Visit Toronto, Ontario in an RV Rental

By Megan Buemi
Canada

Toronto, Ontario, is an exciting destination for RV travelers, offering the perfect blend of urban exploration and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re visiting High Park, which offers dedicated RV parking, hiking trails, a zoo, and an off-leash dog park, or Toronto Islands, a serene escape accessible by ferry, where you can enjoy beaches, picnic areas, and bike rentals, an RV road trip to Toronto allows you to travel comfortably while bringing along all the conveniences of home. While RVshare doesn’t currently offer rentals in Canada, you can easily rent an RV in a nearby U.S. city—such as Buffalo, Detroit, or Rochester—and drive it into Canada for an unforgettable journey. With well-equipped campgrounds surrounding the city, you can set up a convenient home base before venturing into Toronto’s bustling downtown, scenic parks, and charming neighborhoods at your own pace.

RV Rentals Near Toronto

Buffalo, Rochester and Detroit are all great starting points for an RV rental, with ample options and a drive time of 1.5-4 hours.

Buffalo, NY – Approximately 100 miles (160 km) from Toronto, about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive via the Peace Bridge.


Rochester, NY – Around 170 miles (275 km) from Toronto, roughly a 3-hour drive.


Detroit, MI – About 230 miles (370 km) from Toronto, approximately a 4-hour drive via the Ambassador Bridge.

RV Campgrounds in Toronto

Finding the right place to park your RV is essential for a stress-free trip. Here are some of the best RV campgrounds near Toronto:

  • Glen Rouge Campground – Located within the city, this campground offers a convenient way to explore Toronto while staying in a natural setting. It’s part of Rouge National Urban Park, providing access to hiking trails and scenic views.
  • Indian Line Campground – Situated just outside Toronto, this campground is great for those who want proximity to the city while enjoying RV-friendly amenities like electrical hookups, a swimming pool, and picnic areas.
  • Toronto North/Cookstown KOA – A little further north, this KOA campground offers family-friendly activities, full hookups, and a quiet retreat away from the bustling city.
  • Milton Heights Campground – Located west of Toronto, this campground offers full-service RV sites and easy access to attractions like the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Niagara Escarpment.

Exploring Toronto in an RV

Navigating a large city like Toronto in an RV requires planning. While the city itself isn’t RV-friendly due to its busy streets and limited parking, there are ways to explore without stress:

  • Use Public Transit – Consider parking your RV at your campground and using Toronto’s extensive public transit system to get around. The TTC includes subways, buses, and streetcars that make traveling easy.
  • Watch for Road Restrictions – Some downtown streets have height and weight restrictions, so it’s best to park outside the city and use alternative transportation.
  • Weather Considerations – Toronto experiences all four seasons. Summer is warm and ideal for RV trips, while winter can be harsh, with snow and ice making driving conditions challenging.
  • Highways and Routes – Major highways like the 401 and the QEW can be busy, so plan travel times accordingly. If coming from the U.S., the Peace Bridge in Buffalo or the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit are common entry points.

6 Things to See and Do While in Toronto

Toronto is packed with attractions. Here are six must-visit spots for RV travelers:

  1. CN Tower – No trip to Toronto is complete without visiting the CN Tower. While you can’t drive your RV directly to the tower, there are several parking garages nearby where you can park and take public transit or walk. The area is family-friendly but not pet-friendly, as only service animals are allowed inside.
  2. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – Located near the CN Tower, this aquarium is a great stop for families, featuring stunning marine exhibits. RV parking is limited in the downtown core, so it’s best to park further away and use public transportation. The aquarium is family-friendly, though pets are not permitted inside.
  3. Toronto Islands – The islands require a ferry ride from the city, meaning you’ll need to leave your RV in a nearby parking area. The ferry ride is enjoyable, and the islands are very family-friendly, offering beaches, bike rentals, and picnic areas. Pets are welcome on the islands, making it a great destination for pet owners.
  4. St. Lawrence Market – This historic market is a paradise for food lovers. While it’s not feasible to drive an RV directly to the market, there are parking lots nearby that accommodate larger vehicles. It’s a family-friendly destination but may not be ideal for pets, as indoor market spaces typically do not allow animals.
  5. Distillery District – This historic neighborhood is best explored on foot, as cobblestone streets and pedestrian-only zones make RV travel difficult. There are parking lots in the area where you can leave your vehicle. The district is great for families and couples but is not particularly pet-friendly, as most shops and restaurants do not allow pets inside.
  6. High Park – This is one of the best spots for RV travelers, as it has dedicated parking areas and plenty of space to explore. It’s extremely family-friendly, featuring hiking trails, a zoo, and playgrounds. Pets are welcome on leashes, and there’s even an off-leash dog park for furry friends to enjoy.

Traveling to Toronto with Pets

Toronto is a generally pet-friendly city, but there are some key considerations for RV travelers bringing their furry friends:

  • Pet-Friendly Accommodations – Many RV campgrounds near Toronto allow pets, but it’s best to check specific rules regarding leash requirements and pet fees.
  • Dog Parks – Toronto has numerous off-leash dog parks, including Cherry Beach Off-Leash Dog Park, High Park Dog Park, and Trinity Bellwoods Dog Bowl.
  • Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés – Some restaurants in Toronto have patios that welcome pets. Places like Black Lab Brewing cater specifically to dog owners.
  • Public Transit – Small pets in carriers are allowed on Toronto’s transit system during off-peak hours, but larger pets may be restricted.
  • Veterinary Services – If needed, Toronto has several 24-hour vet clinics, including the Toronto Veterinary Emergency Hospital.

National Parks Near Toronto

For those who love nature, Toronto is a great base for visiting stunning national parks:

  • Bruce Peninsula National Park – A few hours northwest of Toronto, this park offers crystal-clear waters, rugged cliffs, and excellent hiking trails.
  • Georgian Bay Islands National Park – A great spot for kayaking, boating, and exploring Canada’s famous wilderness.
  • Point Pelee National Park – Located south of Toronto, this park is known for birdwatching and sandy beaches along Lake Erie.
  • Rouge National Urban Park – Right in the city, this park offers a mix of forests, wetlands, and historic sites.

FAQs About RVing in Canada

1. Can I bring a U.S. rental RV into Canada? Yes! RVshare cross-border travel. Learn more about what RVshare Rental Insurance and Protection covers.

2. What documents do I need to enter Canada? You’ll need a valid passport. Some travelers may also require a visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on their nationality.

3. Are there any special driving laws in Canada? Yes. Speed limits are in kilometers per hour, and some provinces require daytime running lights. Also, be aware of wildlife crossings in rural areas.

4. How much does gas cost in Canada? Gas prices in Canada tend to be higher than in the U.S. and are listed in liters, not gallons. Plan accordingly to budget for fuel costs.

5. Can I camp anywhere in Canada? No, but Canada has many designated campgrounds and RV parks. Some provincial and national parks also offer RV-friendly sites.

Taking an RV trip to Toronto is an incredible way to experience one of Canada’s most exciting cities while enjoying the freedom of the open road. With a variety of campgrounds, national parks, and city attractions to explore, Toronto offers something for every traveler. If you’re ready to embark on your adventure, consider renting an RV in a nearby U.S. city and making your way to this vibrant destination.