Travel ideas the best day trips from toronto

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Seen everything there is to see in Toronto? The rest of Ontario offers a whole host of exciting attractions that you may not even know about, all within easy driving range. Use this guide to plan the destination of your day trip!

In order to correctly plan for such a day, you'll have to take your interests and hobbies into account. What will you want to do when you arrive? Shop? Hike or play sports? Enjoy nature, or explore heritage sites? There are destinations to suit any interest, no matter who your traveling companions will be!

The major cities, of course, are a big attraction, especially if you are interested in a shopping trip, governmental issues, or just a chance of pace from the busy GTA. The closest is the Canadian capital city of Ottawa, where you will find attractions such as the Rideau Canal, the National Gallery of Canada and the ByWard Market, an open-air market that features more than just food. The National Museum of Science and Technology is something that cannot be missed, as well as Parliament Hill (the seat of the Canadian government) where in summer the Changing of the Guard can be witnessed. It is also just across the river from Hull, Qubec, also a beautiful place to visit. Montral, the capital of Qubec, is a long journey but well worth it if you enjoy sightseeing in the city. Explore Vieux-Montral (Old Montral) or tour one of the many museums and parks, such as the Museum of Archeology and History or the Notre-Dame Balisca. Montral also boasts a huge underground city, the Cit Souterrain, hosting thousands of shops, restaurants, offices, theaters, universities and colleges. The passages are well-lit and lined with stores, and the entire area is serviced by the Metro subway system.

Ontario is situated near the United States border, and some areas in New York and Michigan are within a few hours' drive. The Michigan border town of Sault Ste-Marie, Michigan is famous for its huge river "locks", the River of History Museum, the I-500 Snowmobile Race and more. East of that is Ontario's best-known attraction, Niagara Falls, shared with New York State. Take a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist and enjoy the breathtaking scenery, and learn about the history of the Falls. In the surrounding city you'll find museums and other attractions such as the Marineland theme park and the Hershey Store.

Perhaps you are more nature-oriented, and want to get away from cities. Ontario is dotted with parks and lakes of all types and sizes, many of which are within driving distance. Some ideal places to visit are the Holiday Beach Conservation Area, a nature reserve in Amherstburg, or the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton. Bancroft's Silent Lake Provincial Park is a popular camping spot, as is Bruce Peninsula National Park, where you can visit Manitoulin Island using the ferry. A group of people with different interests may want to consider visiting the Blue Mountain Ski Resort near Toronto, a year-round resort featuring skiing, snowboarding, shops, live entertainment, and in summer, hiking or biking--whatever suits your taste.

There is also no lack of historic sites and places to learn about aspects of Canada and Ontario. Nearby Port Hope is the home of the Canadian Firefighters' Museum, and if you are willing to take a longer excursion to learn about the Algonquin way of life, the Anishinabe Experience of Golden Lake is attainable within a day. The southwestern area of the province hosts the Point Clark Lighthouse National Historic Site of Canada, and John Freeman Walls Historical Site, which was once a terminal on the Underground Railroad. The Southwestern Ontario Heritage Village in Kingsville features 19th century buildings and museums, as does the John R. Park Homestead in Essex.

These are just the nearest sights to see on a day trip from Toronto: the provinces and states surrounding it are home to hundred of things to see, more than could ever be taken in on just a few trips. There is always something new to experience, so explore Ontario as often and thoroughly as you can.