Discovering the most effective issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis house for 25 years, we’ve acquired you lined. 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 will help 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 in and out. We’ve all had that journey second the place you arrive at a well-known spot and suppose, “Is that this it?” This information is designed to keep away from that feeling. We’re sharing the experiences which can be genuinely price your time, the enduring landmarks that dwell as much as the hype, and the native favourites you would possibly in any other case miss.
That 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 allow you to uncover its numerous cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive power that makes it the most effective cities on Earth.
Prime 5 Issues to do in Toronto You Can’t Miss
In the event you’re quick 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): Greatest for a deep dive into world tradition, artwork, and pure historical past.
- Day Journey to the Toronto Islands: One of the best 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 season 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 possibly do the EdgeWalk)
You’ll be able to’t speak about Toronto with out mentioning the CN Tower. We’ve been up numerous instances, 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 greatest insider tip is to e book your timed tickets on-line effectively upfront, because the traces could be huge.
Dive Beneath the Sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Positioned 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 unbelievable 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 unimaginable to overlook. Actually, the Royal Ontario Museum is among the largest museums in North America. We used to dwell simply across the nook from the ROM and visited usually, so it holds a particular place in our hearts. We undoubtedly think about it one Toronto museum you can not 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 faculty 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 should you’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 via the Thomson Assortment of European artwork and, after all, the intensive assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s an exquisite, calming house within the coronary heart of the town that is stuffed with world-class artwork.
Wander By St. Lawrence Market
Nationwide Geographic as soon as named St. Lawrence Market the most effective meals market on the planet, and for good motive. 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 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 greatest guess.
Uncover Historical past within the Distillery District
Strolling via the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District appears like stepping again in time. We now have an extended historical past right here; again after we labored within the movie business, we used to movie on this space lengthy earlier than it was remodeled into the hub it’s at this time.
Now, it’s a fantastically preserved assortment of Victorian industrial structure that’s a go-to spot for artwork, tradition, and unbelievable meals. It’s fully pedestrian-only, and we make some extent of visiting the magical Christmas Market right here each single yr.
Step right into a Fairy Story 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 fond recollections from our movie days. Dave labored on the primary X-Males film, they usually filmed a number of scenes right here at Casa Loma! It’s an enchanting glimpse into the town’s previous, and we’ve at all times beloved 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 price 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 City Core
Whereas 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 day by day hustle of Toronto life.
Individuals-Watch at Yonge-Dundas Sq.
Typically known as Canada’s Occasions Sq., Yonge-Dundas Sq. is a stunning intersection of flashing billboards, bustling crowds, and road performers. It’s sensory overload in the absolute best means. 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 seek out peace and quiet, it’s unbelievable for feeling the town’s pulse. We love grabbing a espresso and simply watching the unimaginable cross-section of humanity that passes via. In the summertime, there are sometimes free live shows and occasions, making it an important spot to take a look at, particularly at evening 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 important 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 basic Toronto expertise. In the summertime, the sq. is a hub for main occasions, festivals, and farmers’ markets. It’s an important spot for that quintessential Toronto photograph, day or evening.
The Better of Toronto’s Neighbourhoods & Tradition
Past 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 find the actual soul of the town.
Get Misplaced in Kensington Market
A delegated 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 dwell on this space, and our favorite strategy to expertise it’s to simply wander round for a number of hours and not using a map.
Observe your nostril to the scent of contemporary churros, pop into a unusual classic retailer, and simply soak within the unimaginable power. 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 planet, Queen Road West has lengthy been the epicentre of Toronto’s artwork and music scenes. It’s additionally house to the well-known Graffiti Alley, a must-see for its unimaginable, ever-changing road 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 School Road
Toronto has a number of “Little Italys,” however the one alongside School Road is the unique. This was our outdated 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 power. It’s nonetheless considered one of our go-to spots for excellent meals and late-night eats after a present.
Wander By the Posh Streets of Yorkville
If Queen West is the cool, creative 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 arms. It’s unbelievable for window procuring and superstar recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. If you’re into cool museums, you’ll find the BATA Shoe Museum right here as effectively.
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 important collection of genuine Italian meals.
New & Fashionable Toronto Points of interest
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 change into must-sees and showcase the town’s fashionable, forward-thinking facet.
Immerse Your self in Little Canada
One of many metropolis’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 mild present or a tiny Niagara Falls is surprisingly magical. It’s a unbelievable and distinctive expertise for all ages.
Expertise The Properly
The Properly is an enormous new improvement that has fully remodeled the realm west of the monetary district. It’s an open-air hub of retailers, unimaginable eating places, and a European-style meals market.
Our insider tip: This has rapidly change into considered one of our new favorite spots for an important dinner. The number of meals choices is wonderful, from high-end eating to informal eats. It’s an important place to spend a night, particularly when the climate is sweet.
Discover the Revitalized Waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront has seen big modifications, turning it from an industrial afterthought and film studios into an exquisite 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 smooth sand, providing a singular city seashore expertise proper subsequent to the Redpath Sugar Refinery.
Toronto for Sports activities Followers
In the event you’re a sports activities fan, Toronto is a unbelievable metropolis to go to. The eagerness right here is infectious, particularly when considered one of our groups is in a playoff run. The principle sports activities advanced, together with the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Area, is conveniently situated 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 a number 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 Sequence right here in 1993.Grabbing a sizzling canine and watching the Toronto Blue Jays play below the open dome (climate allowing) is a basic summer season expertise within the metropolis.
Our insider tip: Even should you’re not an enormous baseball fan, the ambiance is unbelievable and it’s an important, comparatively reasonably priced strategy to spend a number of hours. Search for the “Loonie Canines” nights for additional 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 could be notoriously onerous to get, however you possibly can usually discover seats for a Raptors recreation.
Our private take: In the event you’re on the town throughout a playoff run, head all the way down to “Jurassic Park”—the outside sq. subsequent to the sector the place followers collect to observe the sport on an enormous display screen. The power 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 unbelievable tribute to the game, stuffed with unimaginable memorabilia and interactive reveals. At the same time as non-obsessive hockey followers, we’ve at all times been impressed. Our favorite half is seeing the unique Stanley Cup up shut within the Nice Corridor, it’s smaller than you’d suppose! It’s a well-done museum and an ideal strategy to spend a few hours downtown.
Outside & 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 an exquisite inexperienced house. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, the town has some unimaginable spots for an energetic day trip.
Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands
A brief and scenic ferry experience from the downtown waterfront takes you to a very totally different world. The Toronto Islands are a series 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 house to Centreville Amusement Park, the Gibraltar Level Lighthouse, and the ruins of the Hanlan’s Level Lodge.
This spot is additional particular for us as a result of it’s the place we had our first date! The ferry goes to a few totally different spots; for seashores and a extra relaxed vibe, head to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Level. Renting a motorbike is the best possible strategy to discover all of the little paths and bridges.
Loosen up in Excessive Park
Excessive Park is Toronto’s largest public park, and it’s a real city oasis. We now have 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 house after we moved to Toronto.
We now have so many recollections of summer season picnics right here. Whereas the park is known 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 bushes 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 onerous to consider this beautiful panorama is throughout 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 probably the most iconic view, head to Bluffer’s Park. From the seashore, you possibly can lookup on the towering cliffs. It feels extra just like the Mediterranean than a serious Canadian metropolis.
The best way to Plan a Journey 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. Right here’s our insider recommendation on getting round, the most effective time to return, and the place to remain.
The best way to Get Round Toronto
- Public Transit (TTC): The easiest way to navigate Toronto is by utilizing 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 together with your bank card or cellphone, or purchase a PRESTO card for straightforward journey.
- From the Airport (UP Specific): The UP (Union Pearson) Specific practice is, undoubtedly, 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 continuously. It’s much better than sitting in site visitors in a taxi.
- Strolling: Toronto’s downtown core and its greatest neighbourhoods are very walkable. When you’re in an space like Yorkville or Kensington Market, your personal two ft are the easiest way to discover.
Greatest Time of 12 months to Go to Toronto
Toronto is a real four-season metropolis, however for a first-time customer, some seasons are undoubtedly higher than others.
- Summer season (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 preferred time to go to, but in addition probably the most crowded and costly.
- Fall (September – October): That is our private favorite time within the metropolis. The summer season humidity is gone, the autumn colors within the Don Valley and Excessive Park are stunning, and main occasions just like the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant (TIFF) happen.
- Winter (December – March): Be ready for the chilly! Nevertheless, the town could 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 is usually 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 important journey. WE even have a complete article devoted to it right here. For a brief go to, we suggest staying centrally to maximise your time.
- For First-Timers: Downtown Toronto or the Leisure District places you in strolling distance of most main sights.
- For a Posh Vibe: Yorkville is the spot for luxurious resorts, high-end procuring, and tremendous eating.
- For a Native Really feel: A neighbourhood like Queen Road West, Ossington or the West Finish provides a extra native, much less touristy expertise.
Often Requested Questions About Toronto
We’ve lined loads, however listed here are fast solutions to a couple 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 primary highlights with out speeding, we suggest a minimum of three to 4 full days. This offers you adequate time to discover a few totally different neighbourhoods, go to a serious museum, and soak up a recreation 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 provide you with 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 Specific 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 house, helps you uncover the corners of the town that you simply’ll fall in love with too.
If in case you have any extra questions, drop them within the feedback beneath! We’re at all times completely happy to assist.
