Best Day Trips from Toronto

Toronto has a wide range of excursions through which you will discover the nature, history, architecture and culture of its surroundings. Are you up for joining 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, 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.

1. Visit Algonquin Park from Toronto and enjoy this impressive 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 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.

Book a tour to Algonquin Park

2. Enjoy a unique Niagara Falls experience from Toronto

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

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.

Book an excursion to Niagara Falls

3. See Toronto's islands and city skyline on a river excursion 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 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.

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

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 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 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.

Book a tour of the Distillery District

5. Take a self-guided 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 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 in a kayak and take a ride on the rapids of the nearby rivers.
  • Diveinto 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.

<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> <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 good alternative 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 <strong>hiking tour</strong> while taking in the mountain scenery.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span></span>Together with a <strong>guide-driver</strong> you'll travel for about <strong>4 hours and 30 minutes</strong> from the city center. Upon arriving at the park, you'll enjoy <strong>sweeping panoramas:</strong> the scenic trails, the La Cloche Mountains, the vastness of Lake George, among other destinations.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>The hiking route to discover the park <strong>is usually a bit demanding,</strong> but it's well worth it. You'll access one of the highest-elevation hills in the Ontario region, at least <strong>539 meters,</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 route, you'll pass through <strong>lush forests</strong> and some of the <strong>50 crystal-clear lakes</strong> in this nature reserve. You'll also visit the <a href="link|text=French River Provincial Park|url=https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/frenchriver">French River Provincial Park</a> and push your vertigo to the limit as you walk across 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 excursion can cost up to approximately 145€ per person.</li> <li><strong>Duration:</strong> the average duration of the excursion is 12 hours.</li> <li><strong>Advantages of this option:</strong> you will not have to make extra expenses paying the park entrance fee, as this is incorporated.</li> <li><strong>Disadvantages of this option:</strong> the activity does not usually incorporate the transfer to the door of 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 stay, you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience one of the iconic regions of the Ontario region, then you must take a <strong>excursion to Muskoka.</strong> You'll be amazed by the <strong>natural splendor 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 manager in the center of town and, from there, you'll drive to Muskoka, a route of <strong>a little more than two hours.</strong> Once you arrive at your destination, you'll begin to explore the place, being enveloped by a <strong>postcard-worthy scenery.</strong><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Some of the <strong>destinations you can visit</strong> in Muskoka are the following: <ul> <li><li><strong>Hardy Lake,</strong> one of 1,600 lakes in the region. You can make a route of approximately eight kilometers.</li> <li><strong>The High Falls.</strong> This is a powerful waterfall that locals often call 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 privileged panoramic view of the Muskoka Lake area.</li> </ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>Also, 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 bike on 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 established duration time for this experience is about 11 hours.</li> <li><strong>Means of transportation:</strong> minibus.</li> <li><strong>Advantages of this option:</strong> you will spend a day surrounded by a natural environment of great splendor, you can relax, admire the environment and do some sports activities.</li> <li><strong>Disadvantages of this option:</strong> you should bring some supplies, as this tour generally does not incorporate drinks or food.</li> </ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h2 data-number="8.">Travel 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 the guide</strong> in downtown Toronto, you'll set off by road on a <strong>drive of about four hours.</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 along 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 of about 18 meters high originating from the icy waters of the Sydenham River.</li> <li><strong>The 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 while contemplating the cliffs of Georgian Bay. In addition, you'll find some 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 about €145 per person.</li> <li><strong>Duration:</strong> this activity can last approximately 13 hours.</li> <li><strong>Means of transportation:</strong> minibus.</li> <li><strong>Advantages of this option:</strong> you will explore a place with an incredible natural scene, composed 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 have to assume that expense additionally.</li> </ul><span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span><h2 data-number="">Why is it advisable to do 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 will find <strong>amazing natural scenery</strong>.</strong>You can escape the hustle and bustle of the Canadian metropolis and discover the history and culture of the <strong>different cities and islands</strong> in the surrounding area.<span data-type="non-translate-span" translate="no"></span>You will have the opportunity to visit the famous <strong>Niagara Falls</strong> and be amazed by its majesty. Likewise, breathe fresh air in <strong>Algonquin Park,</strong> enjoy the thin sand and crystal-clear waters of the <strong>Wasaga Beach</strong>, etc. The best part is that all these destinations are easily accessible by car and even by 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>This way, you can avoid mishaps and live 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 of the year. Wear light clothing in summer and garments 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 marked 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 will be visiting outdoor spaces (waterfalls, beaches, parks, etc.) and will be exposed under the sun.</li> <li><strong>Take some snacks with you.</strong> They will come in handy in case the tour does not incorporate food and drinks.</li> <li><strong>Put on comfortable shoes.</strong> I even recommend taking some trekking shoes, which will allow you to move around safely while exploring 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>.