Discovering the very best 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 large 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 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 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 reside 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 aid you uncover its various cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive power that makes it among the best cities on Earth.
Prime 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 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 unbelievable 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 possibly do the EdgeWalk)
You possibly can’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 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, an enormous underwater tunnel with a shifting 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 one in all 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. In truth, the Royal Ontario Museum is among the largest museums in North America. We used to reside simply across the nook from the ROM and visited usually, 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 all the time been the dinosaur exhibit, it’s really 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 in the event you’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is price visiting for its unbelievable 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, in fact, the intensive assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s an attractive, calming area 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 very best meals market on the planet, and for good purpose. 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 greatest wager.
Uncover Historical past within the Distillery District
Strolling by way of the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District seems 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 remodeled into the hub it’s right now.
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 fortress is a sight to behold. This grand Gothic Revival-style mansion is one other spot the place we now have fond recollections from our movie days. Dave labored on the primary X-Males film, they usually filmed a whole lot of scenes right here at Casa Loma! It’s a captivating glimpse into the town’s previous, and we’ve all the time cherished exploring the key passages and the 800-foot tunnel that connects the fortress to its spectacular stables.
Our tip: The included audio information is totally 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 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.
Individuals-Watch at Yonge-Dundas Sq.
Typically referred to 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 very best method. It’s also 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 the town’s pulse. We love grabbing a espresso and simply watching the unbelievable cross-section of humanity that passes by way of. 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.
House 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 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 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 an important 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 one of the best ways to find the true soul of the town.
Get Misplaced in Kensington Market
A chosen Nationwide Historic Website, Kensington Market is a vibrant, multicultural maze of unbiased retailers and eclectic meals stalls proper within the coronary heart of Chinatown. It’s gritty, vibrant, and unapologetically distinctive. We used to reside on this space, and our favorite technique to expertise it’s to simply wander round for a number of hours with no map.
Comply with your nostril to the scent of contemporary churros, pop into a unusual classic retailer, and simply soak within the unbelievable power. Don’t miss grabbing a number of 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 planet, 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 unbelievable, 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 Avenue
Toronto has a number of “Little Italys,” however the one alongside School 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 power. It’s nonetheless one in all our go-to spots for nice 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 arms. It’s unbelievable for window buying and superstar recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. In case you are into cool museums, one can find the BATA Shoe Museum right here as nicely.
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 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 & Trendy Toronto Sights
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 rapidly change 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 have been genuinely blown away by the unbelievable 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, unbelievable eating places, and a European-style meals market.
Our insider tip: This has rapidly change into one in all 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 enormous modifications, turning it from an industrial afterthought and film studios into an attractive 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 delicate sand, providing a novel 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 unbelievable metropolis to go to. The fervour right here is infectious, particularly when one in all our groups is in a playoff run. The primary sports activities advanced, together with the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Enviornment, 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 a whole lot 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 sizzling canine and watching the Toronto Blue Jays play underneath the open dome (climate allowing) is a traditional summer season expertise within the metropolis.
Our insider tip: Even in the event you’re not an enormous baseball fan, the environment is unbelievable and it’s an important, comparatively inexpensive technique to spend a number of hours. Search for the “Loonie Canines” nights for further worth!
See the Raptors or Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Enviornment
House 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 arduous to get, however you may usually discover seats for a Raptors recreation.
Our private take: If you happen to’re on the town throughout a playoff run, head right down to “Jurassic Park”—the out of doors sq. subsequent to the world the place followers collect to look at the sport on an enormous display. 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 unbelievable 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 technique to spend a few hours downtown.
Outside & 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 an attractive inexperienced area. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, the town has some unbelievable spots for an energetic day trip.
Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands
A brief and scenic ferry journey from the downtown waterfront takes you to a totally completely different world. The Toronto Islands are a sequence of car-free islands with seashores, parks, and unbelievable views of the town skyline. Good 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 further particular for us as a result of it’s the place we had our first date! The ferry goes to 3 completely 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 technique 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 once we moved to Toronto.
We have now 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 timber are in full color.
Insider Tip: After a stroll within the park, head over to the close by Roncesvalles Village, one in all our favorite neighbourhoods for its Polish delis and indie espresso retailers.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
It’s arduous 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 essentially 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 serious Canadian metropolis.
Methods 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 very best time to return, and the place to remain.
Methods to Get Round Toronto
Public Transit (TTC): One of the best 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 overlaying lengthy distances north-south and east-west. Our tip: You possibly can 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, unquestionably, one of the best ways 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 often. 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 one of the best ways 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 undoubtedly higher than others.
Summer season (June – August): That is when the town really comes alive. Patios are full, festivals are occurring each weekend, and the climate is heat. It’s the preferred 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, the 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 – Could): Spring is usually a bit unpredictable (we are able to get snow in April!), however late Could 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 points of interest.
For a Posh Vibe: Yorkville is the spot for luxurious accommodations, high-end buying, and advantageous eating.
For a Native Really feel: A neighbourhood like Queen Avenue West, Ossington or the West Finish affords a extra native, much less touristy expertise.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions About Toronto
We’ve lined lots, however listed below are fast solutions to some 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 not less than three to 4 full days. This provides you adequate time to discover a few completely 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 unbelievable and provide you with a perspective on the town’s scale which you could’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 sooner (solely 25 minutes), extra dependable, and sometimes cheaper than a taxi or rideshare, taking you immediately from the airport to Union Station within the coronary heart of the town.
Your Toronto Journey 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 house, 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 pleased to assist.