Dylan YoungToronto is the fourth largest city in North America, so it’s no wonder that there are plenty of options for day trips and quick getaways. If you need a quick escape from the city hustle, you’re in the right place!
Our guide dishes out the best day trips for spontaneous getaways. From scenic hikes to charming towns, these nearby gems offer the perfect break. Let’s hit the road and discover the wonders just beyond Toronto’s doorstep!
Embark On a Journey to Niagara Falls
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 26 min
Website: https://niagarafalls.ca/
Address: 6650 Niagara Parkway, (River Rd) Niagara Falls, ON L2G 0L0
Contact details: 905-356-7521
Niagara Falls is like Canada’s claim to fame, and it’s definitely a spot you don’t wanna miss if you’re into nature or just wanna check out something awesome.
It’s right there on the western side of the Niagara River in Southern Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe area. You can hop on an elevator to get down to a spot where you’ll definitely feel the mist from the falls.
There’s this trio of waterfalls that you’ll see, and trust us, you’re gonna get soaked. Hornblower Niagara Cruises and the Maid of the Mist are the big names for taking this crazy ride.
| Pro tip: Opt for the Cave of the Winds because you get to reach out and touch the Bridal Veil Falls from the Hurricane Deck. |
Explore Stratford
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 51 min
Website: https://www.stratford.ca/en/index.aspx
Address: Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Contact details: 519-271-0250
Stratford, famous for its yearly Stratford Festival and as the hometown of singer Justin Bieber, is a pretty unique spot with these old Victorian streets that are packed with cafés, bistros, and cool shops.
It’s like a hub for theater, music, and art. The old buildings from the 1800s and all the parks and gardens give it this really charming vibe.
You can wander around Shakespeare Gardens, catch a play at Tom Patterson Theatre, check out the art at Gallery Stratford, or just chill by the Avon River, which is always filled with swans.
| Pro tip: It’s a good idea to drop by here from April to October so you can check out the Stratford Festival. |
Escape to Elora
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 31 min
Website: https://www.elora.info/
Address: Elora, Ontario, Canada
Contact details: https://www.elora.info/contact-us
Elora is famous for its old limestone buildings from the 1800s and the awesome Elora Gorge, which is pretty important in terms of geography. It’s a town that’s all about mixing nature, history, and culture.
Seriously, every corner you turn is just so picturesque, especially downtown. You’ve gotta wander around the town and take a stroll along the riverbanks. There’s so much to see and snap photos of.
And then there’s the Elora Mill, which is just beautiful. It used to be a grist mill way back in the 1800s, but now it’s this newly renovated spot right on the edge of the Grand River, with a fancy hotel, spa, and restaurant.
| Pro tip: This quaint neighborhood is so picturesque so make sure to ready your camera to capture all the charming details. |
Discover Toronto Islands
Distance from Toronto: 30 min
Website: https://www.torontoisland.com/
Address: Lake Ontario, Canada
Contact details: 416-203-0405
The Toronto Islands, also known as Toronto Island Park, sit right in Lake Ontario and are actually a bunch of islands grouped together, like Ward’s Island, Centre Island, and Hanlan’s Point.
From the Islands, you can get this awesome view of the Toronto skyline, which is where everyone snaps their obligatory photo of the CN Tower and Rogers Centre.
In total, there are 15 small islands making up the Toronto Islands, just off the mainland. They’re super easy to walk around and just chill out on.
| Pro tip: Make your way to the rear of the boat on the top deck to catch the most stunning views of the Toronto skyline while en route to the islands. |
Experience Muskoka Lakes
Distance from Toronto: 2 hr 31 min
Website: https://www.muskokalakes.ca/en/index.aspx
Address: 5 Joseph St 2nd Flr Muskoka Lakes, ON Canada P0B 1J0
Contact details: 705-765-3156
Muskoka is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and delightful lakeside towns. It’s famous for its cozy cottages by the lake, beautiful forests, rocky shores, and iconic parks.
This area is home to around 80 lakes, along with 77 other large and small lakes. Among them, the three main lakes, Muskoka, Rosseau, and Joseph, are what really define the Muskoka experience.
Located just north of Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, the Muskoka District stretches from the southeastern shores of Georgian Bay all the way to Algonquin Provincial Park.
| Pro tip: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to avoid the summer tourist rush and experience Muskoka’s natural beauty in a more peaceful setting. |
Immerse Yourself in the Charm of Niagara on the Lake
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 40 min
Website: https://www.niagaraonthelake.com/
Address: 14 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
Contact details: [email protected]
What really brings people to Niagara-on-the-Lake is the Ontario Wine Country. There are nearly 40 wineries in the area, many of them producing wines that have won awards internationally and are known for their unique Niagara flavors.
Just a short 20 kilometers away from the Horseshoe Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake makes for an ideal day trip from Toronto.
It’s a place where you can stroll around easily, checking out the boutique shops, admiring the cast-iron planters overflowing with flowers, and even hopping on a horse-drawn carriage for a charming ride.
| Pro tip: Grab a meal early since there are frequently queues to enter, and eateries typically close early. |
Retreat to Blue Mountain Village
Distance from Toronto: 2 hr 11 min
Website: https://bluemountainvillage.ca/
Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 3Z2, Canada
Contact details: +1 705-444-7398
Tucked away on the shores of Georgian Bay, The Blue Mountains stands out as one of Ontario’s top vacation spots all year round.
The village itself is a quaint cobblestoned pedestrian area, surrounded by classic Ontario architecture from the turn of the century.
It’s snugly situated between the lovely towns of Collingwood and Thornbury, right at the base of Blue Mountain, the largest mountain resort in Ontario.
Blue Mountain Resort is famous for being one of the best places for skiing in Ontario, boasting 42 runs, twelve lifts, and three freestyle terrains. It’s a real hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts.
| Pro tip: During the warmer months, we strongly suggest riding the Open Air Gondola up the mountain for an unforgettable experience. |
Retreat to Prince Edward County
Distance from Toronto: 2 hr 18 min
Website: https://www.thecounty.ca/
Address: Prince Edward, Ontario, Canada
Contact details: 613-476-2148
Prince Edward County is a beloved vacation destination thanks to its amazing wineries, beautiful sandy beaches, and cozy boutique places to stay.
It’s all about exploring charming small towns with their antique shops, art galleries, and delicious farm-to-table dining experiences.
When you’re here, you’ve gotta hit the water and check out the sandy beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park or Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park.
Plus, if you’re around from spring to fall, make sure to swing by the Wellington Farmers’ Market on Saturdays or the Picton Farmers’ Market on Sundays.
| Pro tip: Consider dining either early or late in the day if you plan to eat at wineries or explore Picton, Bloomfield, or Wellington for food options. |
Trek through Algonquin Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 3 hr 5 min
Website: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/algonquin
Address: Ontario 60, Ontario K0J 2M0, Canada
Contact details: +1 705-633-5572
Nestled between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, Algonquin Provincial Park is a real gem for nature lovers, whether they’re Canadian or visiting from abroad.
This park spans over 7,000 square kilometers of untouched wilderness and boasts more than 1,500 inland lakes.
It’s a hiker’s paradise with 14 designated trails to explore, and for those who love to paddle, there are over 2,000 canoe routes winding through the park’s stunning landscapes.
| Pro tip: To enter the park, you’ll need a permit. If you’re not camping overnight, make sure to purchase a day use pass. |
Hang out at Wasaga Beach
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 55 min
Website: https://wasagabeachtourism.com/
Address: 4, 30 24th St N, Wasaga Beach
Contact details: 705-429-3844
Situated along the longest freshwater beach in the world, Wasaga Beach is a popular summer tourist destination. Its long, sandy beach lies on Nottawasaga Bay, with views of the rugged Niagara Escarpment.
It’s known for canoe routes on the winding Nottawasaga River. It’s really a great day trip from Toronto for the whole family.
You can go skydiving, have fun at Wasaga Adventure Park, or learn about the warship HMS Nancy during the War of 1812 at Nancy Island Historic Site.
| Pro tip: When you’re at Beach Areas Three to Six further west, there are no food options on or near the beach. It’s crucial to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy. |
