Unique day trips from Toronto
Toronto has everything you could ever need, but sometimes it’s nice to hop in the car and hit the open road. If you’re looking to go on an adventure (and still get home in time for dinner) here are some unique day trip ideas just outside the 416.
Pure Spirits Distilling
4833 Tufford Rd RR 1, Beamsville, ON L0R 1B1The nearby Niagara region might attract wine lovers from around the country, but true cocktail enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Beamsville to visit this charming small batch distillery. Dillon’s focuses on four signature spirits — white rye, Canadian rye whisky, vodka and gin — infused with fresh local fruits, grains and botanicals sourced from the neighbouring farms. Visit during the summer months when the distillery hosts al fresco cocktail parties with local food trucks.
Millcroft Inn & Spa
55 John St, Orangeville, ON L9W 2P6Located about one hour north of Toronto, this beautifully restored 19th century knitting mill offers day-trippers a charming rustic retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the scenic 100-acre woodland estate on foot and then soothe aching muscles at the on-site day spa, which offers a number of relaxing and restorative treatments. Afterwards, enjoy afternoon tea or dinner in the award-winning Headwaters Restaurant overlooking the majestic Shaw’s Creek Falls. If you want to make a night of it, the beautiful rooms at the inn feature wood burning fireplaces that add to the romantic ambiance.
St Jacobs Farmers Market
878 Weber St N Waterloo, Kitchener, ON N2J 4G8Horse and buggies are a common sight along the roadside in this pastoral area of Waterloo Region. The famed St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market is open year-round and features hundreds of vendors and food trucks offering farm fresh groceries, ready-to-eat snacks, flowers, ceramics, quilts, toys crafts and more. The charming Village of St. Jacobs offers small boutiques filled with decor items and antiques while the nearby outlet mall features discounted wares from big-name brands. Stop in at The Mennonite Story to take an informative self-guided tour and learn about the unique cultural history and traditions of the Mennonite communities.
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
152 Grey Road 21, Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0K8Escape city life at this tranquil year-round outdoor spa nestled amongst the scenic Blue Mountains in Collingwood. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, the authentic Scandinavian Baths offer numerous warm pools, thermal and Nordic waterfalls, a cold plunge pool, a eucalyptus steam room and a Finnish-style sauna. The serene surroundings also feature wood-burning fireplaces, hammocks, an on-site bistro and a day spa offering a full range of services and treatments to calm your mind, body and spirit.
Streetcar Museum
13629 Guelph Line, Milton, ON N0B 2K0Transportation buffs venture northwest to Milton for a day of trainspotting at this historic railway museum. Founded in 1953, the museum houses a unique collection of historic streetcars, buses, equipment and transit-themed ephemera. Visitors hop aboard an old fashioned streetcar and take a 20-minute ride through a beautiful hardwood forest to an old-fashioned ice cream parlor. The museum hosts special events throughout the year, especially around seasonal holidays, so plan your visit accordingly.
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