The fourth largest city in North America, Toronto, is chock-full of amazing tourist attractions, including the CN Tower, Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre, and the University of Toronto.
And while there is plenty within the city of Toronto to explore, sometimes you just need a break from the big city. Luckily, Ontario is home to a great variety of small towns and lesser cities that make for fantastic day trips.
From local municipalities in the GTA to fantastic nearby road trip destinations, these are 13 cities near Toronto that are worth visiting while providing a welcomed escape from the bustling streets of Ontario’s capital.
A Quick Look At The 13 Cities Near Toronto Worth Visiting
The 13 Cities Near Toronto Worth Visiting
1. Markham
City dwellers looking for a change of scenery don’t even have to leave the Toronto metropolitan area to get their travel kicks. Located just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto, Markham is one of Canada’s most diverse communities.
Founded at the end of the 18th century, Markham boasts a rich history and promises a quant community feel despite the burgeoning city that has grown around it.
Along with promising some of the GTA’s best restaurants and community cafes, Markham also promises plenty of local attractions in the form of the Markham Museum, Toogood Pond Park, and Unionville, Markham’s heritage conservation district initially founded in 1794 and featuring a collection of old buildings and homes along its main street.
Mini Markham Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 30 km (30 minute drive)
Size: 210 km²
Population: 342,970
Best Hotels: Residence Inn | TownPlace Suites | Hampton Inn & Suites
Best Restaurants: Smash Kitchen & Bar | Novita Italian Cuisine | Inspire Restaurant
Top Attractions: Markham Village | Markham Museum | Toogood Pond Park
2. Mississauga
Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, Mississauga is another of the most culturally diverse cities near Toronto and offers a convenient change of scenery from Toronto’s downtown area. Covering an expansive 292 square kilometres, Mississauga is the third-largest municipality in Ontario and the sixth-largest in all of Canada.
Along with boasting a vibrant art scene, several recreational parks, and a selection of historical attractions, Mississauga is also home to some of the best shopping centres in the Toronto area, with Square One being one of the best malls in the province.
Whether looking for a fun afternoon of shopping or partaking in some historical sightseeing, Mississauga makes for a fantastic day trip escape from Toronto’s busy streets.
Mini Mississauga Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 27.5 km (30-minute drive)
Size: 292 km²
Population: 828,854
Best Hotels: Cambridge Suites | Residence Inn | Element Toronto Airport
Best Restaurants: Capras Kitchen | Rick’s Good Eats | Rogues Restaurant
Top Attractions: Square One Shopping Centre | Port Credit Lighthouse | Celebration Square
3. Brampton
Another city comprising the GTA, Brampton, is just over a half hour from downtown Toronto and provides city visitors with a lush natural escape to the community’s abundant conservation areas and scenic parks.
Along with offering breathtaking hiking trails through Heart Lake Conservation Park and the historical Gage Park, visitors to Brampton can also play around along a beautiful 18-hole golf course at the Turnberry Golf Club or head over to Wet ‘n’Wild, the biggest and most exciting water park in Toronto.
Mini Brampton Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 44 km (35 minute drive)
Size: 266 km²
Population: 603,346
Best Hotels: Hyatt Place | Holiday Inn Express | Hilton Garden Inn
Best Restaurants: Fanzorelli’s Restaurant | Jake’s Boathouse | Blackstone Steakhouse & Grill
Top Attractions: Heart Lake Conservation Park | Wet ‘n’ Wild | Gage Park
4. Vaughan
Known as the City Above Toronto, Vaughan is located a 35-minute drive north of the city’s downtown core and is most notably famous as the home of Canada’s Wonderland, the biggest and most adrenaline-pumping amusement park in all of Canada.
Attracting roller coaster enthusiasts from around the world, Vaughan promises plenty of tourist-friendly services, including some of Toronto’s best hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres.
Beyond the thrill rides of the park, Vaughan features plenty of family-friendly attractions, including the Black Creek Pioneer Village and the Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre.
Mini Vaughan Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 42 km (35 minute drive)
Size: 273 km²
Population: 323,281
Best Hotels: Avid Hotel | Holiday Inn Express & Suites | Staybridge Suites
Best Restaurants: Scaddabush Italian Kitchen | Grazie Ristorante | Chop Steakhouse
Top Attractions: Canada’s Wonderland | Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre | Black Creek Pioneer Village
5. Pickering
Located just 40 kilometres from downtown Toronto, Pickering barely qualifies as a city, with a total population of just over 99,000 residents. So, while its location provides for the conveniences of big city services, the community maintains much of the quaint charms of Ontario’s small towns and provides a quiet respite for escaping big city life.
A perfect place for disconnecting from your day-to-day life, Pickering offers calming experiences, with its top attractions being its Waterfront Trail along the shores of Lake Ontario, its Pickering Museum Village, and Frenchman’s Bay Marina.
Mini Pickering Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 40 km (35 minute drive)
Size: 231 km²
Population: 99,186
Best Hotels: Comfort Inn | Hilton Garden Inn | Homewood Suites
Best Restaurants: Chuuk | Amici Trattoria | Port
Top Attractions: Waterfront Trail | Frenchman’s Bay Marina | Pickering Museum Village
6. Niagara Falls
Getting out of the GTA, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular cities near Toronto for national and international tourists and offers a massive diversity of attractions, services, and experiences.
What’s more, since the city is only an hour and a half from Ontario’s capital, it also serves as one of the best road trips from Toronto for a day trip or weekend getaway.
The primary attraction here is the city’s eponymous Niagara Falls, a collection of three of the world’s most famous waterfalls. However, beyond its natural splendour, Niagara Falls is also home to a beautiful Butterfly Conservatory, the Skylon Tower, and a collection of entertainment services, including haunted houses, wineries, and tours.
Mini Niagara Falls Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 128 km (1.5 hour drive)
Size: 209 km²
Population: 94,415
Best Hotels: Serene Niagara Inn | Sterling Inn & Spa | Cannery Lofts Niagara
Best Restaurants: Weinkeller | Prime Steakhouse | Massimo’s Italian Fallsview Restaurant
Top Attractions: Niagara Falls | Skylon Tower | Butterfly Conservatory
7. Buffalo
If you are heading to Niagara Falls, you may as well continue the journey over the Canada – United States border to the beautiful American city of Buffalo.
Set along the shores of Lake Erie, Buffalo offers nearby access to the USA with a massive variety of attractions, including historical buildings such as the Darwin D. Martin House, a beautiful Canalside district, and several local museums.
Combined with a visit to Niagara Falls, Buffalo serves as a great place for a road trip from Toronto.
Mini Buffalo Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 160 km (2 hour drive)
Size: 136 km²
Population: 276.807
Best Hotels: The Richardson Hotel | The Edward Buffalo | Buffalo Marriott
Best Restaurants: Toutant | Tappo Restaurant | The Left Bank
Top Attractions: Darwin D. Martin House | Canalside | Niagara Falls
8. Hamilton
A little bit closer to home, Hamilton is located just outside of the GTA and is a quick 50-minute jaunt from downtown Toronto.
What’s more, at 1,118 km², Hamilton is one of the largest cities near Toronto and in Canada in terms of size. However, with a population of only 579,200, the city features a demographic density that provides a quiet urban setting while maintaining big city services and conveniences.
For this reason, Hamilton is a fantastic option for a big city holiday for those who don’t necessarily like the big city congestion. Blending history with small-town urban landscapes, some of the best things to do in Hamilton include the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Dundurn Castle, and the African Lion Safari.
Mini Hamilton Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 68 km (50 minute drive)
Size: 1,118 km²
Population: 579,200
Best Hotels: Visitors Inn | Hotel C | The Sandman Hotel
Best Restaurants: The Mule Hamilton | The Ship | HAMBRGR
Top Attractions: Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum | Dundurn Castle | African Lion Safari
9. Stratford
With a population of 31,465 residents, Stratford is one of the most historic and vibrant cities near Toronto, promising big city services but the quaint community charms of Ontario’s picturesque small-town municipalities.
Boasting plenty of Victorian architecture and historical monuments, Stratford is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Ontario, particularly throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons, thanks to its celebrated Stratford Festival.
While the theatrical festival is the city’s biggest draw, other year-round attractions include local shops, the Shakespearean Gardens, the Avon River, and the Stratford Perth Museum.
Mini Stratford Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 150 km (1.5 hour drive)
Size: 25.28 km²
Population: 31,465
Best Hotels: The Bruce Hotel | Edison’s Inn | Mercer Hotel
Best Restaurants: Fellini’s Italian Cucina | Pazzo | Bentley’s Bar & Restaurant
Top Attractions: Stratford Festival | Shakespearean Garden | Avon River
10. Guelph
Surrounded by sweeping farmlands, historical buildings, and plenty of vibrant festivals throughout the year, Guelph is one of the most picturesque cities near Toronto, promising a fantastic weekend getaway from the big city.
And while Guelph has become known as a University Town in recent years thanks to its prominent student community at the University of Guelph, the city also boasts plenty of attractions, including the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate and the Guelph Riverside Park.
However, the biggest appeal to visiting the Royal City is the abundance of annual festivals held throughout the year, with the most popular being the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, the Guelph Ribfest, and the Art on the Street Festival.
Mini Guelph Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 93 km (1 hour drive)
Size: 87 km²
Population: 135,474
Best Hotels: Western Hotel & Executive Suites | Staybridge Suites | Delta Hotels
Best Restaurants: Buon Gusto | Borealis Grill & Bar | Baker Street Station
Top Attractions: Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate | The University of Guelph Arboretum | Guelph Riverside Park
11. Kitchener-Waterloo
Known as the Sister Cities, Kitchener and Waterloo are two stunning spots that have grown in cohesion with one another to provide a singular, breathtaking travel destination.
The two cities near Toronto are only an hour’s drive from Ontario’s capital and are famous for their respective university communities, their vibrant cultural attractions, and their burgeoning tech industries.
Along with boasting several museums and historical attractions, these cities promise plenty of seasonal festivals, including Kitchener’s Oktoberfest, known to be the largest celebration of the internationally recognized event outside of Germany.
Mini Kitchener-Waterloo Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 108 km (1 hour drive)
Size: Kitchener – 136 km² | Waterloo – 64 km²
Population: Kitchener – 242,368 | Waterloo – 113,520
Best Hotels: The Walper Hotel | Crowne Plaza | Courtyard by Marriott
Best Restaurants: Borealis Grill & Bar | Charcoal Steakhouse | The Bauer Kitchen
Top Attractions: Victoria Park | Schneider House National Historic Site | Doon Heritage Village
12. Burlington
Considered to be one of the best places in Canada to live, Burlington also makes for a fantastic destination for a day trip or weekend getaway.
One of the most beautiful cities near Toronto along Lake Ontario, Burlington promises plenty of attractions and natural areas, including the Mount Nemo Conservation Area, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Burlington Waterfront Trail.
On top of this, Burlington is also home to a selection of fine-dining restaurants and hotels for a comfortable getaway from the big city.
Mini Burlington Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 57 km (45 minute drive)
Size: 185 km²
Population: 205,960
Best Hotels: Blind Tiger | Hotel Vermont | Green Mountain Suites Hotels
Best Restaurants: Mythos Greek Cuisine | Spencer’s at the Waterfront | Jake’s Grill & Oyster House
Top Attractions: Mount Nemo Conservation Area | Royal Botanical Gardens | Burlington Waterfront Trail
13. Barrie
Set along the shores of Lake Simcoe, Barrie is one of the best cities near Toronto for immersing in the natural environments of Ontario while enjoying the conveniences of the city’s nearby services.
Along with fishing the abundant waters of the lake, top attractions and activities in Barrie include visiting the Sunnidale Park Arboretum, walking through Barrie Centennial Park, and enjoying world-class skiing at the Horseshoe Resort.
Mini Barrie Travel Guide
Distance from Toronto: 114 km (1 hour and 15 minute drive)
Size: 99 km²
Population: 153,356
Best Hotels: Four Points | Hampton Inn & Suites | Fairfield Inn & Suites
Best Restaurants: The Farmhouse | Il Buco | Baton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar
Top Attractions: Sunnidale Park Arboretum | Barrie Centennial Park | Horseshoe Resort
