35 Best Things to Do in Toronto | A Local’s Guide

Discovering the perfect issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis dwelling for 25 years, we’ve bought you coated. 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 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 might be genuinely value your time, the enduring 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 uncover its numerous cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive power that makes it top-of-the-line cities on Earth.

High 5 Issues to do in Toronto You Can’t Miss

When you’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): Greatest 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 time afternoon.

Toronto’s Iconic Should-Do Points of interest

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 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 e-book your timed tickets on-line effectively upfront, because the strains could be huge.

Dive Beneath the Sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Situated 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 permits you to glide previous sharks, sea turtles, and large sawfish.

To keep away from the largest crowds, attempt to go on a weekday morning or later within the night for one in all their particular occasions. It’s a incredible 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. Actually, 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 typically, 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 actually 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 when you’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is value 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 means of the Thomson Assortment of European artwork and, after all, the intensive assortment of works by Canada’s iconic Group of Seven. It’s a stupendous, 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 perfect 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 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 this time.

Now, it’s a superbly preserved assortment of Victorian industrial structure that’s a go-to spot for artwork, tradition, and incredible 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 fort is a sight to behold. This grand Gothic Revival-style mansion is one other spot the place now we have fond reminiscences from our movie days. Dave labored on the primary X-Males film, they usually filmed lots 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 totally value 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.

Folks-Watch at Yonge-Dundas Sq.

Typically referred to 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 absolute best manner. 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 incredible 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 ideal 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 area that actually displays the town’s spirit. It makes for an ideal 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 ideal 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 simplest 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 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 solution to expertise it’s to simply wander round for a couple of hours and not using a map.

Comply with your nostril to the scent of recent churros, pop into a unusual classic retailer, and simply soak within the unbelievable 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 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 a protracted stroll, popping into distinctive Canadian designer outlets 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 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, creative 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 incredible for window buying and movie star recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. In case you are into cool museums, you can see 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 choice, we love heading to the rooftop patio at Hemingway’s for an ideal afternoon pint or Eataly for an ideal collection of genuine Italian meals.

New & Trendy Toronto Points of interest

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 shortly change 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 a large, 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 incredible 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 shortly change into one in all our new favorite spots for an ideal dinner. The number of meals choices is wonderful, from high-end eating to informal eats. It’s an ideal 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 stupendous 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 gentle sand, providing a singular city seaside expertise proper subsequent to the Redpath Sugar Refinery.

Toronto for Sports activities Followers

When you’re a sports activities fan, Toronto is a incredible metropolis to go to. The eagerness right here is infectious, particularly when one in all our groups is in a playoff run. The principle sports activities complicated, together with the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Area, 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 lots 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 below the open dome (climate allowing) is a basic summer time expertise within the metropolis.

Our insider tip: Even when you’re not an enormous baseball fan, the ambiance is incredible and it’s an ideal, comparatively inexpensive solution 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 could be notoriously onerous to get, however you possibly can typically discover seats for a Raptors recreation.

Our private take: When you’re on the town throughout a playoff run, head right down to “Jurassic Park”—the out of doors sq. subsequent to the sector 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 incredible tribute to the game, crammed with unbelievable memorabilia and interactive displays. At the same time as 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 assume! It’s a well-done museum and an ideal solution to spend a few hours downtown.

Outside & Lively 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 stupendous inexperienced area. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, the town has some unbelievable spots for an lively day trip.

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. Good for a day journey for the entire household. It’s also dwelling 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 solution 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, one in all our favorite neighbourhoods for its Polish delis and indie espresso outlets.

Hike the Scarborough Bluffs

It’s onerous to consider this beautiful 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 seaside, you possibly can lookup on the towering cliffs. It feels extra just like the Mediterranean than a significant Canadian metropolis.

The best way 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 facet of planning your go to. Right here’s our insider recommendation on getting round, the perfect time to come back, and the place to remain.

The best 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 protecting lengthy distances north-south and east-west. Our tip: You’ll be able to faucet on and off together with your bank card or cellphone, or purchase a PRESTO card for straightforward journey.
• From the Airport (UP Categorical): The UP (Union Pearson) Categorical practice is, indisputably, 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 continuously. It’s much better than sitting in 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 individual two toes are one of the simplest ways to discover.

Greatest Time of 12 months 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 occurring each weekend, and the climate is heat. It’s the most well-liked time to go to, but additionally 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 could 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 could be a bit unpredictable (we will 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 essential to an ideal journey. WE even have an entire 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 lodges, high-end buying, 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.

Continuously Requested Questions About Toronto

We’ve coated loads, however listed here are fast solutions to some extra widespread questions we get from individuals planning a visit to 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.

When you have any extra questions, drop them within the feedback under! We’re at all times pleased to assist.