8 Best Day Trips from Toronto

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.

If you are a nature enthusiast, you cannot miss the opportunity to take a day trip to the 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.

A little less than 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.

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 will 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 around 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.

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.

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.
• Dive into 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.

A trip to Killarney Provincial Park from Toronto is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 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 centre. Upon arrival at the park you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views: the scenic trails, the La Cloche Mountains, the vastness of Lake George, among other destinations.

The hiking route to discover the park is often a bit demanding, but it is worth it . You'll access one of the highest hills in the Ontario region, at least 539 metres, 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. You'll also visit the French River Provincial Park and push your vertigo to the limit as you walk across its suspension bridge.

Interesting details

• 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 won't have to pay extra for the park entrance fee, as it is included in the price.
• Disadvantages of this option: the activity does not usually include 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 Ontario's iconic regions, then you should take a tour to Muskoka. You'll be amazed by the natural splendour of this place: rivers, lakes, streams, hiking areas and more.

You'll connect with the activity manager in the city centre and, from there, drive to Muskoka, a drive of just over two hours. Once you arrive at your destination you will begin to explore the area and be enveloped by a postcard-worthy scenic scene.

Some of the destinations you can visit in Muskoka are as follows:

• Hardy Lake, one of 1,600 lakes in the region. You can hike a trail of approximately eight kilometres.
• The High Falls. This is a mighty waterfall that locals often call the Niagara of the North. You'll also see Potts Falls, another smaller waterfall.
• Huckleberry Rock Lookout, where you'll get a great view of the Muskoka Lake area.

Also, if you visit Toronto in September through early December, you'll enjoy the autumn foliage with its warm tones. Meanwhile, in the summer you can bike the trails, or try your hand at some water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and more.

Details of interest

• Price: the average price for this tour is €127 per person.
• Duration: the estimated duration of this experience is about 11 hours.
• Means of transport: minibus.
• Advantages of this option: you will spend a day surrounded by a natural environment of great splendour, you will be able to relax, admire the surroundings and do some sporting activities.
• Disadvantages of this option: you will need to bring some provisions, as this excursion does not usually include food and drink.

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

Once you connect with your guide in downtown Toronto, you'll set off on a four-hour drive. Upon arrival at the national park you'll 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 sites you'll see along this tour include:

• Inglis Falls, with an 18-metre drop from the icy waters of the Sydenham River.
• Big Tub Harbor Lighthouse, with a history dating back to 1885.
• Horse Lake, around which you can walk along the cliffs of Georgian Bay. There are also a number of beaches to relax on.

Interesting details

• Price: the cost of this tour is about €145 per person.
• Duration: this activity can last approximately 13 hours.
• Means of transport: minibus.
• Advantages of this option: you will explore a place with an incredible natural scene, made up of cliffs and a great display of wildlife.
• Disadvantages of this option: the use of kayaking equipment is not included in the price of the activity, so if you wish to do this activity you will have to pay for it additionally.

Hiking from Toronto is a highly recommended option because of the amazing natural scenery close to the city (between 1 and 8 hours away). You can escape the hustle and bustle of the Canadian metropolis and discover the history and culture of the surrounding cities and islands.

You will have the opportunity to visit the famous Niagara Falls and be amazed by its majesty. You can also breathe in the fresh air at Algonquin Park, enjoy the fine sand and crystal-clear waters of the kilometre-long Wasaga Beach, and more. The best part is that all these destinations are easily accessible by car or even bus.

Before embarking on a tour from Toronto it is important that you take into consideration some basic tips. This way, you can avoid mishaps and have a unique experience.

Some of them are:

• Dress according to the season. 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 on most excursions you will be visiting outdoor areas (waterfalls, beaches, parks, etc.) and will be exposed to the sun.
• Take some snacks with you. They will be useful in case the tour does not include food and drinks.
• Wear comfortable shoes. I even recommend taking some trekking shoes, which will allow you to move around safely while exploring the destinations.