Fantastic Day Trips from Toronto for Summer and Fall

While exploring Toronto’s downtown offers its own delights, including landmarks like the CN Tower and the Theatre District, venturing a bit beyond the city opens up exciting new adventures. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s likely much to discover within a three-hour radius, from charming lakeside towns to regions famed for their wineries. On your next getaway, follow the local tradition and spend an afternoon or weekend exploring the surroundings. These four destinations showcase the joys of travel.

North: Muskoka

• Travel time: Two to three hours
• Ideal visiting season: Summer and fall

On summer weekends, streams of cars head north from Toronto to the Muskoka District Municipality, known as “cottage country” due to its abundance of summer homes, ranging from cozy to luxurious. Covering 2,900 square miles and boasting over 650 lakes, it's best to avoid the heavy Friday traffic by departing during quieter hours. Although there are seasonal bus and train options available, a car is recommended for extensive sightseeing in the area.

Play or Stay: Choose Stay

If you're heading to Muskoka, make the most of it by booking a few nights. Cottage rentals, including options on Airbnb, often fill up well ahead of peak summer, so be sure to secure your spot early. Resorts like Deerhurst, Touchstone, and Taboo can help accommodate the demand.

Each town and township in the region boasts its own unique charm, but a great starting point is Gravenhurst—just over a two-hour drive from Toronto. Gravenhurst features six public beaches and hosts events such as the Muskoka Music Festival, showcasing a variety of performers, a vintage boat show, and Ribfest, offering an ideal introduction to the area.

On your journey up, be sure to stop at Webers for a delicious burger or Kawartha Dairy for a refreshing ice cream cone. Beyond Gravenhurst, you can explore the scenic forested paths near Algonquin Provincial Park, especially vibrant in the fall, or enjoy biking on the accessible trails in the picturesque town of Bracebridge. Alternatively, follow the Muskoka Art Trail, featuring 32 studios and galleries showcasing works by local talents and renowned artists.

South: The Toronto Islands

• Travel time: None. Simply make your way to the Jack Layton Ferry at the waterfront terminal to catch your ride. Cars are not permitted.
• Optimal visiting season: Summer

Known as Toronto Island Park, these 15 islands might just be the city’s best-kept secret. Spanning 800 acres, they lie just off the southern coast of downtown Toronto. Once part of the mainland, a storm in 1858 severed the peninsula, forming the current island chain.

Play or Stay: Play

Three islands attract the 1.4 million tourists who visit annually: Ward’s Island (home to around 650 residents), Centre Island (featuring the family-friendly Centreville Amusement Park), and Hanlan’s Point (which boasts the city’s only nude beach). To get to one of these islands, take a $9, 13-minute ferry across Lake Ontario, or choose a $13 water taxi. Either option will quickly land you on a sandy beach or a grassy spot to enjoy the stunning Toronto skyline.

Unless you know a resident or have booked accommodations in advance, you’ll need to finish your fun in time to catch the last ferry home, which departs between 11 and 11:45 p.m. during the summer, depending on the island. Bring a picnic or stop by the charming Island Café (Ward’s Island) or dine on the spacious patio at Toronto Island BBQ and Beer Company (Centre Island). The islands are rich with nature trails for walking or biking. Toronto Island Bicycle Rental offers singles ($10/hour), tandems ($19/hour), or quadricycles ($20 to $38/hour), while Toronto Islands SUP provides options for SUP Yoga tours ($49 per person) or a Sunset paddle ($85 per person) at various locations.

East: Prince Edward County

• Travel time: 2.5 hours
• Optimal visiting season: Summer and fall

Prince Edward County, with its abundance of cideries, wineries, and farm-to-table eateries, is a haven for food lovers. Located at the eastern tip of Lake Ontario, it's renowned for its orchard fruits, though its vineyards have garnered significant fame. The growing beer and cider scene has also attracted a younger demographic. While a car is the best way to navigate the area, joining a tour like Get Corked PEC allows you to enjoy tastings without the worry of transportation.

Play or Stay: Stay

Reserve a room at The Royal in Picton, a historic railroad hotel from the 1800s that completed an eight-year renovation and reopened in 2022. Spend your days wandering the town, discovering antique shops and unique boutiques, and relaxing at the beautiful beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park. Don’t miss a stop at Slickers for their homemade ice cream.

Choosing a restaurant can be a delightful challenge. 7Numbers Picton offers beloved Southern Italian dishes, chef Jamie Kennedy’s pop-up French fry stands are a must-try, and Merrill House is perfect for fine dining, featuring a seasonal tasting menu with optional wine pairings. For unforgettable drinks, explore the nearly 40 wineries in the area, celebrated for their pinot noir and chardonnay. Huff Estates is a great spot for a patio lunch amid the vineyards—don’t forget to try the wood-fired Funghi pizza, which pairs beautifully with a pinot gris.

West: Stratford

• Travel time: Two hours
• Optimal visiting season: Spring through fall

Visitors flock to Stratford, Ontario, for many reasons, but one stands out: Shakespeare. This charming, walkable town, named after its English counterpart, has celebrated the Bard since the Stratford Festival was established by journalist Tom Patterson in 1952. Each year, from April to October, the festival attracts large crowds and renowned actors, including Christopher Plummer, Sarah Polley, Jessica Tandy, and Christopher Walken. True theater aficionados should sign up for a backstage tour of the Avon Theatre or witness a set change in action. Additional attractions include a vibrant food scene and an exhibit at the Stratford Perth Museum honoring its other famous local: Justin Bieber.

Play or Stay: Both

Ditching the car rental and taking a bus from downtown Toronto to Stratford ($35 round trip) makes for a convenient day trip. Enjoy a meal and catch a theatrical performance at one of the four Stratford Festival stages before heading back to the city.

However, if you have the time, consider staying for a few days. Avonview Manor offers both apartments and suites, along with an outdoor pool, while more upscale accommodations can be found at boutique hotels like the spacious The Bruce or the unique Edison’s Inn (once the residence of inventor Thomas Edison). Whatever your preference, make sure to book in advance, as most theater enthusiasts opt for an overnight stay.

When you're not enjoying a show, try a local eatery like the cozy Bijou or the burger-centric Bentley’s. Alternatively, join the Savour and Sip trail, which offers six vouchers for local businesses to redeem for picnic treats like sausage rolls or warm olives with bread. Always check the Destination Stratford website before your visit for updates on gallery exhibitions, artist studio openings, and outdoor concerts.