Attractions Nearby Toronto, Day Trips and Excursions

(Toronto, Ontario - ON, Canada)

The surrounding areas of Toronto provide visitors with plenty of attractions to keep them entertained during their stay. Many people choose to make the journey from Toronto to the spectacular Niagara Falls, only a 1-hour, 30-minute trip by car.

For those who prefer to stay within closer proximity of the city, other attractions include Toronto Islands, which make for the ideal city escape. With three islands to choose from, Center Island is the most popular and is home to Centerville Amusement Park, which full of attractions for those with children. Other attractions nearby Toronto include the Woodbine Racetrack, Scarborough Historical Museum and Toronto Zoo, one of the best zoos in the world.

Toronto Islands

Address: 84 Advance Road, Bay Street and Queen's Quay, Etobicoke, Ontario, M8Z 2TZ, (ON) Canada
Tel: 1 416 203 0405
Consisting of three islands - Center Island, Ward's Island and Hanlon's Point - the Toronto Islands are ideal for a day trip from the city and are easily accessible via a 10-minute ferry ride from Bay Street docks. The islands are filled with attractions, activities and entertainment including Centerville Amusement Park, while outdoor pursuits are popular here, with cycling, rollerblading, sunbathing and boating being favorite activities. Public picnic areas and barbecues are provided and there are a number of beaches, where you can relax and enjoy spectacular view of downtown Toronto.
Open hours: year round
Admission: charge for ferry and some attractions, discounts for students and children

Scarborough Historical Museum

Address: 1007 Brimley Road, Lawrence Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario, M1P 3E8, (ON) Canada
Tel: +1 416 338 8807
A great day out for the whole family, Scarborough Historical Museum is situated in Thomson Memorial Park in Bendale, Scarborough, close to Toronto. Chronicling the history of the area since the 1700s, when Bendale was just a rural community, the museum gives visitors an educational insight into life at these times. Encompassing four buildings - Cornell House, McCowan Log House, Hough Carriage Works and Kennedy Display Annex - the site can be toured with costumed guides, while attractions around the grounds include bike trails and a petting zoo.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children, on weekends admission is by donation

Toronto Zoo

Address: 361A Old Finch Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario, M1B 5K7, (ON) Canada
Tel: +1 416 392 5900
This is one of the top 10 zoos in the world and visitors will learn why after just one visit. With vast and spacious natural environments for the animal attractions, Toronto Zoo is the ideal place to enjoy well-kept animals in habitats, as close to those found in the wild. Boasting more than 5,000 animals, visitors can spend the whole day following various well-marked trails covering 540 acres / 220 hectares.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 16:30, seasonal variations apply
Admission: charge

Woodbine Racetrack

Address: 555 Rexdale Boulevard, Highway 27, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9W 5L2, (ON) Canada
Tel: +1 416 675 7223
Located in Etobicoke and easily accessible from downtown Toronto, Woodbine Racetrack is one of Canada's premier horse-racing attractions. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of the race, with the famous Queen's Plate race being hosted here each year. Spectators have the opportunity to watch both thoroughbreds and standardbreds race on the same day, with admission being free.
Open hours: Thoroughbreds: Wednesday - 16:30; Thursday to Sunday - 12:55; Harness: Monday and Tuesday, and Thursday to Saturday - 19:20; Tours: Saturday and Sunday - 09:30, seasonal variations apply
Admission: free