I’ve delayed writing this specific blog post because even though I was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, I know there are still countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered and I worry that maybe I won’t be doing my city justice. But if you are a first-time visitor, these are the best things to do in Toronto, Canada where you’re sure to have a good time, see some of the best landmarks, and get a taste of what Toronto is about. Here, I will share locations where you won’t find yourself disappointed upon arrival, thinking, “Is that all there is?”, as we’ve probably all experienced at least once during our travels the stark contrast between what we may see on social media and the reality of what is actually in person.
There is a plethora of things to do in Toronto, Canada and the possibilities for exploration are endless. To see the best of what Toronto offers, allocate at least 3 or 4 days to explore this vibrant city to visit the most popular destinations unique to this Canadian city. Renowned for its multiculturalism and its bustling neighborhoods with diverse cuisines, iconic landmarks and attractions, vibrant art scene and nightlife, Toronto is bound to have something for many types of travelers. However, amidst the numerous options, I wanted to make sure to share the locations worth visiting – not just overhyped tourist attractions, so here are the best things to do in Toronto to uncover the highlights of your stay.
The Best Time To Visit Toronto, Canada
Toronto has all four seasons and the best time to visit and explore comfortably is during the late spring (May) to early autumn (September) months. Toronto experiences pleasant weather during the Spring and Fall. Then we have full-fledged summer weather between June and August, making it ideal for outdoor activities and leisure exploration and allowing you to spend time at the water.
May – Toronto is just thawing out and the spring weather is starting to take over and it’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid peak tourist season with moderate weather. It can be a little cooler but still t-shirt-worthy weather.
June – With longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, it marks the beginning of summer and the opportunity to really take advantage of the outdoors and the many road trips you can embark on, or just exploring this large city in general.
July and August – These peak summer months in Toronto can get quite hot and there is plenty of sunshine. So if you like warmer weather and the city vibes with lots of events and festivals to attend, this is the best time to visit.
September – The quick transition into fall happens in mid-September. You can start to experience milder temperatures but also fewer crowds, making it a great time to explore in a more relaxing manner with very comfortable weather.
How To Get To Toronto, Canada
Neighboring cities, provinces, and States can easily drive into Toronto. But if you’re flying in, you can choose to arrive at Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Mississauga and take the Union Pearson Express downtown or hail an Uber or Lyft for about a half-hour drive. The other option is to land at Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) which is in the heart of Downtown, Toronto and you may want to take an Uber or Lyft to your hotel or use the TTC and hop on a streetcar and subway to get to your intended destination.
How To Get Around Toronto, Canada
Before you start exploring the city that I call home, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the transportation options to ensure a seamless experience, allowing you to maximize your time exploring what Toronto has to offer. Toronto is a really large city and it’s important to note that our transit system doesn’t operate as flawlessly as Japan’s Metro, Hong Kong’s Octopus system, or even New York’s subway network. Understanding this reality is crucial for optimizing your time, allowing you to focus on enjoying activities rather than spending excessive time in transit.
When it comes to visiting Downtown Toronto, I prefer walking and taking the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) which includes subways, streetcars, and buses. I find this is the easiest and most efficient way to get around besides ride-hailing programs like Uber and Lyft. You can also rent e-bikes throughout the city too. However, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car unless you’re leaving the Toronto area and heading to places like Niagara Falls as parking is really expensive, sometimes there are only one-way streets, and there could be road closures and construction which means there can be a lot of traffic. Also, considering the amount of ground you have to cover, you’ll frequently face the dilemma of either continuously paying for parking at every new location you go to or retracing your steps back to your parked car after extensive walks.
Where To Stay in Toronto, Canada
Deciding where to stay is of utmost importance as you want to stay in neighborhoods that are convenient to where you will be exploring in this vast city. When choosing where to stay in Toronto, consider your budget, interests, and preferred atmosphere. Additionally, it’s worth nothing that staying near a subway station could offer the most convenience for you. Here are 3 suggested locations:
Downtown Yonge
I personally like this area the best especially if you’re a first-time visitor and even as a returning visitor as it is very lively with the many shops, entertainment options, restaurants, and many notable landmarks from the get-go. Everything is easily walkable and there is already an endless number of things to do in this area. You’ll also be where the Yonge-Dundas Square is, which is reminiscent of a much smaller New York’s Time Square. This area is also in the middle of many different locations of the best things to do in Toronto whether you’re going north, south, east, or west.
Bloor-Yorkville
This area is a more high-end neighborhood with luxurious fine-dining restaurants, cultural venues like museums and art galleries, and a designer shopping haven. You can also spot celebrities who frequent this area during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Although it’s situated in Midtown Toronto, it is still very easy to get around as Bloor is a big hub on the TTC and is basically the middle line or halfway point of the subway where you go east and west so the convenience is there as well.
Entertainment District
This is the Downtown West area where you can find many different nightclubs, a multitude of bars and restaurants, iconic landmarks, theater and sports venues, great hotels, and much more. It is easily walkable across King Street West between University Avenue and Spadina Avenue.
Best Things To Do In Toronto, Canada
To help you organize your trip to Toronto in a well-planned fashion according to your preferences and interests, I’ve curated the following locations ranging from north to south on the map to help make planning your trip a breeze. Just pick and choose the best things to do in Toronto below and customize your trip accordingly.
Note: You can get the City Pass Toronto which gives you admission to 5 of the top Toronto attractions at a 41% discount.
1 – High Park
Best Time To Visit – You can visit High Park year-round, but you’ll be extra impressed by the cherry blossoms in the spring (end of April to early May) or the vibrant fall foliage during the mid-September to late October months.
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours or even more
Why It’s Worth Visiting – There are 399 acres of land and you can go for a leisurely stroll, walk the High Park Loop Trail, have a nice picnic, enjoy the charming gardens and serene ponds, or even visit the High Park Zoo. Other activities include tennis, baseball, swimming, and much more.
2 – Casa Loma
Best Time To Visit – If you want to avoid crowds and have a more peaceful experience, visit during the weekdays in the early morning as it is less busy, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Time Spent – 2 to 2.5 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – Casa Loma is the only castle in Toronto and the surrounding area with a captivating blend of history and architectural grandeur with its Gothic Revival style and intricate details throughout the property as well as beautiful gardens. There are secret passages, underground tunnels, and panoramic views of Toronto. You can even dine at The Gardens – just make a reservation ahead of time! In addition, you can also have some adventure at the Casa Loma Escape Rooms. There are several escape rooms to choose from and I did Escape From The Tower for a team-building event at work once; it was super realistic, very fun, and interactive – highly recommend it!
3 – Bloor-Yorkville
Time Spent – 3+ hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – Bloor is known as Toronto’s luxury shopping district with designer stores, fancy hotels, and a diverse culinary scene, you can also find a vibrant atmosphere with charming streets and upscale boutiques in Yorkville. It’s also a cultural hub and home to world-class museums and cultural institutions. Throughout the year, there will be various events and festivals in this area.
4 – Eataly
Time Spent – 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (if you eat here)
Why It’s Worth Visiting – If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Eataly in New York City, this is a great alternative as it’s super convenient to get to and is right on Bloor. (There’s also a second location at Don Mills if you’re interested.) Although it is much smaller than the one in New York, they have a good selection of authentic Italian foods to choose from and I have to say their tiramisu and focaccia are on point and the quality is there.
5 – Royal Ontario Museum (aka The ROM)
Time Spent – 3 to 3.5 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – Opened in 1914, this Toronto museum is also Canada’s largest and has many permanent exhibits featuring fascinating artifacts that span cultures, history, and art – not to mention their many limited-time, special exhibitions from time to time. You can journey through centuries of ancient civilizations to modern innovations for hours on end here. It is one of the best museums and provides an educational and enriching experience for visitors of all ages with world-class collections to explore.
6 – University of Toronto – St. George Campus
Time Spent – 1 hour
Why It’s Worth Visiting – If you like historical buildings and to walk around Canada’s most prestigious university, you can visit the University of Toronto before you get to your next stop. Not only renowned for its academic excellence, but you can enjoy the stunning architecture and natural beauty all around the vast grounds with charming courtyards and tranquil gardens.
7 – Toronto Eaton Centre
Time Spent – 1.5 to 3 hours (if you like shopping)
Why It’s Worth Visiting – Eaton Center is located in the heart of Downtown Toronto and you can get an amazing mix of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. As one of Canada’s largest shopping malls, you can find high-end luxury brands to popular retailers for every taste and budget on 4 floors from Dundas Street to Queen Street. There are also plenty of food options at the many restaurants and food courts with diverse cuisines to choose from.
8 – Yonge-Dundas Square
Time Spent – 2 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – Right outside Eaton Center is Dundas Square (often referred to as Toronto’s Times Square) and it’s always bustling with live music, buskers, street entertainment, events, and much more. This open space is constantly buzzing with energy throughout the year and you can take in the dazzling billboards and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, as well as Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). A popular spot for both locals and tourists, this must-visit destination encapsulates the essence of Toronto.
9 – Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillip’s Square
Time Spent – 30 minutes to 1 hour
Why It’s Worth Visiting – These iconic landmarks are right next to each other and offer visitors a blend of architectural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities. City Hall offers guided tours to learn about the history and architecture and you can enjoy a variety of events and celebrations throughout the year by the famous Toronto Sign which serves as a popular backdrop for photos.
10 – Art Gallery Of Ontario (AGO)
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – Boasting a collection of over 90,000 works of art, is one of the most esteemed art museums in North America with exhibits that showcase a variety of world-class art. Explore an array of artistic styles and mediums, from captivating sculptures to breathtaking paintings, immersive installations, and meaningful photographs that offer a rich tapestry of human creativity to appreciate.
11 – Queen Street West
Time Spent – 3 hours +
Why It’s Worth Visiting – You can explore Queen Street West in a couple of hours (taking the streetcar will help speed things up) or you can allocate half a day to casually stroll through all the unique shops, eat at trendy cafés and bistros to international restaurants, and even check out the many cannabis dispensaries (because of course, it’s legal in Canada). This vibrant and eclectic street in Toronto is known for its unique blend of culture and urban charm and you can also find plenty of street art and murals (check out Graffiti Alley) that adorn the neighborhood’s walls. Not to mention, you can also find great nightlife at the bars and clubs here.
12 – Union Station / PATH
13 – Time Spent – 20 minutes to 1 hour or more
Why It’s Worth Visiting – This transportation hub in Downtown Toronto has stunning architecture and convenient access to transit options including the TTC (subway and streetcars), VIA Rail Canada, Go Transit, Union Pearson Express, and Greyhound Canada. It is a gateway to the city that allows travelers to access various destinations locally and nationally. And it looks like a smaller version of Central Station in New York City.
Although it doesn’t start from Union Station, you can easily access the PATH here. PATH is an extensive underground pedestrian network and is the largest underground shopping complex in the world spanning over 30 kilometers and connects office buildings, hotels, transit stations, shopping centers, and entertainment venues. It is also a great way to explore Toronto during the wetter and colder months of the year as it provides shelter from the elements while providing access to many different attractions. Just a heads-up, it can get a little confusing but there is signage that can help with direction.
14 – Scotiabank Arena (formerly Air Canada Center which many Torontonians still know it as)
Time Spent – Depends on the event/activity you’re attending
Why It’s Worth Visiting – If you plan to attend a sporting event, a concert, live show, or other major event, this is likely where it will be held. Toronto’s beloved sports teams (Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors) also play here.
15 – Rogers Center (formerly the Sky Dome – wish they kept that name!)
Time Spent – Depends on the event/activity you’re attending
Why It’s Worth Visiting – If you plan to participate in a baseball game with the Toronto Blue Jays, a concert, or other special events, this stadium will be where it will be held. A unique feature of the Rogers Centre is the retractable roof and distinctive dome-shaped design in Toronto’s skyline. If you stay at the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel in the field-view suites, you can watch any event right from your hotel room window as it peers into the stadium perfectly.
16 – CN Tower
Time Spent – 2.5 hours if you go inside, or you can just observe it from afar
Why It’s Worth Visiting – Toronto’s most iconic landmark is a towering character of Toronto’s skyline as you can it from almost every angle in the city and surrounding areas due to it being the tallest building in Toronto currently (although The One is said to surpass it once it reaches completion in 2025). And whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are a first-time visitor, taking photos of the CN Tower will always be a thing when you’re in Downtown Toronto.
Here’s what you can do in the CN Tower:
- Learn about the history of the CN Tower through interactive exhibits
- Visit the observation decks on the LookOut Level and SkyPod for panoramic views of the city
- On the 113th floor, you can test your courage by walking on the Glass Floor which are transparent panes of glass where you can see right through to the busy streets below.
- For those who have no fear of heights, you can step outside the tower’s main pod and walk along the edge of the observation deck while being fastened to safety harnesses on the EdgeWalk.
- For a unique dining experience, you can dine at the revolving 360 Restaurant (but if I’m being honest, there are dozens and dozens of much better dining experiences around Toronto! You can check out my Instagram story highlights on Toronto Food for some inspiration as well.).
17 – Ripley’s Aquarium Of Canada
Time Spent – 1.5 to 2.5 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – This is 1 of 3 aquariums that are owned and operated by Ripley Entertainment and it showcases a diverse range of marine life from around the world. With 2 levels to explore and interactive displays, mesmerizing exhibits, and immersive experiences from touching stingrays and jellyfish to the famous underwater tunnel, it is a must-visit when coming to Toronto.
18 – Steam Whistle Brewing
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – This is a famous spot for tourists and locals alike as it is right across the CN Tower and near to stadiums so it gets really busy before or after a game (so you might want to avoid those times). It is located on a National Historic Site that was home to the Canadian Pacific Railway repair facility and there are still old trains on the property that you can admire. There are many on-site events, good food, and of course endless beer. You can even take a tour of the brewery and learn about its history.
19 – The REC Room
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – You can eat, drink, and play at the REC Room. With a large menu to choose from and over 80 games that include pool, ping pong, shuffleboard, car simulators, video games, virtual reality, and more, you can stay entertained in over 40,000 square feet of space that’s dedicated to fun.
20 – The Well
Time Spent – 1.5 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – A new shopping establishment in Toronto, you can eat, shop, and play here (or even live and work) with the many culinary delights, extravagant retail stores along with pop-ups and boutiques. It is a design-forward indoor and outdoor space with a mix of entertainment, arts, and culture. This community has over 320,000 square feet of retail and food experiences and kind of reminds me of Brickell in Miami, Florida.
21 – Distillery District
Best Time To Visit – Personally, I think visiting during the yearly Christmas Market is the most atmospheric due to the festivities and decorations
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – This historic neighborhood in Toronto offers an old-school type of charm with its cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleyways, and nostalgic atmosphere. Here you can find a vibrant arts scene with a mix of galleries, studios, and artisan boutiques showcasing the works of local artists and designers. You can also find several upscale restaurants in this area, along with breweries and distilleries, and a famous coffee roaster. You can even book a tour here.
23 – Harbourfront Centre & Area
Time Spent – 1 to 3 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – Mostly just known as Harbourfront, this area is located along Toronto’s picturesque waterfront. That alone is worth a quick visit to see – so you can spend a short amount of time here if you want to take a look at the view or you can explore along the boardwalk and the harbourfront area as it’s also a community hub for culture and art – offering an array of events and activities (including kayaking, paddleboarding, and more). You can also enjoy waterfront dining with views of the city’s skyline and panoramic views of Lake Ontario. During the year, there will also be seasonal events to attend and many outdoor fitness classes.
24 – Medieval Times
Time Spent – 2 to 3 hours
Why It’s Worth Visiting – This special show set in the Medieval Times is in an 11th-century-style castle and is suitable for all ages to see at least once. You will be transported back in time, enjoying a 4-course meal while watching a live tournament of knights jousting and sword fighting on Andalusian stallions. Arrive an hour before your showtime so that you can take photos, explore the hall of suits or armor, and more. They also have special birthday surprises if you sign up for their email list and share your birth date (it used to be free admission but that might have changed now).
25 – Canadian National Exhibition (CNE or The Ex)
Best Time To Visit – This event usually happens from mid-August to early September
Time Spent – 4 hours or more
Why It’s Worth Visiting – This is one of the more exciting summer events I don’t mind going to repeatedly (although I do skip a few years here and there). First, there are so many different food vendors with very unique foods to try out, every year there are new features and shows, and it is jam-packed with a plethora of entertainment, attractions, and activities for all ages. There are live concerts, amusement rides and games, and shopping pavilions so you can even spend all day and night here if you’d like. You can also enjoy air shows, fireworks, and parades throughout this event.
26 – Toronto Islands
Best Time To Visit – During the spring and summer months, but try to weekends and holidays
Time Spent – 2 to 4 hours or longer
Why It’s Worth Visiting – You must take a 13-minute ferry ride, a water taxi, or rent a canoe/kayak to get to the Toronto Islands, which is comprised of 15 small islands, the most popular being Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, and Ward’s Island.
From the Toronto Islands, you can see the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario from another side, plus you get to see some of the most beautiful sunsets here. You can have picnics, BBQs, walk or bike along the scenic trails, or play recreational sports. In addition, families can also visit Centreville Amusement Park with over 30 rides and attractions, Far Enough Farm, and Franklin Children’s Garden.
Canada’s oldest lighthouse and Toronto’s oldest stone building, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, can also be found near Hanlan’s Point Beach. Speaking of, 4 of Toronto’s 10 beaches are found on the Toronto Islands as well.
27 – Polson Pier Skyline Viewpoint
Best Time To Visit – During sunset or nighttime for picture-perfect views of Toronto’s skyline
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Why It’s Worth Visiting – If you love taking photos and want to get a really good shot of Toronto with an unobstructed view, especially during sunset, this is the place to go. It is a little farther out on the East end of the waterfront in the industrial Port Lands so be sure to map out if this is a convenient place to add to your Toronto itinerary.
To start planning your trip, download my Free Pre-Trip Planner And Checklist.