Finding the perfect issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis dwelling for 25 years, we’ve bought you coated. We bear in mind when the CN Tower was the one large in the sky, when a visit to the Islands felt like a journey to one other world, and when Queen Street West was the edgy coronary heart of the town. We’ve seen all of it, and whether or not it’s your first go to or your tenth, this information is designed to make it easier to discover the town’s true highlights.
This isn’t only a vacationer brochure. It’s our private information to the town we all know in and out. We’ve all had that journey second the place you arrive at a well-known spot and assume, “Is this it?” This information is designed to keep away from that feeling. We’re sharing the experiences which can be genuinely value your time, the long-lasting landmarks that reside up to the hype, and the native favourites you would possibly in any other case miss.
This is our recommendation for getting probably the most out of your go to, from two individuals who have spent 1 / 4 of a century exploring each nook of Toronto. We’ll make it easier to uncover its numerous cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive power that makes it among the finest cities on Earth.
Top 5 Things to do in Toronto You Can’t Miss
If you’re brief on time or it’s your first go to, these are the 5 Toronto experiences that we consider are completely important.
CN Tower: For the long-lasting, sky-high view of the town and Lake Ontario.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Best for a deep dive into world tradition, artwork, and pure historical past.
Day Trip to the Toronto Islands: The finest escape from the town buzz for unimaginable skyline views.
Explore Kensington Market: For a style of Toronto’s multicultural, bohemian coronary heart.
Catch a Blue Jays Game: For the quintessential Toronto sports activities expertise on a summer time afternoon.
Toronto’s Iconic Must-Do Attractions
These are the large ones. The landmarks that outline the Toronto skyline and the establishments that anchor its cultural scene. For any first-time customer, these are the locations you don’t need to miss.
Go Up the CN Tower (and possibly do the EdgeWalk)
You can’t speak about Toronto with out mentioning the CN Tower. We’ve been up numerous occasions, and the view from the highest on a transparent day is spectacular. For the final word thrill-seekers, the EdgeWalk is genuinely terrifying and completely unforgettable.
We even did the EdgeWalk with Deb’s dad for his eightieth birthday! It’s the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free stroll, and dangling over the town 356m (1,168 ft) up is a narrative you’ll be telling for years. Our greatest insider tip is to ebook your timed tickets on-line nicely in advance, because the strains may be huge.
Dive Under the Sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Located proper on the base of the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium is a world-class facility. The standout expertise is the Dangerous Lagoon, an enormous underwater tunnel with a transferring sidewalk that allows you to glide previous sharks, sea turtles, and large sawfish.
To keep away from the most important crowds, attempt to go on a weekday morning or later in the night for certainly one of their particular occasions. It’s a improbable attraction, particularly for households or for a wet day.
Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
With its dramatic Michael Lee-Chin Crystal crashing right into a heritage constructing, the ROM is not possible to miss. In truth, the Royal Ontario Museum is without doubt one of the largest museums in North America. We used to reside simply across the nook from the ROM and visited typically, so it holds a particular place in our hearts. We undoubtedly contemplate it one Toronto museum you can’t miss. Inside, it’s a treasure trove of world tradition and pure historical past, however our private favorite has at all times been the dinosaur exhibit, it’s actually world-class.
Insider tip: The museum can get very busy with college teams on weekday mornings. For a extra relaxed go to, plan to go after 1 p.m.
Get Your Art Fix on the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Even in the event you’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is value visiting for its unimaginable structure alone. The beautiful, spiraling picket staircase designed by Frank Gehry is a masterpiece. We love spending a day wandering by means of the Thomson Collection of European artwork and, after all, the intensive assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s a lovely, calming area in the guts of the town that is stuffed with world-class artwork.
Wander Through St. Lawrence Market
National Geographic as soon as named St. Lawrence Market the perfect meals market in the world, and for good cause. It’s been a Toronto establishment for over 200 years. The new North Building simply opened in April 2025 and homes the Farmers’ and Antique Markets.
Our go-to ritual: Head to Carousel Bakery for his or her world-famous Peameal Bacon on a Bun, it’s a real Toronto basic. The market is busiest on Saturdays when the farmers’ market is in full swing, so for a extra informal browse, a weekday go to is your finest wager.
Discover History in the Distillery District
Walking by means of the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District looks like stepping again in time. We have a protracted historical past right here; again once we labored in the movie trade, we used to movie in this space lengthy earlier than it was reworked into the hub it’s at present.
Now, it’s a fantastically preserved assortment of Victorian industrial structure that’s a go-to spot for artwork, tradition, and improbable meals. It’s utterly pedestrian-only, and we make some extent of visiting the magical Christmas Market right here each single yr.
Step right into a Fairy Tale at Casa Loma
Toronto’s very personal fort is a sight to behold. This grand Gothic Revival-style mansion is one other spot the place we’ve got fond recollections from our movie days. Dave labored on the primary X-Men film, they usually filmed loads of scenes right here at Casa Loma! It’s an enchanting glimpse into the town’s previous, and we’ve at all times cherished exploring the key passages and the 800-foot tunnel that connects the fort to its spectacular stables.
Our tip: The included audio information is completely value it. It’s narrated by the fictional fort archivist, “Archie,” and brings the tales of the rooms and its former proprietor, Sir Henry Pellatt, to life.
Exploring Toronto’s Urban Core
While Toronto has numerous charming neighbourhoods, the town’s downtown core has an power all its personal. These public squares are the beating coronary heart of the town, internet hosting occasions, celebrations, and the every day hustle of Toronto life.
People-Watch at Yonge-Dundas Square
Often referred to as Canada’s Times Square, Yonge-Dundas Square is a blinding intersection of flashing billboards, bustling crowds, and avenue performers. It’s sensory overload in the absolute best manner. It can also be an enormous bonus that it’s proper throughout from the Eaton’s Center in downtown Toronto.
Our private take: While it’s not a spot to discover peace and quiet, it’s improbable for feeling the town’s pulse. We love grabbing a espresso and simply watching the unimaginable cross-section of humanity that passes by means of. In the summer time, there are sometimes free concert events and occasions, making it an amazing spot to take a look at, particularly at evening when all of the lights are on.
Skate at Nathan Phillips Square
Home to City Hall and the well-known “TORONTO” signal, Nathan Phillips Square is a must-see. It’s an enormous public area that actually displays the town’s spirit. It makes for an amazing central assembly place for exploring downtown Toronto.
Our insider tip: In the winter, the reflecting pool transforms right into a magical out of doors ice skating rink, and renting a pair of skates here’s a basic Toronto expertise. In the summer time, the sq. is a hub for main occasions, festivals, and farmers’ markets. It’s an amazing spot for that quintessential Toronto photograph, day or evening.
The Best of Toronto’s Neighbourhoods & Culture
Beyond the big-ticket sights, Toronto is a metropolis of distinct neighbourhoods, every with its personal vibe, historical past, and tradition. Getting misplaced in these areas is the easiest way to uncover the actual soul of the town.
Get Lost in Kensington Market
A designated National Historic Site, Kensington Market is a vibrant, multicultural maze of impartial outlets and eclectic meals stalls proper in the guts of Chinatown. It’s gritty, vibrant, and unapologetically distinctive. We used to reside in this space, and our favorite manner to expertise it’s to simply wander round for a couple of hours with no map.
Follow your nostril to the odor of contemporary churros, pop into a unusual classic retailer, and simply soak in the unimaginable power. Don’t miss grabbing a couple of empanadas from one of many many Latin American meals stalls.
Explore the Art Scene on Queen Street West
Once named one of many coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Queen Street West has lengthy been the epicentre of Toronto’s artwork and music scenes. It’s additionally dwelling to the well-known Graffiti Alley, a must-see for its unimaginable, ever-changing avenue artwork.
We love that this was the spot the place Rick Mercer filmed his iconic “rants” for Canadian tv. It’s the proper place for a protracted stroll, popping into distinctive Canadian designer outlets and iconic music venues just like the Horseshoe Tavern.
Experience Little Italy on College Street
Toronto has a number of “Little Italys,” however the one alongside College Street is the unique. This used to be our previous stomping grounds, and we spent numerous nights exploring its eating places and bars. In the summer time, the patios are packed, and the neighbourhood buzzes with power. It’s nonetheless certainly one of our go-to spots for excellent meals and late-night eats after a present.
Wander Through the Posh Streets of Yorkville
If Queen West is the cool, inventive coronary heart of the town, Yorkville is its posh, refined counterpart. This was the final neighbourhood we lived in, so we all know it just like the again of our arms. It’s improbable for window procuring and superstar recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. If you’re into cool museums, you will see the BATA Shoe Museum right here as nicely.
Our insider tip: For the total upscale Yorkville expertise, grabbing a cocktail on the Sassafraz patio is ideal for people-watching. For a extra informal and budget-friendly choice, we love heading to the rooftop patio at Hemingway’s for an ideal afternoon pint or Eataly for an amazing number of genuine Italian meals.
New & Modern Toronto Attractions
Even after residing right here for therefore lengthy, we’re at all times amazed by how a lot Toronto continues to evolve. These newer spots have rapidly develop into must-sees and showcase the town’s trendy, forward-thinking facet.
Immerse Yourself in Little Canada
One of the town’s latest and most charming sights, Little Canada is an enormous, extremely detailed miniature world showcasing well-known Canadian landmarks from coast to coast.
Our private take: We have been genuinely blown away by the unimaginable element and artistry right here. Seeing a miniature, twinkling model of the Ottawa parliament buildings throughout their winter gentle present or a tiny Niagara Falls is surprisingly magical. It’s a improbable and distinctive expertise for all ages.
Experience The Well
The Well is an enormous new improvement that has utterly reworked the world west of the monetary district. It’s an open-air hub of outlets, unimaginable eating places, and a European-style meals market.
Our insider tip: This has rapidly develop into certainly one of our new favorite spots for an amazing dinner. The number of meals choices is superb, from high-end eating to informal eats. It’s an amazing place to spend a night, particularly when the climate is sweet.
Explore the Revitalized Waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront has seen enormous modifications, turning it from an industrial afterthought and film studios into a lovely public area. You can now stroll or bike for kilometres alongside the water’s edge.
Our favorite half is Sugar Beach, with its iconic pink umbrellas and tender sand, providing a singular city seaside expertise proper subsequent to the Redpath Sugar Refinery.
Toronto for Sports Fans
If you’re a sports activities fan, Toronto is a improbable metropolis to go to. The ardour right here is infectious, particularly when certainly one of our groups is in a playoff run. The major sports activities complicated, together with the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena, is conveniently positioned proper downtown.
Catch a Blue Jays Game on the Rogers Centre
There’s nothing higher than a sunny afternoon on the ballpark. This place holds loads of recollections for us. Deb used to work on the Rogers Centre, and I (Dave) was fortunate sufficient to see the Blue Jays win the World Series right here in 1993.Grabbing a scorching canine and watching the Toronto Blue Jays play underneath the open dome (climate allowing) is a basic summer time expertise in the town.
Our insider tip: Even in the event you’re not an enormous baseball fan, the ambiance is improbable and it’s an amazing, comparatively reasonably priced manner to spend a couple of hours. Look for the “Loonie Dogs” nights for further worth!
See the Raptors or Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena
Home to the NBA’s Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs, Scotiabank Arena is the guts of the motion for basketball and hockey. Tickets for the Leafs may be notoriously onerous to get, however you may typically discover seats for a Raptors sport.
Our private take: If you’re in city throughout a playoff run, head down to “Jurassic Park”—the out of doors sq. subsequent to the world the place followers collect to watch the sport on an enormous display screen. The power is electrical.
Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
For any hockey fan, it is a must-do. The Hockey Hall of Fame is a improbable tribute to the game, crammed with unimaginable memorabilia and interactive reveals. Even as non-obsessive hockey followers, we’ve at all times been impressed. Our favorite half is seeing the unique Stanley Cup up shut in the Great Hall, it’s smaller than you’d assume! It’s a well-done museum and an ideal manner to spend a few hours downtown.
Outdoor & Active Things to Do in Toronto
One of the issues we love most about Toronto is how straightforward it’s to escape the concrete jungle and discover a lovely inexperienced area. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, the town has some unimaginable spots for an energetic time out.
Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands
A brief and scenic ferry experience from the downtown waterfront takes you to a very completely different world. The Toronto Islands are a series of car-free islands with seashores, parks, and unimaginable views of the town skyline. Perfect for a day journey for the entire household. It can also be dwelling to Centreville Amusement Park, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, and the ruins of the Hanlan’s Point Hotel.
This spot is further particular for us as a result of it’s the place we had our first date! The ferry goes to three completely different spots; for seashores and a extra relaxed vibe, head to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Point. Renting a motorcycle is the very best manner to discover all of the little paths and bridges.
Relax in High Park
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, and it’s a real city oasis. We have a deep connection to this park, as we lived in the High Park neighbourhood for 10 years; it was the primary place we referred to as dwelling once we moved to Toronto.
We have so many recollections of summer time picnics right here. While the park is legendary for its beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring (that are a must-see, regardless of the crowds), we additionally love visiting in the autumn when the maple timber are in full color.
Insider Tip: After a stroll in the park, head over to the close by Roncesvalles Village, certainly one of our favorite neighbourhoods for its Polish delis and indie espresso outlets.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
It’s onerous to consider this beautiful panorama is throughout the metropolis limits. The Scarborough Bluffs are a collection of dramatic white cliffs that stretch for 15 km alongside the Lake Ontario shoreline. There are a number of parks and trails right here, however for probably the most iconic view, head to Bluffer’s Park. From the seaside, you may lookup on the towering cliffs. It feels extra just like the Mediterranean than a significant Canadian metropolis.
How to Plan a Trip to Toronto
Now that you simply’re enthusiastic about all of the issues to do, let’s get into the sensible facet of planning your go to. Here’s our insider recommendation on getting round, the perfect time to come, and the place to keep.
How to Get Around Toronto
Public Transit (TTC): The finest manner to navigate Toronto is through the use of the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), which incorporates the subway, streetcars, and buses. The subway is quick and environment friendly for protecting lengthy distances north-south and east-west. Our tip: You can faucet on and off along with your bank card or cellphone, or purchase a PRESTO card for straightforward journey.
From the Airport (UP Express): The UP (Union Pearson) Express practice is, definitely, the easiest way to get from Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Union Station in the guts of downtown. It’s clear, quick (solely 25 minutes), and runs ceaselessly. It’s much better than sitting in site visitors in a taxi.
Walking: Toronto’s downtown core and its finest neighbourhoods are very walkable. Once you’re in an space like Yorkville or Kensington Market, your personal two ft are the easiest way to discover.
Best Time of Year to Visit Toronto
Toronto is a real four-season metropolis, however for a first-time customer, some seasons are undoubtedly higher than others.
Summer (June – August): This is when the town actually comes alive. Patios are full, festivals are taking place each weekend, and the climate is heat. It’s the preferred time to go to, but additionally probably the most crowded and costly.
Fall (September – October): This is our private favorite time in the town. The summer time humidity is gone, the autumn colors in the Don Valley and High Park are stunning, and main occasions just like the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) happen.
Winter (December – March): Be ready for the chilly! However, the town may be magical in winter, with out of doors skating rinks at Nathan Phillips Square, the Distillery District Christmas Market, and fewer vacationer crowds.
Spring (April – May): Spring generally is a bit unpredictable (we will get snow in April!), however late May is gorgeous when the town’s parks, particularly the cherry blossoms in High Park, burst into bloom.
Where to Stay in Toronto
Choosing the suitable neighbourhood is essential to an amazing journey. WE even have a complete article devoted to it right here. For a brief go to, we suggest staying centrally to maximize your time.
For First-Timers: Downtown Toronto or the Entertainment District places you in strolling distance of most main sights.
For a Posh Vibe: Yorkville is the spot for luxurious accommodations, high-end procuring, and high quality eating.
For a Local Feel: A neighbourhood like Queen Street West, Ossington or the West End provides a extra native, much less touristy expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto
We’ve coated so much, however listed here are fast solutions to a couple of extra frequent questions we get from folks planning a visit to the town.
To get an actual really feel for the town and see the principle highlights with out dashing, we suggest a minimum of three to 4 full days. This offers you sufficient time to discover a few completely different neighbourhoods, go to a significant museum, and take in a sport or a present.
Yes, for a first-time customer, we consider it’s. While it’s a vacationer hotspot, the views on a transparent day are genuinely unimaginable and provide you with a perspective on the town’s scale that you could’t get wherever else. Our recommendation is to ebook your tickets on-line in advance to skip the longest strains.
The UP Express practice is the undisputed champion. It’s sooner (solely 25 minutes), extra dependable, and infrequently cheaper than a taxi or rideshare, taking you immediately from the airport to Union Station in the guts of the town.
Your Toronto Adventure Awaits
Toronto is a metropolis that’s continuously reinventing itself, and that’s what we love about it. It’s a mosaic of cultures, cuisines, and experiences, with a proud and welcoming spirit. We hope this information, constructed from our 25 years of calling it dwelling, helps you uncover the corners of the town that you simply’ll fall in love with too.
If you’ve gotten any extra questions, drop them in the feedback beneath! We’re at all times comfortable to assist.