Discovering the very best issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis house for 25 years, we’ve received you lined. We keep 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 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 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 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
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 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 very best 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 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 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 greatest insider tip is to e-book your timed tickets on-line effectively upfront, because the traces could be large.
Dive Underneath 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 transferring sidewalk that allows you to glide previous sharks, sea turtles, and big sawfish.
To keep away from the largest crowds, attempt to go on a weekday morning or later within the night for certainly 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 truth, the Royal Ontario Museum is likely one of 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 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 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 should you’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is price visiting for its unbelievable structure alone. The gorgeous, spiraling wood staircase designed by Frank Gehry is a masterpiece. We love spending a day wandering by means of the Thomson Assortment of European artwork and, after all, the in depth assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s a ravishing, calming house within the coronary heart of the town that is stuffed with world-class artwork.
Wander By way of St. Lawrence Market
Nationwide Geographic as soon as named St. Lawrence Market the very best 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 by means of the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District looks 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 reworked into the hub it’s at present.
Now, it’s a superbly 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 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 variety 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.
Usually known 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 absolute best method. 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 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 excellent spot to take a look at, particularly at night time 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 house that really displays the town’s spirit. It makes for an excellent 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 excellent spot for that quintessential Toronto photograph, day or night time.
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 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 option to expertise it’s to only wander round for a number of hours with no map.
Comply with your nostril to the odor of recent 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 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 Avenue
Toronto has a number of “Little Italys,” however the one alongside Faculty 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 power. It’s nonetheless certainly one of our go-to spots for nice meals and late-night eats after a present.
Wander By way of the Posh Streets of Yorkville
If Queen West is the cool, inventive coronary heart of the 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 palms. It’s improbable for window purchasing and movie star recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. In case you are into cool museums, you’ll find the BATA Shoe Museum right here as effectively.
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 an excellent choice 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 rapidly develop 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 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 gentle present or a tiny Niagara Falls is surprisingly magical. It’s a improbable and distinctive expertise for all ages.
Expertise The Properly
The Properly is an enormous new growth that has fully reworked 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 develop into certainly one of our new favorite spots for an excellent dinner. The number of meals choices is superb, from high-end eating to informal eats. It’s an excellent 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 ravishing public house. 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 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 improbable metropolis to go to. The fervour right here is infectious, particularly when certainly one of our groups is in a playoff run. The principle sports activities advanced, together with the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Area, 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 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 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 environment is improbable and it’s an excellent, comparatively reasonably priced option to spend a number of hours. Search for the “Loonie Canines” nights for additional worth!
See the Raptors or Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Area
House 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 exhausting to get, however you may usually discover seats for a Raptors recreation.
Our private take: For those who’re on the town throughout a playoff run, head right down to “Jurassic Park”—the outside sq. subsequent to the world 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, it is a must-do. The Hockey Corridor of Fame is a improbable tribute to the game, crammed with unbelievable memorabilia and interactive displays. Whilst 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 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 simple it’s to flee the concrete jungle and discover a ravishing inexperienced house. From sprawling parks to gorgeous 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 experience 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 unbelievable views of the 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 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 motorbike is the very best option to discover all of the little paths and bridges.
Calm down 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 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 bushes are in full color.
Insider Tip: After a stroll within the park, head over to the close by Roncesvalles Village, certainly one of our favorite neighbourhoods for its Polish delis and indie espresso retailers.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
It’s exhausting to consider this gorgeous 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 seashore, you may lookup on the towering cliffs. It feels extra just like the Mediterranean than a significant Canadian metropolis.
The right 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 very best time to come back, and the place to remain.
The right way to Get Round Toronto
- Public Transit (TTC): One of the simplest ways to navigate Toronto is through the use of 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 straightforward journey.
- From the Airport (UP Specific): The UP (Union Pearson) Specific prepare is, no doubt, 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 ceaselessly. 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 12 months 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 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 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! Nonetheless, 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 – 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
Selecting the best neighbourhood is essential to an excellent 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 resorts, high-end purchasing, and effective 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 quite a bit, 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 primary highlights with out dashing, we suggest no less than 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 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 that you may’t get wherever else. Our recommendation is to e-book your tickets on-line upfront to skip the longest traces.
The UP Specific prepare is the undisputed champion. It’s sooner (solely 25 minutes), extra dependable, and sometimes cheaper than a taxi or rideshare, taking you straight from the airport to Union Station within the coronary heart of the 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 the 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 pleased to assist.
