If you’re craving a scenic escape from the city, an Ontario day trip from Toronto through the Hills of Headwaters offers the perfect blend of rural charm, nature, food, and culture. Just 60–90 minutes from the GTA, this route is packed with unique stops that showcase the best of small-town Ontario. Whether you’re planning a fall adventure, a spring tasting tour, or a year-round getaway, this guide highlights the must-visit destinations to make your Ontario day trip from Toronto unforgettable.
🚗 First Stop: Elliott Tree Farm – Weekend Sugarbush Experience
Kick off your day with a true Canadian tradition at Elliott Tree Farm. Located just outside Hillsburgh, this family-run farm offers a Weekend Sugarbush Experience Tour & Tasting during the off-season months. Walk scenic trails, explore the sugar shack, and enjoy delicious maple toffee and syrup tastings by the fire. Book ahead to reserve your spot for this cozy, educational, and delicious experience.
📍 Book Now at shop.elliotttreefarm.ca
🍎 Sip & Savour: Heartwood Cidery and GoodLot Brewery
No day trip is complete without a craft beverage stop—or two! Head over to Heartwood Farm & Cidery for small-batch, nature-inspired ciders. Then make your way to GoodLot Farmstead Brewing, an organic hop farm and solar-powered brewery known for its fresh, hyper-local beers brewed in Caledon. Both offer laid-back atmospheres and tastings that pair perfectly with Ontario’s rolling hills.
🌲 Nature Break: Forks of the Credit & Belfountain Conservation Area
Stretch your legs with a visit to Forks of the Credit Provincial Park for a scenic hike along rivers, waterfalls, and rail trails. Then continue on to Belfountain Conservation Area, a charming spot with a historic bridge, bubbling creek, and fairy-tale forest vibes.
🛍️ Small-Town Strolling: Downtown Erin
Make your way to Downtown Erin, a picturesque village with a warm welcome. Enjoy a hearty meal at The Busholme, indulge in a sweet treat at Holtom’s Bakery, or grab a cozy coffee at Jess for You Café. Local shops and boutiques make this a great place for browsing and people-watching.
🌿 Next Up: Hereward Farms
A short drive away is Hereward Farms, a beautiful lavender and skincare destination nestled in the countryside. Stroll through the fields, visit the boutique, and browse their all-natural lavender-infused products, perfect for gifts or a little self-care.
Field tickets are required in order to visit the fields. View details
🏛️ Heritage and Hospitality: Fergus & Elora
Drive north to Fergus and Elora, two side-by-side towns filled with history and charm. Explore the Wellington County Museum and Archives, then enjoy a meal or cocktail at the elegant Breadalbane Inn, a heritage property known for its atmosphere and cuisine.
🗺️ Make It a Weekend
This Ontario day trip can easily turn into a weekend getaway. Stay at The Settler’s Cabin or Rustic Beach House at Elliott Tree Free or one of the charming inns along the way. With scenic routes, friendly faces, and delicious stops at every turn, this is the kind of trip that captures the heart of Ontario. View Accommodations
🧁 Ontario Day Trip from Toronto Final Stop: Alton
Wrap up your adventure with a stop in Alton on your way back to the city, where you can grab something sweet from R3 Bakery, relax at the luxurious Millcroft Inn & Spa, or explore the Alton Mill Arts Centre—a beautifully restored stone mill filled with galleries, artisan studios, and events.
💡 Tips for Planning Your Ontario Day Trip From Toronto:
• Start early to make the most of your stops
• Check business hours for each location—especially seasonal ones
• Bring a cooler for cider, maple syrup, and bakery finds
• Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and wandering
Ready to escape the city? Start your Ontario day trip from Toronto and explore the Hills of Headwaters and beyond—you’ll come back refreshed, inspired, and maybe with a few bottles of syrup and cider in hand!
