images

About 70 miles from Toronto, the Niagara wine region offers visitors dozens of wineries. This region is famous for its ice wine. Check out spectacular natural surroundings via the Bruce Trail . Jordan is one of the charming towns among many in the area.

You can take a wine tour by bike, car, or  Air  Bus . Or, visit Cave Spring Cellars , a scenic winery with a restaurant, spa, resort, and shopping.

Collingwood

Bert Hoferichter/Getty Images

Located on Georgian Bay, Collingwood, about 90 miles from Toronto, underwent a major restoration in the late 90s. Today it is popular year-round, with skiing Blue Mountain in the winter, and hiking, biking, golfing , and boating in the summer. Lovers of the outdoors will especially enjoy the Collingwood area and consider  Scenic Caves Nature Adventures .

Wasaga Beach

Ken Gillespie/Getty Images

Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world, with eight miles of sandy shoreline and glorious sunsets. Wasaga Beach has been awarded Blue Flag status for its efforts to manage its shoreline according to international environmental standards.

In addition to beach activities, there is hiking and bird watching, as well as family-friendly cultural and historic events that commemorate the War of 1812 through tours and museums.

For people looking to extend their day trip to Wasaga, there are lots of beach houses and cottages available to rent. Wasaga is 90 miles from Toronto.

Niagara-on-the-Lake

Cmglee/CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

A more sophisticated, cultural destination than its famous neighbor Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a lovely town brimming with heritage and charm—and only 80 miles away from Toronto.

You might want to catch a show at the famous Shaw Festival Theatre, take an architectural walk, shop, visit historic Fort George , or check out the many  things to do with kids near Niagara Falls .

Rolf Hicker/Getty Images

Known foremost as a steel town, Hamilton also has a rich cultural side, including historical museums and fine art galleries.

Some of the top things to do in Hamilton include visits to​ the  Canadian Warplane Museum , which displays aircraft from World War II planes to jets; the  Whitehern Historic House and Garden , an outstanding intact historic house; and the Royal Botanical Gardens, which has one of the largest lilac collection and 18 miles of trails. Hamilton is just over 40 miles away, about an hour's drive.

 Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images 

About 40 miles from Toronto,  Oakville is an upscale town with diverse dining and shopping. Golf is popular here. Or, if you're looking for a day of boutiques and galleries in a pretty waterside setting, Oakville is a good choice.

If golf is your thing, you might want to grab a tee time at the  Glen Abbey Golf Course , or, if that's not possible, visit the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame . Otherwise, shopping and dining are top​-notch in this town.

To get there, you can drive for just over 30 minutes or grab a  GoTrain  from Toronto and be there in 20 minutes.

St. Jacobs Country

Allie_Caulfield/Flickr

St. Jacobs has maintained its small-town charm despite being a major tourist draw. The local Mennonites are part of the town's success story as many of their unique wares are sold in the more than 100 specialty shops and at the outstanding farmer's market.

Learn more about the   Mennonite culture, consider a visit to the Quilt Gallery, or check out the Maple Syrup Museum.

St. Jacobs is 80 miles from Toronto.

Elora (Elmira and Fergus)

Klaus Lang/Getty Images

About an hour's drive from Toronto is in the town of Elora and nearby Elmira and Fergus. These towns offer up small-town Ontario at its best. Elora is perched prettily on the Grand River and the Elora Gorge. This quaint village is noted for its interesting shops, historic stone buildings, country inns, and bed and breakfasts.

Among the many things to do, you can shop, tube down the Grand River, hike, visit or dine at the Elora Mill, attend the  Elora Festival  in July or the  Fergus Scottish Festival  in August, and take the Elora-Fergus artist studio tour.

Wayne Simpson/Getty Images

Stratford is famous for its annual Stratford Festival  (April to November), which is a repertory theater festival with an emphasis on the works of Shakespeare. Also, it is known for its beautiful gardens. The picturesque town of Stratford, also like its English namesake, is located on the Avon River, about 95 miles from Toronto. Nearby St Mary's has a well-preserved Victorian downtown district and one of the largest collections of historic limestone buildings in Ontario.

While in Stratford, you might want to eat at a culinary arts school. The town offers great dining throughout. Also, consider a visit to a garden or find an architectural tour. If that doesn't interest you, then go shopping.

Midland/Penetanguishene

Hans Bernhard/CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons

Part of Ontario's cottage country, Midland-Penetanguishene, is 90 miles from downtown Toronto. It has a rich heritage that blends Native, French, and British cultures. Midland-Penetanguishene is of interest to history buffs and nature lovers alike.

You can visit the   Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons Native Village, see the Martyr’s Shrine, take the Georgian Bay 30,000 Island boat tour, or walk around the historic naval and military base at  Discovery Harbour .

5 Charming Small Towns Near Toronto

18 Best Things to Do in Toronto With Kids

The 10 Best Things to Do in Ontario

The Best Staycation in Every State

How to Travel From Toronto to Niagara Falls by Train, Bus, and Car

11 Top Cheap or Free Things to Do in Toronto

Niagara Falls and Toronto 3-Day Itinerary

15 Best Day Trips from New York City

Toronto Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 10 Best Day Trips to Take From San Antonio

The 28 Best Day Trips From Seattle

11 Tips for Visiting the Santa Claus Parade in Toronto

The 11 Best Day Trips from New Orleans

Toronto Pearson International Airport Guide

Tips on How to Save Money when You Visit Toronto

Your Trip to Charleston: The Complete Guide

Best Road Trips From Toronto

Top road trip destinations from toronto.

Niagara Falls

🚗 170 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 50 minutes

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls. Take a boat tour to get up close to the falls or marvel from many of the jaw-dropping viewpoints.

🚗 447 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 45 minutes

Explore vibrant Detroit, known for its automotive history and revitalized downtown area. This dynamic city is a must-visit.

🚗 860 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Needing little introduction, New York City is brimming with world-renowned attractions. Make sure to visit a Broadway show, explore Central Park and Times Square, and admire the Statue of Liberty.

🚗 450 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 20 minutes

Discover the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, with historic landmarks and national museums. Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, is just one of the highlights.

Nova Scotia

🚗 1,985 miles ⏱️ 20 hours, 15 minutes

Visit unforgettable Nova Scotia, with rugged coastlines, pretty fishing villages, and historic sites. The Cabot Trail and interesting town of Lunenburg are both must-visits. As is a taste of the delicious seafood.

Algonquin Provincial Park

🚗 306 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 20 minutes

At stunning Algonquin Provincial Park you can expect pristine lakes, forests and wildlife in abundance! A must for outdoor fans, explore the hiking trails and go canoeing or kayaking.

🚗 600 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 30 minutes

The historic charm of Montreal, with cobblestone streets and lively festivals makes it pretty special. Head to Old Montreal, climb Mount Royal, and delight at trying the renowned bagels.

🚗 1,120 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 20 minutes

With iconic architecture and world-class museums with sites such as Millennium Park, Chicago has plenty to offer. Plus you can unwind after all that exploring with a tasty deep-dish pizza.

Myrtle Beach

🚗 1,640 miles ⏱️ 19 hours, 30 minutes

Relax on the sunny beaches and enjoy the lively entertainment scene of Myrtle Beach. Whether you're golfing, shopping, or dining, there's something for everyone.

New Orleans

🚗 2,090 miles ⏱️ 20 hours

With a rich history, New Orleans has an unrivalled music scene, with Mardi Gras a must-visit festival. Make sure a visit to French Quarter and steamboat cruise on the Mississippi are also on the to-do list.

Newfoundland

🚗 2,325 miles ⏱️ 29 hours

Enjoy an unforgettable journey to Newfoundland, with its enchanting coastline. Explore Gros Morne National Park, visit historic St. John's, and witness icebergs along the coast.

Thousand Islands

🚗 354 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 30 minutes

Cruise through Thousand Islands, where clear waters and charming islands await. Take a boat tour, go kayaking, or explore historic castles in this picturesque region.

🚗 1,231 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 50 minutes

Nashville, renowned for its music scene, isn't just for country music lovers. Check out the legendary honky-tonks on Broadway, visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, and indulge in delicious Southern cuisine.

Quebec City

🚗 800 miles ⏱️ 8 hours

Step back in time and explore the historic charm of Quebec City, with its cobblestone streets, fortified walls, and European ambiance.

Washington DC

🚗 805 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

Discover the iconic landmarks of Washington DC, the capital of the United States. National Mall, Smithsonian, White House and the Lincoln Memorial are just some legendary sites.

Lake Ontario

🚗 917 miles ⏱️ 10 hours, 30 minutes

Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes of North America. Enjoy waterfront activities like boating and fishing, or just relax and take in the stunning views.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

🚗 298 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

Expect an adventure when you arrive at Bruce Peninsula National Park. The ancient forests make way for memorable hikes along the Bruce Trail, where you can visit the famous Grotto, and enjoy views of Georgian Bay.

Lake Michigan and Lake Huron

🚗 2,650 miles ⏱️ 26 hours

Journey around Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, with stunning coastline and charming waterfront towns. There are plenty of options for some rest and relaxation on sandy shores as you make your way.

🚗 2,130 miles ⏱️ 21 hours, 35 minutes

Experience the magic of Orlando, home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.

🚗 980 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 30 minutes

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Boston, one of America's oldest cities. Walk the Freedom Trail, visit historic landmarks like the Boston Tea Party Ships, and indulge in delicious seafood at Quincy Market.

Manitoulin Island

🚗 596 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 30 minutes

Discover the natural beauty of Manitoulin Island, the world's largest freshwater island. Explore scenic trails, visit charming villages, and learn more about the Indigenous culture at museums and art galleries.

Philadelphia

🚗 1,046 miles ⏱️ 11 hours

Discover the historic charm of Philadelphia, home to attractions such as Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Make sure to order a delicious Philly cheesesteak during your visit.

🚗 1,054 miles ⏱️ 11 hours, 40 minutes

From the bustling boardwalks of Atlantic City to the scenic beauty of the Jersey Shore, there is plenty to enjoy when you visit New Jersey. Great fun for the whole family along the coast.

🚗 1,670 miles ⏱️ 28 hours

The beaches of Miami are renowned, as is the art deco architecture and Latin cuisine. After dancing the night away, relax on South Beach.

🚗 208 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 10 minutes

Escape to the serene wilderness of Muskoka, known for its outdoor adventures, with some of the finest trails in Ontario's cottage country.

🚗 550 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 50 minutes

Discover the rich history of Cleveland, home to world-class museums. Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, explore the Cleveland Museum of Art, and enjoy waterfront dining along Lake Erie.

🚗 311 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 3 minutes

Explore picturesque Gananoque, gateway to the stunning Thousand Islands region. Cruise the scenic waterways, visit landmarks like Boldt Castle, and experience outdoor adventures in this waterfront town.

Longer road trips from Toronto

Quebec and Saguenay Fjord

🚗 2,850 miles ⏱️ 32 hours

Embark on a journey to Quebec and the stunning Saguenay Fjord, where historic charm meets natural beauty.

🚗 3,300 miles ⏱️ 33 hours

Discover the vibrant city of Calgary, gateway to the Canadian Rockies and host of the famous Calgary Stampede, bursting with western hospitality.

🚗 3,420 miles ⏱️ 34 hours

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park, renowned for its rugged mountains, turquoise lakes, and plentiful wildlife.

Thunder Bay and Quetico Provincial Park

🚗 3,450 miles ⏱️ 36 hours

Explore the scenic wonders of Thunder Bay and Quetico Provincial Park, where outdoor adventures like canoeing, hiking, and wildlife spotting await you.

Los Angeles

🚗 2,700 miles ⏱️ 72 hours, 25 minutes

Experience the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, where Hollywood dreams come to life amidst palm-lined streets and sunny beaches.

🚗 4,465 miles ⏱️ 45 hours

Journey to the coastal city of Vancouver, nestled between mountains and ocean, with diverse neighborhoods, and stunning natural beauty of British Columbia.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Must Do Canada

The Best Things to Do in Canada

11 Awesome Day Trips from Toronto

November 17, 2020 By Matthew G. Bailey 11 Comments

Sharing is caring!

Toronto is a city that’s travelled to by thousands of tourists each year. And it totally deserves the rep it’s gained over the years. With museums, art galleries, some of the world’s finest breweries, and excellent restaurants, you’ve got to give the capital credit.

It doesn’t stop there, though. While it’s great to spend time in Canada’s largest city, a short journey outside of Toronto will invite an incredible experience in the outdoors. With a wonderland of stunning scenery, hiking spots, vineyards, and adventures, a few surprises will await you.

While most of the destinations can be driven to, guided tours from Toronto allow you to explore the surrounding areas with ease. So, whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for day trips in Ontario , or a laid-back traveller with a passion for road trips, we’ve got you covered!

Toronto Day Trips: Guided Excursions & Adventure Tours

As the seasons are constantly changing in the Toronto district , there’s always room for a new kind of adventure. Depending on the weather, whether snowy or sunny, there’s no better way to be out in the region than by opting for a guided tour. Particularly if you don’t know the area.

All of the tours below include transportation to the attraction, giving you the chance to forget about car rentals and sorting out the logistics. They’re all about packing in tons of fun and excitement, without spending hours in the car or booking a weekend away.

1.   Day Trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s greatest natural attractions. So, of course, we had to dedicate a number of tours that’ll show off this beauty.

From Toronto: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Boat Cruise

• From $149 CAD, Duration: 9.5 hours

The first tour to make our list allows you to get up close and personal with the 51-meter waterfalls. This boat cruise and falls tour leaves from the city, and takes you through the beautiful Niagara Falls region.

As you leave the hustle and bustle of the city, you’ll travel along the scenic Niagara Parkway, where you’ll have the chance to visit Floral Clock and the Whirlpool Spanish Aero Car. Next up, head to Niagara-on-the-Lake and visit a local winery.

After your day of adventure, cruise along the base of the Horseshoe Falls for an even more spectacular sighting.

This isn’t just a chance to see great things. The coolest thing about opting for a tour is the fact that you get to hear about the history and geography of the falls.

Niagara Falls, Canada: Evening Lights Bus Tour from Toronto

• From $99 CAD, Duration: 9.5 hours

Most of the tours to the falls start pretty early in the morning. However, this evening lights tour makes the best of both the sunshine and darkness of the night – allowing you to see a side of the falls like no other!

After your boat ride around the Horseshoe Falls, fuel up with a scrumptious buffet dinner. Enjoy yet another fantastic local winery while you listen to live commentary from your guide.

Then watch the falls come to life with an array of multi-coloured lights illuminating the waters. You won’t only be blown away by the lights though. Fridays call for the firework show to take the tour to the next level.

Toronto: Taste of Niagara-on-the-Lake Day Trip

• From $150 CAD, Duration: 9 hours

Many of the tours that operate around Niagara focus primarily on the falls. For those of you looking for a new kind of experience, this tour is all about pleasing the senses.

Your day starts with an exciting 2-hour tour of a chocolate factory in the Niagara region. You’ll have an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of how the chocolate-making process works, and once you’ve got the gist of it, sample their creations.

After the sweet treats, you’ll be making your way to two award-winning wineries to sample the region’s finest collection. Part of this excursion includes an in-depth tour of the wineries. Besides enjoying the wine, you can stroll through the orchard and vineyards along the Niagara River Parkway.

Stop for a Tuscan-inspired lunch that includes wood-fired pizza. Now that you’re beyond satisfied, journey to the falls for an hour spent at the lookout deck to capture awe-inspiring photographs.

2.   Dog Sledding, Snow Tubing and Snowshoeing Tour from Toronto

• From $389.75 CAD, Duration: 12 hours

Take full advantage of the Canadian climate and embrace the heavy snowfall! This snow extravaganza is a full-day excursion that includes three different snow activities that are perfect for all ages.

Ever had the chance to dog sled through the snow? Probably not, and chances are, you’re not going to get a better chance than with this one. As well as meeting some cute pooches, you’ll be snow tubing along private trails and trying your hand at snowshoeing.

Ending the tour with a hot lunch in a warm tent would be good enough. But these hosts have made the tour super special. Drool over roasted marshmallows on the campfire with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.

3.   Prince Edward County Private Tour

• From $1,399 CAD, Duration: 10 hours

While you’ll be up to your neck in outdoor adventures, embarking on a day trip to Prince Edward County promises a relaxing day in purple fields of lavender. And quite frankly, frolicking in lavender fields sounds absolutely magical.

If you’re not the biggest fan of the idea, it’s worth visiting just to explore the luscious region and stopping at a winery. The local hotspots feature amazing wines, as well as beautiful culinary creations.

Don’t get too involved with the wine tasting, though. You’ll be venturing to a national park next, where you’ll have the chance to take a short hike along the water’s edge.

4.   Algonquin Provincial Park Private Tour

• From $1,399 CAD, Duration: 12 hours

Looking to escape the city and get lost in nature? How about booking a tour from Toronto to explore the forests and lakes of Canada in Algonquin National Park.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the natural beauty, while simultaneously having a wild adventure.

There’s no better way to explore Algonquin Lake than by hopping in the water for a swim and canoeing across the water. All equipment is provided, and you can even make a stop at a small island and jump off the cliffs.

Next, wander the Booth’s Rock Trail that looks over the two lakes. The 5km loop includes a walk along an abandoned railway.

Your private vehicle will then take you back to Toronto where you can relax and reflect on your wild adventure.

5.   Algonquin Provincial Park Day Tour from Toronto

• From $205.98 CAD, Duration: 12 hours

By now you’ve probably noticed that the Toronto district is a dreamland destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. A tour through the Algonquin Provincial Park promises a fun day out in nature exploring the lakes, forests, and activities outdoors for active travellers.

Start this tour bright and early by embarking on a short hike on the Ragged Falls Oxtongue River trail. At the end of the trail, you’ll be at one of the favourite local hang out spots at the Ragged Falls.

The falls trail is followed by an hour or two on a Booth’s Rock hike (depending on the group’s preference). Once that hike is completed, you’ll begin the last hike of the day on the Two Rivers trail. The easy-ascend trail leads to the pine-clad cliff. Those brave enough can dive off the cliffs into the water below.

After lunch and snacks, you’ll end off the day at the Algonquin Visitor Centre where you can enjoy even more beautiful views.

6.   Private Tour to Scarborough Bluffs

• From $500 CAD, Duration: 6 hours

Indulge in a fully private tour that leaves from Toronto city center and takes you through to the Scarborough Bluffs. The Bluffs are an enormous escarpment that runs along the shore of Lake Ontario, formed from a natural process of soil erosion.

After this 6-hour tour, you’ll soon be an expert on the area. A local guide will share all of their information about the bluffs, which includes some really interesting facts. While you listen and learn, marvel at the magical turquoise blue waters and the crown-like appearance of the Bluffs.

This tour involves walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for hiking. You’ll also want to bring along a rain jacket as you can’t always be sure of Toronto’s weather. 

7.   Toronto Trips to the Bruce Peninsula

• From $215 CAD, Duration: 12 hours

During the summer, when the weather is the best, Canada can be a haven for globetrotters.

These guided tours operate with small groups in mind, making it an ideal option for family and friends who are looking for an escape from the city. You’ll have a private bus that takes you from the city to Bruce Peninsula National Park, yet another fantastic national park.

Depending on the weather you’ll hike or snowshoe along the trail before arriving at the Indian Head Cove, Grotto, and Marr Lake.

Venture into the caves, visit spectacular waterfalls, and journey to various lookout points, such as Inglis Falls lookout.

Best Day Trips from Toronto by Car

Just a short drive outside of the capital, road trippers will find themselves in charming villages, idyllic forests, and awe-inspiring lakes. 

The road less travelled can always lead to a greater sense of excitement. Why not travel to these wonders and see for yourself? Take a look at these Toronto day trip ideas.

8.   Blue Mountain Ski Resort

Blue Mountain is just a short 2 and a half-hour drive via Hurontario St, from the center of Toronto. Although this can easily be done in a day, it’s a destination that you’re most likely going to want to spend the night at. That way you can take advantage of the hot tubs, ski lessons, snowshoeing, and ice-skating experiences.

Skiing is the main attraction here, but it’s not the only thing that makes the resort popular. In the warmer months, travellers can venture on a hiking trip around the peaks, or mountain bike through the oak forests.

The nearby town of Collingwood is another popular place to visit outside Toronto and only a short drive from the resort. The lively town has all kinds of great dining options, numerous events throughout the year, and activity-based shopping stores, like biking and skiing shops.

Just to the east of Collingwood is Wasaga Beach. If you’re travelling here in the summer, you can’t miss out on the chance to see the beach turn into a lively, summer family vacation spot.

Blue Mountain Resort Village Suites

The resort offers a variety of lodging to suit a wide range of travellers. From hotels to self-catering guest suites, the units are all located close to the skiing village, where you’ll find more than 40 bars, restaurants, and shops.

9.   Cobourg Beach

Only an hour and a half drive from Toronto, Cobourg Beach is another natural attraction you can add to the district’s list of outdoor adventures. You can imagine how vibey the beach is in the months of July and August, when both locals and travellers are making the most of the warm weather.

Fit for the perfect day trip, the park beach features changing rooms, bathrooms, and picnic tables. Go for a stroll along the boardwalk, catch a game of volleyball, or take a dip in the icy waters.

If you don’t happen to be in Canada during the warm, summer months , the beach can still be visited during winter. Although less busy, you can still wander along the picturesque coast or grab a bite to eat at the nearby restaurants.

Spending the Night at the Seaside

Cobourg is a quiet town that’s well worth exploring. When you’re not spending time in the sunshine, wander along the streets and downtown area. Just 500m from the waterfront and 10 minutes from the highway, this beautiful little guest house is the perfect stopover for your day trip.

As well as having a luxuriously comfortable bed for the night, you’ll be spoilt with the scrumptious breakfast before you head back to the city.

10.   Canada’s Wonderland

Located in Vaughan, close to Toronto and only an hour north of the city, Canada’s Wonderland is the country’s premier amusement park. And while you may be thinking that a wonderland is for children, the park boasts 200 attractions and 70 thrilling rides for all kinds of travellers.

Take a ride on Canada’s tallest roller coaster. If roller coasters aren’t your thing, you can always explore the collection of other amusement themed activities. Circus shows, artistic performers, and sweet treats are all part of the park’s childish charm.

The park is only open from spring to fall. When the weather is really good, Splash Works is the place to be. With all kinds of water rides, the largest outdoor wave pool, and a lazy river, it’s a great way to spend a summer’s day. 

Accommodation Near Canada’s Wonderland

A visit to the wonderland will require a whole day. After a busy day of rollercoaster rides and a likely sugar high, spending a night in Vaughan might save you a late-night drive.

Novotel Toronto Vaughan Centre is a short 5-minute drive from the wonderland. Featuring hot tubs, a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool, and a restaurant, it’s an ideal spot to rest your head and recharge.

11.   Cheltenham Badlands, Caledon

The Cheltenham Badlands – in Caledon and only an hour from Toronto – were formed over 400 million years ago. Due to erosion and deposition, the iron found within the formations has oxidized and produced an incredible burnt orange colouring.

Once you’ve arrived, the choice of how you want to spend your time is up to you. You won’t be able to walk on the actual badlands, but there is a boardwalk that shows off incredible features of the orangey rock formations.

Depending on the weather, you might decide to hike through the forests on the Bruce Trail. The trail is particularly magical in the fall. The golden hues of autumn highlight the forest beautifully.

To add to your adventure, take a trip to one of the hidden gems in the area. The Spirit Tree Cider is a fantastic brewery that features a bistro and brewery.

Molly’s Retreat B and B

Molly’s Retreat is one of the most highly-rated bookings near the Badlands. After a day spent hiking, canoeing or sightseeing, you can come back to the retreat and relax in the garden space or sit on the terrace.

The rooms are the perfect place to rest in between trips around the Toronto region. From here, you can add a visit to the Theatre Orangeville or the Mono Cliffs Provincial Park.

Best Toronto Day Trips: Adventures for Globetrotters

Spending time in the city is fantastic, and surely not something you’re going to want to miss. As a buzzing, metropolitan city, Toronto is an ideal location for basing your trip. With no shortage of outdoor adventures that can be found just outside the city center, day trips from Toronto allow you to experience the best of the city, and the outdoors.

A one day trip from Toronto can lead you to pristine mountain peaks, spectacular natural wonders and awe-inspiring, luscious vineyards.

IF YOU LIKE THIS BLOG POST, PLEASE SHARE! … THANK YOU 😊 

About Matthew G. Bailey

Matthew G. Bailey is the founder and editor-in-chief of Must Do Canada. Growing up in Alberta to a mother from Quebec and a father from Newfoundland, Matt spent his childhood playing hockey under the Northern Lights and hanging out in the forest before moving to Calgary and travelling to more than 250 cities spanning 42 countries and 6 continents. He loves travel, learning new things, playing sports, writing, making videos, photography, and scuba diving. You can also find him at LiveLimitless.net .

Reader Interactions

November 18, 2020 at 8:51 am

While I think the majority of this to see list are great ideas, I do think its a mistake to advertise dogsledding especially to the location mentioned. This whole practice is some of the worst animal cruelty in the world. Please watch the documentary sled dogs and the location you are promoting here is exposed for horrendous acts.

November 19, 2020 at 10:11 am

Interesting. We don’t find dog-sledding, in general, to be bad, and not at the ones we’ve experienced, but it’s sad to hear that this one is. We will look into it. Certainly will not promote it if that’s the case. Are there others in the area that are doing a better job?

November 24, 2020 at 8:41 pm

Is the company you’re referring to called Sugardogs? I can’t seem to find who actually offers it. Having been all over the world, I doubt it’s the worst animal cruelty in the world (we’ve volunteered at animal refuges and have seen the effects of trafficking) but if you can send me some of the news about the, proof, etc, I’ll definitely remove them

June 30, 2021 at 9:59 pm

I don’t think you really need proof that dog sledding is in fact abusive. Just because it isn’t the worst animal cruelty doesn’t make it good….

They are simply asking you not to promote it. Should be something easy.

July 1, 2021 at 11:52 am

Not totally sure of your point. It’s either abusive or it isn’t. In our experience, it’s not. However, there might be a certain company or person that is abusive. In that case, is it not good to actually want to see some proof? What if it’s not true?

June 18, 2023 at 7:12 pm

As revealed by this investigative report along with the documentary Sled Dogs and PETA’s own investigation, all dog-sledding operations are cruel—whether they use dogs for tourism or racing or both

June 19, 2023 at 11:03 am

We’ll look into it. PETA is definitely quite biased but I’d be interested to know the reasoning

May 12, 2021 at 8:22 am

Niagara Falls -bucket list!!!

May 25, 2021 at 2:31 pm

After living in Downtown Toronto for a few years, I would love to do the Algonquin Provincial Park and Bruce Peninsula tours. It would be so nice to be driven there and enjoy the scenery! I have seen Niagara Falls once before, but in the near future I would love to go on the Evening Lights Bus Tour to Niagara Falls, as it must be a beautiful, special experience to see it at night.

May 26, 2021 at 1:53 pm

500$ For a Scarborough Bluffs tour? Is that a typo? I can’t imagine what the cost would be for.

December 9, 2021 at 1:47 pm

A great array of suggestions here. Thanks so much. Will flag the page, so it’s easily referred to.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please enter an answer in digits: 15 + twelve =

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

© 2022 Must Do Canada. All Rights Reserved.

Things to Do in Canada

• Privacy Policy
• Work With Us
• Get in Touch
• Facts about Canada
• Canadian Languages
• Canadian Money
• Canada Flags
• Things to Do in Calgary
• Best Canada Road Trips
• Best Road Trip Essentials
• Fall in Canada
• Travel Resources

• Destinations
• Outdoor Adventures
• Travel Photography
• Trip Planning
• Bucket List
• Terms/Privacy
• Travel Resource Library

52 day trips from Toronto for every traveller

Ontario is full of amazing and wonderful things to do. Whether you are visiting or live here year round, there are hundreds of activities for all sorts of travel types. These places are just hours away from Toronto, making them an ideal day trip.

Blue Mountain Village

Scandinave spa blue mountain, peterborough, niagara falls, point pelee, hot air balloon ride, steam train adventure, scenic caves nature adventures, ferris provincial park, paddle down the grand river, royal botanical gardens, cheltenham badlands, thousand islands national park, scarborough bluffs, georgian bay islands national park, killbear provincial park, rockwood conservation area, did you know, craigleith provincial park, pinery provincial park, wasaga beach, sauble beach, cobourg beach, hamilton waterfalls, dundas peak, rattlesnake point, crawford lake, forks of the credit, escape to wine country in niagara-on-the-lake, spirit tree cidery, prince edward county wine country, downtown guelph, lavender farm and ice cream, st. jacobs farmers’ market, alton mills, woodland cultural centre, petroglyphs provincial park, kayanase longhouse, attend a stratford shakespeare play, drayton entertainment, dundurn castle, canadian warplane heritage museum, railway museum, bell homestead, discovery harbour.

NOTE: Travel is not recommended at this time. These posts are here to serve as inspiration when we can explore again. Hey there – this post likely contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them. This helps me earn a few dollars to run this website.

Are you an explorer? A foodie? Or how about a beach bum? There’s something for everyone in this list of fantastic day trips from Toronto.

City escaper? Try these urban day trips from Toronto

Distance: 116km, 1h 20m

Do you still love the urban experience, but want to get away from the big city? Then a day trip to Elora is in the cards for you. This little village is close to my heart as I grew up not too far from here.

I love walking downtown, especially hitting up my favourite cafe in the Elora Mews. Elora is best known for the Elora Quarry, an old-quarry-turned-conservation-area swimming hole right on the banks of the Grand River. It gets pretty busy in the summer and with the new cap of 1,300 people, don’t be discouraged if you get turned away. There are many other options to fill up your day in Elora.

RELATED: Enjoy small-town charm in Elora, Ontario – the ultimate list of things to do in Elora

Distance: 111km, 1h 10m

Like Elora, Paris is a beautiful small-town experience. Situated further down the Grand River, Paris has become a small-town foodie capital. You can also pursue the downtown shops or check out the Paris Wincey Mills, a fun ultra-hip market, open Fridays and Saturdays year round.

It’s known as the Prettiest Little Town in Canada, which is a pretty great accolade, so take a stroll around the lovely historic downtown and spend time finding the best views of the Nith and Grand Rivers.

RELATED: Paddle the Grand River – The best things to do in Paris, Ontario and Brant County

Distance: 171km, 2h

Located on the Niagara Escarpment where it meets Georgian Bay, Blue Mountain Village is a fun little resort town that offers adventure year round.

In the winter, hit the slopes, or skate along a mountaintop skating trail. In the fall, be sure to explore the incredible kaleidoscope of colours of the trees. In the summer, Blue Mountain Village is home to an EPIC Canada Day celebration and several wicked music festivals, even, get this, an Elvis festival.

Shop and dine at one of the many places within this tiny pedestrian-only village. You can’t leave without stopping at a few places on the Apple Pie Trail !

RELATED: What to Pack for Canada in Summer

View this post on Instagram A beautiful winter day to start off the weekend. #Wiartonwillie says we’re getting 6 more weeks of winter, and we’re pretty happy about that! #tgif #friday #winter #snow #beautiful #peaceful #tranquil #pictureperfect #winterwellness #Scandinaveblue #shhhrelax #spaintheforest #spaseason #outdoors #freshair #outdoorspa #spainthewoods #forest #bluemountain #collingwood #sgeorgianbay #scandinavianbaths #scandinavianspa #hotbaths #coldplunge #groundhogday A post shared by Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain (@scandinaveblue) on Feb 2, 2018 at 6:21am PST

Distance: 157km, 2h

If you’re escaping the city for some relaxation, then look no further than Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain. This beautiful oasis is situated in the middle of a forest on the Niagara Escarpment and is one of the most unique spas in Ontario.

They hold the Scandinavian traditions of hot-cold-relax with warm saunas, cold plunges and a relaxing solarium. Immerse yourself into the healing waters of the spa and surrounding nature and let go. Packages start at just $65.

View this post on Instagram Have you gone through the #Ptbo #LiftLock before? The Liftlock & Riverboat Cruise is a great way to experience the World’s Highest Hydraulic Lift Lock! Great capture @tylerkwills ! A post shared by Ptbo & the Kawarthas Tourism (@thekawarthas) on Aug 24, 2017 at 6:22am PDT

Distance: 138km, 1h 30m

Peterborough is a small city where urban collides with nature most wondrously. The Otonabee River cuts right through it, but what Peterborough is most known for is its Trent-Severn Waterway locks, a national historic site.

Peterborough also has a thriving arts and culture scene as well as an incredible amount of dining options. The city is just steps from the wild outdoors, so if you’re into hiking, kayaking, skiing and more, you’ll find something to do in this beautiful Ontario town.

Distance: 223km, 2h 20m

Called the Hamptons of Ontario, there’s no doubt that the District of Muskoka is one beautiful place to escape to. This is Ontario’s cottage country, so relax on a dock and soak in the warm summer sun or curl up next to a campfire.

While you’re here, you have to take a cruise on the picturesque lakes, paddle along some of the most scenic waterways, dig into incredible food and, lastly, take in the sunset at the most beautiful place in Ontario.

Looking for a place to stay? Check out the Wolegib Modern Waterfront Retreat . This three-bedroom cottage is right on the Muskoka River and feels like you are in a secluded and relaxing place.

This modern cabin is only a few minutes from downtown Huntsville, and in the winter feels like a little slice of paradise on its own three-acre lot.

Related: Top Things to do in Muskoka in Winter

Bucket Lister? Tick off these day trips from Toronto

Distance: 128km, 1h 20m

Every time I hear a non-Canadian wanting to go to Niagara Falls, it surprises me, maybe because I live so close to this natural wonder and have visited several times growing up on school trips. But it truly is a marvel.

Best viewed from the Canadian side of the river, Niagara Falls is an incredible bucket list moment. You get to experience the power of water as it hurdles off the 51-metre cliff. Why not get up close and personal with the Falls with a Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Niagara Falls also offers an out-of-this-world experience on Clifton Hill. It is something completely unique to the area.

Distance: 351km, 3h 30m

Visit the southernmost point of mainland Canada at Point Pelee National Park. This park juts down into Lake Erie and is one of Canada’s most ecologically diverse parks. Thousands of birds flock here on their migratory routes. You can paddle in the marshlands, walk along the boardwalk, or stroll along a 20-kilometre beach.

You can walk to the very tip and stand at the southernmost point. But did you know the tip is always moving? The shoreline shifts and alters its shape with the constant berating of waves and storms.

View this post on Instagram “My husband surprised me on my birthday with a hot air balloon ride. Our pilot was Mark and he did a fantastic job. He made the experience really fun and we had a text book landing! I also appreciated the attention to safety and making sure the weather conditions were appropriate for flight” – Amy A post shared by @ sundanceballoons on Feb 20, 2019 at 7:57am PST

Distance: various

Something about a hot air balloon ride feels nostalgic. I mean, it just screams the 90s – early 2000s to me. But taking one of these once-in-a-lifetime trips is on my bucket list. How about you?

There are so many places where you can get sky high on a hot air balloon. Probably the most well-known is Sundance Balloons in Belmont. There’s also Skyward Balloons in Cambridge, Cloud Chasers in Stratford, and Air Display in Barrie.

Distance: 122km, 1h 20m

All aboard this historic passenger train journey through St. Jacobs and Waterloo Region. Waterloo Central Railway runs regularly-scheduled day diesel train trips and specially-scheduled steam locomotive train trips on long weekends.

You can feel like you’ve hopped on board and travelled back in time or that you’re on your way to Hogwarts, whatever makes you happier.

The trip takes you from the station in St. Jacobs to Elmira and through the lovely countryside. They even have awesome themed train rides like Great Train Robbery, Christmas in July, Magical Wizards Festival train and the Polar Express train ride.

RELATED: Taste a Canadian tradition at Elmira Maple Syrup Festival

Adrenaline Junkie? Day trips from Toronto to fill your sense of adventure

Distance: 160km, 2h

I crossed off a bucket list item by going to Scenic Caves Nature Adventures. I had wanted to go for ages, and I finally decided, what the heck, let’s go! It did not disappoint.

You can spend the whole day there, by exploring the caves, taking in the view from the Suspension Bridge, trekking in the treetops and riding on the longest twin zip line in Ontario. 

Distance: 182km, 2h

If you enjoyed the suspension bridge at Scenic Caves, then you’re going to want to check out this one at Ferris Provincial Park near Campbellford.

Take the beautiful bridge across the Trent River Gorge or hike on the 10 kilometres of trails within the park. If you decide to extend your day trip, you can stay over at one of the dozens of campsites.

Make sure to stop at the Toonie Monument in Campbellford on your road trip! Who doesn’t love giant objects?!

Distance: Various

The Grand River is one of Ontario’s most important waterways, so why not experience it in the water. There are several places you can rent a paddleboard, canoe or kayak and take a beautiful trip down the calm river.

Why not try the 3 hour trip from Paris to Brant Conservation Park with Grand River Rafting ? It’s great for beginners, and you’ll be able to see nature in a completely different way.

Nature Lover? Day trips from Toronto to unplug in the wilderness

View this post on Instagram This weekend, you can “Discover Pond Plants” at Rock Garden! Look for the discovery cart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lower bowl along the water features. #RBGrockgarden #discovery #staycation #HamONT #BurlON #tourism #travel #discoverON #destination #myHamONT #Burlington #Hamilton #garden #rockgarden #nature #lotus #pond #gardeninspiration #gardengoals #gardening #botanical #botanicalgarden #publicgarden #RBG #RoyalBotanicalGardens A post shared by Royal Botanical Gardens (@rbgcanada) on Aug 11, 2018 at 7:35am PDT

Distance: 64km, 45m

Located in the heart of Ontario, near Hamilton, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a great place for a trip year round. It is the largest botanical garden in Canada, with nearly 2,500 acres of land that they protect.

In the spring and summer, the place is abloom with flowers. In the winter, you can hike the trails that weave around the property.

Check out the arboretum, home to a wide variety of trees. Or explore the new Rock Garden or Laking Garden. Don’t forget to stop at the nature interpretive centre and RBG centre to see year-round exhibits.

After being closed for years, the Cheltenham Badlands have finally re-opened to the public. This geological feature reminds me so much of the badlands in Alberta; it’s easy to see why it’s called the Ontario Badlands.

There are a couple of ways to access Cheltenham Badlands, one is by parking in the new lot ($10) and exploring the trails. The other is to hike in on the Bruce Trail.

As someone who loves nature and wanted to protect it for future generations, I am going to repeat the plea from Credit Valley Conservation Authority : Please stay off the landscape feature. Visitors must remain on the accessible boardwalk and trails at all times to reduce damage and erosion of the historic feature. Be kind to the Badlands. You must use marked trails or the sidewalk along Olde Base Line Road to access the site.

Distance: 318km, 2h 55m

Thousand Islands National Park in Southeastern Ontario is the most picturesque setting for a day trip. Parks Canada has about 20 islands in this region of the St. Lawrence River, which are only accessible by boat. However, they do have three mainland sites to explore as well.

Why not rent a canoe or kayak and island hop in a guided or non-guided trip around this amazing biosphere.

View this post on Instagram Beautiful Bluffs⁣ ⁣ ?? Follow us @LoveTdot⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ?? Follow us @LoveTdot⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ ?: DM for credit A post shared by The Best of Toronto (@lovetdot) on Oct 25, 2018 at 3:12pm PDT

Distance: 17km, 30m

Arguably, the closest day trip from Toronto, Scarborough Bluffs are just waiting for you. With their towering white cliffs and sandy beaches, Scarborough Bluffs makes for an easy-to-get-to day trip .

There are nine parks in total along this stretch of Lake Ontario. The cliffs reach 90 metres from the lake and can be a dramatic backdrop at sunrise and sunset.

Just be careful and stay away from the edge! Safety is the number one concern here.

The Scarborough Bluffs trek is just one of the awesome hikes near Toronto you can do.

Distance: 181km, 1h 55m

Explore the Canadian Shield in this fantastic boat-only access National Park . Take the day-tripper ferry to the island or hire a water taxi from the nearby marina to take you Beausoleil Island, the largest island within Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

Once you’re there, you can hike the entire island, go swimming or lazy about on the wind-smooth rocks that are iconic to Ontario.

If you want to extend your stay, you can camp at the campground at the southern point of the island or try your hand at backcountry camping at several locations around the park.

Distance: 274km, 2h 40m

Killbear Provincial Park blew me away the first time I visited. The stunning fall colours coupled with the incredible landscape made for a wonderful trip.

Killbear is located on Georgian Bay, where the Canadian Shield is abundant. You can hike the several scenic loop trails or rent a canoe to explore the park by water. Don’t forget to bring your camera, because you won’t want to forget how beautiful this park is.

You can’t leave without seeing the iconic windswept pine tree, which is probably the most famous tree in Ontario.

Distance: 83km, 1h 10m

Right in the heart of Rockwood, stands a geological marvel at the Rockwood Conservation Area. Here, you’ll find a unique natural environment full of caves, bluffs and holes. You can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle the Eramosa River that runs through it.

You can explore the ruins of Harris Woolen Mill, which is a lovely spot to take photos. And bring your walking shoes, because there are numerous trails for you to explore.

Getting to national and provincial parks in Ontario can be difficult if you don’t own a car, that’s why you can take the Parkbus and save yourself the headache.

The Parkbus connects city dwellers to the beautiful natural parks in Ontario. The bus connects Toronto with Algonquin Provincial Park, Bruce Peninsula National Park, Killbear Provincial Park, Killarney Provincial Park, Grundy Lake Provincial Park, Georgian Bay Islands National Park, Elora Gorge Conservation Area, Christie Lake Conservation Area, Rockwood Conservation Area, Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, Kelso Conservation Area and Rouge National Urban Park.

RELATED: Travel to Dark Sky Preserves in Canada and see the stars without light pollution

Beach Bum? Catch the rays with these day trips from Toronto

Distance: 158km, 2h 10m

I have to let you in on a secret.

I have been to many beaches around the world, all of them wonderful in their own way. But Craigleith Provincial Park will always have my heart. There’s no sand, it’s not very busy, and it has cool refreshing water and waves to delight anyone. Hands down, this place is perfect.

So the secret’s out, and if you’re into a beach with no sand, then a day trip to Craigleith Provincial Park is in order.

Distance: 229km, 2h 45m

For those who want water and sand, then the Pinery Provincial Park south of Goderich is the day trip for you. The Pinery Provincial Park is located on Lake Huron’s shore, which has kilometres of soft white sand.

The Pinery protects important sand dunes that line the shore, a wonderful habitat for birds and mammals. You can rent a canoe, hydro bike, paddleboat or kayak to explore the Old Ausable Channel – a provincially significant wetland. While you’re here, make sure to stay for sunset over Lake Huron.

Distance: 111km, 1h 45m

Palm trees in Ontario? You bet! Right here in Port Dover, a beach town on Lake Erie. Set up your beach umbrella and relax on the soft sand. You can also take a stroll along the scenic pier. Or rent a boat and relax on the water.

Then head into town and find yourself something delicious to eat!

Distance: 147km, 1h 45m

Wasaga Beach, located on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, is one of Ontario’s most popular summer destinations.

Here, you’ll find the longest freshwater beach in the world stretching 14 kilometres. Sitting on the massive beach, it feels like you’re on a Caribbean Island, not in Southwestern Ontario, until you get in the water that is since it’s so much chillier than the Caribbean.  

Make sure to check out the beach-side town and fill up on delicious ice cream!

View this post on Instagram Sauble Beach in June.. love it! #beautiful #beach #sand #lakehuron A post shared by Sauble Beach (@saublebeachon) on Jun 6, 2014 at 4:11pm PDT

Distance: 218km, 2h 45m

Sauble Beach is another beautiful sandy beach in Ontario, located along the shores of Lake Huron. It takes the cake as the second largest freshwater beach in the world at 11 kilometres long.

But it’s definitely not second best in other ways. The town has a vintage feel to it, something they are very proud of. And every year they host Sandfest, a summer party on the beach with an incredible sand castle making contest.

Distance: 119km, 1h 20m

Looking for more sandcastles? Then look no further than Coburg Beach in Coburg. This sandy slice of heaven is located on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Here they put on a lovely Coburg Waterfront Festival and a Sandcastle Festival for all your sand castle-building dreams.

Make sure to wander around town and grab a bite to eat at one of the many awesome eateries!

View this post on Instagram Floating through the week like.. ? by @marcy113 A post shared by Ontario’s Southwest (@ontsouthwest) on Jul 10, 2018 at 5:52pm PDT

Distance: 220km, 2h 30m

Located on the shores of Lake Huron, Grand Bend Beach is the perfect place for any beach bum. Not only is the sand soft and warm, but the sunsets they get are incredible.

Like Coburg and Wasaga beaches, Grand Bend also boasts a Blue Flag designation, meaning there are high standards in place for water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety.

Definitly a place to support sustainable environmental practices.

Hiker? Day trips from Toronto to get moving

Cutting through the heart of Ontario is the Niagara Escarpment, a beautiful and ancient natural feature that gives us towering cliff faces and stunning waterfalls. Hamilton is known for the concentration of waterfalls within its borders. There are more than 100 waterfalls in the region, and most are accessible for viewing.

Hamilton is the perfect day trip for anyone looking to get some great hiking in just minutes from the city.

If you want to see all of the waterfalls, then jump onto the Bruce Trail as it hits almost all of them in the Hamilton area. But beware, it’s not an easy hike!

Distance: 72km, 1h

If there’s one hike that you do all year, let it be to Dundas Peak in Spencer Gorge Conservation Area in Dundas.

Take the Spencer Adventure Trail from Christie Lake to Crooks Hollow to Webster Falls. Then take the 1.3 kilometre trip from Tew Falls to the breathtaking Dundas Peak. You won’t be disappointed.

Dundas Peak sits at the mouth of Spencer Gorge, which means you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Hamilton, and Dundas. While you’re headed to the pinnacle of this hike, make sure to stop at Tew Falls and Webster Falls for some epic waterfalls.

Want to know how to get to Dundas Peak? Check out this post .

Distance: 64km, 1h

Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area is so close to the GTA you can taste it. You’ll follow along the Niagara escarpment overlooking the valley below. Rattlesnake Point is located just west of Milton, so there’s no excuse not to visit!

Three trails totalling 13 kilometres of hiking are within the park. You’ll want to take the Vista Adventure trail to see those amazing views!

View this post on Instagram We’ve decorated the place at Kelso for tomorrow’s Hops and Harvest festival. ?????? Can’t wait to see you all there to sample craft brews and fall fare! A post shared by Conservation Halton (@conservationhalton) on Oct 12, 2018 at 8:04am PDT

Distance: 67km, 1h

With over 16 kilometres of trails within Kelso Conservation Area, you’re not going to want to pass up this incredible place. This conservation area is located just west of Milton. Here you can hike, bike, or paddle. Then, once you’re done hiking, you can always jump in the reservoir to cool down.

Make sure to take the 3.5km Eagle Loop for those amazing escarpment views.

For the longest time, Crawford Lake at Crawford Lake Conservation Area freaked me out. It had to do with a school trip when I was very young where the park staff told us how the lake is so deep that the bottom layer of the lake does not mix and preserves things. It’s called a meromictic lake. But a certain story of a logging accident had me dreaming of black horses with red eyes for years.

I visited again when I was much older, and the lake is absolutely beautiful. It has a really easy 1.4 km loop trail to take you around the lake, but the park has nearly 19 kilometres of trails in total.

Distance: 71km, 1h

Forks of the Credit Provincial Park is another stunning park located along the Niagara Escarpment. The Credit River cuts through the park where you’ll also find beautiful mill ruins, waterfalls and a kettle lake.

In the fall, the colours explode to brilliant shades of yellow, orange and red. It’s definitely something you have to see for yourself.

RELATED: Winter Camping at Silent Lake Provincial Park

Thirst quencher? Day trips from Toronto in search of good wine and cider

Distance: 172km, 2h 15m

You may know Thornbury’s neighbour: Blue Mountains, but Thornbury takes the apple pie for my favourite place to visit in the fall.

In the fall, the harvest is bountiful, and the apple orchards are ripe for apple picking. But those apples get turned into my favourite booze: cider.

Check out Thornbury Village Cider, which is right in the heart of one of my favourite towns, Thornbury. Their cider is delicious, not too sweet and is perfect for a summer’s day. They even have a tasting room where you can sample all their craft flavours.

Then you should go for a walk in the plentiful orchards and pick your own apples!

RELATED: Ontario cider: Take a delicious self-guided Georgian Bay cider tour

Distance: 129km, 1h 40m

The Niagara region is known around the world for its tasty wine. Over 30 wineries call Niagara-on-the-Lake home, meaning there are lots for you to choose from.

You can tour the vineyards for yourself or take a wine tour through the region.

If you want to try something unique to Canada, enjoy a glass of ice wine, a very sweet wine made from grapes after the first frost. Absolutely Canadian!

View this post on Instagram It’s PubStumpers Trivia tonight! We still have some spots available for teams or singles who want to join in on all the fun! Call us at the CiderHouse Bistro today to reserve your spot! #spirittreecidery #pubstumpers #trivia #trivianight #localcider #craftcider #feaston #caledon #cidery #bakery #farmshop A post shared by Spirit Tree Estate Cidery (@spirittreecider) on Mar 28, 2019 at 7:21am PDT

With all the delicious apple orchards in Ontario, is it any wonder that we have a great selection of cideries in this region? Spirit Tree Cidery is another superb addition to the craft.

Located in Caledon, Spirit Tree is not only a place where they make excellent cider but also where you can dine on delicious meals or by incredible baked goods.

You can also explore the property and pick your own apples here as well. Totally worth the day trip!

View this post on Instagram Pop the bubbly, it’s a day to celebrate ? . . Most grapes are off the vines and pressed by now and wine-makers across The County and starting the long process of capturing the sun, rain, and soil of 2017 into bottles ? . ? @p_chuong at @hinterlandwine . #princeedwardcounty #visitthecounty #ontariowine #ontariograpes #localwine #canadianwine #viticulture #exploreontario #explorecanada #winewednesday #weedwednesday A post shared by Prince Edward County ??? (@visitthecounty) on Oct 17, 2018 at 7:39pm PDT

Distance: 213km, 2h 30m

Prince Edward County in Southeastern Ontario is also known for its amazing wine. More than 35 wineries call the craggy, rocky semi-island home.

The harsh winters and the short growing season give these wines a blast of flavour that you’ll have to try for yourself. Take a self-guided wine tour or hop in a limo for a superb day trip.

RELATED: Enjoy a winter weekend in Kingston, Ontario

Foodie? Day trips from Toronto to fill your belly

Distance: 93km, 1h 20m

For such a small area, downtown Guelph boasts a high ratio of eateries. From Italian fine-dining to delicious Canadian cuisines, there is something for everyone in this smaller city.

Everyone loves a good meal, so Guelph’s restaurants are great options for foodies. 

Distance: 137km, 1h 50m

This is a two-part trip. Your first stop will be at Flowers to Fragrance Lavender farm in Minto. Frolic among the fields and work up an appetite.

Your next stop is at Mapleton’s Organic Dairy Ice Cream Shop in Mapleton, just 15 minutes down the road. Here you can visit farm animals like cows, pigs, alpacas and more then head inside to taste the most delicious ice cream you could ever dream of.

Try the classic flavours like vanilla, chocolate, raspberry and mint chocolate chip. Then get a scoop of one of their original flavours like lavender, dandelion, pumpkin, ginger and maple sugar.

View this post on Instagram Enjoying a Monday afternoon, while dreaming of visiting Tuesday Market! . Open tomorrow from 8am-3pm . . . . #marketfun #stjacobs #farmersmarket #stjacobsmarket #famers #stjacobsfarmersmarket #eatlocal #shoplocal #kwawesome #tuesdaymarket #thursdaymarket #saturdaymarket A post shared by St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market (@stjacobsmarket) on Jul 23, 2018 at 12:24pm PDT

Distance: 118km, 1h30m

From local produce to farm-raised meat to antiques and hand-made treasures, St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market in Waterloo Region is a great foodie destination.

More than 300 merchants set up shop in the market district, which is the largest farmers’ market in Canada. Not only can you buy your groceries there, but you can also try delicious treats like homemade bread, fritters, perogies, sausages, cinnamon buns fresh lemonade and so much more.

Culture seeker? Day Trips from Toronto in search of art

Distance: 79km, 1h 10m

Located in a small rural town of Alton, the Alton Mill Arts Centre is a beautiful hub of culture in an old stone mill.

Blending art studios with a gallery, shop, café and a museum in one, the Alton Mill is a great destination for art lovers. Situated right on Shaw’s Creek, you’ll even see how the gallery blended art and nature on its grounds.

Every year, they host the fire and ice festival, a totally rad winter festival that combines all the things we love about winter (skating, hockey, tobogganing, and ice sculptures) with fire. The festival ends with a blazing fire sculpture that is different every year.

In the summer months, they host a wine and food festival along with painting and art classes throughout the year.

Distance: 104km, 1h 20m

The Woodland Cultural Centre is a museum, gallery and library all dedicated to Indigenous peoples of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.

Before it was repurposed for better uses, the centre was the first residential school in Canada, a place that took children from parents to assimilate First Nations children into European society. After decades of abuse, it closed in the 1970s.

Now the Six Nations use the building to preserve First Nations culture and language. It provides a sobering message about racism, acceptance and perseverance. It is such an important part of Ontario and is a must-see.

Distance: 189km, 2h 20m

Another important place to learn about First Nations history and culture is at Petroglyphs Provincial Park near Peterborough.

It has the largest collection of First Nations petroglyphs – or rock carvings – in Canada. The site is sacred and protected from the elements. The carvings depict animals, humans and mythological creatures. To learn more about the traditions of the Ojibway (Nishnaabe) people, visit the Learning Place Visitor Centre.

The park is also home to the turquoise waters of McGinnis Lake another (terrifying) meromictic lake. You can hike around it and on other trails in the park.

Distance: 98km, 1h 20m

Kayanase is a greenhouse, ecological restoration and eco-tourism company located in Six Nations of the Grand River Territoy. They specialize in native species plants in their greenhouse and offer history and culture of the Haudenosaunee at their Longhouse project.

You have to pre-book a tour, but it’s well worth it to find out more about Ontario’s original people.

Distance: 154km, 1h 50m

Any theatre buff has to travel to Stratford to see one of Shakespeare’s plays performed by one of the most talented group of theatre actors in Canada.

From Othello to Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and Macbeth, they have all been performed at the Stratford Festival. Once you’ve had a taste for the stage, you’ll want to hit the town for a delicious meal and famous Stratford chocolates.

Distance: 134km, 1h 57m

I love live theatre. It’s so fun to watch how music, lighting, sets, costumes and terrific acting all come together for a couple of hours to deliver a fantastic performance. One of my favourite theatre groups is Drayton Entertainment.

They have several theatres in Ontario, including the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge, Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, St. Jacobs Playhouse in St Jacobs, Huron County Playhouse in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Playhouse in Penetanguishene and more!

I’ve seen some fantastic plays here such as Mamma Mia, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin: the Panto, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Hairspray. All have been top notch performances and worthy of any culture seeker!

History Buff? Look to the past with these day trips from Toronto

Distance: 65km, 50m

Ontario doesn’t have a lot of castles, definitely not as many as European countries, but we do have a few. Dundurn Castle in Hamilton is one of them.

This 40-room neoclassical building was built in the 1830s and was home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, who was Premier of the United Canadas from 1854 to 1856. Before that, it was the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813.

You can take a guided tour in the place and see how differently the upstairs lived from the downstairs in a rich story-focused tour.

View this post on Instagram Watch history be made this weekend in Hamilton! Saturday the Royal Canadian Navy will officially designate HMCS Haida the Ceremonial Flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy. #myhamilton #tbt #hmcshaida . . . Send your photos to [email protected] or tag #myhamilton to be featured. . . #HamOnt #Hamilton #Ontario #DiscoverON #canada #explorecanada #HamiltonHaltonBrant #905 #pictureoftheday #potd #picoftheday #photooftheday #ww2 #haida #navy #history #throwbackthursday A post shared by tourismhamilton (@tourismhamilton) on May 24, 2018 at 1:45pm PDT

Distance: 69km, 1h

HMCS Haida is a naval destroyer that served in the Second World War, Korean War and the Cold War. The ship is now docked in Hamilton and gives you a glimpse at what is was like to be a crew member.

Climb aboard and get a behind-the scenes guided tour of the ship and learn about what contributions it made to the war effort.

View this post on Instagram #ThrowbackThursday – A gaggle of P-51 Mustangs at a late 80s Hamilton International Air Show. The middle P-51 is “Old Boy” CF-BAU #2 owned by Dennis Bradley and flown on behalf of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. ?: Rick Radell . . . . . #p51 #mustang #p51mustang #northamerican #northamericanmustang #fighter #fightercommand #fighterplane #rcaf #usaf #warplane #warbird #aviation #instaaviation #instagramaviation #formationflying #airtoair #aviationphotography #hamont #yhm A post shared by CanadianWarplaneHeritageMuseum (@canadianwarplaneheritagemuseum) on Jan 31, 2019 at 6:41am PST

Distance: 84km, 1h

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is a non-profit organization that preserves and maintains a collection of airplanes that were flown by the Canadian military. The Museum now houses nearly fifty aircraft, along with an exhibit gallery.

Get upclose and personal with aviation history where you can walk among the giant vessels that were used during wartime. You can even fly inside one of the heritage planes! How freaking cool is that?!

If you’d rather stay on the ground, no worries, they have flight simulators where you can fly through virtual reality!

View this post on Instagram Think you really know #HamiltonHaltonBrant? This region is full of best-kept secrets, and is home to many wonderful discoveries that can only be found here.? ✨Click our bio link to discover 7 cool claims to fame in our region! . . . . . . #explore #DiscoverON #explorecanada #travel #hhbdaytrip #fall #canada #history #HamOnt #heritage A post shared by @ heartofontario on Oct 23, 2018 at 6:52am PDT

Distance: 77km, 1h

I think train travel is so romantic, don’t you? Well, you can experience the romance yourself at Halton County Radial Railway museum in Milton.

Admission includes unlimited historic streetcar rides on two kilometers of scenic track, which stops at a famous ice cream shop, access to the grounds, display barns and historic Rockwood Station.

Distance: 110km, 1h 20m

Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell, aka, inventor of the telephone, lived in Brantford? That’s right. We have Mr. Bell to thank for the best kind of communication device.

His homestead in Brantford was where in 1874 he came up with the idea. Now, his home is a National Historic Site, where you can learn about Mr. Bell, the telephone and the history of the area.

RELATED: Brantford Bucket List – the best things to do in Brantford all year round

View this post on Instagram Watch for GHOST TOURS starting July 4. Expanded this year to 2 nights. Wednesday’s & Saturday’s. A post shared by Discovery Harbour (@discoveryharbour) on Jun 12, 2018 at 4:52am PDT

Distance: 154km, 2h

Discovery Harbour dates back to 1793, when Sir John Graves Simcoe saw Penetanguishene Bay as a strategic site for a naval base. Today, you can board replica ships H.M.S. Tecumseth and H.M.S. Bee. As they were used during the protection of Canada during the time of the War of 1812.

Make sure to stop in at the H.M.S. Tecumseth Centre. The interactive centre offers visitors a look at the original 1815 hull of H.M.S. Tecumseth, which was pulled from Penetanguishene Bay in 1953.

Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, a history buff or a wino, Ontario has a day trip from Toronto for you. Find the best places to visit in Ontario for a day trip from Toronto.

Inspired? Pin it:

Olivia Rutt

Olivia Rutt is the travel writer and photographer behind My Wandering Voyage, a travel website helping working millennials find time to travel. She shares insight in trip planning, travel inspiration and photography tips. Olivia hails from southern Ontario, Canada where she works in the media industry between travels. Follow Olivia on Instagram where she shares her travel photos, or catch up with her on Facebook or Twitter.

Further Reading...

Best Ontario Provincial Parks to visit in fall

Best Ontario Parks to visit in the Winter

22 best scenic bridges in Ontario you have to visit

Mywanderingvoyage.

Privacy Overview

Home » Travel Guides » Canada » 15 Best Day Trips from Toronto

15 Best Day Trips from Toronto

Toronto, Ontario’s state capital, is a bustling metropolis of 2.7 million people located in the east of Canada.

It’s a cultural, business and financial hub, and therefore it unsurprisingly holds a lot of appeal for visiting tourists.

There are museums, art galleries, theatres, a zoo, and a whole lot of excellent restaurants and bars dotted about the city.

There’s also a plethora of excellent day trips on offer in the nearby surrounds: Niagara Falls, with many great hiking spots and natural wonders, and even a few surprises that you might not have thought of.

Here are fifteen of the best day trips from Toronto :

1. Niagara Falls

An inevitable highlight of a trip to Toronto is the glorious Niagara Falls.

Nothing compares to the view of the water powerfully crashing down as seen from the Hornblower Boat on the lake.

You can also choose to have lunch with a view; find a restaurant with the falls as a backdrop while you chow down on a delicious buffet.

As part of the day trip you can also learn about the history and culture of the area from knowledgeable guides, as well as having the chance to admire the gorgeous scenery during the drive there.

2. Niagara Winery tour

Perhaps you’ve seen Niagara Falls before, or you’re keen to check out the surrounding area.

Whatever the reason, there’s a great option here that offers something a bit different.

The Niagara region is famous for its wines, and this offers you a chance to taste tipples from several different vineyards around the region.

The ice wine here is a real treat, and the region’s speciality.

You can also make a stop to explore the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Suggested tour :  Niagara Winery Tour From Toronto – Full day

3. Ferris Provincial Park

Ferris Provincial Park is situated on the fringes of Campbellford, and features a unique attraction: the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge.

The bridge spans the Trent River Gorge and offers some epic views of unspoilt scenery.

The hikes around cover more than ten kilometres, and you’ll be able to find a great viewpoint over the falls.

Along the trail, spot the wildflowers in bloom, and no matter what season you’re visiting you’ll be treated to nature’s finest offerings.

4. Rattlesnake Point

Located conveniently near to Toronto is Rattlesnake Point, an excellent spot for rock climbing.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, there are some great options here for enthusiasts.

Spend a few hours out on the rocks testing your strength.

When you get tired you can stretch out your muscles by wandering round the well-trodden hiking trails of the park.

This spot can get a bit crowded due to its ideal location for Toronto-dwellers, but it’s still well worth the visit, and a different way to spend the day.

5. Dundas Peak

Dundas Peak is surely one of Toronto’s hiking highlights, and that’s saying something: there’s a lot of competition.

If you’re around in autumn you’ll catch the foliage turning golden; a stunning sight from the top of the rocks, where you’ll see a multi-coloured carpet spread out below you.

You can also spot some postcard-worthy towns from your lofty vantage point.

It’s worth every drop of sweat it costs you to get up there.

6. Eramosa Karst Caves

Only around an hour’s drive away from Toronto lie the impressive Eramosa Karst caves.

This is a great place to fill up a day, as there are numerous nooks and crannies to lose yourself in.

To add to the excitement, there are plenty of streams and waterfalls wending their way around the caves and some excellent secluded spots to stop for a picnic.

Don’t miss it.

7. Cobourg Beach

To add to the wide array of natural attractions, there’s a beach spot worth visiting near Toronto, only an hour and a half away.

Cobourg is a fairly popular place to visit among locals, especially on the weekends, but that doesn’t detract from its chilled vibes and gorgeous water.

The best months to visit are July and August because of the weather, but if you’re up for a bracing dip you can certainly visit outside of the peak summer months.

Stroll along the boardwalk soaking up the holiday atmosphere, or, if you’re lucky, you might catch the yearly volleyball or sandcastle building competitions.

The beach is well-supplied with amenities, including picnic tables and changing rooms, so you don’t need to plan ahead too much to take advantage of this spot.

An up and coming tourist spot is hidden in cute Caledon and it’s not what you think: it’s a craft cider brewery.

Spirit Tree Cider is booming in popularity, along with the rest of Ontario’s craft cider scene, and this particular brewery has a great set up for a day trip, with a bistro and bakery on-site.

Drive up for the afternoon and sit yourself down with some great samples and a delicious lunch.

After you’ve drunk your fill (and perhaps taken up the offer of some souvenirs to give to friends back home), there’s the picturesque village to explore before making the drive back.

9. Grand River

For the more intrepid explorers, there is plenty of adventure on offer in Ontario’s Grand River, the largest river lying within Ontario’s borders.

Lying along the western side of the Great Horseshoe region, the main highlight of this spot is tubing: floating down the river in a rubber ring.

Ride the miniature rapids or select a calmer spot for a more relaxed experience, then simply lie back and relax.

It’s a great way to cool off in the heat of the summer, and perhaps a good option to keep the kids entertained or tire them out if their energy needs depleting for the trip back home.

For another taste of adventure, head to Kelso and the Niagara Escarpment to check out the mountain biking scene there.

This is a great spot for beginner riders, because there isn’t too much in the way of obstacles and tricky technical aspects along the trail.

Ride hard down the slopes of the route’s single track, made all the more exhilarating because of the tough climb you have to undertake simply to get up there.

When you’ve had your fill, head over to the nearby beach to cool off with a dip.

11. Algonquin Provincial Park

This gorgeous provincial park is an absolute must-visit from Toronto, particularly for nature lovers.

Get up close and personal with the abundant wildlife roaming around the park, from deer and wolves to moose.

Spend the day meandering along the many hiking trails that criss-cross the park, or kayak across one of the lakes.

If you’re lucky enough to be there in August or September, you might be able to take part in the night time wolf howl, where visitors can howl to the wolves and hear them answer back.

Suggested tour : Algonquin Provincial Park Private Tour

12. Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain is a ski resort located just outside of Collingwood, only around two and a half hours from Toronto.

It’s not just great for skiing; depending on the time of year you might find yourself biking or hiking around the peaks, if the snow isn’t forthcoming.

Ski season is busy and exciting, but summer has a lot to offer too, with plenty of outdoor events as well as some fantastic shopping opportunities.

The winter brings skating, snow shoeing and skiing, and then all year round you can take advantage of the hot tubs, rope swings and lounging chairs of the nearby aquatic centre.

13. Wonderland theme park

For a day trip sure to please the kids, Wonderland theme park is a very accessible option, only an hour north of the city.

Ride the rollercoasters ragged, stuff yourselves with sugary fair snacks, and make sure to fit in at least one show in this big day out.

You can cool off at Splash Works, and a dip in Canada’s largest outdoor wave pool should certainly not be missed.

It’s not surprising that people come from all over Ontario to visit this gloriously guilt-free theme park.

14. St Jacob’s

For an old-world trip out from Toronto, the quaint village of St. Jacob’s is an excellent option.

Though it is perched amid glorious scenery, the real draw of the place is the markets, with options ranging from artisanal crafts to home-prepared foods.

Christmas is a great time to visit St. Jacob’s, but be careful, you might have a hard time finding recipients for all those gifts you’ll be itching to buy.

Make a stop at the well-stocked food court for lunch or dinner before you head back to the big city, or simply cobble something together from the farmer’s market.

15. Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka

Somewhat settled in the lap of luxury lies the picturesque town of Gravenhurst, home to some of the rich and famous.

For day trippers, though, there is plenty to entertain, from wandering along the lake-front promenade browsing the excellent selection of shops, to dining on the waterfront with a gorgeous view.

Take a cruise out onto the lake on one of the local steamships if boating takes your fancy, and marvel at the rugged scenery that surrounds the water.

Or, if you feel like doing something more active, there are plenty of trails lacing the countryside around to be hiked and explored.

15 Best Day Trips from Toronto:

• Niagara Falls
• Niagara Winery tour
• Ferris Provincial Park
• Rattlesnake Point
• Dundas Peak
• Eramosa Karst Caves
• Cobourg Beach
• Grand River
• Algonquin Provincial Park
• Blue Mountain
• Wonderland theme park
• Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka

• Skip to content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Gone With The Family

Adventures in Family Travel

10 of the Best Day Trips from Toronto

Ontario Travel / January 12, 2024 by Lisa Goodmurphy / Leave a Comment

A quick day trip is a great way to recharge your batteries when you can’t get away on vacation. Taking a fun break and getting out of town for even a few hours is shown to reduce stress levels, is affordable as there are no hotels or flights to pay for, and can be done with minimal planning for a spur of the moment adventure. So plan a day trip to take that break from reality you need, create memories and return home refreshed and ready to take on the world!

If you live in the GTA, these are 10 of the best day trips from Toronto that are within a 2 hour drive of downtown. There’s a destination that will appeal to everyone whether you enjoy outdoor activities, sightseeing, cultural activities, shopping or food.

1. Stratford

Distance from Toronto: approximately 150 km from downtown (2 hours driving time)

Located on the banks of the picturesque Avon River in southwestern Ontario, the city of Stratford, Ontario is the perfect destination for a day trip for families, couples, groups of friends or solo travellers.

We have visited Stratford several times a year for 30 years in a mix of overnight getaways and day trips and it is one of our favourite places in the province. We visit primarily for theatre at the Stratford Festival but there is much to do whether you enjoy the arts, outdoor activities, food or shopping.

Visitors can enjoy a day of shopping at the one of a kind shops and boutiques in the downtown area followed by a bite to eat at one of the many cafés and restaurants. Gallery Stratford and the Stratford Perth Museum are both worth a visit if you enjoy museums and galleries and outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunity to rent a paddle boat, kayak or canoe and spend some time on the river. You can even combine sightseeing and eating on one of the town’s culinary walking trails (bacon and ale or chocolate) – if you’re feeling decadent then do both!

Stratford is best in spring, summer and fall, however, there’s now also the Lights on Stratford winter festival that runs from mid-December through mid-January if you are inclined to visit during the festive season to do some shopping, dine and see the lights.

Read 15 Fun Things To Do in Stratford, Ontario

2. Kleinburg

Distance from Toronto: approximately 45 km from downtown (39 minutes driving time)

One of the main things to do in Kleinburg is visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, however, this charming village offers activities for outdoor enthusiasts, shoppers and foodies as well!

Kleinburg is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Toronto area – we generally spend about half a day when we visit.

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection  is a gallery featuring distinctly Canadian landscape work of  The Group of Seven  as well as First Nations, Inuit and other Canadian artists. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden on the property and access to walking trails through the woods of the Humber Valley.

Once you’re finished at the McMichael, head into the village proper to spend some time strolling the quaint main street’s shops, restaurants and cafés. If you want a full day of activities then head to the nearby Kortright Centre for Conservation which has more than 16 km of hiking trails open year-round and is considered one of the best spots for hiking and bird watching in the GTA.

We have visited Kleinburg in all four seasons but my favourite is fall when the leaves are changing colour!

Read A Day Trip to the Village of Kleinburg, Ontario

3. Port Dover

Distance from Toronto: approximately 135 kilometres from downtown (1 hr, 45 minutes driving time)

Port Dover, located on the shores of Lake Erie in southwestern Ontario’s Norfolk County, is an enjoyable day trip destination that’s a little under a two hour drive from downtown Toronto. One of the most notable things about Port Dover is the beach in the downtown area and the palm trees that have been planted on the beach at the Beach House Restaurant which gives it a fun tropical vibe!

Things to do in Port Dover include taking a stroll on the pier to Port Dover Lighthouse at the entrance to the harbour, attending a performance at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre professional theatre company, visiting the Harbour Museum to learn about the history of Port Dover with a focus on commercial fishing heritage or playing a round of mini-putt. You could also spend the better part of an afternoon browsing the shops and dining at one of the town’s restaurants.

There are two provincial parks nearby if you want to spend a day at the beach – Long Point Provincial Park and Turkey Point Provincial Park . Turkey Point also has several hiking trails and Long Point is considered to be one of the top bird watching destinations in North America.

We recently visited for the first time on a warm early fall day and enjoyed a walk around town and on the beach as well as a bite to eat at Knechtel’s on the Beach which is famous for their fresh Lake Erie perch and pickerel and has an outdoor picnic area. We also did some browsing in the shops, picked up some treats to go at Cocoa Cabana and an ice cream cone at The Ice Cream Tank.

Port Dover would be best for day trips in the spring, summer, and fall. We visited in September and drove through Simcoe on the way back to buy apple cider donuts at The Apple Place (99 Queensway East) – worth the detour!

4. Niagara-on-the-Lake

Distance from Toronto: approximately 130 km from downtown (1 hour, 35 min driving time)

Located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is often described as the prettiest town in Ontario with good reason! NOTL is a great town for walking as the downtown historic district is home to many boutique shops, restaurants and cafés as well as the Shaw Festival theatres.

If you’re a history buff then you can also fit in a visit to the Fort George National Historic Site and the Laura Secord Homestead to learn more about the history of the Niagara Region particularly as it relates to the War of 1812. If you’re a visitor to Toronto taking a day trip to Niagara Falls then definitely include Niagara-on-the-Lake in your plans as well – you’ll be glad you did!

NOTL is busiest in the summer but is great for a day trip or a weekend getaway any time of the year and is extra special during the festive season when the town transforms into a beautiful Christmas village.

Read Visiting Festive Niagara-on-the-Lake in the Christmas Season

5. St. Jacobs

Distance from Toronto: approximately 120 km from downtown (1 hour, 20 min driving time)

Located just outside of Waterloo, Ontario, along the Conestoga River, the village of St. Jacobs is primarily known for Canada’s largest year-round farmer’s market but there is much more to do on a day trip. Visitors can enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping, restaurants and a craft brewery or take in a performance at one of the two Drayton Entertainment theatres – St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre.

The Mennonite Story is worth a visit to learn more about the history and culture of the Mennonite people who make their home in the area, guided walking tours of the village of St. Jacobs are available or you can enjoy a self-guided art walk to see the outdoor murals around town.

The market is open year-round but I think of St. Jacobs as a spring, summer, fall destination – I just find it much more pleasant to wander around when the weather is nice, however it is a great destination for holiday shopping as well.

6. Oakville

Distance from Toronto: approximately 38 km from downtown (40 minutes driving time)

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario between Toronto and the Niagara Region, my hometown of Oakville is rich in history and beauty. Visitors flock to the charming downtown in Old Oakville for the unique shops and some of the best dining in the GTA at the various restaurants and cafés. The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts is also conveniently located in the downtown core and hosts a variety of performances.

Just a short distance from the shops and restaurants on Lakeshore Road, you can take a walk along the picturesque Lake Ontario waterfront around Lakeside Park or Tannery Park and stroll the pier to the red-capped Oakville Harbour Lighthouse which is a popular for photos. If you’re interested in history then be sure to pop into the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estates (admission by donation) which has an excellent exhibit on Oakville’s Early Black History as the town was a stop on the underground railroad.

Most visitors to Oakville spend all of their time in the downtown area but it’s also worth checking out Gairloch Gardens and Oakville Galleries which are a few minutes east of downtown. The town also has an abundance of walking trails including the Sixteen Mile Creek Trail and several at Bronte Creek Provincial Park that are great if you want to spend some time outside enjoying nature.

7. Niagara Falls

Distance from Toronto: approximately 128 km from downtown (1.5 hours driving time)

A day trip to Niagara Falls is fun for everyone but is a particularly good idea if you’re looking for something to do for the day with kids or if you’re a visitor to Toronto and want to see one of Canada’s natural wonders while you’re here.

The absolute best thing to do in Niagara Falls is taking a cruise to the base of the falls – you might get soaked but it’s worth it for the thrill! The next best thing is Journey Behind the Falls which takes you down through bedrock tunnels to observation decks at the base of Horseshoe Falls – not quite as wet and it’s still an option on a winter day trip when the cruises are not available.

There are plenty of additional activities to keep you busy on a day trip (or a longer stay) including ziplining, riding the Niagara Skywheel, enjoying the views from the observation deck of the Skylon Tower, visiting nearby historic attractions or visiting the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory .

We have visited Niagara Falls in every season but winter but I would love to make the drive at some point when the falls are frozen – what a sight that would be! There’s also a winter light festival in Niagara Falls every year through December until early January that would be a great excuse for a day/night trip.

Read Top 10 Things To Do in Niagara Falls with Kids

8. Milton (Halton Conservation Parks)

Distance from Toronto: approximately 65 km from downtown (55 min driving time)

If you’re looking to get out of the city and spend some time outdoors then consider visiting some of the Halton Conservation Parks which are ideal for for hiking and just enjoying nature.

Our favourites which we visit regularly are Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls, and Crawford Lake. Rattlesnake Point has a great combination of forest hiking and scenic escarpment views and is also popular for rock climbing. Hilton Falls has several great hiking trails as well as a 10 metre waterfall that is the most popular spot in the park. Crawford Lake has great trails, a rare meromictic lake and an Iroquoian Longhouse Village. Three distinct parks that are fun to visit and open year-round.

Read Hiking and History at Crawford Lake Conservation Area , Exploring the Trails at Rattlesnake Point , and Hiking at Hilton Falls Conservation Area

9. Rattray Marsh – Mississauga Waterfront

Distance from Toronto: approximately 32 km from downtown (40 min driving time)

Another great place for a day trip from Toronto if you want to spend some time outside getting your nature fix is Rattray Marsh Conservation Area in Mississauga which is the last remaining lakefront marsh of its kind between Toronto and Burlington.

There’s a pedestrian boardwalk overlooking the wetland which makes it a fairly easy and accessible walk with a possibility of seeing a variety of wildlife and birds. Rattray Marsh is particularly popular with avid birdwatchers as there are many species that make their home in the marsh.

Access to Rattray Marsh is through Jack Darling Park which also has a pathway along the lakeshore and is a popular picnic spot when the weather is warm. Parking can be challenging on the weekends particularly when the weather is nice. We have visited Rattray Marsh in every season – my favourite is fall when the leaves have turned.

Once you are finished with your visit to Rattray Marsh, head down Lakeshore Road to Port Credit – a village on the waterfront where you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or cafés and browse the unique shops.

10. Caledon – Credit Valley Conservation Parks

Distance from Toronto: approximately 65 km from downtown (1 hour driving time)

Another great option when you want to get outdoors is a day trip to the Caledon area for some hiking and sightseeing in one of the Credit Valley Conservation parks .

We have day tripped to the area a couple of times and my favourite spot is Cheltenham Badlands Conservation Area which is one of the most incredible nature spots in the province! The site might look like the set for a movie that takes place on Mars but the rolling red hills and gullies were actually formed as the result of erosion accelerated by poor farming practices. Visits to Cheltenham Badlands are restricted to 90 minutes so you might want to include one of the other nearby parks in your day trip plans.

Both Belfountain Conservation Area and Terra Cotta Conservation Area are located a short drive from the Cheltenham Badlands and can be fun to visit. Belfountain features a few short hiking trails, a beautiful waterfall, a suspension bridge and a fountain while Terra Cotta has a variety of trails that wander through mature forests and past streams and ponds.

The Cheltenham Badlands and Belfountain Conservation Area are both closed for the winter season so this is best as a spring, summer or fall day trip. I recommend visiting in the fall because the Caledon area has some of the best fall foliage in the province!

Read Visiting the Incredible Cheltenham Badlands in Caledon

You Might Also Enjoy Reading

Things To Do in Ontario: The Ultimate Ontario Bucket List

8 of the Best Fall Hikes in Halton and Peel

21 Fun Things To Do in Kingston, Ontario This Summer

15 of the Best Things To Do on Manitoulin Island

Pin This For Later

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Going Awesome Places

Detailed itineraries + travel guides

16 Popular and Secret Weekend Trips from Toronto

Last Updated January 10, 2024 William Tang

You are here: Home » Attractions & Experiences » 16 Popular and Secret Weekend Trips from Toronto

Whether you’re visiting the GTA or living in the city, there are surprisingly a lot of options when it comes to weekend trips from Toronto.  In this guide, you’ll find both popular and hidden secret Toronto getaways that can be done in the spring, summer, fall, or winter whether for a day or the full weekend.  With each trip, you’ll learn the details of what you can do there, where to eat, activities to book, and how to get there.

Simply put, Ontario is yours to discover and so let’s jump into those best weekend trips from Toronto.

Read more about Toronto

• Best patios in Toronto in the summer
• One day road trip itinerary around Toronto
• Provincial Parks to see Ontario Fall colours
• Best easy hike trails around the GTA
• Amazing parks in Vaughan you probably never knew about
• Curling clubs in Toronto that offer sheet rentals

Where to stay in Toronto?

• If you’re looking for a place to stay in Toronto , I highly recommend 1 King West for it’s location, historic suites, and price in comparison with the other big hotels in the city. Make sure you’re also familiar with hotel corporate codes in case you’re eligible!

Table of Contents

Jump straight to the weekend trip ideas from Toronto of interest.

In This Article

Hilton Falls

Dundas valley, grey sauble county falls, wasaga beach, blue mountain, niagara-on-the-lake, niagara falls, prince edward county, bruce peninsula and tobermory, kitchener-waterloo, kawartha lakes.

• Ferris Provincial Park
• Point Pelee National Park

Frequently asked questions

Best weekend trips from toronto.

Chasing Waterfalls

Let’s start off with one that is not so obvious.  We all know the BIG waterfalls that are easy to get to from Toronto but there are actually plenty of hidden waterfalls scattered all around Ontario that are only a couple of hours drive from Toronto.  There are a couple of regions of waterfalls that I first introduced in my day trip idea from Toronto so it’s worth breaking them down.

Right off the 401 and near the city of Milton is a conservation area that you might’ve passed by many times but never knew was there.  This is part of a Conservation Halton park with a great escape to nature and an athlete’s paradise with its 33.5 km of trail.

The Niagara Escarpment and flowing river is the perfect formula for a waterfall and what makes this unique is that remnants of old Mill Ruins can be seen right alongside the thunderous water.

Whether you’re hiking, trail running, mountain biking, or just walking the dog, the trails here are colour-coded and well-marked.  Other activities include bonfires for s’more making near the falls, horseback riding, geocaching, and tons of photography opportunities.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Address: 4985 Campbellville Road, Milton, ON

Hours: Daily 8:30AM – 9:30PM

Time to drive: 41 minutes

Website: Hilton Falls

• Adult (15-64) $7.00
• Senior (65 & over) $6.00
• Child (5-14) $5.25
• Child (4 & under) Free

Highlights:  

• The Waterfalls
• The Mill Ruins
• Horseback Riding
• Recreation Trails
• Bonfire at the Falls

Nearby attractions:

• Rattlesnake Point Conservation
• Springridge Farm
• Halton County Radial Railway
• Terre Bleu Lavender Farm

Good restaurants nearby:  

• Memphis BBQ & Wicked Wings
• Goodfellas Wood Oven Pizza

Where to stay overnight:  

• Best Western Milton
• Home2 Suites Milton

READ THE REVIEWS

Carved out of glaciers some 10,000 years ago, Dundas Valley Conservation Area is one of Southern Ontario’s gems and natural treasures.  There is much to see and do here including a rich mix of plants, wildlife, geological formations, meadows, and streams.  The area features 1,200-hectares Carolinian forests, colourful meadows, cold-water streams, stunning geological formations and an array of rare plants, birds and wildlife.

The environment is so naturally rich here that it is actually designated by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve since is part of the Niagara Escarpment.

Like Hilton Falls, this conservation area is extremely well maintained with its three main trail loops that are easy to navigate and explore.  Whether you’re here to walk your dog, mountain bike or just putting your legs to good use, it’s another great way to spend time away from the big city.

To start your trip, start with the Trail Centre which is housed in a replica of a Victoria train station.  Inside you’ll find food concession, brochures, maps, and interpretive displays.  You’ll be be able to orientate yourself here and it’s also the starting point for guided hikes and workshops.

The network of trail you’ll find here, one of which is the Heritage Trail that extends into the world famous Bruce Trail.  Along the way, you’ll encounter two other waterfalls – Canterbury and Sherman.  They may not be the thunderous kind but they evokes a certain a tranquil serenity as the water roll down jagged edges of rock.

Read next: We have a full guide of the best waterfalls of Hamilton that you should check out.

Address: 650 Governors Road, Dundas, ON, L9E 5E3

Hours: Daily sunrise to sundown

• Off Season Hours: September to June Weekdays:  Concession closed, building open for washrooms from 8:30AM to 3PM Weekends:  8:30 AM to 4 PM

Time to drive: 1 hour

Website:   Dundas Valley Conservation Area

• Vehicle $10
• Vehicle Senior (65 & over) $8
• Equestrians – per horse $15
• Bus (school groups) $175
• Bus (non-school groups) $275
• Note:  Photo permits are required for photo shoots
• Hermitage Ruins
• Griffin House
• Dundern Castle
• HMCS Haida National Historic Site
• Exotic Supercar Test Drive
• Hamilton Waterfalls & Bluffs Hiking Tour
• Hamilton Scavenger Hunt
• Spring Sushi
• Detour Cafe
• Homewood Suites Hamilton
• Sandman Hotel Hamilton

If you’re looking for a bit of a road trip adventure, this might be the weekend trip from Toronto you’re looking for.  In Grey Sauble County (or simply Grey County) there are a number of waterfalls you can encounter on your drive up north along Highway 10 towards Owen Sound.

These waterfalls are perfect for those looking for short hikes and impressively unique waterfalls.

The ones you want to see are:

• Eugenia Falls
• Hoggs Falls
• Inglis Falls
• Indian Falls

I won’t spoil too much for you so make sure to add this to your list of weekend getaways whether with a car or if you’re looking to build an itinerary with your RV rental in Ontario .

Address: 

• Eugenia Falls – County Road 13, Eugenia, ON N0C 1E0
• Hoggs Falls – Lower Valley Rd, Flesherton, ON N0C 1E0
• Inglis Falls – Georgian Bluffs, ON N4K 5N6
• Indian Falls – 318614, Grey Rd 1, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N4

Time to drive: 2.5 hours to get to the farthest Indian Falls

Website: Grey Sauble Conservation

• Entrance is free however there is a parking fee of $6.00 per vehicle ($8.00 at Inglis on weekends – from May long weekend to Labour Day Weekend & Thanksgiving Weekend) using the Mack Meters method
• Snowshoeing
• Tom Thompson Art Gallery
• Grey Roots Museum & Archives
• Casero Kitchen Table
• Shorty’s Grill
• Kettles Back Home Cooking
• Quality Inn Owen Sound
• Travelodge by Wyndham Owen Sound

REVIEWS OF INDIAN FALLS

Collingwood

The cottage are region of Collingwood is a popular getaway destination for locals living in the GTA and beyond as it’s easy to drive to, has an abundance of things to do, places to eat, and most importantly, has a large beach that’s perfect for those hot summer days.

Wasaga Beach is a long and sandy beach that lies at the southern end of Ontario’s Georgian Bay.  It is in fact the longest freshwater beach in the world at 14km.  Come here for swimming, walking along its trails, suntanning, and its connection with nature.

Address: 11-22nd St. North, Wasaga Beach, L9Z 2V9

Hours: 24/7

Time to drive: 1 hour 40 minutes

Website: Wasaga Beach

Price: Beach is free but parking lots are paid

• Visitor centre
• Recreation trails
• Wasaga 500 Go Karts
• Nancy Island Historic Site
• Wasaga Beach Farmers Market
• Catch 22 Fresh Market Grill
• Grandma’s Beach Treats
• Pizza Dee’s
• Saga Resort
• Oasis by the Bay

The other most popular place to visit in Collingwood is Blue Mountain resort .  In the winter, the mountain transforms to the region’s tallest mountain for snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding.  In the summer, there are plenty of activities on the resort grounds and surrounding areas to take advantage of its location along the Niagara Escarpment.  The most notable adventure activity is Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster .

Address: 190 Gord Canning Dr, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 1C2

Time to drive: 2 hours

Website: Blue Mountain Resort

• Canopy tree top trekking
• Mountain coaster
• Golf course
• Scandinave Spa
• Side Launch Brewing Company
• Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
• Georgian Hills Vineyards
• Plunge! Aquatic Center
• Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
• FireHall Pizza Co
• The Dam Pub Gastropub
• Blue Mountain Resort
• The Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain

The famed wine region of Ontario is one of the most magical places to visit and while staying here overnight is preferable, it’s certainly possible to have a memorable weekend day trip.  Matched with the beauty of the flower-lined streets, cute boutique shops, and historic towns are the endless number of world-famous vineyards, the Shaw Festival , and Fort George .

NOTL for short, the epitome of a perfect Saturday or Sunday itinerary includes renting a bicycle, riding out to a winery for a tasting, walking along the main street, having a fabulous dinner, and slurping on ice cream from Moo .  More trip ideas can be found in this 3 day Niagara Falls itinerary .

While you’re planning your trip here, make sure to check the Niagara-on-the-Lake calendar for events.

When you’re here, also make sure not to miss out on one of my favourite hiking trails in the region, Niagara Glen .  From here, you get an incredible view of the Niagara Gorge.  In the Fall, the colours are absolutely stunning here.

Another area adjacent to NOTL you need to include in your trip is Queenston Heights Park, Whirlpool Aero Car, and White Water Walk.  Many of these spots you can find in our Fall Colours in Niagara video .

Time to drive: 1.5 hours

Website: Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Historic town
• Shaw Festival
• Fine dining
• Parks Canada
• Recreational Trails
• Peller Estates
• Wayne Gretzky Estates
• Reif Estate Winery
• Konzelmann Estate Winery
• Jackson-Triggs Winery
• Fort George
• Wine-tasting Tour with Lunch or Dinner
• Cycle and Wine-Tasting Tour
• Half-Day Winery Tour
• The Olde Angel Inn
• Hob Nob Restaurant
• Prince of Wales Niagara on the Lake
• Queens Landing

GET STARTED HERE

Now this is the big elephant in the room right?  Niagara Falls is commonly referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World, or at least Canadians would love for it to be declared with that title.  What more can I say about the 168,000 cubic metres of water that thunders down the edge of the Niagara escarpment as a plume of cool mist emerges from Horseshoe Falls.  It’s truly a natural icon in Canada.

Without a doubt the Canadian side is the best side.  What makes the area a perfect weekend trip from Toronto is that there are so many ways to see and enjoy the Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls.  You can see the Falls up-close from the Hornblower Cruise , in a cave as part of Journey Behind the Falls , or White Water Walk .  Just be prepared to get wet!

Beyond the falls themselves, there’s so much more entertainment to discover here whether it’s the zany Clifton Hills , the casinos, water parks, amusement park, gardens, and parks.

When planning your trip to Niagara Falls, consider the Wonder Pass to make your life easier with you and your family.  With advanced purchase, you get one-day access to Journey Behind the Falls, Niagara’s Fury, the Butterfly Conservatory, and Floral Showcase.  You’ll also get two-day access to WEGO and Falls Incline transit and discounts to local shops and eateries.

If you’re looking for something organized, there’s the small group half-day tour or Gems of Niagara if you’re already in Niagara Falls or the full day tour from Toronto if you don’t feel like driving.

While Niagara Falls isn’t far from Toronto, it is always a winner as a weekend getaway.  Make it better by staying at one of the hotels with tower views of the falls.

Website: Niagara Falls

• Horseshoe Falls
• Observation points
• Clifton Hills
• Behind the Falls
• Hornblower Cruise Voyage to the Falls boat tour (Maid of the Mist but on the Canadian side)
• Zipline to the Falls (or night time illuminated version )
• Whirlpool Jetboat Tours
• Niagara Falls helicopter tour
• Niagara Falls Skywheel
• Illuminations or Fireworks cruise
• Marineland day pass
• Hop-on-hop-off antique double decker bus
• Table Rock House Restaurant
• Blue Line Diner
• Napoli Ristorante and Pizzeria
• Paris Crepes Cafe
• Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview
• Embassy Suites Niagara Falls Fallsview

On the north shore of Lake Ontario is a county characterized by a charming rural lifestyle with tasteful urban flavour.  Located only 2 hours away from the GTA, you come here for a weekend day to take advantage of the region’s sandy beaches and dunes, beautiful slice of nature, wineries, breweries, and a town of creative and passionate folks.

Prince Edward County is known as “The County” by the locals but may be more modernly called, simply PEC.  What started off as an expanse of agricultural land, the past few decades has been a renaissance of developing must-visit highlights for local and international visitors.  What makes it such a gem is that you wouldn’t know it from driving by along Highway 401 as most people travelling east would continue to Belleville and onwards to Kingston.

In PEC, you definitely want to start off visiting a few wineries.  The most popular ones TerraCello Winery , ThreeDog Winery , and Sandbanks Estate Winery which is known for their Baco Noir .

From there, make sure to hit up my favourite Parsons Brewing Company , which has a fun, contemporary vibe of fresh hop creations, and a fantastic selection of foods to pair with your flight of beers.  There’s a ton of sprawling open space here at the farm and great for kids as well.

Another main attraction in Prince Edward County is Sandbanks Provincial Park .  With the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, you have three sandy beaches that are among the best in Canada with their shallow waters and gentle drop off.  The large sand dune hills are also awesome for some sliding fun.

In the towns of Picton and Wellington make sure to look out for great locally-made goods and farm-to-table restaurants that serve with locally-grown ingredients.

If you come here during the right time of the year, Prince Edward County Lavender is another highlight that you have to visit.  Better yet, plan to come during the Lavender Festival so make sure to check the PEC event calendar .

On your way out, don’t forget about the Glenora Ferry which is an alternative way to get to Kingston as opposed to hopping back onto the 401.

Lastly, if you’re a fan of The Drake Hotel in Toronto, their second property is here and is the Drake Devonishire .

Website: Prince Edward County

• Sandbanks Provincial Park
• Boutique shops
• Art workshops
• Small-town charm
• TerraCello Winery
• ThreeDog Winery
• Sandbanks Estate Winery
• Parsons Brewing Company
• Glenora Ferry
• Prince Edward County Lavender
• Agrarian Bistro Bar
• East & Main Bistro
• Blumen Garden Bistro
• Drake Devonshire
• The Village Suites

BOOK YOUR PEC ACTIVITY

Another jewel of Ontario is the entirety of the Bruce Peninsula.  Stretching between Georgian Bay up to Lake Huron, the turquoise clear waters, stunning coastal landscape, are something you just need to see in person.  It is in fact part of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

A weekend day trip getaway to the Bruce Peninsula might seem a little far but it’s totally do-able.  From Toronto, you take Hwy 10 and then Hwy 6 all the way up north until you reach the very end which happens to be the town of Tobermory.

Read next: We did an amazing weekend in Tobermory and Bruce Peninsula that will give you an idea of how to plan a trip up to here.

Tobermory is where your adventure starts.  It’s a charming town that’s packed with local artisan shops, fish & chip shacks, bars with patios, and live music.  This is also where you’ll find the harbor where you’ll be able to get on the thrilling Jet Boat Flowerpot Island Express by Blue Heron Cruises that takes you out to Flower Pot Island  and along the way see Big Tub Lighthouse, and two 19th century shipwrecks.

Flower Pot Island is a full day on its own.  There are several trails to follow here that follow a rugged terrain and takes you out to the the flower pot rock formations, picnic shelters on the shoreline next to Beachy Cove, areas to swim and snorkel, light station and lightkeeper’s cottage.

The other place you have to visit is part of Bruce Peninsula National Park .  The renowned trails are a must-do but since you’ll only have one day to see it all, focus your efforts on getting to the park’s famous Grotto.  This area is known for its pristine waters and shoreline sea cave where the adventurous ones will go in for a jump and swim.  Note that the parking day pass to the park is $11.70.  Since this is a national park, you’ll be able to use the Parks Canada Discovery Pass .

For those looking for a bus tour from Toronto, there’s this tour of Tobermory and Flower Pot Island in a day that you can consider.

Time to drive: 3.5 hours

Website: Bruce Peninsula National Park and Flower Pot Island

• Unique geological formations
• Maritime history
• Recreational trails
• Snorkelling and diving
• Flower Pot Island
• Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Bayside Astronomy
• Greig’s Caves
• Lions Head Provincial Nature Reserve
• Shipwreck Lee’s of Tobermory
• Tobermory Brewing Company and Grill
• Crowsnest Pub
• Grandview Motel Tobermory
• Adventure the Bruce Inn

BOOK TOBERMORY ACTIVITIES

Home to my alma mater, the Kitchener-Waterloo region doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves but there are a couple of hidden secrets here that only those in-the-know will tell you.

A quick day trip to the KW has a few key highlights that are quite unique.  The attractions you’ll find here mostly centre on the international communities that have grown here.

The first comes from the large Mennonite community that goes all the way back to the 1790s when they immigrated here from the US, settling on the vast area of farmland and continue to do so today.  While they are easily recognizable by their traditional black suits and broad-brimmed hats for men, and ankle-length dresses and matching bonnets for women, they aren’t to be confused with the Amish.

To best understand their history and faith, the Mennonite Central Committee has an interpretation centre in the village of St. Jacobs, just north of Waterloo.  It’s at St. Jacobs where you’ll find many Mennonite stores selling farm-cultivated produce and goods.  Of particular interest is their maple syrup which is stupendously good.  The Mennonites are well-known for their woodworking skills so anyone in need of hand-crafted furniture would do well to visit here.  The area has grown to encompass the St. Jacob Market District which now also includes a farmer’s market, market road antiques, and small outlet mall.

The second large community in Kitchener-Waterloo is the German community.  Every October, huge tents are set up downtown for Oktoberfest and is billed as Canada’s Greatest Bavarian Festival, and you’ll be surprised to hear that this is the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world.

If you can’t time your visit to come during Oktoberfest, the Heidelberg Restaurant Tavern & Motel is as authentic as it gets when it comes to a German-style restaurant.  Its signature dishes include Pork Hock which is a giant dish of smoked pork knuckles or Schweinshaxe in German.

In addition to these two distinct cultural experiences, Kitchener-Waterloo is a growing scene for craft beer.

Time to drive: 1 hour 10 minutes

Website: St. Jacob’s Market District and KW Oktoberfest

• Mennonite Village
• Authentic German food
• St. Jacob’s Market
• The Mennonite Story
• Block Three Brewing Co
• Descendants Beer and Beverage
• Kitchener Let’s Roam Treasure Hunt
• Heidelberg Restaurant Tavern & Motel
• Borealis Grille & Bar
• Bao Sandwich Bar
• Anna Mae’s Bakery and Restaurant
• Quality Inn Kitchener
• Kitchener Inn and Suites

This community of 9,500 may not be on the top of your list, but trust me, there’s more than meets the eye.

Located on the shores of Lake Scugog, Port Perry is seen as the gateway to a region known for its lake adventures but looking inwards, the city itself is rapidly growing whether it’s the historic Downtown Port Perry, or the parks that surround the lake.

In the summer, there are a number of festivals in Port Perry including the Mississauga First Nation PowWow , the Highland Games, the Dragon Boat Races, StreetFest, and the city’s own annual fair.  Downtown is becoming a small foodie paradise as well with its selection of bakeries, cafes, and restaurants.  On Queen Street, the main artery, you’ll marvel at Victorian-era architecture while shopping at unique boutique shops.

For those that are avid fishermen, the region offers something different for both winter and summer.  In the winter months, Lake Scugog freezes over and you’ll find many ice-fishing huts over the lake.  In the summer, you can easily take 1 of the 4 municipal ramps to take your boat out on the lake.

From Port Perry, you can also head out to the Great Blue Heron Casino where you’re guaranteed to have a great time whether you’re a high roller or you play the penny slots.  Make sure to try the Heron Burger here.

Time to drive: 55 minutes

Website: Discover Port Perry

• Lake recreation
• Historic downtown
• Scugog Shores Historical Museum
• Great Blue Heron Casino
• Ocala Winery
• Palmer Park
• Nature’s Bounty
• Old Flame Brewing Co.
• The Piano Inn and Cafe
• Pickles & Olives Bistro
• Heath Haven Bed & Breakfast
• Utica Guest House

There is a chain of lakes 90 minutes northeast of Toronto that create the most remarkable outdoor getaway.   With beautiful lakes, meandering rivers, rolling farmland, large park spaces to choose from, and well-preserved wilderness, there’s a panoramic beauty here that is why this is another popular weekend destination.  While the Kawarthas span several different counties including Peterborough, it’s the simplified marketing term for the area similar to Muskoka.

The Kawarthas are best known to be part of cottage country.  With many beautiful properties dotting the Trent-Severn Waterway , the overnight travellers will definitely be settling in one of these to relax on the dock, go fishing, or explore the local towns.

A different way to see the lakes is to actually be on the lake.  For fishing enthusiasts, taking a boat out is the obvious choice but there’s something else you can consider.  Did you know that the Kawartha Lakes is the Houseboat Capital of Ontario ?  Rent a houseboat with a company like R&R Houseboat Rentals for the day or more.  What makes the Kawarthas attractive is their tightly connected system of locks as you jump from one lake to the next.

Another fantastic option to consider are the wealth of provincial parks and conservation areas by the lake.  My particular favourite is Balsam Lake Provincial Park .  They have plenty of day-use space with the beach, easy hiking trails, canoeing, birding, and biking.  Overnights at the campsite are also a great way to spend the weekend here.  Otherwise there are the hotels you can see down below.

Lastly, on your way in or out, you must visit the Kawartha Dairy store in Lindsay as they have the best ice cream in Ontario.

Time to drive: 1 hour 36 minutes

Website: Kawartha Lakes

• Interconnected Lakes
• Lock system
• Small towns
• Best ice cream
• Camping and cottages
• Kawartha Settlers Village
• Horseless Carriage Museum
• Balsam Lake Provincial Park
• Ken Reid Conservation Area
• Lock 35 – Rosedale
• Kawartha Dairy
• The Cat & The Fiddle Lindsay
• Just for the Halibut
• Durham Cafe
• Ramada by Wyndham Lindsay
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lindsay

This is the heart of Ontario’s cottage country and where everyone flocks to in the summer for their cottage residences by the lake.  What makes it so popular is because of its proximity to Toronto and wealth of the quintessential Canadian outdoors – surrounded by 1,600 lakes, painters’ dream rocky landscape, rivers, beaches, rolling green countryside, it’s a lakeside retreat that everyone dreams about.

However, as much as it’s great for a week-long getaway, you can still enjoy the province’s premiere cottage country in a day.  You just need to know where to go.

Huntsville is considered to be the gateway into Muskoka and this is where you’ll start.   In this town there are several attractions to check out.  There’s the Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery which showcases 30 large-scale murals that have been reproduced and scattered throughout town.  These famous painters spent much of their time here and it really showcases the beauty of this region.

Right outside of town is Arrowhead Provincial Park .  It’s a great day-use camp with sandy beaches and a ton of incredible trails but where they really shine is in the winter with their 1.3 km outdoor ice trail and tubing hill.

From here, you’re right by the entrance into the famed Algonquin Provincial Park .  The park itself is massive so you’ll have to pick one or two spots to visit near the West Gate.  Oxtongue River Picnic Grounds is a great place for a packed lunch or you can head straight for a hike.  I recommend Two Rivers Trail (easy) or Whiskey Rapids Trail (moderate)

South of Huntsville and great on your way back home is Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm which is a great opportunity to learn, taste, and purchase that Canadian liquid gold.

Anyone who’s interested in beer and wine will do well to visit Muskoka Brewery and Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh & Muskoka Lakes Winery .

If you’re interested in seeing Algonquin more thoroughly as a day trip, there are Algonquin Provincial Park day tours from Toronto or if you’re interested in multi-day tours, these activities can get you started.

Lastly, the SS Bagwin Lake of Bays cruise is quite the remarkable trip that includes a 2.5 hour trip from Dorset to Port Cunnington Lodge where you’ll have a 3 course dinner before returning back to Dorset.

Time to drive: 2 hour 18 minutes

Website: Discover Muskoka

• Famous provincial parks
• Breweries and wineries
• Lake cruises
• Algonquin Provincial Park
• Arrowhead Provincial Park
• Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
• Sugarbush Hill Maple Farm
• Treetop Trekking Huntsville
• Muskoka Brewery
• Muskoka Lakes Winery
• SS Bagwin Lake of Bays Cruise
• That Little Place by the Lights
• 3 Guys & A Stove
• The Artisan House
• Red Maple Inn and Suites
• Deerhurst Resort

If you’re looking to head out east for a day-camping experience, Ferris Provincial Park is an excellent choice.  Located in Campbellford, Ontario, it is situated along the banks of Trent River.

From the park, you have access to the suspension bridge above Ranney Gorge.  From here, you’ll get unobstructed views of Trent River, Ranney Falls, and an old tannery.  Just be careful if you’re afraid of heights!

The park also has several hiking trails to choose from, most of which will take you to or close to Ranney Falls and the Trent River gorge.  Along the way, also expect to see stone fences and rare flora and fauna.  The hikes to look for are the Ranney Falls, Ranney Gorge, and Drumlin Trail Systems.

If you’re staying overnight, the provincial park has excellent camping facilities.   You can also stay in Campbellford.

Address: 474 County Rd. 8, Campbellford, K0L 1L0

Website: Ferris Provincial Park

Price:  Pricing is by vehicle

• Regular: $12.25
• Senior: $9.75
• Disabilities: $6.00
• Suspended bridge
• Toonie Monument
• Church Key Brewing Company
• Dooher’s Bakery
• Antonia’s Bistro
• Caper’s Tap House
• Emilyville Inn
• Campbellford River Inn

This one’s a little further away from Toronto but if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, you can consider doing this stretch day-trip to the most southern point of mainland Canada or stay overnight to truly maximize what you can see and do here.

Point Pelee National Park is an ecologically diverse park that has a plethora of natural wonders to be discovered whether in the summer or winter.  70% of the park is composed of marsh that is and 21% is forest.

One of the highlights is to visit the southern most point and you can visit there by shuttle which is offered between April and October.  From here, you can see wild flowers, local birds, dragonfly, and monarch migrations.   In the winter months, you can drive down here.

There are numerous hikes you can do in the old Carolinian forest.  There are simple hikes like the Marsh Boardwalk (1 km loop) that take you through the Ramsar Wetlands, the DeLaurier Homestead & Trail (1.2 km loop) to learn about the land’s history with the First Nations,  the Botham Tree Trail , the Tilden Woods Trail (1 km loop), or there’s the Woodland Nature Trail (2.75 km loop) .

Other activities you can enjoy while you’re out here is cycling, geocaching, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.

The park also offers guided tours.  They have a Junior Naturalist Program in the summer for kids 7 to 11.  They also have a Freighter Canoe Tour, Wildflower Walk, and Family Migration Hike.

Point Pelee is not to be confused with Pelee Island which can be reached by ferry .

Lastly, since this is a national park, you can use your Parks Canada Discovery Pass for free access.

Address: 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington ON N8H 3V4

Hours: Click here for the full hours.

Website: Point Pelee National Park

Price:  

• Adult: $7.90
• Senior: $6.90
• Family: $16.00
• Adult: $6.10
• Senior: $5.10
• Family: $12
• Natural landscapes
• Water activities
• Leamington Municipal Marina
• Pelee Island Heritage Centre
• Pelee Island Winery
• Birdies Perch
• Freddy’s
• Lakeside Bakery Deli Cafe
• Point Pelee National Park oTENTik Yurts
• Talbot Trail Inn & Suites
• Best Western Plus Leamington

Last but not least is are our friendly neighbours to the south.  Buffalo is just across the border from Niagara Falls and is a great option as a day trip.  While it won’t be enough to truly see the entire city, there’s plenty of time to get a feel for what that revitalization of Buffalo that I experienced all those years ago is all about.

At Buffalo’s core, this is a city that has a glorious past and one that has seen tougher times but is on a new trajectory of growth.  This can be seen from the examples of art deco in its architecture including the City Hall .  Another piece of interesting architecture is the Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House .

The best examples of revitalization can be seen from the RiverWorks , the waterfront that’s transformed into an entertainment complex as a venue for skating, hockey, curling, concerts, dining, bars, and concessions.  Canalside is adjacent to RiverWorks and closer to the downtown core.  Here, you’ll have access to waterfront views, public park space, and event venue space for things like summer concerts.

The Albright-Knox Art Gallery and  Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site are two highlights for visitors.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more adventure, check out the ziplines at the abandoned grain elevators or paddleboard the Buffalo River.

When it comes to food, Watson’s Chocolate and and Anchor Bar are classic institutions in the city.  That said, some of the best hops are had at Resurgence Bar .

Of course, if you’re primarily interested in shopping and checking out the sights on the American side of Niagara Falls, there’s always that too!  Also, don’t forget to check out Fort Niagara and the lesser known Buffalo wine trail .

If you like what you see in your planning, add a day or two to your trip to make it a full weekend or long weekend!

Website: Visit Buffalo

• Architecture
• Entertainment
• Local shopping
• Outlet shopping
• American Niagara Falls
• Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House
• Albright-Knox Art Gallery
• Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
• Buffalo City Hall
• Old Fort Niagara
• Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls
• Zipline at RiverWorks
• Wings Beer and More Bike and Foodie Tour
• Best of Buffalo on Bike
• New Buffalo Foodie Experience
• Resurgence Brewing Company
• Watson’s Chocolate
• Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
• Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Downtown
• Courtyard by Marriott Canalside

ACTIVITIES IN BUFFALO

Whether you’re looking for a weekend trip from Toronto or just building your own itinerary for your visit to the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario, I’d love to hear from you about whether you agree with this list or have questions.  Drop a comment down below!

Once you’re outside of the GTA, public transportation options become more limited. It may be possible to use extended transportation in the Great Golden Horseshoe through GO Transit , however a car is highly recommended for the trips on this list. There are many locations to rent a car in the city.

Yes, it is quite easy to rent a car, whether it’s through the major car rental companies or car sharing companies such as Turo. Make sure to take advantage of car rental coupon codes when renting a car.

Summer is the best time overall to do weekend trips from Toronto but this is also the busiest time of the year, especially during school holiday. This is why spring and autumn are great times to explore outside of the city especially when you factor in new blooms and the changing of leaves.

What you should read next

• A 3 Day Niagara Falls Itinerary That Goes Beyond Just The Falls
• Top 15 Niagara Falls Wine Tours
• 3 Wineries to Visit on the Niagara Wine Trail
• Guide to 11 of the Best Waterfalls of Hamilton
• 24 Hour Toronto Itinerary

About William Tang

William Tang is the Chief of Awesome behind the award-winning Going Awesome Places which is focused on outdoor adventure, and experiential travel. His true passion lies in telling stories, inspiring photography and videos, and writing detailed itineraries and travel guides. He is a member of Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and Travel Massive. He has also been featured in publications such as Reader's Digest, Entrepreneur, Men's Journal, and Haute Living. Make sure to learn more about William Tang to find out his story and how Going Awesome Places started.

Find us on social media

15 Top-Rated Day Trips from Toronto

Written by Lana Law Updated May 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Authors Michael and Lana Law lived in the Toronto area for many years and now live just north of the city.

Toronto is well situated in southern Ontario, with culture, nature, and small-town charm just a short drive from the city. We love Toronto, but we also love exploring the surrounding areas.

In less than three hours , road-trippers can find themselves shopping in quaint towns, playing in lakes and wilderness areas, enjoying an adrenaline adventure at an amusement park, taking in a performance at the country's most well-known theater festival, or soaking in the magic of Niagara Falls.

Some of the main attractions are seasonal. Amusement parks and lake areas draw crowds during the summer months, while others, like Niagara Falls and Blue Mountain , are popular destinations year-round. Some of these are even at their best during the winter months.

While most of these outings are self-driving day trips, organized tours to some of the most popular places to visit are available from Toronto. For more ideas, see our list of the best day trips from Toronto.

1. Niagara Falls

2. niagara-on-the-lake, 3. algonquin provincial park, 4. blue mountain and collingwood, 5. prince edward county, 6. stratford festival, 7. canada's wonderland, 8. gravenhurst and a cruise on lake muskoka, 9. st. jacob's and the farmers' market, 10. ski resorts, 11. african lion safari, 12. wasaga beach, 13. sandbanks provincial park, 14. cheltenham badlands, 15. beaverton, map of day trips from toronto.

Even though we've lived within day-tripping distance of Niagara Falls for 20 years, a visit here never gets old. If you're visiting Toronto for even a few days, you can't miss this sight.

One of Canada's most famous and extraordinary sites is less than a two-hour drive from Toronto . For many travelers, seeing Niagara Falls is the highlight of their visit to Toronto, or even Canada. This amazing spectacle has been wowing visitors since the early explorers came through in the 1600s.

There are many ways to see the roaring falls, from boat trips to the base of the falls to feel the mist on your face, to wandering tunnels behind the falls for a glimpse of the backside of this curtain of water. One of the most popular options is a trip up the Skylon Tower for a bird's-eye view over the falls and the entire area.

As a day trip, Niagara Falls can't be beat. There are countless things to do here for all ages. The town of Niagara Falls , located right at the falls, has an almost carnival-like atmosphere, making it a fun spot for families.

From Toronto, there are a variety of tours offering excursions to Niagara Falls. Usually these tours are combined with a visit to the quaint town of Niagara-on-the-Lake . Some tours also offer a chance to see the falls lit up at night, either staying overnight or returning after dark.

One of the most popular tours is the Niagara Falls Small-Group Tour from Toronto . This is a full-day trip with pickup and drop-off at Toronto hotels, and includes transportation, a Hornblower cruise to the base of the falls, optional lunch, free time to explore the town and falls, and a stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake on the return drive.

If you're driving yourself, pay parking is available at the falls, near the water's edge. The town, the falls, and many of the various attractions are all within walking distance of the car parking area.

Author's Tip: Niagara Falls in winter is a truly special place. Yes, it's cold, but the plume of mist rising off the falls is huge. The spray from the falls lands on the railings and signs forming long icicles, and crowds are minimal. Try to pick a calm day when there is little to no wind.

This lovely historic town, once the capital of Upper Canada, is one of Southern Ontario's small treasures. All of the structures are either from the 18th century, built following the destruction that occurred during the War of 1812, or designed to look as if they were built during that time period (1815-1859). As a result of this, the town is a National Historic Site of Canada.

Although it is very small, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a full-on tourist town, with horse-drawn carriage rides, souvenir and tourist shops, and a beautiful decked-out main street, always decorated in season.

The historic Prince of Wales Hotel , on the main street, is one of the town's prime attractions and a great place to stay to experience a little history.

Just 20 minutes from Niagara Falls and one hour from Toronto , Niagara-on-the-Lake is often visited in conjunction with a trip to the falls. The scenic Niagara Parkway follows the Niagara River from Niagara Falls to Niagara-on-the-Lake, on the shores of Lake Ontario, at the mouth of the river.

If you're looking to get a little exercise, a paved pathway runs beside the Niagara Parkway for most of the route between Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Biking the parkway during the warm weather months is a popular activity and the ride is mostly downhill from the falls to the town.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is beautiful any time of year but has a particular charm in the fall when the autumn colors are peaking, and the red and yellow leaves line the streets and sidewalks.

From spring until fall, the town hosts the annual Shaw Festival . This festival has been running for more than 50 years, featuring the plays of George Bernard Shaw and Shavian playwrights. It's a summertime tradition in southern Ontario, drawing theater goers from all over the region.

All kinds of restaurants line Queen Street in downtown Niagara-on-the-Lake. Our favorite lunch spot in summer is The Epicurean . They have a lovely and casual outdoor dining area.

Algonquin Provincial Park is Toronto's go-to park for escaping the city and getting back to nature. Lakes, forests, and rivers attract canoeists, kayakers, campers, hikers, and nature lovers in general.

Wildlife is abundant, with wolves, bears, moose, deer, loons, and other small critters calling the park home. You can expect to see at least some wildlife, especially on hikes or canoe trips.

The park is open year-round and has a number of key attractions depending on the time of year. In the early spring, when the salt from the roads runs into the ditches, moose come to the roadside for the salt and can be seen regularly in the mornings by passing cars.

During the summer months, the park rents canoes for visitors to explore the lakes and rivers. This can be as simple as a couple hours of paddling or a longer multi-day trip. The park has all kinds of backcountry campsites for canoers and kayakers spread throughout the park.

Hiking trails around the lake shores and to high points with lookouts are popular day tripping activities.

Camping in Algonquin Park is another great way to experience the area if you are up for more than just a day trip. Campgrounds are well positioned around lakes.

In the fall, thousands of day trippers come here to see a spectacular display of autumn colors as the trees turn yellow, orange, and red. Bus trips run almost nonstop from early or mid-September to mid-October. And anyone heading into the park from the west gate should stop at Ragged Falls for at least a quick look at these large waterfalls.

The drive time from Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park's west gate, the most convenient entrance from the city, is just under three hours .

The main corridor, with many of the hikes and campgrounds, is Highway 60 , which runs through the park from west to east. To return to Toronto, the options include turning around and driving back the same way, or continuing on and doing a loop, heading south on Highway 127 towards Bancroft, and following several other highways on the way back through Peterborough and beyond to Toronto. This is a much longer route than simply backtracking through the park.

If you decide to make Algonquin a weekend getaway rather than a day trip, you can find excellent resorts and hotels in nearby Huntsville.

Author's Tip: Do not plan a day trip to Algonquin Provincial Park on a long weekend during the summer or fall! The park can see hours-long wait times at the gate to even enter the park on long weekends, and forget about finding parking at your favorite spots. This includes Thanksgiving.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Huntsville

The ski resort of Blue Mountain, just outside of Collingwood, is a perfect day trip almost any time of year. About 2.5 hours northwest of Toronto , this area is always full of families who come here to ski, bike, hike, and play in and around the Village of Blue Mountain year-round.

With a reputation for being the best ski hill in Southern Ontario, the appeal of this place in winter is obvious. But if you venture up here in the summer, you'll find the village equally crowded, with people here to enjoy fine dining, shopping, outdoor events, mountain biking on the hill, wall climbing, ziplining, and more.

In winter, the resort offers outdoor skating on the Mill Pond Skating Rink; snowshoeing; tubing; and the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster, for a little downhill fun on a track.

Also in the area, and open year-round, is the Plunge Aquatic Center with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, rope swings, and lounging chairs for relaxing.

The nearby town of Collingwood, on the shores of Georgian Bay, is another popular summertime destination. This lively town has its own schedule of events, including the very popular annual Elvis Festival, some good bike shops with information on the local mountain biking trails, waterfront walking areas, and all kinds of dining options.

To the east of Collingwood is Wasaga Beach , a small town with a beautiful and lively stretch of beach that turns into a true beach scene during the summer. About 25 minutes south of Collingwood is the village of Creemore , with a population of only 1,300 people, but a large number of high-quality restaurants and numerous artists shops and other stores that draw a crowd year-round.

Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do at Blue Mountain

Once primarily a rich agricultural region, Prince Edward County today is now a hot spot destination for both the movers and shakers of Toronto along with the casual visitor looking for an easy getaway.

Set off on its own on a large, roughly triangular piece of land jutting out into Lake Ontario, the area is known for rolling farmland, warm lakes, and incredible beaches.

The towns located in Prince Edward County thrum with energy and excitement in the summer months but drift back into quiet contemplation in the winter months. In places like Picton, the main town in the county, you'll find a good selection of restaurants, galleries, and antique shops along with hotels to suit any budget.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Prince Edward County

One of Ontario's most famous cultural events, the Stratford Festival is a celebration of theater that runs from May to October, with performances held at multiple venues around the town of Stratford.

With Shakespeare as the foundation of this festival, there is always a Shakespeare play happening, but the festival is much more, with a mix of classical and contemporary theater performances. The Stratford Festival is a summertime tradition that has been running for more than 50 years.

Stratford is approximately a one-and-a half-hour drive from Toronto in the rolling countryside surrounded by farms. Many people come just to soak up the pastoral scenery or spend a night at one of the many quaint little B&Bs found in and around Stratford.

The downtown area itself has some interesting old buildings, cute shops, good restaurants, and is a nice place to wander around after a performance.

Just an hour north of downtown Toronto , Canada's Wonderland is the country's premier amusement park, with some of the best roller coasters in Canada, along with other rides, games, circus shows, and the smell of candy and carnival food wafting through the air.

Splash Works is the place to be on hot days, with water rides, a lazy river, and the largest outdoor wave pool in Canada.

Special events are held regularly, from acrobats to stunt shows.

The level of excitement is always high here, perhaps because this amusement park is a seasonal event, open only from spring until fall. It's what kids wait for when they know summer is coming. Families come to visit Canada's Wonderland from all over Ontario and across the country.

Address: 1 Canadas Wonderland Drive, Maple, Ontario

The town of Gravenhurst lies on the shores of Lake Muskoka in the heart of southern Ontario's cottage country . This famous lake, with summer cottages owned by some of Canada's most well-known film stars and personalities, is a beautiful introduction to Ontario's wilderness landscape.

Two steamships operated by Muskoka Steamships , the RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II , offer tours of the lake to see the rocky shores and towering pines, as well as the lakeside cottages, many of which are multi-million dollar mansions.

These cruises last between one and four hours depending on the type of tour. Options include a basic one- or two-hour cruise, a lunch cruise, a sunset dinner cruise, and a Millionaires Row sightseeing cruise. Specialty cruises also take place on holidays.

Gravenhurst is a typical Ontario town, with shops and restaurants lining the old main street. The waterfront area offers lake-view dining along the harborfront.

For nature lovers, the municipality maintains a number of hiking and walking trails in the area.

Gravenhurst is about two hours north of Toronto . Beyond Gravenhurst on Highway 169 is the little town of Bala , another popular summertime destination in cottage country, with an ice-cream soda shop, a bakery, a couple of restaurants, the Bala Falls, and frequent live entertainment by well-known bands.

The village of St. Jacob's lies in a pastoral country setting about two hours west of Toronto , near the town of Waterloo . The area is known for its large population of Old Order Mennonites.

The most famous attraction here is the year-round St. Jacob's Market , where local farmers come to sell their goods. The farmers' market is more than just fruits and vegetables, with artisans displaying one-of-a-kind pieces of art, crafts, and home décor, and prepared foods.

The food court alone is worth the trip, with local specialties and well-known favorite dishes on offer. Depending on the time of year, there are often vendors set up outside the market hall with clothing and seasonal items for sale.

In the village of St. Jacob's, a variety of stores also offer arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and gift items. St. Jacob's Outlet Mall has all the latest brand names in fashion and home decor, while the Market Road Antiques has everything in the old department. The town is particularly popular with shoppers at Christmas.

Although Blue Mountain is usually the place that jumps to mind when you think of ski resorts near Toronto, a surprising number of ski hills can be found within a couple of hours of the GTA. Some of these offer better prices and shorter lines, as well as a different atmosphere. Also, some of these are actually in Upstate New York.

Mount Louis Moonstone , near Barrie, is just over an hour from Toronto, and Horseshoe Resorts is about 1.5 hours from the city. Both of these are small hills and good options for families.

In New York, less than three hours from Toronto, Holiday Valley Ski Resort is a large operation, on par with Blue Mountain. It's located in the town of Ellicottville, which is itself worth a day trip.

These are just a small sampling of the ski resorts near Toronto . Many of the resorts make great weekend ski trips.

This fun outing, about a one-hour drive west of Toronto , is not a typical trip to the zoo, and it's not just lions. You can drive your own car, at your own risk, through the park to see exotic and domestic wildlife. Or, you can hop on the Safari Tour Bus.

Encounters with animals at the African Lion Safari may be more than just viewing from a distance, with baboons hopping up on car hoods to fiddle with windshield wipers and peer in at passengers. New vehicle owners beware!

This is a chance to see wildlife in a setting that is not the wild but also not a zoo. Some of the animals that call the African Lion Safari home include lions, elephants, giraffes, white rhinos, cheetahs, zebras, bison, and many more.

Address: 1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton, Ontario

One of the most popular summer beach destinations, Wasaga Beach is less than two hours from Toronto and makes a great day trip in summer. The beach, one of the best in Ontario , has shallow waters that are often packed in July and August.

The white-sand beach here runs for 14 kilometers along Nottawasaga Bay, on Georgian Bay. The busiest area is around the town of Wasaga Beach, which is part of the attraction. The town has a good selection of hotels and restaurants, and events are held here most weekends in summer.

If you are looking for a little quieter beach destination than Wasaga Beach, head to Sandbanks Provincial Park in Prince Edward County. This is a great place to visit to enjoy nature and a little time swimming and relaxing in the sun at one of the best parks in Ontario .

The three beach areas each have something a little different to offer. Some areas are shallow and well suited for families, while others are deeper and good for swimming. The most unique features of the park are the huge sand dunes that back sections of beach.

The park has great camping with sites located in mature forest with many spots located near the water.

Sandbanks Provincial Park is about 2.5 hours from Toronto and is set on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Imagine being able to step back in time over 450 million years, and all you have to do is drive an hour . Well, that's what you can do if you point the car in the direction of the Cheltenham Badlands. Located in Caledon, this unique and interesting spot is a perfect family day trip destination.

Here, you'll find the earth exposed and giant red rows of rock exposed. A lovely 0.6-kilometer boardwalk provides excellent viewing opportunities, and interpretive signs provide background on the sight before and below you.

Note that this is a conservation area, and a relatively steep fee is charged to enter and park.

An undiscovered gem just over an hour from Toronto is the small town of Beaverton, set on Lake Simcoe. Each summer, this town springs to life with cottagers and summer visitors. Beaverton has a rich history, and the local historical society has done a fine job preserving some of the old buildings from the town's founding.

Take a quick stroll up and down main street (Simcoe Street), and pop in at one of the local restaurants or grab an ice cream from the Cool Cow. Nearby are trails that run along the Beaver River down towards Lake Simcoe.

To the north of downtown is Thorah Centennial Park , shared by families who come with children to enjoy the playground and kiteboarders who take to the waters on windy days.

At the harbor, you'll find a wonderful children's splash pad and a picnic area along with a beach. Walk out on the long concrete breakwater for good views up and down the lake or to wet a line and try some fishing .

Near Beaverton, you can see boats transiting the locks of the Trent Severn Waterway . Parks Canada has recently restored the locks and canal to its former glory and installed new walking and biking trails at the water's edge. The best place to access the Trent Severn Waterway is at Lock 41 near Gamebridge.

More on Canada

The top 5 weekend getaways one hour from Toronto

Latest Videos

Weekend getaways from Toronto in the one hour driving range are perfect for when you want to maximize your R&R time. There are tons of places just outside the city where you can kick back at an old inn before exploring the delights of small-town Ontario.

Here are my picks for the top weekend getaways one hour from Toronto.

Gaze at the Hamilton Falls

The Hammer is gaining more and more love from Torontonians every day, not only for its growing culinary and arts scenes , but also for its breathtaking waterfalls. A perfect way to escape the Toronto bustle for a weekend is a quick drive out to Hamilton for a self-guided waterfall tour. 

Step back in time in Aberfoyle

An antiquer's dream getaway is a weekend in Aberfoyle. Famous for its Antique Market , this is a great place to stock up on one-of-a-kind finds for your home while enjoying the old-timey feel of the town itself. After your vintage hunt, refuel at the Aberfoyle Mill Restaurant , check out the farmers' market , and crash at a hotel in nearby Guelph.

Explore Elora

Perched on the edge of a gorge and settled next to the Grand & Irvine River is Elora, this village looks like something out of an L.M. Montgomery novel. As quaint as it is, this tiny town is pretty extreme, offering tourists adventures like ziplining, tree hopping, rock climbing, ice climbing, tubing, caving and hot air balloon rides.

Get some R&R in Port Hope

Just 100 km from Toronto lies this historic little gem. Port Hope provides a scenic spot to unwind in a small town setting. The Carlyle Inn & Bistro is just one place worth a visit in this quaint town with a nice waterfront. The Scottish-inspired building and its in-house spa and eatery are basically an incubator of calm.

Channel your inner maker in Headwaters

Caledon, Dufferin County and Erin all make up Headwaters, a rural area northwest of Toronto. Headwaters offers tourists quirky activities to keep them endlessly occupied. After dropping off your bags at the Millcroft Inn , go horseback riding , take a plane ride , see a play or take a glass-blowing class .

Phillip Barlow in Elora. Written by Amanda Storey.

Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

$6.4B Ontario bridge's big moment arrives with an iconic cross-border handshake

Toronto was just named one of the top 10 most 'impossibly affordable' cities in the world

Construction for busiest station on future Toronto subway line is heating up

Popular Ontario road trip destination is being copied with fake version in Toronto

Giant 'beast' sized rats are completely taking over an Ontario city

Last Canada Child Benefit payments before big increase are going out next week

Tornado watches in effect for Southern Ontario as severe thunderstorm approaches

Someone got a horrible TTC tattoo and people in Toronto think it's absolutely hilarious

11 Fun Weekend Road Trips from Toronto

By: Author Jessica Lam

Posted on Published: June 27, 2020  - Last updated: September 19, 2023

Categories Ontario , Toronto

Planning some weekend road trips from Toronto to go on?

Whether you’re looking to do a last minute weekend getaway from Toronto or plan an extravagant long weekend escape, there are plenty of awesome short trips you can do near the city.

As downtown condo dwellers, Adam and I don’t have our own car, and we usually rent one.

If you’re also coming from downtown Toronto, you can typically rent a car on Expedia from Friday through Sunday for around $150, which includes unlimited mileage and free cancellation up to 6 hours before pickup.

If you’re not coming from downtown, car rentals are even cheaper!

Here are some fun and epic weekend road trips from Toronto to go on this summer, whether it’s for a quick getaway or long weekend!

Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Ontario , you might enjoy these posts:

• Searching for more road trip ideas around Ontario? Go on one of these day trips from Toronto or winter getaways in Ontario .
• In the mood for a hike? Try one of these hikes in Durham Region .
• Love visiting local farms? Check out these lavender fields in Ontario or pumpkin farms in Ontario .
• Looking for Instagrammable spots? Visit one of these Instagram-worthy spots in York Region .

Weekend trips from Toronto

1. Visit the Niagara Region

Niagara Falls is a classic destination for weekend trips from Toronto.

Stop by Horseshoe Falls, explore Clifton Hill (a street full of tourist attractions and restaurants), and hiking along the Niagara Glen.

You can also check out these other fun activities in Niagara Falls:

• Zipline over the Niagara River Gorge
• Journey Behind the Falls to see the icy falls up close
• Stop into the Butterfly Conservatory
• Head up the Skylon Tower (free entry if you dine at the restaurant)
• Take an epic helicopter flight

If you’re in the mood for a little wine tasting, stop by one of the dozens of wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, or hit up this icewine and chocolate tasting tour or this Winter Wonderland food tour !

It’s the perfect place for a weekend road trip, but you can also spend a day trip in Niagara Falls .

Niagara Falls is a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Toronto (128 km). Drive west along the 403 and transfer to the Queen Elizabeth Way.

2. Chase waterfalls in Hamilton

Don’t let TLC tell you not to chase those waterfalls.

With over 100 waterfalls, Hamilton is known as the waterfall capital of the world.

Spend a weekend road trip hiking to waterfalls and eating at some of the best restaurants in Hamilton!

If you enjoy hiking, you should definitely do the Dundas Peak hike for the incredible views.

Activities you can do during your visit to Hamilton:

• Hike Websters Falls, Tews Falls, and Dundas Peak (a shuttle takes you to each destination on weekends)
• See other great waterfalls (Tiffany Falls, Albion Falls)
• Take in the city views at Sam Lawrence Park
• Eat at one of the amazing restaurants on King William Street

There are also a bunch of cute and Instagrammable spots in Hamilton , including Motel Restaurant and Hello Baked Sugar Shop .

Hamilton is a 50 minute drive from Toronto (69 km). Drive west along the 403.

3. Delve into the arts in Stratford

Stratford is all about arts and culture, and they’re famous for the Stratford Festival.

This Shakespeare-loving town is filled with quirky boutiques, awesome local eats (the Stratford Chef School is located here), and tons of fun things to do.

There’s even a craft brewery here called the Shakespeare Brewing Company !

Activities you can do during your visit to Stratford:

• See a show at the Stratford Festival
• Explore the Victorian buildings
• Shop at the local boutiques

Stratford is a 1 hour 40 minute drive from Toronto (149 km). Drive west along the 401 and transfer onto highway 8.

4. Explore the Bruce Peninsula

On your way from Toronto, you can explore both the South Bruce Peninsula and Northern Bruce Peninsula.

Gaze at the views of the Georgian Bay, stop by the picturesque Sauble Beach , and swim in the clear waters of the Tobermory Grotto .

You can also take the ferry to Flowerpot Island!

The nice thing about this drive is that you can break it up in the middle so it won’t be as long and grueling.

We stayed overnight in Owen Sound (about two thirds of the way) when we went to Tobermory.

I have a blog post all about how to spend a weekend road trip in Bruce Peninsula !

Tobermory is a 3 hour 30 minute drive from Toronto (296 km). Take the 410 north, then highways 10 and 6 north.

5. Go cottaging in Muskoka

If you’re looking for a more relaxing weekend getaway, hit up Muskoka aka cottage country.

Rent an Airbnb cottage for the weekend and relax at the lake, or get outside and do something active like biking, zip lining, or doing an ATV tour.

There are tons of outdoor activities you can do in Muskoka!

Muskoka is a 2 hour 25 minute drive from Toronto (222 km). Take the 400 north, then highway 11 north.

6. Hike in Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is the perfect weekend escape if you’re looking to getaway in nature and wilderness.

It’s next to Muskoka, so you can also do them both in the same weekend.

From hiking, to canoeing, to fishing, there are plenty of fun things to do in Algonquin during the summertime.

You can also do whitewater rafting on the Madawaska River !

If you’re looking to try camping with an expert, this 2-day group camping adventure is a great option and departs from and returns to Toronto!

Oh, and if you plan on camping, be sure not to watch the horror movie Backcountry before your visit.

Algonquin Provincial Park is a 3 hour drive from Toronto (276 km). Take the 400 north, then highways 11 and 60 north.

7. Wander in the historic town of Port Hope

Port Hope is a charming little heritage town, and there are tons of fun things to do downtown all year round.

It’s also the town they filmed the It  movies in, so you can go around and find all the filming locations!

We visited while they were filming, which is why you see American flags in the photo above.

It: Chapter 2 is available on Crave Canada if you want to watch before scouting locations in Port Hope!

Port Hope is a 1 hour 10 minute drive from Toronto (107 km). Drive east along the 401.

8. Eat your way through Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is one of the most adorable weekend getaways from Toronto.

Hit up some wineries, sunbathe at the beaches, and taste local eats in the picturesque Prince Edward County.

Here are activities you can do during your visit to PEC:

• Visit one of the 40+ wineries
• Visit the Prince Edward County Lavender Farm
• Watch a movie at the Mustang Drive-In Theatre

Stay at the Drake Devonshire, June Motel, or the Prince Edward County Church for Instagrammable accommodations.

Prince Edward County is a 2 hour 10 minute drive from Toronto (204 km). Drive east along the 401.

9. Go island hopping at the 1000 Islands

The 1000 Islands is an epic weekend getaway just a few hours east of Toronto.

There are 1864 islands divided between Canada and the U.S., and Gananoque is the Canadian gateway to the islands.

You can see the islands by boat, kayak, or helicopter, and you can even rent a weekend property on some islands!

If you’re interested in visiting, I’ve got a weekend guide to the 1000 Islands .

Otherwise, here are some fun activities you can do during your weekend at the 1000 Islands:

• Do a boat cruise around the 1000 Islands
• Kayak around the 1000 Islands
• Do a helicopter ride over the 1000 Islands
• Hike at Landon Bay (a family-friendly hiking spot)

Gananoque is a 2 hour 44 minute drive from Toronto (287 km). Drive east along the 401.

10. Explore Ottawa, the capital of Canada

While Ottawa may not sound like an exciting place to visit to Torontonians, there are actually a lot of fun things to do in Ottawa.

They’ve also got an incredible and multicultural food scene, whether you’re in the mood for shawarma or ramen .

Activities you can do during your visit to Ottawa:

• Explore the historic buildings
• Explore ByWard Market (great shopping and restaurants)
• Go river rafting along the Ottawa River

Ottawa is a 4 hour 10 minute drive from Toronto (452 km). Drive east along the 401.

11. Get cultured in Montreal

Montreal is probably around a 6 hour drive from Toronto including bathroom stops, but you can easily head up early Friday morning and later Sunday afternoon to spend a weekend there.

You’ll also want to visit one of the many incredible Montreal restaurants during your visit!

Activities you can do during your visit to Montreal:

• Explore Old Montreal (European-esque neighbourhood)
• Explore Le Plateau (hipster neighbourhood with lots of cool street art)
• Walk along the Old Port
• Attend the Osheaga Music Festival

Montreal is a 5 hour 10 minute drive from Toronto (541 km). Drive east along the 401.

Best weekend road trips from Toronto:

• Niagara Falls
• Bruce Peninsula
• Algonquin Provincial Park
• Prince Edward County
• 1000 Islands

There are plenty of awesome weekend road trips from Toronto you can go on, no matter what activities you’re interested in doing!

Sometimes we forget how great our own backyard is, and it’s nice to vacation locally every now and then.

If you’re interested, I’ve also got a blog post all about road trip tips that you might find helpful.

Will you be doing any weekend road trips from Toronto this summer? What are some of your favourite road trips to do around Ontario? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram !

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

Places to visit about 1 hour from Toronto

Abbotsford Animal Hospital

Golf Glen Veterinary Clinic

Howard Johnson Toronto Aurora

Aurora (Ontario)

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Ajax

Holiday inn Hotel & Suites Oakville at Bronte

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Burlington

Bronte Creek Provincial Park (camping area)

Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Milton (Canada)

Toronto Premium Outlets

Georgetown (Canada)

Best Western Inn On The Hill

Cities 1 hour from Toronto

59 minutes :   Caledon East, Canada

57 minutes :   Georgetown, Canada

57 minutes :   Bradford, Canada

56 minutes :   Oshawa, Canada

54 minutes :   Newmarket, Canada

53 minutes :   Burlington, Canada

52 minutes :   Milton, Canada

52 minutes :   Whitby, Canada

52 minutes :   Bolton, Canada

51 minutes :   Whitchurch-Stouffville, Canada

48 minutes :   Brampton, Canada

46 minutes :   Richmond Hill, Canada

45 minutes :   Pickering, Canada

44 minutes :   Ajax, Canada

43 minutes :   Markham, Canada

These are approximate driving times in a radius from Toronto, Ontario. Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius. If you're willing to drive farther, try 1½ hours .

Not sure where to go? Take a day trip from Toronto , or if you have more time you can explore weekend trips from Toronto , but make sure you also check road conditions around Toronto . Looking for small towns or communities around Toronto, Ontario? Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Toronto .

Change your settings:

RV campgrounds 1 hour from Toronto

Cedar Beach Park

More cities around 1 hour away by plane

Here are more cities based on a flight circle radius of 1 hour. These cities are much further than the ones above since now we're looking at a 1 hour flight.

1 hour :   Blind River, Canada

1 hour :   Elliot Lake, Canada

1 hour :   Toledo, OH

1 hour :   Oregon, OH

59 minutes :   Thurso, Canada

1 hour :   Fremont, OH

59 minutes :   Washington, PA

1 hour :   Owosso, MI

59 minutes :   Midland, MI

59 minutes :   Casselman, Canada

1 hour :   Dunmore, PA

59 minutes :   Rockland, Canada

59 minutes :   Scranton, PA

59 minutes :   Ashland, OH

59 minutes :   New Philadelphia, OH

Cities at a radius of

Travel time from Toronto, Canada

1 hour south of Toronto 1 hour east of Toronto cities within 1 hour of Toronto 1½ hours from Toronto places within 2 hours of me in Toronto explore 2½ hours from Toronto 3 hr radius map from Toronto 3½ hr drive from Toronto places within 4 hours of me in Toronto within 4½ hours of me in Toronto 5 hour drive from me in Toronto 5½ hour drive from Toronto within 6 hours of Toronto 7 hour drive from Toronto driving 8 hours from Toronto 9 hours from Toronto

Distance from Toronto, Canada

cities within 10 km of me in Toronto within 20 km of me in Toronto 30 km radius of Toronto 40 km drive from Toronto located 50 km from Toronto 100 km radius from Toronto within 150 km of Toronto 200 km road trip from Toronto distance of 250 km from Toronto driving 300 km from Toronto 350 km trip starting from Toronto 400 km drive from Toronto drive for 450 km from Toronto 500 km from Toronto day trips from Toronto

Toronto, Ontario is located at latitude/longitude coordinates 43° 39' 10" N  /  79° 22' 57" W

Create an account

• Gain access to free articles
• Daily free newsletter(s)
• Ability to comment on most articles
• Build your 3D avatar and gain points

• Everything in the Free plan
• Ad-free reading and browsing
• Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
• Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
• Cancel anytime.

Forgot password

Please enter your email and we'll send you a new password request code.

Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with narcity pro..

This 1.5 hour bus trip from Toronto takes you to 'Ontario's most beautiful village'

It's a dreamy summer day trip.

A person standing in an Ontario village. Right: An aerial shot of a village near Toronto.

You don't need a car in order to visit this charming small town outside of Toronto this summer. This bus service will take you straight from the city's downtown to the quaint village for a dreamy day trip.

The journey takes just an hour and a half one way, leaving you lots of time to explore the idyllic local shops and historic streets.

You'll want to bring a some hiking shoes, because the trip includes a stop at a majestic gorge surrounded by towering cliffs.

If you're looking for a fun summer day trip that doesn't require a car, you'll want to book a ticket for this small town adventure.

Tour bus agency Parkbus is offering trips to Elora on select dates from June to October.

See on Instagram

The journey offers stops at both the Elora Gorge Conservation Area and the town of Elora. You can choose to explore one area or both. Elora is located about a 30 minute walk from the gorge.

The gorge is one of Parkbus's most popular destinations, according to the website, and offers activities such as hiking and tubing. The bus ticket includes admission to the gorge. If you're planning on going tubing, you'll want to make a reservation in advance.

Elora, known as "Ontario's most beautiful village," is an enchanting spot to spend a day.

The historic town is lined with sweet shops, cafes, restaurants and more waiting to be explored.

The bus leaves from downtown Toronto at 8:15 a.m. and returns at 5 p.m.

Parkbus Elora route

Price: $65 per adult

When: Select dates from June to October, 2024

Address: 34 Asquith, Toronto, ON

Parkbus website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

• This bus trip from Toronto takes you to a blue-water beach with 10 km of silky sand shores ›
• This bus trip from Toronto takes you to a breathtaking small town with tropical-blue waters - Narcity ›

Already have an account? Log in

Create an account to keep reading.

1. choose a plan.

Limited access to free articles

Unlimited access to all content, AI summaries, ad-free browsing and directly support our reporting by becoming a Patron 🙏. Cancel anytime.

2. Create your account

This bus trip from toronto takes you to a breathtaking small town with tropical-blue waters, this bus trip from toronto takes you to a blue-water beach with 10 km of silky sand shores, 9 magical small towns near toronto you can get to without a car, this new bus from toronto takes you to one of the 'most charming' small towns in canada, 9 megabus trips from toronto that take you to incredible summer destinations starting at $1, 9 dreamy beach towns you can get to from toronto without a car this summer, 9 quick via rail getaways from toronto to go on this summer for under $100 round trip, 9 via rail trips from toronto that take you to enchanting small towns, 9 cute small towns near toronto you can reach on go transit, this 1-hour train ride from toronto takes you to a dreamy small town with a white sand beach, this secret trail leads to one of ontario's 'most beautiful villages' & quaint markets, this secret ontario road trip takes you to charming small towns & breathtaking waterfalls.

Canada Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

Canada is often skipped over on many round-the-world trips owing to its proximity to the US, poor flight connections, and few budget cross-country travel options.

But those people miss out on so much! Canada is one of the best countries in the world for RVing and road trips and it’s brimming with outdoor activities for all levels. Backpacking Canada is an amazing experience.

I love my friendly neighbor to the north and believe Canada is a really underrated destination. There’s a reason everyone around the world loves Canadians after all.

To top it all off, it’s also easy to get a working holiday visa here so you can stay longer and make money while you explore (there are huge seasonal industries across the country).

This travel guide to Canada can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to this friendly natural wonderland!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Canada

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in canada.

1. Tour Toronto

Toronto is often considered the most multicultural city in the world, as over half of the city’s population is foreign-born. It’s an awesome, hip, artsy city. Don’t miss Kensington Market for good eats and cool shops, and there are plenty of tasty eats to be found in the city’s massive Chinatown as well. If you want to play tourist, head up the CN Tower for the best views of the city. For a bit of swimming in the summer, check out some of Canada’s easily accessible beaches on Lake Ontario where you can go kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and more. And if you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss the nearby amusement park Wonderland.

2. Explore Jasper and the Columbia Icefield

The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper in Western Canada and is one of the most scenic drives in the country (if not the world). Stop along the way at the Columbia Icefield, an enormous icefield that feeds into eight glaciers. You can travel onto the 10,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier where you can hike around and even drink from the crystal-clear icy glacial water. If you’re not squeamish about heights, walk out to the cliff-top glass-floored Skywalk to get a spectacular panorama of the entire area. It’s easy to reach via an enormous bus or opt for a hiking tour where you can walk the glacier. There’s even a restaurant at the top that’s a bit expensive but worth at least a coffee for the view.

3. Road trip the Maritimes

Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick make up Canada’s east coast. If you want to spend your days hiking, relaxing by the ocean, and whale watching, this is the place to do it. Nova Scotia is sometimes considered the most beautiful province with rolling hills leading to lush green coastal cliffs over frothy shores. There are colorful little fishing villages like Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the “Prettiest Painted Places in Canada.” It boasts delicious fresh seafood and friendly locals to chat with. Be sure to set aside a few days for an incredible road trip on the 298-kilometer (185-mile) Cabot Trail around Cape Breton and spend in the Highlands National Park where you can hike, camp, or fish. The east coast is stunning and sees very few tourists compared to other areas of the country.

4. Hang out in Montreal

Montreal offers a look at the French side of the country. Old Montreal is thriving with culture and a mix of old and new architecture within its European-style cobblestone streets, the Notre Dame Cathedral, museums, and river cruises. The other side of Montreal is extremely modern with an underground city and mall, funky jazz clubs, and amazing cuisine, which make this the hippest and most romantic city in the country. It’s also cheaper than most of the other large cities in Canada. Don’t forget to try the poutine and bagels when you visit!

5. Have fun in Vancouver

Other things to see and do in canada, 1. celebrate the calgary stampede.

During July, over 1 million people descend on Calgary for this multi-day rodeo, drinking festival, and carnival where everyone gets to be a cowboy. It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll meet tons of people from around the world. It’s one of Canada’s premier events so book early — prices rise and accommodation disappears fast! Also, wear cowboy boots and a hat if you want to fit in.

2. Hit the slopes

The mountains in Canada offer great skiing and snowboarding during the winter. Banff is a popular mountain town known for its excellent trails. It’s quite busy during the winter as locals and visitors alike hit the slopes, but it’s popular for a reason. While Banff is the most popular place to go, there are tons of other great skiing destinations in the country. Sunshine Village, Whistler Blackcomb, Lake Louise, Kicking Horse, and Mont Tremblant are just a few to check out (they stretch from British Columbia to Quebec so you’ve got lots of choices).

3. Discover Vancouver Island

Take a few days off from Vancouver to explore nearby Vancouver Island . Eat delicious seafood, hike, spot some whales (lots of orcas live near here), shop, and lounge on the beach. This is a place to just sit and relax. Since it is so close to Vancouver, it’s a popular getaway with the locals during the summer. Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the island. It’s a quiet but gorgeous little city worth a couple days of exploring. From here you can also visit places like Tofino, where the bustling surf community has evolved into a fun hippie town. If you’d rather hike an incredible yet challenging trail, the West Coast Trail is famous for its rugged beach and rainforest trails, man-made ladders through the trees, and rare wildlife.

4. Hike the rainforest

Hike the Pacific Rim National Park for a wonderful look at some temperate rainforests on Vancouver Island. It’s one of the most popular parks in Canada, home to Western Red Cedars, Pacific Silver Firs, and tons of wildlife including deer, wolves, bears, and cougars. The Long Beach area is one of the most accessible places for hiking, but the sand dunes behind Wickaninnish Beach on the South Beach Trail are also worth the trek.

5. Explore Calgary

Often skipped over by travelers since it’s not on the coast, Calgary actually has a lot to offer when it comes to free and low-cost activities. Have a picnic in one of its many parks, go rollerblading, watch a hockey game, or head up to the top of the surrounding peaks. There’s great hiking, kayaking, skiing, water rafting, and camping here and you can easily rent a bike and explore the city via its many bike paths. Although it’s been long dismissed as an oil town, it’s one of the liveliest cities in Canada.

6. Visit the galleries of Toronto

Toronto has some of the best museums and galleries in the country, so take a day or two to admire the art of the city. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are the two most famous art museums, but there are a plethora of smaller, specialty galleries too, like the Textiles Museum of Canada and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Galleries often offer discounts on certain days of the week, so check before you go to save some cash.

7. Take a road trip

This huge country is best explored by car or RV. It’s the ideal way to find yourself in tiny little towns, majestic mountains, amazing countryside, and plenty of off-the-beaten-track places. If you have a lot of time, this is your best and cheapest option to see the country. The Trans-Canada Highway stretches from coast to coast, making a road trip relatively easy to plan. Just keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable (especially in the winter). Of course, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and you’ll want to be prepared for long stretches of driving without any rest stops or gas stations. However, it’s worth it — the changing landscapes and scenic vistas are out of this world! you could easily spend weeks or months touring the country and still barely scratch the surface. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

8. Stroll the nation’s capital

Ottawa is a very easy city to explore on foot. Home to museums, art galleries, and plenty of shops, it’s a charming city worth visiting for a couple days. You can take a tour of Parliament Hill (the historic buildings where the Canadian government operates) or cross the Ottawa River and visit Quebec (the great Museum of Civilization is just across the bridge). The Canadian War Museum and the National Gallery of Canada are two must-visit museums in Ottawa. Also, don’t miss the busy Byward Market, and be sure to check out the craft breweries in Westboro. Try a beavertail (a sweet pastry with sugary toppings) when you’re here!

9. Get off the beaten path in Nova Scotia

The locals boast that Nova Scotia is home to the friendliest people in Canada. They might be right. That, combined with over 100 beaches, picturesque lighthouses, great sailing, mouth-watering seafood (this area of Canada is the main fishing region), and a marvelous coastline, makes Nova Scotia an amazing place to visit in Canada. Plus, the province doesn’t see lots of tourists so it’s far less crowded and unspoiled compared to other regions. It’s perfect for road trips and camping.

10. Admire Quebec City

Quebec City’s Old Town offers cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th-century architecture, and the only North American fortress, the Citadel. The historical Quartier Petit Champlain is stunning and gives you an authentic French feeling with little cheese shops, bistros, creperies, and boutiques. It’s especially magical in December as it’s fully decorated with twinkling lights, snow-covered canopies, and lined with beautiful Christmas trees. In the warm weather, you can easily lose track of time wandering the streets admiring the flowers everywhere and colorful window shutters and storefronts. Don’t forget to sample the local ice ciders, head out for drinks on Grande Allée, and explore the streets below the stunning Château Frontenac.

11. Visit Kelowna

Warm in the summer and mild in the winter, this glacial valley has some of the best weather in the entire country. It’s no wonder that this is where many Canadians spend their vacations. There’s a marina and a few golf courses, not to mention that the Okanagan Valley is home to Canada’s best vineyards and wineries (a four-hour wine tour costs around 125 CAD). In the summer, Canadians rent fancy houseboats complete with waterslides to vacation on nearby Okanagan Lake. Overall, this is just a gorgeous slice of the country that shouldn’t be missed.

12. Head north to Churchill, Manitoba

This might be a small town in the middle of nowhere, but it also happens to be the Polar Bear Capital of the World, the Beluga Whale Capital of the World, and one of the best places to view the Aurora Borealis. You can ride in a tundra buggy (a special bus raised on giant wheels to keep you out of reach from polar bears) and head out on the open plains to see polar bears in their natural habitats. Mother nature is alive and thriving here. Day tours in a tundra buggy during the summer start at around 250 CAD, including lunch.

13. See the iconic Niagara Falls

This is one of the most visited attractions on the entire continent. You can never imagine how big it is until you see it up close (you never envision so much mist either). To see it up close, on a boat tour and head out into the waterfalls (be prepared to get soaked). Walks runs a daily boat tour that has exclusive access to the best spots and includes access to behind the falls (tours are 107 CAD). The town itself is touristy and cheesy so don’t spend more than a day or two (it’s fun for kids though).

14. Get lost in the Yukon

The Yukon is the perfect place to get your nature fix. The chances of seeing a bear, elk, or deer are incredibly high (or you can tour the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, where you’re guaranteed to see them). Go hiking in Tombstone Territorial Park, soak in a mineral hot pool at the Takhini Hot Springs, or swing by the Sign Post Forest with its unique collection of over 77,000 signposts. Hardly anyone ever visits the Yukon as visitors tend to stick to the major cities in the south of the country. Because of that, you’ll find yourself surrounded by unspoiled nature.

  For more information on specific cities in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide
• Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Canada Travel Costs

Accommodation – Rates vary a lot depending on what city you’re staying in. On average, you’ll end up paying 35-45 CAD per night for a dorm room at a hostel. Expect to pay at least 90-120 CAD for a budget hotel room. Prices rise drastically in larger cities (notably Vancouver, Toronto, and Ottawa).

Airbnb is available across the country, rivaling budget hotels for price and convenience. Expect to pay an average of 60-90 CAD per night for a private room, while entire homes/apartments start around 100 CAD. Keep in mind that many smaller towns won’t have many options. However, there are usually locally owned hotels or motels that are generally quite cheap. Also, Airbnb prices can double (or triple) when not booked in advance so book early.

If camping is your thing, you’ll have plenty of options across the country. Prices vary depending on the grounds but expect to pay between 25-35 CAD per night for a basic pitch for two people. Many of the major national and provincial campgrounds sell out early in the summer, so be sure to book in advance during the peak season (June-August).

Food – Overall, the food here is a collage of dishes from other cultures, owing to the country’s diverse history of immigration. On the coasts, seafood is king while the prairies have more of a meat and potatoes diet. Be sure to sample some of Canada’s famous staples like poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), beaver tails (fried dough with maple syrup), Canadian bacon, and the oddly tasty ketchup chips.

Overall, food can be inexpensive if you stick to cooking for yourself, eating street food, and dining at cheap fast-food places. Cheap sandwich shops and fast food are your best bet, usually costing less than 13 CAD per meal.

Pizzas cost 15-20 CAD while Asian food is usually 10-15 CAD for a main dish.

A meal out at a casual restaurant costs 20-35 CAD for a main dish and a drink. Casual fine dining costs double that.

Beer is around 7 CAD while a latte/cappuccino is around 4.60 CAD. Bottled water costs 2 CAD.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay 50-75 CAD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, veggies, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Canada Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit Canada? Well, it’s complicated. How much you spend largely depends on where in Canada you’re going to visit. For example, Canada’s biggest cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Vancouver are considerably more expensive than the smaller ones (like Halifax, St. John’s, and Quebec City). The rural areas are even cheaper but getting around costs more as you may need to rent a car or take expensive buses.

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend around 70 CAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your meals, using public transportation, limiting your drinking, and sticking to free activities like hiking and enjoying nature.

On a mid-range budget of 185 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, take buses between destinations, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, and do more paid activities like visiting museums or taking a food or wine tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 310 CAD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though, the sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Canada Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Given the size of Canada, there are plenty of ways to save money when you travel, but it varies by region (as I’ve been repeating). The general tips below can help but for specific tips visit our city guides!

• Stay with a local – As Canada is not the most budget-friendly destination owing to its inconvenient size, you’ll be able to cut down on your costs by using Couchsurfing . While not huge in smaller towns, you won’t have a hard time finding a host in the major cities. Just be sure to plan ahead during the summer as that is prime tourist season and it’s much harder to find a host then.
• Enjoy outdoor summer festivals – Since Canadians are stuck indoors all winter, they love to make the most of hot days by packing in lots of festivals into the short summer. Many of these, like Heritage Days (Edmonton), Kits Days (Vancouver), and Caribana (Toronto), are free. Check out upcoming events online by visiting the local tourism board’s website.
• Embrace the outdoors – A vast country with a relatively minuscule population leaves lots of potential for outdoor activities. Rent a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes in the winter and enjoy the free use of many trails (versus expensive downhill lift passes). In the summer, you can bike, hike, kayak, or canoe. The cost of most equipment rentals is around 25-100 CAD for a day, and you can explore many areas at no further cost.
• Take the bus – Megabus runs in Ontario and Quebec (with connections into the U.S., including NYC). You can find tickets for as little as 1 CAD if booked in advance. This is the most affordable way to get between Toronto and Montreal (or into the U.S.).
• Use ride-sharing services – If you are going to be traveling between cities or provinces, keep an eye out for people sharing their vehicles. Craigslist, Couchsurfing, Kangaride, and Facebook all have ride-share pages for most major cities. If you can find someone traveling in your direction you can tag along and share the cost of gas.
• Eat street food – Every major Canadian city has plenty of street vendors selling hot dogs, sausages, and veggie dogs for as little as 3 CAD. You won’t find a cheaper lunch!
• Take a free walking tour – Most major cities in Canada offer free walking tours. They are a great way to explore and get a feel for each location and its history. Most last a couple of hours and don’t need to be booked in advance. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Buy gas on native reserves – If you are driving around the country, keep your eyes peeled for native reserves — they are the cheapest places to buy gas in Canada. With lower taxes, you’ll find gas prices significantly cheaper than anywhere else. They are also great places to stop and experience the vibrant cultures of Canada’s First People.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Canada

Hostels are not that plentiful across Canada, but generally, they’re high quality and clean. Here are my suggested places to stay in Canada:

• The Only Backpacker’s Inn (Toronto)
• The Parkdale Hostellerie (Toronto)
• Cambie Hostel Gastown (Vancouver)
• Samesun Vancouver (Vancouver)
• HI Calgary City Centre (Calgary)
• HI Lake Louise (Banff)
• HI Montreal Hostel (Montreal)
• Alexandrie-Montréal (Montreal)

How to Get Around Canada

Public transportation – Within city limits you’ll find great public transportation networks. Toronto and Montreal are the only two cities in Canada with subway systems (although Vancouver has SkyTrain), but even the smallest Canadian cities have extensive bus routes. It usually costs about 3.25 CAD for a one-way ticket.

Larger cities have passes designed for tourists to make the most of the metro system. For example, Toronto has a daily pass for unlimited travel for 13.50 CAD.

Bus – There’s no singular country-wide bus system here. Instead, regional operators vary per location. Megabus is the cheapest option when it comes to traveling between cities in Ontario and Quebec. Fares can be as low as 1 CAD if booked in advance. Red Arrow is primarily an Alberta coach line. On the east coast, Maritime Bus is the main coach company (except in Newfoundland where it’s DRL Group).

Toronto to Ottawa costs about 30-50 CAD with Flixbus, while Ottawa to Montreal is around 35-50 CAD. A longer ride — like the 13-hour drive from Calgary to Vancouver — costs around 125-165 CAD.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – There is a train service (VIA Rail) that runs from coast to coast and is very scenic, albeit not cheap. Many train routes are currently suspended or running with limited space due to COVID-19, meaning that journeys take even longer. It takes over 24 hours to get from Halifax to Ottawa, costing about 150-170 CAD. On the other hand, shorter routes like between Montreal and Quebec City (a 3.5-hour journey) are more affordable and start at 36 CAD.

Flying – As your last alternative, you can fly, but since the country has only two major airlines (WestJet and Air Canada) prices are often high. Round-trip flights from Toronto to Vancouver usually start at around 200 CAD when booked early but they can easily cost triple that price. Round-trip from Ottawa to Calgary is around 270 CAD, but again, this is when booked in advance. Expect to pay at least double that price if you don’t book early.

Overall, flying is worthwhile only if you want to see specific cities and have limited time. For shorter routes (like Montreal to Ottawa) you’ll save a lot of money if you just take the bus or train.

Car Rental – If you’re going between provinces or staying a while in the country, consider renting a car for 35-50 CAD per day. This is one of the best, most convenient ways to get around the country — especially if you’re interested in getting out of the cities and into Canada’s wilderness (ideally if you have someone to share the cost with too).

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Ridesharing – If you are traveling between cities or provinces, keep an eye out for people sharing their vehicle. Check these websites for rides:

• Couchsurfing

When to Go to Canada

Since Canada is such a large country, climate and temperature vary drastically from coast to coast. Canada has very defined seasons, and winter can be harsh and long in some places. For example, winters in the Northern Territories begin early and end late, and places like Newfoundland and Labrador can experience snow until late May.

On the other hand, winter in the Canadian Rockies is epic and people from all over the world flock to British Columbia and Alberta to hit the slopes around Whistler, Banff, and Revelstoke. Prepare for cold temperatures, though. In some places, like on the prairies, it can get as cold as -40°C (-40°F). In short, only visit in the winter if you’re planning to do winter sports.

Summer in Canada is beautiful, but it’s also the busiest time of year. June to the end of September is the main tourist season, with inflated prices and large crowds. On the other hand, the temperatures are lovely during this time, often in the high 20s°C (70s°F). There are music festivals galore and it’s a great time to hike, bike, and explore the Great Lakes.

Shoulder season is also a fantastic time to visit Canada, although spring (March-June) can be quite wet. Fall (September-October) is highly recommended, as temperatures are still warm enough and the autumn foliage is really something special. Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces are well worth an autumn trek.

How to Stay Safe in Canada

Canada is a safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare and tend to be confined to certain areas (generally where drug and gang violence are a problem). You may encounter petty crime, like theft, around popular tourist landmarks, though that isn’t super common. Nevertheless, always keep an eye on your belongings, especially while taking public transportation, just to be safe.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If visiting in the winter, dress warmly. It gets so cold here that people literally freeze to death so take precautions and always keep an eye on the forecast.

If you’re going out hiking, always check the weather beforehand and ensure you have enough water. Bring sunscreen and a hat too. It can get humid here!

Canada’s cannabis legalization has a whole lot of rules and restrictions. The CBC has a great outline on everything you need to know if you’re thinking of consuming cannabis while in Canada.

Scams here are rare, but it never hurts to be prepared. Read about common travel scams to avoid here if you’re worried about getting ripped off.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Canada Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Canada Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Canada travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Toronto

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

8 of the best day trips from Seattle

Dec 11, 2023 • 11 min read

Explore Washington State and beyond with these great day trips from Seattle © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

With everything Seattle has to offer, it can be hard to imagine wanting to get out of the city for even just an hour or two.

Museums can be saved for rainy days, and it would be a shame to spend sunshine hours in craft breweries when there’s such gorgeous scenery to enjoy beyond the city limits. 

Whether you need a break from the tourist crowds and bustle of downtown , are looking for a serious hike , or have a pup threatening all the zoomies after being dragged to yet another farmers market, there are plenty of opportunities to get out of Seattle for the day.  In fact, some of the most breathtaking scenery, charming towns and picturesque back roads in Washington state lie within an easy drive or ferry ride out of the city. Here are some of our favorite day trips from Seattle.

1. Mt Rainier National Park

Travel time: 2 hours

The drive – about two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions – makes this a bit of an investment for a day trip, but you can’t be this close to one of the most impressive mountains in the United S tates and not go see it.

The views are spectacular, whether it's a sunny spring day with wildflowers in bloom, a moody, cloudy afternoon, or a snowy winter’s day. 

You could easily spend weeks hiking in the Mt Rainier area (permits permitting), but you can develop a healthy appreciation for the place through any of the several day hikes from Paradise , which is home to the relaxing Paradise Inn and a visitor center. 

Paradise also makes for a fun Seattle day trip during the winter because it's one of the most popular areas in the park for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding. It's also the only area in the park that allows sledding. Bring good shoes, warm clothes and a camera. Try to visit midweek to avoid crowds.

How to get to Mt Rainier National Park from Seattle:  The park has year-round access via the Nisqually Entrance, just under 90 miles and an almost two-hour drive from Seattle along SR-706. If you use GPS, use the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304, or you’ll otherwise be taken to the park headquarters in Ashford.

From the Nisqually Entrance, it’s another 29 miles via Longmire to the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise, where you can find parking and several trailheads. Note that in winter, the road between Longmire and Paradise is closed at night.

If your idea of a successful day trip to Mt Rainier involves hiking and biking, the Carbon River Entrance is a little over 60 miles – nearly 1½ hours – along SR-165. No cars are allowed beyond this entrance, only pedestrians and cyclists. 

You can also enter the park on its east side during the summer. It’s just under 82 miles – 1¾ hours – from Seattle to the White River Entrance via SR-167 and SR-410. From there, it’s about 18 miles, or half an hour’s drive, via SR-123 to Ohanapecosh . There are no public transit connections from Seattle to the park.

2. Leavenworth

Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Adorable and unashamedly touristy Leavenworth has oodles of charm all by itself, but the imitation-Bavarian town’s idyllic wilderness setting is what really puts it over the top. Grab a beer and some brats at München Haus , then choose your adventure: the hiking, rafting and rock climbing here are all fantastic. 

Leavenworth is the gateway to the Wenatchee River and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness , where you’ll find some of the best hiking in the state, including several easily accessible day hikes.

How to get to Leavenworth from Seattle:  The 117-mile drive east along US Hwy 2 via Monroe, through the Cascades and over Stevens Pass, is truly spectacular. It takes under 2½ hours, but you’ll want to stop often for photo ops.

The route via the Snoqualmie Pass along the I-90 takes about the same time, even though it stretches over 135 miles. Several bus companies serve the route between Seattle and Leavenworth, or you can take the Amtrak train, although the three to four-hour bus journey makes it less feasible for a day trip.

3. Bainbridge Island

Travel time: 1 hour

Bainbridge Island is a favorite vacation destination for Seattleites and visitors from further afield, but the island is close enough to the city that it contains a healthy full-time population, many of whom commute to Seattle by ferry.

It’s the quickest and easiest way to get out on the water from the big city, and the ride over provides stunning views of both Seattle and the Sound. Lazily stroll around, tour some waterfront taverns like Doc’s Marina Grill , taste wines and maybe rent a bike and cycle around the invitingly flat countryside.

As far as family day trips from Seattle go, it doesn’t get much easier than this; the ferry ride is short enough that kids won’t get bored, and once they’re on the island, they’ll love exploring the Kids Discovery Museum .

Lively pubs and great Washington wines are the order of the day on Bainbridge. The island doesn’t stay up very late, but you won’t go thirsty when it comes to happy hour or leisurely cocktails in the evening.  Bainbridge Vineyards is a quaint and certified organic winemaker about 5 miles from the Bainbridge ferry terminal off Hwy 305 – perfect for a bike ride on a sunny day.

How to get to Bainbridge Island from Seattle:  Washington State Ferries run several times a day from Pier 52 in Seattle. The crossing takes about 35 minutes.

4. Bellingham

Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Bellingham is underrated as a fun town for nightlife, especially if you’re into craft beer. Try the Kölsch at Chuckanut Brewery , a Bellingham Blonde ale at Boundary Bay and a Cosmic Dreams IPA at Aslan Depot , a historic bus and streetcar station renovated to look and feel like a cozy old English parlor.

If you like your adult beverages with a side of culture, start with a visit to the Whatcom Museum , a three-building collection of local and regional art, culture and history.

You can also wander the well-preserved Fairhaven neighborhood with its shops, restaurants and lovely bookstore, Village Books . Alternatively, drive 15 miles north to the traditionally Dutch town of Lynden, which has a pioneer history museum , bakery and historic hotel .

To stretch this day trip a little, opt for scenic Chuckanut Drive on the way there or back. This byway hugs the coastline between Bellingham and Mt Vernon, with opportunities to stop for hiking in Larrabee State Park and oyster-eating at the Oyster Bar in Bow along the way.

How to get to Bellingham from Seattle:  Head north on I-5 for about 90 miles (1½ hours) to Bellingham. For the more scenic Chuckanut Drive (SR-11) option, take exit 231 off I-5 just north of Mt Vernon. This route is about the same distance but adds around 15 minutes to the drive – if you don’t stop to admire the scenery.

5. Victoria, Canada

Travel time: 3 hours

At around a 2¾-hour ride on the fast ferry, Victoria stretches the definition of a "day trip," but the British Columbia provincial capital is worth the effort if you remember to bring your valid passport and meet the requirements for entry into Canada . 

With double-decker buses, afternoon tea, homes that look like castles and pubs with names such as the Sticky Wicket and the Penny Farthing , Victoria has long traded on its British affiliations. 

But while the fish and chips remain first class, and summer cricket games still enliven Beacon Hill Park , the days when Victoria was more British than Britain are long gone. In Victoria 2.0, the food culture embraces fusion, the beer leans toward craft brews and the abundance of bicycles resembles  the Netherlands  more than England .

Compared to the glassy skyscrapers of Seattle, Victoria is more laid-back and low-rise. On balmy summer days, a distinct holiday atmosphere takes over as people pile off the ferries to escape the mayhem of the mainland and forget their work. Sure, Victoria might have become trendier and more sophisticated in recent years, but in pace and essence it remains comfortingly old-fashioned.

How to get to Victoria from Seattle:  Victoria Clipper runs a passenger-only, high-speed catamaran from Pier 69 in downtown Seattle to Victoria’s Inner Harbor. There’s one round-trip a day; check the website for departure times as these may vary according to season.

6. Whidbey Island

Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Whidbey Island is an idyllic emerald escape beloved by stressed-out Seattleites. At 41 miles, Whidbey is the longest island on the US West Coast. While it’s not as detached or nonconformist as the San Juans (a bridge connects it to adjacent Fidalgo Island at its northernmost point), life is certainly slower, quieter and more pastoral here. 

Having six state parks is a bonus. There is also a plethora of B&Bs, two historic fishing villages (Langley and Coupeville), famously tasty mussels and a thriving community of artists and artisans. Also on the island is the US Naval Air Station that dominates Oak Harbor. 

Whidbey is a particularly desirable day trip during the fall harvest: grapes, apples and pumpkins abound, as do cider and pumpkin beer. The season also brings wild mushroom foraging tours, which, unless you’re an expert, are best to join if you want to pick some. In the words of Terry Pratchett, “All fungi are edible. Some fungi are only edible once.”

Emerging from Fidalgo Island's flat pastures, the precipitous Deception Pass cliffs are overlooked by a famous bridge made all the more dramatic by the churning, angry water below. The bridge has two steel arches spanning Canoe Pass and Deception Pass, joined by a central support on Pass Island. Built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it was considered an engineering feat in its day. The 5.5-sq-mile park also spans the channel, with facilities on the north and south flanks of the passage.

How to get to Whidbey Island from Seattle: You'll need a car and to take a ferry ride. Take I-5 north and SR-525 from Seattle to Mukilteo; depending on the route and traffic conditions, this trip will be around 40 to 50 minutes. Washington State Ferries run 20-minute trips between Mukilteo and Clinton throughout the day. The Sound Transit train on the Sounder North N-line isn’t a good choice for a day trip since it departs from Seattle twice in the late afternoon and returns from Everett twice in the early morning.

7. La Conner

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

A small town with a surprising number of things to see and do, La Conner is practically made for a day trip. It has a compact, walkable center lined with shops, pubs and restaurants, a spring tulip festival that shows off its pastoral surroundings and a top-notch art museum in the heart of town. 

Its position alongside the lazy Swinomish Channel adds a cool maritime feel. And at around a 1¼-hour drive, it’s one of those short trips from Seattle that you can do without spending most of your day on the road.

Arguably the best time to visit La Conner is in April when the tulip fields around town paint themselves in bands of vivid purples, reds and yellows. Weekend traffic can be discouraging at this time, but the blooms are worth it.

Once you’ve had your fill of flowers, wander downtown toward the tiny marina. Stop in and browse at Handmade La Conner , where artisans in a back-room workshop make all the coffee mugs, textiles, fancy soaps and letterpress cards on offer. Be sure to save time for an exploration of the Museum of Northwest Art , which has an outstanding collection of regional paintings and sculptures and mounts several temporary exhibits each year.

How to get to La Conner from Seattle: From Seattle, take I-5 north about 55 miles to exit 221, then follow signs another 10 miles west along Fir Island Rd to La Conner. There are no bus or train services to La Conner.

8. San Juan Islands

Travel time: 3 to 4 hours

The sleepy San Juans exist in striking contrast with Seattle’s sensory overload, and they’re easier to reach than you might think (though if you can spare the time, an overnight stay is even better than a day trip). 

It may be nearly a four-hour ferry ride from Seattle to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, but the voyage itself is one of the highlights – you can make the trip as part of a whale-watching tour, but it’s a gorgeous ride even without the whale element. 

On arrival, your entertainment options include mellow bicycling, paddling around in a kayak, eating decadent, locally sourced meals from restaurants like Doe Bay Café , and just hanging out. This day trip is also fantastic to make with your dog; there are several off-leash dog parks, including San Juan Islands Sculpture Park .

How to get to the San Juan Islands from Seattle:  From mid-April to mid-October, the scenic San Juan Clipper goes directly to Friday Harbor from the Seattle waterfront’s Pier 69 in 3¾ hours.

Or you can drive the 85 miles or so to Anacortes – it should take a maximum of two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions – and hop a Washington State Ferry to Lopez Island (45 minutes), Shaw Island (55 minutes), Orcas Island (a little over an hour) or San Juan Island (an hour). Schedules vary by season, so check the WSF website for the latest. 

Note that for the San Juan Clipper, any pets need to be in a carrier, and you will need to book the trip in advance. For the Washington State Ferry, passengers can bring their leashed dogs into the exterior passenger areas, including the shelter decks.

This article was first published Jul 16, 2019 and updated Dec 11, 2023.

Explore related stories

Public Transport

Mar 12, 2024 • 11 min read

Beaches, cathedrals, pony-filled forests, Harry Potter–esque buildings and more: you can see a whole lot of England on these top day trips from London.

Jan 22, 2024 • 7 min read

Nov 2, 2022 • 5 min read

Aug 2, 2022 • 7 min read

Dec 25, 2021 • 5 min read

Jun 13, 2024 • 7 min read

Jun 11, 2024 • 6 min read

Jun 4, 2024 • 13 min read

May 30, 2024 • 6 min read

May 28, 2024 • 9 min read

10 Scenic Train Trips Across Canada

• Train trips have become popular among travelers in Canada as a more sustainable and enjoyable way to explore the country's natural wonders.
• From coast to coast, Canada offers scenic train journeys that allow passengers to experience breathtaking landscapes, French culture, and stunning architecture.
• Whether it's admiring polar bears in Churchill, witnessing fall foliage in Nova Scotia, or cycling through the Niagara region, there are many unique train trips in Canada for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

The world is slowly adopting the green economy as a way of saving the planet from destruction. Even travelers haven’t been left behind. Most of them have recognized that airplanes and vehicles are not sustainable ways of traveling and are exploring other options. For this reason, train trips have become more common and appealing.

Canada is a large country with many beautiful natural wonders and top destinations to visit . And seeing them through a window is the best way to experience the country. Besides phenomenal views, train passengers enjoy comfortable, stress-free, and relaxing trips. They only need to occupy their seat and enjoy the ride. Here are 10 scenic train trips across Canada.

16 Thrilling Sleeper Train Journeys In Europe To Add To Your Bucket List

Canada coast to coast by train, see niagara falls, lake louise, and peggy's cove.

Coast-to-coast by train is one of the best train trips in Canada. It is a chance to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, and Peggy’s Cove. Travelers are offered time on VIA Rail and travel in a sleeper company. The journey starts in Halifax and ends in Vancouver. Taking this ride lets one enjoy the French culture in Canada, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes.

• Trip distance from Halifax to Vancouver: 4,466 kilometers
• Trip length: 4 days and 4 nights
• Cost : Around $11,380

Vancouver To Toronto On The Canadian

Traveling through forests, mountain peaks, and waterfalls.

The Canadian is a flagship train that offers three classes: economy, sleeper plus, and prestige. Unlike planes, it has large reclining seats with plenty of legroom. The trip includes presenters, musicians, and wine-tasting sessions. The train leaves Vancouver for Toronto, and visitors can see forests, mountain peaks, waterfalls, valleys, and wildlife along the way. It passes through Jasper National Park, stops for some time, and continues to Toronto.

• Trip distance from Vancouver to Toronto: 4,466 kilometers
• Trip length: Almost 4 days
• Cost: Varies between routes and towns, but around CAD 2,500 per person during winter (Approximately $1,850 USD)

Lord Of The Wilderness Bear Viewing In The Canadian

See grizzlies in a wilderness lodge and polar bears up north.

Here is something for wildlife lovers. The train drives passengers across Canada, from Vancouver to Winnipeg. The adventure begins on the West Coast, where passengers go to a wilderness lodge to see grizzly bears. Then, they board The Canadian train in Vancouver, which takes them across the Canadian Rockies before arriving in Winnipeg. After the journey ends, passengers are recommended to fly to Northern Manitoba, the Polar Bear Capital of the world, to explore the arctic tundra and look for polar bears before returning to Winnipeg.

• Trip distance from Vancouver to Winnipeg: Approximately 1,866 kilometers
• Trip length: 3 days and 2 nights
• Cost: $13,430

Winnipeg To Churchill VIA Rail

Admire lush prairie land, huge boreal forests, & hudson bay's polar bears.

Regardless of the time of the year someone is traveling, they are guaranteed things to wow about every step of this trip. From Winnipeg, passengers can admire the lush land at Rivière Rouge and Rivière Assiniboine confluence. As they travel, they can see the waters of Lake near The Pas, the huge boreal forest encompassing the Thompson, and finally, the rocky shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill, where they can see polar bears and belugas in their habitat. For those who’ve never seen the Prairies, this VIA Rail trip will bring them up close.

• Trip distance from Winnipeg to Churchill: 1,710 kilometers
• Trip length : 44 hours 55 minutes
• Cost: From $199

Montreal To Halifax On The Ocean

See whales in the gulf, clear miramichi river, and sugarloaf mountain.

The Ocean journey runs on the Gulf of St Lawrence and passes through New Brunswick before the train heads to Nova Scotia. This is the oldest route in North America and has been operating since 1904. Passengers are rewarded with phenomenal views of the Gulf of Lawrence, where they can spot whales. From there, they can see clear waters as the train crosses the Miramichi River, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Acadian communities. Fall is the perfect time for this trip as travelers see the leaves turn into shades of yellow, red, and gold.

• Trip distance from Montreal to Halifax: 1,346 kilometers
• Trip length: 21+ hours
• Cost: $210 on Economy

Jasper To Prince George On The Rupert Rocket

Tour glassy lakes and charming agricultural towns in central british columbia.

This trip across central British Columbia isn’t popular, especially among the international community. But, it is a very scenic journey to consider. The Rupert Rocket goes over several days to allow travelers to check out daylight vistas. But, passengers organize their accommodation. Along the way, they see glassy lakes and charming and historic towns filled with agricultural produce and wildlife. Some drives include meals and drinks. Others don’t. But regardless of the ride, guests are assured of phenomenal views.

• Trip distance from Jasper to Prince: 1,160 kilometers
• Trip length : 2 days
• Cost: Around $260

Getting From New York City To Niagara Falls: 16 Things To Know

White pass & yukon route railway, see trestles, gorges, and glaciers on a historic railway climbing 3,000 feet with views of skagway harbor.

The White Pass and Yukon Route is a great ride for those who want to learn about the history of Alaska. It leaves Skagway and offers scenic views while allowing ample time to enjoy the area’s other charms. The train goes through Shyster and climbs almost 3,000 feet above sea level. Passengers pass through an inspiration point that looks down on the Skagway Harbor. Dead Horse Gulch with bleached bones of perished animals can be seen. Before reaching the White Pass Summit, travelers have a chance to see the headwaters of the Yukon River.

• Trip distance from Skagway to Whitehorse is: 172 kilometers
• Trip length: 2-2.75 hours
• Cost: $140 for adults, $70 for children

Banff To Calgary On Royal Canadian Experience

Fine dining and canadian rockies views through the alberta prairies.

Fine dining and luxurious accommodations are why people book this trip. On top of that, passengers are rewarded with exceptional views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The Royal Canadian Experience is a charming and delightful trip, starting in Calgary and traversing through the Alberta Prairies. There is an off-train experience that allows travelers to visit historical attractions such as Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump. They can also see Banff and Lake Louise’s cinematic views along the way.

• Trip distance from Banff to Calgary : Around 127 kilometers
• Trip length : 4 nights, 5 days
• Cost: From $14,000 CAD per person ( Approximately $10,360 USD)

16 Beautiful Towns In Alberta That Give Banff A Run For Its Money

Quebec city to la malbaie on the train de charlevoix, stop at beaches, cliffs, and charming villages.

The Train de Charlevoix travels from the old Quebec City to La Malbaie while making several stops. It is a fun journey with opportunities to hike, cycle, and admire picturesque villages. Passengers can enjoy the beach at Saint-Irenee and later get history lessons at Saint-Joseph-de-la-Rive, or soak up the beauty of the charming towns and cliffs from the comfort of the train. There are different packages, allowing travelers to choose one they like.

• Trip distance from Quebec City to La Malbaie: 125 kilometers
• Trip length: Under 4 miles
• Cost: From $248

Toronto To Niagara Falls On The Greenbelt Express

Perfect for cyclists to stop at waterfalls and wineries.

Nature lovers and cyclists should take this trip on the Greenbelt Express . It is a seasonal train operating around the Niagara region, designed for those who want to experience nature on a two-wheeler. The train is designed with special bike cars that come with in-built racks. From waterfalls to wineries, there are many sights to visit, and the good thing is that the train makes several stops throughout the entire route, allowing passengers to enjoy many cycling trails.

• Trip distance from Toronto to Niagara Falls: 50 kilometers
• Cost: Around $399 for two cyclists

Alternate travel options to consider if TTC strikes

Strike planned for friday could bring buses, streetcars and subways to a halt.

Social Sharing

Commuters who rely on public transit to get to work, school or elsewhere in Toronto will have to find other ways to get around the city if a public transit strike goes ahead as planned later this week.

• Head to this story for the latest news about the potential strike by TTC workers

Nearly 12,000 TTC workers could walk off the job  Friday at 12:01 a.m. if negotiations between the transit agency and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 113 don't produce a new contract — which could disrupt travel plans for tens of thousands of commuters.

ATU Local 113 president Marvin Alfred said there hasn't been enough progress on the union's wage, benefit and job security demands, while TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said a deal is possible as long as the parties remain at the bargaining table.

A strike would mean subways, buses and streetcars won't run, but the Wheel-Trans service for people with disabilities would continue to operate.

If you're one of the people who normally takes public transit in Toronto, here is some information to help you plan ahead.

TTC users talk about their options to get to work if the transit service goes on strike

Other transit systems.

Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency that operates the GO Transit bus and train networks, said in an email it "always has contingency plans in place" in the event of service disruptions.

The agency added that GO trains and the UP Express will continue to operate as normal, and its stations will remain open, but it wouldn't say whether those plans include increasing the frequency of trains and buses.

Durham Region Transit (DRT) said in a news release Tuesday that it "does not anticipate significant impacts to our local transit services," although it is planning to make alternative stop arrangements for its PULSE 900 (Highway 2) and Route 920 services near the Scarborough Town Centre and Centennial College, if required.

"If a disruption occurs, customers who usually transfer to/from TTC services may wish to consider GO Transit options to reach their destinations. DRT does offer connection opportunities to GO Transit train stations and bus stops within Durham Region," the statement said.

• Union says TTC workers will strike on June 7 if no deal reached
• TTC workers could strike. Here's what they want

Mississauga's MiWay said by email it's also preparing contingency plans for stops it serves that could be affected by a TTC strike, including the Kipling Bus Terminal and Long Branch Bus Loop.

"As part of these plans, we are reviewing possible detour options for routes servicing Kipling Bus Terminal (i.e. Routes 1/1C, 3, 11, 20, 26, 35, 70, 71, 76, 101/101A, 108, & 109) and Long Branch Bus Loop (i.e. Routes 5 & 23)," said Eve Wiggins, director of MiWay Transit, in an email statement.

Kristine Hubbard, operations manager at Beck Taxi, said she expects the company's entire fleet of around 1,300 vehicles to be on the roads. However, she said with demand expected to surge, the company won't be able to guarantee arrival times.

"We'll try to do our best to help, but we are no replacement for TTC," she said.

Beck Taxi has stopped booking scheduled trips for Friday, but customers can still request taxis on-demand by hailing them down on the street, via phone or by using the Beck Taxi app or website . 

"We won't forget about you. We won't overcharge you, but pack your patience and if you don't have to go, you know, don't," she said.

Uber Canada said in a statement that if the strike goes ahead it will use surge pricing, which means prices will increase in response to higher demand, although it will put a cap on prices.

The exact price of each fare will be based on factors such as the length of the trip, the amount of traffic in the area and how many riders are requesting rides versus the number of Uber drivers on the road, the company said.

Uber said it will also offer incentives to its drivers to entice them to increase the number of trips available. 

It recommends riders also use its "group ride" feature to carpool and split fares with friends, or use UberX Share, which pairs different riders together. 

Cycling, walking or driving

Commuters who normally leave their cars at home will likely choose to get behind the wheel and drive to their destinations, which could lead to more congestion than normal . 

The Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) said it encourages anyone driving downtown to visit the Green P website for a list of municipally-run parking locations, including those with electric vehicle charging spots.

Where negotiations stand as potential TTC strike looms

Others may choose to ride their own bikes or to rent one.

Bike Share Toronto has more than 9,000 bikes available at 700-plus stations across the city that are available to rent for short trips. Riders can access these bikes by creating an account through the Bike Share website , mobile app  or at a station kiosk. Pricing options include pay-as-you-go, day passes or annual memberships.

Michael Longfield, executive director of advocacy group Cycle Toronto, said the city's network of bike lanes have expanded rapidly over the past few years, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"A lot of folks did start dusting their bikes off in the early weeks and months of the pandemic. I'm sure some folks will be tempted to take them out again," Longfield said.

Longfield said it's important to make sure your bike is in working order, so make sure to check the air in your tires, that your brakes work and that your chain is functional and not too rusty.

David Simor, director of the Centre for Active Transportation, said for those whose bikes have been sitting in a garage for the winter or longer, there are lots of bike repair shops to get it fixed up. He also pointed to community bike hubs where cyclists can learn do-it-yourself repairs. The city maintains a list of both here .

Simor pointed to the city's "amazing and under-advertised" multi-use trail and ravine systems .

"It might not be quite as direct as on streets, but certainly very comfortable and really, you know, beautiful and gorgeous to boot at this time of the year," he said.

Finally, Simor said, those who are fortunate to live close to work, grocery stores and other amenities can go for an old-fashioned walk.

"It's actually a really helpful thing for those who need to drive by keeping your car off the road. And also it's great for your mental and physical health," he said.

The airport

Toronto Pearson Airport issued a statement Thursday saying its aware a strike would be a problem for air travellers.

It said some 4,700 people per day use the TTC to get to and from the airport via the 900 Airport Express route that runs from Kipling Station.

It urged those travellers to instead consider the UP Express, taxis or other ride-hailing services or a GO bus (routes 40 and 94 service the airport).  

Elementary school students at Toronto's public and Catholic school boards won't attend class Friday due to a scheduled PA Day, but high schools will be open for a regular school day.

The Toronto District School Board told parents and caregivers Wednesday that school buses will operate normally for secondary school students, but warned of possible delays due to increased traffic.

"All other students should explore alternate methods of transportation including carpooling or biking and/or walking in order to get to school," the note said.

"Thank you for your understanding as we all prepare for what could be a challenging time to get around in our city."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ryan is a reporter with CBC Toronto. He has also worked for CBC in Vancouver, Yellowknife and Ottawa, filing for web, radio and TV. You can reach him by email at [email protected].

• Follow Ryan Patrick Jones on Twitter

Related Stories