Summertime in the city can be a sticky, sweaty and busy time that might make you yearn to trade crowded sidewalks for more peaceful views of trees and water, but you don’t have to drive to get out of the city. Here are some ideas on how you can enjoy some summertime getaways using transit:
Take the GO & Ontario Northland Bus to Muskoka
After a successful pilot between GO Transit and Ontario Northland last summer, the service is back this year to offer cottagers an alternative to driving. This service is a combination of train and bus that gets you from Union Station to Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville, or North Bay and runs each weekend until September 1. Plan your trip here.
Take the GO to Niagara
The Niagara Seasonal Weekend GO Train runs each weekend from June 21 to September 2 and for Thanksgiving weekend (October 12-14). Bring your bike and explore the trails or bike to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Trains on Saturday and Sunday have 2-3 bike cars that can hold up to 18 bikes each. Plan your trip here.
Take Parkbus to explore provincial parks
Parkbus connects Torontonians to several Ontario Provincial Parks, as well as one free shuttle to Rouge National Urban Park. They also offer guided hike day trips. Plan your trip here.
Use the GO to get to Darlington Provincial Park
Bring your bike and take the Lakeshore East GO train from Union or 96 GO bus from North York to Oshawa GO/VIA rail station. From there, it’s a 45 minute bike ride to the park along the Waterfront Trail.
Other things to note
Don’t forget that kids 12 and under ride free on GO Transit, and on Ontario Northland! And if you decide you want to stay in the city, your PRESTO card gets you all sorts of discounts at local attractions.
