Situated in the heart of the Great Lakes region, Toronto is a picturesque Canadian city that offers tons of activities and nearby places to explore for a fun-filled day trip. Come summer, there's nothing better than hopping in your vehicle and going for a long drive around this region. Choosing where to travel in Ontario might be a challenge because the province is so huge. Whether you want to lay in the lap of nature or indulge in exciting adventure sports, we’ve got you covered. Here we pick some of our best driving roads for a memorable trip from Toronto…
Niagara Falls and Niagara-On-The-Lake
Distance: 120 miles. Driving time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Niagara Falls is the most popular road trip destination from Toronto. In less than two hours, you’ll be there to take in the breathtaking surroundings. Being the most famous waterfall in the world and located on the border between the United States and Canada, the Niagara Falls promises a really breathtaking experience. There are three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. As it exits the lake, the water makes its way to Lake Ontario. Watching 6 million cubic feet of water fall 50 meters per minute to produce a breathtaking spectacle and a deafening sound is an experience you'll never forget.
Despite Ontario's extremely severe winters, Niagara Falls never completely freezes. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the town of Niagara-On-The-Lake has a charming historic quarter that's perfect for a leisurely stroll. You'll also get to see some gorgeous wineries on your way. To get to Niagara-on-the-lake from Toronto, hop on the Gardiner Expressway W, then the Queen Elizabeth Highway, which will lead you to Niagara Street/Regional Road 89. In no time at all, you'll be in the middle of the vineyards.
Muskoka
Distance: 129 miles. Driving time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Lakes play an important role in road trips from Toronto, since a considerable portion of the province is covered by a network of tiny lakes, rivers, streams, and islands. Muskoka is the closest to Toronto, and it is also the most scenic. A huge number of Muskoka villages and towns feature big cottages, which are noted for being relaxing and are quite popular with residents of Toronto during the summer months.
As a weekend getaway, you may choose from a variety of activities such as hiking trails, national parks that provide sports such as mountain biking, cycling, and horseback riding, and other attractions. There are also several watersports activities to enjoy on the lakes. Rental boats are available for you to explore the various coves, islands, and waterways that the area has to offer at your leisure. You can either follow Highway 400 via Barrie and into the western side of Muskoka, or Highway 11 from Toronto.
Visit Algonquin Provincial Park
Distance: 190 miles. Driving time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Algonquin Provincial Park is a large park located to the north-east of Muskoka. This vast reserve is made up of over 2,400 lakes, several islands, mountains, and lush woods. The road meanders through forests and along rivers and lakes, providing stunning views of countless waterfalls and wildlife. Wildlife enthusiasts will be glad to know that there are moose, bears, and a variety of bird species in this area.
While driving through the splendid park roads is a must, we also highly recommend parking your vehicle and hopping on a canoe to see parts of the national park that are not visible from the road. Campsites are scattered around the river and lake network, so you'll need to park at Canoe Lake or Lake Opeongo and spend a weekend there. Getting to Algonquin Park starts out just like you’re going to Muskoka. Drive north on Highway 400 through Barrie, and then take the Highway 11 exit towards Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, and finally, Huntsville. From there, take Highway 60 as it runs directly through Algonquin Park.
Thousand Islands
Distance: 220 miles. Driving: 4 hours 30 minutes.
There are 1,864 islands in the St. Lawrence River in Ontario's Thousand Islands, which straddle the US-Canada border. Beautiful landscapes, eccentric museums, fishing, and some of the best restaurants can all be found along the route. In terms of size, the islands range from 50 square miles to barely big enough to support a single tree, creating one of the most unique North American landscapes. Known for their castles, lighthouses, and hidden coves, the Islands are a must-see for any intrepid explorer.
Boldt Castle, commissioned by wealthy George Boldt, is one of the must-see attractions in the area. It stands as a testament of one man’s love for his wife. Every year, from the middle of May until the middle of October, this attraction is open. In the summer, you may cool off in the water on several of the islands' lovely shallow sand beaches. From Kingston, the archipelago runs some 50 miles downriver to Gananoque, home to the Thousand Islands Playhouse, and Brockville, which are also great places to stop for a rest. Explore the colorful downtowns, theaters, golf courses, restaurants, and more, all accessible by boat in this Gilded Age destination. From Toronto, take the scenic coastal highway ON-401 E to get to the Thousand Islands.
Bruce Peninsula National Park
Distance: 185 miles. Driving time: 3 hours 40 minutes
On a granite outcrop, the huge park is ideal for exploring nature. From black bears and coyotes to porcupines and deer, this area is home to a wide diversity of animals. Some of these may be seen on the park's numerous hiking paths. The routes range in difficulty from easy strolls to long, arduous treks for experienced hikers. This rock is perched above a cliff and provides breathtaking vistas and photo ops. There is no safety net and it's a long way down, so it's a little dangerous for travelers, but that doesn’t seem to deter thrill enthusiasts! One of the most striking features of the peninsula's coastline is its grotto.
If you’re driving here in a campervan, you may have to reserve a site in advance. In order to spend the night in the wild, you must also get a permit from the Cyprus Lake Office. Once you acquire a permit, you can set up camp along the park's trails in designated areas. To get to Bruce Peninsula National Park in Tobermory, it’s an easy breezy drive down south from Toronto along Highway 6.