Toronto 
Itching to get away, even for a day, to enjoy the elusive sunny days of spring? Here are 25-day trips from Toronto to enjoy the best of spring.
Credit: Huron Birding Festival
Maple Syrup After Dark Tours [Various Places]
Celebrate the first taste of spring with sugar bush season near Toronto. Ideal for a family outing or unique date night, evening maple syrup tours are now offered at three conservation areas: Purple Woods in Oshawa, Terra Cotta in Halton Hills, and Kortright Centre in Vaughan. Enjoy the sweet tradition with after-dark experiences this March.
U-Pick Tulips [Various Places]
Tulip season brings vibrant blooms across Ontario, with flower farms and festivals offering colourful spring experiences. Visitors can pick fresh tulips at scenic farms like Pingle’s Farm and Country Cut Flowers in the Greater Toronto Area and TASC Tulip Farm, and JP Niagara Tulip Farm in the Niagara Region. Most farms open in late April, weather permitting, with admission ranging from $14 to $50.
Birding [Various Places]
The diverse habitats across Ontario support marsh, shore and field birds and a spectacular number of migratory birds stop over at various parts of Ontario during spring migration. Plenty of events are held to celebrate this wonder of a phenomenon. Here are the most famous and must-attend festivals, whether you are an avid birder or just looking to spend some time immersed in nature.
Flower Festivals [Various Places]
You do not have to be a florist, an anthophile, or a gardener to be excited by the sight and smell of flowers. The love of flowers cuts across age and gender; flowers are a sign of love, gratitude, and beauty and are favoured plants the world over. Visit the gardens or attend a festival to enjoy the best of spring.
Dundurn Castle [1 hr from Toronto]
Part of the Dundurn National Historic Site, Dundurn Castle is a 40-room neoclassical villa built in the 1930s. It has strong historical significance to Hamilton’s early settlers and to several wars. The opulence of the castle draws many visitors to check out a slice of Canadian history.
Website
Wineries in Beamsville [1 hr from Toronto]
Beamsville is one of the closest wine-growing regions to Toronto, a place that many top Ontario producers call home because of its great sloping vineyards and consistent growing conditions – perfect for growing. There is a relaxed lull about the region and plenty of wineries to satisfy your taste buds.
Midland [1 hr 50 minutes from Toronto]
Midland is made from the stuff that history buffs love – dotted with notable historic sites, the town was founded back in 1878, and shows off its living museum of missionary life in the 17th century, the Roman Catholic Martyrs’ Shrine, and the Wye Marsh Wildlife Center for a little nature break.
Sibbald Point [1 hr 30 minutes from Toronto]
Sibbald Point is one of Ontario’s top choices for swimming, fishing, and camping trip. The waters of Lake Simcoe welcome visitors for swimming, the abundance of fish allow anglers to get a good catch, and six group sites for camping.
Address: 26071 York Rd 18
Phone: 905-722-8061
Fifty Point Conservation Area [1 hr 10 minutes from Toronto]
This vast 80-hectare park has brilliant marina facilities and a wonderful lakefront promenade. Go for a dip in Lake Ontario, pack a picnic, and even stay overnight on a campsite. Spring is the ideal season to experience it all in this conservation area.
Spirit Tree Cidery [1 hr 10 minutes from Toronto]
Credit: Spirit Tree Estate Cidery
The Spirit Tree Cidery is not just a cidery, it is a kitchen, bakery, and farm store that focuses on local products and keeping it small and community-focused. Spoil yourself with excellent baked goods and homemade cider, or even pick your own apples and maybe something up from the farm shop.
Spirit Tree offers 45-minute guided cidery tours every Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM for $15 per person. The tour includes visits to the orchard, cellar, and production area, plus three cider samples.
Address: 1137 Boston Mills Road, Caledon
Phone: 905-838-2530
Island Lake Conservation Area [1 hr 20 minutes from Toronto]
Just a short way away from the city, this beautiful nature haven is a great place to walk, hike, fish, paddleboard, and even just be outdoors after exploring downtown Orangeville. Many families enjoy coming here for the short trails and boardwalk.
Address: 673067 Hurontario Street, Orangeville
Phone: 800-367-0890
Aberfoyle Antique Market [1 hr from Toronto]
Less than an hour from Toronto, the Aberfoyle Antique Market in Guelph is Canada’s oldest and largest outdoor antique market, operating since 1961. Open Sundays from the last weekend of April to October, it features over 100 dealers weekly, offering antiques, folk art, furniture, vintage clothing, and more—making it a must-visit for collectors and treasure hunters alike.
Address: 57 Brock Road South, Puslinch (Guelph)
Wine Country Cooking School [1 hr 40 minutes from Toronto]
Get hands-on experience at the Wine Country Cooking School with five-hour-long classes on cooking that involve local products in three courses. Eat alongside other participants of the course and enjoy wine pairings in the private dining room.
Address: 1339 Lakeshore Road, RR#3, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Phone: 905-468-1229
Royal Botanical Gardens [1 hr from Toronto]
Credit: Royal Botanical Garden
A hotspot for events and fun activities, the Royal Botanical Gardens connects the public to the wonders of plant life and horticulture. Check out the plants and flowers of the season and the art in the park, and walk on a nature trail.
During spring, Royal Botanical Gardens’ cherry trees and award-winning Magnolia collections bloom, displaying delicate pinkish flowers.
Address: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Phone: 905-527-1158
Niagara Falls [1 hr 30 minutes from Toronto]
A quintessential Ontario adventure is a trip to Niagara Falls – the title encompasses the three waterfalls: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. The falls are a stunning vision of natural beauty by day and light up at night.
Warkworth [2 hrs from Toronto]
Warkworth has become synonymous with the Warkworth Lilac Festival, which runs throughout May. It possesses a pervading rural charm and has a distinct, well-preserved medieval castle that can be viewed over the rest of the structures and houses. Many enjoy visiting the village for its historical buildings and artisan shops.
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain [2 hrs 10 minutes from Toronto]
Credit: Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
Soak in a Scandinavian Bath and transport yourself into another world, where your worries are gone and your body is rejuvenated. A trip to the spa in the Spring season is especially rewarding, as you can also indulge in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Address: 152 Grey Road 21, Blue Mountains
Phone: 877-988-8484
Website
Elora [1 hr 45 minutes from Toronto]
Elora is a great location for a spring trip, offering scenic views along the Grand River and near the Elora Gorge. The historic Elora Mill, now a hotel and spa, overlooks the river, while the town’s charming streets and preserved buildings house local shops, accommodations, and cafés—making it an ideal spot for a relaxing seasonal getaway.
Address: 7400 Wellington County Rd.
Phone: 519-846-9742
Stratford [2 hrs from Toronto]
Stratford is known for its arts. The city has hosted the Stratford Shakespeare Festival since 1953 and boasts theatre-themed bed and breakfasts, local neighbourhood-style bars and restaurants, and live music culture. Visit Stratford in April for Doors Open, and watch the gorgeous and graceful swans on the Avon River and enjoy the various food trails showcasing the town’s food culture.
The Toronto Islands [15-minute ferry ride from Toronto]
This chain of small islands comes together to form a highly popular recreation spot for Torontonians and tourists. Biking is the most popular activity, along with canoeing, kayaking, and frisbee golf, and it is simply relaxing on a quiet spring day.
Website
Niagara-on-the-Lake [1 hr 30 minutes from Toronto]
This quaint, picturesque town near the famed Niagara Falls is a top destination for Spring. Due to its 19th-century village/wine country feel, it is described as the prettiest town in Ontario. You can take a tour, stop by a winery, or learn about the history of the town.
Rock Point Provincial Park [1 hr 50 minutes from Toronto]
Credit: Rock Point Provincial Park
The highlight of Rock Point Provincial Park is the fossils of a coral reef dating back to more than 350 million years embedded in the beach’s limestone shelf. Great swimming opportunities are available at the natural pebble/sand beach.
Address: 215 Niece Road, Dunnville
Phone: 905-774-6642
Waterfalls of Owen Sound and Grey County [2 hours from Toronto]
Grey County is a great spring destination, especially during the spring melts when its many waterfalls are at their most powerful. Located in the lower Bruce Peninsula, the area offers stunning scenery from Lake Huron to the Niagara Escarpment. A waterfall road trip through Grey County showcases its rural charm, forests, cliffs, rivers, and diverse, dramatic falls.
Rockwood Conservation Area [1 hour 15 minutes from Toronto]
Canoe on the Eramosa River or hike on one of the trails along it at the Rockwood Conservation Area as you take in the towering limestone cliffs and glacial potholes. The entire setting of the area is picture-perfect, where the greenery reflects perfectly in the clear water.
Address: 161 Fall Street South, Rockwood
Phone: 519-856-9543
Ste. Anne’s Spa [1 hr 30 minutes from Toronto]
Credit: Ste. Anne’s Spa
Take a well-deserved break from busy city life and treat yourself to a spa day at Ste. Anne’s Spa. The spa provides outdoor hot tubs, a wellness center, and massage services.
Address: 1009 Massey Rd, Grafton
Phone: 888-346-6772
