On the lookout for the finest 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 search 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 residence in supper time. When 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 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 site visitors to forest trails in beneath 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 mountaineering 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 mountaineering is implausible. One among 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. If you’d like a difficult hike, you may sort out the Satan’s Punchbowl.
2. Hamilton Waterfalls
Hamilton will not be 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 number of the best-known falls are Webster’s Falls, Albion Falls, and Tews Falls. When you’ve acquired a full day, you may simply slot in just a few of them and nonetheless have time for a brewery cease or two on the town. When you’re trying to find the picturesque Bridal Veil Falls, it’s value a slight detour.
Spencer Gorge Conservation Space gives unimaginable views, particularly in the course of the fall. We at all times suggest reserving your time slot forward. Throughout 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 performed it as a day journey extra occasions than we will depend. 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 embrace 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 provide guests a number of the finest views within the space.
When 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
Positioned simply over an hour from the town, Ganaraska Forest is an off-the-grid gem good for out of doors journey. We took a dust biking course with Path Excursions and had been shocked at how enjoyable and accessible it was. It’s also possible to lease canoes close by and luxuriate in quiet stretches of water.
When you’re craving a little bit of journey, Ganaraska Forest is a wild approach to spend the day. Positioned 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 residence 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 beneath the radar however is unquestionably value 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 high choose for households visiting Toronto.
When you’re an animal lover, don’t miss the petting zoo in KidZville. From thrill rides to enjoyable 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. Identified 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 resorts, and native meals markets, Stratford is a day journey that blends tradition and allure with out making an attempt too laborious. And for those who’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 sort of day journey that also wows us, irrespective of what number of occasions we go.
Guide a small group tour or lease a automotive and hit all of the highlights like Journey Behind the Falls, White Water Stroll, and the Niagara SkyWheel. Whenever you’re performed, stroll Clifton Hill or hop aboard the Hornblower cruise for up-close spray and selfies.
It’s solely 90 minutes away, and for those who 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. Verify Niagara Day Excursions Right here.
9. Niagara-on-the-Lake
This historic city on Lake Ontario gives small-town allure, boutique wineries, and the enduring Shaw Competition. Primary 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 high sights.
10. Muskoka
With its rolling hills, glowing lakes, and iconic docks, Muskoka is the best out of doors exercise vacation spot. Hire canoes, pack a picnic, or simply benefit from the views. Throughout the fall, it turns into a painter’s palette of crimson and gold. In summer season, Friday Harbour can also be value 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 scent of pine bushes and campfires. We’ve spent entire 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 allure, with native cafés, breweries, and outlets value 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 reputation—and for good cause. 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 significantly lovely pedestrian sq. referred to 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 mountaineering trails provide you with postcard-worthy views at each flip. When you’re into tubing or kayaking, convey your gear or lease some on the town—it’s the most effective spots for river adventures in southern Ontario.
And sure, the Elora Quarry has been in just a few Hollywood motion pictures, but it surely’s even higher in individual.
12. Paris
We may be a bit biased, however Paris is without doubt one of 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 city, and we’re usually out on it with our paddleboards or kayaks. After just a few hours on the water, we’ll often cease for lunch at Stillwaters or Camp 31, then stroll by the downtown strip to browse the outlets. It’s one avenue, but it surely packs a punch.
When you’re a bike owner, convey your bike. You’ll be able to experience all the way in which to Brantford and even Ancaster alongside linked 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 all the pieces. 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 telephone 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 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 for those who’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 need to really feel like children once more—flying by the forest on mountain bikes, getting coated in dust, 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 all the pieces from mellow inexperienced trails to tight, rooty singletrack. When you’re new to mountain biking, don’t fear. They lease 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 acquired a stable cafeteria too, so no have to 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 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 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 for those who’re touring with children or animal lovers.
Kitchener-Waterloo has at all times flown a bit beneath the radar, but it surely’s quietly turn out to be one in all 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 acquired 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, take a look at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory or take a stroll by the historic city of Galt. We’ve even cycled all the way in which right here from Paris alongside the Grand River trails—for those who’re feeling bold, it’s a phenomenal experience.
17. Wasaga Seaside
Want a seaside break? Wasaga Seaside gives an extended sandy shoreline and nice summer season power. Wasaga Seaside is a summer season basic. It’s about an hour and 40 minutes from Toronto and residential to the longest freshwater seaside on the planet. 14 kilometers of soppy sand and shallow, heat water. After 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 chew at a beachside diner, convey 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 seaside city. We used to drive right here from Toronto simply to get a sizzling 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 acquired that basic 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 outlets and cafés to maintain you busy. When 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 just a few wineries or brewpubs, and replenish your bar at residence. 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 for those who’ve ever puzzled what basic 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 count on.
We at all times make some extent of stopping by Lock 21, the world’s highest hydraulic elevate 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. When 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 among 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 way in which.
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 photographs from the sting and don’t trample the crops. That good Instagram shot isn’t value ruining somebody’s harvest.
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