35 Epic Day Trips From Toronto

Looking for day trips from Toronto? Welcome. I live just outside of Toronto and know all the day trips, and hidden gems outside of Toronto.

While Toronto is an interesting city in itself, you find the true beauty and charm of Ontario by going beyond the metropolis’s limits. There are waterfalls, cute small towns, amazing hiking, views of the Niagara Escarpment, crystal-clear Caribbean blue waters – and more.

If you’re visiting Toronto, then I recommend spending a good 2 or 3 days in the city, and then taking another few days to pick the day trips you’re most interested in from below.

You can choose between:

• Amazing hiking trails with very nice lookouts
• Charming small towns, like Kleinberg, St. Jacobs, or Niagara on the Lake
• Family-oriented day trips (like the African Lion Safari or Canada’s Wonderland)
• Beaches – including Wasaga, the largest freshwater beach in the world

I have tons of great ideas though, besides the above. Here are the best day trips from Toronto!

Epic Day Trips from Toronto

IMPORTANT NOTE: Below, you’ll find the the approximate driving distance of each place from Toronto. I am using the Union Station area in Toronto as a reference. If you’re located in a suburb of Toronto, then the driving distance should be shorter

1. Niagara on the Lake

Distance from downtown Toronto: 131 km / 81 miles (1 hour and 20 min drive)

Niagara on the Lake is near Niagara Falls, but has a completely different vibe. You can combine the two, or visit Niagara on the Lake exclusively. There’s enough to do there to easily fill a day.

Niagara on the Lake is a very historic town, it has a lot of fascinating Ontario history. It’s also beautiful; the kind of place where you every where you look is like a postcard.

Niagara on the Lake one of my favourite places to visit in Ontario. I’ve been there with my husband twice, plus a few girls’ weekends, and a mother-daugher trip.

Things to do in Niagara on the Lake are:

• Walk up the main street, visit the Christmas store, the lavender store and other boutique shops
• Visit wineries, there are dozens of them just outside town, close enough to bike
• See live theatre at the Shaw Festival, which runs most of the year (I’ve seen two plays and they’ve both been excellent)
• Do an afternoon high tea at the Prince of Whales Hotel (this is a great lunch option, and can fill you up depending on which option you choose)
• LOTS of great restaurants – an upper scale sushi place,
• Visiting Historic Fort William, where Canadians hid out during the war of 1812 (it’s supposed to be one of the most haunted places in Canada, which you’ll learn if you do a Niagara on the Lake ghost tour, which are held in the evening)

2. Niagara Falls

Distance from downtown Toronto: 128 km / 80 miles (1 hour and 10 min drive)

Niagara Falls is a must-see in the Toronto area, it goes without saying. You never really get tired of seeing the falls. I’ve visited Niagara Falls more times than I can count in my life, and I still go back from time to time.

Niagara Falls has a lot of different things to do besides seeing the falls, many aimed at kids and/or adults.

Besides the waterfalls, there are:

• Attractions to get better views of the falls and learn about the geology behind them, like the Powerstation, Journey Behind the Falls, and the Skylon Tower
• Clifton Hill, a tourist trap but also a must-see. There are candy stores, haunted houses, a wax museum, a Ferris wheel, and go-karting
• Stuff for adults only, like Casinos, clubs and high-end shopping. I’ve done bachelorette weekends in Niagara Falls
• Lots of waterparks for kids from toddler to pre-teen age- Great Wolf Lodge (overnight guests only), Americana and Fallsview Resort for day guests
• Chaces to see animals – Butterfly Conservatory, and Bird Kingdom, the largest aviary in North America

If you bring your passport, you can even cross the border to the U.S. side for shopping in Buffalo. (Some people do this to get good deals on shopping or just shop at places we don’t have in Canada.)

My favourite thing to do is just watch the waters plunge over the cliff. You never get tired of it!

Read my post on all the ways to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto here. (There are many good public transit options!)

3. Blue Mountain Village

Distance from downtown Toronto: 176 km/ 109 miles (2 hour and 15 min drive)

Blue Mountain Village is nestled in the hilly ‘Blue Mountains’ of Ontario. It’s a popular ski resort in the wintertime, and but the village is a year-round attraction. You could spend a whole day here; there’s so much to do.

Here are the things to do in the Blue Mountain village (grab a full access pass online in advance to do all of the below):

• Walk around the village, for shopping and occasionally some live entertainment on the stage in the main square
• Ride the Ridge Runner, the forest rollercoaster
• Take a dip in ‘the plunge’ an outdoor heated pool (open year round, even in winter)
• Rent the gondola to the top of the mountain for some amazing views

Outside the village, but still in the Blue Mountain area, you can also:

• Visit the nearby Scenic Caves, there’s a great spot for kids to dig for gems. The caves are a hike of the caves of the Niagara Escarpment (amazing, epic views)
• Ride the Thunderbird, one of Canada’s longest ziplines
• Rejuvinate at Scandinave Spa, open day and night year round (ages 18+ only)
• Visit the nearby town of Collingwood; has great dining and shopping and views of Georgian Bay

4. The waterfalls of Hamilton

Distance from downtown Toronto: 68 km / 42 miles (40 min drive)

Hamilton is a small city outside of Toronto, but the reason to go here isn’t for the city – it’s for the proximity to hundreds of waterfalls!

Hamilton has more waterfalls nearby than any other city in Ontario. My favourite ones in the area are Webster Falls, Sherman Falls and Tiffany Falls (shown in exactly that order, above.)

My husband and I have gone on multiple day trips to visit various falls. Many of them are just a short walk from parking lots. For some, you could also do some hiking along the Bruce Trail to get to them.

With planning, you could probably fit in 2-3 waterfalls in one day trip, plus a bite to eat in the town of Dundas (which is a suburb of Hamilton.) There are lots of good cafés and places to eat there – its out go-to place to eat.

Read my post on the best waterfalls in Hamilton to plan a day trip trip to Hamilton to see waterfalls.

5. Elora and/or Fergus

Distance from downtown Toronto: 115 km /71 miles (1 hour and 15 min drive)

Elora and Fergus are two small heritage towns that are some of the cutest in Ontario.

They’re so close together (about 6 km) that it makes sense to visit them from Toronto as a combined visit.

Most of all, what I recommend doing in Elora and Fergus is just walking around. Last time I visited with my husband and 4 year old daughter, we didn’t plan anything – we just walked around aimlessly, admiring how beautiful these towns are.

It was March, with still snow on the ground and we still had such a nice day.

Here are some of the things to do in these towns, besides walking around taking in the beauty:

• A large river flowing through both of them, where you can walk over a bridge and watch the rapids below
• Used bookstores, boutique shops, stores that sell imported goods (Scottish, Dutch and Irish products, among others)
• Lots of good restaurants and cozy cafés
• An annual Scottish festival (Fergus)
• A 60-foot ice-climbing wall in the winter (the only one of its kind in Ontario)
• the famous Elora Quarry, which you can swim in in the summer

Elora and Fergus would be a great day trip, but could be turned into a whole weekend too. If you want to celebrate a special occasion, you could look into the Elora Mill Spa, which has special day packages.

6. St. Jacobs

Distance from downtown Toronto: 121 km /75 miles (1 hour and 10 min drive)

A day trip to St. Jacob’s is a must at least once. It’s a unique Ontario town with Mennonite heritage.

St. Jacobs has historic buildings, and a steam train that you can ride, heritage buildings and boutique shops.

I used to work at the St. Jacob’s Outlet mall, and people come there for good deals. Here are all the things you can do in St. Jacobs:

• Visit Historic St. Jacobs where you’ll see the heritage buildings, and the beautiful town mural
• Ride the Waterloo Central Railway
• Do the butterfly trail, which is a self-guided walk through gardens with blooming flowers and some statues in the warm months
• Do some boutique shopping along the main street
• Visit the St. Jacob’s Outlet Mall for good deals on big brands

7. Kleinburg

Distance from downtown Toronto: 44 km/27 miles (40 min drive)

Kleinburg is like the Hamptons of Toronto (except without a beach.) It’s a cute, quaint and posh little town with boutique shopping, restaurants, parks and museums.

Kleinburg is a perfect for treating mom on Mother’s day, a girls’ trip family trip, or a romantic getaway.

A highlight in Kleinburg to not miss is the McMichael Art collection which you should definitely take a walk around, and walk the hiking trails surrounding it.

Other things to do in Kleinberg:

• Do a short hike in the foresty trails surrounding the Michmichal Art Collection. A visit to the gallery paird with a short walk through the woods is a nice outing (*tip you can drop into the gallery for lunch called The Cabin, shop at the souvenir store and do the hike without visiting the gallery – I did this last time)
• Eat at one of the many higher end cafes and restaurants in town. Kleinberg especially has a lot of Italian restaurants
• Drop into the Old Firehall Confectionary for gourmet handmade treats.

8. Toronto Islands

Distance from downtown Toronto: 3 km/ 2 miles (30 min drive)

The Toronto Islands can be visited in a very short time if you only want the view of the skyline.

However, it can also be turned into a whole day trip as there’s lots to do on the islands – mainly a lot of green space, and places to enjoy nature.

Centre Island is the island that has the most to do, mainly in the summer months. It has:

• a petting zoo
• a small amusement park called Centreville Amusement Park
• bike and walking trails
• picnic areas and a beach, even ones where you can see the Toronto skyline in the background

To get to Centre Island, all you have to do is hop on a water taxi, or get onto the ferry – both of which run daily. It only takes 15 minutes to get over to the islands from the Toronto harbourfront!

9. Uxbridge

Distance from downtown Toronto: 72 km / 45 miles (50 min drive)

Uxbridge has been nicknamed “the train capital of Ontario,” because it was one of the first railway destinations, going back to 1870.

Uxbridge is a cute town that has been used as a set for movies and TV shows – The Handmaid’s Tale, Schitt’s Creek and many others.

There’s a historic centre with beautiful landscape and views, and a century house with artifacts to learn about the history of the area.

The town of Uxbridge also has a number of artsy events. The fig restaurant (not capitalized) is amazing, and there are a number of cute cafés and shops downtown.

10. Port Perry

Distance from downtown Toronto: 84 km / 52 miles (1 hour drive)

Port Perry is called “Ontario’s favourite lakeside heritage town”. Its been used in several TV shows and movies.

Things to see and do in Port Perry include:

• Taking a stroll down the walkable, historic downtown, which is right on Lake Scuggog
• Check out the marina; take a walk along the lake and watch the boats
• Visit the Old Flame Brewing (the brewery in town); do a tour, or have a nice lunch or dinner
• Eat at one of the many good restaurants in town

Port Perry is a really nice place to slow down. It’s gets busy by the afternoon on weekends, so I recommend getting here early the day to find a parking spot close to town.

Pro Tip: Port Perry is just past Uxbridge, mentioned above – so you could visit them both on a day trip from Toronto!

11. Toronto Zoo

Distance from downtown Toronto: 36 km / 22 miles (30 min drive)

Toronto Zoo isn’t really ‘in Toronto,’ which is why I list it as a day trip from the city. To get there via public transit or driving takes just over an hour, as its located in Scarborough which is east of the city.

So, you definitely need a good full day to see the Toronto Zoo.

The Toronto Zoo is a pretty good zoo as far as zoos go. It’s large, with indoor and outdoor areas. The enclosures are quite large, they have a good standard of care for their animals.

It’s open year round, and if you want to visit with fewer crowds, then try winter. There’s a decent amount of walking, so wear good shoes.

12. Stratford

Distance from downtown Toronto: 149 km / 93 miles (1 hour and 30 min drive)

Stratford, Ontario is a really cute Ontario heritage town. Its mostly known for its famous Shakespearean plays (called the Stratford festival.)

You can do it as a day trip, or overnight. Here are some of the gems you can find in Stratford:

• Shakespeare plays, which run from the spring until the fall.
• Great foodie scene with lots of variety.
• A chocolate trail
• A cat café
• The smallest cinema in the world (it made the Guinness book of world records)

Check my year-round guide on best things to do in Stratford Ontario year round.

13. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park

Distance from downtown Toronto: 92 km / 57 miles (1 hour and 5 min drive)

Mono Cliffs Provincial Park is by far, our favourite place to go hiking in southern Ontario. It’s famous for its summit, where you can even see the skyline of Toronto on a clear day.

It has a lot of interesting things to see, like the cliffs its known for, large limestone rocks, lakes, streams and rivers. It’s the perfect place for a day in nature.

We often pair a day of hiking with lunch or dinner at the Mono Cliffs Inn, which is right outside the park.

Read my hiking guide for Mono Cliffs Provincipal Park to plan a day trip here (including other things to do in the area.)

14. Forks of the Credit Provincial Park

Distance from downtown Toronto: 71 km/ 44 miles (50 min drive)

Forks of the Credit is has beautiful hikes and trails, some dams, pathways, bridges and waterfalls. It’s a great place to spend a day outdoors.

I came here for a day trip with my parents, brother and 5-year old daughter and it was perfect for everyone. There are a number of trails to choose from to suit your ability level.

Since Forks of the Credit is a provincial park, be sure to buy a park pass online beforehand. Since its close to Toronto, it can fill up on weekends.

15. Jordan Station

Distance from Toronto: 102 km /63 miles (1 hour drive)

Jordan Station is a tiny, very cute little town in the Niagara (wine region) of Ontario. It’s about an hour from Niagara on the Lake, much closer to Toronto.

So if you’re looking for a quieter, but still very cute town – then Jordan Station is my recommendation.

It has a slower pace than Niagara on the Lake, and a really nice downtown where you can take it easy.

My husband and I went on a romantic getaway to Jordan Station. We did wine tasting and had dinner at the Red Stone Winery, walked along the main street and went hiking at the nearby Balls Falls Conservation area, which is only a 10-minute drive.

Jordan Station can be visited as a day trip, however if you choose to stay overnight then avoid doing so during harvest season! Jordan Station is surrounded by vineyards, and they need to use ‘bangers’ to scare birds away during harvest time. We found this out the hard way from staying at an AirBnb near Jordan Station. This is only a problem if you’re staying overnight!

16. Algonquin Provincial Park

Distance from downtown Toronto: 305 km / 190 miles (3-hour drive)

Algonquin Park is a bit farther than other day trips I’m recommending, but it’s one of the top Ontario tourist attractions, so I can’t leave it out.

Although it’s popular (especially in fall when everyone comes to see the colours) it has some of the most epic hiking views you can find in Ontario.

The best trails are:

• Booth’s Rock (book this one in advance, as its the most popular. You need to buy a park pass and specifically book this trail!)
• Centennial Ridges, with views almost as beautiful as Booth’s Rock
• Track and Tower, about a 3-hour moderately challenging hike with gorgeous views
• Beaver Pond, an easy 1-hour trail through bogs, and ponds and pretty views

You don’t necessarily need to be hiking to visit Algonquin. You can do a canoe tour, or you can just drive through and stop at the outlooks. (My parents do this every year in the fall.)

You need to budget about 3 hours of driving to get up to Algonquin Park, and many people do this as a day trip. Be sure to book a park pass in advance (I have sadly seen people arrive from Toronto, only to find out the passes are sold out for the day!)

Near Algonquin Park, you can also visit the town of Huntsville, and visit the Dwight Lookout Tower.

There are lots of places to stay overnight near Algonquin, which would help you get into the park quicker and earlier before the crowds arrive.

17. Schomberg

Distance from downtown Toronto: 63 km /39 miles (1 hour drive)

Schomberg is, by far, one of the cutest small towns in Ontario. It has a quaint, walkable main street with hole-in-the-wall restaurants and independently owned shops.

My in-laws live in Schomberg, and I grew up nearby, so I visit there very frequently. A number of our favourite restaurants in Schombberg are: Grackle Coffee, Cantina Historia, Port Soirée, and Koharu Japanese Cuisine.

The town of Schomberg is just east of Newmarket and is great for date days or a girls’ trip.

Pro Tip: The parking in downtown Schomberg is very tight. Drive carefully and bring good walking shoes. It’s a very walkable town, and you will likely get lots of steps.

18. Creemore

Distance from downtown Toronto: 122 km / 76 miles (1 hour and 30 min drive)

The village of Creemore is a still somewhat hidden gem as far as day trips from Toronto, but it’s gaining popularity as people discover its charm.

It’s been called ‘the little village with a big heart’ by Narcity, and compared to Stars Hollow on Gilmore Girls.

Creemore is very small, and can be combined with a day trip to Blue Mountains, Collingwood or Wasaga Beach. It’s on the way from Toronto to any of these places, and is a nice place to stop.

But, you could spend the day in Creemore if you want to:

• It’s home to the smallest jail in Ontario
• Lots of cute cafés downtown
• It’s close to some good hiking, like Devil’s Glen Provincial Park and Nottawasaga Bluffs
• The beautiful Purple Hill Lavender farm just outside town (summer only)

Read my post on things to do in Creemore, Ontario to plan a day trip to Creemore, or use it on a stop on a southern Ontario road trip.

19. Friday Harbour

Distance from downtown Toronto: 117 km/73 miles (1 hour and 15 min drive)

Friday Harbour is a new development in the Innisfil area (just southeast of Barrie) right on Lake Simcoe, and has become a really popular place, for locals and for visitors to Toronto.

The coolest thing about Friday Harbour is their busy calendar of festivals and events. Check out what’s happening on their calendar here.

20. Ball’s Falls Conservation Area

Distance from downtown Toronto: 104 km / 65 miles (1 hour drive)

Balls Falls Conservation Area is just outside a cute small town called Jordan. A day trip from Toronto to see Balls Falls, plus lunch or dinner in Jordan would be an amazing day trip idea.

There are two waterfalls located within the Balls Falls Conservation area park, easy walking trails, a historic pioneer town where you can read about the history of the area.

Ball’s Falls is one of our favourite hiking and waterfall spots. Both times, we came in fall when the leaves were colourful – but it’s a place to visit year-round.

There’s a vistor centre where you can learn about the Niagara Escarpment, and it sells Ontario and unique and rare Canadian souvenirs.

Pro Tip: Grab some food in the nearby town of Jordan Station (mentioned above) or eat at a winery! The only winery in the area that we know of that serves a good dinner is Red Stone Winery – we went there for dinner and it was excellent. It would be great for a post-hike dinner.

21. Paris, Ontario

Distance from downtown Toronto: 110 km /68 miles (1 hour and 5 min drive)

Paris, Ontario may not be the Paris, but it’s a nice place to spend a day near Toronto.

Stroll around the downtown strip in Paris, and check out the local shops. There are lots of great restaurants, or you could get something to eat at the Winset Mills Market

After lunch, cross the pedestrian bridge. Enjoy the river from Lions Park (great for adults and for kids too – they have unique playground structures) and take a walk along the river.

22. Canada’s Wonderland (seasonal)

Distance from downtown Toronto: 45 km / 28 miles (45 min drive with traffic)

Canada’s Wonderland is the biggest amusement park in Canada, and it’s just outside Toronto in a town (now basically apart of the city) called Vaughan.

Canada’s Wonderland is great for all ages. There are rides for toddlers, but also thrill seekers. Some of the roller coasters here are among the tallest in the world.

I list Canada’s Wonderland as a day trip, because it will take you at least 45 minutes to get here from downtown Toronto, especially on busy summer days.

You can get here by taking the subway to Vaughan station, followed by a bus. You can also drive; there’s a massive parking lot outside the park. There are many nearby hotels to stay overnight too.

23. Guelph

Distance from downtown Toronto: 93 km/58 miles (55 min drive)

Guelph is a university town east of Toronto with a few gems that are often overlooked in Ontario.

In the heart of downtown Guelph, there’s the Church of Lady Immaculate, which is 150 years old (very old, and beautiful for a church for Canadian standards!)

University of Guelph Arboretum is a 400-acre green space with gardens, trails and paths, which is free for anyone to use. See a map here.

One of my favourite places to visit with kids in Ontario is the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (15 minutes south of Guelph) which makes a great visit for animal lovers and families with kids. (Check their open days before showing up as they’re only open on specific days.)

24. Orillia

Distance from downtown Toronto: 143 km / 89 miles (1 hour and 20 min drive)

Orillia is just north of Barrie, it also sits on Lake Simcoe and has a smaller city feel. It has a great downtown (much more ‘small town’ vibe than Barrie) with lots of shopping and food options.

Orillia has a few notable attractions, like the Police Museum, the Museum of Art and History (the downtown of which used to be a jail.)

I would recommend coming to Orillia in summer, when you can enjoy one of the oldest farmer’s markets in the country (open Saturdays), and hike along the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, then Horseshoe Valley is located near Orillia; as well as Vettä Nordic Spa.

25. Huntsville

Distance from downtown Toronto: 232 km/ 144 miles (2.5 hour drive)

Huntsville is a cute tourist town in the heart of the ‘Algonquin Highlands’ and its about 30 minutes from Algonquin Park.

Huntsville has cozy shops, a lookout at the top of a hill, and a heritage steam train that you can ride.

It’s very close to Arrowhead Provincial Park, which you can visit if you want something less busy than Algonquin. (It’s not quite as spectacular as Algonquin, but there are some amazing views and lookouts and its more peaceful.)

My husband and I head to Huntsville every year for our wedding anniversary; we always rent a cabin in the woods to stay overnight, and there are lots of good restaurants to eat at (our favourites are Seng’s Thai Cuisine, and Tall Trees.)

26. Bracebridge

Distance from downtown Toronto: 202 km/ 125 miles (2 hour drive)

Bracebridge is a town in the Muskoka region of Ontario, known for its abundance of lakes. Bracebridge is a small heritage city in the heart of Muskoka, and has a giant waterfall right in the centre of town.

There’s some great hiking in the area, and it’s not far to Huntsville, another cute town – the two places can be combined as a day trip.

You can also:

• Have lunch or do a tour of the Muskoka Brewery
• See Wilson Falls, which are lesser known and just outside town
• Spend a day at Santa’s Village (year round), perfect for families!
• Visit Kirby’s Beach in the warmer months

Bracebridge is a great place to visit in winter, especially because of its annual Fire and Ice Festival, which takes place at the end of January

27. Wasaga Beach

Distance from downtown Toronto:

Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. The beach area is so sandy, and the water remains shallow for pretty far out.

This makes it great for people who want to swim, but also just sunbathe. It’s the kind of place where you camp out and spend the whole day.

It’s close to Collingwood and the Blue Mountains area and can be combined as a trip to either of those places.

Wasaga Beach is apart of a park, and reservations are needed, especially for summer weekends.

28. African Lion Safari (summer only)

Distance from downtown Toronto: 90 km / 56 miles (1 hour drive)

If you’re in Toronto with kids, then one of the best day trips outside the city is the African Lion Safari.

I used to go on camps here when I was a kid; they have overnight accommodation but many people come here just to ‘drive through’ for the day.

Driving through here is wild, the animals come right up to your car. Monkeys may stand on the hood, and try to peek into your car. Buy tickets online for the safari before visiting, to secure a spot.

29. Barrie

Distance from downtown Toronto: 110 km / 68 miles (1 hour and 5 min drive)

Barrie is a rapidly growing city, with a huge waterfront on Lake Simcoe. The main draw is the waterfront.

I live near Barrie, so I go there quite often – with my husband, and sometimes with our girls too. We love walking along the waterfront. There’s a beach, many places for a picnic, and lots of photo-worthy sights – also, the best donuts in Ontario (that happen to be vegan, but you’d never be able to tell.)

If you come to Barrie, please read my guide that tells you what locals know are the best things to do and places to eat.

30. New Tecumseth

Distance from downtown Toronto: 88 km /55 miles (1 hour and 5 min drive)

New Tecumseth is my hometown, and it’s made up of three small towns: Tottenham, Beeton and Alliston.

While the area isn’t overly exciting – there are a few gems that make it worth a day trip.

Things to do in the New Tecumseth area (Alliston, Beeton, and Tottenham)

• The historic 1920s railway, which has been used in several TV shows and is a fun train ride
• Hiking. Our favourite trails are the Gibson Hills, and the Beattie Pinery. Check AllTrails to find a variety of provincial park, Bruce Trail
• See live theatre at small local theatre companies – South Simcoe Theatre, and Black Horse Theatre.
• Good restaurants in New Tec, especially Italian options (We love Da Grazia and Timo.)
• Spend some time at a nice day spa retreat for couples or friends in Tottenham called Wärme Sauna.

For a fancy meal, I’d recommend Mrs. Mitchell’s Restaurant, which is an old schoolhouse about 20 mins from New Tec. (It’s where most of us locals go for special occasions – you won’t be disappointed.)

If you’re looking for a special occasion, then there’s (My husband and I went there for Valentine’s one year and it was great!)

If you stay overnight in New Tecumseth, read my review of the Nottawasaga Inn, an independent hotel that’s been running since the 60s. It has an amazing pool, golf course, and restaurant

31. Elmvale Zoo

Distance from downtown Toronto: 129 km / 80 miles (1 hour and 30 min drive)

Elmvale Zoo is super popular for families in our area. It’s much smaller than the Toronto Zoo, and is just outside the small town of Elmvale.

You wouldn’t think there would be so many exotic animals in a small quiet area like this, but there are quite a few.

I’ve been to Elmvale Zoo a couple times – and honestly, I have mixed feelings. On one hand, it has great visitor experience. On the other hand, I’m not happy with the sizes of some of the cages, especially the birds and some of the larger cats (lions and tigers.)

However, if this doesn’t bother you, then families tend to love visiting Elmvale Zoo. It’s well-shaded, with stroller-friendly trails, it has a smaller/less busy feel than the Toronto Zoo, and you see lots of animals up close.

32. Orangeville

Distance from downtown Toronto: 80 km / 50 miles (50 min drive)

Orangeville a small city not far from the GTA with a small-town feel. I wouldn’t recommend spending the ‘whole’ day just in Orangeville, but there are a few gems to check out just outside of it.

Some of our favourite restaurants are in Orangeville (you can probably tell by now that we love to treat ourselves to eating out.) I recommend Forage and Coriander Kitchener (Indian food).

Nearby, you can go hiking at Island Lake Conservation Area, or Mono Cliffs Inn isn’t too far.

33. Vettä Nordic Spa

Distance from downtown Toronto: 133 km/83 miles (1 hour and 15 min drive)

Vetta Nordic Spa is located outside of Orillia, near Horseshoe Resort. It’s a Finnish-style spa with hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and on-site places to eat.

Vetta Nordic Spa is for ages 18+ only, and it’s perfect for romantic getaways, or girl’s weekends (every time I go there, this is usually the two groups of visitors I see!)

34. St. Anne’s Spa

Distance from downtown Toronto: 132 km/ 82 miles (1 hour and 20 min drive)

St. Anne’s Spa is over an hour’s drive east of Toronto, and is located close to another charming town called Cobourg.

They have hot tubs, saunas, hiking trails, hydrotherapy pools and fireplaces.

You can stay overnight at St. Anne’s spa, but they do day passes too where you get a 3-course lunch and afternoon tea!

Further Day Trips from Toronto (2.5-3 hours’ drive)

If you’re willing to travel a bit further, then these below places are highly worth visiting too. However, since they are a lot farther and have enough things to see there that make them worth visiting, I would definitely recommend staying overnight at these places.

• Owen Sound – home to three nearby waterfalls and artsy downtown with some good restaurants. We came here on our 1st wedding anniversary, and it’s a really nice place to visit
• Sauble Beach a beautiful beach town, with the iconic Sauble Beach sign. Fairly close to Owen Sound
• Screaming Heads – a quirky art property, just outside of Burk’s Falls, which would be a 3 hour drive from Toronto
• Bruce Peninsula National Park – home to the famous Grotto (top tourist attraction in Ontario!)
• Goderich, a gorgeous town on Lake Huron
• Grand Bend – another scenic area on Lake Huron
• Tobermory – considered to be the scuba diving capital of Canada, and is home to hundreds of shipwrecks as well as boat cruises to Flowerpot Island (pictured below.) Read my guide on Tobermory here

Day Trips from Toronto FAQ

What is the most scenic road trip from Toronto?

The most scenic road trip from Toronto is driving north, towards Collingwood, Blue Mountain and Wasaga Beach. This will take you through small towns, along the Niagara Escarpment, rolling farmland hills, and forests.

What cities are 2 hours from Toronto?

There are a number of cities within 2 hours from Toronto that are worth visiting: Orangeville, Guelph, Barrie, Orillia, and Collingwood all deserve a spot on your Ontario bucket list.

Where else to visit near Toronto?

There are a number of places near Toronto that I would highly recommend you not miss, as a first time visitor: Niagara on the Lake, Niagara Falls, waterfalls near Hamilton, Blue Mountain Village, Algonquin Provincial Park, and if you’re willing to go a little bit further – then Bruce Peninsula National Park.

Final Thoughts on Taking Day Trips from Toronto

Toronto is an amazing city, but there’s so much more to Ontario besides it. I’ve met many visitors who only see Toronto and Niagara Falls, and I believe they’re missing out. All of the places on this list show you the real beauty, heritage and geological wonders of Ontario – which are so worth seeing.

I hope that my guide on Toronto day trips has helped you plan a memorable, fun day to escape the city and see more of our beautiful province!