13 Spontaneous Day Trips That Are Less Than 3 Hours Away From Toronto

Adventure awaits! Make the most of this summer by heading on a road trip. Now that the weather is finally getting warm, it is the perfect time to call up your friends and explore some of the beautiful spots in Ontario.
Only a short drive from Toronto there is tons to do and see. You can cool off at a beautiful beach or swimming hole, see a gorgeous field of flowers or have fun on a floating water park. The next time you find yourself with nothing to do, make the most of your day and explore somewhere new. Here are 13 spots that would be perfect for a spontaneous day trip, and are less 3 hours away from Toronto.
Pirate Ship Cove
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour and 10 minutes
A perfect way to spend a sunny day in the summer is to head to be on the water. In Niagara, there is a huge floating water park called Pirate Ship Cove that would make for the ultimate spot to go to with your friends.
Terre Bleu Lavender Farm
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour
Only an hour away you can find a truly stunning lavender field. Terre Bleu Lavender Farm is just an hour outside of Toronto. This farm is a relaxing spot to stroll through the fields of flowers and make a cute spot to take photos for Instagram. They also offer yoga classes in the lavender fields.
White Water Walk
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Get up close to white water rapids at White Water Walk. Here the trail will lead you a viewing platform where you will get to see the strength of the powerful rapids that move at 48 km/hr!
Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Enjoy the picturesque views by walking across a 300-foot long suspension bridge. The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is in Ferris Provincial Park and makes for an easy hike where you can enjoy the views of Ranney Gorge.
Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Escape the city to enjoy a stunning view of the stars at Torrance Barrens Dark Sky Preserve! It is the perfect spot to enjoy the views of the Milky Way and to capture photographs of the stars.
Edwards Farms
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour and 10 minutes
You need to see this huge sunflower field just over an hour from Toronto! Edwards Farm makes a beautiful stop to get photos of the beautiful yellow flowers that bloom late in the summer.
Elora Quarry
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Cool down this summer by heading to this beautiful swimming hole just outside of Toronto. Elora Quarry popular natural swimming hole that also has a sandy beach.
Cheltenham Badlands
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour
Can you believe this spot is in Toronto? Spend an afternoon going for a hike on the trails in the Cheltenham Badlands.
Butterfly Conservatory
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour and 20 minutes
See thousands of butterflies up close in a tropical garden. At the Butterfly Conservatory, you'll want to have your camera as there are over 2000 butterflies that flutter around the lush garden. It makes for a peaceful spot to see plants and colourful butterflies.
Wildplay's Whirlpool Adventure Course
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour and 20 minutes
For a thrilling afternoon head to this fun aerial park. Wildplay's Whirlpool Adventure Course has an aerial obstacle course, swinging games and ziplines that you can do next to the Niagara River.
Prince Edward County
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Spend the day going wine tasting in Prince Edward County. It is one of the best wine growing areas in Ontario, and here you can spend the day doing winery tours of all the different vineyards. Some not to miss vineyards include Huff Estates Winery, Hinterland Wine Company, Sandbanks Winery and Trail Estate Winery.
African Lion Safari
Distance from Toronto: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon seeing African animals like lions, elephants and zebras. At the park, you can drive through either in your car, or one of the tour buses so you can get up close to the animals to take some stunning photos.
Sauble Beach
Distance from Toronto: 2 hours and 40 minutes
It is hard to believe this long stretch of beach is actually in Ontario! Sauble Beach is 11km of sandy beaches and is the second longest freshwater beach in Canada. Head here for a laid back afternoon of soaking in the sun and splashing in the water.