While there are dozens of things to see and do in Toronto, sometimes you just need to leave the big city behind for a quick exploration of Ontario’s natural environments or small towns.
Luckily, there are several breathtaking escapes not too far from Ontario’s capital city, including provincial parks, nearby festivals, and other historical cities just waiting to be explored.
Whether you are looking for a simple day trip to reset your mental state or an extended weekend getaway of myriad adventures, these are the 15 best short road trips from Toronto that can be completed within a weekend.
A Quick Look At The Best 15 Short Road Trips From Toronto
The 15 Best Short Road Trips From Toronto
1. Niagara Falls
With one of the world’s most famous waterfalls located just a short drive away, Niagara Falls makes for a perfect road trip from Toronto, whether visiting as a day trip or staying the weekend for an extended getaway.
Located less than two hours from Ontario’s capital city, the falls mark the border between Canada and the United States and actually consist of three waterfalls along the Niagara River – the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Falls.
Along with boasting the breathtaking natural setting, the area is also home to a massive variety of attractions, ranging from natural landmarks to haunted houses and fairs throughout the Niagara escarpment and Clifton Hill tourist promenade.
Other stops to visit along your Niagara Falls road trip from Toronto include Niagara on the Lake, the Rockwood Conservation Area, and the Jack Darling Memorial Park.
Brief Niagara Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 128 km (1.5 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Hotels: Serene Niagara Inn | Sterling Inn & Spa | Cannery Lofts Niagara
Top Attractions: Niagara Falls | Bird Kingdom | Skylon Tower | Niagara SkyWheel | Shaw Festival Theatre
2. Prince Edward County
Another great short road trip from Toronto will lead about two and a half hours east of the city, the beautiful countryside of Prince Edward County. Along the way, visitors pass through idyllic landscapes of vineyards and scenic towns before making the crossing to the county’s small island, which is accessible via four bridges or a ferry.
Once in Prince Edward County, the name of the game is relaxation. With several wineries and hiking trails to explore, this charming countryside is the perfect place to unwind while immersing in the white sands of Sandbanks Provincial Park or trekking to the Lake on the Mountain.
Due to most of the region’s attractions being outdoors, the best time to make the Toronto road trip to Prince Edward County is during the summer months. With that said, the fall and spring are also beautiful times to visit. Just be sure to pack a jacket.
Brief Prince Edward County Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 204 km (2.5 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Spring, Summer, or Fall
Hotels: Cribs on Main | The Eddie Hotel and Farm | Jackson’s Falls Country Inn
Top Attractions: Sandbanks Provincial Park | National Airforce Museum of Canada | Lake on the Mountain Provincial Park
3. Wasaga Beach
Located along the shores of the Georgian Bay in Lake Huron, Wasaga Beach is one of the best beach towns of the Great Lakes. What’s more, it’s located only two hours from Ontario’s capital city, making it one of the best road trips from Toronto for relaxing at a beach.
Best visited during the summer months, Wasaga Beach is a popular destination thanks to its soft golden sands, clear waters, and surrounding outdoor attractions that include the Nancy Island Historic Site and the Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area.
While Wasaga Beach makes for a great day trip from Toronto, I suggest spending at least one night in one of the town’s hotels, cabins, or campgrounds.
Brief Wasaga Beach Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 148 km (2 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Summer
Hotels: Oasis by the Bay | Saga Resort | Beach Club Motel
Top Attractions: Wasaga Beach Provincial Park | Nancy Island Historic Site | Tiny Marsh Provincial Wildlife Area
4. Algonquin Provincial Park
Talking about beautiful outdoor attractions, Algonquin Park is located just a short 3-hour drive from Toronto and offers one of the best road trip destinations for camping in one of Ontario’s most pristine natural environments while exploring some of the province’s best hiking trails.
Algonquin Provincial Park protects nearly 5,000 square kilometres of untouched landscapes and is home to dense forests of abundant wildlife, winding rivers, and over 2,400 lakes. As such, it is one of Ontario’s most popular attractions and offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and kayaking.
While the park is open year-round, the best time to make the road trip from Toronto is during the warm summer months or the fall, at which time the autumn colours of the park are at their most beautiful.
Brief Algonquin Park Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 280 km (3 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Summer or Fall
Hotels: Onsite Camping
Top Attractions: Spruce Bog Boardwalk Trail | Booth’s Rock Trail | Two Rivers Trail
5. The Grand River and Elora Gorge
Set only an hour outside of downtown Toronto, Elora is one of the best road trip destinations from Toronto that can be made in a single day, although the community does promise a selection of hotels should you decide to stay longer.
One of Ontario’s most charming small towns, the real attraction to the region is the area’s breathtaking natural landscapes that consist of the famous Elora Gorge and the Grand River.
The Elora Gorge Trail is popular amongst hikers, while the Grand River is often filled with tourists casually tubing downstream or kayaking along the rough waters. Before ending your road trip and heading to Toronto, be sure to stop at the Elora Quarry for natural swimming and cliff jumping.
Thanks to its outdoor attractions, Toronto road trips to Elora offer the most rewarding experience when done in the spring or summer.
Brief Elora Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 96 km (1 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Spring and Summer
Hotels: The Village Inn | The Best Western Plus | Etherington Suites
Top Attractions: Grand River Rafting | Elora Conservation Area | Elora Gorge
6. Ottawa
Swapping one big city for another, Ottawa makes a great road trip destination from Toronto and combines a little history with some sightseeing and several outdoor activities for a fulfilling holiday. What’s more, Ottawa is only a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto, making it a great spot for a weekend getaway.
Upon arriving in the city, the first thing you need to do is head over to downtown Ottawa, where you will find the capital city’s parliament buildings, best restaurants, and a whole slew of other attractions and monuments.
While Ottawa is a great destination throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the winter months to enjoy the Winterlude winter festival while skating across the city’s famous Rideau Canal ice rink.
Brief Ottawa Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 450 km (4.5 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Year Round
Hotels: Fairfield Inn & Suites | Sonder Rideau | Fairmont Chateau Laurier Gold Experience
Top Attractions: Parliament Hill | Rideau Canal | Canadian War Museum | National Gallery of Canada
7. Stratford
One of southern Ontario’s most charming small towns, Stratford promises a quiet escape, only a quick 1.5-hour road trip from downtown Toronto, although the trip itself feels like a journey through a storybook.
Home to well-preserved Victorian architecture and picturesque gardens, Stratford features many attractions, including the Avon River, Tom Patterson Island, and a picturesque downtown area. However, the town’s most celebrated attraction is the local theatre scene, which is best enjoyed during the Stratford Festival between April and November.
Regardless of whether you are visiting during the festival season, you should start your day off at one of the local cafes. Features and Balzac’s Stratford are two of the most popular coffee shops in the downtown area, but can often be busy.
I personally suggest beginning your day at Romeo’s Corner Cafe. Located near the Stratford Festival Theatre, this charming diner is a great spot to set the Shakespearean mood with a breakfast menu dedicated to the works of the celebrated playwright.
After your morning coffee, you can follow Ontario St. to downtown Stratford, along the way passing the Bruce Hotel and several historical houses that now contain local businesses.
It is about a 15-minute walk to the city centre, but once there you can begin exploring everything the region has to offer, including several beautiful boutique shops, the Shakespearean Gardens, and the monumental town hall.
When finished, you can follow the picturesque river back to your parking spot at the Stratford Festival Theatre where you can catch a show during the summer months or a drink at the nearby Tom Patterson Island.
Brief Stratford Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 150 km (1.5 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: April to November
Hotels: The Bruce Hotel | Edison’s Inn | Mercer Hotel Downtown
Top Attractions: Stratford Festival | Avon Theatre | Shakespearean Gardens
8. Bruce Peninsula National Park
If you are looking to leave the big city behind for breathtaking natural scenery, then Bruce Peninsula National Park is the perfect destination for a road trip from Toronto. Home to untouched wildernesses along the shores of Lake Huron and the Georgian Bay
The park is home to dozens of beautiful hiking trails weaving their way through the natural foliage of the Tobermory region, with hikes ranging from beginner-friendly to difficulty treks for experienced hikers.
Located less than 3 hours from the big city, the park can be visited as a day trip if you wake up early enough. However, I suggest spending at least one night at a nearby campground to give yourself time to immerse in the region’s natural splendour.
Brief Bruce Peninsula Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 274 km (2.5 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Summer
Hotels: Eco Luxury Waterfront Adults Only B&B | Stone Cove Waterfront Adults Only B&B
Top Attractions: The Grotto | Fathom Five National Marine Park | Singing Sands Beach
9. Thunder Bay
Taking approximately 15 hours one way, Thunder Bay is not exactly a short road trip from Toronto. However, since much of the charm of this destination is in the route to get there, it can still be completed on a weekend (or a long weekend at the very least).
Getting to Thunder Bay follows the Great Lakes North and passes through some of Ontario’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, including the French River Provincial Park and the Pukaskwa National Park.
Then, upon arriving in Thunder Bay, road trippers can spend a day exploring the region’s hiking trails and other provincial parks, including Sleeping Giant and Pigeon River, before heading back to Toronto via the same route or by cutting through the wildernesses of northern Michigan.
Brief Thunder Bay Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 1,400 km (15 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Summer
Hotels: Hampton Inn & Suites | The Courthouse Hotel | Days Inn
Top Attractions: Fort William Historical Park | Sleeping Giant Provincial Park | Pigeon River Provincial Park
10. Manitoulin Island
Known as Spirit Island in Ojibwe, Manitoulin Island is the largest freshwater island in the world and promises plenty of outdoor adventures just a 6-hour road trip from Toronto.
Located between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay just north of the Bruce Peninsula, Manitoulin Island can be accessed via a northern bridge near Sudbury or a ferry from the northern tip of Tobermory. For added exploration, you could always return to Toronto from the opposite direction from which you arrive at the end of your trip.
With most of the destination’s attractions being outdoors, the best time to road trip to Manitoulin Island is in the summer. However, the spring and fall are also beautiful times to visit.
Brief Manitoulin Island Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 570 km ( 6 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Spring, Summer, or Fall
Hotels: Manitoulin Motel | Manitoulin Inn
Top Attractions: Cup and Saucer Trail | Providence Beach | Bridal Veil Falls
11. Buffalo – USA
Located on the opposing shores of Lake Erie just across the Canada-USA border from Niagara Falls, Buffalo makes for a fantastic road trip destination from Toronto, with the American city boasting several attractions and cultural monuments within its borders.
As the nearest American city to Toronto, Buffalo provides convenient access to those looking to get away from Canada for a weekend and promises several shopping centres, a vibrant downtown scene, and a new cityscape to explore.
Brief Buffalo Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 160 km (2 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Year Round
Hotels: The Richardson Hotel | The Edward Buffalo | Buffalo Marriott
Top Attractions: Darwin D. Martin House | Canalside | Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens
12. Port Hope
Set just an hour away, Port Hope is a great day trip road trip destination from Toronto and offers a scenic drive east along Lake Ontario. And while the journey to get to the small town is short and sweet, the adventures don’t end upon your arrival.
With breathtaking natural scenery ranging from soft sand beaches to wooded forests, Port Hope promises something for everybody, whether it be bathing in the summer sun, hiking along beautiful trails, or zip lining across the canopies of the Ganaraska Forest.
While Port Hope can easily be visited in a single day from Toronto, the town features a selection of hotels for those who want to turn their day trip into a weekend getaway.
Brief Port Hope Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 107 km (1 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Summer
Hotels: Hampton Inn | Comfort Inn | The King George Inn
Top Attractions: Capitol Theatre | Haute Goat | Holton Flowers | Ganaraska Forest
13. Thousand Islands
One of the most breathtaking and unique road trips from Toronto is actually only a 3-hour drive from the city and follows Lake Ontario east to the aptly named Thousand Islands. In total, the archipelago consists of 1,864 islands and straddles the line marking the Canada-US border.
With so many islands to explore, the Thousand Islands promise a sense of isolation despite being only a short drive from Canada’s largest city. Popular activities in the islands include fishing, hiking, and swimming, but the best experience is in admiring the region’s colourful fall foliage, with the best time to visit in October and November.
Brief Thousand Islands Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 300 km (3 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Fall
Hotels: The Gananoque Inn & Spa | Super 8 | The Glen House Resort
Top Attractions: Brockville Railway Tunnel | 1000 Islands Tower | Fort Wellington
14. Kingston
One of the most historical road trips from Toronto, Kingston, is located not too far from a thousand islands and can combine the natural splendour of the archipelago for a road trip that combines history with outdoor adventures.
Among the city’s most popular attractions are the Kingston Penitentiary Museum, the Kingston City Hall, and the Kingston Waterfront. However, the biggest draw to the area is the Fort Henry National Historic Site, which promises a tour of an authentic fortification constructed during the War of 1812.
Brief Kingston Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 266 km (3 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Spring, Summer, or Fall
Hotels: Rosemount Inn | The Smith Hotel | Comfort Inn & Suites
Top Attractions: Fort Henry | Kingston City Hall | Kingston Waterfront | Kingston Penitentiary Museum
15. Blue Mountain Village
A popular Ontario destination throughout the year, the Blue Mountain Village is one of the best road trips from Toronto during the winter months. Home to some of the biggest ski resorts in the province, the Blue Mountains are famous for their winter sports, cross-country skiing, and world-class slopes.
However, beyond its winter activities, the Blue Mountain Village also promises a charming small-town feel, complete with quaint shopping centres, a hot spring spa, and a selection of eclectic restaurants serving international menus.
Located 2 hours from Toronto, the Blue Mountain Village can be visited as a day trip, but I highly suggest spending the weekend in a local cabin or ski resort.
Brief Blue Mountain Road Trip Guide From Toronto
Distance: 164 km (2 hour drive)
Best Time To Visit: Year Round
Hotels: Blue Mountain Resort Mosaic Suites | The Westin Trillium House
Top Attractions: Blue Mountain Village | Scenic Caves | Blue Mountain Resort
