Want to treat yourself to a day trip outside of Toronto but don’t know where to go? You’ve come to the right place! In 10 years in Toronto, I’ve explored a lot of cities around Toronto. I’ve made several vlogs of them, which you can find on my Youtube channel. In this article I’m going to share with you 10 cities to visit for a day outside Toronto, with all the tips you need for a great experience!
Before going further, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest and on Youtube.
Some information about cities in Ontario
- Not all the cities mentioned in this article are accessible by public transport. If you need to rent a car in Ontario, I refer you to this article which explains everything in detail.
- Not all cities are big enough to spend the day in. I always recommend finding a few activities to do around the city, just in case. I always plan more in case of unforeseen circumstances (something full, weather etc).
- You may notice during your research that many cities in Ontario have names similar to cities in Europe. You’ve got Stratford, London or Paris. That European heritage is part of the immigration history of Ontario.
Niagara on the Lake
This is a classic if you’re going to Niagara Falls. The town is just 30 mins from Niagara Falls and will transport you to another time. In fact, the town is often used as a film set. Especially for Christmas movies.
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Niagara on the Lake (article coming soon).
Toronto – Niagara on the Lake by car: 2 hours.
Stratford
If you’re a fan of Justin Bieber or Shakespeare, this is the city outside Toronto where you’ll want to spend a day. And yes, I realize as I write that these are 2 diametrically opposed personalities who surely don’t have the same fans. But they do have something in common: the town of Stratford, Ontario. Justin Bieber was born there. Shakespeare was born in Stratford, but in England. I spent 2 months there for my BTS internship a few years ago.
The Ontario town really celebrates its heritage, and there are many plays to attend.
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Stratford (article to come).
Toronto – Stratford by car: 2 hours.
Hamilton
If you live in Toronto and tell people you’re going to Hamilton for the day, they might look at you with surprise. The city is often associated with being a bedroom community for people who work in Toronto. But it’s also the city of 100 waterfalls. Don’t expect to discover the equivalent of Niagara Falls, but there are some nice falls to explore. In summer and winter alike. I find it really impressive to discover them frozen!
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Hamilton (article to come).
Toronto – Hamilton: 1 hour.
Cambridge
Oh, the lovely city of Cambridge. It too has been used as a film location for several series, such as The Scarlet Handmaid. It’s more of a village than a city. It’s quite quick to visit, but it’s a change of scenery. A surprising fact to note: there are some twenty churches in this tiny community.
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Cambridge (article to come).
Toronto – Cambridge: 1 hour 30 mins.
Elora
Elora is a small town 2 hours from Toronto that often resonates with romance. This reputation stems from the fact that it hosts many weddings in its famous waterfront mill. In fact, Elora was voted Ontario’s prettiest village, no less! It’s a pretty village where you can also go to relax and enjoy the spa with its lovely view.
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Elora (article to come).
Toronto – Elora: 2 hours.
Port Rowan
Port Rowan is a tiny town right on the border with the United States. So close, in fact, that while I was still on the Canadian side, my phone on the beach was detecting service to the USA. It’s a relaxing getaway with a beach, a nature park and a small port.
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Port Rowan (article to come).
Toronto – Port Rowan: 2 hours 30 mins.
Orangeville
If you want to spend a day trip outside Toronto without going too far: head for Orangeville. It’s a town where you can stop for coffee, lunch or a stroll around town. You can also explore the art in the streets of Orangeville.
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Orangeville (article to come).
Toronto – Orangeville: 1 hour.
Milton
I’ve been to Milton several times, but not really to explore the city center. I went because there are several nice parks around. You can even go and see some waterfalls. After several trips to the parks, I finally explored the town. It’s a cute little town!
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Milton (article to come).
Toronto – Milton: 1 hour.
Port Hope
This is probably one of the small towns I’ve visited around Toronto that I’ve enjoyed the most over the last few months. The town is tiny but very cute. It’s also very pretty with its autumn colors. In fact, walking around Port Hope felt like being in a Christmas movie!
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Port Hope.
Toronto – Port Hope: 1 hour.
Unionville
If you’re a fan of the Gilmore Girls series, I encourage you to visit this area just outside Toronto. Unionville is where the Gilmore Girls pilot was filmed in 2000. Okay, we’re not getting any younger, but the story is still relevant if you haven’t yet had the chance to discover the world of Rory and Lorelei.
You’ll recognize the same
Find out how to get there and what to do during your visit to Unionville (article coming soon).
Toronto – Unionville: 30 minutes.
I hope this list gives you some ideas of towns to spend a day trip outside Toronto. Feel free to tag me on Instagram during your Ontario explorations and rate me in comments for other cities I should explore!
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