Hey, kiddos. One of the best parts of summer is getting out for some little day trips from Toronto, right? Trust us, it is. Make the most of the weekend and put that tank of gas to good use! We’ve rounded up 15 perfect summer day trips from Toronto to help your warm weather weekends reach max potential. We’ll DJ and navigate, you drive.
NIAGARA FALLS
There’s a reason this particular waterfall is at the top of so many visitors’ lists: it’s freakin’ spectacular. Whether you’ve popped by a couple times or you haven’t been since you were a kid, it’s worth the trip. So much water, such majesty, such gentle mist on your face to cool the summer heat. Ahh, our pores feel nice and open now.
How far: 1 1/2 hours
SAUBLE BEACH
The motto here is “live life slow” and that’s exactly what we’d like to do. After all, it’ll take us a while to walk the second longest freshwater beach in Canada. We’re in no rush though. Except maybe to get out in the water, which is some of the warmest around. Yup, that’s the spot!
How far: 3 hours 20 minutes
BLUE MOUNTAIN
You’ve probably stopped by here to ski in the winter, but Blue Mountain is actually a perfect summer destination, too! It’ll be packed with people out to bike, hike, zip line, and shop. Whether you’re looking for a day of shopping and fine dining or an adventure-packed exploration, this is the perfect getaway.
How far: 2 hours 10 minutes
ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK
Get out of the concrete jungle and your 200 sq ft. studio into the forests, rivers, and lakes out here. Nothing jazzes up a weekend than the possibility of getting chased by a moose, right? Wilderness.
How far: Just over 3 hours
STRATFORD
This well-loved fest runs from May to October, so you can stretch your getaway season. While Shakespeare is at the heart of it, there are tons of performances of all sorts on stage.
Where: 1 hour 45 minutes
ELORA
This village is just too dang cute! We’d pinch its cheeks if we could! This picturesque area is perfect for a getaway. Hit up the quarry for a little swim or river tubing action, too!
How far: 1 hour 40 minutes
COBOURG
This little town is a perfect beach escape. Also, it’s got a gorgeous concert hall, orchards, art galleries, and a farmer’s market. It’s about 1000 times more peaceful than Toronto, so we’ll be here for a while.
How far: 2 hours
CANADA’S WONDERLAND
Wanna get flung through the sky at high speeds? Yee freaking haw! Make the most of a weekend at one of Canada’s best amusement parks. You could easily pop up for the day, or maybe crash for the night and get double the fun and double the nausea in.
How far: 45 minutes
BELFOUNTAIN CONSERVATION AREA
This charming little getaway is perfect for a day trip! In the summer you can gaze adoringly at the waterfall and explore the neature. The suspension bridge is nice to add a little thrill or skip it if you’re looking for max relaxation.
How far: About an hour and a half
ST. JACOB’S
Come to shop the famous farmer’s market, stay to people watch the Mennonites. The year-round market in this gorgeous village is known for incredible produce, artisan goods, and decor. Honestly, we’d make the trip for the market food court alone. Mucho tasty.
How far: About an hour and a half
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
Nothing quite like a whole-body sunburn, right? Lay outside at Sandbanks and soak up the rays, you won’t want to go back to the city. 10/10 picturesque, 10/10 should’ve worn sunscreen.
How far: Just under 3 hours
TOBERMORY
This little harbour village is known for fun hiking and wave-carved caves. Feel free to hop in a kayak and explore, or just chill by the water. The world’s your oyster!
How far: 4 hours and 15 minutes
LION’S HEAD
This stunning spot is perfect for hiking, swimming, and forgetting for a weekend what colour concrete is. Ah, green and blue. We missed those. Bring the camera, you’re going to want pics!
How far: Just over 3 hours
MUSKOKA
Yeah, every upper-middle-class family in your high school has a cabin out here. They’re onto something! Muskoka has always been the cottage country go-to, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon.
How far: Just over 3 hours
NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE
Do you know what makes a good weekend getaway from Toronto? Wine. Do you know what Niagara-on-the-Lake has? Wine.
How far: 1 hour 40 minutes
Shall we snag ourselves an Airbnb and get to it? The cooler’s already packed, kiddos! See you out on one of these perfect summer day trips from Toronto. Or maybe all of them, we’ve still got plenty of warm weekends left!
