Then you may want to check out Kawartha Lakes! There are a few companies if you want to shop around at the pier – or you can check out Toronto Harbour Water Taxi here. At the end of the 114 mile journey, explore Agawa Canyon Wilderness Park that has a variety of trails that lead to the most scenic spots, including four waterfalls and the breathtaking Lookout. You will want to start in the morning so as to not waste the day. Let’s be serious, there are some great day trips around Ontario – southwestern Ontario, specifically. Check out the places you can visit, all within a two-hour drive from Toronto, that offer visitors a wide range of experiences. Of course, you can go MUCH higher up into Ontario – but these wouldn’t be day trips (that’s for another article)! ShortTrips.ca specializes in bus tours and quick weekend getaways from Toronto. The drive from Toronto is pretty easy – just take Highway 401 east, get off in Belleville (or exit #522), and head south into the County. Published July 19 2016. You also can’t get to the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake by bus right from Toronto. Or, if you're looking for a day of boutiques and galleries in a pretty waterside setting, Oakville is a good choice. Shutterstock. There are actually three ferry routes that leave from the same spot (Jack Layton Ferry Terminal) downtown Toronto – but the ferries run to three separate locations on the Island: Centre Island, Hanlan’s Island, and Ward’s Island. That said, you can get to Hamilton the same way you go to Niagara Falls – on the QEW/403 towards Hamilton. The vibrant, multicultural lifestyle provides excellent food, entertainment, and drink options. from $76.04. Please check with the specific park/site before you visit. Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest one right beside the American Falls! The most direct/popular route is to hop on the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW)/403 towards Hamilton but you could also take a more scenic route on Highway 81 through areas like Beamsville. Book with confidence with our Low Price Guarantee. TakeTours > Canada > Eastern Canada > Toronto > 1-Day Bruce Peninsula Tour from Toronto Tour Code: 688-3784 From USD Price shown is based on the … This VERY popular spa experience is the perfect way to unwind (especially in the winter) with outdoor baths, waterfalls, massages, fire pits, and more. Best rates and travel deals on a great day trip from the city of Toronto to Canada’s Niagara Falls and the surrounding region. Best time to visit: summer. As we mentioned above, you can take the GO Bus, Ontario Northland, or Greyhound. Address for Allandale GO Station: 24 Essa Road, Barrie, Ontario. Spot wildlife For one of the most interesting and chilled day trips from Torontowith kids in tow, you can take a cruise of Toronto Harbour. We actually wrote an article about some of our favourite wineries in Niagara on the Lake if you are interested in scouting out a few before you go! Many guided tours will operate by bus as well, with some even including pickup from your hotel. There are even great Muskoka accommodations (like resorts) nearby you could visit for a day. The BEST (and basically only) way to get to Niagara-on-the-Lake (the town) -and to get around the whole region once there – is with a car. The area also has a bit of natural and war history to check out at Nancy Island Historic Site. You definitely don’t need to drive to the Bluffs to enjoy them. The route is basically the same way you would head to Collingwood but instead head slightly east instead of west when you reach Georgian Bay. Currently, there are actually nine formal park areas along the shoreline – some with walking trails and picnic areas throughout. From those closest stations, you can get on a bus to take you down/along to Kingston Road. You’d have to start off with train and change to the GO Bus (usually in Mount Pleasant) along the way. The main towns – Picton and Wellington – offer you shops, cafes (like Beacon Bike and Brew), restaurants, and more. Book the best day trips from Toronto, Canada directly on Tripadvisor and take the stress out of planning. Winter hot spots Grey County and its largest ski resort Blue Mountain are just as worthy of a day trip in the fall. Part of Ontario's cottage country, Midland-Penetanguishene, is 90 miles from downtown Toronto. Cobourg has a ViaRail station not too far from downtown. The famous Maid of the Mist boat that sails around the falls can be a thrilling adventure, although it is only seasonally available from April to November. From the stunning spectacle of Niagara Falls to the small-town charm of Elora and Stratford, the region surrounding Toronto is worth exploring. The other option to get to the island is to hop on a private water taxi. You might also try Snow Valley Resort, Horseshoe Resort, or Mount St. Louis Moonstone for winter skiing/tubing and some summer activities (Horseshoe is open in summer). If you take the Greyhound, this option is way easier because you just get on downtown and get to Guelph with no changes. The only formal beach is found at Bluffers Park. You can take the Greyhound to Belleville but then you still need to rent a car or grab a taxi. In addition to beach activities, there is hiking and bird watching, as well as family-friendly cultural and historic events that commemorate the War of 1812 through tours and museums. This region is famous for its ice wine. If you are heading for Blue Mountain, you will find that they have a large parking lot, too. As for Cobourg itself, the downtown core is small but full of little shops, cafes, places to eat, bars, an art gallery, and more! 323. selenacanaris. Once you arrive, you might want to know which waterfalls you want to head for and have a bit of a plan. In any case, we would definitely recommend a day in NOTL – the region has loads to check out on its own and it’s beautiful. There’s a tiny “downtown” in Caledon Village which you can check out, but the reason to head for the area is for the hikes and the nature. Caledon is one of those things on this list that you’ll have to read more into because we cover a lot when we say “visit Caledon”. If you are looking for another outdoor adventure where you don’t have to travel too far at all, then head for the Scarborough Bluffs! The area around Toronto is packed with day trip ideas that have something to offer in all seasons (except beaches, obviously). The 1,815-foot tall CN Tower, which dominates the city's skyline, and Toronto City Hall, one of the most unique structures in the world, are must-sees on any visit to the provincial capital. Fall day trips from Toronto run the gamut from deep forest hikes to quaint small towns. Check out Huff Estates or Sandbanks Estate Winery – famous for their Baco Noir. Let’s be serious, there are some great day trips around Ontario – southwestern Ontario, specifically. This combo route runs all year round. You can get to “Niagara College” which is a campus IN Niagara-on-the-Lake if you train to St. Catharines but NOT close to the main old town. You can also enjoy the various trails, the shoreline and boardwalk area (while maintaining physical distance). Take the 410 north, then highways 10 and 6 north. Address for City Hall: 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202, United States. We spend a whole day driving around the countryside from fall to fall and had a great time – and we only saw a fraction of the waterfalls/conservation areas. We had no problem finding parking! It’s quite nice down by the Harbour! We also have another travel blog called Penguin & Pia where we share more travel tips about destinations in Europe, North America, and beyond. Our Niagara on the Lake Accommodation Guide – Just in case! From Toronto, you head east on Highway 401 for about 1 hour and 30 minutes (120 km driving distance). Just take Highway 401 westbound out of the city. If you’re looking for day trips to the USA from Toronto, Buffalo, New York is probably your best bet! The GO Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls Station is seasonal – it only runs in the summer and on select big weekends in the Fall. Since there is no train from Toronto to Cambridge, you have to take the bus. The Islands are a popular escape in most seasons – you can even visit in the winter – since there are many attractions (like Centreville Amusement Park), beaches (there’s even one clothing-optional), smaller parks and green spaces for picnics, biking paths, the opportunity for boat rentals, and more! Our packaged trips take at least 5 business days in the mail. Jordan is one of the charming towns among many in the area. We explored a few popular waterfalls and a few smaller ones to get a variety. If you do take the train, you will head for Allandale Waterfront GO Station which is right by the waterfront and a short walk to downtown. It’s been said that Hamilton, Ontario is the waterfall capital of the world – and we would believe it! Retrouvez Day Trips From Toronto: Getaway Ideas for the Local Traveller et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It’s got a nice downtown core with restaurants, bars, and plenty of shops. Generally speaking, Caledon is to the northwest of Toronto past Brampton. The first part of the day trip from Toronto to Tobermory takes you through the suburban sprawl of the city, past Brampton and northwest through farmland. You can check fares on the Greyhound website. Also, it is known for its beautiful gardens. Best time to visit: summer. This is a great stop if you want another short walk and amazing photos! Depending on the time of day, you could take the GO Train to Barrie but they usually only run at night in this direction (to bring commuters home). 1. 6. See the best places to visit outside Toronto, based on your interests. Boat ride 2. Address for Cobourg Beach: 138 Division St, Cobourg, ON K9A 3P3, Canada. 25 Waterfalls for a Day Trip from Toronto. Nestled up in the bottom of Lake Muskoka, Gravenhurst has a nice little downtown, some historic sites, and a great Wharf area with boardwalk to check out. There are a handful of combinations you can take to reach the Bluffs using public transit. A highlight is that there are walking trails along the water that extend along the shoreline – so there’s more to do than just visiting the beach. Both trains arrive at the same station in Niagara Falls located north of the main Falls area. Read 2,855 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Toronto to various destinations. Many are accessible past Barrie on Highway 400 or on Highway 11 northbound. The best route is very similar to how you drive to Caledon – through Brampton, Orangeville (Highway 10) and then just follow County Road 124 basically the rest of the way. Website Experience Toronto Day Trips & Sightseeing Tours The largest and most populous city in Canada offers visitors a dizzying array of attractions and things to do. Or, visit Cave Spring Cellars, a scenic winery with a restaurant, spa, resort, and shopping. Toronto day trips by bus. things to do with kids near Niagara Falls. Read 2,856 traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Toronto to various destinations. Address Barrie Bus Terminal: 24 Maple Avenue Barrie ON L4N 7W4. Oh, and Guelph is known for its breweries – so be sure to visit Brothers Brewing right downtown or Royal City Brewing for a taste of some great craft beer! You also can’t forget about The County Cider Company! Experience Toronto Day Trips & Sightseeing Tours. They just finished a new outdoor patio at the time of writing this and are always friendly when we visit. A tour is also nice because then you have a designated driver! A few tips for your Fall day trips from Toronto: Expect a lot of traffic on weekends. Trips from Toronto to Montreal are most popular in August, with the most tours doing this route then. As a day trip, you wouldn’t need to visit most of the city (it sprawls out quite a bit). Jane McLean is an Ontario-based travel writer who has covered Canada for more than 10 years. You can check the ViaRail website for schedules and details. Luckily, there are a few ways to get to the area – and it depends on where you are actually heading to in the region. The drive to Tobermory from Toronto is more than 3 hours, so many locals prefer to stay overnight. It's definitely a sight to see. Taking a day trip can allow you to explore specific areas of the city and get to know Toronto better. Eul Basa. Our advice is to go early since the lot is small! The region is known to include towns like Bobcaygeon (also the name of a famous song by the Tragically Hip – a Canadian band), Lindsay, and Buckhorn, and features popular lakes like Stoney and Sturgeon. Address for Nancy Island: 119 Mosley St, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2X1, Canada. This included Albion Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Devil’s Punchbowl out in Stoney Creek, and the classic Tiffany Falls. Explore the falls at your o … Read more. From top slopes in the winter to dozens of activities in the summer, it’s a popular spot to check out. Check the Greyhound schedule here. If you want to get those stunning views, this would be from Scarborough Crescent Park – but please be careful atop the cliffs. Once you get there, you’ll find ample parking. We’ve also written extensive guides on visiting Niagara Falls: Address for Table Rock Welcome Centre: 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada. Hi, we’re Eric and Lisa – welcome to Ontario Away! You park in a small residential neighbourhood and walk into the small park to get a set of falls basically all to yourself. Excursion561494 February 26, 2018. We went for a hike there and it was beautiful. If you’re a local, you might be laughing, but hear us out. In short, you’d have plenty to do and see in Niagara Falls to fill up a day trip. Subcategories. “The Island” is actually made up of 15 large and small islands that are connected by bridges or walkways. Once you arrive in Niagara Falls, both buses get into the same station in Niagara Falls (which is right across from the train station). Check Out These Day Trips From Toronto – Told By Our Local! If you are a die-hard waterfall chaser like myself, then a day trip to Hamilton is the perfect Toronto escape. The nice thing is that when you buy a ticket, it includes the price for a return ticket. It’s dangerous due to ongoing erosion. We really can’t do the area justice – you have to go and see for yourself! We spent a day physically driving around the area chasing waterfalls and going for hikes in conservation areas – and it was awesome! This brewery does amazing craft beer and has a great venue for tastings and events – we even wrote about our visit to Sawdust City! Speaking of southern Georgian Bay, how about a day at the beach? Here are few one-day outings that you can plan with friends or your special someone that pack in as much fun, history and adventure as possible. Gravenhurst is located north of Toronto (past Barrie) up Highway 11. There are more options for taking the bus to Barrie. You then take Highway 46 (which is exit #299). Swap the city for the road and take a day trip in a vehicle that offers comfort, reliability, and style, like a Toyota hybrid. The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is a super cool spot for a day trip from the city. As such, PEC – also often called “The County” – is known as another of Ontario’s wine regions! Source: TRphotos / … Check out the GO Transit Website for details on this route. Once downtown, there are lots of places to park whether you’re looking for street parking or parking lots. Achetez neuf ou d'occasion Toronto is a great destination in itself, but travel just a few hours outside the city, and an unusual world of possibilities opens up. This route also takes longer because traffic is usually awful on the 400. If you want to connect with nature, you can rent a canoe/kayak on the rivers (and eat an ice cream at “The Boathouse Tearoom“), walk the numerous walking trails through the parks, check out the Arboretum, or head north of the city to Guelph Lake Conservation Area with a beach! The trails were nice, too – very dense bush even though the car is just a few hundred metres away! So, we know a thing or two about the best and classic day trip ideas – and even a few unusual ones! You can then choose: cross into the USA at Niagara Falls and the Rainbow Bridge OR drive south to Fort Erie and cross on the Peace Bridge (closer to actual Buffalo)! Summer is the perfect time to just get in the car and drive. If you want to take the train, you have two options which can be limited depending on the time of year: the GO Train and the ViaRail. You can also go up Highway 400, get off in Barrie, and snake along smaller highways and county roads to get there. See the spectacular Niagara Falls on a day trip from Toronto, and spend the day exploring the scenery, history, and locally-produced wines. The downtown core of the city – located around Clifton Hill – is loaded with restaurants, casinos, museums, games, and attractions for the whole family like the Niagara Skywheel, Dinosaur Adventure Golf, and many, many more. The best (and only) way to get to and get around the County is by car. Find recommendations and ideas on the best day trips from Toronto, Ontario, Canada with pictures, details, and travel tips. It runs along the edge of town (and includes part of the Bruce Trail) and shapes the landscape. You can’t really travel to Prince Edward County by train. Megabus has lots of daily departures for trips that take about 2 hours and good fares (approximately 20 CAD one way). We’d say it’s a great idea but for the purposes of a day trip you might want that extra hour back so perhaps driving is best. Good luck! Because they are smaller to load and faster to cross, they are a bit more expensive than the regular ferry ticket – but generally worth it if you don’t like long lines. Once you get downtown, you can check out the Canalside area, the Naval and Military Park, the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, and more! Address for Flying Monkeys Brewery: 107 Dunlop St E, Barrie, ON L4M 1A6, Canada. Officially Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, the beach is Blue Flag certified (that means it’s really good/safe for world standards) and also includes walking and cross-country ski trails in the winter! In this post I want to talk about the best day trips from Toronto that you can go on if you’re looking to beat the crowds and enjoy yourself in a completely new place, while still being able to make it back to Toronto for the night. Or, pack a picnic lunch and visit one of the outdoor picnic sites. Niagara Falls is one of the best places to visit in Ontario and a popular sightseeing attraction in all of Canada – and for good reason! Take the 410 north, then highways 10 and 6 north. Did you know one of the top natural attractions in the world is a day trip from Toronto? Mississauga is a great travel destination with a lot to do and see, but sometimes you need to get away and explore the surrounding areas. Some Parks Canada places might not be open yet. Leave earlier in the morning to reduce the chances of getting stuck in traffic on the QEW. You would be perfectly fine heading for the small downtown area by the waterfront (Dunlop Street East). Downtown NOTL: 6 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada. The drive from Toronto to downtown takes about an hour to 1 hour 30 minutes (or a little more) with traffic. The GO Bus leaves from Union Station Bus Terminal (down on Front street). Short Haul: Five day trips to take from Toronto Back to video This family-friendly village has enough activities to keep your family occupied for hours. Niagara Falls. Located on Georgian Bay, Collingwood, about 90 miles from Toronto, underwent a major restoration in the late 90s. In fact, all three areas above can be found from this exit. There are also pathways along parts of the river that cut through green spaces. From charming apple orchards and wineries to thrilling suspension bridges and caves for you to explore, there are so many amazing day trip destinations near Toronto that you need to check out. Just remember if you have alcoholic beverages, you shouldn’t be driving (and have a designated driver). Read traveller reviews and view photos of different trips from Mississauga to various destinations. This is the farthest drive out of all these day trips from Toronto, but it’s definitely doable if you’re willing to head there early and leave late! Trip Advisor. Bus travel times tend to be just slightly longer than going by car. Hamilton is just over 40 miles away, about an hour's drive. It has a rich heritage that blends Native, French, and British cultures. As for the bus, you COULD take the GO Bus the whole way if you left early in the morning or take the GO train/bus combo later in the morning (you can see the schedule here) or you could take the Greyhound. If you have a car, this process is very simple. There are even fireworks each evening in the summer, and the Falls are lit up every night all year round for you to enjoy. Mark Richardson's favourite day-long roads trips from the GTA. If you want your chance at getting a taste of the famous “cottage country” region in Ontario known as the Muskokas, then head to Gravenhurst! 8 day trips from Toronto to escape the concrete jungle this fall. From great winemakers to incredible nature trails and delicious local eats, here are some fun and easy day trips you can make from Toronto, all of which also attract locals. Down at the water’s edge, there is a large marina area with a pub/restaurant and more walking trails/bridges over the smaller coves. Where to Stay in Toronto: A Neighbourhood + Hotel Guide, Our Favourite Toronto Coffee Shops in Toronto, Our Favourite Bars in Bars and Pubs in Downtown Toronto, compare prices for different rental companies in Toronto here, The Botanical Gardens + Butterfly Conservatory, Things to Do and See in Niagara Falls, Canada, How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto – More Detailed, wine tour of the region from Niagara Falls, Our Detailed Guide on Things to Do in Niagara on the Lake.