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Discovering the very best issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis dwelling for 25 years, we’ve received you lined. We bear 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 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 suppose, “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 stay as much as the hype, and the native favourites you would possibly 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 various cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive power that makes it among the best cities on Earth.
High 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 imagine are completely important.
- CN Tower: For the enduring, sky-high view of 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 town buzz for unimaginable 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 need to miss.
Go Up the CN Tower (and possibly 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 town 356m (1,168 ft) up is a narrative you’ll be telling for years. Our greatest insider tip is to ebook your timed tickets on-line effectively prematurely, because the traces may be large.
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 big sawfish.
To keep away from the largest crowds, attempt to go on a weekday morning or later within the night for one among 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 unimaginable to overlook. The truth is, 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 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 should you’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 by the Thomson Assortment of European artwork and, in fact, the intensive assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s a stupendous, calming house within the coronary heart of town that is filled 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 this 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 finest guess.
Uncover Historical past within the Distillery District
Strolling by the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District seems like stepping again in time. We have now an extended historical past right here; again after we labored within the movie trade, we used to movie on this space lengthy earlier than it was reworked into the hub it’s right this moment.
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 a degree 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 citadel is a sight to behold. This grand Gothic Revival-style mansion is one other spot the place we have now fond recollections from our movie days. Dave labored on the primary X-Males film, and so they filmed a variety of scenes right here at Casa Loma! It’s an enchanting 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 power all its personal. These public squares are the beating coronary heart of town, internet hosting occasions, celebrations, and the day by day hustle of Toronto life.
Folks-Watch at Yonge-Dundas Sq.
Usually known as Canada’s Instances Sq., Yonge-Dundas Sq. is a blinding intersection of flashing billboards, bustling crowds, and road performers. It’s sensory overload in the very best method. It is usually 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 town’s pulse. We love grabbing a espresso and simply watching the unimaginable cross-section of humanity that passes by. In the summertime, there are sometimes free concert events 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 a large public house that really displays 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 basic 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 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 one of the simplest ways to find the actual soul of town.
Get Misplaced in Kensington Market
A delegated Nationwide Historic Web site, 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 stay on this space, and our favorite technique to expertise it’s to simply wander round for a couple of hours with no map.
Observe your nostril to the scent of recent churros, pop into a unusual classic retailer, and simply soak within the unimaginable power. Don’t miss grabbing a couple 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 this planet, 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 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 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 once 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 among our go-to spots for excellent meals and late-night eats after a present.
Wander By way of the Posh Streets of Yorkville
If Queen West is the cool, creative coronary heart of 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 arms. It’s improbable for window purchasing and superstar recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. If you’re into cool museums, you will discover 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 important choice of genuine Italian meals.
New & Fashionable Toronto Sights
Even after dwelling right here for therefore lengthy, we’re at all times amazed by how a lot Toronto continues to evolve. These newer spots have shortly change into must-sees and showcase town’s trendy, forward-thinking facet.
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 unimaginable 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 Nicely
The Nicely is a large new growth that has fully reworked the world west of the monetary district. It’s an open-air hub of retailers, unimaginable eating places, and a European-style meals market.
Our insider tip: This has shortly change into one among 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 a stupendous public house. 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 mushy sand, providing a novel city seaside 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 eagerness right here is infectious, particularly when one among our groups is in a playoff run. The principle sports activities complicated, 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 Collection 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 ambiance is improbable and it’s an important, comparatively reasonably priced technique to spend a couple 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 may be notoriously onerous to get, however you’ll be able to usually discover seats for a Raptors recreation.
Our private take: For those who’re on the town throughout a playoff run, head all the way down to “Jurassic Park”—the out of doors sq. subsequent to the world the place followers collect to look at the sport on a large display screen. 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 improbable tribute to the game, crammed with unimaginable memorabilia and interactive reveals. 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 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 a stupendous inexperienced house. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, town has some unimaginable spots for an energetic day trip.
Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands
A brief and scenic ferry experience from the downtown waterfront takes you to a totally totally 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 dwelling to Centreville Amusement Park, the Gibraltar Level Lighthouse, and the ruins of the Hanlan’s Level Resort.
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 totally different spots; for seashores and a extra relaxed vibe, head to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Level. Renting a motorcycle is the best possible technique to discover all of the little paths and bridges.
Chill out 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 known as dwelling after 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 bushes are in full color.
Insider Tip: After a stroll within the park, head over to the close by Roncesvalles Village, one among our favorite neighbourhoods for its Polish delis and indie espresso retailers.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
It’s onerous to imagine this beautiful panorama is inside the metropolis limits. The Scarborough Bluffs are a sequence 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.
How you can Plan a Journey to Toronto
Now that you just’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 return, and the place to remain.
How you can Get Round Toronto
- Public Transit (TTC): The easiest way 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 cellphone, or purchase a PRESTO card for straightforward journey.
- From the Airport (UP Specific): The UP (Union Pearson) Specific prepare is, indubitably, one of the simplest 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 regularly. It’s much better than sitting in site 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 personal two toes are one of the simplest 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 time (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 stunning, and main occasions just like the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant (TIFF) happen.
- Winter (December – March): Be ready for the chilly! Nevertheless, town may 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 town’s parks, particularly the cherry blossoms in Excessive Park, burst into bloom.
The place to Keep in Toronto
Choosing the proper neighbourhood is essential to an important 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 accommodations, high-end purchasing, and high quality 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 quite a bit, 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 primary highlights with out dashing, we advocate at the very least three to 4 full days. This offers you sufficient time to discover a few totally 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 unimaginable and provide you with a perspective on town’s scale which you can’t get anyplace else. Our recommendation is to ebook your tickets on-line prematurely to skip the longest traces.
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 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 town that you just’ll fall in love with too.
When you’ve got any extra questions, drop them within the feedback beneath! We’re at all times pleased to assist.
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