Winter Day Trips From Toronto

Toronto is one of Canada’s most vibrant cities, with a variety of attractions, activities and experiences that make it a great destination for winter day trips. Whether you’re looking to take in the city’s iconic skyline, explore its historic sites, or simply get out in nature, there are plenty of winter day trips from Toronto to enjoy.

The City of Toronto

Toronto is the largest city in Canada, and the fourth-largest in North America. It’s a cultural hub where people from around the world have come to make their home, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world. With a population of over 2.6 million and an area of 630 square kilometres, there’s no shortage of things to do and see.

The city has a long and rich history, with its earliest settlers arriving in the 17th century. Its strategic location at the mouth of the Humber River on Lake Ontario made it a desirable spot for trading and transportation, and it quickly developed into a major port. Today, Toronto is a bustling metropolis and an important economic, cultural and educational centre.

Its vibrant cultural scene is one of the city’s biggest draws, with world-class museums, galleries, theatres and music venues as well as a thriving restaurant scene. It’s home to dozens of festivals throughout the year, including the Toronto International Film Festival and the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The city also boasts an impressive array of parks and green spaces, perfect for exploring in winter.

Top Attractions in Winter

There are plenty of winter attractions to explore in Toronto. The iconic CN Tower is a must-see, offering stunning views of the city from its observation deck and glass-floored SkyPod. For a touch of culture, head to the Art Gallery of Ontario or the Royal Ontario Museum. Or if you’re looking for something more active, take a stroll through the Distillery District or explore the city’s many ice skating rinks.

Other popular winter attractions include the Hockey Hall of Fame, which celebrates Canada’s beloved sport with interactive exhibits and interactive games; Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, which has over 16,000 aquatic animals; and Fort York National Historic Site, which offers a glimpse into the city’s past with its collection of period buildings.

Winter Day Trips From Toronto

When it comes to winter day trips from Toronto, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of our favourites:

Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain, located about two hours north of Toronto, is a great destination for winter activities. The area is renowned for its ski resorts, with Blue Mountain Resort offering plenty of runs for all skill levels, as well as snow tubing and snowshoeing trails. There are also numerous other activities to take part in, including ice skating, dog sledding and a snow tubing park.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s most popular attractions and a great destination for a day trip from Toronto. Take in the thunderous falls from various observation points along the Niagara River Gorge or get up close and personal on one of the many boat tours. In winter, the falls are even more impressive, as they turn into an ice sculpture of spectacular beauty.

Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County is located about two hours east of Toronto on Lake Ontario’s North Shore. This picturesque region is ideal for a winter day trip with its charming towns, rolling hills and spectacular scenery. Take a stroll in Sandbanks Provincial Park or try your hand at ice fishing on one of the many frozen lakes. There are also plenty of wineries to explore and art galleries to visit.

Algonquin Provincial Park

Algonquin Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s best-known wilderness parks, located about three hours north of Toronto. In winter, it offers plenty of activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter camping. It’s also home to some of Canada’s most majestic wildlife, including wolves, moose and bald eagles.

Popular Winter Tours From Toronto

There are also plenty of great winter tours from Toronto that offer an in-depth exploration of the city’s attractions and activities. Here are two popular tours that you can book online:

Ice Skating Tour of Toronto

Experience the best of winter in Toronto on this two-hour tour that takes you to some of the city’s best ice skating rinks. Your guide will provide all the necessary equipment (including skates) and show you how to use it safely. You’ll also get an insider’s look at some of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks and attractions as you skate around them. Book an ice skating tour here.

Brewery Tour in Toronto

Explore Toronto’s bustling craft beer scene on this three-hour tour that takes you to some of the city’s best breweries. You’ll sample delicious beer from local brewers and learn about the history and production process from your knowledgeable guide. You’ll also get an inside look at some of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods as you make your way from brewery to brewery. Book a brewery tour here.

Conclusion

Toronto offers plenty of great winter activities and day trips for visitors to enjoy. From exploring iconic attractions like the CN Tower to taking part in outdoor activities like skiing or snowshoeing at Blue Mountain or Algonquin Provincial Park, there’s something for everyone. There are also plenty of unique tours to book online that you can use to explore the city in a more in-depth way. So whether you’re looking for a day trip or just an afternoon activity, Toronto has something for you this winter!