Toronto Day Trips

The easiest way to find peace and quiet in the city is to ferry over the Toronto Islands, an almost four-mile stretch of islets that are visible from the downtown waterfront. Cars are banned, parks rule, and beaches are open to the public; Hanlan’s Point has the best strand.There are no restaurants, but summer brings snack bars, rental bike operators, and open tennis courts.

Toronto’s beaches, which front the sandy shores of Lake Ontario, essentially comprise a suburb of the city. In the summer, families flock to the area for its two-mile-long boardwalk, swim-friendly waters, and large parks.

If you’ve never seen Niagara Falls, it’s worth the three-hour drive from Toronto to bask in their natural glory. The area around the falls feels a bit like a smaller version of Reno – lots of casinos and flashing lights.  See our Niagara Falls Travel Guide

Located along the Niagara Escarpment, the islands that comprise this marine park are notable for their underwater treasures – hit the park’s museum and then go diving to see resident marine life like crawfish, bass, and sculpin along with the 400-million-year-old dolomite rocks and shipwrecks that are hidden beneath the surface.

When you’ve had enough of the city, make the three-hour drive to the pristine ponds, hills, and trails that comprise this 2,982-square-mile park. Popular activities include canoeing, hiking and fishing.