In search of the very best day journeys from Toronto? Whether or not you’re craving waterfalls, wineries, seashores, or small cities, Ontario is full of unimaginable locations to discover only a brief drive from the town. One of the best day journeys from Toronto embody 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 have to 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 possibly can head out within the morning and be again house in meal time. In the event you’re brief on time however large 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 considered one of our favourite simple day journeys from Toronto, and it’s solely about 40 minutes away. It’s the sort of place the place you possibly can go from metropolis visitors to forest trails in below 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 implausible scenic lookout level on the high with sweeping views of the encompassing rolling hills.
Milton sits proper on the Bruce Path, so the mountaineering is implausible. Considered one of 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 would like a difficult hike, you possibly can deal with the Satan’s Punchbowl.
2. Hamilton Waterfalls
Hamilton isn’t the primary place that involves thoughts once you consider waterfalls, however as soon as we found it, we had 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 few of the best-known falls are Webster’s Falls, Albion Falls, and Tews Falls. In the event you’ve obtained a full day, you possibly can simply slot in a number of of them and nonetheless have time for a brewery cease or two on the town. In the event you’re trying to find the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls, it’s price a slight detour.
Spencer Gorge Conservation Space presents unimaginable views, particularly in the course of the fall. We all the time advocate 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 accomplished it as a day journey extra instances than we will rely. In winter, we’re often snowboarding down the slopes, and in the summertime, it’s all about mountaineering, biking, or simply wandering by Blue Mountain Village with an ice cream in hand.
Different sights round Blue Mountain embody the Scenic Caves in Collingwood, which was considered one of our first Toronto day journeys. There’s a suspension bridge, ziplining, and caves to discover. Close by scenic hikes provide guests among the finest views within the space.
In the event you’re in want of a recharge, Scandinave Spa is a implausible place for a romantic getaway. Surrounded by forest, it’s the proper 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 had been shocked at how enjoyable and accessible it was. You can too hire canoes close by and luxuriate in quiet stretches of water.
In the event you’re craving a little bit of journey, Ganaraska Forest is a wild approach to spend the day. Situated simply over an hour from Toronto, it’s the place we went to get our first style of dust 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 house to the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and a community of strolling trails that result in scenic picnic areas. It’s a kind of locations that flies below the radar however is certainly 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 definitely 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 high choose for households visiting Toronto.
In the event you’re an animal lover, don’t miss the petting zoo in KidZville. From thrill rides to stress-free by the water, you possibly can simply spend a complete day right here.
7. Stratford
Stratford is considered one of Ontario’s most charming cities, and we’ve been making journeys right here for years. Recognized for its Shakespearean theatre and romantic getaway vibes, the city additionally boasts native retailers, quaint cafés, a rose backyard, and beautiful artwork galleries.
There’s a robust arts and culinary scene right here, too. Between the historic structure, boutique motels, and native meals markets, Stratford is a day journey that blends tradition and attraction with out making an attempt too onerous. And when you’re fortunate sufficient to catch a present, that’s the cherry on high.
8. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a world-class vacation spot that’s surprisingly doable in a day. The Canadian aspect of Horseshoe Falls presents guests a more in-depth and extra highly effective view than the American Falls. From the CN Tower to the falls, that is the sort of day journey that also wows us, irrespective of what number of instances we go.
Guide 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. Once you’re accomplished, stroll Clifton Hill or hop aboard the Hornblower cruise for up-close spray and selfies.
It’s solely 90 minutes away, and when you time it proper, you possibly can 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 presents small-town attraction, boutique wineries, and the enduring Shaw Competition. Primary 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 sort of place you’ll need to linger slightly longer.
You possibly can simply mix a Niagara Falls journey with Niagara-on-the-Lake. They’re solely 20 minutes aside. You possibly can guide day excursions to Niagara on the Lake and see its high sights.
10. Muskoka
With its rolling hills, glowing lakes, and iconic docks, Muskoka is the perfect 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 purple and gold. In summer season, Friday Harbour can also 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 odor of pine timber and campfires. We’ve spent complete days paddling on Lake Muskoka, mountaineering by 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 attraction, with native cafés, breweries, and retailers price trying out 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 recognition—and for good purpose. 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 refined little city with boutiques, bakeries, and one severely stunning pedestrian sq. referred to as the Elora Mews. You’ll need to seize a espresso and simply wander.
The Elora Gorge is the actual showstopper. The cliffs tower above the Grand River and the mountaineering trails provide you with postcard-worthy views at each flip. In the event you’re into tubing or kayaking, deliver 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 motion pictures, but it surely’s even higher in individual.
12. Paris
We may be slightly biased, however Paris is without doubt one of 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 city, and we’re typically out on it with our paddleboards or kayaks. After a number of hours on the water, we’ll often cease for lunch at Stillwaters or Camp 31, then stroll by the downtown strip to browse the retailers. It’s one avenue, but it surely packs a punch.
In the event you’re a bike owner, deliver your bike. You possibly can experience all the best way to Brantford and even Ancaster alongside related trails that weave by the countryside. And earlier than you permit, swing by the Wincey Mills Marketplace for native cheese, baked items, and small-batch every little thing. It’s our go-to Saturday morning spot.
13. Brantford
Only a brief 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 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 when you’re feeling fortunate, however actually, the actual jackpot is spending a day exploring two river cities which have extra to supply than most individuals notice.
14. Hardwood Hills
Hardwood Hills is the place we go after we need to really feel like children once more—flying by the forest on mountain bikes, getting coated in dust, and laughing the entire means. It’s about 90 minutes from Toronto and it’s one of many high spots in Ontario for cross-country biking.
We’ve spent numerous days right here tackling every little thing from mellow inexperienced trails to tight, rooty singletrack. In the event you’re new to mountain biking, don’t fear. They hire gear and provide classes, so you possibly can 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 have to pack lunch. Simply deliver 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 full of scenic hikes, strolling trails, and an excellent 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 attraction 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 when you’re touring with children or animal lovers.
Kitchener-Waterloo has all the time flown slightly below the radar, but it surely’s quietly grow to be considered one of our favourite day journeys from Toronto. Simply over an hour away, this twin-city hub blends old-world attraction with cutting-edge innovation. You’ve obtained Google and Blackberry places of work on one aspect of city and Mennonite markets and horse-drawn buggies on the opposite.
Whilst you’re on the market, try the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory or take a stroll by the historic city of Galt. We’ve even cycled all the best way right here from Paris alongside the Grand River trails—when you’re feeling formidable, it’s an exquisite experience.
17. Wasaga Seaside
Want a seashore break? Wasaga Seaside presents an extended sandy shoreline and nice summer season power. Wasaga Seaside is a summer season traditional. It’s about an hour and 40 minutes from Toronto and residential to the longest freshwater seashore on the planet. 14 kilometers of soppy sand and shallow, heat water. Once we’re within the temper for a correct seashore day with out driving all the best way 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, deliver a cooler, and settle in for the afternoon.
18. Port Dover
Port Dover is a kind of locations that also looks like a correct old-school seashore city. We used to drive right here from Toronto simply to get a sizzling canine at The Arbor and sit by the water. And actually, 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 seashore city vibe.
The city has a chill vibe with a sandy seashore, a pier that’s good for sundown walks, and sufficient little retailers and cafés to maintain you busy. In the event you’re into quirky finds, spend a while shopping 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 replenish your bar at house. 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 when you’ve ever questioned what traditional Canadian cottage nation appears to be like like, that is it. It’s about 90 minutes from Toronto, and there’s extra to do right here than you would possibly anticipate.
We all the time make a degree of stopping by Lock 21, the world’s highest hydraulic carry lock. It sounds technical, but it surely’s really actually cool to look at boats rise and fall like they’re on a theme park experience. In the event you’re into paddling, the Trent-Severn Waterway is a scenic stretch to discover by canoe or kayak. For one thing really distinctive, go to the Girl Immaculate statue for a scenic lookout level.
The Canadian Canoe Museum can also 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 transferring.
Peterborough additionally has a rising meals and humanities scene. Considered one of our favourite stops is the Whetung Ojibwa Centre, which helps native artists and has a beautiful 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 often make it a full-day loop, hitting the vineyards, sandy shores, and small cities alongside the best way.
Begin with a morning drive by the backroads to catch the lavender and sunflower fields in bloom. They’re wildly photogenic, however be respectful, take your pictures 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 large attracts for seashore 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 full of boutique wineries, and most provide tastings. We have a tendency to depart with a number of new bottles for the rack and quite a lot of new favorites. In the event you’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 accomplished it greater than as soon as, particularly after we’re craving nature with a capital N.
In the event you go away early, you possibly can nonetheless squeeze in a full day of mountaineering, paddling, or moose recognizing earlier than heading again. Oxtongue Lake is a superb place to begin for rookies, and if you wish to dip your toes into backcountry life with out committing to a full tenting journey, Algonquin Outfitters presents wonderful 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 planet to see moose within the wild. We’ve noticed them in conjunction with the street greater than as soon as, simply hanging out prefer it’s no large deal.
You received’t see every little 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 car parking zone. No automotive? Guide this Toronto to Algonquin Provincial Park non-public Tour.
22. Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park
We’re pushing the bounds of a day journey right here, however when you’re up for an extended drive and a full day open air, 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 house to among the clearest water in Ontario and among the finest mountaineering within the province. The Grotto in Tobermory is the star of the present, a cave full of turquoise water that appears prefer it belongs in Greece.
We’ve spent days right here mountain climbing at Lion’s Head, mountaineering alongside the Bruce Path, and snorkeling shipwrecks in Fathom 5 Nationwide Marine Park. In the event you’re a scuba diver, Tobermory is a bucket listing spot with chilly, clear water and sunken schooners ready to be explored. We often advocate this one as an in a single day, however when you go away earlier than dawn and don’t thoughts getting house late, it’s doable, and unforgettable.
23. The Toronto Islands
You don’t even want to depart 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 take pleasure in skyline views of downtown Toronto. It’s open year-round, and in the course of the summer season months, it turns into a high vacation spot for each locals and vacationers alike. The Toronto Islands are the very best 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 high attraction for animal lovers. We don’t usually advocate zoos, however the Toronto Zoo is without doubt one of the finest on the planet. House to over 5,000 unique animals and an excellent possibility for households visiting Toronto, you possibly can simply spend a full day exploring the varied areas. It’s additionally close to Rouge Park when you’re wanting so as to add a hike to your outing.
Ultimate 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 outdoors the town.
Earlier than heading out, try 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 sights are seasonal.
Able to go? Pack the automotive, seize your digicam, and let Ontario shock you.
FAQ – Day Journeys from Toronto
A few of the high day journeys from Toronto below 2 hours embody Niagara Falls, Elora, Stratford, Paris, Wasaga Seaside, 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 can be reached by bus or practice. You possibly can simply go to high sights 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 wonderful selections for nature escapes below 90 minutes from Toronto. For an even bigger journey, head to Algonquin Park or the Bruce Peninsula.
Sure, you possibly can attain locations like Niagara Falls, Hamilton, and St. Jacobs by GO Transit, VIA Rail, or coach excursions. Nonetheless, a lot 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 when you begin early and plan to remain out late.
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