In search of the finest day journeys from Toronto? Whether or not you’re craving waterfalls, wineries, seashores, or small cities, Ontario is filled with unimaginable locations to discover only a quick drive from the town. The most effective day journeys from Toronto embrace Niagara Falls, Elora, Blue Mountain, and Prince Edward County, all inside 2 to three hours from the town.
We’ve lived in Toronto and traveled throughout the province—and belief us, you don’t must go far to seek out journey. From mountaineering trails alongside the Niagara Escarpment to paddling the Grand River or sipping wine in Prince Edward County, there’s a day journey right here for everybody.
Greatest Toronto Day Journeys
Most of those locations are inside a 2-hour drive from Toronto, so you may head out within the morning and be again dwelling in meal time. If you happen to’re quick on time however massive on wanderlust, these are the highest 25 Toronto day journeys so as to add to your weekend plans.
1. Milton – Excellent Day Journey for Nature Lovers
Milton is one in every of our favourite simple day journeys from Toronto, and it’s solely about 40 minutes away. It’s the type of place the place you may go from metropolis site visitors to forest trails in underneath an hour. Once we want a fast escape into nature, that is the place we go.
The Kelso Conservation Space is a year-round spot for out of doors enjoyable. Within the winter, we’ve snowboarded and snowshoed right here, and in the summertime, it’s all about mountaineering and mountain biking. There’s a unbelievable scenic lookout level on the prime with sweeping views of the encompassing rolling hills.
Milton sits proper on the Bruce Path, so the mountaineering is unbelievable. One in all our go-to routes is the Lime Kiln Path. It’s quiet, peaceable, and off-limits to mountain bikes, which makes for a relaxed stroll within the woods.
Close by, you’ve obtained Rattlesnake Level and Mount Nemo. These spots are a dream for rock climbers and hikers. If you need a difficult hike, you may deal with the Satan’s Punchbowl.
2. Hamilton Waterfalls
Hamilton is just not the primary place that involves thoughts whenever you consider waterfalls, however as soon as we found it, we have been hooked. With greater than 100 waterfalls scattered across the metropolis, it’s earned its nickname because the Waterfall Capital of the World—and it’s solely about an hour from Toronto.
A number of the best-known falls are Webster’s Falls, Albion Falls, and Tews Falls. If you happen to’ve obtained a full day, you may simply slot in a number of of them and nonetheless have time for a brewery cease or two on the town. If you happen to’re looking for the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls, it’s price a slight detour.
Spencer Gorge Conservation Space provides unimaginable views, particularly through the fall. We all the time suggest reserving your time slot forward. Through the summer season months, the paths can get busy with vacationers alike.
3. Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain is a little bit of a drive from Toronto—simply over two hours—however we’ve completed it as a day journey extra instances than we are able to rely. In winter, we’re normally snowboarding down the slopes, and in the summertime, it’s all about mountaineering, biking, or simply wandering by way of Blue Mountain Village with an ice cream in hand.
Different points of interest round Blue Mountain embrace the Scenic Caves in Collingwood, which was one in every of our first Toronto day journeys. There’s a suspension bridge, ziplining, and caves to discover. Close by scenic hikes provide guests a number of the finest views within the space.
If you happen to’re in want of a recharge, Scandinave Spa is a unbelievable place for a romantic getaway. Surrounded by forest, it’s the right spot to soak, steam, and let the world fade away.
4. Ganaraska Forest
Situated simply over an hour from the town, Ganaraska Forest is an off-the-grid gem good for out of doors journey. We took a mud biking course with Path Excursions and have been shocked at how enjoyable and accessible it was. It’s also possible to hire canoes close by and luxuriate in quiet stretches of water.
If you happen to’re craving a little bit of journey, Ganaraska Forest is a wild option to spend the day. Situated simply over an hour from Toronto, it’s the place we went to get our first style of filth biking—and it didn’t disappoint. Learn all about it right here.
5. Ferris Provincial Park
About two hours from Toronto, Ferris Provincial Park is dwelling to the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and a community of strolling trails that result in scenic picnic areas. It’s a type of locations that flies underneath the radar however is unquestionably price visiting.
This hidden gem is a quiet spot to flee the crowds, stretch your legs, and get some recent air—and the suspension bridge alone is well worth the drive.
6. Canada’s Wonderland
Situated simply north of Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland is the amusement park of our youth—and our adrenaline-fueled grown-up escapes. With coasters, splash zones, and Canada’s largest wave pool, it’s a prime choose for households visiting Toronto.
If you happen to’re an animal lover, don’t miss the petting zoo in KidZville. From thrill rides to stress-free by the water, you may simply spend a complete day right here.
7. Stratford
Stratford is one in every of Ontario’s most charming cities, and we’ve been making journeys right here for years. Identified for its Shakespearean theatre and romantic getaway vibes, the city additionally boasts native retailers, quaint cafés, a rose backyard, and wonderful artwork galleries.
There’s a robust arts and culinary scene right here, too. Between the historic structure, boutique accommodations, and native meals markets, Stratford is a day journey that blends tradition and allure with out attempting too laborious. And if you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to catch a present, that’s the cherry on prime.
8. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a world-class vacation spot that’s surprisingly doable in a day. The Canadian facet of Horseshoe Falls provides guests a better and extra highly effective view than the American Falls. From the CN Tower to the falls, that is the type of day journey that also wows us, irrespective of what number of instances we go.
Ebook a small group tour or hire a automotive and hit all of the highlights like Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Stroll, and the Niagara SkyWheel. If you’re completed, stroll Clifton Hill or hop aboard the Hornblower cruise for up-close spray and selfies.
It’s solely 90 minutes away, and if you happen to time it proper, you may pack in a ton of experiences without having to remain in a single day.
Begin early. Dawn over the falls is underrated, and also you’ll beat the crowds. Test Niagara Day Excursions Right here.
9. Niagara-on-the-Lake
This historic city on Lake Ontario provides small-town allure, boutique wineries, and the enduring Shaw Pageant. Major Avenue is lined with quaint retailers and native cafes. Whether or not you’re exploring on foot or becoming a member of a wine area tasting tour, you’ll fall in love with the slower tempo.
Historical past buffs will love Fort George, and between the vineyards, the lake views, and the downtown heritage district, Niagara-on-the-Lake is the type of place you’ll wish to linger a bit longer.
You possibly can simply mix a Niagara Falls journey with Niagara-on-the-Lake. They’re solely 20 minutes aside. You possibly can e-book day excursions to Niagara on the Lake and see its prime sights.
10. Muskoka
With its rolling hills, glowing lakes, and iconic docks, Muskoka is the best out of doors exercise vacation spot. Lease canoes, pack a picnic, or simply benefit from the views. Through the fall, it turns into a painter’s palette of pink and gold. In summer season, Friday Harbour can be price a go to for lakeside eating and water sports activities.
It’s about two hours from Toronto, however when you’re there, you’ll really feel 1,000,000 miles away. Assume winding roads, crystal-clear lakes, and that unmistakable scent of pine bushes and campfires. We’ve spent complete days paddling on Lake Muskoka, mountaineering by way of the woods, and searching down butter tarts in Gravenhurst
There are many cities to discover, too. Bracebridge, Huntsville, and Port Carling all have their very own allure, with native cafés, breweries, and retailers price testing earlier than you head again to the town.
11. Elora
Elora has all the time been a little bit of a secret spot, although it’s positively gaining in reputation—and for good motive. It’s solely about 90 minutes from Toronto, and it has a mixture of pure magnificence and small-town character that makes it good for a day journey.
Again in highschool, this was the place everybody went to flee for the afternoon. Now, it’s a cultured little city with boutiques, bakeries, and one critically stunning pedestrian sq. known as the Elora Mews. You’ll wish to seize a espresso and simply wander.
The Elora Gorge is the true showstopper. The cliffs tower above the Grand River and the mountaineering trails provide you with postcard-worthy views at each flip. If you happen to’re into tubing or kayaking, convey your gear or hire some on the town—it’s top-of-the-line spots for river adventures in southern Ontario.
And sure, the Elora Quarry has been in a number of Hollywood films, however it’s even higher in individual.
12. Paris
We could be a bit biased, however Paris is among the prettiest small cities in Ontario, and now that we stay right here, we’ve gotten to know each path, river bend, and bakery. It’s simply over an hour from Toronto and makes for an ideal, low-key day journey.
The Grand River runs proper by way of city, and we’re usually out on it with our paddleboards or kayaks. After a number of hours on the water, we’ll normally cease for lunch at Stillwaters or Camp 31, then stroll by way of the downtown strip to browse the retailers. It’s one avenue, however it packs a punch.
If you happen to’re a bicycle owner, convey your bike. You possibly can experience all the way in which to Brantford and even Ancaster alongside related trails that weave by way of the countryside. And earlier than you permit, swing by the Wincey Mills Marketplace for native cheese, baked items, and small-batch every thing. It’s our go-to Saturday morning spot.
13. Brantford
Only a quick drive from Paris, Brantford has its personal tales to inform. It’s the place Alexander Graham Bell made the first-ever long-distance cellphone name—and you may go to the Bell Homestead to see the place all of it occurred. The home is superbly preserved and surprisingly enjoyable to tour.
The Grand River flows by way of right here too, so tubing, kayaking, and riverside strolls are all on the desk. The paths between Paris and Brantford are a few of our favorites for biking.
And sure, there’s a on line casino if you happen to’re feeling fortunate, however truthfully, the true jackpot is spending a day exploring two river cities which have extra to supply than most individuals understand.
14. Hardwood Hills
Hardwood Hills is the place we go once we wish to really feel like youngsters once more—flying by way of the forest on mountain bikes, getting lined in filth, and laughing the entire method. It’s about 90 minutes from Toronto and it’s one of many prime spots in Ontario for cross-country biking.
We’ve spent numerous days right here tackling every thing from mellow inexperienced trails to tight, rooty singletrack. If you happen to’re new to mountain biking, don’t fear. They hire gear and provide classes, so you may ease into it. There’s even a warm-up loop to get your confidence up earlier than you hit the longer routes.
They’ve obtained a stable cafeteria too, so no must pack lunch. Simply convey your gear, seize a path map, and prepare for a full-body exercise that ends with a smile.
15. Caledon
Between the Cheltenham Badlands, Spirit Tree Cidery, and Albion Hills, Caledon is filled with scenic hikes, strolling trails, and an amazing mixture of nature and meals. A rock backyard close to the conservation space even reminded us of one thing out of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
16. Kitchener Waterloo
With tech start-ups and conventional Mennonite tradition, Waterloo blends fashionable allure with old-world values. Don’t miss the St. Jacobs Farmers Market is Canada’s largest year-round farmers’ market, or a go to to the African Lion Safari close by if you happen to’re touring with youngsters or animal lovers.
Kitchener-Waterloo has all the time flown a bit underneath the radar, however it’s quietly grow to be one in every of our favourite day journeys from Toronto. Simply over an hour away, this twin-city hub blends old-world allure with cutting-edge innovation. You’ve obtained Google and Blackberry places of work on one facet of city and Mennonite markets and horse-drawn buggies on the opposite.
When you’re on the market, take a look at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory or take a stroll by way of the historic city of Galt. We’ve even cycled all the way in which right here from Paris alongside the Grand River trails—if you happen to’re feeling bold, it’s a ravishing experience.
17. Wasaga Seashore
Want a seaside break? Wasaga Seashore provides an extended sandy shoreline and nice summer season power. Wasaga Seashore is a summer season traditional. It’s about an hour and 40 minutes from Toronto and residential to the longest freshwater seaside on the earth. 14 kilometers of sentimental sand and shallow, heat water. Once we’re within the temper for a correct seaside day with out driving all the way in which to a resort, that is the place we go.
You’ll discover a mixture of beachgoers, households constructing sandcastles, teenagers tossing frisbees, and paddleboarders cruising alongside the shoreline. It will get busy, particularly on weekends, however that’s a part of the vibe. Seize a chunk at a beachside diner, convey a cooler, and settle in for the afternoon.
18. Port Dover
Port Dover is a type of locations that also appears like a correct old-school seaside city. We used to drive right here from Toronto simply to get a scorching canine at The Arbor and sit by the water. And truthfully, we’d nonetheless do it. In Port Dover, we love strolling the pier and visiting the Gibraltar Level Lighthouse duplicate. It’s obtained that traditional Ontario seaside city vibe.
The city has a chill vibe with a sandy seaside, a pier that’s good for sundown walks, and sufficient little retailers and cafés to maintain you busy. If you happen to’re into quirky finds, spend a while searching the native antiques and classic retailers.
We like to make use of Port Dover as a place to begin for a mini street journey alongside Lake Erie. Drive to Turkey Level or Port Burwell, hit a number of wineries or brewpubs, and fill up your bar at dwelling. It’s a laid-back day that all the time ends with full stomachs and clinking bottles within the trunk. Try TripAdvisor for an inventory of winery and breweries in Norfolk County.
19. Peterborough and the Kawarthas
Peterborough sits proper within the coronary heart of the Kawarthas, and if you happen to’ve ever questioned what traditional Canadian cottage nation seems to be like, that is it. It’s about 90 minutes from Toronto, and there’s extra to do right here than you would possibly count on.
We all the time make some extent of stopping by Lock 21, the world’s highest hydraulic elevate lock. It sounds technical, however it’s truly actually cool to observe boats rise and fall like they’re on a theme park experience. If you happen to’re into paddling, the Trent-Severn Waterway is a scenic stretch to discover by canoe or kayak. For one thing actually distinctive, go to the Girl Immaculate statue for a scenic lookout level.
The Canadian Canoe Museum can be right here, and it’s far more fascinating than it sounds. Belief us, we didn’t assume we’d be that into canoe historical past both, however the tales and Indigenous craftsmanship behind all of it are fairly shifting.
Peterborough additionally has a rising meals and humanities scene. One in all our favourite stops is the Whetung Ojibwa Centre, which helps native artists and has a stunning assortment of work, carvings, beadwork, and handmade items. Finish the day at Publican Home Brewery with a chilly beer and pub meal. You’ve earned it.
20. Prince Edward County
Prince Edward County is what occurs when wine nation meets wild seashores and sunflowers. And it’s solely about two hours from Toronto. We normally make it a full-day loop, hitting the vineyards, sandy shores, and small cities alongside the way in which.
Begin with a morning drive by way of the backroads to catch the lavender and sunflower fields in bloom. They’re wildly photogenic, however be respectful, take your photographs from the sting and don’t trample the crops. That good Instagram shot isn’t price ruining somebody’s harvest.
Presqu’ile and Sandbanks Provincial Parks are the massive attracts for seaside lovers. We’ve spent afternoons floating on the dunes at Sandbanks and nonetheless can’t consider we’re not someplace tropical.
And naturally, the wine. Prince Edward County is filled with boutique wineries, and most provide tastings. We have a tendency to go away with a number of new bottles for the rack and quite a lot of new favorites. If you happen to’re a cider fan, there are alternatives for that too. Whether or not you’re planning a romantic getaway or searching for journey suggestions for visiting Toronto’s finest wine area, PEC checks each field.
21. Algonquin Provincial Park
Okay, we’ll admit it, Algonquin is a little bit of a stretch for a day journey. It’s about three hours from Toronto, however we’ve completed it greater than as soon as, particularly once we’re craving nature with a capital N.
If you happen to depart early, you may nonetheless squeeze in a full day of mountaineering, paddling, or moose recognizing earlier than heading again. Oxtongue Lake is a good place to begin for novices, and if you wish to dip your toes into backcountry life with out committing to a full tenting journey, Algonquin Outfitters provides glorious one-day guided excursions .
This park is very large, over 7,600 sq. kilometers of wilderness, and it’s top-of-the-line locations on the earth to see moose within the wild. We’ve noticed them together with the street greater than as soon as, simply hanging out prefer it’s no massive deal.
You received’t see every thing in a day, however one style of Algonquin and also you’ll be planning your subsequent in a single day earlier than you’ve even left the parking zone. No automotive? Ebook this Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park non-public Tour.
22. Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park
We’re pushing the boundaries of a day journey right here, however if you happen to’re up for an extended drive and a full day outside, the Bruce Peninsula delivers.
This rugged stretch of land between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron is about three and a half hours from Toronto. It’s dwelling to a number of the clearest water in Ontario and a number of the finest mountaineering within the province. The Grotto in Tobermory is the star of the present, a cave stuffed with turquoise water that appears prefer it belongs in Greece.
We’ve spent days right here mountaineering at Lion’s Head, mountaineering alongside the Bruce Path, and snorkeling shipwrecks in Fathom 5 Nationwide Marine Park. If you happen to’re a scuba diver, Tobermory is a bucket listing spot with chilly, clear water and sunken schooners ready to be explored. We normally suggest this one as an in a single day, however if you happen to depart earlier than dawn and don’t thoughts getting dwelling late, it’s doable, and unforgettable.
23. The Toronto Islands
You don’t even want to go away the town for a day journey. Hop on a ferry to the Toronto Islands and discover Ward’s Island, picnic close to the Gibraltar Level Lighthouse, or simply get pleasure from skyline views of downtown Toronto. It’s open year-round, and through the summer season months, it turns into a prime vacation spot for each locals and vacationers alike. The Toronto Islands are the most effective place to absorb views of the Toronto Skyline. That traditional metropolis skyline of Toronto is taken from right here.
24. Bonus: The Toronto Zoo
Situated within the jap finish of the town, the Toronto Zoo is a prime attraction for animal lovers. We don’t usually suggest zoos, however the Toronto Zoo is among the finest on the earth. House to over 5,000 unique animals and an amazing possibility for households visiting Toronto, you may simply spend a full day exploring the varied areas. It’s additionally close to Rouge Park if you happen to’re wanting so as to add a hike to your outing.
Closing Suggestions
Whether or not you’re planning your first go to or simply seeking to discover extra of your personal yard, these day journeys from Toronto provide one thing for everybody. From scenic hikes to artwork galleries, and from petting zoos to wine tastings, there’s a world ready simply exterior the town.
Earlier than heading out, take a look at St. Lawrence Marketplace for snacks and picnic gear. And don’t neglect to test ferry and park schedules, many locations are open year-round, however some points of interest are seasonal.
Able to go? Pack the automotive, seize your digicam, and let Ontario shock you.
FAQ – Day Journeys from Toronto
A number of the prime day journeys from Toronto underneath 2 hours embrace Niagara Falls, Elora, Stratford, Paris, Wasaga Seashore, Caledon, Hamilton, and St. Jacobs. These locations provide a mixture of nature, meals, tradition, and enjoyable.
Sure, completely. Niagara Falls is simply 90 minutes from Toronto by automotive and may also be reached by bus or practice. You possibly can simply go to prime points of interest just like the Hornblower boat cruise, Journey Behind the Falls, and Clifton Hill in a single day.
Milton, Elora Gorge, and the Hamilton waterfalls are all glorious selections for nature escapes underneath 90 minutes from Toronto. For a much bigger journey, head to Algonquin Park or the Bruce Peninsula.
Sure, you may attain locations like Niagara Falls, Hamilton, and St. Jacobs by GO Transit, VIA Rail, or coach excursions. Nevertheless, many of the scenic parks and conservation areas are finest accessed by automotive.
The Bruce Peninsula is the farthest advisable day journey, about 3.5 to 4 hours away. It’s an extended drive however doable if you happen to begin early and plan to remain out late.
Learn Extra:
