Toronto City is a dynamic and exciting one with plenty to cater to all tastes and preferences. You will find a host of iconic sights and attractions here, as well as plenty of exciting activities. This brings many visitors from around the world to Toronto in search of culture, excitement, adventure, and fun.
Many of those who visit Toronto for an extended period – and those who live there – are often keen to explore places near Toronto, and there is no shortage of options. In my experience, it can be an enriching experience to enjoy some time away from the city and visit some of the other worthwhile places nearby.
We have put together a guide to help you find the best place near Toronto. These places can be easily reached from the city as they are just a short distance from Toronto by car. So, if you want to escape the city and enjoy a little road trip from Toronto, take a look at our suggestions below.
The Best Places That Are a Short Trip from Toronto City
There are some fabulous places that are a short trip from Toronto City, so you can easily reach them by car. If you want to enjoy a little getaway from Toronto, take a look at some of the wonderful options and attractions below:
Niagara Falls
If you are keen to find a top-rated place near Toronto, you won’t go far wrong with a trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. This is just under 90 minutes by car, and you can take in the breathtaking sights as well as enjoy the relaxed vibe and attractions of the city.
It is amazing to find such an awe-inspiring place near Toronto, and a visit to Niagara Falls provides you with the perfect solution to escaping the city. When you first see the incredible Horseshoe Falls in Nagara Falls, it will take your breath away.
You can take a Maid of the Mist boat tour to really enhance your experience. Also, pay a visit to Niagara Falls State Park, explore some history at the Niagara Falls History Museum, or take in incredible views at the Skylon Tower.
When I visited this city some years ago, I was unprepared for just how awe-inspiring it would be. So, if you head over to Niagara Falls, ensure you have your camera ready because there are some incredible photo opportunities.
I’m not the only one who found Niagara Falls to be an incredible place for a trip from Toronto. Many others who have visited have also left reviews about their experiences. They describe the area as stunning, relaxing, exciting, and unique, so there are plenty of reasons to take a trip to this area.
Oshawa
With a journey time of under an hour by car, this city is great for those looking for fun and adventure. You will find plenty here to keep you busy, so it is a great choice if you want to head somewhere that is a short distance from Toronto but has plenty to offer.
The city’s downtown area is packed with restaurants serving international cuisine, unique shops, and places to enjoy a variety of entertainment. You can head to the Oshawa Little Theater to catch a performance, soak up some culture at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, or explore some history at the Oshawa Museum.
I would say that this is a great place to go for a day away from Toronto City, as it is such a short distance by car. While you are there, I highly recommend checking out the network of walking and hiking trails or heading to the gorgeous Lakeview Park if you appreciate natural beauty.
Brampton
Brampton can be reached in just over 45 minutes from Toronto, and it lies to the west of the city. It is well worth heading to this area if you want a day filled with fun, culture, and natural beauty, as there are so many attractions to enjoy here. A short trip from Toronto City will bring you to a charming and fun-packed destination known as the ‘Flower Town of Canada’ due to its history in the greenhouse industry.
If you love natural beauty, I highly recommend visiting Gage Park, the city’s oldest park. If you are heading here in the winter, you can enjoy ice skating, while in the summer, the park flourishes with all of its greenery. For a cultural experience, you can head to the Rose Theater in Downtown Brampton, and you should also check out the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame. Wet ‘n’ Wild is a perfect place to visit for thrill-seekers.
Other attractions include the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives, the stunning manmade beach on the banks of Professor’s Lake, and the historic Bovaird House. You can even get some retail therapy in at one of the various indoor shopping malls, including Bramalea City Center.
Pickering
Situated in the Durham Region, east of Toronto, Pickering has lots to explore. You can reach this destination in just 45 minutes by car, so it is one of the best places if you want to go somewhere near Toronto.
This area offers something for all ages, so I would recommend it for families, solo travellers, and couples. You can soak up the city’s history, immerse yourself in the arts and culture, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.
This place has plenty of nice accommodations. However, I highly recommend Comfort Inn Pickering for its convenient location, friendly service, and excellent amenities. Affordable rates and great location make it a top choice for travelers.
A trip to Rouge National Urban Park is a must for nature lovers, and you can take in the wildlife as well as enjoy the incredible surroundings. Take some time to explore the quaint Nautical Village in the city or step back in time with a visit to the Pickering Museum Village.
Whether you want to enjoy natural beauty, culture, history, or simply relax, you will find plenty to keep you entertained and busy when you head to Pickering. I would also strongly recommend a visit to the fabulous Pickering Market if you get the chance, as it is a great place to pick up a variety of unique goods and sample some delicious street food.
Burlington
Less than an hour’s drive from Toronto, you will find the charming and attractive city of Burlington. This is a great place to enjoy exploring natural beauty, as there are many natural attractions. However, it also offers plenty of opportunities to have some fun and excitement, immerse yourself in the area’s relaxed vibe, and spend lots of time outdoors.
There is the fabulous Art Gallery of Burlington with a range of excellent exhibitions for those into the arts and culture. If you want to get closer to nature, I recommend visiting the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens. There are also some great parks I would advise you to visit, including Maple Park and Central Park.
If you want to enjoy some fun and entertainment, head to the downtown area, where you will find plenty of options. This includes a range of excellent restaurants and eateries, bars, and clubs for those looking to enjoy the nightlife, live entertainment, and much more.
I would say that this is an ideal destination if you want somewhere close to Toronto that offers a diverse array of activities and entertainment options coupled with a relaxed ambiance.
Whitby
The town of Whitby is part of the Durham Region and can be reached within an hour from Toronto. This is a charming and quaint town that offers some unique experiences as well as the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. From the rich history and natural beauty to cultural attractions and outdoor fun, there is plenty to enjoy here.
I would say that the town of Whitby boasts unique small-town charm, and it is perfect for those who want to spend time in a town with bags of character. You can head to the downtown area to explore the historic streets and buildings, visit the diverse range of restaurants, or do a little shopping at the boutique retailers.
For something a little different, take a tour of Camp X, where secret agents were once trained. You can take in the beauty of the waterfront at Port Whitby Marina, explore the historic charm of Downtown Brooklin, or even pay a visit to the reportedly haunted Whitby Centennial Building.
With art galleries, museums, and the fantastic Whitby Farmer’s Market, you will find plenty to keep you occupied in this town. It is worth noting that not many tourists head to this town, and this makes it a great choice if you want to avoid crowds. Many who have visited and left reviews describe the town of Whitby as a charming, relaxed, and quaint destination.
Ajax
Located along the shores of Lake Ontario, the beautiful town of Ajax is around a 45-minute drive from Toronto. If you want to escape the city and head to a town with charm, natural beauty, and plenty of opportunities to chill out, this is the perfect place. This is a town where you can enjoy a laid-back vibe, which makes it ideal for those that want a change of scenery and the chance to take things easy.
If you enjoy the outdoors, one of the things I can recommend is the Ajax section of the Waterfront Trail. This will take you through gorgeous parks and gardens and is a great way to take in the stunning scenery and natural beauty.
For the chance to relax, you can head to Paradise Beach, which is part of the trail. Another great way to explore nature is with a visit to the Greenwood Conservation Area, where you can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife, and lush greenery.
For those who feel lucky, the Ajax Casino is a great place to have fun. You can also enjoy a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant as you choose which of the hundreds of slots at Ajax Casino to play. Depending on the day of your visit, you could even head to Ajax Downs to enjoy horse racing near Ajax Casino.
There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in this town, from golfing and biking to fishing and indoor sports, and even a visit to the Ajax Casino.
If you wish to stay in Ajax, I highly recommend Royaland because of its comfortable rooms, convenient location, and affordable rates. With its friendly staff and great amenities, Royaland is the perfect choice for a pleasant and enjoyable stay in Ajax.
Port Hope
Scenic, charming, historic, and beautiful, Port Hope is a town that can be reached in under 90 minutes from Ontario. While this might be a small town with bags of character, it is also action-packed, with plenty to see and do. It was even used as a location for the most recent Stephen King’s It movie, so don’t be surprised if it looks familiar!
There is lots to see and do here, and a visit to the downtown area is a must. Here, you can explore architectural wonders, rich history, and natural beauty. The Ganaraska River flows right through the downtown area, and it is surrounded by stunning parks and gardens. The Port Hope Conservation Area is another great place to visit if you want to enjoy nature and activities such as fishing and nature trails.
If you want to relax, you can head to one of the two beaches in the town, where you can soak up some sunshine and watch the world go by. There are plenty of shops selling local goods for those who wish to enjoy a little retail therapy.
A visit to this lovely town is the perfect way to take a little time out and unwind. This is why I would highly recommend it to those who want to get away for a day and do something both fun and relaxing.
Find the Ideal Place to Visit Near Toronto City, Canada
With so many short trip from Toronto City, finding the best place to escape the city is easy. Within a 60-90 minute drive, you can reach some wonderful towns and cities such as those mentioned above. This means you can enjoy exploring unique destinations without going too far afield.
