10 Best Weekend Trips From Toronto, Canada

weekend getaways from toronto
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 4 min read

A world-famous metropolis and the biggest city in Canada, Toronto is a popular tourist destination that sees a great influx of travelers every year. Also, it is the busy capital of the Canadian province of Ontario and has a great commercial significance. Whether it’s for work or holiday, Toronto is a great place to visit. Iconic CN Tower, sky-high skyscrapers, outstanding galleries and museums, attractive restaurants, an amazing zoo, and enchanting green areas adorn this fascinating Canadian city. Even better - some places nearby are home to amazing attractions that are sure to delight. So, if you are visiting Toronto and have a weekend to spare, embarking on a short trip is a great way to refresh your mind before another work week. Read on to learn about the best weekend trips from Toronto, Canada, to make the most of your time here.

1. Hamilton

Hamilton-5145
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sandra Mulder, Ba... used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Sitting on the tip of the charming Lake Ontario, Hamilton is a fantastic city that you can explore on the weekend during your trip to Toronto. It’s just 68 kilometers (42.25 miles) away, and you can reach it in about 50 minutes by car. It’s a historic port city that boasts outstanding attractions, a thriving art scene, and an enchanting waterfront. Visit Dundurn Castle, a magnificent, Neoclassical mansion. View the spellbinding Niagara Escarpment, a gigantic ridge comprised of jaw-dropping waterfalls, the picturesque Bruce Trail, and conservation areas. History buffs should visit HMCS Haida, Canada’s famous wartime naval ship that is now a national heritage site.

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2. Detroit

Detroit
Source: Pixabay

If you are an art lover, explore Detroit, a marvelous city in the USA that is just 372 kilometers (231.15 miles) from Toronto. Visit the outstanding Detroit Institute of Art and view Diego Rivera’s eye-catching Detroit Industry Murals. Auto-industry-inspired murals impart the name Motor City to this city in Michigan. Get an insight into its past by visiting Detroit Historical Museum. Learn about the history of music recording and view various historic artifacts and photos at Motown Museum. If time permits, visit Belle Isle, a beautiful island along the spectacular Detroit River, and explore its scenic hiking trails and enchanting parkland.

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3. Stratford

Stratford Ontario Street 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Balcer used under CC BY 2.5

If you wish to watch an entertaining Shakespeare play during your weekend in Toronto, plan a short trip to Stratford. Just 149 kilometers (92.58 miles) away, you can reach this city in less than two hours by car. People here celebrate Stratford Festival from April to October, and it features various plays by Shakespeare. As you explore the city, you may come across several Victorian buildings. Perth County Courthouse and the outstanding Stratford City Hall are some examples of Victorian structures. Spend time relaxing in beautiful gardens and parks such as Shakespearean Gardens. If you are fond of art, visit Gallery Stratford, which features some impressive local art.

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4. Buffalo

Buffalo, New York
Source: Photo by user Doug Kerr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Take the winding roads from Toronto and visit Buffalo, a beautiful US city sitting on Lake Erie’s east end. It’s 159 kilometers (98.79 miles) away, so you can be there in less than two hours. Enjoy seeing a variety of plants and flowers in the enchanting Buffalo & Erie Country Botanical Gardens. Go for a pleasant stroll or enjoy cycling by the canalside. Tour through the city and admire its historic structures, which include Darwin D. Martin House, the Art Deco-style City Hall, and more.

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5. Niagara-on-the-Lake

Town of Niagara plaque - Niagara-On-The-Lake Ontario (medium shot)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Spudgun67 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Plan a weekend trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming town sitting on the shores of the enchanting Lake Ontario. It is just 1.5 hours away, a journey of 129 kilometers (80.15 miles). The lovely, tree-lined town is famous for its many wineries, most of which offer complimentary tasting. Also, be sure to visit the outstanding Fort George, a structure that dates back to the 19th century and sits near the Niagara River. A short drive of 15 to 20 minutes will take you to the world-famous Niagara Falls.

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6. Belfountain

Belfountain 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user XeresNelro used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Do nature and the wilderness fascinate you? If yes, enjoy a weekend excursion to Belfountain, a beautiful hamlet in Canada. Driving down the 71.4-kilometer (44.36-mile) track from Toronto for about 50 minutes is a scenic experience, especially as you reach Belfountain. Gaze at the breathtaking views of Niagara Escarpment. Explore the spellbinding conservation area that features a lovely fountain, an eye-catching suspension bridge, enchanting natural scenery, a spectacular waterfall, and cave. Enjoy fun-filled activities such as hiking, exploring nature trails, fly fishing, and photography.

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7. Cobourg

Victoria Hall, Cobourg, Ontario_1197
Source: Photo by user Robert Taylor used under CC BY 2.0

Spend your weekend exploring Cobourg, a charming town in Ontario. Just 117 kilometers (72.7 miles) away from Toronto, you can get to this destination in less than 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stroll through Cobourg Farmer’s Market, one of the oldest markets in Ontario, and buy beautiful items such as potted plants, lovely crafts, fresh and colorful flowers, and lip-smacking desserts. If you long for a beach excursion, spend a relaxing time at Cobourg Beach, a clean, family-friendly beach. Also, be sure to visit the amazing Victoria Hall and the spectacular Marina.

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8. Muskoka

3 Mile Lake
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bbadgett used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Head out for a weekend excursion at Muskoka, known as Cottage Country in Ontario, during your holiday in Toronto. A two-hour drive will take you to this municipality, which is just 166 kilometers (103.14 miles) away. Explore various natural attractions such as verdant forests, spectacular lakes, and plenty of amazing wildlife. Visit jaw-dropping waterfalls in Bracebridge, swim in White’s Falls, kayak on the Muskoka River, and experience the pristine wilderness at the nearby Georgian Bay Islands National Park.

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9. Tobermory

Bruce Peninsula National Park
Source: Photo by user squirrelbrand used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Make your weekend memorable by visiting Tobermory, a serene harbor village. Traveling 295 kilometers (183.3 miles) to the northwest for about 3 hours and 40 minutes by road gets you to this countryside on the Bruce Peninsula. Make sure you explore the enchanting Bruce Trail at Bruce Peninsula National Park. Do not miss visiting the incredible, wave-carved cave in Georgian Bay. Also, visit the magnificent Flowerpot Island sea stacks, which you can find in the Fathom Five National Marine Park near Tobermory.

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10. Elora

Elora Gorge, Elora, Ontario (21849453841)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ken Lund used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Tour through one of the most beautiful places in Ontario by visiting Elora from Toronto during the weekend. A drive of about 1 hour and 30 minutes covers a distance of 115 kilometers (71.45 miles). Elora is a lovely village sitting on the banks of the pleasant Grand and Irvine Rivers and a captivating gorge. Marvel at the 80-foot-tall (24.38-meter) limestone cliffs that subside into the rivers. Also, explore the cultural scene of Elora that boasts praiseworthy visual arts, vibrant music, elegant crafts, great cuisine, and upscale boutiques.

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Make your weekend excursion memorable

Toronto is a fascinating city in Canada that greets plenty of tourists every year. Also, its surrounding cities and towns boast plenty of mesmerizing attractions, and visiting them will fill your weekend with fun and excitement. Enjoy these best weekend trips from Toronto, Canada, during your holiday here, and create lovely memories.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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