6 rivers you can day-trip to from Toronto for the perfect summer tubing experience

Jul 4 2018, 12:18 am

There’s no better way to beat the heat than by spending a hot summer afternoon tubing down a lazy river with stunning views.

Luckily, there are several great rivers perfect for tubing located just outside of Toronto, as well as a few a bit further away for those interested in a summer road trip that will most definitely end at your new favourite summertime spot.

Here are six lazy rivers for the perfect tubing experience.

Elora Gorge

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About an hour and 45 minutes from Toronto, this beautiful natural area is home to the Grand River, which rushes past 22-metre high cliffs. There are trails with scenic routes for hiking, with views of the water below where tubers and kayakers make their way down the waterway.

The Elora Gorge Park is open daily from late June until the start of September. Tubing closes when river levels are too high so be sure to check the beach and tubing conditions before leaving.

Where: 7400 Wellington County Rd. 21, Elora

Grand River

Located just one hour away from Toronto, Grand River, which runs through Paris, Ontario, offers two tubing routes (either 11 or 13 km long) to choose from. You’ll be floating down the river for about 3 to 5 hours so come prepared for a long, lazy ride.

Where: Located between the 401 & 403 Highway with 4 start points.

Vermillion River

Vermillion River Tubing (Chillin'N Tubing/ Facebook)

Vermillion River Tubing (Chillin’N Tubing/ Facebook)

Vermillion River is located in Chelmsford, which is about a four-hour drive from Toronto, so make this one a full-day trip or even an overnight adventure.

The float is between 2.5 and 4 hours long depending on wind and level of the river. In the summer, the river has a slow-moving current and is less than 3 feet deep in most places. Although there are a few deep pockets, you can stand up almost anywhere, making for an easy going float.

Where: 5727 Nickle Offset Rd, In Chelmsford

Credit River

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The Credit River is located in Inglewood, a short 30-minute drive from Toronto. The river can be unpredictable, so be sure to read this tip sheet before heading out on the tube.

Where: Inglewood Dr, Mississauga

Saugeen River


The Saugeen River has two tubing runs that last either roughly 45 minutes or 2 hours. Campgrounds are located near the river, making it the perfect place to head for a short summer trip.

Where: 173844 Mulock Road, Hanover

Ausable Chasm


If you’re up for a road trip, grab your passport and head to the picturesque Ausable Chasm in New York State. While it’s a six-hour drive away, visitors can spend a weekend camping here and enjoy tubing, white river rafting, hiking, and plenty of sightseeing.

Where: 2144 U.S. 9, Au Sable, NY

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