From Toronto and the GTA, there are so many incredible destinations that are perfect for day trips. These destinations include hiking, food and drink, city escapes, and so much more! Southern Ontario is filled with many bucket list-worthy destinations for all types of travellers. You are able to explore historical buildings, quaint towns, and stunning nature all within a couple hours from the city.
If you’re looking for an escape from the city, there are many amazing places to choose from. This list will be sure to inspire you to plan a day trip adventure!
Continue reading to explore the best day trips from Toronto and the GTA!
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Table of Contents
Nature-Filled and Hiking Day Trips from Toronto
Hamilton Waterfalls
Distance from Toronto: 74 km
Hamilton is home to many gorgeous waterfalls as the city is located along the Niagara Escarpment. On a single trip to the city, you will be able to visit multiple stunning waterfalls.
Read about the best waterfalls to visit in Southern Ontario!
Algonquin Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 276 km
While almost too far for a day trip from Toronto, Algonquin is a stunning nature escape that everyone must visit in their lifetimes. Visitors can enjoy woodland hikes, fishing, canoeing, camping, and much more.
Eramosa Karst
Distance from Toronto: 75 km
Eramosa Karst is a stunning conservation area located in Hamilton. It is home to many different types of caves and plenty of hiking trails to explore. It’s a great place to visit with the family before heading off to a nearby waterfall!
Dundas Peak
Distance from Toronto: 73 km
Arguably one of the most stunning viewpoints in this area for fall colours, Dundas Peak is a great day trip hiking destination. This nature-filled escape from Toronto makes for a great escape, with many waterfalls nearby to visit as well.
Rattlesnake Point
Distance from Toronto: 64 km
Rattlesnake Point is frequently visited on the same trip as Dundas Peak as they are fairly close together. This conservation area boasts well-maintained paths and stunning views. It is also a very popular place to go rock climbing!
Scarborough Bluffs
Distance from Toronto: 17 km
Located a very short drive from downtown Toronto, Scarborough Bluffs is a great place to enjoy endless views of the lake and immerse yourself in nature. People visit to walk along the waterfront paths and relax at the beach.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 219 km
Sandbanks Provincial Park is definitely a top day trip destination from Toronto. It is the perfect nature escape from the city with the added bonus of being home to a stunning beach. There are plenty of campsites here as well for those who want a weekend getaway from the city.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 155 km
Near Sandbanks is Presqu’ile Provincial Park. This park is a hot spot for day trippers who camp out at a picnic table and enjoy the surrounding nature. It is located on the water with many different places to swim, along with a gorgeous lighthouse at the edge of the water.
Muskoka
Distance from Toronto: 219 km
Muskoka is arguably one of the most stunning nature-escapes within a day trip’s distance from Toronto. The area is known for it’s stunning lakes, craft beer scene, great shopping, and incredible trails. Those looking for weekend getaways tend to book a campsite or rent a cabin to take full advantage of the beautiful area.
Cheltenham Badlands
Distance from Toronto: 64 km
Before seeing photos of this place online, I never would have guessed there were badlands in Ontario! The landscape is covered in eroded shale and looks out of this world. The red hills are definitely a sight to see and make for great photos!
Devil’s Punch Bowl
Distance from Toronto: 73 km
Despite it’s eerie name, Devil’s Punch Bowl is a gorgeous nature destination with plenty of amazing hiking trails nearby. The name is inspired by the tall waterfall that plunges into a deep gorge. It is a fascinating place to visit as you can see the different layers of rock along the side of the gorge that boast a variety of different colours.
Elora Gorge
Distance from Toronto: 117 km
The Elora Gorge is a popular place to visit for tubing, swimming, and hiking. Here, there are tall limestone cliffs with a waterfall plunging over the edge. The swimming area is frequently visited by people from all over Southern Ontario and enjoyed by the whole family!
Beach Day Trips from Toronto
Wasaga Beach
Distance from Toronto: 145 km
Did you know Wasaga is the longest freshwater beach in the world? It is a popular summer destination for those wanting to escape from the city for much-needed beach time. At around a 2-hour drive from Toronto, it’s one of the best beach day trips you can go on!
Port Dover
Distance from Toronto: 133 km
Growing up near Port Dover, I visited this beach quite frequently. It is known for an incredible shop that sells foot long hot dogs, amazing soft serve ice cream, and fries! It is also a goto spot for bikers on every Friday the 13th, where the whole town is filled with events and excitement.
Sandbanks Dunes Beach
Distance from Toronto: 216 km
Sandbanks Dunes Beach offers an unparalleled view of Lake Ontario after a long day exploring Prince Edward County and all it has to offer. I really enjoyed visiting with a picnic after an afternoon winery tour to take in the sunrise. Sometimes, you’ll even catch people kite surfing which is always a fun watch!
Turkey Point
Distance from Toronto: 157 km
Is there anything better than camping within walking distance of the beach? Turkey Point Provincial Park is a great destination to be close to the water and soak up the sun. There are also three hiking trails to choose from, which are always good for exploring in between dipping your toes in the water.
Crystal Beach
Distance from Toronto: 152 km
Crystal Beach is one of the most stunning beaches I’ve visited in Ontario. The waters are crystal clear and the sand is gorgeous. As it’s located fairly close to Niagara Falls as well, you can couple both destinations into a single day trip from Toronto!
Food and Drink Focused Day Trips from Toronto
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Distance from Toronto: 132 km
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a perfect destinations for wine-lovers. The wineries in this area are located quite close to one another and boast different varieties of wine from the region. You can even rent a bike and ride from winery to winery along a safe path!
Orangeville
Distance from Toronto: 80 km
Orangeville is a charming town that boasts a historical area filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes. There are plenty of things to keep you busy on a day trip if you enjoy art and cute bakeries!
Prince Edward County
Distance from Toronto: 203 km
Prince Edward County is an amazing wine destination within a distance of a day trip from Toronto. Here, you can visit multiple wineries in one day and taste the different types of wines from this region. You can also visit stunning flower fields and delicious restaurants!
Check out how to spend the perfect day in Prince Edward County!
St. Jacob’s
Distance from Toronto: 121 km
The quaint town of St. Jacob’s is actually quite a popular tourist destination due to how charming the town is. There are plenty of boutique shops and cafes to explore around the town. It is also home to a large farmer’s market that is open on Saturdays.
Downtown Hamilton
Distance from Toronto: 68 km
Downtown Hamilton is a great place to visit if you love boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. The downtown core is filled with top restaurants featuring many different cuisines. It’s also a hot spot for bars and clubs!
Read this day trip guide to Hamilton, Ontario!
Exciting Day Trips from Toronto
Canada’s Wonderland
Distance from Toronto: 45 km
Canada’s Wonderland is the biggest amusement park in Ontario and a perfect day trip from Toronto. It’s a must-visit place at least once, as there are plenty of exciting rides and games to enjoy.
Dundurn Castle
Distance from Toronto: 65 km
This historical mansion is a great place to visit for though who love architecture, gardens, and history. Built in 1835, this neoclassical style mansion has become one of the best places to visit in Hamilton. Coupled with a visit to downtown or a waterfall, it makes for a great day trip!
Petroglyphs Provincial Park
Distance from Toronto: 194 km
I have recently found out about this park and it is high on my list to visit. Petroglyphs Provincial Park is home to the largest collection of ancient First Nations petroglyphs in the Province. It is a fantastic place to learn more about the history of the area while enjoying the beauty of nature!
Niagara Falls
Distance from Toronto: 128 km
Niagara Falls is a lot of fun to visit on a day trip from Toronto. After admiring the falls and the gorgeous gardens around it, head to Clifton Hill. There are so many unique attractions along the strip, including the Midway, World Record Museum, and multiple haunted houses. It is quite the experience!
Toronto Islands
Distance from Toronto: 4 km
Though Toronto Islands is located in – you guessed it – Toronto, it makes for a wonderful day trip. Visitors hop on a ferry or a water taxi to make their way to the islands. There, they cycle, relax at the beach, check out a bar, and enjoy the island life for the day.
Blue Mountains
Distance from Toronto: 171 km
Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood is great to visit all year round. During the winter, it is a hit day trip destination for skiing. During the warmer months, it’s a great spot to head out hiking or golfing.
Check out places to stay in Blue Mountains!
Conclusion
While there is plenty to do within the city of Toronto itself, it’s always great to adventure out on incredible day trips! Whether you enjoy nature escapes or food-focused trips, there’s definitely plenty of places to add to your bucket list.
What would you add to this list of best day trips from Toronto? Let me know in the comments!
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You might also like:
- Best Places to Visit in Ontario in Winter
- Incredible Places to Visit in Ontario this Fall
- Best Things to Do in Spring in Toronto
- A Day Trip to Hamilton, Ontario
- How to Spend the Perfect Day in Prince Edward County
- The Most Incredible Waterfalls in Southern Ontario
6 Comments
Steve Collins
More roadtrips and wine tours soon!
deventuretime
Yay!
Venturing Venturas
Oh my gosh, I had no idea there were so many beautiful spots around Toronto! I need to plan another visit.
deventuretime
There are so many amazing day trip spots!
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