Day Trips Less Than 2 Hours From Toronto
Toronto, Canada, is a fabulous city, but if you have some extra time, why not explore some of the other cities and charming towns near Toronto in Southern Ontario? From the stunning spectacle of Niagara Falls to the quaint charm of Elora and Stratford, the region surrounding Toronto offers a wealth of experiences.
Niagara Falls
Address
Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA
Phone: +1 716-286-8579
One of the world’s natural wonders, Niagara Falls attracts visitors globally. If you’re in Toronto, it is an easy day trip at about 80 miles away. The renowned Maid of the Mist boat, which sails around the falls, offers a thrilling adventure, available seasonally from April to November.
Jordan and the Niagara Wine Region
Address
3836 Main St #5, Jordan Station, ON L0R 1S0, Canada
Phone: +1 905-562-3581
Located about 70 miles from Toronto, the Niagara wine region boasts numerous wineries. This area is especially known for its ice wine, with spectacular natural surroundings accessible via the Bruce Trail. Jordan is one of the charming towns you can explore.
You can opt for a wine tour by bike, car, or Air Bus. A must-visit is Cave Spring Cellars, a scenic winery offering a restaurant, spa, resort, and shopping.
Collingwood
Bert Hoferichter/Getty Images
Address
260 Scenic Caves Rd, The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0P2, Canada
Phone: +1 705-446-0256
Collingwood is located on Georgian Bay, approximately 90 miles from Toronto, and is popular year-round. Visitors can ski at Blue Mountain in the winter and enjoy hiking, biking, golfing, and boating during the summer months. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to love in this area, and Scenic Caves Nature Adventures is a highlight.
Wasaga Beach
Address
Wasaga Beach, ON, Canada
Wasaga Beach features the longest freshwater beach globally, with eight miles of sandy shoreline and breathtaking sunsets. Recognized as a Blue Flag beach, it meets international standards for environmental management.
In addition to a range of beach activities, visitors can enjoy hiking and bird watching, complemented by family-friendly cultural events commemorating the War of 1812 through various tours and museums.
For those planning an extended stay, numerous beach houses and cottages available for rent can make for a perfect getaway. Wasaga Beach is located about 90 miles from Toronto.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Address
51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, Canada
Phone: +1 905-468-6614
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a more sophisticated cultural destination compared to its famous neighbor, Niagara Falls. This charming town, located 80 miles from Toronto, is rich in heritage and beauty.
Visitors can enjoy acclaimed performances at the renowned Shaw Festival Theatre, take architectural walks, shop, visit historic Fort George, or explore various attractions suitable for families.
Hamilton
Address
9280 Airport Rd, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0, Canada
Phone: +1 905-679-4183
Hamilton, primarily known as a steel town, possesses a vibrant cultural scene, characterized by historical museums and fine art galleries.
Notable attractions include the Canadian Warplane Museum, showcasing aircraft ranging from WWII to modern jets; the Whitehern Historic House and Garden, a well-preserved historic site; and the Royal Botanical Gardens, boasting a vast lilac collection and miles of walking trails. Hamilton is just over 40 miles from Toronto, making it a quick escape.
Oakville
Address
1333 Dorval Dr, Oakville, ON L6M 4G2, Canada
Phone: +1 905-844-1800
Located about 40 miles from Toronto, Oakville is an upscale town known for its diverse dining and shopping options. The area features several renowned golf courses. For those preferring boutiques and galleries in a scenic waterside setting, Oakville is an excellent choice.
If you love golf, consider grabbing a tee time at the Glen Abbey Golf Course. Alternatively, you may visit the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame for more golfing history. Of course, shopping and dining are top-notch in this town. The drive takes just over 30 minutes, or you can take a GoTrain that reaches Oakville in 20 minutes.
St. Jacobs Country
Address
9467 E Garafraxa Erin Townline, Hillsburgh, ON N0B 1Z0, Canada
St. Jacobs maintains its small-town charm despite being a significant tourist draw. The local Mennonite community contributes to its success, with many unique wares sold in over 100 specialty shops and at the vibrant farmer’s market.
Explore the Mennonite culture, visit the Quilt Gallery, or check out the Maple Syrup Museum located in the area. St. Jacobs is situated 80 miles from Toronto.
Elora (Elmira and Fergus)
Address
77 Mill St W, Elora, ON N0B 1S0, Canada
Phone: +1 519-846-8464
Elora, along with nearby Elmira and Fergus, offers a quintessential small-town Ontario experience just an hour’s drive from Toronto. Elora is beautifully situated along the Grand River and is known for its quaint shops, historic architecture, charming inns, and bed-and-breakfasts.
Visitors can enjoy activities such as tubing down the Grand River, hiking, and dining at the historic Elora Mill. Don’t miss the Elora Festival in July and the Fergus Scottish Festival in August.
Stratford
Address
55 Queen St, Stratford, ON N5A 6V2, Canada
Phone: +1 800-567-1600
Stratford is renowned for its annual Stratford Festival (April to November), a repertory theater festival that heavily emphasizes Shakespeare’s works. The town is also known for its beautiful gardens and picturesque setting along the Avon River, located about 95 miles from Toronto. Nearby St. Mary’s boasts a well-preserved Victorian downtown district with a notable collection of historic limestone buildings.
While in Stratford, consider dining at a culinary arts school, exploring local gardens, or discovering the town’s architectural beauty. Shopping is also a rewarding experience in this charming town.
Midland/Penetanguishene
Address
16164 ON-12, Midland, ON L4R 4K8, Canada
Phone: +1 705-526-7838
Situated in Ontario’s cottage country, Midland/Penetanguishene is about 90 miles from downtown Toronto. Known for its rich heritage, this area blends Native, French, and British influences, appealing to both history buffs and nature lovers.
Visitors can explore the Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons Native Village, visit the Martyr’s Shrine, embark on the Georgian Bay 30,000 Island boat tour, or stroll around the historic naval and military base at Discovery Harbour.
