The 15 best day trips from Toronto

(This day trips from Toronto post was updated on June 26, 2023.)

When I started my road trips from Toronto series in summer 2020, I knew it would be a helpful resource for families but I never anticipated it would blow up like it did. Everyone was feeling the strain of “lockdowns” and, facing so many unknowns, just wanted to be outside with their bubble.

And even though things are pretty much back to normal and wider travel is happening across the country and around the globe, I know there are many of you still looking for day trips from Toronto (and the broader GTA) so you can keep your summer travel budgets in check.

These easy day trips from Toronto and the GTA are filled to the absolute brim with ideas; for those of you comfortable with hotels and self-contained lodging, you may with to turn any of these itineraries into road trips where you stay a bit longer than just the day. For that reason, you’ll find listings for each of these destinations with much more detail in my road trips from Toronto piece. If you’re just looking for the quick hits, though, this post below is for you — but if you like recos on what to eat or wish to delve deeper into an activity or attraction, then you’ll definitely find the road trips post will suit you better.

Either way, be sure to bookmark this blog post because there’s enough here to cover more than one summer of fun!

Please note: any day trips from Toronto listed here will be no more than three hours from the east end of the GTA, where I live. This’ll ensure your do-it-all-in-one-day drive is reasonable.

Pro Tip: Use the maps below to help plot your days as efficiently as possible rather than trying to follow the order in which I may have listed various activities and attractions.

The day trips from Toronto that I share below are filled with a huge variety of things to do, like waterfall chasing! This is the spectacular Balls Falls, which you can find using my day trip below to the Stoney Creek and Vineland area.

These are our first-hand experiences — not a list procured by Googling “what to do near Toronto.” That means there will be some things you may discover on your own; that, in my opinion, is the best way to do a day trip from Toronto — leaving room for spontaneity.

Are you looking for the best bike routes within easy driving distance of the GTA? Then you need my bike trails in Toronto post.

Here are the day trips from Toronto you’ll find in this post:

1. Hamilton day trip.

2. Prince Edward County day trip.

3. Georgian Bay day trip.

4. Port Hope & Northumberland day trip.

5. Kitchener-Waterloo & Guelph area day trip.

6. Toronto Islands day trip.

7. Peterborough & The Kawarthas day trip.

8. Burlington day trip.

9. Niagara day trip.

10. Grey County day trip.

11. Grand Bend day trip.

12. Clarington day trip.

13. Haliburton day trip.

14. Elora & Fergus day trip.

15. Stoney Creek and Vineland day trip.

16. Coming soon:  Kingston and 1000 Islands day trip.

Day trips from Toronto: Hamilton area

Hamilton day trip map:

Note: all attractions, trails, eateries and some parking noted in these day trips are plotted on each area’s map for easy reference. You can zoom in and out of maps and click on them to save, print or get directions.

Things to do in Hamilton:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• The Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail is great to start from Sanctuary Park in Dundas — you can go in either direction depending how far you want to walk or cycle
• Dundurn Castle — walk or ride around the castle grounds, read about who lived there and how it was part of The War of 1812, and have a snack pretty much anywhere (so much lawn!)
• Sanctuary Park — park, play and picnic in the park
• Visit Triple C Farm in nearby Ancaster (a recommended $5 per person donation). Spend time with goats, miniature cows and horses, bunnies, feed the ducks and prep for great photo opps
• Find the Grimsby Painted Ladies — the most colourful cottages! Drive along Temple Lane to find Auditorium Circle and start gawking from there

Of all the road trips in Ontario we’ve taken over the years, I can’t believe this is the first time we’ve visited the Grimsby Painted Ladies. (Photo taken with iPhone 11)

• Visit Hildreth Farm — the onsite market is excellent and if you time it right, you might luck out and be able to do your own fruit picking
• Make a pit stop at Dillon’s Distillery for gin and bitters

Day trips from Toronto: Prince Edward County

Here’s a Prince Edward County day trip map:

Things to do in Prince Edward County:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Visit a lavender field like Millefleurs or PEC Lavender

Prince Edward County lavender is a stunning backdrop for photos. Note that professional/commercial shoots require advance bookings. (Photo taken with iPhone 11)

• Visit alpacas at SHED Chetwyn Farms
• Do the Bee Experience at the Curious Goat General Store
• Eat at The Milford and get ice cream at *Slickers
• Go swimming with water snakes Little Bluff Conservation Area
• Spend half the day at Sandbanks
• Find a lake — on a mountain at Lake on the Mountain
• Drive by Birdhouse City

Day trips from Toronto: Georgian Bay (Simcoe County)

Here’s a Georgian Bay day trip map:

Things to do near Georgian Bay:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Cycle the Tay Shore Trail
• Stop for a snack break in Victoria Harbour 
• Visit the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre
• Check out Ste-Marie Among the Hurons
• Follow the pathway behind Ste-Marie Among the Hurons to catch a glimpse of Martyrs’ Shrine
• Get ice cream at The Boathouse Eatery
• Walk through downtown Midland to see the outdoor murals (walking map here)
• Definitely see the Big Chute Marine Railway:

Day trips from Toronto: Port Hope & Northumberland

Here’s a Northumberland County day trip map:

Things to do near Port Hope & the Northumberland region:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Get SHMURGLES at Haute Goat
• Visit to Ferris Provincial Park and take in the views from the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge

One of the places to visit in Northumberland with your family is Ferris Provincial Park — especially for this cool suspension bridge. (Photo taken with iPhone 11)

Love Ontario Parks? Here are 6 “hidden gems” within driving distance of the GTA: Ontario Provincial Parks Map

• See the Giant Toonie
• Don’t leave the area until you’ve indulged in something, anything, from Dooher’s Bakery
• Eat up or grab something to take home from:
  • Capers Taphouse
  • Empire Cheese
  • Centre & Main Chocolate Co.
  • Century Game Park,
  • Yorkie’s B-B-Q

Day trips from Toronto: the KWCG region (that’s Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge-Guelph!)

Here’s a KWCG day trip map:

Things to do near the Guelph/Waterloo region:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Challenge yourself with the Kissing Bridge Trailway
• Drive through the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario that you actually can drive through: the West Montrose Covered Bridge
• Pay homage at McCrae House
• See Locomotive 6167
• Get the most delish homemade ice cream at The Boathouse Tea Room
• Go to one of the country’s biggest farmers’ markets — the St. Jacob’s Farmers’ Market
• Plan a family tubing adventure with Canoeing the Grand

The family tubing adventure with Canoeing the Grand is $169. Four a four-hour activity, that’s not bad. Think of it as going to the movies, twice. (Photo taken with the iPhone 11)

Day trips from Toronto: the Toronto Islands

Here’s a Toronto Islands day trip map:

Things to do on Toronto Island:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Plan your day using this great map of the main island
• Bring or rent bikes — it’s the best way to see the island (you can rent them on the island!)
• Take the Toronto Islands ferry (schedule here)
• Find the Ned Hanlan tugboat memorial, Centre Island pier, St. Andrew’s by the Lake Church, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, The Shaw House, Duck Island and some of the beaches
• Take your bathingsuits to enjoy the splash pad at Centreville Amusement Park
• Find all 262 remaining island cottages
• Be prepared to spend a lot of money on lunch at The Riviera
• When you get back to the mainland, head to Harbourfront Centre for Lick It Gelato
• Play on the Simcoe WaveDeck

My kids have been running and jumping on the ultra-cool Simcoe WaveDeck near Harbourfront Centre for years. (Photo taken with the iPhone 11)

Day trips from Toronto: Peterborough & The Kawarthas

Here’s a Peterborough & The Kawarthas day trip map:

Things to do in The Kawarthas:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

Just be forewarned — the Kawartha Lakes region is massive and this day trip itinerary represents a few separate trips to the area.

• Ride the Rotary Greenway Trail that runs from Lakefield to Peterborough
• Take a picnic lunch to Lift Lock 23
• Walk across the OPG dam near Bridge and Water Streets
• Absolutely visit Petroglyphs Provincial Park!

The stunning McGinnis Lake in Petroglyphs Provincial Park is alone worth the price of admission. (Photo taken with the iPhone 11)

• Visit Peterborough Lift Lock 21 — the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world
• Lunch, eats, treats:
  • The Nutty Bean Cafe
  • Chocolate Rabbit
  • Stuff’d Ice Cream, Bakery and Cafe
  • Kawartha Buttertart Factory
  • Boathouse Cafe onsite at Viamede Resort

Day trips from Toronto: Burlington

Here’s a Burlington day trip map:

Things to do in Burlington:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Just a heads’ up — all municipal lots in Burlington are free on weekends!
• Take in the Brant Street Pier
• The Burlington section of the Waterfront Trail is one of our favourite rides
• Spencer Smith Park is incredible
• Walk or ride to the long pier to the Beach Canal Lighthouse
• Cross the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge by bike or on foot
• Read the gravestones at the Naval Memorial Garden
• Find the 11-circuit Labyrinth patterned after one at the Chartres Cathedral in France

The Royal Botanical Gardens is home to more than 180,000 plants. Here are just a few of them. (Photo taken with the iPhone 11)

• Stop to smell the flowers at the Royal Botanical Gardens
• Do a hike at Kerncliff Parto look for the baby turtles
• Gravity Hill (a.k.a. Magnetic Hill) is so, so cool!
• Burlington has lots of great food options:
  • The Sunshine Doughnut Co.
  • Loch Side Bar & Lounge
  • Industria Pizzeria & Bar
  • Easterbrook’s Hotdog Stand

Day trips from Toronto: the Niagara region

Here’s a Niagara day trip map:

Things to do in Niagara:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• If you’re comfortable braving Clifton Hill and some of Niagara’s indoor attractions, here’s a big list of things to do in Niagara with kids — just note that there may be some overlap with what’s listed here; you’ll also see that some of the things in other sections in this post that fall into the greater Niagara region can also be mixed and matched with these ideas
• Eat and drink
  • Peller Estates
  • Treadwell Bakery (122 Queen St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON)
  • Treadwell Cuisine
  • Enjoy Queen Victoria Place Restaurant for lunch or dinner on the patio overlooking the American and Canadian Falls
  • Order a “Picnic in the Park” at McFarland House
  • Get some local produce at Van de Laar Orchards
• Take your time at the Voices of Freedom Memorial — and maybe you’ll have a ghostly encounter!
• Check out the Laura Secord Homestead and Mackenzie Printery
• See the Floral Clock
• Brave the WildPlay Niagara Falls Whirlpool Adventure Course
• Soar over the Niagara gorge in the Whirlpool Aero Car
• Do the White Water Walk mere feet from Class 6 white-water rapids

Hornblower Cruises Niagara may have a newer name, but it’s still the same fantastic experience it was when it was called Maid of the Mist. (Photo taken with the iPhone 11)

• Maid of the Mist is now Hornblower Niagara Cruises and it’s still just as fun!
• Stand at the edge of Table Rock
• Wander the Dufferin Islands
• Do a tasting and pick up Canadian Cream Whisky at Wayne Gretzky Estates
• Ostrich Land Ontario is devoted to All Things Ostrich; but only go if you’re truly obsessed

Day trips from Toronto: Grey County

Here’s a Grey County day trip map to help you plot your adventure:

Things to do in Grey County:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

We’ve been visiting Grey County and Collingwood for years and I’ve done both girlfriend getaways in Grey County and romantic escapes, but it’s also great for families. You’ll see here, though, we made Grey County more of a grownup-friendly day trip.

• If you can get a spot, do a date night sans kids centred around a tasting menu by Chef Zach Keeshig — it will blow your mind

Chef Zach does Indigenous-inspired tasting menus that are off the charts. His egg yolk dessert deserves a standing ovation! And the charitable component to the dinner, benefitting Elephant Thoughts, deserves another one. (Photo taken with the iPhone 11)

• Eat and drink All The Things in Thornbury
  • Thornbury Bakery Cafe
  • The Cheese Gallery
  • Thornbury Village Cider and Brew House
  • The Mill Cafe
• Hike or cycle some of the 34-kilometre Georgian Trail
• Inglis Falls in Owen Sound is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Ontario
• Get into the “Refrigerator Cave” at the Scenic Caves Nature Adventure — one of Canada’s 18 biosphere UNESCO sites
• Stock up on nosh on your way out of town at Highland Grounds

Day trips from Toronto: Grand Bend & Bayfield

Here’s a Grand Bend day trip map:

Things to do in Grand Bend:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Pinery Provincial Park is an entire day trip unto itself and it has the clearest (but coldest!) lake water you ever did see
• Soak in the energy of downtown Grand Bend and its stellar public beach — if you’re comfortable with the crowds
• Buy craft beer at the Bad Apple Brewing Company Ltd
• Visit charming downtown Bayfield and eat at the Bayfield Brewing Company & Public House
• Time a visit to Pioneer Park with sunset

The incredible Lake Huron sunset as seen from the viewing platform at Pioneer Park. (Taken with the iPhone 11)

Day trips from Toronto: Clarington 

Here’s a Clarington day trip map:

Things to do in Clarington:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Clarington’s Waterfront Trail is a great bike ride from Bowmanville to the Port of Newcastle — aim for Bondhead Parkette before turning around
• See the salmon swim upstream at the Bowmanville Fish Ladder during parts of September and October
• Archibald’s Orchard Estate & Winery has a stellar market store and if it’s apple-picking season, you won’t want to be anywhere else
• Watson Farms PYO is great during the picking season
• Pingle’s Farm Market always has something fun planned and its Farm Market is awesome
• Tyrone Mill will make you feel like you stepped back in time
• Spend some time at Darlington Provincial Park

The Enniskillen General Store has the biggest selection of Kawartha Dairy ice cream outside of the Kawarthas. And the biggest scoops, too! (Taken on the iPhone 11)

• Eat!
  • Food Truck Alley
  • Mito Sushi or (even better) Sushiholic
  • The Bittmore Tap & Grill  
  • The Toasted Walnut
  • Enniskillen General Store
  • Newcastle Marina

Day trips from Toronto: Haliburton

Here’s a Haliburton day trip map:

Things to do in Haliburton:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• When you visit Haliburton, Ontario, spend a lot of time at the Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve
• Do whatever you need to do before arriving at Haliburton Forest to book the Husky Hike
• Do a Kennel Visit at Haliburton Forest

The Haliburton Forest Kennel Visit takes you right into the male or female areas where the huskies live. You’ll get to learn more about them and interact with these frolicking beauties. This is an endorphin overload — so be prepared to get happy. (Photo taken with iPhone 11)

• Hike The Lookout Trail at Haliburton Forest
• See wolves up close(ish) at the Haliburton Forest Wolf Centre
• RUN — don’t walk — to the Haliburton Sculpture Forest!
• The Royal Canadian Legion Avro CF-100 and Haliburton Rotary Locomotive are neat
• Eat at The Cookhouse and Baked & Battered before grabbing treats from The Little Tart and Kawartha Dairy in Minden
• If Fenelon Falls is on your route to or from Haliburton like it is for us, I recommend taking in the Falls themselves

Day trips from Toronto: Elora & Fergus

Here’s an Elora & Fergus day trip map:

Things to do in Elora & Fergus:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is listed in my road trips from Toronto post.

• Bike ride or hike some of the Elora Cataract Trailway, a 47km trail that starts near downtown Elora
• Make your way to Belwood Country Market for alllllls the butter tarts

If you don’t make your way to Belwood Country Market for the butter tarts, you’re no friend of mine. (Photo taken with the iPhone 12 Pro)

• Visit Belwood Lake Conservation Area
• Nab an energy boost at The Vault Coffee & Espresso Bar
• Marvel at the heritage homes on the main drag in Fergus — like the original shoemaker’s home
• Treat yo’self at I Love Chocolate!
• Head down to Templin Gardens
• If it’s warm, swim at the Elora Quarry — tickets do sell out ahead of time
• Stroll down to the Elora Mill to catch a glimpse of the Tooth of Time
• Dine at The Porch Light or The Evelyn
• Hit up Sweet Distractions
• Pick up some local beer from the Elora Brewing Company

Want to spend more time in Elora and splurge for a romantic getaway? My Elora Ontario post is the place to start.

Day trips from Toronto: Stoney Creek & Vineland

Here’s a Stoney Creek & Vineland area day trip map:

Things to do in Stoney Creek & Vineland:

Don’t forget that a MUCH more detailed version of this itinerary is *coming soon* to my road trips from Toronto post.

It was slim pickings at Luna Farms when we visited on October 2, but we managed to fill a 20-pound bag to the brim with Honey Crisp, Ambrosia, Cortland and Macs! (Photo taken with iPhone 12 Pro)

• Depending on the time of year, this area offers a cornucopia of pick-your-own-fruit offerings — like cherry picking at Sun Valley Farms in early July, peach picking at Cherry Avenue Farms in mid-August and apple picking at Luna Farms in September and early October
• Take in the panoramic views at the Ridge Road view point (see map) after winding up, up and around the narrow street to get there
• Visit Ridge Road Estate Winery for its nice outdoor seating (some of which is covered) with pond views, and enjoy a wine flight (or juice for the kiddos)
• Have some BBQ at Memphis Fire Barbeque Company — stick with actual BBQ and skip the burger and fries
• Enjoy a little farmers’ market-style shopping, bakery and lunch all in one at the Grand Oak Culinary Market
• Lap up some gelato at Bliss Truffles & Gelato
• Get All The Things at the Punch Bowl Market & Bakery (seriously — it’s all delish), and ask if they don’t mind you using the parking lot for a bit longer while you hike to see Devil’s Punchbowl Falls
• To see the Upper Punchbowl, walk east on Ridge Rd from the Punch Bowl Market & Bakery to get to the Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area and follow the trails beyond the (paid) parking lot; please, please, please be careful here — there are warning signs and fencing around the falls for a reason!
• To find the Lower Punchbowl Falls, head back towards the market and continue west until you see a sign for the trail on your right (north side of the road) — this is a tricky hike once you get into it so be prepared
• It’s also a tricky hike if you want to reach the bottom of Ball’s Falls, but — WOW — are they spectacular. Unless you want to pay for parking at the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area, use the map point above for the Ball’s Falls Hike, and the free parking here, and use your GPS to find the falls themselves. If water levels are high, DO NOT HIKE ALONG THE CREEK. Instead, go to the Conservation Area and use the viewing platform. No matter where you see these stunning falls from,as shown in the photo that kicks off this post, it’s a great view

That’s it for now, y’all!

DISCLAIMER: I research and book (and pay for) these trips mostly on my own. In some cases, there may be experiences that are provided to facilitate various parts of this post — as always, I will present my own opinions and suggestions honestly.