posted on February 28, 2025
It’s easy to get swept up in Toronto’s hustle and bustle and forget that some of Ontario’s top attractions lie just outside the city. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway just a short drive from the Six.
From the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake to the crystal clear waters of Bruce Peninsula National Park, there so many day trip ideas from Toronto to discover. Whether you’re craving hiking trails and natural beauty or unwinding with scenic views of the Great Lakes, there’s a Toronto day trip to get your fix.
In this guide, we’ll share five great destinations for day trips from Toronto, perfect for a special day out with friends or family when you need a change of scene.
Best Toronto day trips
Algonquin Provincial Park
Why it’s great
If you only ever visit one provincial park in Ontario, make it Algonquin Park. As the oldest park in Canada, it’s known for its well-preserved natural beauty and inspiring iconic artists like the Group of Seven. Algonquin Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, and there are dog-friendly beaches if you plan to explore the lakes with your pooch. It’s one of the best day trip ideas when you want to leave the city behind and experience pure outdoor adventure.
When is the best time to visit Algonquin Provincial Park
The summer months (June to August) are the best time to visit Algonquin Park for the warmest weather and most accessible outdoor activities. The park is also known for its brilliant fall colours, so planning a day trip in September or October is well worth it.
Tips for visitors
Algonquin Park is just over three hours from Toronto and one of Ontario’s top attractions, so start your day early and book your park pass in advance so you can to enjoy the park to the fullest. Take your time cruising along the Highway 60 Corridor for the ultimate scenic drive through the park.
How to get to Algonquin Provincial Park
From Downtown Toronto, take the Gardiner Expressway West to Highway 400 and head north in your Toronto rental car. Join up with Highway 11 and follow it to Highway 60 East in Huntsville. The Highway 60 Corridor is one of the most beautiful drives in Ontario’s cottage country, so sit back and admire the stunning views as you arrive in Algonquin.
Hitting the road from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport makes it easier to start your journey and shaves about half an hour off the drive to Algonquin Park. Have the Toronto rental car you booked on Turo delivered to the airport for ultimate convenience and a stress-free drive.
What to do in Algonquin Provincial Park
Going on a day hike is one of the best things to do in Algonquin Park. The Algonquin Logging Museum Trail and Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail are easy strolls accessible to all abilities and skill levels. For a more challenging hiking trail, try the short-but-steep Lookout Trail for incredible panoramic views of the park. Canoeing is another classic Algonquin pastime, so why not enjoy a paddle and a picnic as part of your Toronto day trip?
Prince Edward County
Why it’s great
Rolling hills, sandy beaches, and local wineries — what’s not to love? If you’re looking for a day at the beach and the Toronto Islands aren’t cutting it, head to Prince Edward County. This quaint, idyllic region is home to Sandbanks Provincial Park and is known for its warm hospitality, boutique shops, and thriving arts scene. Whether you’re a nature lover or wine lover, “The County” is bound to enchant you on your day trip from Toronto.
When is the best time to visit Prince Edward County
The summer months are the best time to visit Prince Edward County, when the weather is best for activities like swimming, browsing the farmers’ markets, and patio dining.
Tips for visitors
Although summer is the most popular time to visit, don’t overlook the fact that the County is truly a four-season destination. Visiting local art galleries and studios on the Art Trail or tasting your way through festivals like Maple in the County and Countylicious make Prince Edward County a fantastic place for a road trip from Toronto all year round.
How to get to Prince Edward County
From Downtown Toronto, hop into your rental car and take the Gardiner Expressway East to the Don Valley Parkway and head north. Take the 401 East and continue for about an hour and a half, following the shoreline of Lake Ontario. Take exit 522 for County Road 40 and continue onto Loyalist Parkway, enjoying stunning views of the countryside until you reach the charming town of Picton, located at the heart of the County.
If you’re arriving at Pearson International Airport, arrange to have the rental car you booked on Turo delivered to the airport to ensure a smooth arrival. From here, you can jump directly onto Highway 409 and onto the 401. Then it’s smooth sailing to County paradise!
What to do in Prince Edward County
When it comes to things to do in Prince Edward County, visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park is a must! Lounge by the dunes, go for a swim, or stroll the walking trails for a day trip of fun and relaxation. Visit a local winery like Closson Chase or Waupoos Estates Winery for a wine tasting, then end with a fine dining experience at one of the County’s many amazing restaurants before hitting the road back to Toronto.
Georgian Bay
Why it’s great
Located about two hours north of Toronto, Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay is one of the most popular summer trips from Toronto, but offers plenty to enjoy year-round. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Niagara Escarpment and the Bruce Trail, the region is home to some of Ontario’s most accessible and breathtaking natural attractions.
When is the best time to visit Georgian Bay
The summer months are the best time to plan your day trip to Georgian Bay to enjoy swimming, hiking, and boating. That said, there are plenty of Georgian Bay day trip ideas to explore year-round. Touring a local cider house, taking a drive through the fall colours, or going skiing at Blue Mountain Resort are worth the road trip from Toronto in the autumn or winter months.
Tips for visitors
Georgian Bay is a popular part of Ontario’s cottage country, encompassing vacation hotspots like Lake Muskoka and Collingwood. Torontonians love visiting Muskoka and the surrounding regions on summer weekends, so plan to avoid Friday traffic for a smoother drive north. You can easily spend a week here and only scratch the surface of this great destination, so plan your day trip ideas around a particular region, like Blue Mountain or Bruce Peninsula National Park
How to get to Georgian Bay
Depart Downtown Toronto by taking the Gardiner Expressway West to Highway 427 and head north. Use the 401 East to join up with Highway 400, then cruise north for an hour until you reach Barrie. From here, take exit 98 to continue onto ON-26 and ON-29, admiring the natural scenery through this region of the Trent Severn Waterway. Arrive in Wasaga Beach, the closest destination to Toronto at the southern tip of Georgian Bay.
From Pearson International Airport, the drive is even easier, allowing you to hop on Highway 427 directly in your airport rental car and skip the downtown traffic. For maximum convenience, get the Toronto rental car you booked on Turo delivered to the airport so you can hit the road straight away.
What to do in Georgian Bay
In the summer months, head to Wasaga Beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world for fun and relaxation. Adventurous nature lovers can head to Bruce Peninsula National Park for a day hike along the Bruce Trail, or visit Georgian Bay Islands National Park for boating and hiking.
One of the best winter day trips from Toronto is Blue Mountain, Ontario’s top skiing destination. Visit the nearby Scenic Caves to be awed by views of the incredible Niagara Escarpment and enjoy activities in the winter months and year-round.
Niagara Falls
Why it’s great
One trip you can’t miss from Toronto is a visit to the iconic Niagara Falls. Located less than two hours away, it’s one of the best day trips from Toronto if you want to treat yourself and break away from the ordinary.
When is the best time to visit Niagara Falls
The best time to visit Niagara Falls is between May and October, with July and August attracting the most crowds. If you’re planning a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, consider visiting during the spring when the flowers are in full bloom or in autumn to marvel at the surrounding fall colours.
Tips for visitors
Admiring the Horseshoe Falls is just one of the many things to see and do in Niagara Falls. Take a scenic drive along the Niagara River to reach Niagara-on-the-Lake, a historic town known for its wine scene, spas, and views of Lake Ontario.
Stroll the historic main street and stop for afternoon tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel for a magical Niagara Falls experience. Top it off with a tour at one of the local wineries like Inniskillin or Stratus for a memorable day trip.
How to get to Niagara Falls
Located just 90 minutes from Downtown Toronto, Niagara Falls is situated on the Canada-US border between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Pick up your Toronto rental car and hop on the Gardiner Expressway West to start your journey. Continue onto the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), passing through Burlington and St Catharines before arriving in the Niagara region.
Getting there is even easier from Pearson International Airport. Book your Toronto airport rental car on Turo and have it delivered to the airport for a stress-free trip. From there, the drive is just over one hour.
What to do in Niagara Falls
Take the Maid of the Mist boat tour to see Niagara Falls up close, or try a helicopter tour or ziplining for an especially thrilling viewpoint. Travelling with your partner? Head to romantic Niagara-on-the-Lake to pamper yourself with wine tastings, strolling the historic old town, or a spa day for two.
Kitchener-Waterloo
Why it’s great
Located in the Grand River region, “KW” is a vibrant university town just a short drive from Toronto, perfect for a spontaneous day trip. Home to unique events, historic landmarks, and the largest Oktoberfest outside of Germany, there is plenty to do in Kitchener year-round as a Toronto day trip.
When is the best time to visit Kitchener-Waterloo
Kitchener-Waterloo is one of the best four-season day trips from Toronto, and the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do.
The summer months are the best time to go for outdoor activities like canoeing down the Grand River, while autumn promises gorgeous fall colours and the famous Oktoberfest festival. In the winter months, attend the Winterloo festival, go ice skating at Waterloo Square rink, or browse a gallery or museum. In spring, get home decor inspiration at the KW Home and Garden Show or stroll the beautiful Rockway Gardens.
Tips for visitors
Kitchener and the surrounding area hosts some of Ontario’s most iconic festivals, so consider taking a road trip to enjoy one for yourself! The Kitchener Blues Festival, Sun Life Waterloo Busker Carnival, and Oktoberfest are some of KW’s claims to fame. If you’re willing to drive a little further, head to the nearby town of Stratford to catch a performance during the Stratford Festival.
How to get to Kitchener-Waterloo
Head out of Downtown Toronto by taking the Gardiner Expressway West to Highway 427, then head north. Take Highway 401 West and drive along for about an hour before exiting onto ON-8 West to reach Kitchener.
Departing from Pearson International Airport offers an even more straightforward drive. Make it even smoother by having your Toronto airport rental car delivered to the airport with the help of your host on Turo. Bypass the downtown traffic by getting on Highway 427 directly, then cruising along the 401 West toward Kitchener in your Toronto rental car.
What to do in Kitchener-Waterloo
If you’re visiting on a Saturday, head to the Kitchener Market — one of the oldest public markets in Canada — to shop local produce and the creations of local artisans. Outdoor enthusiasts and families can head to 45-hectare Waterloo Park to enjoy walking trails, an animal farm, splash pad, and more.
Frequently asked questions
What cities are two hours away from Toronto?
If you’re looking for accessible road trips from Toronto, there are plenty of options! Kitchener-Waterloo, Wasaga Beach, and Blue Mountain are all fantastic destinations that you can reach in about two hours.
For a shorter drive, Hamilton is located just an hour away on the shores of Lake Ontario, and offers a balance of urban energy and outdoor attractions like Spencer Gorge Conservation Area and Dundas Peak.
Rather stick to the suburbs? In 45 minutes you can reach Vaughan, home to Canada’s Wonderland, the largest amusement park in Canada, for a thrilling day out with family or friends.
What is the most scenic drive from Toronto?
Wondering where to go for a drive outside Toronto? Head to the Rouge Valley Parkway for gorgeous views of one of the biggest urban parks in North America, located just 45 minutes from downtown. If you’re up for a longer day trip, drive to Halton Hills or Milton for picturesque countryside and views of the Niagara Escarpment.
What is the most beautiful town around Toronto?
Niagara-on-the-Lake is often considered the most beautiful town near Toronto, as well as one of the prettiest towns in Canada. Other charming communities worth visiting on a Toronto day trip or weekend getaway include Stratford, known the Stratford Festival, and picturesque Elora.
Book your Toronto rental car with Turo
Whether you want to pamper yourself with a resort day at Blue Mountain or explore the nearest national park, there are countless road trips from Toronto you can take to unplug, recharge, and explore a new region outside the city.
Ready to start planning your Toronto day trip? Find the perfect rental car to visit Toronto and the surrounding area with Turo. Browse available cars and book the perfect ride to take you from downtown core to lakeside shore.
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this Toronto day trip into reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just a lover of travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
