Are you ready for a big Canadian adventure?
Canada is a big country that offers vast landscapes and diverse experiences. From lively, multicultural cities, to mountain wilderness, lakes and islands, Canada is a fascinating place to explore.
Whether you love the great outdoors or prefer the buzz of the city, road trips from Toronto are a great place to begin your big Canadian adventure.
With hassle-free car hire direct from Toronto Airport YYZ, Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find an affordable vehicle for your journey.
Here are ten of the best road trips from Toronto to whet your appetite!
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Falls is one of the true wonders of the world and is a relatively short drive from Toronto through southern Ontario. Sited on the border of Canada and the US, Niagara Falls sees an incredible 6 million cubic feet of water dropping 50 metres every minute. It’s a wet, noisy and breathtaking spectacle, with viewing opportunities on both the Canadian and US sides of the border.
On the way to the falls, you be sure to call in at the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. With its tree-lined streets and horse-drawn carriages it’s a laid-back contrast to the drama of the falls. You can also find The Niagara Wine Route, which meanders through the surrounding vineyards and offers the chance to sample award-winning wines and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Ontario. If you fancy a hike, stop off at Dundas Peak which offers an amazing view from the top of a sheer cliff, with the smaller waterfalls at Tew Falls and Webster Falls nearby.
- Distance from Toronto: 80 Miles (130km)
- Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 Hours
Collingwood & Blue Mountain
Among shorter road trips from Toronto, a trip to Collingwood and Blue Mountain gives you a taste of small-town Ontario. Situated at the southern tip of Georgian Bay, Collingwood is a popular tourist destination, offering skiing in the winter, and limestone caves along the Niagara Escarpment that are fascinating to explore. With interesting architecture, great places to eat and drink, and stunning sunsets across Georgian Bay, Collingwood is a popular excursion from Toronto. Take a stroll along the waterfront or explore Collingwood Museum before continuing with your journey.
Blue Mountain is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a place where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of activities throughout the year. In the warmer months, hiking trails offer panoramic views, and Blue Mountain Resort transforms into an adventure playground with zip-lining and treetop trekking. As winter blankets the region in snow, Blue Mountain becomes a premier ski destination, drawing winter sports enthusiasts to its slopes
A trip to Collingwood and Blue Mountain is the perfect weekend getaway when you need a break from the bustle of city life.
- Distance from Toronto: 87 Miles (140km)
- Driving Time: 1.5 to 2 Hours
Tobermory, Ontario
Tobermory is an idyllic outpost at the end of the Bruce Peninsula reaching out into Lake Huron, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and breathtaking landscapes. Taking a road trip from Toronto to the unofficial scuba diving capital of Canada takes you through picturesque countryside and charming small towns. The Bruce Peninsula National Park is great to explore, with its dramatic cliff, dense forests and the iconic Grotto. Tobermory also serves as the gateway to Fathom Five National Marine Park. With its shipwrecks and diverse marine life it’s a magnet for divers, but if you’re not feeling that adventurous you can take it all in on a glass-bottom boat tour. Flowerpot Island with its towering sea stacks and scenic trails is accessible by boat.
Tobermory town exudes maritime charm with its picturesque harbour and the iconic Big Tub Lighthouse. As a Dark Sky Preserve, Tobermory is a great place to stargaze. Foodies will love the wide choice of outstanding seafood restaurants and cafes. A trip to Tobermory is a relaxing, relatively easy road trip from Toronto for anyone looking for turquoise waters, great food and a laid-back environment.
- Distance from Toronto: 185 Miles (300km)
- Driving Time: 3 to 4 Hours
Algonquin Provincial Park
With miles of forests and an incredible 2,4000 lakes, the Algonquin Provincial Park gives you an accessible slice of the Canadian wilderness. As you venture north from Toronto, the landscape shifts from cityscape to picturesque countryside passing small towns along the way. The park contains a wealth of hiking trails, ranging from short easy walks to challenging longer backcountry routes. One of the best ways to explore the park is by canoe giving you access to places that are inaccessible via road
There are a range of camping options available in the park, from established campgrounds to backcountry camping with a permit that are only accessible by canoe or on foot. As well as moose, this is bear country, so be sure to follow the advice and stay safe while enjoying the rich array of wildlife in the park.
If you’re looking for a taste of Canadian wilderness within easy travelling distance of Toronto then the Algonquin Provincial Park is a great place to start.
- Distance from Toronto: 170 Miles (275km)
- Driving Time: 3 to 4 Hours
Prince Edward County, Ontario
Situated on an island in Lake Ontario with 4 bridges, Prince Edward County is a rural retreat where the finer things in life are celebrated and enjoyed. Having recently gained acclaim as a wine region, visitors can enjoy wine tours and sample local vintages at popular wineries including Norman Hardie Winery and Sandbanks Estate Winery. As well as wine, Prince Edward County boasts a vibrant food scene, with quirky cafes, farm stands and upscale restaurants offering locally sourced ingredients.
Known for its expansive sandy beaches and towering dunes, Sandbanks Provincial Park is a haven for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts. The park offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, and picnicking against the backdrop of Lake Ontario.
It’s not just about the destination, the route takes you through rolling countryside, vineyards, orchards and quaint towns like Picton, Wellington and Bloomfield. Whether looking for a gastronomic adventure, beach relaxation or simple rural charm, Prince Edward County is a popular destination on road trips from Toronto
- Distance from Toronto: 125 miles (200km)
- Driving Time: 2.5 to 3 Hours
Northern Ontario & Lake Superior Circle
If you’re looking for an extended adventure exploring the vast wilderness of Ontario, then this 1,500-mile road trip is not to be missed. Taking you through some of Canada’s most stunning landscapes, you’ll get up to close to diverse terrains, picturesque lakeside communities and fascinating cultural history.
Leaving Toronto, you head north through the rugged landscape, dense forests and lakes of the Canadian Shield. Reaching Sudbury you can explore the rich mining history of the region. As the journey progresses northward, it reaches Sault Ste. Marie, a gateway to the Lake Superior Circle Tour. This follows the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake, providing breathtaking views of its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. There are outdoor activities to enjoy in charming lakeside towns like Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Wawa and Marathon.
The completion of the Circle Tour brings road trippers back to Sault Ste. Marie, allowing them to marvel at the expansive landscapes and the geological wonders of the Agawa Canyon.
- Distance from Toronto: 1,500 Miles (2,414km)
- Driving Time: 7 to 10 Days
Quebec City & Montreal Tour
To experience something of Canada’s cultural diversity, a trip to the Francophone province of Quebec is a must. Combining a rich culture, fascinating French Canadian history and vibrant cities, Quebec has a distinctive old-world charm in the heart of Canada. Departing from Toronto, the drive takes road trippers through the picturesque countryside of Eastern Ontario before crossing the Quebec border.
Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, greets visitors with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and the iconic Château Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Roadtrippers can explore landmarks like Place Royale, and the Plains of Abraham, and take a stroll along the city’s fortifications. Petit-Champlain is one of North America’s oldest streets and is lined with independent shops, galleries and cosy cafes with distinctive French flair.
Continuing to Montreal, road trippers can enjoy this vibrant metropolis with its diverse neighbourhoods, lively art senses and excellent places to eat and drink. The Old Port has waterfront charm, while Old Montreal combines history and contemporary flair. A visit to Mount Royal offers panoramic views of the city.
With both cities offering museums, countless festivals and a thriving French-influenced culinary scene, a visit to Quebec provides a fascinating contrast to Toronto.
- Distance from Toronto: 500 Miles ( 800km)
- Driving Time: 10 Hours
Canada’s Capital & Thousand Islands
Combining a trip to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, and the picturesque Thousand Islands region, this fascinating tour is a regular feature on road trips from Toronto. Heading eastward from Toronto through the lush countryside of Eastern Ontario, you pass popular stopping points in Kington and Belleville, before reaching the capital.
Situated on the banks of the Ottawa River, Ottawa blends its colonial past with contemporary energy. The city has a host of museums, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Canadian Museum of Nature and is distinguished by iconic landmarks such as Parliament Hill, the historic seat of the Canadian government.
After exploring Canada’s capital, the road trip continues southeast to the enchanting Thousand Islands, a unique archipelago nestled between the United States and Canada in the St. Lawrence River. Famous for their emerald-green waters and scenic landscapes, the islands provide plenty of opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and exploring.
- Distance from Toronto: 375 Miles (600km)
- Driving Time: 5.5 to 7 Hours
New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island
Taking a road trip from Toronto through New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island takes you to the heart of the maritime eastern provinces. In New Brunswick, the Bay of Fundy has the world’s highest tides, and at Hopewell Cape, you’ll encounter the surreal landscape of the sea-battered Hopewell Ricks. Saint John is the largest city in the province and is great to explore. Take a meandering drive through New Brunswick’s coastal landscapes, you’ll encounter charming villages and traditional Acadian hospitality.
Take the ferry to Prince Edward Island, where time passes slowly. The island’s capital, Charlottetown, has a timeless appeal, while the island’s literary heritage comes to life at Green Gables in Cavendish, the inspiration behind L.M. Montgomery’s beloved “Anne of Green Gables”. With its pristine coastline, picturesque bays, lighthouses, seasonal festivals and seafood, the island is a great place to unwind.
- Distance from Toronto: 1,210 Miles (1,950km)
- Driving Time: 5 to 7 Days
The Great Lakes Tour
Toronto is only around 80 miles from the Niagara Falls border crossing into the United States, meaning that road tours that take in both countries are perfectly possible – just remember to bring your passport. The Great Lakes, comprising Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, spanning the border between the United States and Canada.
Heading west from Toronto, the route takes road-trippers through the vibrant city of Chicago, offering a taste of urban life before venturing into the natural wonders of the Great Lakes. The journey provides opportunities to visit iconic landmarks, such as the historic Mackinac Bridge, connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, and the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior’s southern shore.
Combining picturesque lakeside communities, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes, The Great Lakes Tour allows you to follow your particular passion while experiencing the natural wonders of this part of North America.
- Distance from Toronto: 2,280 Miles (3,670km)
- Driving Time: 6 to 12 Days
Time To Take A Road Trip From Toronto?
Canada is a huge country that invites exploration. With vibrant cities, mountains, lakes and history, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to road trips from Toronto. With its proximity to the border, Toronto also allows you to explore the northeastern states of the USA.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car for your Canadian road trip. With affordable prices and convenient pick-up, you can start planning your next adventure.
