Top Ten Day Trips From Toronto

Burlington has continuously been named one of the top cities to live in Canada, according to MoneySense Magazine. The favourable proximity to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and the USA are among the most desirable features.

Toronto is the financial hub of Canada, and is the most Americanized city in our country. Niagara Falls draws millions of tourists each year, boasting one of the most famous natural attractions in the world.
There is so much to see and do around our beautiful city.

Here are ten fantastic day-trips from Toronto for tourists (or locals) to enjoy!

1. Blue Mountain – 168 kms North of the CN Tower
Amazing in summer or winter! If you’re looking for things to do at Blue Mountain, you will be introduced you to a whole new world of activities and recreation.
Blue Mountain is located in the heart of one of Canada’s most stunning natural landscapes and in a region with a vibrant social and cultural scene. From Wasaga beach, the longest freshwater beach in the world, to authentic harbour villages, the Georgian Triangle offers an unforgettable journey through both nature and civilization – a journey that can easily last a lifetime.

Scandinave Spa – “Top 50 Spa” by Spas of America & Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Situated in a natural forest, minutes from downtown Collingwood & Blue Mountain Resort, open all year from 10am-9pm, enjoy the serenity of the environment at Scandinave Spa.  The Baths include a Finnish Sauna, Eucalyptus Steam Room, Thermal & Nordic Waterfalls, Hot Baths, Cold Plunges & relaxation areas.

Also available are Registered Massage treatments, relaxing getaway packages & an on-site bistro serving healthy local fare. Bring the family and try one of the many activities this summer, including suspension bridge, zip lines, mini golf, adventure playground, trout pond and exploring the caves.

2. Canada’s Wonderland 50kms North of the CN Tower
Canada’s Wonderland is Canada’s premier amusement park and features over 200 attractions, 69 thrilling rides, North America’s greatest variety of roller coasters, and Splash Works; a 20-acre water park.
CanadasWonderland.com

3. CN Tower
An Adventure at Every Level! Your Tower Experience offers general admission access to your choice of thrills. Discover spectacular views, from the LookOut Level at 346 m (1,136 ft.), including EdgeWalk viewing at BaseCamp 3.0, dare to walk on air on the world famous Glass Floor at 342m (1,122 ft.) with outdoor SkyTerrace, and access to attractions, informational displays and more.
CNTower.ca

4. Elora Gorge 115kms from the CN Tower
This lovely 177-year-old village is a place that will grow on you the minute you arrive. It’s located on the Grand River, where the Elora Gorge begins. Check out the magnificent waterfall and the high rock known as The Tooth of Time, behind the Elora Mill Inn.
Continue to explore the shops, boutiques and restaurant found on Mill and Metcalfe streets. One site not to missed is the reflection in the Grand River of the back of the downtown stores.
EloraFergusTravel.com

5. Muskoka Cottage Country 245kms from the CN Tower
On several occasions, Muskoka has been recognized by National Geographic Traveler magazine as a special place to visit. Muskoka is one of their top 20 Best of The World – Must-see places. Just recently, Muskoka was recognized by National Geographic as one of the ‘100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life.” These endorsements from an iconic magazine are testimony to Muskoka’s tourism experiences and our quality of life.

Muskoka has an abundance of things to see and do. The list is long with something for every taste and interest. Visit a museum, hike a pristine trail, star gaze, relax in front of bonfire, swim in sparkling waters, shop for that perfect piece of art, sip some local wine or beer on a dock, get up close and personal with wildlife, pamper yourself at a spa, give your taste buds a treat, photograph stunning vistas, or enjoy one of the many events and festivals which reflect Muskoka’s charm and uniqueness. Whether you feel like being outdoors or indoors, whether you are a beginner or an expert, whatever the season, whatever the budget, Muskoka has something for everyone. DiscoverMuskoka.ca

6. Niagara Falls 127kms from the CN Tower
Perfectly carved during the ice age more than 12,000 years ago. A wonder of the world so spectacular that 14 million people a year come to experience it. A combination of power, strength and beauty that only nature can create. Often referred to as “Canada’s Las Vegas” there is something for everyone in the family here.
NiagaraFallsTourism.com

7. Niagara Wine Country 130kms from the CN Tower
Exploring Niagara Wine Country can be an adventure by itself. Experiencing it via bike, tour bus or by car, following the Niagara Wine Trail adds elements of intrigue that can make for a more memorable vacation. There are plenty of tour operators that have devoted their entire business to providing adventurous excursions set within the Niagara Region, usually accompanied with the most scrumptious farm to table meals that will satisfy your inner foodie.
Niagara’s unique geography and climate has allowed for breathtaking vineyards and wineries throughout the region. From small boutique wineries, to organic wineries and even celebrity wineries, there’s a wonderful diversity to keep visitors coming back again and again. The New Vintage Festival in spring, The Niagara Wine Festival in early fall and the Niagara Icewine Festival are essential events for wine lovers. When in Niagara, your taste buds will thank you as you sample incredible locally grown VQA wines expertly paired with culinary delights. WineCountryOntario.com

8. Stratford 148kms from the CN Tower
Stratford is a destination internationally renowned as one of North America’s great arts towns.

Stratford celebrates a vibrant art and music scene, famed theatre, modern recreational facilities and a variety of recreational programs. This is a jewel of a city located on the Avon River, surrounded by a plethora of affordable eateries, restored Victorian homes on streets lined with majestic mature trees.

And, of course, there’s the Stratford Festival, which serves up top-notch live theatre. VisitStratford.ca

9. The Bruce Trail 101kms from the CN Tower
The Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath, provides the only continuous public access to the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Running along the Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory, it spans more than 890 km of main Trail and over 400 km of associated side trails.

The Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) is a charitable organization* committed to establishing a conservation corridor containing a public footpath along the Niagara Escarpment, in order to protect its natural ecosystems and to promote environmentally responsible public access to this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
The BTC is one of Ontario’s largest land trusts, preserving over 8,000 acres of irreplaceable Niagara Escarpment landscape. BruceTrail.org

10. Toronto Islands 4kms from the CN Tower
With more than 2 million visitors each year the Toronto Islands are one of the city’s top attractions.  Especially on a nice summer day it’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the weather.

Best things about Toronto Islands

• The ferry ride.  The ferries in use today date back to the 1930s and are a historic connection to Toronto’s past.  The ferry ride also provides for some of the most spectacular views of the Toronto skyline.
• Centreville.  Toronto’s premier children’s amusement park is a great place to take the kids for a fun filled day at the islands.
  The beaches.  There are beaches located from one end of the main island to the other, and being located on the outside of Toronto Harbour have consistently good water quality.  The Centre Island beach is great for the family.  For the adventurous check out the beach at Hanlan’s Point, one of the few “clothing optional” beaches in Canada.
• Canoeing and kayaking.  Not just a single island, Toronto Islands are actually several islands separated by canals and waterways.  Those canals are a perfect place to explore in a canoe or kayak.  Boats can be rented at the Boat House not far from the Centre Island docks.
• Bicycling.  The islands are crisscrossed with trails and bridges and being more than 6km from end to end bicycling is the ideal way to check out the entire park.  You can take your own bike on either the Ward’s or Hanlan’s Point ferries.  Alternatively you can rent bicycles, including tandem bicycles, at the bike shop not far from the Centre Island docks.
• Far Enough Farm.  The petting zoo adjacent to Centreville has a variety of barnyard animals for up close viewing.  Donkey rides are also available for the children.
• Picnics.  BBQ stands and fire pits are located throughout the park, or bring your own portable charcoal hibachi.  The islands are a great place for sharing a picnic with friends while enjoying the natural environment and view of the Toronto skyline.
• Festivals.  There are numerous festivals on the islands over the course of the summer months including the international dragon boat competition, Caribana, music festivals, and many other events.  Check out our Events page for more information on upcoming events.
  TorontoIslands.org

We are so blessed to live in such a wonderful, safe city that is surrounded by many interesting and exciting things to do. Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville are nestled right amongst all the great attractions on our list, which ad to the charm of being a resident here!
Let us know what your favourite attractions are! Contact us is you have any questions, we would love to hear from you!

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