Top 10 Day Trips from Toronto (+ How Long it Takes to Get There)

Toronto is a city known for being a vibrant hub of culture and innovation in Canada, with plenty to do and discover. However, if you have a little bit longer in the city, it’s also a fantastic springboard from which to explore other, less busy parts of the country, from the thundering majesty of Niagara Falls to charming colonial towns, serene lakeside retreats, and even cross-border adventures. Whatever you’re after, there’s an unforgettable adventure just a short trip away.

Here at Civitatis, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 day trips from Toronto (all within a reasonable distance from the city), offering a blend of history, unique attractions, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Wait! If you’re planning your itinerary in Toronto and you’re still looking for things to do in the city, check out our list of the 10 best things to do in Toronto, plus travel tips!

1. Niagara Falls (Ontario)

Driving: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.

Public Transport: Around 2-3 hours by bus (e.g., Megabus, GO Transit connections).

Bus Transfer: Civitatis: Transport Between Toronto & Niagara Falls.

First on our list is the truly exceptional Niagara Falls. What can be said about this marvel that hasn’t been said already? These thunderous falls, which are comprised of three separate waterfalls, are thought to date back to around 10,000 BC, during the last ice age, when melting glaciers were carving out the Great Lakes. In the early 19th century, Niagara Falls began to gain recognition as a tourism hub, and today it offers wonderful boat rides and observation decks to enjoy watching 2.8 million liters of water flowing over the falls every second.

With Civitatis, you can easily visit Niagara Falls from Toronto on a day trip, or as part of this Niagara Falls private tour from Toronto. Or, for a slightly alternative experience, why not check out this Niagara Falls day trip + night light show? At night, the falls are lit up with awesome lights, and between May and October, feature a fireworks display!

From Toronto, you can also fairly easily visit the U.S. side of Niagara Falls, which has come to be seen as a less commercialized viewing experience compared to its Canadian counterpart. It’s home to America’s oldest state park, designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. If you do visit, check out this Niagara Falls guided tour (U.S side)

2. Niagara-on-the-Lake

Driving: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours.

Public Transport: Around 2.5-3.5 hours (requires connections from Niagara Falls).

One of Ontario’s oldest towns, Niagara-on-the-Lake, was once the capital of Upper Canada, which was how Ontario was known when it was a British Colony. Famously, this town was razed to the ground during the War of 1812, which was fought between the United States and Great Britain over the course of three years. Thankfully, Niagara-on-the-Lake was later rebuilt by citizens. Today, Niagara-on-the-Lake is best known for its thriving wine industry and beautifully preserved 19th-century charm.

The best way to discover the town is on this Niagara-on-the-Lake day trip + food & wine tour. On this tour, you’ll check out a chocolate factory, a country market, the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake itself, as well as a winery, where you’ll be able to sample three locally-produced wines.

• Check out more tours & experiences in Niagara-on-the-Lake with Civitatis.

3. Stratford

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: Approximately 2 hours.

Public Transport: Around 2.5-3.5 hours by train (Via Rail) or bus.

Next up on our list is the city of Stratford, a small town which was historically home to Irish, Scottish, German, and English immigrants, who primarily practiced agriculture in the area, which is still a major local industry. Later, Stratford became a railway town, but today it is a cultural beacon, best known as host to the Stratford Festival, which holds various shows in the city between April and October, with a special focus on Shakespeare productions.

4. Elora / Elora Gorge

Driving: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Public Transport: Around 2-3 hours by bus (requires connections).

Next up on our list, we have the beautiful town of Elora, a popular day trip from Toronto, only a short drive from the city. This picturesque 19th-century mill town is consistently voted as Ontario’s most beautiful city, known for its charming architecture, as well as its dramatic natural beauty, most notably that of the Elora Gorge, a natural conservation area, where the Grand River flows down past tall cliffs. Here, you’ll find plenty of hiking trails with places to swim, as well as lots of camping, canoeing, and fishing sites to enjoy. However, keep in mind you need to buy a ticket to visit this area. Also, check out the Elora Quarry Conservation Area, which features a small beach and a hiking trail to explore—tickets also need to be purchased in advance.

5. Hamilton

Driving: Approximately 1 hour.

Public Transport: Around 1-1.5 hours by GO Train or bus.

Once known as the ‘Steel Capital of Canada,’ the city of Hamilton, located on the west end of Lake Ontario has become known for much more than its local industry, boasting a thriving arts and culture scene as well as staggering waterfalls, which can be enjoyed along various hiking trails, Waterdown Wetland Trail, Bruce Trail, and Dundas Peak (pictured below). Of course, Niagara Falls gets all of the attention in this area, but Hamilton’s waterfalls are something special as well!

Another highlight in Hamilton is the food. The city has gained a reputation for being a great spot for fresh, farm-to-table food. What’s more, aside from being the home of coffee giant Tim Hortons (true story), Hamilton is home to a variety of fantastic independent coffee joints

Also, check out the wonderful Royal Botanical Gardens (home to the world’s largest lilac collection), African Lion Safari, and the city’s various museums. We’d recommend checking out the Westfield Heritage Village, a little bit outside of the city. Here, museum workers lead demonstrations of blacksmithing, breadmaking, and more.

6. Collingwood

Driving: Approximately 2 hours.

Public Transport: Around 2.5-3.5 hours by bus.

Originally a shipbuilding town, Collingwood has become a year-round hotspot for travellers, gaining a reputation for its adventure activities along the harbour, hiking/biking trails, and gorgeous downtown area, where you can also find fresh, high-quality meals.

Alongside Collingwood is the Blue Mountain ski resort, one of the best ski resorts in Ontario. If you’re into skiing, snowboarding, or even ice skating or tubing, Blue Mountain has a wonderful variety of pistes/tracks to enjoy. It also has a fantastic range of food options, including the old Canadian favorite: poutine.

7. Prince Edward County

How long does it take to get there?

Driving: Approximately 2-2.5 hours.

Once a quiet Loyalist farming community, Prince Edward County (or “the County,” as locals call it) has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades. Settled by United Empire Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution in the late 1700s, the area’s fertile land made it an agricultural hotspot. It remained a sleepy rural region until the early 2000s, when boutique wineries and artists began to move in—sparking a cultural and culinary renaissance.

Today, Prince Edward County is one of Ontario’s most beloved getaway destinations. With over 40 wineries, beautiful beaches, and a booming food scene, it offers a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern indulgence.

8. Kitchener-Waterloo

Driving: Approximately 1.5 hours.

Public Transport: Around 1.5-2 hours by GO Train/bus.

The Kitchener-Waterloo region began as a settlement of Pennsylvania Dutch Mennonites in the early 19th century, who brought with them a strong work ethic and rich cultural traditions. The city of Kitchener was originally called Berlin until World War I, when it was renamed due to anti-German sentiment. Waterloo, its sister city, developed as a center for education and innovation.

Today, this twin-city area blends deep-rooted tradition with cutting-edge tech, It’s home to two major universities (University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier), major tech companies (including Google), and Canada’s largest Oktoberfest celebration.

9. Buffalo, NY (USA)

Driving: Approximately 2 hours (plus border crossing time).

Public Transport: Limited direct options.

Once a booming canal and industrial city due to its strategic location on the Erie Canal, Buffalo became one of the wealthiest cities in the USA in the 20th century. By the mid-20th century, Buffalo had experienced a significant economic downturn and has since reinvented itself with a strong focus on culture and architecture, most notably designs from Frank Lloyd Wright, such as the Darwin D. Martin House.

If you’re into chicken wings, you’ll be interested to know that this city is also home to the sauce of the same name. The buffalo wing is made traditionally with Frank’s Hot Sauce and melted butter, though places around the city will often give this local dish a unique twist. However, the locale credited with this now world-renowned invention is Anchor Bar—check it out!

10. Lewiston, NY (USA)

Driving: Approximately 2 hours (plus border crossing time).

Public Transport: Limited direct options.

Another cross-border option, Lewiston, New York, is a beautiful historic village that is renowned in the US for its role in the War of 1812, serving as the site of the first major battle in the war. Lewiston was also the final stop of the Underground Railroad, a secret network of trails used to help slaves escape from the South to Canada in the 1800s. Thousands of enslaved people are thought to have come through Lewiston to Freedom Crossing, a point on the Niagara River which was used to cross into Canada. Here, you can find the Freedom Crossing Monument, which depicts a scene from that time. If you’re into history, continue your journey at the Lewiston Museum.

From natural wonders to cultural gems and culinary delights, these top day trips from Toronto will bring your journey to Canada to the next level, and give you a more complete idea of Ontario, and even the US if you decide to go to one of the US destinations. If you’re still looking for ways to enjoy the city, check out more tours and experiences in Toronto with Civitatis.