Yes, we all love a good weekend in the woods — but sometimes you want the fresh air without a full-on camping commitment. Whether you’re a city dweller looking for a quick escape or a camper craving a day trip between trips, these outdoor spaces near Toronto are perfect for stretching your legs, clearing your mind, and getting a little dirt under your nails.
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite (and underrated!) nature spots within a short drive of the city — no tent required.
1. Hamilton Waterfalls
Hamilton isn’t just steel and highways — it’s actually the Waterfall Capital of the World with over 100 falls in the region. That’s right: 100.
Yep, you read that right. Hamilton is home to over 100 waterfalls, and many are just a short drive from downtown Toronto. Some crowd favourites? Webster’s Falls, Tew Falls, and Albion Falls. Pack a picnic, lace up your hiking boots, and spend the day chasing falls.
🗺️ Distance from Toronto: ~1 hour
🌿 Vibe: Lush trails, scenic lookouts, and lots of Instagrammable views
💡 Campa Tip: These spots can get busy on weekends—arrive early or go on a weekday if you can.
2. Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
Mono Cliffs is where you go when you want to feel far from the city without actually being that far. It’s part of the Bruce Trail and offers everything from boardwalks and forest trails to incredible cliff views.
🗺️ Distance from Toronto: ~1.5 hours
🌿 Vibe: Quiet, woodsy, perfect for unplugging
💡 Campa Tip: Great for fall hikes—those autumn colours hit different here.
3. Rouge National Urban Park
Right in the city’s backyard, Rouge Park is Canada’s first national urban park. It’s got everything: forests, wetlands, beaches, and over 12 km of trails. Plus, it’s TTC accessible. Yes, you can literally take public transit to the wild.
🗺️ Distance from Toronto: ~30–40 min
🌿 Vibe: Super accessible, nature meets city
💡 Campa Tip: Bring binoculars! This place is a hotspot for birdwatching.
🏖️ 4. Toronto Islands
Just a ferry ride away, the Toronto Islands are like a mini vacation without ever leaving the city. Rent a bike, chill on the beach, explore Centre Island, or just enjoy the peaceful vibes with a killer view of the skyline.
🗺️ Distance from Toronto: ~15 min ferry ride
🌿 Vibe: Breezy, laid-back, urban-meets-nature
💡 Campa Tip: Catch the sunset ferry back—it’s magic.
5. Peterborough Lift Lock + Trent-Severn Waterway
For a mix of outdoors and cool engineering, head east to the Peterborough Lift Lock, one of the highest hydraulic lift locks in the world. It’s surrounded by green spaces, the Trent-Severn Waterway, and great trails to stroll along the canal.
🗺️ Distance from Toronto: ~1.5 hours
🌿 Vibe: Chill, historic, family-friendly
💡 Campa Tip: Stop by the Peterborough Museum nearby to add a little culture to your trip.
How to Get There (Without Losing It)
Most of these spots are within 1.5 to 2 hours of Toronto by car. A few are GO Train and ferry-friendly (hello, Rouge and the Islands). If you don’t have your own vehicle, grab a friend with one or look into local car shares like Communauto
TL;DR: Nature’s Closer Than You Think
You don’t have to disappear into the wilderness to get a breath of fresh air. From waterfalls to wild islands, Ontario’s got outdoor magic right in Toronto’s backyard.
Save this list, share it with a friend, and start planning your next nature date.
