The 8 Best Day Trip Ideas Outside Toronto [2023]

  • Published: August 11, 2023

Exploring beyond the bustling cityscape of Toronto opens up a world of captivating experiences just waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re a local seeking a refreshing change of scenery or a visitor eager to delve into the diverse offerings of Ontario, the surrounding areas hold a treasure trove of day trip opportunities. 

From picturesque landscapes to historical gems, culinary adventures to outdoor escapades, the options are as varied as they are enticing. And if you’d prefer to have fun in Toronto, consider reading our other pieces on:

Best Haunted Attractions in Toronto
Coolest Indoor Attractions and Tour Adventures in Toronto
The 10 Best Live Music Venues in Toronto
Drive in Theatres to Visit Around Toronto

Get ready to embark on journeys that promise to enrich your senses, broaden your horizons, and create cherished memories that linger long after the day is done.

Summary

How to Prepare For a Successful Day Trip Outside Toronto

To ensure a successful day trip outside Toronto, consider these steps:

  • Choose the Right Destination: Opt for a location that suits your interests and preferences.
  • Plan Your Travel Time: Select a destination that’s reachable within a 2-3 hour drive from Toronto.
  • Stay Weather-Ready: Check weather forecasts for Toronto and your chosen destination.
  • Choose Your Transportation: Decide between driving or public transport and plan your routes.
  • Craft Your Itinerary: Research activities, hours, and reservations beforehand.
  • Pack Thoughtfully: Bring appropriate clothing, footwear, and gear.
  • Set Your Budget: Allocate funds for transportation, activities, meals, and more.
  • Manage Meals: Confirm dining options or bring your own food.
  • Prioritize Safety: Carry meds, a first aid kit, and emergency contacts.
  • Plan Your Time: Allocate time for activities, travel, and breaks.
  • Navigate with Tech: Download navigation apps, guides, and maps.
  • Respect Nature: Adhere to Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment.

These steps will help you prepare thoroughly for an enjoyable day trip outside Toronto.

The Best Day Trip Ideas Outside Toronto

Now that you know how to prepare for a successful day trip Outside of Toronto, let’s dive in.

1) Niagara’s Many Wine Tasting Experiences

Niagara has a diverse selection of wine tasting tours, from guided experiences showcasing the region’s VQA wines and culinary delights. There are over 50 wineries along the Wine Route of Ontario through guided or self-guided tours by car or bike

Business Information:

Address: 6124 Don Murie St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G OB4
Website: niagaravintagewinetours.com
Phone: 1-866-628-5428

2) Hamilton Waterfalls

Hamilton boasts 100+ waterfalls, including the renowned Albion Falls (“lover’s leap”), Tews Falls, Webster Falls, and Great Falls, accessible via marked trails. Guided tours offer insights, while the “Great Falls Loop” route lets visitors explore independently with scenic views of the countryside.

Business Information:

Website: tourismhamilton.com/hamilton-waterfalls-guide
Phone: (905) 546-2666

3) Blue Mountain Village

Blue Mountain Village is a vibrant year-round destination with attractions, dining, and shopping. It’s a pedestrian village, offering ski-in accommodations and various activities at Ontario’s only year-round mountain resort and spa, Blue Mountain Resort.

Business Information:

Address: 156 Jozo Weider Blvd, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 3Z2
Website: bluemountainvillage.ca 
Phone: (705) 444-7398

4) Woolwich’s St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market

The St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is a year-round market with 250+ vendors offering local produce, international cuisine, artisan goods, and more. Visitors can explore a wide array of goods and savor the abundance of sights, tastes, and aromas.

Business Information:

Address: 878 Weber St N, Woolwich, ON N2J 4A9
Website: stjacobsmarket.com
Phone: (519) 747-1830

5) Collingwood’s Scandinave Spa

Scandinave Spa is a unique outdoor spa experience surrounded by nature. Guests can enjoy a serene environment, indulge in a thermal journey, and experience the revitalizing practice of forest bathing. The spa provides thermal baths, massages, and hydrotherapy for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Business Information:

Address: 152 Grey County Rd 21, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0K8
Website: scandinave.com/blue-mountain 
Phone: (877) 988-8484

6) Stratford’s Historic Streets

Stratford has many attractions for tourists, including the renowned Stratford Festival with plays by Shakespeare and other playwrights. It boasts a lively arts scene, dining and shopping scenes. Day trip options include foodie tours and waterfall walks to explore the surrounding area.

Business Information:

Address: 1 Market Pl, Stratford, ON N5A 1A4
Website: streetsofstratford.ca
Phone: (519) 271-0250

7) Grand Bend’s Many Attractions

Grand Bend, Ontario, is best known for its summer beach experience. There are many nearby theaters, museums, skydiving, water sports, dining options, shopping, winery, nature walks, golf courses, fishing, and horseback riding experiences. It’s near Pinery Provincial Park with hiking trails and camping.

Business Information:

Address: 9577 Port Franks Road, Thedford, ON N0M 2N0
Website: lambtonshores.ca
Phone: 519-243-8611

8) Port Dover

Port Dover is a charming northern Lake Erir beach town. It has excellent fishing, swimming and other water sports, and guided trips. There’s local dining, and shopping at boutiques and markets. Historic attractions include Lighthouse Festival Theatre, Port Dover Harbour Museum, and Port Dover Harbour Marina. It’s also a good base for day trips to the Niagara Falls region. Every Friday the 13th motorcycle enthusiasts from across the region gather there.

Business Information:

Address:19 Market Street West, Port Dover, ON, N0A 1N0
Website: portdover.ca
Email: info@portdover.ca

FAQs About Day Trips

A day trip typically involves leaving your home location in the morning, visiting a destination or attractions throughout the day, and returning by evening. It’s a short excursion that doesn’t involve an overnight stay.

Several towns are within an approximate 1-hour drive from Toronto, making them ideal for day trips. Some options include:

  1. Mississauga: Just west of Toronto, it offers parks, shopping, and cultural attractions.
  2. Hamilton: Known for waterfalls, historic sites, and vibrant arts scene.
  3. Brampton: Offers parks, gardens, and cultural events.
  4. Vaughan: Home to Canada’s Wonderland theme park and shopping centers.
  5. Oshawa: Features parks, museums, and waterfront areas.

Toronto offers various public transportation options for day trips:

  1. GO Transit: Trains and buses connect Toronto with nearby towns and attractions.
  2. TTC: The subway and streetcars are great for exploring within the city.
  3. Via Rail: Offers train travel to cities beyond Toronto.
  4. Bus Services: Companies like Greyhound provide intercity bus options.

The CN Tower in Toronto is often considered one of the top tourist attractions in Canada. It’s an iconic landmark and offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation decks. It’s renowned for its unique architectural design and the EdgeWalk experience, where visitors can walk along an outdoor platform at the tower’s top.

Please note that rankings of tourist attractions can vary depending on the source and the criteria used for assessment.

Conclusion

Toronto’s urban energy is undoubtedly magnetic, but the allure of its outskirts should not be underestimated. The 8 day trip ideas we’ve unveiled are merely a glimpse into the myriad possibilities waiting just beyond the city limits. 

As you venture forth into the world beyond Toronto, remember that each day trip is a chapter in a larger adventure, a chance to explore, learn, and create lasting memories. So, pack your curiosity, set your GPS, and let the exploration begin!

Malaak Hamadeh

Malaak Hamadeh

Meet Malaak Hamadeh, a Middle Eastern resident of Toronto with a passion for writing! Learn More About Malaak Hamadeh

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