Ontario is a stunningly beautiful province, with nearly half of its residents (44.4 percent) living in or around its largest city of Toronto in the Greater Toronto area (GTA). Halton real estate, which includes Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, and Milton, is especially popular, providing easy access to the city along with a more serene setting.
No matter where you live in the Greater Toronto Area, you’ll have access to some fabulous day trips, including these.
Niagara Falls
Iconic Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province and it’s on just about every traveler’s bucket list. If you live in the GTA, consider yourself fortunate as it’s only a little over an hour’s drive away.
Not only can you gaze out at the cascades and capture plenty of photos for your Instagram account, but you can take a boat excursion to get you so close you’ll be drenched by the spray. The Butterfly Conservatory, with some two thousand colorful insects, is also here and you can enjoy a delicious meal in the Revolving Dining Room at the Skylon Tower that comes with a view of the falls from 775 feet above.
Algonquin Provincial Park
An especially picturesque park covering about 3,000 square miles between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River, Algonquin is home to more than 750 miles of rivers and streams, thousands of lakes, and hills covered with maple trees that burst with color in the fall.
Enjoy everything from hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding to paddling, fishing, and camping, along with abundant wildlife. Watch for beaver, deer, moose, and even wolves.
Collingwood
Collingwood is about two hours north of Toronto with a harbor in Nottawasaga Bay, the southern region of Georgian Bay. It’s a gateway to Blue Mountain ski resort which not only offers cross-country and downhill trails, but opportunities for hiking, biking, zip-lining, and Segway tours in the summer.
This is also when you can enjoy numerous festivals and events, including big-name live music. There’s Jazz on the Mountain at Blue, Salsa at Blue Festival, and much more.
Eramosa Karst Caves
About an hour’s drive south of Toronto are the impressive Eramosa Karst caves. It’s a great place to spend the day, filled with underground caves, streams, waterfalls, forests, and meadows as one of the area’s top destinations for hiking and simply enjoying nature. Bring a picnic as you’ll find plenty of secluded spots to enjoy it with a view.
Cobourg Beach
If you’re craving a day at the beach you’ll find the perfect place only about 90 minutes from Toronto. The picturesque town of Cobourg is home to Cobourg Beach, a local favorite with many coming to cool off during the peak of summer, although it’s possible to swim if you’re up for a more secluded and chilly dip outside of July and August.
Enjoy strolling the boardwalk, watching or joining in on sandcastle building competitions, and all sorts of amenities. The beach is well-equipped, complete with changing rooms and picnic tables.
For those who want to enjoy the beach in the summer without the crowds, there are actually two beaches that most refer to as one, Cobourg is made up of Victoria Park Beach which is the more popular, crowded side, while West Beach lies to its west offering gorgeous sandy shores and a more tranquil atmosphere.
