13 Spontaneous Day Trips That Are Less Than 3 Hours Away From Toronto
Summer is finally on its way, and all of us Ontarians couldn't be any happier. We've had a pretty rough winter this year, so we deserve the amazing spring weather that's already arrived and the gorgeous summer weather that's coming our way.
We're all incredibly lucky to be living in a big city like Toronto. Everything we need, from incredible restaurants and cute cafes to nature and waterfront views, is right within the city limits! So why would we ever need to leave, right?
Well, because there's even more beauty to explore outside the city. Luckily, you don't have to venture too far to see it. If you're willing to drive less than three hours away, you'll find some seriously amazing summer adventures waiting for you.
Zip Lining over Elora Quarry
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 47 mins
If you head over to the stunning Elora Gorge Conservation Area, you can find a zip-lining adventure like no other in Ontario! The Elora Skyrider ZipLine lets you soar 200 ft across the gorge from 100 ft above for an exhilarating adventure. You can also choose the extended package where you learn how to rappel down into the gorge yourself.
Relax on the Sunny Grand Bend Beach
Distance from Toronto: 2 hrs 55 mins
If you're down for a relaxing beach day this summer, you've definitely got to road trip to Grand Bend. The Grand Bend beach is a huge stretch of sandy beach area that's perfect for a day full of fun in the sun. This is a full-fledged beach town with tons of cute shops, ice cream parlours, and beach volleyball to enjoy while you're there!
Explore the Crawford Lake Conservation Area
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 7 mins
This stunning conservation area near Milton, Ontario, is just waiting to be explored! It has a 1.4-km elevated boardwalk that takes you through the forest, leading you to a super unique turquoise lake. It's called a meromictic lake, meaning the layers don't mix, so the bottom layers have been untouched for centuries! You can also see tons of turtles swimming and other wildlife in the area.
Splash Around in Webster's Falls
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 12 mins
Hamilton is known as the "City Of Waterfalls" for a reason, and this is one of their best. If you want to see a gorgeous waterfall close to the city this summer, you should definitely drive the short distance to Hamilton and admire Webster's Falls!
Visit the Indoor Adventure Amusement Park
Distance from Toronto: 2 hrs 11 mins
In the old Kellogg's Factory in London is Canada's largest indoor adventure park. With 70-ft high ropes courses, zip lines between platforms, 21,000 sq. ft. of trampolines, an Ultimate Warrior course, virtual reality rooms, laser tag, and escape rooms, The Factory is sure to bring out your inner child.
Take a Dip in the Turquoise Elora Quarry
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 46 mins
The Elora Quarry is definitely one of Ontario's most iconic swimming holes. With its bright turquoise water, huge sandy beach, and stunning scenery, you can't not love a relaxing beach and swim day from June 1 to Labour Day.
Wander the Fields of Lavender at Terre Bleu
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 14 mins
The Terre Bleu Lavender Farm located super close to Guelph, Ontario, is the perfect day trip from the city. You can wander through the stunning, fragrant rows of lavender, take a picture with their famous yellow door, and treat yourself to some amazing lavender ice cream!
Walk Past Rushing Rapids at the White Water Walk
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 41 mins
Located right near Niagara Falls is an unreal boardwalk trail that takes you past Class 6 rushing rapids! There's viewing platforms along the way so you can stop and admire the great power in front of you.
Have a Fun Day at the Massive Floating Water Park
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 20 mins
Located at Barrie's Centennial Beach is Ontario's first-ever floating water park, Splash ON, that you need to experience this summer! It's a 13,000 sq. ft. inflatable park with bridges, slides, paddle rafts, and play areas throughout. For only $25.00, you can get all-day access to these aquatic thrills!
Wander Through the Stunning Sunflower Field
Distance from oronto: 1 hr 10 mins
If you love all things flowers, you should definitely visit Bogle Seeds Farm to wander through the fields full of yellow sunflowers! It's just outside of Toronto, in Hamilton, so it's super easy to get to. Plus, the farm always welcomes guests to admire their flowers every year.
Enjoy Tons of Activities at Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
Distance from Toronto: 2 hrs 17 mins
Located super close to Blue Mountain is this adventure area that will keep you occupied all day long. They've got loads of outdoor activities like a suspension bridge, caves and caverns to explore, zip lines, mini golf, gemstone mining, and sooo much more!
Admire the Beauty at Cheltenham Badlands
Distance from Toronto: 1 hr 5 mins
The super unique badlands located in Caledon, Ontario, should definitely be at the top of your summer road-trip list. These unique rock formations are super rare to Ontario, so it's quite a sight to behold!
Fly High Above Ontario with Sundance Balloons
Distance from Toronto: 2 hrs 3 mins
If you're looking for an epic adventure or a romantic date idea, you should definitely try the hot air balloon trip over Ontario with Sundance Balloons. They take off from Belmont, Ontario, and you'll get the best views of the province from above! It's a little pricey, but definitely worthwhile to cross this once-in-a-lifetime item off your bucket list.