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 unbelievable locations to discover only a brief drive from the town. The most effective 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 search out journey. From 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.
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 house in meal time. Should you’re brief on time however huge on wanderlust, these are the highest 25 Toronto day journeys so as to add to your weekend plans.
1. Milton – Good Day Journey for Nature Lovers
Milton is one in all our favourite simple day journeys from Toronto, and it’s solely about 40 minutes away. It’s the sort of place the place you may go from metropolis 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 outside enjoyable. Within the winter, we’ve snowboarded and snowshoed right here, and in the summertime, it’s all about climbing and mountain biking. There’s a incredible scenic lookout level on the prime with sweeping views of the encircling rolling hills.
Milton sits proper on the Bruce Path, so the climbing is incredible. 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. In order for you a difficult hike, you may sort out the Satan’s Punchbowl.
2. Hamilton Waterfalls
Hamilton is just not 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. Should you’ve obtained a full day, you may simply slot in a couple of of them and nonetheless have time for a brewery cease or two on the town. Should you’re trying to find the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls, it’s price a slight detour.
Spencer Gorge Conservation Space provides unbelievable views, particularly through the fall. We at all times advocate 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 finished it as a day journey extra instances than we are able to depend. In winter, we’re normally snowboarding down the slopes, and in the summertime, it’s all about climbing, biking, or simply wandering by way of Blue Mountain Village with an ice cream in hand.
Different points of interest round Blue Mountain embody the Scenic Caves in Collingwood, which was one in all our first Toronto day journeys. There’s a suspension bridge, ziplining, and caves to discover. Close by scenic hikes supply guests a few of the finest views within the space.
Should you’re in want of a recharge, Scandinave Spa is a incredible 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
Positioned simply over an hour from the town, Ganaraska Forest is an off-the-grid gem excellent for outside journey. We took a dust biking course with Path Excursions and had been shocked at how enjoyable and accessible it was. You may also hire canoes close by and revel in quiet stretches of water.
Should you’re craving a little bit of journey, Ganaraska Forest is a wild method to spend the day. Positioned 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 house 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 contemporary air—and the suspension bridge alone is well worth the drive.
6. Canada’s Wonderland
Positioned 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 decide for households visiting Toronto.
Should you’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 whole day right here.
7. Stratford
Stratford is one in all 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 outlets, quaint cafés, a rose backyard, and beautiful artwork galleries.
There’s a powerful arts and culinary scene right here, too. Between the historic structure, boutique lodges, 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 prime.
8. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a world-class vacation spot that’s surprisingly doable in a day. The Canadian aspect of Horseshoe Falls provides 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, regardless 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. Once you’re finished, 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 with no need 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 attraction, boutique wineries, and the enduring Shaw Competition. Important Road 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 sort of place you’ll need to linger a bit longer.
You’ll be able to simply mix a Niagara Falls journey with Niagara-on-the-Lake. They’re solely 20 minutes aside. You’ll be able to guide 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 perfect outside 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 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. Suppose winding roads, crystal-clear lakes, and that unmistakable odor of pine timber and campfires. We’ve spent complete days paddling on Lake Muskoka, climbing 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 attraction, with native cafés, breweries, and outlets price testing earlier than you head again to the town.
11. Elora
Elora has at all times been a little bit of a secret spot, although it’s positively gaining in recognition—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 cultured little city with boutiques, bakeries, and one significantly stunning pedestrian sq. known as the Elora Mews. You’ll need to seize a espresso and simply wander.
The Elora Gorge is the true showstopper. The cliffs tower above the Grand River and the climbing trails provide you with postcard-worthy views at each flip. Should you’re into tubing or kayaking, carry 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 couple of Hollywood films, but it surely’s even higher in particular person.
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 couple 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 outlets. It’s one avenue, but it surely packs a punch.
Should you’re a bicycle owner, carry your bike. You’ll be able to trip all the best way 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 part. 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 fantastically 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 actually, 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 after we need to really feel like children once more—flying by way of the forest on mountain bikes, getting coated in grime, and laughing the entire approach. 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 part from mellow inexperienced trails to tight, rooty singletrack. Should you’re new to mountain biking, don’t fear. They hire gear and supply 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 have to pack lunch. Simply carry 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 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 trendy 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 children or animal lovers.
Kitchener-Waterloo has at all times flown a bit underneath the radar, but it surely’s quietly turn into one in all 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 workplaces on one aspect of city and Mennonite markets and horse-drawn buggies on the opposite.
When you’re on the market, try the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory or take a stroll by way 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 a stupendous trip.
17. Wasaga Seaside
Want a seashore break? Wasaga Seaside provides a protracted sandy shoreline and nice summer time vitality. Wasaga Seaside is a summer time basic. 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, carry 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 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 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 basic 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. Should you’re into quirky finds, spend a while shopping 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 couple of wineries or brewpubs, and refill your bar at house. It’s a laid-back day that at all times ends with full stomachs and clinking bottles within the trunk. Take a look at TripAdvisor for a listing 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 basic 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 at all times make a degree of stopping by Lock 21, the world’s highest hydraulic elevate lock. It sounds technical, but it surely’s truly actually cool to look at boats rise and fall like they’re on a theme park trip. Should 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 Woman 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 suppose 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 best way.
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 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 filled with boutique wineries, and most supply tastings. We have a tendency to depart with a couple of new bottles for the rack and various new favorites. Should you’re a cider fan, there are alternatives for that too. Whether or not you’re planning a romantic getaway or in search of 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 finished it greater than as soon as, particularly after we’re craving nature with a capital N.
Should you depart early, you may nonetheless squeeze in a full day of climbing, paddling, or moose recognizing earlier than heading again. Oxtongue Lake is a superb place to begin for freshmen, 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 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 huge deal.
You received’t see every part 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 bounds of a day journey right here, however if you happen to’re up for a protracted drive and a full day outdoor, 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 a few of the clearest water in Ontario and a few of the finest climbing within the province. The Grotto in Tobermory is the star of the present, a cave crammed with turquoise water that appears prefer it belongs in Greece.
We’ve spent days right here mountaineering at Lion’s Head, climbing alongside the Bruce Path, and snorkeling shipwrecks in Fathom 5 Nationwide Marine Park. Should you’re a scuba diver, Tobermory is a bucket record spot with chilly, clear water and sunken schooners ready to be explored. We normally advocate this one as an in a single day, however if you happen to depart 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 get pleasure from skyline views of downtown Toronto. It’s open year-round, and through the summer time 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 basic metropolis skyline of Toronto is taken from right here.
24. Bonus: The Toronto Zoo
Positioned within the jap finish of the town, the Toronto Zoo is a prime attraction for animal lovers. We don’t usually advocate zoos, however the Toronto Zoo is among the finest on the planet. House to over 5,000 unique animals and an excellent choice for households visiting Toronto, you may 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.
Ultimate Ideas
Whether or not you’re planning your first go to or simply trying 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 outdoors the town.
Earlier than heading out, try St. Lawrence Marketplace for snacks and picnic gear. And don’t neglect to verify 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 few of the prime day journeys from Toronto underneath 2 hours embody Niagara Falls, Elora, Stratford, Paris, Wasaga Seaside, 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 automotive and may also be reached by bus or prepare. You’ll be able to 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 an even 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. Nonetheless, a lot of the scenic parks and conservation areas are finest accessed by automotive.
The Bruce Peninsula is the farthest really useful day journey, about 3.5 to 4 hours away. It’s a protracted drive however doable if you happen to begin early and plan to remain out late.
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