Places to Visit Outside Toronto

Toronto is a bustling metropolis, offering a myriad of attractions for tourists and locals alike. From the CN Tower to the world-famous Distillery District, this city has something for everyone. But it’s not just the downtown core that makes up Toronto’s vibrant and captivating culture. There are plenty of places to visit outside of the city, including some of Canada’s most picturesque natural wonders. Here are some of the top places to visit just outside of Toronto.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is the most famous natural wonder in Canada and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Located just an hour and a half from Toronto, a visit to Niagara Falls is a must for any tourist in the city. The falls are made up of three separate waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls – which together form the border between Canada and the United States.

Niagara Falls is an incredible sight to behold, both from the ground and from above. For the best views of the falls, visitors can take a ride on the Hornblower boat tour or they can take a walk along the edge of the Niagara Gorge. If you’re feeling brave, you can take a walk behind the falls along the Cave of the Winds walkway. The views from there are truly breathtaking.

For those looking to explore more of Niagara Falls beyond just the falls themselves, there are plenty of other attractions nearby. Clifton Hill offers an array of attractions, including casinos, museums, restaurants, and more. Just down the road is Marineland, which is home to a variety of marine animals, such as dolphins, walruses, and seals.

St. Jacobs

St. Jacobs is a charming village located just outside of Waterloo, about an hour and a half from Toronto. This quaint town is home to a vibrant arts scene and a bustling farmers market. It’s also a great place to explore vintage shops and explore one-of-a-kind boutiques.

The St. Jacobs Farmers Market is one of the oldest farmers markets in Canada and a must-visit for any foodie. Here you will find fresh produce, local meats, artisan cheeses, baked goods, and more. There are also several cafes where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a coffee or tea while browsing the market.

The St Jacobs Outlet Mall is another great attraction in St. Jacobs. Here you will find a variety of outlet stores offering designer brands at discounted prices. The mall is open seven days a week and is a great option for anyone looking to do some shopping while visiting St. Jacobs.

High Park

High Park is one of Toronto’s most beloved parks and a great place to explore on a day trip from the city. The park is home to over 400 acres of lush green space, trails, gardens, playgrounds, and more. It’s also home to the famous High Park Zoo which is home to over 150 species of animals, including bears, bison, deer, and more.

High Park is also a great spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, and more. There are several trails throughout the park which offer fantastic views of Lake Ontario, High Park Lake, Grenadier Pond and more.

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are located just off the shore of Lake Ontario and are one of the city’s most popular attractions. This group of islands offers stunning views of downtown Toronto as well as many activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, windsurfing and more.

The islands are also home to Centreville Theme Park which has over 30 rides and attractions for visitors of all ages. Other attractions include the Far Enough Farm petting zoo and an array of museums such as The Centreville Historic Museum and The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse Museum.

Kawartha Lakes

Kawartha Lakes is located about two hours from Toronto and is home to some of Ontario’s most stunning natural wonders. The area is known for its crystal clear lakes and rivers which offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and more. It’s also home to some amazing hiking trails as well as several provincial parks such as Balsam Lake Provincial Park which offers camping grounds as well as several beaches for visitors to relax on during their stay.

Kawartha Lakes is also known for its delicious local cuisine which includes plenty of artisanal cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables, craft beer, cider and much more. There are plenty of restaurants in the area where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views of the lakes and rivers that make this area so special.

Popular Tours in Toronto

If you’re looking for an even more comprehensive experience on your visit to Toronto, there are plenty of amazing tours that will show you all that this city has to offer. Here are two popular tours that will give you an unforgettable experience:

CN Tower Tour

The CN Tower Tour gives visitors a unique perspective on Toronto by taking them to the top of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This tour includes an elevator ride to the top where guests can enjoy 360-degree views of downtown Toronto as well as views of nearby Lake Ontario. There is also an observation deck at the top which offers amazing views of the city skyline as well as an interactive exhibit about the tower’s construction. Guests can also opt for an optional dinner or lunch package that includes a meal at one of the tower’s restaurants before heading back down to street level. Book a CN Tower Tour here.

Distillery District Tour

The Distillery District Tour takes visitors through one of Toronto’s most historic neighbourhoods which was once home to Canada’s largest whiskey distillery. The tour takes guests through historic buildings that have been lovingly restored and now house numerous restaurants, galleries, boutiques and more. Guests will have the opportunity to explore these buildings as well as learn about their history from knowledgeable guides who will tell them stories about how this district has evolved over time. At the end of the tour guests can enjoy some delicious food and drinks at one of the many restaurants located in this area as they take in all that this unique district has to offer.Book a Distillery District Tour here.

Conclusion

From stunning natural wonders to vibrant cultural attractions, there are plenty of places to visit just outside Toronto that will give visitors an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a day trip to explore Niagara Falls or you’re looking for some outdoor activities in High Park or Kawartha Lakes, there’s something for everyone just outside Toronto’s city limits. And if you want an even more comprehensive experience on your visit to Toronto, there are plenty of amazing tours that will show you all this city has to offer such as the CN Tower Tour or Distillery District Tour. So don’t miss out on these incredible places just outside Toronto!