8 Best Day Trips from Toronto

Toronto is a city with a privileged location, since very close to it there are amazing places: natural parks, beaches, islands, waterfalls, cities with a great historical and architectural richness, among others. All of them, destinations that you will not be able to miss during your stay.

Without a doubt, taking a trip from the city is one of the best things to do in Toronto. You will have the opportunity to visit Niagara Falls, or explore the Muskoka region to enjoy its natural scenery. You can also venture out to experience the wildlife at Algonquin Park, stroll through the picturesque gardens of Niagara on the Lake, among other activities.

If you are a nature enthusiast, you cannot miss the opportunity to take a day trip to Algonquin Forest Park during your stay of at least 2 days in Toronto. This destination is characterized by its wild fauna: beavers, American moose, wolves, etc. Also, its more than 2,000 lakes and approximately 10 waterfalls.

The experience usually starts with a drive from downtown to the park. It is a route of a little more than three hours. Upon arrival at the destination, the guide will take you to explore this large nature reserve of approximately 7,400 square kilometers in size.

Some of the places you will see on this tour to Algonquin Park from Toronto include the following:

• The Beaver Pond Trail, at least a couple of kilometers long and bordered by Amikeus Lake. On this circular route you will have the opportunity to see some native beavers.
• The observation trail, this rugged and steep route will take you to a lookout point with a privileged view of the park.
• The irregular waterfalls, this is a beautiful but wild waterfall of the Oxtongue River. You can walk along the trail, have a picnic and even go boating.

Details of interest

• Price: the price of the excursion is around 176€ per person.
• Duration: this experience usually lasts about 12 hours.
• Means of transportation: minivan.
• Advantages of this option: you will be in direct contact with nature in an important natural lung of Canada.
• Disadvantages of this option: this excursion does not usually offer round-trip transportation directly from the hotel door.

A little less than two hours from downtown Toronto is one of Canada's most iconic natural sceneries, Niagara Falls. Live a unique experience in this place, recognized worldwide for its scenery and environmental importance.

On an excursion to Niagara Falls from Toronto you can see different perspectives of this monumental waterfall of more than 50 meters high. In addition, thanks to the commentary of one of the guides in charge of the activity, you will learn about the history of this destination and its role as a source of energy.

Throughout this tour to Niagara Falls from Toronto you will be able to visit interesting destinations. For example, some of them are:

• The Sir Ada Beck II Hydroelectric Power Station, where you will learn about the power generation process.
• The Living Water Wayside Chapel, built in 1964 and considered the smallest chapel in the world dedicated to Christian worship, will capture your attention immediately.
• The Skylon Tower, with a 360º viewpoint and a restaurant.
• The Niagara Whirlpool, this is a natural whirlpool that forms on the border of the Niagara between the Canadian and American region.

Details of interest

• Price: the value of this experience starts at about 67€ per person.
• Duration: the excursion can last from 9 to 10 hours approximately.
• Means of transportation: minibus or van.
• Advantages of this option: you will have the opportunity to witness a unique natural spectacle in the world, the Niagara Falls.
• Disadvantages of this option: usually the activity does not include food and beverages.

Just off the coast of the Canadian city lies an archipelago of approximately 15 islands. You can navigate the calm waters of Lake Ontario where these islands are located and enjoy a privileged view of Toronto's skyline.

To take this excursion, you must go to the city's harbor, which is usually the starting point. There, you will board a boat and immediately set sail. While sailing, you will enjoy a live narration with the history of the natural enclave visited and all the tourist sites it houses: the mysterious Gibraltar Lighthouse, Far Enough Farm, etc.

Also, on this sightseeing cruise through the harbor and islands of Toronto you will have the opportunity to contemplate the imposing urban scene of the city. You will see, among others:

• The CN Tower, inaugurated in 1976 and whose height exceeds 500 meters.
• The First Canadian Place, a 298-meter skyscraper erected in 1975.
• The Rogers Center Stadium, a 1989 construction that is 86 meters high.

Details of interest

• Price: this cruise has an approximate cost of 24€ per person.
• Duration: the cruise lasts an average of 60 minutes.
• Means of transportation: boat.
• Advantages of this option: you will take a short excursion around the islands of Toronto, discovering a series of paradisiacal destinations and enjoying the skyline of the city from a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of this option: this excursion is panoramic, so you will not stop for water activities.

Take advantage of your stay in Toronto and head to the city of Niagara on the Lake. There, you will have the opportunity to explore the local wine culture. You will visit some traditional wineries and learn about the production process. In addition, you will participate in a guided tasting with a variety of wines.

The tour, which usually departs from downtown Toronto, will take you for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to Niagara On the Lake. In this picturesque destination with its romantic atmosphere and 19th century architecture, you will find what could be the heart of the Niagara wine region.

With a guide, you'll wander the streets of the city in search of at least three award-winning wineries, depending on the itinerary of each tour. In any case, some of them might be:

• Konzelmann Estate Winery, which apart from standing out for its fine wines, will also offer you a privileged view of Lake Niagara, due to the fact that it is located in front of it.
• Reif Estate Winery, considered a pioneer in the wine industry in the region.
• The Peller Estates Winery, which offers a wine and gastronomic experience.

Afterwards, you will return to the city and, if you wish, you can continue to learn about the wine culture. This time, join a tour of Toronto's distillery district.

Details of interest

• Price: the regular price of the tour starts at 117€ per person.
• Duration: the activity usually lasts about 9 hours.
• Means of transportation: bus.
• Advantages of this option: you will delight your palate with the wines of the Niagara region and learn about the production process.
• Disadvantages of this option: the activity is not suitable for children under 18, so if you are in Toronto with children you should avoid taking them.

Wasaga Beach is the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure. You will enjoy a lively atmosphere, sporting activities and even participate in annual events such as the Wasaga Beach Blues Festival.

You will have to drive a maximum of two hours from downtown to Georgian Bay to reach this paradisiacal place. This is a very popular destination for locals and tourists, especially on summer days in Toronto.

In Wasaga you will have several options to have fun. For example:

• Get into a kayak and take a ride on the rapids of the nearby rivers.
• Dive into the water to snorkel, discovering the marine wildlife with the help of an instructor who will teach you the basics of the sport.
• Test your construction skills in sand castle competitions.
• Go hiking or biking and enjoy the wildlife.

In addition, you can stroll along the promenade, dotted with bars, ice cream parlors, restaurants, food trucks and souvenir stores. Afterwards, you'll return to the city to enjoy Toronto by night and perhaps join a Toronto beer tour, or some other option to make the most of each day.

Details of interest

• Price: one day car rental for this excursion starts at about 47€ approximately.
• Duration: since it is an activity that you can do on your own, there is no time limit.
• Means of transport: private car.
• Advantages of this option: you will be able to follow your own itinerary.
• Disadvantages of this option: driving there and back could be a bit tiring for you.

A getaway to Killarney Provincial Park from Toronto is a great way to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind. Take part in an excursion to this amazing protected natural area and go on a hiking tour while taking in the mountain scenery.

Together with a driver-guide you will travel for about 4 hours and 30 minutes from the city center. Upon arrival at the park you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views: the scenic trails, the mountains of La Cloche, the immensity of Lake George, among other destinations.

The hiking route to discover the park is usually a bit demanding, but it is worth it. You will access one of the highest elevation hills in the Ontario region, at least 539 meters, whose geological history dates back some 1.88 billion years. You'll see rock formations of white quartzite and pink granite.

Along the way, you'll pass through lush forests and past some of the 50 crystal-clear lakes in this nature reserve. In addition, you will visit the French River Provincial Park and put your vertigo to the limit, walking along its suspension bridge.

Details of interest

• Price: the excursion can cost up to 145€ per person approximately.
• Duration: the average duration of the excursion is 12 hours.
• Advantages of this option: you will not have to spend extra money paying the entrance fee to the park, as it is included.
• Disadvantages of this option: the activity does not usually incorporate the transfer to the door of the hotel.

If during your 3-day stay in Toronto or longer, you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience one of the iconic regions of the Ontario region, then you should take a tour to Muskoka. You will be amazed by the natural splendor of this place: rivers, lakes, streams, hiking areas and more.

You will have to connect with the activity manager in the city center and, from there, drive to Muskoka, in a route of a little more than two hours. Once you arrive at your destination you will begin to explore the place, being enveloped by a scenic scene worthy of a postcard.

Some of the destinations you can visit in Muskoka are the following:

• Hardy Lake, this is one of 1,600 lakes in the region. You can hike a trail of approximately eight kilometers.
• The High Falls. This is a powerful waterfall that locals often call the Niagara of the North. You will also see Potts Falls, another smaller waterfall.
• The Huckleberry Rock Lookout, from where you will get a privileged panoramic view of the Muskoka Lake area.

Also, if you visit Toronto in September through early December, you will enjoy the fall foliage with its warm tones. Meanwhile, in the summer you can bike on the trails, or try some water sports, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and more.

Details of interest

• Price: the average price of this excursion is 127€ per person.
• Duration: the established duration for this experience is about 11 hours.
• Means of transportation: minibus.
• Advantages of this option: you will spend a day surrounded by a natural environment of great splendor, you can relax, admire the environment and do some sports activities.
• Disadvantages of this option: You will have to bring some provisions, since this excursion does not usually include drinks or food.

Another must-see destination for a day trip from Toronto is the Bruce Peninsula National Park. This is a picturesque place with a fascinating rugged landscape and rich wildlife, where you will spend a day with a difference.

Once you connect with the guide in downtown Toronto, you will depart by road for a drive of about four hours. Upon arrival at the national park you will begin to discover each of the hidden gems of this great natural lung, home to black bears, ancient cedars, orchids and much more.

Some of the places you will see along this tour are:

• Inglis Falls, with a drop of about 18 meters high originated by the icy waters of the Sydenham River.
• The Big Tub Harbor lighthouse, with a history dating back to 1885.
• The Horse Lake, around which you can walk contemplating the cliffs of Georgian Bay. In addition, you will find some beaches to relax.

Details of interest

• Price: the cost of this excursion is about 145€ per person.
• Duration: this activity can last approximately 13 hours.
• Means of transportation: minibus.
• Advantages of this option: you will explore a place with an incredible natural scene, composed of cliffs and a large sample of wildlife.
• Disadvantages of this option: the use of kayaking equipment is not included in the price of the activity, so if you want to do this activity you will have to assume this expense additionally.

Doing an excursion from Toronto is a highly recommended option due to the fact that close to the city (between 1 and 8 hours away) you will find amazing natural scenery. You will be able to escape from the hustle and bustle of the Canadian metropolis and discover the history and culture of the different cities and islands around.

You will have the opportunity to visit the famous Niagara Falls and be amazed by its majesty. Also, breathe fresh air in the Algonquin Park, enjoy the thin sand and crystal clear waters of the kilometer-long Wasaga Beach, and so on. The best thing is that all these destinations are easily accessible by car and even by bus.

Before embarking on one of the tours from Toronto, it is important that you take into consideration some basic tips. This way, you will be able to avoid mishaps and live a unique experience.

Some of them are:

• Wear clothing that adapts to the season of the year. Wear light clothing in summer and clothes made of sturdy fabrics if you visit Toronto in winter, as these seasons are very marked in the city. In any case, you can keep an eye on the weather forecast.
• Don't forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Remember that in most of the excursions you will visit outdoor areas (waterfalls, beaches, parks, etc.) and you will be exposed to the sun.
• Take some snacks with you. They will be useful in case the excursion does not include food and drinks.
• Wear comfortable shoes. I even recommend you take some hiking shoes, which will allow you to move around safely while exploring the destinations.