Searching for the greatest 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 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 have to go far to seek out journey. From mountain climbing 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.
Finest 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 residence in supper time. In the event you’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 certainly one of our favourite simple day journeys from Toronto, and it’s solely about 40 minutes away. It’s the form of place the place you possibly can go from metropolis visitors to forest trails in below an hour. After 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 mountain climbing and mountain biking. There’s a implausible scenic lookout level on the high with sweeping views of the encircling rolling hills.
Milton sits proper on the Bruce Path, so the mountain climbing is implausible. One in every 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 acquired Rattlesnake Level and Mount Nemo. These spots are a dream for rock climbers and hikers. In order for you a difficult hike, you possibly can deal with the Satan’s Punchbowl.
2. Hamilton Waterfalls
Hamilton will not be the primary place that involves thoughts if 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 acquired 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 attempting to find the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls, it’s price a slight detour.
Spencer Gorge Conservation Space gives unimaginable views, particularly in the course of the fall. We all the time suggest reserving your time slot forward. Through the summer time 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 executed it as a day journey extra occasions than we are able to depend. In winter, we’re often snowboarding down the slopes, and in the summertime, it’s all about mountain climbing, biking, or simply wandering by means of Blue Mountain Village with an ice cream in hand.
Different sights round Blue Mountain embrace the Scenic Caves in Collingwood, which was certainly one of our first Toronto day journeys. There’s a suspension bridge, ziplining, and caves to discover. Close by scenic hikes supply guests a number of the greatest 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 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 excellent 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 even lease 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 grime 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 residence 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 below 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 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 whole day right here.
7. Stratford
Stratford is certainly one 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 outlets, quaint cafés, a rose backyard, and wonderful artwork galleries.
There’s a powerful 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 attraction with out making an attempt too laborious. And if you happen to’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 gives guests a better and extra highly effective view than the American Falls. From the CN Tower to the falls, that is the form of day journey that also wows us, regardless of what number of occasions we go.
E book a small group tour or lease a automobile and hit all of the highlights like Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Stroll, and the Niagara SkyWheel. If you’re executed, 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 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 gives small-town attraction, boutique wineries, and the enduring Shaw Competition. Important Avenue is lined with quaint outlets 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 form 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 high 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 crimson and gold. In summer time, 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 one million miles away. Assume winding roads, crystal-clear lakes, and that unmistakable odor of pine bushes and campfires. We’ve spent entire days paddling on Lake Muskoka, mountain climbing by means 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 attraction, with native cafés, breweries, and outlets 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 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 excellent 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 critically stunning pedestrian sq. referred to 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 mountain climbing trails offer you postcard-worthy views at each flip. In the event you’re into tubing or kayaking, deliver your gear or lease some on the town—it’s among the finest spots for river adventures in southern Ontario.
And sure, the Elora Quarry has been in a number of Hollywood motion pictures, however it’s even higher in particular person.
12. Paris
We may be a bit biased, however Paris is among the prettiest small cities in Ontario, and now that we reside 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 means of 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 means of the downtown strip to browse the outlets. It’s one avenue, however it packs a punch.
In the event you’re a bicycle owner, deliver your bike. You possibly can journey all the best way to Brantford and even Ancaster alongside related trails that weave by means of 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 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 fantastically preserved and surprisingly enjoyable to tour.
The Grand River flows by means 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 means of the forest on mountain bikes, getting lined in grime, and laughing the entire method. 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 lease gear and supply 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 acquired a strong 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 a terrific 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 if you happen to’re touring with youngsters or animal lovers.
Kitchener-Waterloo has all the time flown a bit below the radar, however it’s quietly grow to be certainly 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 acquired Google and Blackberry places of work on one aspect 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 means of the historic city of Galt. We’ve even cycled all the best way right here from Paris alongside the Grand River trails—if you happen to’re feeling formidable, it’s an exquisite journey.
17. Wasaga Seashore
Want a seashore break? Wasaga Seashore gives an extended sandy shoreline and nice summer time vitality. Wasaga Seashore is a summer time traditional. It’s about an hour and 40 minutes from Toronto and residential to the longest freshwater seashore on this planet. 14 kilometers of soppy sand and shallow, heat water. After 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 type of locations that also seems like a correct old-school seashore 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 reproduction. It’s acquired that traditional Ontario seashore city vibe.
The city has a chill vibe with a sandy seashore, a pier that’s excellent for sundown walks, and sufficient little outlets and cafés to maintain you busy. In the event you’re into quirky finds, spend a while searching the native antiques and classic outlets.
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 refill your bar at residence. It’s a laid-back day that all the time ends with full stomachs and clinking bottles within the trunk. Take a look at 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 puzzled what traditional Canadian cottage nation seems 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 look at boats rise and fall like they’re on a theme park journey. 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. One in every 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 means 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 excellent 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 imagine we’re not someplace tropical.
And naturally, the wine. Prince Edward County is full of boutique wineries, and most supply tastings. We have a tendency to depart with a number of new bottles for the rack and various 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 on the lookout for journey ideas for visiting Toronto’s greatest 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 executed it greater than as soon as, particularly once we’re craving nature with a capital N.
In the event you depart early, you possibly can nonetheless squeeze in a full day of mountain climbing, paddling, or moose recognizing earlier than heading again. Oxtongue Lake is a good start line for novices, and if you wish to dip your toes into backcountry life with out committing to a full tenting journey, Algonquin Outfitters gives glorious one-day guided excursions .
This park is very large, over 7,600 sq. kilometers of wilderness, and it’s among the finest locations on this planet 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 gained’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 parking zone. No automobile? E book 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 if you happen to’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 residence to a number of the clearest water in Ontario and a number of the greatest mountain climbing 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 mountaineering at Lion’s Head, mountain climbing 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 suggest this one as an in a single day, however if you happen to depart earlier than dawn and don’t thoughts getting residence 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 get pleasure from skyline views of downtown Toronto. It’s open year-round, and in the course of the summer time months, it turns into a high vacation spot for each locals and vacationers alike. The Toronto Islands are the very best place to soak up 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 suggest zoos, however the Toronto Zoo is among the greatest on this planet. Residence to over 5,000 unique animals and a terrific possibility for households visiting Toronto, you possibly can simply spend a full day exploring the assorted areas. It’s additionally close to Rouge Park if you happen to’re wanting so as to add a hike to your outing.
Last Ideas
Whether or not you’re planning your first go to or simply seeking to discover extra of your individual yard, these day journeys from Toronto supply 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 examine ferry and park schedules, many locations are open year-round, however some sights are seasonal.
Able to go? Pack the automobile, 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 embrace Niagara Falls, Elora, Stratford, Paris, Wasaga Seashore, Caledon, Hamilton, and St. Jacobs. These locations supply a mixture of nature, meals, tradition, and enjoyable.
Sure, completely. Niagara Falls is simply 90 minutes from Toronto by automobile and may also be reached by bus or prepare. 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 glorious selections for nature escapes below 90 minutes from Toronto. For a much 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 greatest accessed by automobile.
The Bruce Peninsula is the farthest beneficial 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: