Discovering the perfect issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis dwelling for 25 years, we’ve received you coated. We bear in mind when the CN Tower was the one big within the sky, when a visit to the Islands felt like a journey to a different world, and when Queen Road 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 that can assist you discover the town’s true highlights.
This isn’t only a vacationer brochure. It’s our private information to the town we all know inside and outside. We’ve all had that journey second the place you arrive at a well-known spot and assume, “Is that this it?” This information is designed to keep away from that feeling. We’re sharing the experiences which are genuinely price your time, the enduring landmarks that stay as much as the hype, and the native favourites you would possibly in any other case miss.
That is our recommendation for getting essentially 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 provide help to uncover its various cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive vitality that makes it the most effective cities on Earth.
High 5 Issues to do in Toronto You Can’t Miss
For those who’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 enduring, sky-high view of the town and Lake Ontario.
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Finest for a deep dive into world tradition, artwork, and pure historical past.
- Day Journey to the Toronto Islands: The most effective escape from the town buzz for unimaginable skyline views.
- Discover Kensington Market: For a style of Toronto’s multicultural, bohemian coronary heart.
- Catch a Blue Jays Recreation: For the quintessential Toronto sports activities expertise on a summer time afternoon.
Toronto’s Iconic Should-Do Points of interest
These are the massive 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 wish to miss.
Go Up the CN Tower (and perhaps do the EdgeWalk)
You’ll be able to’t discuss 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 last 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 largest insider tip is to e-book your timed tickets on-line nicely upfront, because the traces might be large.
Dive Underneath the Sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Situated proper on the base of the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium is a world-class facility. The standout expertise is the Harmful Lagoon, an enormous underwater tunnel with a shifting sidewalk that permits you to glide previous sharks, sea turtles, and big sawfish.
To keep away from the most important crowds, attempt to go on a weekday morning or later within the night for considered one of their particular occasions. It’s a improbable attraction, particularly for households or for a wet day.
Discover the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
With its dramatic Michael Lee-Chin Crystal crashing right into a heritage constructing, the ROM is not possible to overlook. The truth is, the Royal Ontario Museum is among the largest museums in North America. We used to stay simply across the nook from the ROM and visited typically, so it holds a particular place in our hearts. We positively think about 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 all the time 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 Artwork Repair on the Artwork Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Even if you happen to’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is price visiting for its unimaginable structure alone. The beautiful, spiraling wood staircase designed by Frank Gehry is a masterpiece. We love spending a day wandering by way of the Thomson Assortment of European artwork and, after all, the intensive assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s a ravishing, calming house within the coronary heart of the town that is stuffed with world-class artwork.
Wander Via St. Lawrence Market
Nationwide Geographic as soon as named St. Lawrence Market the perfect meals market on the earth, and for good cause. It’s been a Toronto establishment for over 200 years. The brand new North Constructing simply opened in April 2025 and homes the Farmers’ and Vintage 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 traditional. 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 guess.
Uncover Historical past within the Distillery District
Strolling by way of the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District appears like stepping again in time. We have now an extended historical past right here; again once we labored within the movie trade, we used to movie on this space lengthy earlier than it was reworked into the hub it’s immediately.
Now, it’s a superbly preserved assortment of Victorian industrial structure that’s a go-to spot for artwork, tradition, and improbable meals. It’s fully pedestrian-only, and we make a degree of visiting the magical Christmas Market right here each single 12 months.
Step right into a Fairy Story at Casa Loma
Toronto’s very personal fortress 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-Males film, and so they filmed plenty of scenes right here at Casa Loma! It’s an interesting glimpse into the town’s previous, and we’ve all the time beloved exploring the key passages and the 800-foot tunnel that connects the fortress to its spectacular stables.
Our tip: The included audio information is completely price it. It’s narrated by the fictional fortress archivist, “Archie,” and brings the tales of the rooms and its former proprietor, Sir Henry Pellatt, to life.
Exploring Toronto’s City Core
Whereas Toronto has numerous charming neighbourhoods, the town’s downtown core has an vitality 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.
Individuals-Watch at Yonge-Dundas Sq.
Usually known as Canada’s Occasions Sq., Yonge-Dundas Sq. is a blinding intersection of flashing billboards, bustling crowds, and avenue performers. It’s sensory overload in the very best method. It’s also a giant bonus that it’s proper throughout from the Eaton’s Heart in downtown Toronto.
Our private take: Whereas it’s not a spot to search out 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 way of. In the summertime, there are sometimes free concert events and occasions, making it an incredible spot to take a look at, particularly at night time when all of the lights are on.
Skate at Nathan Phillips Sq.
Residence to Metropolis Corridor and the well-known “TORONTO” signal, Nathan Phillips Sq. is a must-see. It’s an enormous public house that really displays the town’s spirit. It makes for an incredible central assembly place for exploring downtown Toronto.
Our insider tip: Within the winter, the reflecting pool transforms right into a magical outside ice skating rink, and renting a pair of skates here’s a traditional Toronto expertise. In the summertime, the sq. is a hub for main occasions, festivals, and farmers’ markets. It’s an incredible spot for that quintessential Toronto photograph, day or night time.
The Better of Toronto’s Neighbourhoods & Tradition
Past the big-ticket points of interest, 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 find the actual soul of the town.
Get Misplaced in Kensington Market
A chosen Nationwide Historic Website, Kensington Market is a vibrant, multicultural maze of impartial retailers and eclectic meals stalls proper within the coronary heart of Chinatown. It’s gritty, vibrant, and unapologetically distinctive. We used to stay on this space, and our favorite approach to expertise it’s to only wander round for a number of hours with no map.
Observe your nostril to the odor of contemporary churros, pop into a unusual classic retailer, and simply soak within the unimaginable vitality. Don’t miss grabbing a number of empanadas from one of many many Latin American meals stalls.
Discover the Artwork Scene on Queen Road West
As soon as named one of many coolest neighbourhoods on the earth, Queen Road 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 an extended stroll, popping into distinctive Canadian designer retailers and iconic music venues just like the Horseshoe Tavern.
Expertise Little Italy on Faculty Road
Toronto has a number of “Little Italys,” however the one alongside Faculty Road is the unique. This was once our previous stomping grounds, and we spent numerous nights exploring its eating places and bars. In the summertime, the patios are packed, and the neighbourhood buzzes with vitality. It’s nonetheless considered one of our go-to spots for excellent meals and late-night eats after a present.
Wander Via the Posh Streets of Yorkville
If Queen West is the cool, inventive coronary heart of the town, Yorkville is its posh, subtle counterpart. This was the final neighbourhood we lived in, so we all know it just like the again of our palms. It’s improbable for window buying and movie star recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. If you’re into cool museums, you can 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 incredible number of genuine Italian meals.
New & Trendy Toronto Points of interest
Even after dwelling right here for thus lengthy, we’re all the time amazed by how a lot Toronto continues to evolve. These newer spots have shortly turn into must-sees and showcase the town’s fashionable, forward-thinking aspect.
Immerse Your self in Little Canada
One of many metropolis’s latest and most charming points of interest, Little Canada is an enormous, extremely detailed miniature world showcasing well-known Canadian landmarks from coast to coast.
Our private take: We had 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.
Expertise The Nicely
The Nicely is an enormous new improvement that has fully reworked the realm 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 shortly turn into considered one of our new favorite spots for an incredible dinner. The number of meals choices is wonderful, from high-end eating to informal eats. It’s an incredible place to spend a night, particularly when the climate is good.
Discover the Revitalized Waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront has seen big adjustments, turning it from an industrial afterthought and film studios into a ravishing public house. Now you can stroll or bike for kilometres alongside the water’s edge.
Our favorite half is Sugar Seashore, with its iconic pink umbrellas and tender sand, providing a novel city seaside expertise proper subsequent to the Redpath Sugar Refinery.
Toronto for Sports activities Followers
For those who’re a sports activities fan, Toronto is a improbable metropolis to go to. The eagerness right here is infectious, particularly when considered one of our groups is in a playoff run. The primary sports activities complicated, together with the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Area, is conveniently positioned proper downtown.
Catch a Blue Jays Recreation on the Rogers Centre
There’s nothing higher than a sunny afternoon on the ballpark. This place holds plenty 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 Collection right here in 1993.Grabbing a scorching canine and watching the Toronto Blue Jays play underneath the open dome (climate allowing) is a traditional summer time expertise within the metropolis.
Our insider tip: Even if you happen to’re not an enormous baseball fan, the ambiance is improbable and it’s an incredible, comparatively reasonably priced approach to spend a number of hours. Search for the “Loonie Canine” nights for further worth!
See the Raptors or Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Area
Residence to the NBA’s Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs, Scotiabank Area is the center of the motion for basketball and hockey. Tickets for the Leafs might be notoriously arduous to get, however you may typically discover seats for a Raptors sport.
Our private take: For those who’re on the town throughout a playoff run, head right down to “Jurassic Park”—the outside sq. subsequent to the world the place followers collect to observe the sport on an enormous display screen. The vitality is electrical.
Go to the Hockey Corridor of Fame
For any hockey fan, this can be a must-do. The Hockey Corridor of Fame is a improbable tribute to the game, crammed with unimaginable memorabilia and interactive displays. Whilst non-obsessive hockey followers, we’ve all the time been impressed. Our favorite half is seeing the unique Stanley Cup up shut within the Nice Corridor, it’s smaller than you’d assume! It’s a well-done museum and an ideal approach to spend a few hours downtown.
Out of doors & Energetic Issues to Do in Toronto
One of many issues we love most about Toronto is how simple it’s to flee the concrete jungle and discover a ravishing inexperienced house. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, the town has some unimaginable spots for an lively time out.
Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands
A brief and scenic ferry trip from the downtown waterfront takes you to a very totally different world. The Toronto Islands are a sequence of car-free islands with seashores, parks, and unimaginable views of the town skyline. Excellent for a day journey for the entire household. It’s also dwelling to Centreville Amusement Park, the Gibraltar Level Lighthouse, and the ruins of the Hanlan’s Level Resort.
This spot is further particular for us as a result of it’s the place we had our first date! The ferry goes to 3 totally different spots; for seashores and a extra relaxed vibe, head to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Level. Renting a motorcycle is the best possible approach to discover all of the little paths and bridges.
Calm down in Excessive Park
Excessive Park is Toronto’s largest public park, and it’s a real city oasis. We have now a deep connection to this park, as we lived within the Excessive Park neighbourhood for 10 years; it was the primary place we known as dwelling once we moved to Toronto.
We have now so many recollections of summer time picnics right here. Whereas the park is legendary for its beautiful cherry blossoms within the spring (that are a must-see, regardless of the crowds), we additionally love visiting within the fall when the maple timber are in full color.
Insider Tip: After a stroll within the park, head over to the close by Roncesvalles Village, considered one of our favorite neighbourhoods for its Polish delis and indie espresso retailers.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
It’s arduous to consider this beautiful panorama is inside the metropolis limits. The Scarborough Bluffs are a sequence 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 essentially 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.
The way to Plan a Journey to Toronto
Now that you just’re enthusiastic about all of the issues to do, let’s get into the sensible aspect of planning your go to. Right here’s our insider recommendation on getting round, the perfect time to come back, and the place to remain.
The way to Get Round Toronto
- Public Transit (TTC): One of the best ways to navigate Toronto is through the use of the TTC (Toronto Transit Fee), 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’ll be able to faucet on and off along with your bank card or cellphone, or purchase a PRESTO card for straightforward journey.
- From the Airport (UP Categorical): The UP (Union Pearson) Categorical practice is, no doubt, the easiest way to get from Pearson Worldwide Airport (YYZ) to Union Station within the coronary heart of downtown. It’s clear, quick (solely 25 minutes), and runs incessantly. It’s much better than sitting in site visitors in a taxi.
- Strolling: Toronto’s downtown core and its finest neighbourhoods are very walkable. When you’re in an space like Yorkville or Kensington Market, your individual two toes are the easiest way to discover.
Finest Time of Yr to Go to Toronto
Toronto is a real four-season metropolis, however for a first-time customer, some seasons are positively higher than others.
- Summer time (June – August): That is when the town actually comes alive. Patios are full, festivals are occurring each weekend, and the climate is heat. It’s the most well-liked time to go to, but in addition essentially the most crowded and costly.
- Fall (September – October): That is our private favorite time within the metropolis. The summer time humidity is gone, the autumn colors within the Don Valley and Excessive Park are stunning, and main occasions just like the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition (TIFF) happen.
- Winter (December – March): Be ready for the chilly! Nonetheless, the town might be magical in winter, with outside skating rinks at Nathan Phillips Sq., the Distillery District Christmas Market, and fewer vacationer crowds.
- Spring (April – Might): Spring could be a bit unpredictable (we will get snow in April!), however late Might is gorgeous when the town’s parks, particularly the cherry blossoms in Excessive Park, burst into bloom.
The place to Keep in Toronto
Choosing the proper neighbourhood is vital to an incredible journey. WE even have a complete article devoted to it right here. For a brief go to, we advocate staying centrally to maximise your time.
- For First-Timers: Downtown Toronto or the Leisure District places you in strolling distance of most main points of interest.
- For a Posh Vibe: Yorkville is the spot for luxurious motels, high-end buying, and nice eating.
- For a Native Really feel: A neighbourhood like Queen Road West, Ossington or the West Finish affords a extra native, much less touristy expertise.
Often Requested Questions About Toronto
We’ve coated lots, however listed below are fast solutions to some extra widespread questions we get from individuals planning a visit to the town.
To get an actual really feel for the town and see the principle highlights with out dashing, we advocate at the least three to 4 full days. This provides you adequate time to discover a few totally different neighbourhoods, go to a significant museum, and soak up a sport or a present.
Sure, for a first-time customer, we consider it’s. Whereas it’s a vacationer hotspot, the views on a transparent day are genuinely unimaginable and offer you a perspective on the town’s scale which you can’t get wherever else. Our recommendation is to e-book your tickets on-line upfront to skip the longest traces.
The UP Categorical practice is the undisputed champion. It’s quicker (solely 25 minutes), extra dependable, and sometimes cheaper than a taxi or rideshare, taking you instantly from the airport to Union Station within the coronary heart of the town.
Your Toronto Journey Awaits
Toronto is a metropolis that’s always 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 just’ll fall in love with too.
When you’ve got any extra questions, drop them within the feedback under! We’re all the time blissful to assist.
