Best Day Trips from Toronto

Toronto has a wide range of excursions through which you can discover the nature, history, architecture and culture of the surrounding area. Are you ready to join them?

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

11 min read

Best Day Trips from Toronto

Cataratas del Niagara |©Pixabay

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

Without a doubt, going on an excursion 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.

1. Visit Algonquin Park from Toronto and enjoy this stunning natural lung

Algonquin Park.|©Gillian Floyd
Algonquin Park.|©Gillian Floyd

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 characterised by its wild fauna: beavers, American moose, wolves, etc. It also has more than 2,000 lakes and approximately 10 waterfalls.

The experience usually starts with a drive from downtown to the park. The drive takes a little over three hours. Upon arrival at your destination, your guide will take you to explore this large nature reserve of approximately 7,400 square kilometres in size.

Some of the sights you'll see on this tour to Algonquin Park from Toronto include the following:

  • The Beaver Pond Trail, at least a couple of kilometres long and bordered by Amikeus Lake. On this loop trail you'll 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 jagged falls, this is a beautiful but wild waterfall of the Oxtongue River. You can walk the trail, have a picnic and even go boating.

Details of interest

  • Price: the price of the tour is around 176€ per person.
  • Duration: this experience usually lasts around 12 hours.
  • Means of transport: 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 tour does not usually offer a return transfer directly from the hotel door.

Book a tour to Algonquin Park

2. Experience a unique Niagara Falls experience from Toronto

Niagara Falls|©Angel de los Rios
Niagara Falls|©Angel de los Rios

Just under two hours from downtown Toronto is one of Canada's most iconic natural settings, Niagara Falls. Experience a unique experience in this place, world-renowned for its scenery and environmental importance.

On a trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto you can see different perspectives of this monumental waterfall of more than 50 metres high. You will also learn about the history of this destination and its role as a source of energy from the commentary of one of the tour guides.

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

  • 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 world's smallest chapel dedicated to Christian worship, will capture your attention immediately.
  • Skylon Tower, with a 360° observation deck and restaurant.
  • The Niagara Whirlpool, a natural whirlpool that forms on the border of the Niagara between Canada and the United States.

Details of interest

  • Price: the value of this experience starts at around 67€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour can last from 9 to 10 hours approximately.
  • Means of transport: 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 drinks.

Book a tour to Niagara Falls

3. See Toronto's islands and city skyline on a river tour on Lake Ontario

Europe Point Lighthouse|©Alfonso Suárez
Europe Point Lighthouse|©Alfonso Suárez

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

For this excursion, you'll head to the city's harbour, which is usually the starting point. There, you'll board a boat and immediately set sail. As you sail, 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 harbour and islands of Toronto you will have the opportunity to see the impressive urban scene of the city. You will see, among others:

  • The CN Tower, which opened in 1976 and is over 500 metres high.
  • First Canadian Place, a 298-metre skyscraper erected in 1975.
  • Rogers Centre Stadium, a 1989 construction that is 86 metres high.

Interesting details

  • Price: this cruise costs approximately €24 per person.
  • Duration: the cruise lasts an average of 60 minutes.
  • Means of transport: boat.
  • Advantages of this option: you will take a short tour of Toronto's islands, discovering a series of paradisiacal destinations and enjoying the city's skyline from a different perspective.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this is a scenic tour, so you won't stop for water activities.

Embark on a sightseeing cruise

4. Explore the wine culture of the Niagara-on-the-Lake region

Niagara on the Lake|©AL.Eyad
Niagara on the Lake|©AL.Eyad

Make the most 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. You will also participate in a guided wine tasting with a variety of wines.

The tour, which usually departs from downtown Toronto, will take you 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 town 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 being noted 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 winemaking in the region.
  • Peller Estates Winery, which offers a wine and food experience.

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

Interesting details

  • Price: the regular price of the tour starts from 117€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour usually lasts around 9 hours.
  • Means of transport: 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 the age of 18, so if you are in Toronto with children you should avoid taking them.

Book a Distillery District Tour

5. Take a self-drive adventure to Wasaga Beach from Toronto

Wasaga Beach|©Bruce Reeve
Wasaga Beach|©Bruce Reeve

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

It's a two-hour drive from the city centre to Georgian Bay to reach this paradisiacal spot. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists, especially on summer days in Toronto.

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

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

You can also stroll along the promenade, dotted with bars, ice cream parlours, restaurants, food trucks and souvenir shops. 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: The one-day car rental for this tour starts from around €47 approximately.
  • Duration: as this 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 can follow your own itinerary.
  • Disadvantages of this option: driving there and back might be a bit tiring for you.

<div class="post-button"" markdown="1"><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><a href="link|text=Book a beer tour|element=pa-3504">Book a beer tour</a><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span></div><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span></div><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span> <h2 data-number="6. ">Be part of a tour to Killarney Provincial Park from Toronto and take in the mountain panorama</h2><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1702002704/post_images/Toronto/Tours%20y%20excursiones%20en%20Toronto/48088205193_d616f3b4ea_k_Cropped.jpg|caption=Killarney Provincial Park|©Luca Di Nicola">Killarney Provincial Park</figcaption></figure><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Take a trip to <a href="link|text=Killarney Provincial Park|url=https://www.destinationontario.com/en-mx/attractions/killarney-provincial-park#:~:text=The%20Park%20Provincial%20Killarney%20is%C3%A1,Canada%20Hwy%2FON%2D69.">Killarney Provincial Park</a> from Toronto is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a <strong>hiking tour</strong> to this stunning protected wilderness area and take in the mountain scenery. <span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span></span>After a <strong>driver-guide</strong> you'll travel for around <strong>4 hours and 30 minutes</strong> from the city centre. When you arrive at the park, you'll enjoy <strong>sweeping views</strong> of scenic trails, the La Cloche Mountains, the vastness of Lake George and more. <span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>The hiking route to discover the park <strong>is often a little demanding,</strong> but it's well worth it. You'll access one of the highest-elevation hills in the Ontario region, at at least <strong>539 metres,</strong> whose geological history dates back some 1.88 billion years. You'll see <strong>rock formations of white quartzite</strong> and pink granite.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Along the way, you'll pass through <strong>lush forests</strong> and some of the <strong>50 crystal-clear lakes</strong> in this nature reserve. You will also visit the <a href="link|text=Parque Provincial del Río Francés|url=https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/frenchriver">Parque Provincial del Río Francés</a> and you will push your vertigo to the limit as you walk along its suspension bridge.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h3 data-number="">Details of interest</h3><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><ul> <li><strong>Price:</strong> the tour can cost up to approximately 145€ per person.</li> <li><strong>Duration:</strong> the average duration of the tour is 12 hours.</li> <li><strong>Advantages of this option:</strong> you won't have to pay extra for the park entrance fee, as this is included.</li> <li><strong>Disadvantages of this option:</strong> the activity does not usually include a transfer to the hotel.</li> </ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h2 data-number="7.">It is part of a tour of the iconic Muskoka region from Toronto</h2><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1702002863/post_images/Toronto/Tours%20y%20excursiones%20en%20Toronto/2760201838_9f0fd65cab_k_Cropped.jpg|caption=muskoka|©dvolli3">muskoka</figcaption></figure><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>If during your <a href="link|text=3 days in Toronto|element=sc-28-4919">3 days in Toronto</a> or longer, you want to escape the bustle of the city and experience one of Ontario's iconic regions, then you should take a <strong>excursion to Muskoka.</strong>You'll be amazed by the <strong>natural splendour of this place:</strong> rivers, lakes, streams, hiking areas and more.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>You'll connect with the activity leader in the town centre, and from there you'll drive to Muskoka, a <strong>slightly more than two hours away.</strong> Once you arrive at your destination, you'll begin to explore the area and be enveloped by a <strong>postcard-worthy scenery</strong>.</strong><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Some of the <strong>destinations you can visit</strong> in Muskoka include the following: <ul> <li><li><strong>Lake Hardy,</strong> one of 1,600 lakes in the region. The High Falls is a mighty waterfall that locals often refer to as the Niagara of the North. You'll also see Potts Falls, another smaller waterfall.</li> <li><strong>The Huckleberry Rock Lookout,</strong> from where you'll get a prime view of the Muskoka Lake area.</li> </ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>And if you visit <a href="link|text=Toronto in September|element=sc-28-4911">Toronto in September</a> through early December, you'll enjoy <strong>autumn foliage</strong> with its warm tones. Meanwhile, <strong>in summer</strong> you can cycle the trails, or try some <strong>water sports</strong>, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and more.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h3 data-number="">Details of interest</h3><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><ul> <li><strong>Price:</strong> the average price for this tour is €127 per person.</li> <li><strong>Duration:</strong> The estimated duration of this experience is 11 hours.</li> <li><strong>Means of transport:</strong> Minibus.</li> <li><strong>Advantages of this option:</strong> You will spend a day surrounded by a natural environment of great splendour, you can relax, admire the surroundings and do some sporting activities.</li> <li><strong>Disadvantages of this option:</strong> You will need to bring some provisions, as this tour generally does not include drinks or food.</li> </ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h2 data-number="8.">Trip to Bruce Peninsula National Park from Toronto and spend a different day</h2><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1702003084/post_images/Toronto/Tours%20y%20excursiones%20en%20Toronto/50666703037_5c935e7057_k_Cropped.jpg|caption=Bruce Peninsula National Park|©Timothy Neesam">Bruce Peninsula National Park</figcaption></figure><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><span>Another must-see destination for a day trip from Toronto happens to be the <a href="link|text=Bruce Peninsula National Park|url=https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/bruce?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=bruce">Bruce Peninsula National Park</a>. This is a picturesque place with a fascinating <strong>hilly landscape and rich wildlife,</strong> where you'll spend a day with a difference.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Once you <strong>connect with your guide</strong> in downtown Toronto, you'll set off by road on a <strong>about four-hour drive</strong>.</strong>On arrival at the national park, you'll begin to discover each of the <strong>hidden gems of this great natural lung,</strong> home to black bears, ancient cedars, orchids and more.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Some of the sights you'll see on this tour include:<ul> <li><a href="link|text=The Inglis Falls|url=https://ontarioconservationareas.ca/conservation-areas/inglis-falls/">The Inglis Falls</a>, with a drop some 18 metres high from the icy waters of the Sydenham River.</li> <li><strong>Big Tub Harbor Lighthouse,</strong> with a history dating back to 1885.</li> <li><a href="link|text=The Horse Lake|url=https://youtu.be/U1VZzjNinAA">The Horse Lake</a>, around which you can walk along the cliffs of Georgian Bay. There are also a few beaches to relax on.</li></ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h3 data-number="">Details of interest</h3><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><ul> <li><strong>Price:</strong> The cost of this tour is around €145 per person.</li> <li><strong>Duration:</strong> This activity can take approximately 13 hours.</li> <li><strong>Means of transport:</strong> Minibus.</li> <li><strong>Advantages of this option:</strong> You will explore a place with an incredible natural scene, made up of cliffs and a great display of wildlife.</li> <li><strong>Disadvantages of this option:</strong> The use of kayaking equipment is not included in the price of the activity, so if you wish to do this activity you will need to pay for it additionally. </li></ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h2 data-number="">Why do you recommend a tour from Toronto?</h2><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1702003209/post_images/Toronto/Tours%20y%20excursiones%20en%20Toronto/pexels-dominika-roseclay-1252500_Cropped.jpg|caption=person viewing map|©Dominika Roseclay">person viewing map</figcaption></figure></figure><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Touring from Toronto is a highly recommended option because <strong>near the city</strong> (between 1 and 8 hours away) you'll find <strong>striking natural scenery</strong>.</strong>You can escape the hustle and bustle of the Canadian metropolis and discover the history and culture of the surrounding <strong>cities and islands</strong>. <span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>You'll have the opportunity to visit the famous <strong>Niagara Falls</strong> and marvel at its majesty. You can also breathe in the fresh air at <strong>Algonquin Park,</strong> enjoy the fine sand and crystal-clear waters of the mile-long <strong>Wasaga Beach,</strong> and so on. The best thing is that all these destinations are easily accessible by car and even bus.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><div class="post-button" markdown="1"><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><a href="link|text=Book a tour to Niagara Falls|element=pa-3493">Book a tour to Niagara Falls</a><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span></span></div><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h2 data-number="">Tips for a tour from Toronto</h2><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><figure><figcaption href="image|size=medium|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/hello-tickets/image/upload/v1702003384/post_images/Toronto/Tours%20and%20excursions%20in%20Toronto/pexels-yogendra-singh-3930029_Cropped.jpg|caption=man standing with backpack|©Yogendra Singh">man standing with backpack</figcaption></figure><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Before embarking on one of Toronto's tours it is important that you take into consideration <strong>some basic tips</strong>.</strong>This way, you can avoid mishaps and have a unique experience. <span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Some of them are: <ul> <li><strong>Wear clothing</strong> that suits the season. Wear light clothing in summer and clothes made of sturdy fabrics if you visit <a href="link|text=Toronto in winter|element=sc-28-4917">Toronto in winter</a>, as these seasons are very distinct in the city. In any case, you can keep an eye on the <a href="link|text=weather forecast|url=https://www.tiempo3.com/north-america/canada/ontario/toronto">weather forecast</a>.</li> <li><li><strong>Don't forget sunscreen and mosquito repellent</strong> Remember that on most tours you'll be visiting outdoor spaces (waterfalls, beaches, parks, etc.) and will be exposed to the sun.</li> <li><strong>Take some snacks with you.</strong> These will be useful in case the tour doesn't incorporate food and drink.</li> <li><strong>Put on comfortable shoes.</strong> I even recommend trekking shoes, which will allow you to move around safely as you explore the destinations.</li> </ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span> <ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span> <ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span> <ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>.