You don't need a car in order to visit some cute small towns outside the city. GO Transit will take you from Union Station to several charming villages where you can spend the day shopping, enjoying local attractions and more.
If you're craving a day outside of the city, you may want to plan a trip to some of these small towns. Located close to Toronto, these destinations are reachable on GO buses and trains so there's no need for a car.
The GO schedules change depending on the day of the week, so be sure to plan your trip in advance and take a look at the different schedules.
If you're travelling on a weekend, you could purchase the online Weekend Pass, which costs $10 and allows for unlimited one-day travel.
From tiny villages to quaint small towns, these destinations are worth hopping on transit for.
Here are nine small towns near Toronto that you can reach on GO Transit. Don't forget your PRESTO card for cheaper fares!
Unionville
Price: $7.91 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: Located just outside of Toronto in Markham, Unionville is a charming little town with local shops and eateries.
The trip from Union Station will take about an hour and includes one transfer.
While in Unionville, you can enjoy the boutique shops, range of cuisines and many events that take place throughout the year, such as markets, festivals and holiday attractions.
Gilmore Girls fans can take a self-guided tour of the area and discover spots that were featured in the pilot episode of the iconic series.
Rockwood
Price: $13.51 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: Rockwood is a small but charming town located just outside of Guelph. The trip from Union Station on GO Transit takes close to 2 hours and includes one transfer.
The best time to visit Rockwood is during the summer months. You can grab an ice cream cone, peek in some of the shops and enjoy the parks and trails.
One of the town's biggest draws is the Rockwood Conservation Area, which features scenic hikes as well as a sandy beach, caves, cliffs, glacial potholes, old ruins and more.
Village of Brooklin
Price: $10.31 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: Situated in Whitby, the Village of Brooklin's "historic downtown is home to restaurants, retail shops, spas, unique local businesses" and more.
You can take a 2-hour trip on GO Transit with one transfer to reach this charming spot.
There are lots of year-round events and festivals to enjoy, such as the Harvest Festival, historic Brooklin Spring Fair and Christmas in the Village.
You can spend the day soaking up sun on the patios, shopping at the boutiques, or wandering through a park.
Port Credit
Price: $6.02 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: You can reach this cute destination in just half an hour with no transfers on GO Transit. The "urban village" is right on the water and "is one of GTA’s most celebrated neighbourhoods."
During the warmer months, you can enjoy the Saturday Farmers' Market which features all sorts of fresh produce.
You don't want to miss the iconic red and white lighthouse or a stroll along the waterfront.
The main strip features many shops, bars and restaurants where you can browse or grab a bite to eat.
Newmarket
Price: $9.38 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: This hour-long trip from Union Station is transfer-free and takes you to the small town of Newmarket.
The historic Main Street has lots to explore and you can spend an afternoon browsing through the shops.
You can also check out Fairy Lake Park, which is an "urban oasis in the heart of historic downtown Newmarket" and is home to scenic trails, picnic spots, a lake and more.
If you're looking for more spots to enjoy nature, you can head to Tom Taylor Trail or the Rogers Reservoir Conservation Area.
Georgetown
Price: $9.76 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: You can reach this small town in under an hour and a half with GO Transit. The trip includes one transfer at Mount Pleasant GO.
Georgetown boasts quaint streets, shopping opportunities, cozy cafes and more, making it a great place to spend a day.
From June to October, you can visit the Downtown Georgetown Farmers' Market and find all sorts of local produce.
The town is a "vibrant cultural hub" and offers art galleries, studios, a theatre and more to enjoy.
Aurora
Price: $8.54 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: Located just over an hour from Toronto on GO Transit, Aurora is a fun spot for a day trip.
The town has a quaint main strip with eateries and shops where you can find hidden gems and cozy cups of coffee.
You can visit historical sites, museums and art galleries and indulge in delicious meals while in the town.
There are many hikes and trails to explore as well as the Aurora Community Arboretum, an "urban oasis" boasting over 100 acres of trees, flowers, meadows, ponds and more.
Uxbridge
Price: $10.61 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: You'll want to bring your hiking boots on this trip, because Uxbridge is known as the "trail capital of Canada."
The small town is just over an hour and a half away from Toronto on GO Transit and has lots to enjoy.
Anne of Green Gables fans can explore the Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail, where they can learn about the author's life in the Uxbridge area.
You can also enjoy the beautiful trails, shop at the local boutiques and indulge in a meal at one of the restaurants.
Village of Streetsville
Price: $7.83 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: Known as "the Village in the City," Streetsville is located in Mississauga and is just over an hour away from Union Station on GO Transit.
The area "blends old world charm with its 300+ unique and inviting restaurants, cafes, pubs, shops, and more."
There are lots of festivals and events to enjoy throughout the year, including Halloween, Christmas and summer festivities.
From charming buildings to local shops and spas, there's no shortage of things to do in this little village.
These charming small towns are idyllic city escapes and are easy to get to without a car. Get ready for attractions, picturesque patios, beautiful trails and more at these quaint destinations.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
A seafood tower on a black and gold table.
