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Top 13 Day Trips to Take from Ontario

Clever Canadian Written By: September 2023

Alright, who said you’ve got to part with your hard-earned cash for a fancy vacation on the other side of the world? Sometimes the best getaways are just a quick jaunt from home.

The beautiful province of Ontario is home to so many awesome destinations that you can explore in a day’s trip. It’s bursting at the seams with natural beauty, cultural diversity, and heaps of history.

So welcome to our list of day trip ideas in Ontario! Keep on reading, and let’s find your next one-day wonderland.

Niagara Falls 

Website: https://niagarafalls.ca/ 

Directions

When we’re talking about day trips from Ontario, there’s honestly no way we can’t mention Niagara Falls. Seriously, sights like this can make you feel all sorts of things.

Let me tell you about this little agency that’ll make your Niagara Falls day trip even more seamless: See Sight Tours. They have it all figured out; they’ll whisk you away from Ontario and take care of all the nitty-gritty (we’re talking transportation and tickets).

You can also hop on board a Hornblower Niagara Cruise and get right up close to the falls. Like, close enough to feel the spray on your face. It’s a real thrill, and you’re bound to end up with some damn impressive photos.

And when you’ve had your fill of water action, it’s time to explore the area. There’s a little old place called Clifton Hill that’s packed with all sorts of family-friendly shenanigans.

Local tip: For the best experience, try to visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds.

Algonquin Provincial Park 

Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/ 

Address: Ontario 60, Ontario

Contact details: +1 705-633-5572

Operating hours: Open year-round

Algonquin Provincial Park is Ontario’s oldest and largest provincial park, spanning over a whopping 7,653 square kilometres. So, grab your hiking boots and your sense of adventure, ’cause there’s so much to do here.

There are over 15 marked trails of varying difficulty. The Lookout Trail is particularly epic, with a panorama that’ll have you reaching for your camera faster than you can say “Instagram-worthy”.

But hold on, it’s not just about burning off that morning’s bacon butty. Algonquin is famous for its wildlife too, so keep an eye out for the locals—moose, deer, and plenty of bird species call this place home.

Once you’re all tired out from exploring, drop by Algonquin Visitor Center. It’s a treasure trove of information on the park’s natural and cultural history.

Local tip: If you can, grab a map of Algonquin Provincial Park before your visit. It’ll help you plan your day better, and you won’t miss out on any highlights!

Prince Edward County 

Website:  https://www.visitthecounty.com/ 

Contact details: https://www.visitthecounty.com/contact-us 

Directions

Prince Edward County is a haven of all the things you’d like for a perfect getaway: wineries, food galore, and stunning landscapes. It has over 40 wineries to explore, each with their own unique vibe.

Most of them actually welcome daytrippers for wine tastings! Taste-test your way through the county and discover that perfect bottle—the one that’ll make all your friends jealous.

We can’t guarantee you won’t leave with a trunk full of new wine favourites, but hey, who could blame you? Anyway, you can also visit the lovely Bloomfield or hit Wellington for a fantastic meal.

But wait, there’s more! PEC also boasts some fabulous beaches that’ll have you questioning whether or not you accidentally slipped into paradise.

Local tip: Plan your winery visits ahead of time and leave room in your schedule to visit a lavender farm or a brewery—there’s tons to explore!

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanks 

Address: 3004 County Rd 12, Picton, ON

Contact details: +1 613-393-3319

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM

Nestled in—you guessed it—Prince Edward County, Sandbanks is famous for its ridiculously large sandy beaches and towering sand dunes. Honestly, with the waters and long stretches of sandy beaches, you will ask yourself if you’re still in Ontario.

It’s one of the largest freshwater baymouth sandbar systems in the world, which is a mouthful to say. But all you need to know is that it’s an ideal spot for beach lovers like you and me.

Beyond soaking up the sun, Sandbanks has some cool trails for those who like to wander. Check out the Woodlands Trail or the Cedar Sands Trail to stretch your legs and explore the dunes and diverse vegetation that call this place home.

Once you’ve had your fill of sun, sand, and scenery, why not fire up the BBQ? Sandbanks offers picnic areas and BBQ facilities, and there’s nothing quite like catching one of those fiery sunsets while enjoying a nice, relaxing meal.

Local tip: Sandbanks can get busy during summer weekends, so plan to arrive early in the day to secure a good parking spot.

Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery 

Website:  http://www.cranberry.ca/ 

Address: 1074 Cranberry Rd, Bala, ON  

Contact details: +1 705-762-3203

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM

Muskoka Lakes Winery is tucked away in Bala, also known as the Cranberry Capital of Ontario. And yep, you guessed it, it’s all ’bout them cranberries!

No trip to Muskoka Lakes Winery would be complete without sampling their signature cranberry wines. Best part? You get to sip the good stuff while gazing out at the lush cranberry marsh. 

This place offers tours that get you right into the action. Talk about hands-on experience! Harvest season (from late September to October) even allows you to get your feet wet in a cranberry plunge. 

Oh, and did I mention that this place isn’t just a winery, it’s a farm? A farm that offers beautiful trails for hiking, giving you a chance to burn off that wine-induced euphoria, and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna. 

Local tip: Muskoka Lakes Winery is a seasonal business, so do check their opening dates and times before planning your trip.

Canada’s Wonderland 

Website:  https://www.canadaswonderland.com/ 

Address: 1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON

Contact details: +1 905-832-8131

Operating hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM

Canada’s Wonderland is an epic theme park located in Vaughan, Ontario—just a hop, skip, and a jump from Toronto. This place has more roller coasters, games, and excitement than you can shake a stick at.

We’re talking over 200 attractions—17 roller coasters alone! Whether you’re into crazy plunges that hurtle you in a free fall, or you’ve got a thing for twists, turns, and loops, Canada’s Wonderland ain’t playin’. 

Don’t forget about Behemoth and Leviathan, two of the tallest and fastest coasters in North America. You’ll be screaming your heart out before you know it!

Wonderland’s got you covered with a water park too: Splash Works (opens typically from June to September). And when it comes to food, well, Wonderland’s got more options than you can chew (pun intended). 

Local tip: Go on a weekday if you can, especially early in the season or after the school rush. The lines will be shorter, giving you more time to experience everything this amazing park has to offer.

Mount St. Louis Moonstone 

Website: https://www.mountstlouis.com/ 

Address: 24 Mt St Louis Rd W, Coldwater, ON

Contact details: +1 705-835-2112

Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 4 PM

Love it or hate it, there’s one thing winter is good for: strapping on your skis or snowboard and hitting the slopes. Especially at Mount St. Louis Moonstone, the “I can’t believe it’s not in the Alps” ski resort in Ontario.

This resort has runs for all skill levels, from bunny hills for beginners to challenging black diamonds for the hardcore. They’ve even got one of the largest terrain parks in Ontario for all those freestyle junkies itching to practise their tricks or flips.

And, with 36 slopes, traffic jams are a thing of the past—unless you count running into a rogue snowman. This place is more than just a great run, though.

It’s got rentals if you’re not keen to lug your gear around and instructors if you want to level up your ski or board game. And when you’re ready to thaw out for a bit, cosy up by the fireplace in the chalet with a cup of hot cocoa.

Local tip: And, parents, if you’re worried about keeping the little ones entertained while you carve up the snow, don’t fret. Mount St. Louis Moonstone offers ski lessons for kids and various events organised throughout the winter season.

Blue Mountain Ski Resort

Website: https://www.bluemountain.ca/ 

Address: The Blue Mountains, ON

Contact details: +1 833-583-2583

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM

Nestled along the shores of Georgian Bay and just a two-hour drive from Toronto, Blue Mountain Ski Resort has it all. It has 42 ski and snowboard trails, and they even offer night skiing.

This resort has got your back, no matter the season. I’m talkin’ golf, hiking, zip-lining, scenic gondola rides, and even a mountain coaster they call the Ridge Runner.

If a slower pace is more your cup of tea, the Village at Blue Mountain has heaps of stuff to do too! You can meander through the quaint streets, indulge in some retail therapy, and dip into the tasty food scene.

You can even check out the on-site spa or relax at the resort beach. Who says you can’t have the best of both worlds—action-packed fun and some well-earned downtime?

Local tip: Everybody loves a good deal, so keep your eyes peeled for their various packages throughout the year. You might just score the perfect day trip at a sweet price!

Elora Gorge Conservation Area​

Website:  https://www.grandriver.ca/en/outdoor-recreation/Elora-Gorge.aspx 

Address: 7400 Wellington County Rd 21, Elora, ON

Contact details: +1 519-846-9742

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM

Perfect for a day trip, Elora Gorge Conservation Area is where Mother Nature struts her stuff big time. Just under two hours from Toronto and you’re greeted with an epic, 22-metre-high gorge carpeted by forests and by the meandering Grand River.

This place is famous for tubing and kayaking, where you get to surf the river down the stunning gorge itself. No joke, these are rapid-filled rides that’ll tickle your wild side and give you a legit splash-tastic time.

Feeling more “earthbound” for the day? Don your walking shoes ’cause the Elora Gorge Trail is not to be missed. 

It’s a killer 5km walk with killer views of the limestone cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Pack a picnic, find a cliff-top spot, and chow down with a view. 

Local tip: Early birds catch the worm (or rather, the calm waters and quiet trails), so try to arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds.

1000 Islands

Website: https://visit1000islands.com/ 

Address: Leeds and Grenville United Counties, ON

Contact details: +1 315-482-2520

Operating hours:

  • Winter Season (October 10th – December 31st) and (January 1st – May 16th):

Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 4 PM

  • Spring Season (May 17th – June 24th):

Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 5 PM 

  • Summer Season (June 28th – September 3rd):

Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM

  • Fall Season (September 7th – October 9th):

Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 12:30 PM, 1 PM to 5 PM

Now, one of the best things to do here in 1000 islands (besides gawking at the gorgeous scenery, of course) is to hop on a boat tour. It’s kinda a must-do, y’know? 

There are loads of different tours to choose from too. You could go on an international tour and check out both the Canadian and the US sides, which is super cool. 

And let me tell you, these islands have plenty of history and culture to dig into as well. For instance, the Boldt Castle on Heart Island is straight out of a fancy romance novel, with its tragic love story and all. 

And then there’s Singer Castle on Dark Island, which boasts great architecture and an even greater past. Of course, no trip to the 1000 islands would be complete without trying some locally made food—so make sure to bring your appetite along! 

Local tip: Don’t miss out on the loaded fries at the local chip trucks scattered nearby, trust me, they are a delight!

Point Pelee National Park

Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pelee 

Address: 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, ON

Contact details: +1 519-322-2365

Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 6 AM to 10 PM

Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost tip of mainland Canada, which is pretty neat if you ask me. You should definitely hit up the famous Tip, a land spit that reaches right into Lake Erie. 

You’ll feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world, fo’ real! And let’s talk about activities, ’cause there are plenty! 

For all the birdwatching lovers out there, Point Pelee is the place to be, especially during spring and fall migrations. In fact, it’s a hotspot for all sorts of critters—butterflies, frogs, and so much more!

But hey, even if you’re not a wildlife enthusiast, the park’s got your back with its lush forests, sandy beaches, and of course, amazing hiking and canoeing opportunities. 

Oh, and make sure to swing by the park’s Visitor Centre, where you can get your hands on all sorts of info about the park, its history, and the really cool stuff it has. 

Local tip: If you’re visiting the park between May and September, don’t miss the Freighter Canoe Rides – it’s a unique and engaging way to explore the marsh with local guides!

Long Point Provincial Park

Website: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/longpoint 

Address: 350 Erie Blvd, Port Rowan, ON

Contact details: +1 519-586-2133

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours

Long Point Provincial Park is not your typical run-of-the-mill park; it’s a huge sand spit on Lake Erie, and guess what? It’s also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

Literally thousands of bird species pass through here, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Now, putting birds aside, let’s talk about beaches.

The park boasts some seriously stunning beachfront. We’re talking about sandy beaches that stretch on for miles and miles, perfect for a day of lounging, swimming, or some quality sandcastle building!

And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also rent a canoe or kayak and explore the nearby wetlands—pretty cool, eh? And before your day at Long Point comes to an end, make sure to soak in those epic sunsets—they’re really something special!

Local tip: Make sure to explore the Long Point Lighthouse for a sweet photo-op and a little taste of nautical history.

The Village of St. Jacobs

Website: http://www.stjacobsvillage.com/ 

Directions

St. Jacobs is this delightful little spot, often overlooked, but believe me, it’s a hidden gem. The main street of the village is brimming with glorious, unique shops.

And talk about variety; they’ve got quaint restaurants, bakeries, and delightful treats to indulge in. Let’s not forget the Farmer’s Market with abundant local produce; it’s a wholesome experience.

And then there’s the history and culture side of things. The entire village is an embodiment of the simplicity and tradition of the Mennonite community.

You’ll find the St. Jacobs Mennonite story an intriguing tale told in their very own interpretive centre. A horse-drawn trolley tour? Heck yeah, they have that too, to give you a taste of good ol’ farming life.

Local tip: Try their famous apple fritters at the Farmer’s market; they are out of this world good!

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