Check out these Toronto day trips - with tips from a local!

Let's be serious, there are some great day trips in Ontario - especially in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. The area around Toronto is full of options for day trips that have something to offer in every season (except the beaches, of course).

Eric knows this because he grew up north of Toronto and has seen a lot of his home province over the years. Last summer, we had the opportunity to explore large parts of Ontario together. So in this article, we want to share with you some of the best day trips from Toronto!

Whether you're looking for day trips from Toronto by car, bus, train or on a tour, we've got a good mix for you. From Niagara on the Lake and Niagara Falls to beaches and other waterfalls, you'll find our list full of great day trips from Toronto - summer and winter!

Oh, and if you want to discover more of Toronto, we have some other helpful articles for you:

27 Places to Visit in Toronto

Where to stay in Toronto (Our guide)

Tips for a great day out in Toronto

Our favourite cafés in Toronto

We also wanted to mention that the best way to explore Ontario (unfortunately) is by car. Outside of the major city centres, public transport is not particularly well developed. So if you need a car, you can compare prices for different car rental companies in Toronto here.

Niagara Falls/Niagara Falls

Yes, of course - Niagara Falls is a day trip from Toronto!

Did you know that one of the most famous natural attractions in the world is a day trip from Toronto? You probably already knew that, but it's still good to mention it again! Niagara Falls is a very popular Canadian attraction - and for good reason!

We want to clarify something very briefly to avoid confusion: Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a city in Canada, while Niagara Falls, New York, is a city in the US across the border. And "Niagara Falls" is also the name of the three waterfalls that people want to see during their visit. In German, the waterfalls are usually referred to as Niagara Falls. They include:

Horseshoe Falls, also known as "Canadian Falls", is the largest waterfall that people think of first.

American Falls is the name of a smaller waterfall on the American side (also beautiful)

Bridal Veil Falls is the smallest waterfall right next to American Falls!

Visiting Niagara Falls is definitely a good idea. You don't have to pay an entrance fee to see the falls either - you can just admire them from the pavement.

Besides the actual falls, there are many attractions related to the falls, such as the famous Hornblower boat tour, the Journey Behind the Falls, the Skylon Observation Tower and much more. There are even fireworks every night in the summer, and the falls are lit up in the evening all year round so you can enjoy them after dark.

The downtown area of Niagara Falls - around Clifton Hill - offers numerous restaurants, casinos, museums, games and attractions for the whole family, including the Niagara Skywheel, Dinosaur Adventure Golf and much more.

North of the falls along the Niagara River, other activities include the Niagara Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, the White Water Walk, the Whirlpool Aero Car, the Botanical Gardens and Butterfly Conservatory and more.

In short, there is more than enough to have an adventurous day in Niagara Falls. Because Niagara Falls is so popular (especially in summer), it's a good idea to book tickets for top activities (like the Hornblower boat tour) in advance to make it easier for you.

You can start your visit at the Welcome Centre - it's right on the edge of Horseshoe Falls. We've also written an in-depth article on things to do in Niagara Falls, as well as a guide to places to stay in Niagara Falls (in case you do decide to stay the night).  

Address of the Table Rock Welcome Centre: 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada

From Toronto to Niagara Falls by car

Niagara Falls is not too far from Toronto. The driving distance is approximately 130 kilometres and can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The most direct/popular route is the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) / 403 towards Hamilton. However, you can also take a more scenic route along Highway 81 through areas like Beamsville.

As you approach the falls on the QEW, simply follow the signs and exit onto ON-420 / Niagara Veterans Memorial Highway East. You can then find parking close to the falls at a high price (but short walk) or a little further away at a cheaper price (but a little further walk).

If you are driving, however, be sure to plan for traffic in and out of Toronto and through Hamilton. During morning and afternoon commute times, your travel time may well increase between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

Many Toronto-based escorts are listed here

From Toronto to Niagara Falls by train

If you want to travel by train, you have two options (which are not available at all times of the year): the GO train and the ViaRail train. Both trains depart from Toronto Union Station in downtown Toronto.

Address Union Station: 65 Front St W, Toronto, ON.

The GO train from Toronto to Niagara Falls Station only operates in the summer and on select major weekends in the fall. Alternatively, you can take the GO train from Toronto to Burlington and then hop on a GO bus to Niagara Falls (Route #12). This combined route is available all year round. For more information on this route, visit the GO Transit website.

The ViaRail train also departs from Toronto Union Station, but only runs once a day in the morning. The trip to Niagara Falls takes about 2 hours. There is also one ViaRail train per day going in the other direction. You can check the ViaRail website for timetables and details.

Both trains arrive at the same station in Niagara Falls, north of downtown. From there you can hop on the WEGO bus (also seasonal), call a taxi or just walk - it's a nice walk along the river (about 25 minutes) to the falls!

Address: 4267 Bridge Street, Niagara Falls, ON

From Toronto to Niagara Falls by bus

As for buses that go directly from Toronto to Niagara Falls, there are two options: the Greyhound bus or the Megabus. Both buses depart from the same Toronto bus terminal.

Address Toronto Bus Terminal Downtown: 610 Bay Street, Toronto, ON

Megabus offers many daily departures for trips that take about 2 hours. And at relatively good prices (about 20 CAD each way). Check the Megabus website for more information.

Greyhound has four direct buses per day with about the same travel time and similar prices. Check the Greyhound website for timetables and tickets. Both buses take you to the same bus terminal in Niagara Falls, which is located directly across from the train station.

Address Niagara Falls Bus Terminal: 4555 Erie Ave, Niagara Falls, ON

A tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls

Another stress-free way to get to Niagara Falls is to take a shuttle or tour. Tours can be a great way to see the falls without incurring additional costs such as parking fees. Luckily, Niagara Falls is very popular and there are many tours to choose from!

Before booking a tour, be sure to check the exact itinerary - some tours include only for Niagara Falls, for example, while others also include wine tasting in Niagara on the Lake (see below) or other attractions.

Tours are definitely a great way to sit back and relax while a guide takes you to the best sights!

For a tour from downtown Toronto with free time at Niagara Falls and a wine tasting, check out this Niagara Day Tour from Toronto.

Get a great taste of Niagara Falls on this very popular day tour from Toronto (with the option to add the Hornblower boat tour).