10 amazing day trips from Toronto that are perfect for spring
Now that it’s finally starting to feel like spring, it’s time to venture out of the city to get a serious dose of fresh air.
And what better way to make the most of spring than to get outside and enjoy the beautiful sights and attractions that this province has to offer.
These destinations, each just relatively short drive from the city, are bursting with activities, making them the perfect spots for spring day trips from Toronto.
From wine tasting in Beamsville to taking in the beautiful tulip festival in Ottawa – there’s a lot to do that’s just a drive away.
And don’t worry, Toronto will still be here when you get back.
Haliburton Highlands
Just under three hours from downtown Toronto, you’ll find some of the most picturesque lake views in the province. And what could be more quintessentially Canadian than spending an afternoon canoeing on a peaceful lake? In the Haliburton Highlands, you’ll find a series of lakes, many of which don’t allow motorized boats, which are the perfect setting for perfecting your paddle.
Point Peele National Park
Point Pelee National Park is a place that must be visited, especially in the spring. Located just about four hours southwest of Toronto, Point Pelee’s biggest highlight is the fact that it’s the southernmost tip of mainland Canada. It also happens to be home to incredible wildlife and scenic views, and visitors can take advantage of canoeing, hiking, bird watching, or relaxing on the beach.
Algonquin Provincial Park
While Algonquin is an ideal spot to go camping in the warmer summer months, it’s definitely worthy of a spring day trip. Complete with panoramic views of the wild Algonquin landscape, this vast park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon canoeing, hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
Prince Edward Country Taste Trail
There’s seriously no better way to spend a sunny spring day that to eat and drink your way through Prince Edward County. Just two hours east of Toronto, you’ll find some delicious local eats and plenty of indulgences. You can cycle or drive the country backroads, and stop at the many restaurants, artisanal food vendors, wineries, and more.
See also
- This amazing waterfall is only an hour from Toronto (PHOTOS)
- 11 gorgeous beaches you can day trip to from Toronto
- The one road trip everyone from Toronto needs to take this summer
Collingwood Caves
If you drive just over two hours north of the city, you’ll find one of the province’s beautiful caves. Located in Collingwood, Scenic Caves features a serious of caves, caverns and rocky terrain for those looking for an afternoon adventure. We recommend wearing a pair of hiking boots and leaving your Yeezy’s in the city if you plan on visiting.
Flowerpot Island
Flowerpot Island is one of those places that you’ll see pictures of and not believe it’s located in Ontario, let alone so close to Toronto. Located off the coast of Tobermory, Flowerpot Island is one of Canada’s most fascinating natural attractions. Accessible only by boat, this island is home to plenty of campsites and hiking trails and is a great place to spend the day exploring the island, viewing the scenery, picnicking or swimming.
Ottawa – Canadian Tulip Festival
If you don’t mind sitting in the car for a few hours, make your way to the heart of the country’s capital and check out the 65th annual Canadian Tulip Festival. The tulip festival is much more than just beautiful scenery and Instagram-worthy views. It’s almost two weeks of events, activities, workshops, music, fireworks, shows and entertainment for the entire family. If you were thinking of visiting Ottawa, the spring is definitely the perfect occasion.
Beamsville
If you’ve already visited a number of the wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, we recommend checking out some of the wineries in Beamsville. Located just over an hour from Toronto, Beamsville is perfect for day trips. Not only is the landscape beautiful in the spring, but the tasting experience at the local wineries is both educational and fun. It’s also a great place to cycle, should you want to park the car and ride your bike to and from each winery.
Halton
Annd, if you start from Rattlesnake Point, and take the Nassagaweyan Canyon Trail, your reward is a view of the beautiful Crawford Lake! Thanks to @cna_photos for letting us share their snap of Crawford! #hiking #nature #brucetrail
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Halton is one of those Ontario regions that gets more beautiful with each season. It also happens to be a great place to spend a day biking, hiking, swimming or enjoying a picnic amongst the scenic views. Just under an hour from Toronto, you’ll find a variety of conservation parks that will truly bring spring’s beauty to life.
Hamilton
Located roughly 1-hour southwest of Toronto, you’ll find Hamilton – the City of Waterfalls. While Hamilton isn’t all that pretty from the highway, it’s actually home to over 100 waterfalls along the Bruce Trail and the Niagara Escarpment. Spend an afternoon this spring hiking to one of the most beautiful waterfalls outside of Niagara.