The beautiful game has finally arrived in Toronto! As thousands of football fans from across the globe descend upon the city for the FIFA World Cup, the energy downtown is absolutely electric.

But if you are only sticking to the stadium grounds at Exhibition Place and the downtown fan zones, you are missing out on the true Ontario experience.

Toronto is a massive, sprawling metropolis, and some of the most breathtaking views, premium dining, and iconic landmarks sit just outside the downtown core. Navigating the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) via public transit or relying on surge-priced rideshares can quickly drain your limited vacation time and energy.

If you truly want to explore the GTA on your own schedule between match days, renting a car is your ticket to ultimate freedom. Here are five must-see travel spots near Toronto you need to add to your itinerary—and exactly how to get there.

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1. Niagara-on-the-Lake & Niagara Falls

• The Vibe: World-famous wonders, historic architecture, and premium wine tasting.
• Why You Need a Car: While you can take a crowded tour bus to the falls, having your own premium ride allows you to bypass the standard tourist traps. You can cruise along the scenic Niagara Parkway at your own pace, stop at boutique wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake for a world-class lunch, and arrive at the falls just in time for the spectacular evening illumination.
• Drive Time from Toronto: Approximately 1.5 hours.

2. The Scarborough Bluffs

• The Vibe: Dramatic white cliffs and serene lakeside views.
• Why You Need a Car: Looking at the Scarborough Bluffs, you’d never guess you were still within the borders of a major city. The towering white cliffs stretch for 15 kilometers along Lake Ontario. Getting here via public transit requires multiple transfers and a long, exhausting walk down to the water. A quick drive gives you direct access to Bluffers Park for an incredible summer afternoon away from the loud stadium crowds.
• Drive Time from Toronto: 30 to 40 minutes.

3. Port Credit, Mississauga

• The Vibe: A picturesque, upscale lakeside village with a nautical charm.
• Why You Need a Car: If you want a break from the frantic energy of downtown Toronto, head west down the lakeshore to Port Credit in Mississauga. Known as the “Village on the Lake,” it features a beautiful marina, exceptional waterfront dining, and relaxing walking trails. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a premium dinner while watching the sunset over the water.
• Drive Time from Toronto: 25 minutes.

4. Cheltenham Badlands

• The Vibe: A surreal, Martian-like natural landscape.
• Why You Need a Car: Located northwest of the city in Caledon, this stunning geological site features rolling waves of brilliant red shale. It is an incredibly unique sight in Ontario and highly photogenic for your holiday photos. Because of its protected, rural location, a personal vehicle is the only practical way to get there.
• Drive Time from Toronto: 50 minutes.

5. High Park & Humber Bay Shores

• The Vibe: The ultimate Toronto skyline view and urban nature.
• Why You Need a Car: For the absolute best panoramic view of the Toronto skyline—perfect for an iconic vacation photo—drive over to Humber Bay Shores. Right nearby is High Park, Toronto’s largest urban park, featuring beautiful sunken gardens and lakefront trails. Having a car makes it easy to hop between these two massive green spaces in a single afternoon without waiting on transit delays.
• Drive Time from Toronto: 15 to 20 minutes from the core.

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Quick Tips for Driving in the GTA During the World Cup

If you are looking at renting a car in Toronto for the World Cup, keep these local driving secrets in mind to keep your journey completely seamless:

• Understand the 407 ETR: Toronto’s Highway 401 is famously busy. To bypass heavy traffic when driving east or west across the top of the city, you can use the 407 ETR. This is an express, all-electronic toll highway. It doesn’t use toll booths; instead, it safely scans your vehicle’s license plate automatically.
• Avoid Rush Hour: Try to plan your day trips so you are leaving the city after 9:30 AM and returning either before 3:30 PM or after 7:00 PM to avoid commuter traffic.

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