Being able to venture out on so many day trips from Toronto is just another reason to visit this beautiful city—the largest metropolitan area in Canada.
I’m all about a good day trip! It’s the best way to take full advantage of a travel destination and discover all of the gems that are right around the corner.
So when you’re visiting Toronto, be sure check out these 8 day trips that I highly recommend!
8 Day Trips from Toronto
1. Niagara Falls
If Niagara Falls is not THE reason you’ve traveled to Toronto, you definitely need to find a space in your itinerary to visit these magnificent falls. It’s just a short 2-hour drive away, and one of seven natural wonders of the world, so there’s really no excuse.
Whether you decide to view the rip-roaring Niagara Falls up close from a Hornblower cruise boat that goes up to the base, or from the tunnels behind the falls, or for a bird’s eye view from the Skylon Tower, or simply going on the many Niagara Falls tours, this is one of the most Instagram-able moments you’ll ever have—so don’t miss it!
There’s also the super charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake in the area just beyond the falls.
Did you know that the Niagara region is also famous for its wine and vineyards? To really soak up the full Niagara experience, you can book a winery tour.
2. Algonquin Provincial Park
Calling all nature lovers! Possible encounters with moose, wolves, beavers, deer, and other native Canadian wildlife are less than a three hour drive away.
It’s easy to spend a full day here at Algonquin Provincial Park, hiking any of the 22 trails that range from easy one-milers to extensive +50-mile treks.
You can also grab a kayak and glide into the lake to get a waterside glimpse of the gorgeous scenery.
This is an enormous park with a lot of nature to see. So camping is a great option and you’ll get some beautiful sunrises or sunsets.
3. Blue Mountain
For skiers, this is a must-do day trip in the winter.
Blue Mountain is known for being one of the best ski resorts in southern Ontario and well worth the 2 ½ hour drive from Toronto. It’s just as beautiful outside of ski season, so it’s actually a great day trip year-round.
In the warmer months, the place is packed with adventure seekers ready to mountain bike, hike, and zip-line their way through Blue Mountain.
There’s also plenty of shopping, great restaurants, and leisurely activities for those who just want to chill and hang out in Blue Mountain Village.
4. Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area
Rock climb, get a good stretch at Yoga in the Park, go on a day hike among ancient cedars that are over a thousand years old—these are just a few reasons to carve out free time to visit Rattlesnake Point.
For an intensely adventurous day, experienced rock climbers can take on some serious cliffs at any of the three designated climbing sites.
From Toronto, you can get there in under an hour. Don’t miss another Canadian opportunity to see Mother Nature at her finest!
5. Dundas Peak
For more awesome Insta-worthy pics, you’ll get plenty from the breathtaking views you’ll get hiking Dundas Peak.
In the fall, the bird’s eye view of the blanket of yellow, orange, green, and brown treetops is unreal. In the winter, frozen waterfalls make for an amazing sight too!
This is a popular spot, so don’t expect to have the trail to yourself. With a manageable distance and difficulty level, this 1.8km loop trail that takes you along the Niagara Escarpment is well worth any effort.
6. Wasaga Beach
If you’re in a beach mood, Wasaga Beach is the place you want to be. Between its white sand, shallow waters, it’s a cool way to spend a warm summer day.
For a little beach break, go to the nearby town for an ice cream or grab a bite at one of the many restaurants you’ll find.
The place gets pretty lively in the summer months, so you’ll be sure to find plenty of activity.
7. Sandbanks Provincial Park
If having a chill beach experience with no crowds is more your style, then head to Prince Edward County. Here you’ll find Sandbank Provincial Park, known for its enormous sand dunes.
There are three beach sections to choose from, some with more shallow water for paddling and some with deeper waters for serious swimming.
It’ll probably be easy to find a quiet corner with few people around, so if you’re looking for a romantic spot with your other half, Sandbanks is a good idea.
8. St. Jacob’s Farmers’ Market
I love a good farmers’ market. St. Jacobs Farmers Market is located in a quaint village with a prominent population of Mennonites that make the pastoral scenery exceptionally charming.
Beyond the farmers’ market, you can continue the shopping spree at various shops with jewelry, arts and crafts, clothes, and more. There are outlets for great deals if you’re on the lookout for brand names.
If you’re an antique lover, you’ll have a field day at Market Road Antiques that showcases over 100 booths all about antique collectibles.
There you have it! The 8 best days trips from Toronto. While doing the big city thing has its own perks, it’s also great to mix things up a bit and explore unique out-of-town spots where you can enjoy nature and slow things down.
If you end up spending more time on your trip and want more outdoor time, be sure to check out the Heart Lake Conservation Area or the Georgian Bay for endless water views.
If you’re visiting Winnipeg anytime soon, check out this post on things to do in Winnipeg.
Be sure to tag me (@wtfab) in your posts if you decide to go on any of these day trips, and let me know if you came up with any new day trip ideas!
Planning a trip to Canada? Be sure to explore my other content.
Toronto Itinerary
Vancouver Travel Tips: A Complete Guide to Vancouver
Vancouver Airbnbs: Best of the Best
FAQs
It is recommended to spend at least 3 to 4 days in Toronto to really explore what the city has to offer.
The best time to visit Canada is from September to November when the weather will be nice and cool.
Toronto prices are similar to big cities in the U.S. and can get pricey. But with budgeting and planning you should be fine.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
