Family summer road trip to theme parks and attractions in the Toronto area

Stop 1: Canada’s Wonderland, Vaughan

Approximate distance and travel time:

• From Sarnia, 180 miles (290 kilometres), 2 hours and 45 minutes
• From Windsor, 230 miles (370 kilometres), 3 hours and 45 minutes

Vibrant, family-friendly and a stone’s throw from Toronto, Vaughan is a bustling, diverse city that’s home to Canada’s Wonderland, the entertaining first stop for your road trip.

Things to do

Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is a 330-acre (134-hectare) amusement park with over 200 attractions, including soaring roller coasters and lazy river tubing.

Over a dozen thrilling roller coasters and gravity-defying drops, including the Leviathan and the Tundra Twister, will keep thrill-seekers entertained. Splash Works, Canada’s Wonderland water park, boasts 20 acres (eight hectares) of wave pools, water slides, cliff jumping and kiddie slides.

For families with younger kids, KidZville features multiple attractions for kids like Taxi Jam, Splash Station, Character Carousel and Jumpin’ Jet.

Fuel up with food at sit-down dining spots like the Treetop café or the Chicken Shack. Head to the Grab & Go Market or one of the many stalls across the park for something quick. Gluten-free, Halal, vegan and vegetarian options are available.

Find information on tickets and passes. Purchase tickets online before your visit to save on the price of admission.

Location: 1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Located inside the Vaughan Mills shopping centre, LEGOLAND Discovery Centreexhibits are made up of over two million LEGO bricks. This must-see attraction features rides, a 4D cinema, a large play area and a store.

Location: 1 Bass Pro Mills Drive, Vaughan

Kortright Centre for Conservation

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this suburban conservation area with a 9.94-mile (16-kilometre) trail network for hiking and biking. The centre offers excellent programs for adults and children on biodiversity, sustainability and environmental conservation. It’s also a great spot to purchase maple syrup products.

Location: 9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge

Where to eat

Kotsy’s Restaurant

A Vaughan institution that serves all-day breakfast and classic dinner, Kotsy’s Restaurant is a retro 1950’s style diner that is family-owned and operated.

Location: 2104 Highway 7, Concord

Belsito Trattoria

Popular for its seasonal patio, Belsito Trattoria serves traditional Italian fare that combines authentic Mediterranean ingredients with premium local and imported products.

Location: 10429 Islington Avenue, Vaughan

Ciao Roma

This local favourite serves Roman-style pizzas, house-made arancini and build-your-own salads made fresh to order.

Location: 28 Roytec Road #12a, Woodbridge

Old Firehall Confectionery

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the finest chocolates and cookies made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Location: 10449 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg

Places to stay 

Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Vaughan

An ideal hotel for those looking to be close to all the action, plus an indoor pool and free parking.

Location:3201 Highway 7, Vaughan

SpringHill Suites Toronto Vaughan

This all-suite hotel features free onsite parking and complimentary breakfast just four miles (six kilometres) from Canada’s Wonderland.

Location:612 Applewood Crescent, Vaughan

Stop 2: Toronto Zoo

Approximate distance and travel time from Vaughan to Toronto Zoo: 30 miles (50 kilometres), 40 minutes

Things to do at the Toronto Zoo

Before heading to the downtown core of Toronto for your next overnight stay, visit the Toronto Zoo.

Save time and money with the Toronto CityPass that provides entrance into five of the city’s most popular attractions, including the CN Tower, Casa Loma, the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto Zoo and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Wear your walking shoes because it’s the largest zoo in Canada, covering over 700 acres (287 hectares). The zoo is divided into seven different geographic zones: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain.

Location: 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto

Stop 3: Toronto

Approximate distance and travel time from Vaughan to Toronto: 25 miles (40 kilometres), 45 minutes

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the most multicultural city in North America. Start your visit at the “Toronto” sign in Nathan Phillips Square (the city’s ultimate selfie spot), then take in all the sights, attractions and food options this metropolis offers.

Things to do

CN Tower

No visit to Toronto is complete without a ride to the top of the 144-storey, 180-foot tall (55-metres) CN Tower. Get lunch at the revolving 360 Restaurant, or join an EdgeWalk, an open-air, hands-free walk around the exterior of the tower.

Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Explore the aquatic world with multiple viewing galleries and artificial reefs, a discovery centre and live diving shows.

Location: 288 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Little Canada

Enjoy detailed, miniature exhibits representing some of the most iconic landmarks in Canada. You can also create a mini replica of yourself to take home or add to the exhibit.

Location: 10 Dundas Street East, Basement 2, Toronto

Village at Black Creek

Step back into the 1800s with historically accurate buildings, costumed interpreters and live demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Location: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto

Toronto Islands

From the 30 exciting rides at the Centreville Amusement Park, the petting zoo at Far Enough Farm, bike rentals, beaches and splash pads, there are many activities for the whole family to enjoy at Centre Island. Catch the ferry to Toronto Islands at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.

Location: 9 Queens Quay West, Toronto

Toronto Railway Museum

Discover Canada’s rail history. Located steps from the CN Tower, the museum offers tours of a historic roundhouse and a chance to walk through historic rail cars.

Location: 255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

The Royal Ontario Museum

Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum offers everything from a bat cave and hands-on biodiversity gallery to dinosaur exhibits and Egyptian mummies.

Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto

Bata Shoe Museum

Explore over 4,500 years of history as told through the world of footwear. This unique museum houses an impressive permanent collection inside a shoebox-inspired building.

Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Art Gallery of Ontario

One of Canada’s premier art galleries, the AGO offers the chance to view world-class exhibits and participate in kid-friendly activities. Check the schedule for family-oriented events. The museum is free for all visitors 25 and under.

Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Museum of Illusions

Experience mind-bending optical illusions! You’re encouraged to interact with the exhibits at this engaging and educational attraction.

Location: 132 Front Street East, Toronto

iArtS Museum

Toronto’s first 3D illusion art exhibit invites visitors to immerse themselves in 3D art installations and discover new perspectives.

Location: 580 King Street West, 2nd Floor, Toronto

Toronto Eaton Centre

With over 230 shops and restaurants, the Toronto Eaton Centre offers endless shopping entertainment. Located in the heart of the city on Yonge Street, across from Sankofa Square.

Location: 220 Yonge Street, Toronto

Hockey Hall of Fame

A must for every devoted and casual hockey fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a 65,000-square-foot shrine to Canada’s favourite sport, filled with history and collections from around the world.

Location: 30 Yonge Street, Toronto

Major League Sports

Depending on the time of year you plan to visit, Toronto offers numerous opportunities to watch live professional sports. If the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs or the NBA’s Toronto Raptors make the playoffs, cheer them on at the Scotiabank Arena. Catch an MLB Blue Jays game in the Rogers Centre, aka the Skydome. Toronto also offers an opportunity for football fans to catch the local CFL team, the Toronto Argonauts, at BMO Field or Toronto’s Major League Soccer team, the Toronto FC.

Locations:

• Scotiabank Arena, 40 Bay Street, Toronto
• Rogers Centre, One Blue Jays Way, Toronto
• BMO Field, 170 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto

Where to eat 

Cora

For breakfast or lunch in a family-friendly atmosphere, head to the heart of the Entertainment District for a variety of hearty brunch options ranging from French toast and pancakes to skillets and sandwiches.

Location: 106 Front Street East #102, Toronto

Patrician Grill

Find classic diner-style breakfasts and lunches at this downtown Toronto landmark. Built in the 1950s, the diner features cozy booths and 50s-style counter service.

Location: 219 King Street East, Toronto

The Rec Room

Enjoy dining and gaming at The Rec Room. This unique food and entertainment spot offers over 40,000 square feet of family-friendly games and Canadian-inspired cuisine.

Location: 255 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto

Sportsnet Grill

Located inside the Marriott City Centre Hotel, the Sportsnet Grill serves everything from burgers to bowls and kids' meals.

Location: 1 Blue Jays Way, Toronto

Medieval Times

Dine on food fit for royalty! You’ll enjoy a four-course meal that includes garlic bread, roasted chicken, sweet, buttered corn and herb-basted potatoes and dessert while being entertained by an exciting tournament of jousting and horsemanship.

Location: 10 Dufferin Street, Toronto

Amsterdam Brewhouse

Choose from burgers, schnitzel, smoked brisket or fish, along with a view of the harbour. The restaurant also features a large patio, weather permitting.

Location: 245 Queens Quay West, Toronto

The Old Spaghetti Factory

A Toronto classic serving pasta dishes and more in a lively, family-friendly space. Located minutes from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Location: 54 The Esplanade, Toronto

Places to stay

The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto

Located on Blue Jays Way in Toronto’s entertainment district, The Sutton Place Hotel is within walking distance of numerous sites and attractions. The hotel offers on-site parking, a fitness centre and an indoor pool.

Location: 355 King Street West, Toronto

Sheraton Centre Hotel

Located close to the Eaton Centre and CN Tower, this hotel features a swimming pool with a lifeguard on duty. The hotel is directly accessible via the underground PATH network with shops, services and restaurants. Paid valet parking is offered.

Location: 123 Queen Street West, Toronto

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Toronto

This property offers family-friendly stays near Dundas Square, the CN Tower and the Eaton Centre. The hotel features a 24-hour gym. Paid parking is available.

Location: 475 Yonge Street, Toronto

Chelsea Hotel

Chelsea caters to families with a fun zone complete with a teen lounge, kids’ centre, heated pool and Toronto's only indoor waterslide, the “Corkscrew”. Underground paid parking is available.

Location: 33 Gerrard Street West, Toronto

Stop 4: Hamilton

Approximate distance and travel time from Toronto to Hamilton: 44 miles (70 kilometres), 1.5 hours

Known as the “City of Waterfalls”, Hamilton is renowned for great food and drink, its CFL team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and a wide variety of family-friendly attractions.

Things to do

Wild Waterworks

With a large, heated wave pool, twisting waterslides and a wading pool with mists and sprays, you’ll cool off from the summer heat in no time.

Location: 680 Waterfront Trail, Hamilton

Dundurn Castle

Built in the 1830s, Dundurn is a 40-room Italianate-style villa built on Burlington Heights—the site of a British military encampment during the War of 1812. 

Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Explore Canada’s aviation history. Book an actual flight in a vintage Lancaster Bomber, or try out their FZ Fly Zone virtual reality flight simulator.

Location: 9280 Airport Road, Mount Hope

HMCS Haida

Tour a Tribal class destroyer that served in the Second World War, the Korean Conflict and the Cold War. A National Historic Site, the HMCS Haida is a must-see for anyone interested in military history.

Location: Pier 9, 658 Catharine Street North, Hamilton

African Lion Safari

Drive your car through the park or take a guided tour on a safari bus, where you’ll see lions, giraffes, zebras and more. You can also watch engaging animal presentations like the birds of prey flying demonstration.

Location: 1386 Cooper Road, Cambridge

Adventure Village

Enjoy mini golf, batting cages, bumper cars, rock climbing, laser tag and more at this fun amusement park perfect for the young and young at heart.

Location: 580 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton

Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Cheer at a CFL football game at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field. The season runs from May to October, with tickets available for purchase in advance.

Location: 64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton

Forge FC

At the same Tim Hortons Field, watch a Canadian Premier League soccer match.

Location: 64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton

Canadian Football Hall of Fame

Learn about Canada’s football history and its greatest players. This 10,000-square-foot space can be found on the club level at Tim Hortons Field.

Location: 64 Melrose Avenue North, Hamilton

Where to eat

Electric Diner

A colourful spot for creative breakfasts in a trendy neon-lit space.

Location: 96 George Street, Hamilton

HAMBRGR

Fill up on monster hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and class milkshakes.

Location: 207 Ottawa Street North, Hamilton

Hamilton Farmers’ Market

Satisfy everyone’s craving with a variety of ready-to-eat food stalls and sweet treats.

Location: 35 York Boulevard, Hamilton

Places to stay 

Sheraton Hamilton Hotel

A modern, comfortable hotel within walking distance of many popular attractions like the Art Gallery of Hamilton, Hamilton Farmers’ Market and FirstOntario Concert Hall. Park in the hotel-owned car park.

Location: 116 King Street West, Hamilton

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Enjoy spacious family suites along with access to the indoor pool, fitness centre and complimentary hot breakfast. On-site parking is available.

Location: 40 Bay Street South, Hamilton

Crossing the border

Required documents

U.S. visitors to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card.

Find out what else you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.

Border crossing locations

There are 14 road border crossings from the United States into Ontario. The closest border crossing locations from Michigan into Canada include:

Border crossing locations from Michigan into Canada include:

• Detroit Windsor Tunnel, Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario
• Ambassador Bridge, Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario
• Blue Water Bridge, Port Huron, Michigan to Point Edward and Sarnia, Ontario

Before travelling, check border wait times.

Getting around

You’ll need a private vehicle to complete this self-driving Ontario road trip in its entirety.

Toronto has an extensive transit system, including city streetcars, subway and bus network and a regional train service. Buy a TTC Day Pass to move around the city at your leisure.

Parking

Find parking around Toronto at pay & display meters. Most paid parking spots are valid for three hours and bookable using their mobile app. Check the signage and the rate card carefully before parking.

In Hamilton, there are $2/hour parking meters throughout downtown and pay & display machines in most city car parks. Some are free on Saturdays or after 6:00 p.m. Check the parking meter for the operational hours and required fee.