15 of the best weekend trips from Toronto

Toronto is perfectly located for exploring the East Coast of both Canada and the US. We’ve got you covered for ideas, whether you want a summer escape into nature or a magical Christmas city break; road trip or accessible by public transport; high-end or budget. No matter where you choose for your next weekend trip out of Toronto, you’ll be spoilt for choice after reading our article!

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Ontario’s national and provincial parks

Although they might not be as well known as those on the Canadian West Coast, Ontario’s national and provincial parks still have lots of epic nature and scenery to offer. Here are some of the best ones in the province.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Time to get there (driving):
3.5 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can book a return with Parkbus for approx. CA$150. Choose from their list of pick-up and drop-off locations (they do not accept requests for stops outside of this list).

What to do there:

• In the warmer months, Algonquin is popular for hiking, fishing and kayaking.
• Between mid-September to mid-October, watch the leaves change into their fall colours.
• In winter, Algonquin becomes a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are also dog sledding trails—although the park itself does not organise tours, several third-party companies provide dog sledding day trips and longer weekend mushes.

Top tips:

• Remember to pay for your park pass fee, both for day use and overnight camping.
• You can rent camping equipment and all the gear you need for exploring (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.), so don’t worry about carrying heavy equipment on the Parkbus.
• No matter the season, bring clothes for every weather possibility; it can be cold and rainy year-round. Remember your bug spray during the summer, as there are lots of mosquitoes.

Bruce Peninsula National Park

Time to get there (driving):
4 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can book a return with Parkbus for approx. CA$150. Note that once you are there, public transport options are limited, so you may struggle to get around the park without access to a car.

What to do there:

• The most popular spot in Bruce Peninsula National Park is the Grotto. Spend 45-60 minutes (one-way) hiking to see this famous cave, set amongst the clear blue waters of Georgian Bay. In the warmer months, you can even go for a swim—but you’ll have to be mindful of the time during peak season, as you can only hold a parking pass for four hours (more on this below…).
• Stop by Tobermory, the quaint harbour town located at the Northern peak of the peninsula.
• Explore the shipwrecks of Fathom Five National Marine Park with a glass-bottom boat tour—combine with a stop at Flowerpot Island to hike to the iconic Flowerpots—or scuba diving.

Top tips:

• You must hold a park pass to visit both Bruce Peninsula and Fathom Five National Marine Park. These are included on the Discovery Pass, so if you plan to visit some of the other national parks around Canada, you can save money on an annual pass.
• Outside of the winter months, you have to book parking for the Grotto (and also for the other popular parking areas like Halfway Log Dump and Lion’s Head) in advance. These can sell out months in advance, so secure your reservation as soon as you know your trip dates.
• Consider going in winter for lower crowds, but be aware that some of the main attractions (e.g. the Flowerpot Island boat cruise) won’t be operating.

Killarney Provincial Park

Time to get there (driving):
4-5 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can book a return with Parkbus for approx. CA$275. Note that there is no public transport to explore the park once you’ve arrived. Parkbus recommends bringing a bike so that you have a way of getting around after being dropped off.

What to do there:

• Similar to Algonquin Provincial Park, people flock to Killarney Provincial Park to hike, fish, canoe and kayak.
• The park keeps a spring and summer Loon count and a Christmas bird count, perfect for avid bird watchers.
• The town of Killarney is home to famed Herbert Fisheries’ fish and chips.
• Swim in one of the many lakes, or at one of the two beaches located in the George Lake campground.

Top tips:

• Make sure you have checked the difficulty level of any hikes before setting off, as some routes are only suitable for experienced hikers.
• The park currently warns that, due to their popularity, The Crack and Chikanishing hikes require campsite visitors to secure a valid permit upon check-in. Staff will issue the day permit for the hikes at no additional charge.
• Parkbus have started offering front country campsite reservations, as well as transportation. You will still need to book your own campsite if you want to camp in the backcountry.

Exploring more of Ontario and Québec

You won’t have any shortage of places to visit in Ontario. If you feel like going further afield, check out Ontario’s neighbouring province, Québec.

Elora

Known for its gorge, and considered one of Ontario’s most beautiful small towns.

Time to get there (driving):
1.5 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can book a return with Parkbus for approx. CA$65.

What to do there:

• Elora Gorge Conservation Area is usually the first stop on anyone’s itinerary for a weekend away in Elora. Between June and September, tubing is one of the most popular ways of exploring the gorge—it must be booked online in advance.
• Elora Gorge Lookout offers free views of the gorge, and it’s only a five-minute walk from Victoria Park.
• In the summer, Elora Quarry is popular with swimmers—so popular, in fact, that entrance to the quarry must also be reserved in advance now.
• If you’re more interested in the downtown area, you can spend time exploring the boutique shops. In the summer, you can easily get around using the free Downtown Shuttle.
• Splash out on a riverside dinner, cocktail or even a full spa day at Elora Mill and Spa.
• Time your visit to coincide with one of Elora’s vibrant festivals, such as Elora Festival (in July), Riverfest or the Scottish Festival (both in August), or Monster Month (in October).

Top tips:

• If you’re taking the Parkbus, make sure you first get dropped off at the Gorge. This way, your park admission will be included in the price of the bus ticket! You can then walk to the town of Elora in about 30 minutes.
• If you want to avoid the busy summer crowds, the next best time to visit Elora is in December. Elora comes alive for Christmas, with Starlight Shopping downtown, a Santa Claus parade, carol singers and more.

Muskoka

Ontario’s popular cottage country.

Time to get there (driving):
3 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can take the bus from Toronto to Gravenhurst, considered one of the gateways to the region of Muskoka, for approx. CA$100 return. The bus will drop you off within the town of Gravenhurst, so you may be limited as to how much of cottage country you can explore without a car.

What to do there:

• The district of Muskoka is known as Ontario’s cottage country. People come to relax on the lakefronts and beaches, walk the scenic trails and explore the different islands by boat.
• Stargaze at the Torrance Barrens dark-sky preserve—if you’re lucky, you might even see the northern lights!
• Visit one of the many waterfalls in the area.
• Thrill seekers can zipline through the trees or take a canopy tour.
• Foodies should check out the Muskoka Lakes Farm and Winery or some of the stops along the maple trail.
• In winter, you can go ice skating, cross-country skiing or fat biking (off-road bikes that can withstand snowy terrain).

Top tips:

• Muskoka refers to the entire region between Georgian Bay and the edge of Algonquin Provincial Park, so you will want to pick your location carefully, especially if you’re travelling without a car.
• As with just about everywhere in Ontario, cottage country is an extremely popular summer destination with locals and tourists alike; accommodation and activities book up fast. Make your reservations well in advance or prepare to go outside of peak season. Consider travelling in fall when the leaves are changing colour, or spring when the wildflowers are blooming. You’ll have a great time in Muskoka, regardless of the season!

Prince Edward County

Known for its wineries and beaches.

Time to get there (driving):
2.5 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can take the bus (around CA$40-$50 return) or train (around CA$60-$70 return) to Belleville, but you would need to use a taxi or rideshare service to get around The County from there.

What to do there:

• Prince Edward County (known as The County or PEC to locals) has grown in popularity with Torontonians looking to leave city life behind for a relaxed, wine-fuelled weekend away. For those who don’t drink wine, there are also a number of breweries and distilleries you can visit.
• Bring a picnic and spend the day at the beach overlooking Lake Ontario.
• If you’re visiting during March, don’t miss the annual sugar shack celebrations, where Sugar Bushes across The County open their doors for a weekend dedicated to Canada’s staple: maple syrup.
• Did you know The County has a thriving arts scene? Follow the Arts Trail to discover local artists, or check out one of the galleries.
• For a unique experience, head to Tanglewood Farm to take part in goat yoga!

Top tips:

• Remember not to drink and drive. Many people bring bikes and cycle between wineries. If you don’t have a bike, consider booking one of the licensed tour operators who can safely drive you between wineries, or nominate a designated driver!
• The official tourism website for The County regularly updates its events calendar. Make sure you check the dates of your trip so you don’t miss out on any special events happening during your stay.

Niagara

Famous for its falls and wineries.

Time to get there (driving):
2 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can take the train or bus (around CA$40-$50 return)—both options are summarised on the Niagara tourism website. Once there, you can use the WEGO shuttle during peak season to travel between the falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Depending on the type of Niagara Falls tickets you purchase, the WEGO shuttle may be included for no extra charge!

What to do there:

• We recommend spending one day at the actual Niagara Falls and the second day exploring the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• There are numerous ways to experience the falls. As well as the famous boat tour, you can zipline or aero car across the falls, run an obstacle course over the top of Niagara Gorge, walk on a boardwalk alongside the Gorge, or an observation deck behind the falls. Find all the options on the tourism website.
• Niagara Falls (the Canadian side) is comparable to a mini Las Vegas. If you want the full experience, you can hit up the casinos, ride the funfair-style attractions, or party in one of the many bars and nightclubs.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its old-town charm, so take a stroll through the Heritage District before heading out into Wine Country for some wine tasting.

Top tips:

• If you’re going all-in on the Niagara Falls attractions, consider bundling your tickets to save some money.
• If you want to experience more nature and less of the “Vegas” strip, consider crossing the border to view the falls from the US side, where there is a state park instead of all the tourist attractions.

Ottawa

The capital of Canada!

Time to get there (driving):
5 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can book a return with Viarail for an average of CA$200. Prices change based on the dates you select.

What to do there:

• Take a free tour of Canada’s parliament at Parliament Hill.
• Eat and drink your way around Ottawa’s main market, ByWard Market.
• Marvel at the beautiful architecture of Ottawa’s Notre Dame Cathedral.
• If you’re visiting during May, don’t miss the popular Tulip Festival that attracts visitors from around the world.
• Walk along the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal—or ice skate down it during winter!
• Visit one or several of Ottawa’s museums—you can combine entries with an Ottawa museums pass. If you prefer art, Ottawa Art Gallery has free entry.
• Ottawa is one of the best places in the world for white water rafting.
• Those looking for some greenery close to the city should check out Gatineau Park—you can catch a free shuttle to get around during peak season.

Top tips:

• For more detailed information, from tourist tips to what daily life and culture is like in Ottawa, read our complete guide to everything you need to know about Ottawa!

Montréal (Québec)

Québec’s largest city.

Time to get there:
6 hours (driving) or 1 hour 15 minutes (flight)

Accessible by public transport?
The train takes five and a half hours and has an average cost of CA$225 for a return ticket; prices vary based on dates. The bus takes six hours but is cheaper at an average cost of CA$150.

What to do there:

• Head to the highest point in Montréal, Mount Royal, for panoramic views of the city and year-round events like Sunday tam-tams (a gathering of dancers and drummers), or snowshoeing tours, snow tubing, and ice skating on Beaver Lake in the winter.
• Lose yourself in the designer shops and boutiques on Rue Sainte-Catherine, one of the main shopping areas in Montréal.
• Tour Vieux-Montréal, the Old Town, where you will find impressive architecture such as the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal and the City Hall.
• Jean-Talon market is one of the biggest and oldest public markets in North America. And don’t forget to try poutine, the province of Québec’s famous contribution to Canadian cuisine!

Top tips:

• For a budget-friendly weekend away, read our ideas for 10 free things to do in Montréal.
• For more tips on all things Montréal, including how to get around and the general culture, read everything you need to know about Montréal.

Road trips to the US

Make the most of Ontario’s proximity to the border with a road trip to one of Toronto’s nearby American neighbours.

Detroit, Michigan

Time to get there (driving):
4 hours

Accessible by public transport?
You can book a return with Flixbus for approx. CA$120.

What to do there:

• Stand in the very room where the genre of Motown was invented at the Motown Museum.
• Rosa Parks’ bus, John F. Kennedy’s presidential car, Oscar Mayer’s Wienermobile… these historical vehicles and more are housed within The Henry Ford Museum. You can make it a day trip by combining your ticket with a Ford factory tour, or go back in time to old America at Greenfield Village (think Toronto’s Black Creek Pioneer Village but bigger).
• Belle Isle Park is home to a free aquarium, nature centre, conservatory, museum, and lots of spots to pull up by the lakeside for fishing, barbecues or views of Detroit and the Canadian border. Note that you will have to pay for a recreational day pass if you drive onto the island, but crossing on foot, bike or by public transport is free.
• One of the largest art collections in the US can be found at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
• Sports fanatics shouldn’t miss a game (or guided tour!) at one of Detroit’s famous stadiums, like Comerica Park or the Little Caesars Arena.

Top tips:

• If you’re staying downtown, Detroit has a People Mover (free to ride, at the time of writing in 2024) that you can use to get around if you don’t have a car.
• You may need to take a few rideshare/taxis, however, as some of the main attractions (e.g. Motown Museum, Henry Ford Museum, etc.) aren’t located in the downtown area.
• Detroit has turned itself around in recent years and is really no less safe than downtown Toronto. However, it pays to be sensible and practise general common sense, e.g. don’t leave valuables out in the open, be careful where you go at night, etc.

Buffalo, New York

Time to get there (driving):
2 hours 45 minutes

Accessible by public transport?
You can book a return with Flixbus for as little as CA$40.

What to do there:

• Buffalo is a popular location for people to stay when visiting the US side of Niagara Falls—it’s only a 30-minute drive from the falls. It’s also 25 minutes away from the Fashion Outlets; many Torontonians like to cross the border just for the discounted shopping.
• Admire the art deco style of Buffalo City Hall, then head up to the observation deck on the 25th floor for views of Lake Erie, the Buffalo River and the city.
• Catch a Buffalo Bills game at Highmark Stadium.
• Sail Lake Erie on a sunset cruise.
• The Buffalo Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the US.
• You can’t come to Buffalo without trying its namesake chicken wings—follow the Buffalo wing trail to find the best wings in the city!

Top tips:

• Be warned that Buffalo gets bitterly cold in winter—it’s on the Canadian border, after all. Spring and fall see better weather and more affordable prices than visiting in the busy summer season.
• The public transport system isn’t the best, so you’ll either want to rent a car, take rideshares or book onto a tour to make the most of your weekend there.

Exploring more of the US

Although these US cities are a longer drive away, they are achievable as a weekend getaway destination with short flight times from Toronto, and a lot you can pack into two or three days.

New York City

Time to get there:
9 hours (driving) or 1 hour 35 minutes (flight)

Accessible by public transport?
You can take the bus or train, but both options take around 12 hours so aren’t really suitable for a quick weekend away. Flights outside of peak season (summer and Christmas/New Year’s) cost around the same price (CA$250-$300), so you aren’t making much of a saving by taking the slow route.

What to do there:

• Use the Staten Island Ferry to get close to the Statue of Liberty (without needing to pay!).
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge—the earlier, the better to avoid the crowds.
• Don’t miss Central Park and the High Line, some of the best places to find peace within the city that never sleeps.
• Choose one of the many observatories for your skyline views—although the Empire State Building is most famous, we recommend Top of the Rock if you want the Empire State to feature in your pictures. One World Observatory at the World Trade Centre is another popular choice.
• Get discounted tickets for Broadway at the TKTS Times Square booth (or just look online!).
• Try the famous New York cheesecake at Junior’s.

Top tips:

• To find more affordable accommodation, consider staying outside of Manhattan. Locations like Hoboken or New Jersey are cheaper, yet still easy to get into the heart of the city with public transport or rideshare services.
• This is one city where a hop-on, hop-off bus tour might be useful as a way of finding your bearings. Guides will also give advice, such as which tourist hotspots for food are really worth it versus which ones to avoid!
• Bring comfy walking shoes. You’re guaranteed to walk a lot during your weekend away.

Chicago, Illinois

Time to get there:
9 hours (driving) or 2 hours (flight)

Accessible by public transport?
You can take the bus, but it will take 14 hours. You can secure return flights for around CA$350, compared to CA$200 for the long bus route.

What to do there:

• Learn about Chicago’s unique architecture on the River Boat Architecture Tour—or take a water taxi for a cheaper version of the same views (minus the commentary).
• You haven’t really been to Chicago if you’ve not seen The Bean (aka Cloud Gate) located in Millennium Park.
• The Lincoln Park Zoo and botanic garden are free to visit.
• Check out some of the many museums, including the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), The Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum (natural history).
• Taste test Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s to decide which is the best Chicago deep dish pizza.

Top tips:

• It’s not called The Windy City for no reason. Come prepared for cold and blustery weather, regardless of the season.
• The CTA, Chicago’s public transport system, is an easy one to navigate, so you can avoid renting a car. You can buy 1-day unlimited use passes for just US$5.
• Although many cities have a CityPASS option, some are better value for money than others. Chicago’s pass contains a lot of popular attractions, like the architecture boat tours, the Field Museum and MOSI, so this one might be worth your money.

Boston, Massachusetts

Time to get there:
10 hours (driving) or 1 hour 40 minutes (flight)

Accessible by public transport?
You can take the bus, but it will take 17 hours. It costs about CA$300 for the bus, but you can find return flights for as little as CA$350… It’s not worth the CA$50 saving for the longer route!

What to do there:

• Learn about the US’ fight for independence on the Freedom Trail.
• Immerse yourself in history and throw your own tea into the harbour at the Boston Tea Party museum.
• Discover the dark side of Boston’s famous burying grounds on a Ghosts and Graveyards tour.
• Grab a bite to eat from the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
• Try the iconic cannolis of the North End—will you be a Mike’s or a Modern Pastry fan? Remember to bring cash, they won’t accept credit cards.

Top tips:

• Boston is a small city, so you can avoid renting a car because it’s easy to get around on foot or the public transport system. You can buy single tickets for US$2.40, a day pass for US$11 or a 7-day pass for US$22.50 (if you’re staying for more than two days and plan to use transport frequently, this works out to be the better deal).
• Massachusetts has variable weather, even in summer. Make sure you bring layers.
• If you’re already planning on visiting a lot of the tourist attractions included in the Boston CityPASS, such as the observation deck, aquarium and the Boston Harbor City Cruises, do the maths to see if buying the pass will save you any money.

Washington, DC

Time to get there:
10 hours (driving) or 1 hour 35 minutes (flight)

Accessible by public transport?
You can take the bus, but it will take 17 hours. It costs about CA$325 for the bus and you can find return flights for as little as CA$320, so there is no need to take the long route.

What to do there:

• Walk the stretch of the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial, before climbing to the top of the Washington Monument (paid ticket required for the tower).
• The Tidal Basin Loop Trail takes you to some more of the most iconic monuments in Washington, including the Martin Luther King Jr., Roosevelt and Jefferson monuments.
• When in Washington, you need to pay a visit to The White House. You can view it from the outside or pre-book onto a free public tour if you want to see inside.
• You could spend a weekend alone just in the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Air and Space Museum, Museum of Natural History, Museum of American History and the National Zoo… and they’re all free entry!
• Explore the world’s largest library, the Library of Congress. Free tickets can be booked in advance, or a limited number release same-day (from 9am).

Top tips:

• • One of the best times to visit Washington is around March-April for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
  • While the Smithsonian museums are free to enter, some do require pre-booking, so make sure you check the museum(s) you want to visit in advance and book a ticket if required.
  • The public transport system is easy to use—they’ve even got a guide for first-timers. You can get a 1-day unlimited pass for US$13.50.