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Best day trips from Toronto: 8 destinations to consider
Day trips from Toronto allow you to visit lesser-known locations around the city within 2 hours, which are easily accessible by car and train.
Toronto offers endless urban excitement, but sometimes you just need a quick escape to recharge. There are great destinations within a few hours of this city that you can choose as a day trip from Toronto. As one of the 2026 World Cup host cities, Toronto also gives you the chance to combine sightseeing with the thrill of the tournament.
This guide helps you discover the best places to visit around Toronto based on your interests, along with practical tips to stay connected with an eSIM for Toronto.
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Day trips from Toronto by car
For day trips to cities near Toronto, driving is usually the quickest way. However, it’s not the most budget-friendly option for tourists. Renting a car in Toronto may cost around $40-$100 CAD per day. That said, the convenience it offers is worth the price for most travelers.
Niagara Falls
From watching the roaring waterfalls to getting wet under them on Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, Niagara Falls has so much to offer. The iconic waterfalls and nearby attractions are easily accessible and close to each other, so you can explore the whole place in about 4–8 hours.
Getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto usually takes 1.5-2 hours one way.
Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls:
Niagara Falls is a year-round destination. However, some seasons are better than others for visiting the iconic landmark. The best times to visit are:
- Summer (June–August): Peak season with full access to attractions. Expect it to be crowded and more expensive.
- Fall (September–October): Vibrant autumn foliage, great for photography, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest ski area in winter and a hub for summer adventures. It also has a village, which is a great place to spend time strolling cobblestone streets, small shops, and cozy cafes.
A drive to Blue Mountain from Toronto usually takes 2–2.5 hours one-way.
Best time to visit Blue Mountain
- Winter: The best time to enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, skiing, and all other winter activities.
- Summer: The best time for hiking mountains, doing outdoor activities like ziplining, or just enjoying the panoramic views.
Hamilton
Known as the “City of Waterfalls,” Hamilton is an excellent and underrated day trip from Toronto, especially for outdoor lovers and nature seekers.
A drive from Toronto to Hamilton usually takes 1 hour.
Top Things to do in Hamilton
- Tews Falls: It’s Hamilton’s tallest waterfall at 41 meters.
- Devil’s Punchbowl: A striking 37-meter ribbon waterfall plunging into a massive, multi-colored geological “punchbowl” gorge.
- Albion Falls: A picturesque 19-meter cascade waterfall.
- Royal Botanical Gardens: It features scenic trails leading to smaller waterfalls, forest, and lush gardens.
Best Time to Visit Hamilton:
- Late spring (May–June): Pleasant weather for hiking around waterfalls, fewer crowds.
- Early fall (May to October): Popular for beautiful autumn colors, fewer crowds.
Stratford
The small city of Stratford is a great destination for a peaceful and scenic day trip from Toronto. It is known for its Victorian buildings, which create a romantic yet classic atmosphere in the city. Stratford is one of the best destinations for families and couples.
The trip from Toronto to Stratford usually takes up to 2 hours by car.
Top Things to do in Stratford
- Stratford Festival: A festival with Shakespearean or contemporary plays, which typically runs from April through October.
- Avon River: A calm and scenic location to stroll, watch the swans, or rent paddle boats.
- Shakespearean Gardens: Inspired by Shakespeare’s works, the garden features bronze statues, colorful flowers, and serene spots.
- Stratford Perth Museum: A museum showcasing local history from the 1800s to the present day.
Best time to visit Stratford
- Fall (May to October): Best time to watch festivals and plays.
- Summer (June to September): Warm weather makes it more pleasant to visit the Shakespearean gardens and the Avon River.
Elora Village
The Historic Village of Elora is known for its dramatic natural scenery and charming historic streets.
This place is perfect for people who enjoy history and the outdoors. The trip usually takes about 1.5 hours by car.
Top things to do in Elora Village
- Historic Downtown Elora: The beautiful 19th-century limestone buildings give it a historic charm.
- Festivals: The city has several festivals and cultural events, such as Sensational Elora and Riverfest Elora, throughout the year.
- Elora Quarry Conservation Area: A popular former limestone quarry, which is now a swimming hole.
- Elora Gorge: Dramatic 20–22-meter limestone cliffs carved by the Grand River.
Best time to visit Elora Village
- Summer (June–August): The weather is warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities, like swimming at Elora Quarry.
- Fall (September–October): Elora Gorge gets so photogenic with colorful autumn shades.
Tip: If you want to reduce the expenses of your trip to Elora Village, you can take Parkbus. It is a specialized shuttle service that offers direct transportation from Toronto to Elora and other natural areas near Toronto. The trip takes a maximum of 2 hours.
Day trips from Toronto by train (No car needed)
The train is a more convenient and affordable option for solo travelers, students, and city residents.
There are two train services in Toronto:
- GO Transit, which provides frequent services to suburbs and nearby cities like Hamilton and Niagara Falls (Usually 2 to 3-hour trips).
- VIA Rail, which offers longer-distance travel from Toronto to places like Ottawa and Montreal (Usually longer than 3 hours).
The following destinations are wonderful day trip ideas from Toronto that you can go to by train.
Oshawa
A vibrant and growing city on the north shore of Lake Ontario, which is accessible within 45-60 minutes by train.
Top things to do in Oshawa
- Parkwood National Historic Site: Dates back to the 1920s with elegant interiors and beautiful gardens.
- Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens: Peaceful trails and North America’s largest peony collection.
- Museums: Canadian Automotive Museum and the Canadian Tank Museum.
- Lakeview Park and the waterfront: Great place for a family picnic in the summer, with scenic Lake Ontario views, walking paths, and a beach area.
Best time to visit Oshawa
- Summer (June–August): It’s the peak season, especially for beach lovers. You can expect it to be crowded.
- Spring (May–June): It’s a great time to visit the gardens and museums during a less crowded time.
Kingston
Kingston, a historic city on Lake Ontario, is a great day trip from Toronto by train. You can reach this location within 2.5 hours via the VIA Rail train.
Top things to do in Kingston
- Historic downtown: It has charming streets with limestone heritage buildings.
- Waterfront and parks: Scenic views along the lake and the Rideau Canal.
- Fort Henry National Historic Site: A restored 19th-century British fort with panoramic views over the lake and river. Great location for photography.
Best time to visit Kingston
- Summer (June–August): Peak season with full access to parks, beaches, and festivals.
- Fall (September–October): Best time to take wonderful photos with autumn foliage without crowds.
Other day trip destinations from Toronto accessible by train
If you prefer not to rent a car, you can still take a day trip from Toronto by train to the following destinations:
- Niagara Falls: GO Transit trains go directly from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The trip usually takes up to 2.5 hours.
- Hamilton: GO Transit offers comfortable, reliable service to Hamilton, typically in 1-1.5 hours.
- Stratford: VIA Rail trains offer one train per day to this location, which takes up to 2.5 hours.
Tip: Check train schedules and start early to make the most of your day.
Local-favorite day trips from Toronto
Here are the quick escapes to hidden gems and beloved spots that Ontarians love.
Enjoy the following destinations like locals:
- Toronto Islands: A chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario, within just a 10–15 minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto. This quiet, car-free area is perfect for family picnics.
- Scarborough Bluffs: Accessible within 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by bus, it’s one of the cheapest nature escapes from Toronto.
- Wasaga Beach: Stretching over 14 km of soft white sand along Georgian Bay in Ontario, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks.
Cheap and budget-friendly day trips from Toronto
If you’re seeking an affordable day trip from Toronto, consider these destinations:
Free or low-cost nature spots
- Tommy Thompson Park: A large, man-made urban wilderness on Toronto’s eastern waterfront. Entry and access to the park are completely free. It’s about 30–50 minutes by public transit (TTC).
- Rattlesnake Point: A scenic conservation area with dramatic cliff lookouts, about a 60-minute drive from Toronto. It has a low entry fee with no major add-ons.
Affordable small towns near Toronto
- Port Hope: A charming small town about 1 hour east of Toronto. Known for its well-preserved 19th-century downtown. You can get there by VIA Rail train, with tickets priced around $15–$25 CAD.
- Cobourg: A lovely lakeside town roughly 1.5 hours east of Toronto. It has free public beaches.
Travel cost tips for a day trip from Toronto
Here are practical travel cost tips for a budget-friendly day trip from Toronto:
- Use GO Transit’s $10 Weekend Day Pass: it’s valid for 7 days. So, if you are a tourist and would like to spend at least a week in Toronto, this will reduce your costs.
- Choose public transit over driving: Most of the destinations near Toronto are accessible by train and bus. You may get there 30 minutes later, but the trip will cost less than renting a car.
- Pack your own food and snacks: Eating at cafes and restaurants in tourist areas can be expensive. Bringing your own homemade food and drinks can help you save money on your day trip.
- Get an eSIM for international travel: eSIMs are usually the most cost-effective mobile data option for travelers, especially compared to international roaming from your home carrier.
Is a day trip from Toronto worth it?
Yes, it’s definitely worth taking a day trip from Toronto, with plenty of great options accessible within 1–2 hours by car or public transport. From famous natural landmarks like the Niagara Falls to charming towns and villages, there’s plenty to see and do just outside of Toronto.
However, for one-way trips longer than three hours, staying overnight may be more convenient.
If you’re planning your visit, check out how many days in Toronto are ideal to balance exploring the city with these nearby escapes.
Stay connected on day trips from Toronto
Holafly eSIM for Canada helps you stay connected wherever you go, whether you’re taking a day trip from Toronto or spending a week in any major city. Every travel eSIM plan includes unlimited data and 24/7 customer support, ensuring that you’ll never lose connection or run out of data.
Prices range from CAD$4.44 to $10 per day, making it more affordable than most international roaming options.
If you need long-term coverage, Holafly Plans offers a pay-monthly eSIM subscription with coverage in 170+ destinations with a single eSIM. Choose a plan that suits your needs, use it to stay connected for as long as you need, and cancel anytime. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees to worry about.
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Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
