Serving over 72 million passengers per year, Toronto Union Station is Canada’s busiest transportation facility. It’s also the third busiest train station in North America, coming in just behind New York’s Penn Station and Grand Central station. Located in downtown Toronto, this historic station can be hard to avoid.
Toronto has the best-developed public transit network in all of Canada, so if you’re looking to take a day trip by bus or by train, this is the place to do it. There are several interesting destinations you can reach from Toronto Union Station, making this the ideal gateway to exploring more of Ontario and beyond.
Drop off your bags at luggage storage at Toronto Union Station, and you can explore everything this region has to offer.
Hamilton
Just an hour away by GO Train, Hamilton is a great destination for those who love the outdoors. With over 100 waterfalls and hiking trails, this city is perfect for a nature lover’s day trip. Visit Albion Falls, Devil’s Punchbowl, Ancaster Mill Falls, and Tew’s Falls while you’re in town.
This former industrial town has done a lot to revitalize itself in recent years. The Royal Botanical Gardens are well worth a visit, as is the 19th-century mansion known as Dundurn Castle. For fans of aviation, Hamilton is also home to the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Plus, the HMCS Haida is a National Historic Site where you can explore a preserved warship on a guided tour. Although it’s very close to Toronto, Hamilton offers some great things to do that can give you a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
St. Catharines
If you’re a fan of wine, head to the Niagara region for a day of wine tasting in St. Catharines and its surroundings. The Niagara region is home to over 50 wineries, and you can easily spend a day visiting them all. Be sure to try the Icewine, a local specialty made from grapes frozen on the vine. The Niagara Icewine Festival is held every January, but you can enjoy this delicious wine all year round.
St. Catharines is also home to the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre, which tells yo everything you ever wanted to know about this important shipping canal. Keep things low-key and take a walk through Brock’s Monument or visit the Marilyn Monroe Spas.
Kitchener-Waterloo
Just an hour away by train, Kitchener-Waterloo is perfect for those who love shopping and good food. Visit the St Jacobs Farmer’s Market, shop for locally made goods at the Kitchener Market, or take a tour of the Mennonite Heritage Village.
This region is also home to several craft breweries, so it’s perfect for beer lovers. Take a tour of the Brick Brewing Company, Waterloo Brewing Company, or Twin Lakes Brewery. Or visit one of the many bars and restaurants in the area that serve local craft beer. For a unique dining experience, try the Dumpling House, where you can choose from over 100 different dumplings.
Owen Sound
Looking for a getaway that’s a little further away? Owen Sound is about 2.5 hours by GO Train from Toronto Union Station. This city is located on Georgian Bay, making it a great destination for those who love being by the water. Spend your day kayaking, canoeing, or swimming in the bay. Or hike the Bruce Trail for stunning views of the water.
For a dose of culture, visit the Tom Thomson Art Gallery or the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library. You can also learn about the city’s history at the Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum. And be sure to try the local food specialties like smoked trout, fiddleheads, and maple syrup while you’re in town.
Barrie
Barrie is a popular day trip destination for those who love the outdoors. Located on the shores of Lake Simcoe, this city offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating and acts as the gateway to Ontario’s Cottage Country. You can also hike or bike the many trails in the area, including the Barrie Waterfront Trail.
In the winter, Barrie is a great place to go skiing or snowboarding at one of the nearby resorts. And be sure to visit Santa’s Village, a festive outdoor attraction that’s open year-round. For a taste of local culture, check out the MacLaren Art Centre or catch a performance at the Georgian Theatre Company.
Niagara Falls
Of course, no list of day trips from Toronto would be complete without a visit to Niagara Falls. Just an hour away by GO Train, Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. There’s plenty to see and do here, from taking a boat ride to the base of the falls to visiting the butterfly conservatory.
For those who want to get closer to the action, there are several walking and hiking trails that offer great views of the falls. Or you can take a zip line adventure and fly right over them. And don’t forget to sample some of the delicious local food, like Niagara stone fruit or wine ice cream.
You can also check out Niagara Fallsview Casino, one of the largest casinos in Canada. With over 3000 slot machines and 150 table games, there’s plenty to keep you entertained here. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at casino games like blackjack, roulette, or poker.
Ajax
Just a short GO Train ride from Toronto, Ajax is perfect for those who want to spend a day at the beach. Pickering Beach is the main attraction here, with its long stretches of sand and beautiful views of Lake Ontario. You can also visit the Ajax Waterfront Park, Greenwood Conservation Area, or Rotary Sunrise Point Park.
For a dose of culture, check out the Ajax Arts Centre or the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. Or take a walk through Historic Downtown Ajax to see some of the city’s historic buildings.
Conclusion
Sometimes derisively called The Center of the Universe by Canadians who don’t live there, Toronto tends to steal the limelight from its neighboring cities. But if you’re looking for something different, exploring the other towns in this region can be a very rewarding experience. And Toronto Union Station is the best place to start.
As well as these day trips, the station allows you to take longer trips to places like Montréal, Ottawa, and New York City. So drop off your bags at convenient luggage storage, and you’ll find plenty to see and do in the region.
