9 breathtaking natural wonders near Toronto you can get to without a car this summer
No car? No problem!
Niagara Falls. Right: A blue-water destination in Ontario.
You don't need a car in order to explore some stunning natural wonders near Toronto this summer. There are lots of other ways to reach these enchanting destinations, from buses to trains.
You can take VIA Rail trip to an island-filled vacay spot, hop on a bus to a majestic sandy beach and more.
Here are 9 natural wonders near Toronto you can get to without a car this summer.
Wasaga Beach
Price: $39.98 + round trip
Why You Need To Go: If you're craving a beach getaway then you'll want to plan a trip to this dreamy destination. Wasaga Beach is a magical spot to spend a summer day and offers sandy shores and sparkling waters.
It's home to "the World's Longest Freshwater Beach and one of Ontario's most unique coastal dune ecosystems," according to Wasaga Beach Tourism.
Flixbus offers trips to this gorgeous natural wonder and the journey takes about 2 and a half hours from Union Station.
Elora Quarry
Price: $65 round trip
When: Select days until August 31, 2024
Why You Need To Go: This iconic swimming hole is a dreamy place to swim and this year, you can get there without a car. Parkbus is offering day trips to and from this natural wonder so you don't need to worry about driving.
The bus leaves from downtown Toronto and the journey takes about 1 and a half hours.
You'll stop at the enchanting quarry and enjoy the turquoise waters and magnificent limestone cliffs. You can relax on the sandy beach and enjoy a snack at one of the picnic areas.
The bus also stops in the charming village of Elora which is known for its historic beauty. You'll have some time to explore the shops and restaurants before heading back to the city.
The Grotto
Price: $149 round trip
When: Select days until October 6, 2024
Why You Need To Go: The Grotto is an iconic summer destination and it will whisk you away to the Mediterranean. Parkbus is offering trips from downtown Toronto to the Bruce Peninsula where you can find this majestic natural wonder.
The journey takes 4 to 5 hours one way and stops in Tobermory and at Cyprus Lake.
The Grotto is one of "Ontario’s most scenic destinations," according to Explore the Bruce.
With sparkling, crystal-clear waters, magnificent caves and limestone cliffs, the Grotto looks like a scene from a postcard. You can take a dip in the sapphire waters and explore the scenic trails throughout the area.
Niagara Falls
Price: $10 + per adult one way
Why You Need To Go: There are several ways to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto without a car, including taking a trip with Red Arrow.
The luxury bus offers two trips a day, seven days a week from Toronto to Niagara, as well as two return trips per day.
While on board, you can enjoy "luxurious features" such as reclining leather seats, complimentary snacks and drinks, single-row seating and more.
The route takes you from the Union Bus Terminal in Toronto to the Table Rock Centre in Niagara, right beside the Falls, so you don't need to do a ton of walking in order to see this iconic natural wonder.
Avalon Lavender Farm
Price: $62 round trip
When: Saturdays until August 10, 2024
Address: 347036 Mono Centre Rd., Mono, ON
Why You Need To Go: There's nothing more magical than getting lost in a sweet-smelling lavender field and this summer, you can enjoy these enchanting blooms without driving.
Avalon Lavender Farm has partnered with Balzac's Coffee to offer bus trips from downtown Toronto to the dreamy flower farm.
The trip takes a little over an hour and tickets include access to the fields.
While at the farm, you can cut your own bouquets, enjoy high tea garden picnics, visit the animals, snap some dreamy photos and more.
Avalon Lavender Farm website
Sauble Falls
Price: $120 round trip
When: July 20 and August 24, 2024
Why You Need To Go: You can chase some waterfalls this summer with a trip to Sauble Falls Provincial Park. Parkbus will take you on a 2 and a half hour road trip to this destination where you can enjoy hikes, canoeing, birding and more.
You can take in the views of the falls from the viewing platforms.
The bus also makes a stop at Sauble Beach, which is known for its white sand shores and sparkling water. It's a beautiful spot to spend a summer day and soak up some sun.
Brockville
Price: $88 +
Why You Need To Go: You can take a 3-hour VIA Rail trip to the beautiful 1000 Islands this summer. The train stops in Brockville, which is known as "the eastern gateway to the 1000 Islands" and is one of the oldest cities in the province, according to 1000 Islands Tourism.
There are several cruises from Brockville that take you around the majestic 1000 islands so you can explore this natural wonder.
You can also explore "Canada’s first railway tunnel," which is half a kilometre long and filled with coloured lights.
Crawford Lake
Price: $62 round trip
When: Select dates until October 12, 2024
Why You Need To Go: You can escape the city and enjoy an enchanting day trip at this scenic conservation area with a hidden natural wonder.
Parkbus is offering new trips to Crawford Lake Conservation Area and Rattlesnake Point. The journey takes an hour one way and you'll be immersed in nature as soon as you step off the bus.
You can explore the 5-kilometre tail that connects the two parks and visit the Buffalo Crag or Nassagaweya look-out points for panoramic views.
You'll also want to check out the famous meromictic lake in Crawford Lake Conservation Area, which is one of the only lakes of its kind in Canada and is known for its bright blue waters.
Parkbus website
Rockwood Conservation Area
Price: $13.51 one-way PRESTO fare
Why You Need To Go: Hop on a GO Bus and take a trip to the tiny town of Rockwood for a unique summer adventure. The village is home to the scenic Rockwood Conservation Area where you can uncover all sorts of natural wonders.
The Conservation Area features towering limestone cliffs and over 200 glacial potholes including one the "world's largest." You can even find caves filled with stalactites, columns and flowstone.
There's also a waterfall, beach and beautiful trails to enjoy during your visit.
The bus ride takes close to 2 hours from Toronto and the conservation area is a quick walk from the bus stop.
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.