Day trips from Toronto
Explore beautiful national parks and historic sites near Toronto! Just an easy drive or bus ride away, lounge on the beaches of Georgian Bay Islands, travel back in time and hear the explosion of a Brown Bess gun, learn how the world’s tallest hydraulic lift lock works or treat yourself to some outdoor fun in the Greater Toronto Area.
Let these must-see activities inspire your next outing!
Canada’s only national urban park.
- Driving: 40 minutes
- Transit: 1 hour
Rouge National Urban Park
How to get there
- Drive: A 40-minute drive from the city on highway 401.
- Transit: Take the Go Train to Eglinton Station, then take the 86 bus to the Zoo to be there in an hour. Or better yet, hop on the Canada TD Rouge Express, a free shuttle from downtown Toronto from July to October.
What to do
- Cool down with a dip in Lake Ontario and enjoy a picnic on its sandy shores.
- Paddle a canoe through marshes and wetlands packed with wildlife.
- Head out on a guided cultural and historical adventure with Parks Canada staff.
Just for newbies
New to trail walking? Join a guided walk to get you started!
The birthplace of a national hero.
- Driving: 2 hours
Bethune Memorial National Historic Site
How to get there
- Drive: Follow highway 400 north 2 hours for a 170 km road trip to Gravenhurst.
What to do
Join the thousands of visitors who come each year to explore this modern centre, which tells the fascinating story of Norman Bethune. This national hero is commemorated in Spain and China with monuments for his war-time service and contributions to health care.
Did you know?
Private tours begin with traditional Chinese tea to honour the connection Bethune had to China.
A historic fort dating back to 1796.
- Driving: 1.5 hours
Fort George National Historic Site
How to get there
- Drive: Take a 1.5-hour drive via the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW highway). This site is located just 30 minutes from Niagara Falls.
What to do
- Head to the Niagara Peninsula and tour the principal fortification during the war of 1812.
- Enter the gates and explore the Soldiers’ Barracks.
- Tap your toes to the marching tunes of the 41st Regiment Fife and Drum Corps on parade.
Two-for-one
Head to nearby Queenston Heights National Historic Site to climb the 235 circular steps to the top of Brock’s Monument for a spectacular view of the Niagara Frontier.
The world’s largest freshwater archipelago.
- Driving: 2 hours
- Transit:2.5 hours
Georgian Bay Islands National Park
How to get there
- Drive: 2-hour drive on the highway ON-400 north, head to Honey Harbour.
- Transit: If you’re planning to stay overnight, hop aboard the Parkbus from Toronto.
What to do
- Boating and paddling! Explore the 63 idyllic boat-only access islands and find your new favourite.
- Reserve a campsite or book an oTENTik or waterfront cabin to wake to the sound of birds singing.
- Hike or bike the rugged trails or relax on the sandy beach.
No boat, no problem!
Make a reservation and take the DayTripper from Honey Harbour to Beausoleil Island for a fun day exploring Cedar Spring and Chimney Bay.
The world’s last surviving Tribal Class destroyer ship.
- Driving: 1 hour
- Transit: 1.5 hours
HMCS Haida National Historic Site
How to get there
- Drive: 1 hour from the city via highway the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way)/ON 403 west.
- Transit: Take the Hamilton Go Train from Union Station and connect to the 04 Mount Albion Loop bus to be there in 90 minutes.
What to do
- Discover Canada’s wartime naval history. Walk on the decks of ‘the most fightingest ship in the Royal Canadian Navy’.
- Explore at your own pace and ask staff and Friends of HMCS Haida volunteers all of your questions.
Special events
Plan your trip to coincide with one of the many celebrations and memorial days held onboard the HMCS Haida.
The ingenuity of heritage waterway engineering.
- Driving: 2 hours
Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site
How to get there
- Drive: Head 2 hours northeast from the city and look for roadside Parks Canada beaver signs to direct you to the 386 km of canals and locks.
What to do
- Visit any of the 42 historic locks along this 386 km waterway connecting Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. These marvels of engineering connect one epic travel route through some of the finest parts of Ontario. Discover the heart of cottage country and beyond while you stop to watch the boats lock through. History awaits you around every bend!
- Visit North America’s only marine railroad at Big Chute.
- Take a boat to Lock 32, the first lock built on the Waterway in 1833.
- Visit the historic lumber town of Bobcaygeon for a leisurely waterfront lunch.
Find out how it works
Indulge your ‘inner engineer’ at the Peterborough Lift Lock Visitor Centre on a self-guided tour to discover what went into building the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world!
The childhood home of Canada’s tenth Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King.
- Drive: 1.5 hours
- Transit: under 2 hours
Woodside National Historic Site
How to get there
- Drive: A 1.5-hour drive from the city on highway 401-west.
- Transit: Take the Go Train to Kitchener and then hop on a connecting bus in under two hours.
What to do
- Explore the grounds, which consist of 11.5 acres of mature woodland, year-round.
- Take a self-guided tour around this historic family home packed with original heirlooms and reproduction period trinkets.
Seasonal fun
Enjoy the fall colours and harvest season in Autumn, or visit in December to experience the twinkling charm of a Victorian Christmas.
Related links
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