35 Finest Issues to Do in Toronto | A Native’s Information

Discovering the very best issues to do in Toronto can really feel overwhelming, however after calling this metropolis house for 25 years, we’ve obtained 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 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 inside and outside. 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 reside 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 numerous cuisines, vibrant artwork scene, and the distinctive power that makes it probably the greatest cities on Earth.

High 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 most effective escape from the town buzz for unimaginable skyline views.

Discover Kensington Market: For a style of Toronto’s multicultural, bohemian coronary heart.

Catch a Blue Jays Sport: 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 instances, 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 largest insider tip is to e-book your timed tickets on-line properly 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 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 not possible to overlook. In truth, the Royal Ontario Museum is among the largest museums in North America. We used to reside simply across the nook from the ROM and visited typically, so it holds a particular place in our hearts. We undoubtedly take into account 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 all the time 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 in case you’re not an enormous artwork buff, the AGO is value 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 ravishing, calming house within the coronary heart of the town that is stuffed with world-class artwork.

Wander By St. Lawrence Market

Nationwide Geographic as soon as named St. Lawrence Market the very best meals market on this planet, 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 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 appears like stepping again in time. We’ve 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 immediately.

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 utterly pedestrian-only, and we make some extent 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 fortress is a sight to behold. This grand Gothic Revival-style mansion is one other spot the place we now have 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 a captivating glimpse into the town’s previous, and we’ve all the time beloved exploring the key passages and the 800-foot tunnel that connects the fortress to its spectacular stables.

Our tip: The included audio information is completely value it. It’s narrated by the fictional fortress 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 each day hustle of Toronto life.

Individuals-Watch at Yonge-Dundas Sq.

Typically known as Canada’s Occasions Sq., Yonge-Dundas Sq. is a stunning intersection of flashing billboards, bustling crowds, and road performers. It’s sensory overload in the very best means. Additionally it is an enormous bonus that it’s proper throughout from the Eaton’s Middle in downtown Toronto.

Our private take: Whereas it’s not a spot to seek out peace and quiet, it’s improbable for feeling the 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.

Residence to Metropolis Corridor and the well-known “TORONTO” signal, Nathan Phillips Sq. is a must-see. It’s a large public house that actually displays the 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 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 important 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 the easiest way to find the actual soul of the town.

Get Misplaced in Kensington Market

A chosen Nationwide Historic Web site, 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 reside on this space, and our favorite method 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 contemporary 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 house 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 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 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 nice meals and late-night eats after a present.

Wander By 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 improbable for window procuring and superstar recognizing, particularly throughout TIFF. If you’re into cool museums, you’ll find the BATA Shoe Museum right here as properly.

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 important collection of genuine Italian meals.

New & Trendy Toronto Sights

Even after dwelling right here for therefore lengthy, we’re all the time 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 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 utterly reworked the world west of the monetary district. It’s an open-air hub of outlets, unimaginable eating places, and a European-style meals market.

Our insider tip: This has rapidly develop 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 good.

Discover the Revitalized Waterfront

Toronto’s waterfront has seen big modifications, 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 Seashore, with its iconic pink umbrellas and smooth sand, providing a novel 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 one among our groups is in a playoff run. The principle sports activities advanced, together with the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Enviornment, is conveniently positioned proper downtown.

Catch a Blue Jays Sport 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 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 time expertise within the metropolis.

Our insider tip: Even in case you’re not an enormous baseball fan, the environment is improbable and it’s an important, comparatively reasonably priced method to spend a couple of hours. Search for the “Loonie Canines” nights for additional 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 center of the motion for basketball and hockey. Tickets for the Leafs could be notoriously laborious to get, however you’ll be able to typically 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 outside sq. subsequent to the world the place followers collect to observe the sport on a large 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, full of unimaginable memorabilia and interactive displays. Whilst 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 method 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 ravishing inexperienced house. From sprawling parks to beautiful lakeside cliffs, the 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 sequence of car-free islands with seashores, parks, and unimaginable views of the town skyline. Excellent for a day journey for the entire household. Additionally it is house 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 method 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’ve 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’ve 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 timber 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 outlets.

Hike the Scarborough Bluffs

It’s laborious 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 serious Canadian metropolis.

Methods 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.

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 protecting 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 Categorical): The UP (Union Pearson) Categorical practice is, indubitably, 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 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 ft 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 occurring 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 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 generally is 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 important journey. WE even have an entire 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 points of interest.

For a Posh Vibe: Yorkville is the spot for luxurious lodges, high-end procuring, and tremendous 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.

Regularly Requested Questions About Toronto

We’ve lined loads, however listed here are fast solutions to some extra frequent questions we get from folks planning a visit to 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.

When you’ve got any extra questions, drop them within the feedback beneath! We’re all the time comfortable to assist.