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Top 8 cities near Toronto to visit
Looking to expand your horizons for a weekend getaway or a day trip from Toronto? Follow along for some of the best cities to visit.
Toronto is Canada’s most populous city and offers plenty of things to do. From unique museums and galleries to a vibrant nightlife — the city has it all. But being close to the Canada-USA border, it also offers plenty of weekend getaway or even day-trip options to nearby cities. Follow along to learn more about the best cities near Toronto to visit.
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1. Niagara-on-the-lake
Niagara-on-the-lake, located in Southern Ontario, about a 90-minute drive from Toronto, is one of the most iconic destinations in all of Canada. As you can probably tell from the name, it’s just a short drive away from Niagara Falls, though the town has plenty to offer on its own as well.
Located where Lake Ontario meets the Niagara River, it’s an idyllic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The picturesque town is known for its scenic vineyards and charming 19th-century architecture.
The old town is a hub for restaurants and shops, while the surrounding areas offer miles of beautiful beaches and water activities. You can visit Niagara Falls and explore Niagara-on-the-lake in a single day, making it one of the best day trips from Toronto.
2. Ottawa
Even though it’s only the sixth most populous city in Canada, Ottawa is the country’s capital and one of its most stunning big cities. The city is about a four-hour drive from Toronto, so either dedicate a few days for your visit or leave early and come home late if you must fit the visit into a single day.
Ottawa is known for its unique architecture, such as the Canadian Parliament or the Confederation and Connaught buildings. You might also want to pay a visit to the Rideau Canal, especially in the wintertime, when it turns into a large playground for anyone with a pair of ice skates.
If you like festivals and celebrations, Ottawa holds the Canadian Tulip Festival every May, and there is a big celebration of Canada Day on July 1. Several music festivals also take place here, including the Ottawa Jazz Festival, Escapade Music Festival, and the Ottawa Bluesfest.
3. Buffalo, New York
If you’re willing to cross the border into the USA, Buffalo, New York, is ideal for day trips and even weekend visits. It’s only about a two-hour drive from Toronto, which is pretty much the same distance as many notable towns in Canada.
Among the city’s attractions is the Martin House, a mansion and museum initially designed by architect Frank Lloyd. Today, its doors are open for tours, events, and education about its history and how architecture transcends its time.
You can also explore the Canalside, a waterfront development in downtown Buffalo that is home to various restaurants, shops, and attractions. You will find services such as bike rentals, boat tours, and kayaks there to enjoy the best waterfront activities in the area.
Finally, Buffalo is well known for its food. You’ll find everything from traditional Buffalo fare, such as chicken wings and beef on weck, to international cuisine. Also, find a variety of breweries and distilleries in Buffalo, making it a great place to sample local craft beer and spirits.
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4. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is an icon of the United States, widely considered to be the home of industry in the country. While it’s far from a peaceful nature getaway, visiting Detroit is a great way to get a feel of the history of the United States. It’s a bit of a longer drive from Toronto, taking roughly four hours by car one way, but it can easily fit into a weekend.
On top of getting a feel for the city, you should visit the Detroit Institute of Arts, one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the United States. Founded in 1885, it currently has more than 65,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and ancient artifacts.
Motown Museum is another notable place to visit, especially if you’re a fan of music history. Located in the former Motown Records headquarters, where some of the biggest hits of the 1960s and 1970s were recorded. Artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, and more had important recordings on this site.
Belle Isle Park is a good bet if you want to look for some nature in Detroit, after all. It’s a 985-acre space from where you can find beautiful views of the city, and we can even see Canada from here. This park was conceived by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same who designed New York’s famous Central Park.
5. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, about a five-hour drive away from Toronto, is another good choice for music lovers. You’ve probably heard of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, located in the city and houses a collection of nearly 80,000 artifacts, including guitars, costumes, and handwritten lyrics from some of the biggest names in rock and roll.
A walk through the Cleveland Cultural Gardens is a great way to clear your head. They have over a hundred years of history, and each one represents the rich cultural heritage of different countries worldwide.
The city is also home to one of the largest zoos in the United States. A space of 183 acres where you’ll find more than 3,000 animals of more than 600 distinct species. The animals are divided into zones corresponding to their place of origin. You can explore part of the zoo on a train with an internal route from which you will have a view of most of the areas.
6. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is quite a while away from Toronto, but it’s still within driving distance. With a drive of nearly 9 hours from Toronto, you might want to spend more than just a couple of days there. This is the palace to be if you like sports, as Boston has some of the most important stadiums, like Fenway Park or TD Garden, home to teams like the Red Sox and Celtics.
If you are more interested in cultural sites, consider visiting the Freedom Trail. Created in 1951 by the Bostonian Society to link 16 historical sites of the city related to the foundation of the country. This route extends 2.5 miles, and includes historical sites, museums, churches, meeting houses, burial grounds, and plenty of other relics of the American Revolution.
Boston is also known for its vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of bars, theaters, and clubs for entertainment. You can watch movies outside, go to a comedy club, or even spend an evening listening to jazz. The city has a show for every type of visitor.
7. Blue Mountain Village
Once again, the name gives it all away. The Blue Mountain Village, while not exactly a city, is something you don’t want to miss if you’re in Ontario. It’s located on the foot of the Blue Mountains in Ontario and is one of the best places near Toronto to visit for nature lovers.
It’s roughly a two-hour drive from Toronto and is a local favorite for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding. It’s also home to the famous ridge-runner mountain coaster that takes you through the surrounding mountains.
That said, it’s definitely worth a visit during the summertime as well. The area offers plenty of hiking opportunities as well as some pristine beaches if you simply want to bask in the sun and get a tan. While you can do a day trip here, it’s better to visit Blue Mountain Village for at least a couple of days since most activities here are quite time-consuming.
8. Picton
Picton is another top destination for nature lovers seeking a getaway for a day or two. It’s located near Sandbanks Provincial Park, known for its endless sandy beaches. It’ll take roughly 2 hours of driving East of Toronto to get there, which makes it manageable for a day trip if you’re willing to drive back on the same day.
The town isn located in Prince Edward County and has the typical small-town charm you’d expect to find in rural Ontario. You’ll find several museums here, as well as restaurants serving local food and souvenir shops if you’re looking for something to bring back home.
Tips for traveling to cities near Toronto
Traveling is always a great experience, and you’ll be making memories no matter what. But if you want to make it as enjoyable as possible, consider the tips below.
- Plan your route: If you’re traveling in Canada by car, try to plan your road trip and follow an optimal route. Use apps like Google Maps to anticipate traffic or construction along the route.
- Pack for all weather conditions: Toronto has a varied climate, so you simply can’t go wrong by being ready for rain or shine. It helps to have a variety of clothing, including layers that you can add or remove. You should also pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, even if it is cloudy.
- Make sure your car is in good condition: You’ll be doing a lot of driving, especially if you’re taking a trip to the US, so make sure you’re on time for all the regular maintenance on your car and don’t ignore any prevalent issues. You don’t want to get stranded hours away from home.
- Take breaks often: it is essential to take breaks often and get out of the car, stretch your legs, and walk around. This will help to keep you awake and alert.
- Plan how to get mobile internet: Mobile internet is a must if you’re planning to use map apps, listen to music on YouTube or Spotify on your trip, or simply find local attractions without wandering around aimlessly. If you’re only visiting the country, eSIM offers the most convenient way to stay connected.
Get mobile internet during your trip
Having mobile internet during our adventure makes it easier to enjoy our trip. Holafly offers regional plans for North America as well as a separate eSIM plan for Canada if you don’t plan to go abroad.
All plans include unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and solid cell coverage everywhere you go. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone and an internet connection to buy and activate your plan, with the whole process taking no more than a few minutes.
If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs other options are available. These include international roaming from your local carrier or renting a pocket WiFi, though both can be more expensive and inconvenient.
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