Considered to be Canada's melting pot, Toronto is a vibrant, diverse city that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the cultures and traditions of people from around the world. Locals might say the city has a youthful, exuberant vibe, which appeals to visitors looking to experience this vibrant city.
While there's no shortage of things to do within Toronto, many incredible attractions outside the city, and can help round out any itinerary. There's a lot to see and do in Ontario, so you won't want to miss out on visiting any of the 7 best Toronto day trip spots.
1. Niagara Falls
- About 90 minutes from Toronto
- 6650 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Of all the best Toronto day trip ideas that come to mind, Niagara Falls is at the top of most lists. Not many can pass up on the opportunity to see the largest waterfalls in the world. The sheer size and power of Niagara Falls is incredibly alluring and the many other tourist attractions in the nearby Horsehoe Falls make it a great destination for people of all ages to visit in Ontario.
If you only have one day at Niagara Falls, you should try to prioritize your time being near the waterfalls. Start your morning off with a Niagara City Cruise, which will take you into the mist of the Horseshoe Falls. If one trip into the mist isn’t enough, you should head over to Journey Behind the Falls, where you can actually step into the tunnels behind the falls in order to gain an entirely new perspective.
Niagara Falls has much more to offer than just the falls themselves. From gaming at the casino to the glittering lights and tourist attractions at Clifton Hill's World Famous Street of Fun by the Falls, you will find that a day at Niagara Falls passes by at lightning speed.
2. Niagara-on-the-Lake
- About 2 hours from Toronto
- 14 Anderson Lane, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
For a time-traveling experience just a short drive away from Toronto, head to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This 19th century village is often referred to by locals as the prettiest city in the province and it's one of the top Toronto day trip ideas for couples. Perhaps one of the best ways to soak up the sights and sounds of Niagara-on-the-Lake is to take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city center. After your journey, you can stop for lunch at one of the many idyllic restaurants that line the street. Patio dining is abundant during the summer months.
For many, wineries are considered the top attractions at Niagara-on-the-Lake. If you want to sip and savor the flavors of Ontario, then you shouldn’t miss out on local wineries such as the Reif Estate Winery, one of the oldest wineries in the region.
3. Stratford
- About 90 minutes from Toronto
- 1 Wellington St. Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Best known for its Victorian charm and its world-famous Shakespeare festival, Stratford is on many top Toronto day trip lists. Situated about 90 minutes north of the city, a journey to Stratford takes you through Ontario's rolling countryside, which is breathtaking sight to see in its own right.
If you are going to visit Stratford, it’s recommended to go during the Stratford Festival, which runs from May through October each year. The Stratford Festival is a celebration of all things Shakespeare, and on any given day you will find multiple performances at various venues throughout the city.
When you aren't absorbing the tragedy of Hamlet or the romantic notions of Romeo and Juliet, then you will find that downtown Stratford is a great place to stroll and grab a bite to eat. The historic atmosphere of the city transports you to another time period, with many visitors claiming that Stratford has a unique, European appeal.
4. Canada's Wonderland
- About an hour from Toronto
- Vaughan, Ontario L6A 1S6, Canada
One of the best day trip ideas from Toronto for families with young children is Canada's Wonderland, which is an amusement park located just an hour outside the city. Arguably the largest and most well-known theme park in Canada, Canada's Wonderland is a place where thrills and excitement reign supreme.
The park boasts more than 200 attractions, including 18 rollercoasters and two dedicated children's areas, making it perfect for people of all ages. While most amusement parks are seasonal attractions, Canada's Wonderland is open throughout the entire year, giving guests the opportunity to experience different live shows, entertainment and thrills, no matter what season it is.
5. Blue Mountain
- About 2 hours and 30 minutes from Toronto
- 190 Jozo Weider Blvd, Blue Mountains, Ontario, Canada
As one of the best attractions near Toronto, Blue Mountain Ski Resort is often thought of as a wintertime destination. However, it operates as a year-round attraction that can offer visitors of all ages the opportunity to soak up the natural beauty that Ontario is known for.
Understandably, it's a popular spot during the winter, when skiers from around the world come to hit the slopes and enjoy the world-class amenities that the resort has available. However, during the summer months, travelers will find that Blue Mountain is a peaceful, spacious place to hike and explore.
While you are at Blue Mountain, be sure to take time to visit the nearby town of Collingwood, which is often hosting exciting and interesting festivals and events.
6. Muskoka
- Between 2 and 3 hours from Toronto
- 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1N3, Canada
Considered to be "Cottage Country" by the locals in Toronto, Muskoka is a massive lake region about two or three hours north of the city. Spanning nearly 3,000 square miles, there are more than 650 lakes in Muskoka and hundreds upon hundreds of charming cottages sitting along their shorelines. If you are looking for one of the top day trips from Toronto that will allow you to live like a local, consider heading to one of these lakefront towns and renting a cottage for the night. It's often regarded as one of the most relaxing and peaceful places in the province.
7. Prince Edward County
- About 2 hours and 30 minutes from Toronto
- 332 Picton Main Street, Picton, Ontario, Canada
Situated on the edge of Lake Ontario, Prince Edward County is one of the best Toronto day trip spots to experience the food and flavor of the local region. Prince Edward County has ushered in a new era in which young residents have brought eclectic restaurants, wineries and other hip attractions to the local communities. If you are planning to spend the day here, be sure to book a winery and cider tour so that you can safely enjoy everything the region has to offer.
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