Toronto 
Photo Credit: Levanne
Leave the city behind for the day and discover a whole new world of possibilities! Here are few one-day outings that you can plan with friends or your special someone that pack in as much fun, history and adventure as possible.
For more ideas:
10 Romantic Getaways in Ontario
25 Family Getaways from Toronto
10 Cheap Getaways in Ontario for Couples
25 Waterfalls for a Day Trip from Toronto
Explore Ontario through its Waterways
1. Lavender Farms
Explore a beautiful and serene labyrinth of relaxing lavender inspired by the fields in France. July is the month when the plants burst into color with a new experience and changing views each week. Take off your shoes, lay in the grass, have a picnic and shop the charming shop full of lavender inspired gifts.
2. Hot Air Ballon:
Soar up, up and away to be awarded with the spectacular sights of Southern Ontario inside a wicker basket with Sundance Balloons in Belmont. Savor the tranquil one hour journey and top it off with the traditional “champagne toast” on the descent.
3. Alton Mills Art Studio:
Inside the stunning, national award-winning heritage building located on the banks of Shaws Creek join half or full day workshops for all levels to create encaustic media, pottery and paintings. See the work of 25 studio artists, galleries and visit the heritage museum, café and unique shops. Hike the Alton Side Trail that links easterly terminus of the Grand Valley Trail, and the Bruce Trail at the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park that leads to a scenic outlook providing a spectacular view of the rolling Caledon hills.
4. St. Jacobs:
This quirky town located in the heart of Mennonite country, respectfully and creatively educates visitors of the fascinating history and culture of the Mennonite and Amish communities. A visit to the Mennonite Story will spark your interest with informative photos, artifacts and displays.
5. Circumnavigate Rice Lake:
Pack your bikes and drive to Rice Lake! Bike or drive around Rice Lake explore quaint towns and magnificent views of Rice Lake and the Northumberland Hills. Don’t forget pack your fishing rods!
6. Warplane Heritage Museum:
Take a tour inside the cockpits of classic military aircrafts, test your skills as a pilot and catch a ride in an authentic WW2 warplane. Choose from a Douglas Dakota, de Havilland Tiger Moth bi-wing or the world’s largest passenger-carrying Dam-Busting WW2 Lancaster.
7. Bell Homestead:
Enter the unassuming home of Alexander Graham Bell, the teacher of the deaf who created one of the greatest inventions of all time, the telephone! Roam the grounds which include three restored buildings and a large collection of Bell family artifacts and see the sites where he found his inspiration like his “dreaming place” near the Grand River.
8. Discovery Harbour:
Originally built as a naval and military base after the war of 1812 to protect Upper Canada, this port is now home to two replica tall ships the HMS Bee and HMS Tecumseth and a fine collection of smaller vessels. Step onboard and discover what life was like for those who manned these ships.
9. Peterborough Lift Locks:
Upon its completion in 1904, Lock 21, was the highest hydraulic lift lock every built and was reputed to be the biggest unreinforced concrete structure in the world. Located on the Trent Canal, this National Historic Site is an engineering marvel and can be explored on land or water as part of a sightseeing boat tour.
10. Elora Gorge:
Located in the Grand River valley, the Elora Gorge is one of the most stunning natural areas. With 22-metre high cliffs and the rushing river, outdoor adventures are endless. Hikers will be delighted with the scenic views and kayakers and tubers can make their way through the raging rapids.
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11. Dundas Peak:
There are few hiking spots as lovely as Dundas Peak in the Fall. Follow trails and cobblestone footbridges that provide spectacular views of the forested depths of the gorge below as well as lookouts of the 41-metre waterfall, Tews Falls.
12. Eramosa Karst:
A unique natural gem located in the south-western portion of Stoney Creek containing 16 different karst including caves, dry valleys, streams, meadows and forests just waiting to be explored. A perfect destination for hiking and nature appreciation with its interpretive displays lining the park.
13. Kelso:
Pack up your bikes and head to Kelso to take a ride along the Niagara Escarpment and gorgeous singe tracks. There might not be a ton of technical trails or obstacles but there will be some serious climbs and you can end the day with a cooling swim at the nearby beach.
14. Port Perry:
Discover the quaint delights of this cottage country just a short distance away. Spend the day at the lovely Kinsmen Beach on Lake Scugog, take a walk through Beaver River Wetlands and when you’re ready to satisfy your thirst check out a tasting tour at the Old Flame Brewing Co.
15. Haute Goat:
Set in the rolling hills of Northumberland County is Haute Goat, a 120 acre farm that where you can see Nigerian Dwarf goats and take a stroll through the shiitake forest! Join for farm life workshops and shop for handmade premium goat milk goodies like Decadent Goat Buttercrunch to luxurious skin care products based on goat milk.
16. Glen Major:
Completely disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore 1,538 hectares of woodlands dotted with challenging trails. Well known with mountain bikers and hikers this year-round area is also great for cross country skiing and horseback riding.
17. Rattlesnake Point:
Get your adrenaline pumping at one of Ontario’s most popular rock climbing spots. With more than 235 routes to scale challenging cliffs under a canopy of rich woods this area is known amongst experienced climbers for its outstanding views and variety of climbing levels. For those less experienced tour companies are available that offer lessons.
18. THEMUSEUM & Adventure Guild Café:
You won’t find any dusty objects, art collections or velvet ropes here. Enter a new concept of museum dedicated to presenting fresh, relevant, cultural content with interactive ways of connecting art, science, culture and technology. Offering diverse and bold exhibits from Andy Warhol to Jane Goodall to Yoko Ono.
What’s more fun than a day spent playing board games, eating great food and drinking craft beer! The Guild Café stocks 100’s of board games, retro video games and role-playing games to keep you entertained for hours. And, take a look at look at what special events, tournaments and concerts they have coming up.
Christkindl Market:
Feel the spirit of the holidays come to life as the city hall in downtown Kitchener is magically transformed annually into a traditional German Christmas Market. Sample tasty delicacies like gluhwein and hawking lederhosen and shop vendors selling a variety of traditional hand-made decorations, candles and gifts.
19. Petroglyphs Provincial Park:
Bordering the Peterborough Crown Game Reserve, this historical-class provincial park has the largest collection of ancient First Nations petroglyphs in Ontario. Follow one of the Natural Heritage guides from the Learning Place on a tour and listen to stories generations old explaing various understandings of these amazing carvings.
20. Gravenhurst cruise:
Lake Muskoka, in the heart of cottage country is the perfect place to enjoy a day cruise on one of two steamships. The RMS Segwun and the Wenonah II offer tours of the lake to enjoy views like towering pines, exposed rocks and multi-million-dollar lakeside cottages. Tour options range from 1 to 4 hours with lunch, dinner and specialty cruise options available.
21. Helicopter Tour:
Enjoy the thrill of a lifetime and see Ontario in a whole new way, from the sky! A year-round aerial attraction is famous for its awe-inspiring views of the Niagara Region. Watch as the journey takes you over whirlpool rapids, horseshoe falls and the green grass and floral beauty of Queen Victoria Park.
22. Orangeville:
Wander the streets of Orangeville and marvel at the creative beauty of 54 intricately carved tree sculptures! Whether you want to go on a self guided heritage walking tour or explore this quaint town’s thriving culinary scene, there is plenty to do at this town, so close to Toronto!
23. York Durham Railway:
Celebrate the wonders of a train from an era gone by and ride the York-Durham Heritage Railway train through the beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine from Uxbridge to Stouffville and back. Or join for one of themed train rides like Escape Train: Experience a unique escape room and dinner on-board the moving heritage train.
24. Royal Botanical Gardens:
Explore over 1100 hectares of nature reserve, enjoy the many historical plant collections, the Mediterranean Greenhouse, and 27 km of nature trails that forms the gardens, nestled into the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. A perfect way to end your day – enjoy a cold drink and BBQ and get set for some award-winning jazz and blues musicians (select days only)in the lovely garden setting.
25. Dundurn Castle:
Located in Hamilton, this 18,000 square-foot Italianate-style mansion has been frozen in the mid-1850’s. Especially spectacular at Christmas when the house lends itself to an annual Victorian Christmas event and you can explore and learn of the story of the family who once lived there.
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This is a great addition to your day trips! Please link my picture if you decide to use or I can send others without me in it if need😊