Best Toronto Day Trips & Things to Do

One Day in Toronto: Things to Do

If you decide to stay local, here’s a plan to get the most out of the city in ~24 hours.

Morning: Start with breakfast in Kensington Market or at St. Lawrence Market. After that, head to the CN Tower early to beat the crowds - if you like views, the EdgeWalk or the LookOut level is great. Then walk through the Distillery District, which is especially charming in the morning light, grab a coffee or artisanal snack.

Midday: Lunch along Queen Street West or in Chinatown. Then visit the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario depending on your interest. If the weather’s good, consider a ferry ride out to the Toronto Islands for skyline views, a walk, or bike ride. (In warm months the Islands are a lovely escape.)

Afternoon: Explore neighbourhoods: maybe walk through Yorkville to window-shop or pop into charming cafés. Stop in at Harbourfront Centre to stroll by the lake, maybe board a short harbour cruise if it fits your time. Then Queens Quay and the Sugar Beach area are relaxing spots to wind down.

Evening: Dinner in one of Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods - think Little Italy, Greektown, or Ossington, depending on your taste. If you still have energy, catch a show (theatres are plentiful), or head to a rooftop bar to watch the city lights. If timed well, you could also see the sunset from the islands or the waterfront.

Best Day Trips from Toronto: Ideas Beyond the City

When you’re ready to leave the urban core, here are some of the most popular and worthy day trips from Toronto. All are doable in a day; some are better if you begin early.

Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake - One of the strongest picks. Niagara Falls is under two hours’ drive. You can do coach or bus tours that include time at the falls, possibly a boat cruise, then head to Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tasting or walking along the main street. Tours with transport + guided stops make this one of the easiest full-day escapes.

Blue Mountain & Collingwood - Head north to this area for outdoors: hiking, scenic views, maybe some fun in the snow if it’s winter. Blue Mountain Village has shops and restaurants. It’s a longer drive but well worth if you want nature + relaxation.

Prince Edward County - If you like wine, good food, quaint towns, beaches, this region is a hit. Great for relaxing, eating, tasting. Often selected in guides as one of the top day trips from Toronto.

Algonquin Provincial Park - For lovers of wilderness. Lakes, forests, maybe wildlife sightings. It’s one of the longer day-trip drives (~3 hours), so you’ll want to pick trails or lookouts that work with your energy level.

Hamilton Waterfalls & the Escarpment - If you like hiking or scenic views without spending a ton of time driving, this is a great option. Lots of waterfalls, trails, and nice vistas.

Wasaga Beach & Beaches Nearby - For summer trips, you can hit the lake, swim, relax. Beaches near Toronto are especially nice when the weather cooperates.

Cheltenham Badlands - Unique geology, good photos, easy walk. Might be closed sometimes or require reservations - check ahead.

Kleinburg, St. Jacobs, Elora, Paris - Small towns that each carry their own charm: local shops, food, nature. If you want sweetness and rest, these are great.

If you prefer not to drive, use organized 1-day bus tours. Tours4fun has many 1-day bus tours from Toronto to places like Niagara Falls, wineries, and more with guide, driver, and sometimes meals included so you can just relax.

Pro Tips: Make Your Day Trip Smooth

Weather & Season: Summers (June-August) are best for beach or lake trips; fall is gorgeous especially for forests, waterfalls, escarpment views, or Niagara with autumn colours. Winters can be magical (falls with ice, snow-capped landscapes), but check road conditions and daylight hours. Spring can be muddy; some attractions open later.

Transportation: If you don’t drive, bus tours are great. Parkbus helps access nature by bus to parks and conservation areas. Use GO Transit or regional buses if going to closer destinations. For farther ones, tours with pick-up might be best so you don’t have to worry about parking or directions. Always check whether the tour is “round trip” and how long the ride is - what seems close on map may take longer due to traffic.

Start Early: For many day trips from Toronto, getting a 7-8am departure gives you more daylight, fewer crowds. Late afternoons traffic returning to Toronto can slow you down, especially from Niagara or popular routes.

What to Pack & Plan: Comfortable shoes (for walking or hiking), layered clothing (weather changes fast), sun protection in summer, water, snacks. If visiting in fall or winter, bring something warm. If planning stops (winery, park, beach), check operation hours in advance. Make reservations if needed (especially for restaurants or unique attractions). Also check for closures (roads, sites) in winter or off-season.

Budget & Tickets: Bus tours usually include transport, some include guide & entry fees. But optional add-ons (boat cruise, wine tasting, meals) may cost more. Compare total cost vs doing it DIY. Bring some cash though many places are card-friendly. Also check cancellation policies especially if weather is unpredictable.