Looking to escape the big city? Whether you’re looking for a weekend away or even just a day trip, there are plenty of places to see near Toronto. From wineries to chocolate trails, beaches to hiking routes, Ontario has plenty for you to discover.
If you are looking for some ideas and wondering where to visit near Toronto, here’s a roundup of a few of our favourite picks that are road-trip friendly. (And if you’re planning a road trip, make sure your car is protected – get a free quote for
Why should you visit places near Toronto?
Toronto is a great city, but it’s also a big city. Noise, traffic, and the bustle of crowds can be exhausting, and sometimes you need to escape. The good news is, you don’t have to drive too far. There are some great places in the province that are only a couple of hours’ drive from Toronto, meaning you can get away for a few days or even just a few hours.
Short drives from Toronto
For those with limited time, there are several options that are a short drive from Toronto. For the sake of this article, we’re considering a short drive as being under two hours (although this does not factor in traffic!):
Niagara-On-The Lake
Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s top attractions near Toronto, but for something a little more low-key, skip the Falls and head to Niagara-on-the-Lake instead. This area is best known for its wineries and it makes for a great girl’s trip destination or a romantic getaway.
While those famous wineries are a definite highlight, visitors should also make time to explore the surrounding area, which is good for walking, hiking, and biking. Up for an adventure? Consider a helicopter ride to take you flying over Niagara Falls. It’s quite the view!
Stratford
This Ontario town is best known for the Stratford Festival, a theatre festival that runs annually from April to October and attracts visitors from across the world. Every season, the largest classical repertory theatre company in North America puts on over a dozen productions, ranging from classics to dramas to musicals. Coming to Stratford during the festival season for a show or two is highly recommended.
Even if theatre isn’t your cup of tea, Stratford still has quite a bit to offer for those looking to escape Toronto. Galleries, gardens, breweries, and more can be found in this town. But those who have a sweet tooth will be most excited about the Chocolate Trail, which runs all year and includes 20+ stops throughout the city.
Medium drives from Toronto
Travellers who are okay with a longer drive day, or ones looking for an weekend away might want to venture little further from the big city. For the purpose of this list, these medium-type of road trips fall between the 2-3-hour drive mark (again, not accounting for traffic):
Muskoka
The Muskoka region is one of the top places to visit in Canada near Toronto. Known for its lakes and cottages, it’s a great spot to escape into nature year-round, although summer is the preferred season for cottage living.
The Muskoka region offers beautiful places to stay, local wineries and fantastic patios and restaurants – not to mention plenty of adventures in the outdoors. Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, canoe, kayak, golf, swim, or just enjoy the local beaches, there are plenty of options for you in Muskoka.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Another favourite when it comes to best places to visit near Toronto is Sandbanks Provincial Park. Located on Lake Ontario and close to Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Provincial Park is home to one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the entire province. You can stay in the nearby town of Picton, which is known for cute B&B-type accommodations, or choose one of the nearby campsites. One important thing to note is that the Sandbanks Beach is day-use only, and due to its popularity, you are required to book your visit in advance to guarantee entry.
Longer drives from Toronto
Torontonians with more time have even more options. These destinations shared below fall under the 3-4-hour drive mark, making them ideal for multi-day getaways.
Algonquin Park
For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, Algonquin National Park is one of the best places to visit near Toronto. The park is open year-round with different activities depending on the season. Summer and fall tend to be the most popular times of visit for camping and hiking activities, especially for those looking to spot wildlife or wanting to enjoy the fall foliage.
Visitors to Algonquin Park do need to have valid park passes, even if just visiting for a day. Those planning on staying overnight and camping will need a separate pass. You can learn more about these permits
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Crystal clear waters, sand dunes, lush forests, and towering limestone cliffs are all part of the draws of Bruce Peninsula National Park. Not only is it one of the best places to visit near Toronto, it is also considered to be one of the best national parks in all of Canada.
The park has a number of hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty, but the water itself is also worth exploring. Scuba diving and snorkelling are both popular activities here thanks to the clear water and an incredible number of shipwrecks resting in the depths below. Park fees vary depending on your age and plans for your time here, learn more on their
How can I ensure I’m covered with car insurance before my road trip?
These places to visit near Toronto are all great road trip destinations, but before you buckle up for the ride you’ll want to make sure that you’re properly covered with auto insurance, especially in the event of an
Hannah Logan is a Canadian travel writer who dreams of being just like Indiana Jones. You can follow her travels on her personal travel blog Eat Sleep Breathe Travel where she shares her travel tales and (mis)adventures around the world.