9 Spontaneous Trips You Can Take From Toronto Without A Car
You don’t need a set of wheels to get out and explore this summer. With so many bus routes around the city, you can hit up all of these dreamy day trip destinations near Toronto even if you don’t have a car. So grab that transit fare and get ready to satisfy your wanderlust.
There’s no shortage of day-tripping opportunities from the 6ix, but not all of them are easy to get to if you don’t drive.
That's why we’ve rounded up nine of the most fabulous places around the city that are just a hop, skip, and a bus ride away.
From swimming holes that will make you think you’re on a tropical vacation to conservation areas with underground caves for you to explore, there’s always an adventure waiting just around the corner.
And between GO buses, TTC routes, and private bus tours, getting there is nearly effortless.
So whether you want to wander through charming antique markets with your BFF or tiptoe through the tulips in a gorgeous garden, not having a vehicle won’t hold you back.
Ding! That’s our stop.
Algonquin Provincial Park
Price: $99 + park fees
Address: Hwy. 60, Whitney, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're someone who hates planning trips, you can make things a little easier by booking a Parkbus trip to this natural oasis.
Lion's Head Provincial Park
Price: $85 + park fees
Address: Lion's Head, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can journey to the gorgeous Lion's Head Provincial Park where your adventure opportunities are endless. You'll be on your own to explore the land, but Parkbus will take you from Toronto.
Niagara Falls White Water Walk
Price: $16.50 + transit fare
Address: 4330 River Rd., Niagara Falls, ON
Why You Need To Go: From Union Station, you can hop on the Aldershot GO bus and ride it all the way to Burlington station. From there, get on the Niagara Falls GO bus. Once you arrive at the Niagara terminal, you'll only be a six-minute walk away from this gorgeous boardwalk attraction. It's worth the bus-hopping, we promise.
Dundurn Castle
Price: $14 + transit fare
When: Wednesday to Sunday
Address: 610 York Blvd., Hamilton, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a GO bus from Union Station to Aldershot GO station. From there, get on the 18E West Harbour bus and ride it to Hamilton. Then, you're only a 30-minute walk or 15-minute local bus ride away from this stunning castle. Perfect for a picnic.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Price: $18 + transit fare
Address: 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a GO bus journey from Union Station with a transfer at Appleby GO station that will lead you to Plains at Unsworth. From there, the gorgeous gardens and hiking paths are just a 15-minute walk away.
Cyprus Lake Grotto
Price: $99
Address: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd., Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: When you take the Parkbus day trip to the Bruce Peninsula, your ticket includes a guided hike of the Cyprus Lake Grotto area conducted by Parks Canada team.
Eramosa Karst Conservation Area
Price: $10 parking + transit fare
Address: Upper Mt. Albion Rd., Stoney Creek, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can catch the Hamilton GO bus on Renforth Drive at Convair Drive. Ride until you reach the GO station. Next, you'll take a local bus to Stone Church at Upper Mount Albion, and from there it's an eight-minute walk to this stunning area with caves and trails to wander.
Aberfoyle Antique Market
Price: Transit fare
When: Sundays
Address: 57 Brock Rd. S., Puslinch, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're down for a longer journey, there are tons of local transit trips that will lead you to this charming antique shop in roughly two hours. You can hunt for vintage gems in Canada's largest outdoor antique market.
Reesor's Farm Market
Price: Transit fare
When: Monday to Saturday
Address: 10825 Ninth Ln., Markham, ON
Why You Need To Go: Another market that has plenty of transit routes is this gorgeous farm just outside of the city. You can wander the market for fresh produce and baked goods. Soon, they will have pick-your-own pumpkins available as well.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.