Day Trips from Toronto: Niagara and Beyond

Niagara Falls is the classic, and you can do it car-free: GO Train from Union runs year-round, about 2.5 hours each way. Weekends, the $10 GO Weekend Pass is a steal. Beyond the Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake wine country, the Toronto Islands, and Elora Gorge are all worth a day. Just don't expect the train to drop you at the waterfront.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How much does the GO Train to Niagara cost?

A standard adult one-way is about $21.15, or $18.09 with a PRESTO card. But if you go on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, just buy the $10 GO Weekend Pass instead; it's unlimited and cheaper than a single round trip.

How do I get to Niagara Falls without a car?

Take the GO Train from Union Station straight to Niagara Falls GO; it runs 365 days a year and takes about 2.5 hours. On weekends and holidays the $10 GO Weekend Pass covers unlimited train and bus travel all day, which is a genuine bargain.

Does the train drop me right at the Falls?

No, and this trips people up. Niagara Falls GO station is in a commercial area, not at the waterfront. Hop on the WEGO hop-on-hop-off bus (a GO+WEGO combo ticket runs around $32) or grab a short rideshare to Table Rock and the brink.

How early should I leave for Niagara?

Catch a morning train, ideally before 9am, so you have a full day at the Falls and time for the WEGO loop. The last return trains fill up on summer weekends, so check the schedule and don't cut it close on the way back.

Are the Toronto Islands a good day trip?

Absolutely, and it's the easiest one: a short ferry from the downtown terminal drops you at car-free islands with beaches, bike rentals, and the best skyline photo in the city. Go on a weekday if you can; summer weekend ferry lines get long.

Is the GO Train direct or do I transfer?

Some trips are direct and some transfer at Burlington. When you use the GO trip planner, filter to train-only service to find the direct departures. Weekday direct options are limited (roughly three), so weekends are easier.

What else is worth a day trip from Toronto?

Niagara-on-the-Lake for wineries and pretty streets, the Toronto Islands for a 15-minute ferry escape with skyline views, and Elora Gorge or the Grand River for nature. Stratford is great in summer for the theatre festival if you don't mind a longer haul.

Can I visit wine country without a car?

Sort of. Take the GO Train to Niagara, then a WEGO bus or a booked wine tour shuttle from there, since the wineries themselves are spread out and not walkable. If wine is the whole point, a guided tour from Toronto that handles transport is the least stressful option.

Nearby in Ask Toronto

• Ripley's Aquarium of CanadaAttraction0.04 km · 1 min walk
• CN TowerAttraction0.07 km · 1 min walk
• Ontario Science CentreMuseum0.48 km · 6 min walk
• Boxcar SocialCafé0.52 km · 7 min walk
• Pai Northern Thai KitchenRestaurant0.66 km · 8 min walk