Posted 06 June 2024 in Travel wanderlust

5 Places near Toronto that are much more happening than the big city

Toronto is one of the top cities to visit in Canada, how can it not be! It’s got the rhythm and the vibe for an ultimate vacation. But if you want to make your trip slightly more fun, make sure to explore nearby places that are much more happening. Book flights to Toronto and venture beyond the city limits to discover the top exciting places near Toronto that are packed with lots of fun activities. Interested? Book flight tickets now and embark on your next adventure. 

The top 5 Places near Toronto that will leave you captivated in 2024

Book flights to Toronto with IndiGo and explore some of the stunning tourist places that offer a plethora of attractions and activities to do. 

1. Hamilton

The sassy sibling of Toronto, Hamilton is one of the best places to go for a road trip near Toronto. Displaying a personality all its own, the city has a certain charm where the steel factories are turned into hipster cafes, waterfront trails ideal for a morning jog, and art galleries that'll make you feel like a cultured connoisseur. 

Distance from Toronto: 68 km
Places to see in Hamilton:
  • Dundurn Castle
  • Historic Bruce Trail
  • Royal Botanical Gardens
  • HMCS Haida National Historic Site
  • Hamilton's Waterfalls
  • Bayfront Park
How to reach Hamilton from Toronto? Take the scenic route by choosing a train ride. Take a train from the Toronto Union Station station and arrive at West Harbour GO in Hamilton. The complete journey may take an hour and a half. The trains depart hourly, and they operate every day.

2. Niagara Falls

Among Toronto attractions, Niagara Falls is the most popular one. It shows off its cascading water works, you can imagine Mother Nature saying, ‘Watch me work!’. The best draw about this waterfall is the natural border between Canada and the USA, making it the most iconic waterfall bromance ever. So, grab your poncho, because this is one splashy adventure you won't forget!

Distance from Toronto: 130 km
Places to see in Niagara:
  • The Niagara Falls
  • Maid of the Mist Boat Tour
  • Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
  • Skylon Tower
  • Clifton Hill
  • Niagara-on-the-Lake
How to reach Hamilton from Niagara? On your Toronto trip, add Niagara Falls to your list. Getting to Niagara is easy with many modes of transport. But the best way to reach Niagara Falls is by Go Transit. This is a regional public transportation system of Canada that runs both trains and buses to and from these two destinations.

3. Elora

The hidden gem of Canada, Elora is a charming town even locals enjoy visiting, it is considered one of the best places to stay near Toronto. With picture-perfect landscapes, and quaint shops lining the streets, it makes a romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Distance from Toronto: 115 km
Places to see in Elora:
  • Elora Gorge Conservation Area
  • Elora Centre for the Arts
  • Wellington County Museum and Archives
  • Elora Farmers' Market 
  • Victoria Park
How to reach Hamilton from Elora? Among the places near Toronto, Elora is a beauty although there isn't a direct public transit route from Toronto to Elora. You can take a GO Train or GO Bus from Toronto to Kitchener or Guelph, and then transfer to a local bus or taxi service for the remaining journey to Elora. The most convenient method is to hire a car from Toronto and drive to Elora.

4. Prince Edward County

The iconic Prince Edward Island has been a base for several movies and series, one among the many is Anne with an E. It is a paradise tucked away in the heart of Ontario, where the wine flows as freely as the conversation, and let's not forget the stunning landscapes that beg to be explored – from sandy beaches that lure you in for a dip to rolling hills that promise breathtaking views. 

Distance from Toronto: 204 km
Places to see in Prince Edward County:
  • Sandbanks Provincial Park
  • Picton
  • Lake on the Mountain
  • Wellington
  • Point Petre Wildlife Conservation Area
How to reach Hamilton from Prince Edward County? There are several ways to get to Prince Edward County from Toronto but one of the best is by road, since there are no direct trains to Prince Edward County. The road travel may take approximately 2 hours via bus services.

5. Blue Mountain Ski Resort

Want to enjoy the snow? Blue Mountain Ski Resort is one of the best places to visit Toronto in winter. Located in the heart of Canada, this winter wonderland isn't just about shredding the slopes; it's the ultimate getaway for a fun and frolic vacation. Picture yourself carving through powdery peaks by day and cosying up with hot cocoa by the fire at night. It is a dream and a romantic escape from the city. 

Distance from Toronto: 169 km
Places to see in Prince Edward County:
  • Blue Mountain Village
  • Skiing and Snowboarding Trails
  • Scenic Caves Nature Adventures
  • Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster
  • Hiking and Biking Trails
  • Platter's Chocolate Factory
How to reach Hamilton from Prince Edward County? Reaching the Blue Mountain Ski Resort from Toronto is easy with just a 90 minutes drive by car. There are also bus services to nearby places like Collingwood, from where you can get local transport to the Blue Mountain Ski Resort.

Travel tips to remember while visiting Toronto

Before booking flights to Toronto, keep these travel tips in mind so that you can have a hassle-free and an enjoyable travel experience:

  • Keep your travel documents ready: While boarding your flight to Toronto, you will be asked to show your travel documents like I.D. proof, passport, and visa for Canada. Make sure you have everything in one bag for convenience.
  • Have a round trip flight: This is important that you have a round trip flight, so that you can get past the airport immigration. If you do not have a return flight ticket, you may be asked to book while at the airport.
  • Check the weather and pack your bags: Before packing, make sure you check the current weather in Toronto. This way, you do not need to over pack clothes that you’ll not be wearing during your trip. 
  • Book your accommodations: Similar to your return flight, make sure your accommodations are reserved. This also helps you get deals in some cases if you book your hotels in Toronto in advance. 
  • Get a sim card: You can purchase a sim card that works in Canada to stay connected to your family and friends back home, as well as to call for cab services or hotels.
  • Buy a travel card: Along with a mobile sim card, get a travel card for local transportation. You can purchase a day pass or get a Presto card for convenient travel around the city.

How to reach Toronto?

Getting to Toronto is easy if you are in Canada. There are trains and buses that travel both ways, along with travel cards, it is easy and affordable. But if you are living outside Canada, air is the only option. Below, you can see how you can reach Toronto via all three means. 

  • Air: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is a major international airport serving the city as well as its nearby towns. The airport is located at a distance of approximately 25 km from the city centre. Various modes of transport like buses, taxis and metro are available to take you from the airport to the city. 
  • Rail: Union Station is located in the heart of Toronto. The station is connected by subways and trams. Travelling by train is a convenient way if you live in Canada and are visiting Toronto. You can find several types of trains in Canada, whether you are travelling on an overnight train or a seater train. 
  • Road: The Union Station Bus Terminal is a major bus station in Toronto located next to the railway station. Like the railway station, it is connected by subways and trams from major neighbourhoods in Toronto. Buses are cheaper and reliable for short distance travel that may take an hour or two. However, many overnight buses are also available. 

Best time to visit Toronto

Toronto is the best during the summer months, but remember, summers tend to become quite touristy, so you can also consider the following time to visit Toronto in Canada. 

  • Spring in Toronto: March to May is considered the ideal time to visit Toronto. During this time, the flowers bloom and the garden attractions are beautiful. Several festivals such as the Toronto Cherry Blossom Festival and Doors Open Toronto are also held. 
  • Summer in Toronto: June to August is the summer season in Toronto. The temperatures remain warm and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and Caribana are two popular events that are held during summers. 
  • Autumn in Toronto: September to November are for the fall. This time of the year, the colourful foliage makes the city look beautiful. This is the best time to visit Toronto if you want a smaller crowd. You can explore nature sites and parks like High Park and Rouge National Urban Park during the fall season. 
  • Winter in Toronto: December to February can be cold and snowy giving a limited chance to explore the outdoors. However, the city lights up with Christmas and also organises events. Despite not being able to explore nature, you can engage in activities like ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square and skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts.

Takeaway

So there you have it! While Toronto may boast its big-city charm, there's a whole world of excitement waiting just beyond its borders. These five spots prove that sometimes, the real party is happening just a stone's throw away. So why stick to the same old routine when you book flights to Toronto, go out and explore these hidden gems. 

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