Discovering the perfect issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis house for 25 years, we’ve received you lined. We bear in mind when the CN Tower was the one large 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 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 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 dwell as much as the hype, and the native favourites you may 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 assist you to uncover its various cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive vitality that makes it among the best cities on Earth.
High 5 Issues to do in Toronto You Can’t Miss
If you happen to’re quick on time or it’s your first go to, these are the 5 Toronto experiences that we imagine are completely important.
- CN Tower: For the enduring, sky-high view of 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: The most effective 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 Sport: For the quintessential Toronto sports activities expertise on a summer season afternoon.
Toronto’s Iconic Should-Do Sights
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 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 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 town 356m (1,168 ft) up is a narrative you’ll be telling for years. Our greatest insider tip is to guide your timed tickets on-line properly prematurely, because the strains will be huge.
Dive Below 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, a large 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 within the night for considered one of their particular occasions. It’s a incredible 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. In reality, 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 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 really 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 if you happen to’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is price visiting for its unimaginable structure alone. The beautiful, spiraling picket staircase designed by Frank Gehry is a masterpiece. We love spending a day wandering via the Thomson Assortment of European artwork and, in fact, the in depth assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s a ravishing, calming area within the coronary heart of town that is filled with world-class artwork.
Wander By St. Lawrence Market
Nationwide Geographic as soon as named St. Lawrence Market the perfect 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 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 via the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District seems like stepping again in time. We now have a protracted historical past right here; again once 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 the moment.
Now, it’s a fantastically preserved assortment of Victorian industrial structure that’s a go-to spot for artwork, tradition, and incredible 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 Story at Casa Loma
Toronto’s very personal citadel 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 plenty of scenes right here at Casa Loma! It’s a captivating glimpse into town’s previous, and we’ve at all times cherished exploring the key passages and the 800-foot tunnel that connects the citadel to its spectacular stables.
Our tip: The included audio information is totally price it. It’s narrated by the fictional citadel 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.
Folks-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 manner. It is usually a giant bonus that it’s proper throughout from the Eaton’s Middle in downtown Toronto.
Our private take: Whereas it’s not a spot to search out peace and quiet, it’s incredible for feeling 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 concert events and occasions, making it a fantastic spot to take a look at, particularly at night time when all of the lights are on.
Skate at Nathan Phillips Sq.
Dwelling to Metropolis Corridor and the well-known “TORONTO” signal, Nathan Phillips Sq. is a must-see. It’s a large public area that actually displays town’s spirit. It makes for a fantastic 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 a fantastic spot for that quintessential Toronto photograph, day or night time.
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 true soul of 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 option to expertise it’s to only wander round for a couple of hours and not using a map.
Comply with 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 a couple 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 right place for a protracted 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 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 By the Posh Streets of Yorkville
If Queen West is the cool, creative coronary heart of 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 fingers. It’s incredible for window purchasing and celeb recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. In case you are into cool museums, you’ll discover the BATA Shoe Museum right here as properly.
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 possibility, we love heading to the rooftop patio at Hemingway’s for an ideal afternoon pint or Eataly for a fantastic number of genuine Italian meals.
New & Trendy Toronto Sights
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 shortly turn out to be must-sees and showcase town’s fashionable, forward-thinking aspect.
Immerse Your self in Little Canada
One of many metropolis’s latest and most charming sights, Little Canada is a large, 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 incredible and distinctive expertise for all ages.
Expertise The Effectively
The Effectively is a large new growth that has utterly remodeled 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 out to be considered one of our new favorite spots for a fantastic dinner. The number of meals choices is wonderful, from high-end eating to informal eats. It’s a fantastic place to spend a night, particularly when the climate is good.
Discover the Revitalized Waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront has seen large adjustments, turning it from an industrial afterthought and film studios into a ravishing public area. Now you can stroll or bike for kilometres alongside the water’s edge.
Our favorite half is Sugar Seaside, with its iconic pink umbrellas and gentle sand, providing a singular city seaside expertise proper subsequent to the Redpath Sugar Refinery.
Toronto for Sports activities Followers
If you happen to’re a sports activities fan, Toronto is a incredible metropolis to go to. The fervour 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 Sport 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 Sequence 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 if you happen to’re not an enormous baseball fan, the environment is incredible and it’s a fantastic, comparatively reasonably priced option to spend a couple of hours. Search for the “Loonie Canines” nights for additional worth!
See the Raptors or Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Area
Dwelling 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 will be notoriously exhausting to get, however you may typically discover seats for a Raptors recreation.
Our private take: If you happen to’re on the town throughout a playoff run, head all the way down to “Jurassic Park”—the outside sq. subsequent to the world the place followers collect to look at the sport on a large display. 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 incredible tribute to the game, crammed 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 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 ravishing inexperienced area. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, 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 completely different world. The Toronto Islands are a series of car-free islands with seashores, parks, and unimaginable views of town skyline. Good 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 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 completely different spots; for seashores and a extra relaxed vibe, head to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Level. Renting a motorcycle 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 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 once we moved to Toronto.
We now have so many recollections of summer season 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 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 exhausting to imagine this beautiful panorama is inside 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 search for on the towering cliffs. It feels extra just like the Mediterranean than a significant Canadian metropolis.
Easy methods 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 aspect of planning your go to. Right here’s our insider recommendation on getting round, the perfect time to return, and the place to remain.
Easy methods to Get Round Toronto
- Public Transit (TTC): One of the simplest ways 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 telephone, or purchase a PRESTO card for simple journey.
- From the Airport (UP Specific): The UP (Union Pearson) Specific prepare is, for sure, 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 regularly. It’s much better than sitting in 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 ft are the easiest way to discover.
Greatest Time of Yr 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 town really 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 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 lovely, and main occasions just like the Toronto Worldwide Movie Competition (TIFF) happen.
- Winter (December – March): Be ready for the chilly! Nevertheless, town will 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 generally is a bit unpredictable (we are able to 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 fantastic 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 sights.
- For a Posh Vibe: Yorkville is the spot for luxurious motels, high-end purchasing, 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.
Regularly Requested Questions About Toronto
We’ve lined lots, however listed below are fast solutions to a couple extra widespread 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 speeding, we advocate at the very least three to 4 full days. This provides you adequate time to discover a few completely different neighbourhoods, go to a significant museum, and absorb a recreation or a present.
Sure, for a first-time customer, we imagine 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 guide your tickets on-line prematurely to skip the longest strains.
The UP Specific prepare is the undisputed champion. It’s sooner (solely 25 minutes), extra dependable, and infrequently cheaper than a taxi or rideshare, taking you straight 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 beneath! We’re at all times comfortable to assist.
