Discovering the perfect issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis dwelling for 25 years, we’ve obtained you coated. We keep 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 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 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 are genuinely value your time, the long-lasting landmarks that stay 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 enable you to uncover its numerous cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive vitality that makes it the most effective cities on Earth.
Prime 5 Issues to do in Toronto You Can’t Miss
If you happen to’re brief 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 long-lasting, 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 perfect 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 time 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’ll be able to’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 the 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 effectively upfront, because the strains will 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, a large 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 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 inconceivable to overlook. In actual fact, 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 usually, so it holds a particular place in our hearts. We undoubtedly take into account 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 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 in case you’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is value visiting for its unbelievable structure alone. The beautiful, spiraling picket staircase designed by Frank Gehry is a masterpiece. We love spending a day wandering by means of 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 wonderful, calming area within the coronary heart of the 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 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 greatest wager.
Uncover Historical past within the Distillery District
Strolling by means of the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District looks like stepping again in time. Now we have a protracted historical past right here; again after we labored within the movie business, we used to movie on this space lengthy earlier than it was reworked 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 improbable 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 citadel is a sight to behold. This grand Gothic Revival-style mansion is one other spot the place we’ve got fond reminiscences from our movie days. Dave labored on the primary X-Males film, they usually filmed quite a lot of scenes right here at Casa Loma! It’s an enchanting glimpse into the town’s previous, and we’ve all the time liked exploring the key passages and the 800-foot tunnel that connects the citadel to its spectacular stables.
Our tip: The included audio information is completely value 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, 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 each 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 avenue performers. It’s sensory overload in the very best approach. Additionally it is 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 unbelievable cross-section of humanity that passes by means of. In the summertime, there are sometimes free live shows and occasions, making it an incredible 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 a large public area that actually 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 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 incredible spot for that quintessential Toronto picture, 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 chosen Nationwide Historic Website, Kensington Market is a vibrant, multicultural maze of impartial outlets 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 strategy to expertise it’s to only wander round for a number of hours with out a map.
Comply with your nostril to the odor of contemporary churros, pop into a unusual classic retailer, and simply soak within the unbelievable vitality. 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 earth, Queen Avenue 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 unbelievable, 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 a protracted stroll, popping into distinctive Canadian designer outlets 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 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 vitality. It’s nonetheless considered one 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 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 fingers. It’s improbable for window purchasing and superstar recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. If you’re into cool museums, you’ll discover 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 possibility, we love heading to the rooftop patio at Hemingway’s for an ideal afternoon pint or Eataly for an incredible choice of genuine Italian meals.
New & Fashionable 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 grow to be 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 sights, Little Canada is a large, extremely detailed miniature world showcasing well-known Canadian landmarks from coast to coast.
Our private take: We had 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 improbable and distinctive expertise for all ages.
Expertise The Nicely
The Nicely is a large new growth that has fully reworked the realm 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 grow to be 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 sweet.
Discover the Revitalized Waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront has seen big adjustments, turning it from an industrial afterthought and film studios into a wonderful 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 mushy 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 improbable metropolis to go to. The fervour 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 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 quite a lot of reminiscences 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 beneath the open dome (climate allowing) is a traditional summer time expertise within the metropolis.
Our insider tip: Even in case you’re not an enormous baseball fan, the ambiance is improbable and it’s an incredible, comparatively inexpensive strategy to spend a number of hours. Search for the “Loonie Canine” 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 will be notoriously arduous to get, however you’ll be able to usually 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 out of doors sq. subsequent to the sector the place followers collect to observe the sport on a large 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, full of unbelievable memorabilia and interactive reveals. At the same time as 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 strategy 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 wonderful inexperienced area. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, the town has some unbelievable spots for an energetic time out.
Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands
A brief and scenic ferry trip from the downtown waterfront takes you to a totally completely different world. The Toronto Islands are a series of car-free islands with seashores, parks, and unbelievable views of the town skyline. Excellent for a day journey for the entire household. Additionally it is 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 completely 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 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. Now we have 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 dwelling after we moved to Toronto.
Now we have so many reminiscences 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 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 outlets.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
It’s arduous to imagine 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 probably the most iconic view, head to Bluffer’s Park. From the seaside, you’ll be able to 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 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 return, and the place to remain.
Easy 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’ll be able to faucet on and off along 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, surely, 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 steadily. It’s much better than sitting in 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 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 undoubtedly higher than others.
- Summer season (June – August): That is when the town actually 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 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 Pageant (TIFF) happen.
- Winter (December – March): Be ready for the chilly! Nonetheless, the town will 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 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 sights.
- For a Posh Vibe: Yorkville is the spot for luxurious motels, high-end purchasing, and advantageous 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.
Often Requested Questions About Toronto
We’ve coated so much, however listed below are fast solutions to a couple 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 no less than three to 4 full days. This offers you adequate time to discover a few completely different neighbourhoods, go to a significant museum, and soak up 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 unbelievable and provide you with a perspective on the town’s scale that you could’t get wherever else. Our recommendation is to guide your tickets on-line upfront 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 immediately 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.
In case you have any extra questions, drop them within the feedback under! We’re all the time comfortable to assist.
