10 Best Road Trips Near Toronto

Escape the hustle and bustle of Toronto at Sandbanks Provincial Park, a peaceful oasis of sandy beaches surrounding Lake Ontario. The world’s largest bay-mouth barrier dune formation, you’ll find a wealth of things to see and do here – from cycling and canoeing to fishing and birdwatching.

There’s an impressive range of hiking trails on offer at Sandbanks Provincial Park, catering to a range of abilities. Plus, you can swim in Lake Ontario from 3 natural sand beaches, each dropping off gently into shallow water that’s ideal for kids wanting to safely splash about. You can also camp at 5 separate campsites if you want to extend your day trip to an overnight stay.

One of the best beach towns in Canada, Grand Bend would make a great family-friendly road trip from Toronto – just a 2.5-hour drive out of the city. Situated in southwestern Ontario – on the shores of Lake Huron – it’s one of the most popular beach destinations in the county and one of only 22 “Blue Flag” beaches in Canada.

Perfect for families, Grand Bend boasts broad sandy beaches and clean, clear water ­­– along with a splash pad, playground, and stroller-friendly boardwalk, which also makes the beach accessible for wheelchairs. There’s a wealth of water sports on offer here – from wakeboarding to water skiing. Plus, you’ll find great souvenir shopping, ice cream parlours, restaurants, and bars – it’s the ideal summer holiday destination.

A one-of-a-kind road trip from Toronto, the many spectacular waterfalls in Hamilton, Ontario are not to be missed. The waterfall capital of the world, Hamilton is home to a staggering 156 waterfalls that sit behind the trails of the Niagara Escarpment that runs through the city.

Some of the most popular Hamilton waterfalls include the picturesque Albion Falls, Devil’s Punchbowl, which has a deep multi-colored gorge, and Sherman Falls – the ‘Angel Falls’ found to the west of the city. Webster Falls is also popular and the largest of the waterfalls in Hamilton. Be sure to stop by the Hamilton Visitor Experience Centre to help you make the most of your trip.

Cheese fans are sure to love the Oxford County Cheese Trail, just a 90-minute drive from Toronto and a great option for an unusual day trip from the city. The self-guided tour features more than 30 cheese and dairy-related stops – from cheese makers and producers to restaurants, shops, and much more.

As the dairy capital of Canada, it’s no wonder that Oxford County is home to a famous Cheese Trail. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or solo, visit Tourism Oxford to help you plan your route as there are many different trails to take. Plus, there are lots of kid-friendly activities such as pick-your-own fruit and vegetables, farm tours, museums, and lots of ice cream along the way.

Brant County is just an hour’s drive from Toronto – and would make an enjoyable day-trip destination with scenic towns known for their historical landmarks and natural beauty. One of the key historical sites of the region is the Bell Homestead – taking you back in time to the Brantford home where Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1874.

Brant County is also home to Paris, one of the prettiest towns in Canada, with plenty of old-world charm. From shopping and dining in city centre to kayaking on the Grand River, Paris is a must-see on your visit to Brant County. From canoeing to rafting, there are many water sports to try here, as we all as outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

If you’re a fan of big-thrill rides, be sure to include a day trip from Toronto to Wonderland into your trip itinerary – it’s just a 30-minute drive out of the city. This huge amusement park features more than 200 attractions – including 18 roller coasters and a 20-acre water park.

If you’re travelling with kids, Wonderland will be a popular day out for all the family with 2 dedicated children’s areas – KidzVille and Planet Snoopy – along with live shows, entertainment, and special events. There are also tonnes of shops with souvenirs, clothes, and treats – and family-friendly restaurants, such as the Lazy Bear Lodge. Plus, visit in the fall or winter to check out the Halloween Haunt and Winterfest events.

Take a road trip from Toronto to the spectacular Algonquin Provincial Park, home to lakes, forests, and a wealth of wildlife. You’ll find incredible hiking and biking trails here, along with top-notch fishing and bird-watching opportunities. Make sure you have your camera at the ready as you might spot a moose or even bears.

Looking for an overnight escape? Algonquin Provincial Park offers unbeatable camping with numerous campsites, where you can rent yurts, cabins, or lodges, or find your spirit of adventure and pack your own tent to try some backcountry camping. The park looks stunning in the fall, but you can also visit in the winter months for cross-country ski trails, stargazing, and husky sleigh rides.

Situated in southwest Ontario, Stratford is a city brimming with arts, culture, and theatre. It would make a wonderful day trip from Toronto, as it’s just a 2-hour drive from the city. Stroll along the Avon River and through the pretty Shakespearean Gardens or Upper Queen’s Park – or catch a show at the Avon Theatre.

Stratford is also a top destination for eating and drinking, with numerous cafes, pubs, breweries, and restaurants to try – along with the Stratford Chocolate Trail for anyone with a sweet tooth. Stratford is most famous for its annual festival, which runs from April to October with a programme of live theatre productions in venues across the city.

Head north from Toronto to discover a multitude of pristine lakes and forests in the Muskoka district. The Muskoka lakes provide a wonderland for water sports – from kayaks and canoes to stand-up paddle boards – and Georgian Bay Islands National Park offers several hiking and biking trails with incredible lake views.

You might need more than a day to explore Muskoka and you won’t be short of overnight options – from luxury hotels to quaint cottages and a wide choice of cabins and campsites. You’ll also find plenty of places to eat and drink, including fine-dining restaurants and craft breweries. If you’re visiting in the spring, try to catch the Muskoka Maple Festival: the annual Canadian maple syrup celebration.

Home to many wineries, galleries, lavender farms, and the Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County makes a great road trip destination from Toronto. A group of hamlets and villages make up the island in Lake Ontario, which has a fascinating history and numerous beautiful beaches along its 800 km of shoreline.

As well as the natural beauty of the sand dunes, the famous “Lake on the Mountain,” and Sandbanks Park, Prince Edward County has several pretty towns to visit. Browse antique stores and quirky boutiques in city centre Picton, take a wine tour in Bloomfield, or rent a bike to cycle along a scenic bike trail in Wellington. Plus, if you’re visiting in summer, you might catch the famous lavender festival.