Toronto

Day Trips

An internationally-known landmark, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular day trips from Toronto. People come from both sides of the border to bask in the beauty and power of the falls. All in all, about 30 million people visit every year. The three falls, Horseshoe, American, and Bridal Veil Falls, provide plenty of vantage points to admire the natural beauty of this place. Don’t forget to reserve a spot ahead of time for a chance to get soaked on a boat ride.

Niagara Falls is situated 128 kilometers (79 miles) around Lake Ontario from Toronto. By car or bus, the journey lasts just under 90 minutes with no traffic. On the train, the time increases slightly to a bit over two hours.

For those wanting to get out to the countryside, venture out to Caledon and get a taste of the rural life. The largest settlement by area in the entire Toronto area, there’s plenty to discover in town, like exploring the otherworldly Cheltenham Badlands or learning about World War I aviation at the Great War Flying Museum. Art-oriented travelers will enjoy the Alton Mills Art Centre, with its focus on the local art scene.

The 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Toronto to Caledon is easy to reach by car in just 45 minutes. If traveling by public transportation, the bus is your best bet. The trip takes just over two hours.

If you’re searching for scenic small-town Canada, a trip to Cobourg is the perfect choice for the day. For history lovers, the town offers sites like the Marie Dressler House or the Sifton-Cook Heritage Center, which is the oldest building in town. Frolic in the water at Victoria Park Beach on the shores of Lake Ontario. If you’re lucky, you may be able to watch the annual dragon boat races on the lake.

Whether you make the 117 kilometer (72 mile) journey by car or public transportation, it will take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on traffic and schedule.