10 Best Day Trips From Toronto by Car
Toronto is a great city to visit, but there is plenty to see once you get outside the downtown core.
If you have a rental car, you can leave the city in the morning, explore somewhere new for the day and be back in Toronto by evening. You also have the freedom to change your plans along the way instead of working around train or bus schedules.
From small Ontario towns and conservation areas to beaches, wineries and scenic countryside, there are plenty of day trips within driving distance of Toronto.
Here are 10 places worth considering for your next Ontario road trip.
1. Niagara Falls
No list of day trips from Toronto would be complete without Niagara Falls.
Located roughly 130 kilometres from downtown Toronto, Niagara Falls is one of Ontario’s most popular destinations.
The falls themselves are the main attraction, but there is much more to do once you arrive. You can walk along the Niagara Parkway, explore Clifton Hill, visit the surrounding parks or continue into Niagara-on-the-Lake.
If you have a full day, consider leaving Toronto early and spending the morning around the falls before continuing to Niagara-on-the-Lake in the afternoon.
Best for: Families, couples, first-time visitors and international travellers.
2. Niagara-on-the-Lake
If you prefer a quieter day away from the city, Niagara-on-the-Lake is worth the drive.
The historic town is known for its heritage buildings, restaurants, shops, wineries and relaxed atmosphere.
One advantage of driving is that you are not limited to the town itself. You can explore some of the surrounding Niagara wine region and stop at different locations along the way.
Just remember that if you are visiting wineries, you will need a plan for getting around safely. A designated driver or professional transportation is always the best option if alcohol is involved.
Best for: Couples, food lovers and anyone looking for a slower-paced day.
3. Blue Mountain and Collingwood
Looking for something a little different from the city?
Head northwest towards Collingwood and Blue Mountain.
The area is popular throughout the year, with hiking, outdoor activities, restaurants, shops and scenic views. During the warmer months, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside, while winter brings skiing and other cold-weather activities.
The drive itself is part of the experience, especially once you get farther away from the GTA and into the countryside.
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, families and weekend travellers.
4. Wasaga Beach
Ontario may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about beaches, but Wasaga Beach is one of the province’s best-known summer destinations.
Located along Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach offers a long stretch of sandy shoreline and plenty of space to spend a summer day.
Driving makes sense if you are travelling with beach chairs, coolers, towels, umbrellas and everything else that tends to come along with a beach day.
Best for: Families, groups and summer road trips.
5. Elora and Elora Gorge
For something a little more scenic, consider heading west to Elora.
The town has a historic downtown area with restaurants, shops and cafés, while nearby Elora Gorge offers impressive limestone cliffs and outdoor scenery.
The surrounding area is particularly popular with people looking to get out of the city for a day without travelling several hours.
Best for: Hiking, photography, couples and outdoor activities.
6. Orangeville
Orangeville is a particularly convenient option if you want a day trip without spending most of your day behind the wheel.
Located northwest of Toronto, Orangeville has a walkable downtown area with shops, restaurants and local businesses.
You can also visit nearby Island Lake Conservation Area for walking trails, nature and outdoor activities.
Because Orangeville is close to the GTA, it is easy to combine with other stops in the area, including Caledon and the surrounding countryside.
Best for: A relaxed day trip, families and exploring smaller Ontario communities.
7. Caledon
If your idea of a day trip involves getting away from busy city streets, Caledon is an easy place to start.
Located northwest of Toronto, Caledon is known for its countryside, trails, conservation areas and small communities.
The area is especially appealing in the fall when the surrounding landscape changes colour.
One of the advantages of having a car is that you can explore beyond a single destination. Instead of spending the entire day in one town, you can create your own route through the Caledon area.
Best for: Scenic drives, hiking, photography and getting away from the city.
8. Hamilton and the Waterfalls
Hamilton is another great option for a day trip from Toronto.
The city is known for its large number of waterfalls, many of which are located around the Niagara Escarpment.
Depending on how much time you have, you can combine a waterfall hike with a visit to downtown Hamilton, a restaurant or another attraction.
A car is particularly useful because the waterfalls and other attractions are spread throughout the area rather than being concentrated in one location.
Best for: Hikers, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Prince Edward County
If you have a little more time, Prince Edward County can make for a longer day trip or an overnight getaway.
The area is known for its wineries, restaurants, small towns, beaches and rural scenery.
Because many of the attractions are spread out, having your own vehicle makes exploring the county much easier.
If you plan on visiting wineries, remember to arrange a safe way to get around. Never drink and drive.
Best for: Foodies, couples, wine lovers and weekend getaways.
10. Stratford
Stratford is another Ontario destination worth putting on your list.
The city is best known for the Stratford Festival, but there is more to see beyond the theatre.
You can walk around the downtown area, visit local restaurants and cafés, explore the Avon River and spend a relaxed day away from Toronto.
It is farther than some of the other destinations on this list, so consider starting your day early.
Best for: Theatre lovers, couples and a slower-paced weekend trip.
Why Renting a Car Makes Ontario Day Trips Easier
One of the biggest advantages of having a rental car is flexibility.
You can leave when you want, stop when you want and change your plans if you discover somewhere interesting along the way.
Public transportation can work well for getting around Toronto, but once you start visiting smaller communities and attractions outside the city, having a vehicle can make things considerably easier.
A rental car is particularly useful when:
- You are travelling with children
- You have luggage or outdoor equipment
- You are travelling with several people
- You want to visit multiple destinations in one day
- You are staying outside downtown Toronto
- You want to explore areas where public transportation is limited
- You are planning a longer Ontario road trip
What Type of Rental Car Is Best for an Ontario Road Trip?
There is no single answer because it depends on your trip.
For two people travelling light, a compact car or sedan may be all you need.
For a family with luggage, an SUV or CUV can provide additional passenger and cargo space.
If you are travelling with a larger group, a minivan or passenger van may be more practical.
Airport Auto Rental offers a variety of vehicles, so you can choose something based on the number of passengers, amount of luggage and type of driving you have planned.
Starting Your Road Trip from Toronto Pearson Airport
If you are flying into Toronto Pearson International Airport, you do not necessarily have to spend your first day navigating downtown Toronto before getting your rental vehicle.
Airport Auto Rental serves travellers arriving at Pearson Airport, with customer pickup available at Viscount Station.
The free Terminal Link train connects Pearson’s terminals with Viscount Station, making it possible to get to the rental pickup area without arranging a separate taxi or rideshare.
From the airport, you can connect with major highways and start your trip toward Toronto or other parts of Southern Ontario.
Can You Do These Day Trips in One Day?
Most of them can be done as a day trip, but that does not necessarily mean you should rush.
For shorter trips such as Orangeville, Caledon or Hamilton, you can have plenty of time to explore and still return to Toronto the same evening.
Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Prince Edward County can involve considerably more driving, so an early start is recommended.
If you are travelling during a busy weekend or holiday, allow additional time for traffic.
And remember that the distance shown on a map does not always tell the whole story. GTA traffic, construction and road conditions can have a significant effect on your travel time.
Tips for Planning an Ontario Road Trip
Before heading out, take a few minutes to plan the basics.
Check the weather
Ontario weather can change quickly, particularly during spring, fall and winter. Check the forecast before leaving and adjust your plans if necessary.
Check traffic
Toronto and the surrounding GTA can experience significant congestion. Check traffic before you leave and consider avoiding peak commuting periods when possible.
Plan your fuel stops
If you are driving a longer route, know where you can stop for fuel, food and rest breaks.
Don’t overpack your itinerary
It can be tempting to try to see everything in one day, but you will have a much better trip if you leave some flexibility in your schedule.
Drive safely
Follow posted speed limits, leave plenty of space between vehicles and adjust your driving to the road and weather conditions.
If you are visiting wineries or breweries, always arrange a safe way to get around. Never drink and drive.
Why Choose Airport Auto Rental?
Planning an Ontario road trip starts with choosing the right vehicle.
Airport Auto Rental is a Canadian-owned and operated car rental company serving Toronto and communities throughout the GTA.
We offer a range of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, CUVs, minivans and passenger vans, giving travellers options for everything from a quick city trip to a family road trip.
We also serve customers arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport, making it convenient to pick up a vehicle after your flight and start exploring Ontario.
Whether you are visiting from another province, travelling internationally, visiting family or simply looking to get out of the city for the weekend, having a rental car gives you the freedom to explore Ontario at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Toronto by car?
Some popular day trips from Toronto include Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Blue Mountain, Wasaga Beach, Elora, Orangeville, Caledon and Hamilton.
How far can I drive from Toronto in one day?
There are many destinations within a few hours of Toronto that can be visited as day trips. The best choice depends on how much time you want to spend driving versus exploring.
Is it worth renting a car for a Toronto day trip?
If you plan to visit destinations outside the downtown core, renting a car can give you considerably more flexibility. It is particularly useful when attractions are spread out or public transportation is limited.
What type of rental car is best for a road trip from Toronto?
A compact car or sedan can work well for couples and smaller trips. Families may prefer an SUV or CUV, while larger groups may want a minivan or passenger van.
Can I rent a car at Toronto Pearson Airport for a day trip?
Yes. You can rent a vehicle near Toronto Pearson Airport and use it to explore Toronto, the GTA and surrounding areas. Airport Auto Rental provides pickup for customers arriving at Pearson Airport.
Where can I go from Toronto for a weekend road trip?
Popular options include Niagara-on-the-Lake, Prince Edward County, Blue Mountain, Collingwood and other destinations throughout Southern Ontario.
Get Out and Explore Ontario
Toronto is only the beginning.
One of the best things about having a rental car is being able to see what is beyond the city. You can spend the morning exploring a small Ontario town, have lunch somewhere new, visit a conservation area in the afternoon and still make it back to Toronto that evening.
So the next time you are visiting Toronto, don’t just stay downtown.
Pick a direction, get behind the wheel and see where the road takes you.
If you need a rental car for your next Ontario adventure, Airport Auto Rental is here to help you get on the road.