Discovering the most effective issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis house for 25 years, we’ve obtained 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 Avenue West was the edgy coronary heart of 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 town’s true highlights.
This isn’t only a vacationer brochure. It’s our private information to 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 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 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 enable you 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 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: One of the best escape from 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 Sights
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 need to miss.
Go Up the CN Tower (and perhaps do the EdgeWalk)
You may’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 town 356m (1,168 ft) up is a narrative you’ll be telling for years. Our largest insider tip is to ebook your timed tickets on-line properly upfront, because the strains might be large.
Dive Below 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 allows 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 one in every 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 inconceivable to overlook. In truth, 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 positively 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 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 when you’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is price visiting for its unimaginable structure alone. The gorgeous, spiraling picket staircase designed by Frank Gehry is a masterpiece. We love spending a day wandering by the Thomson Assortment of European artwork and, in fact, the intensive assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s a phenomenal, calming area within the coronary heart of town that is stuffed with world-class artwork.
Wander By means of St. Lawrence Market
Nationwide Geographic as soon as named St. Lawrence Market the most effective meals market on the earth, 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 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 wager.
Uncover Historical past within the Distillery District
Strolling by the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District looks like stepping again in time. We have now 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 in the present day.
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 12 months.
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 now we have fond recollections from our movie days. Dave labored on the primary X-Males film, and so they filmed a variety of scenes right here at Casa Loma! It’s an enchanting glimpse into town’s previous, and we’ve at all times liked 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, town’s downtown core has an vitality all its personal. These public squares are the beating coronary heart of town, internet hosting occasions, celebrations, and the every day hustle of Toronto life.
Individuals-Watch at Yonge-Dundas Sq.
Usually referred to as Canada’s Instances Sq., Yonge-Dundas Sq. is a stunning intersection of flashing billboards, bustling crowds, and road performers. It’s sensory overload in the very best approach. It is usually an enormous 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 town’s pulse. We love grabbing a espresso and simply watching the unimaginable cross-section of humanity that passes by. In the summertime, there are sometimes free concert events and occasions, making it a terrific 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 area that really displays town’s spirit. It makes for a terrific central assembly place for exploring downtown Toronto.
Our insider tip: Within 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 traditional Toronto expertise. In the summertime, the sq. is a hub for main occasions, festivals, and farmers’ markets. It’s a terrific spot for that quintessential Toronto photograph, day or evening.
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 true soul of town.
Get Misplaced in Kensington Market
A delegated Nationwide Historic Web site, 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 option to expertise it’s to only wander round for just a few hours with no map.
Observe your nostril to the scent of contemporary churros, pop into a unusual classic retailer, and simply soak within the unimaginable vitality. Don’t miss grabbing just a few empanadas from one of many many Latin American meals stalls.
Discover the Artwork Scene on Queen Avenue West
As soon as named one of many coolest neighbourhoods on the earth, Queen Avenue 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 right 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 Avenue
Toronto has a number of “Little Italys,” however the one alongside Faculty Avenue is the unique. This was 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 one in every of our go-to spots for nice meals and late-night eats after a present.
Wander By means of the Posh Streets of Yorkville
If Queen West is the cool, creative coronary heart of 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 fingers. It’s unbelievable for window buying and movie star recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. In case you are into cool museums, you will see the BATA Shoe Museum right here as properly.
Our insider tip: For the complete upscale Yorkville expertise, grabbing a cocktail on the Sassafraz patio is ideal for people-watching. For a extra informal and budget-friendly possibility, we love heading to the rooftop patio at Hemingway’s for an ideal afternoon pint or Eataly for a terrific choice of genuine Italian meals.
New & Trendy Toronto Sights
Even after residing right here for thus 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 town’s trendy, forward-thinking facet.
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 mild present or a tiny Niagara Falls is surprisingly magical. It’s a unbelievable and distinctive expertise for all ages.
Expertise The Effectively
The Effectively is an enormous new improvement that has fully remodeled the world 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 one in every of our new favorite spots for a terrific dinner. The number of meals choices is wonderful, from high-end eating to informal eats. It’s a terrific place to spend a night, particularly when the climate is good.
Discover the Revitalized Waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront has seen enormous modifications, turning it from an industrial afterthought and film studios into a phenomenal public area. 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 gentle sand, providing a novel city seashore expertise proper subsequent to the Redpath Sugar Refinery.
Toronto for Sports activities Followers
For those who’re a sports activities fan, Toronto is a unbelievable metropolis to go to. The fervour right here is infectious, particularly when one in every of our groups is in a playoff run. The principle sports activities advanced, together with the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Enviornment, 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 variety 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 below the open dome (climate allowing) is a traditional summer season expertise within the metropolis.
Our insider tip: Even when you’re not an enormous baseball fan, the ambiance is unbelievable and it’s a terrific, comparatively inexpensive option to spend just a few hours. Search for the “Loonie Canines” nights for further worth!
See the Raptors or Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Enviornment
Residence to the NBA’s Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs, Scotiabank Enviornment is the guts of the motion for basketball and hockey. Tickets for the Leafs might be notoriously laborious to get, however you possibly can usually 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 out of doors sq. subsequent to the sector the place followers collect to observe the sport on an enormous display. The vitality is electrical.
Go to the Hockey Corridor of Fame
For any hockey fan, it is a must-do. The Hockey Corridor of Fame is a unbelievable tribute to the game, stuffed with unimaginable memorabilia and interactive displays. 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 assume! It’s a well-done museum and an ideal option 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 straightforward it’s to flee the concrete jungle and discover a phenomenal inexperienced area. From sprawling parks to gorgeous lakeside cliffs, 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 totally totally different world. The Toronto Islands are a series of car-free islands with seashores, parks, and unimaginable views of town skyline. Excellent for a day journey for the entire household. It is usually house 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 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 very best option 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 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 referred to as house after we moved to Toronto.
We have now so many recollections of summer season picnics right here. Whereas the park is known for its gorgeous 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, one in every of our favorite neighbourhoods for its Polish delis and indie espresso retailers.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
It’s laborious to consider this gorgeous 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 seashore, you possibly can lookup on the towering cliffs. It feels extra just like the Mediterranean than a significant Canadian metropolis.
Learn how 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 come back, and the place to remain.
Learn how 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 may 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 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 personal 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 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 additionally essentially 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 lovely, and main occasions just like the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant (TIFF) happen.
- Winter (December – March): Be ready for the chilly! Nonetheless, town might be magical in winter, with out of doors 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 town’s parks, particularly the cherry blossoms in Excessive Park, burst into bloom.
The place to Keep in Toronto
Selecting the best neighbourhood is vital to a terrific journey. WE even have an entire 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 tremendous eating.
- For a Native Really feel: A neighbourhood like Queen Avenue West, Ossington or the West Finish presents a extra native, much less touristy expertise.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions About Toronto
We’ve lined loads, however listed below are fast solutions to some extra frequent questions we get from individuals planning a visit to town.
To get an actual really feel for town and see the principle highlights with out dashing, we advocate no less than three to 4 full days. This provides you sufficient 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 town’s scale which you can’t get anyplace else. Our recommendation is to ebook your tickets on-line upfront to skip the longest strains.
The UP Specific practice is the undisputed champion. It’s sooner (solely 25 minutes), extra dependable, and infrequently cheaper than a taxi or rideshare, taking you instantly from the airport to Union Station within the coronary heart of town.
Your Toronto Journey Awaits
Toronto is a metropolis that’s consistently 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 town that you simply’ll fall in love with too.
You probably have any extra questions, drop them within the feedback under! We’re at all times blissful to assist.
