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Toronto is Canada’s biggest and most diverse city, which means it’s packed with fascinating cultural sights and fun things to do. If you’re looking for a busy city break in a cosmopolitan location, the city of Toronto is the perfect choice. In this travel guide, we share 20 of the best things to do in this trendy Canadian metropolis.
1. Hike, Bike, and Relax on Scarborough Bluffs
Scarborough Bluffs is a sprawling cliff formation that rises from the Lake Ontario shoreline. Not only does it offer impressive views of the lake, but there are lots of fun activities to enjoy. Visitors can hike or bike through its trails, swim at the lake, or have a picnic at the many clifftop vantage points. Visit the beach at Bluffer’s Park and check out the sculptures, a Greek stage, and a log cabin from the 19th century at Guild Park and Gardens.
2. Enjoy Views of the City from the CN Tower Edge Walk
CN Tower is Toronto’s best-known landmark and a fantastic way to experience it is to take the Edge Walk. This full-circle platform sits 116 stories above the city streets, and it’s the first of its kind in North America.
You’re securely attached to a harness to keep you safe as you take a hands-free stroll in the open air. This is the most thrilling way to see Toronto from above, but for a more relaxing experience, head to the Observation Deck to get views as far as Niagara Falls and New York State on a clear day. Check out the Glass Floor for a birds-eye view of Downtown.
3. Meet the Animals of Toronto Zoo
Spanning 710 acres, Toronto Zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals from all over the world. It’s divided into geographic regions so you can traverse the planet and get an idea of the natural habitats of your favorite species. Highlights include lions, gorillas, pygmy hippos, kangaroos, snow leopards, and grizzly bears. If you love animals, you should also check out Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada to see a huge variety of marine wildlife.
4. Explore the Harbourfront Centre
Sixteen million people visit the Harbourfront Centre every year to enjoy its impressive live performances, art exhibitions, gardens, and restaurants. Events take place at this waterfront complex all year round. It’s comprised of more than 24 venues, and during winter, the lakeside Natrel Rink draws enthusiastic skaters. In summer, there are lots of festivals, concerts, and film screenings to enjoy — many of which are free.
5. See the City from Lake Ontario
Toronto skyline is unmissable, and the best way to see it is from Lake Ontario. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards on the Toronto Islands if you want to lead your own adventure or join a guided kayaking or paddleboarding tour to have the support of a local guide. You could rent a mini powerboat or take a tall ship cruise from the Harbourfront for a faster pace.
6. Take a Day Trip into the Canadian Countryside
If you want to escape from the busy city center and get better acquainted with the Canadian countryside, take a day trip out into nature. The beautiful Niagara Falls is just 90 minutes away by car, and there are many tour operators that run pickup/drop-off services.
Blue Mountain, a popular ski resort, is two hours away by road. Rattlesnake Point is just 50 minutes away and it’s a great spot for rock climbing and hiking.
7. Ride Rollercoasters at Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland is a huge amusement park just 28 miles outside of Toronto. It boasts 200 attractions, including a water park. Some of Canada’s best rollercoasters are found here, including the Yukon Striker, which is the highest and fastest vertical drop rollercoaster in the world. The park is only open between May and September each year, but look out for special events and festivals during the season to make the most of it.
8. Get Lost in Thought on the Philosopher’s Walk
The Philosopher’s Walk is a peaceful footpath on the University of Toronto campus that traverses some of the city’s best cultural landmarks. It passes Trinity College, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and Queen Alexander Gateway.
There are memorial plaques and book quotes on the benches along the walk, and the path is lined with red oaks which were planted in honor of the lives lost in the 1989 Montreal Massacre. Halfway along the route, the path converges with several others, including one that runs to Queen’s Park Crescent.
9. Spend the Day in High Park
High Park is Toronto’s biggest public park, and it’s the ideal spot to get active. It’s lined with trails for hiking and biking, there are several playgrounds for the kids to burn off steam, and there’s an ice rink for skating. In summer, the outdoor pools are the perfect place to cool off. For a quieter pace, stroll around the landscaped gardens, which are particularly impressive in spring when the cherry trees blossom.
10. Pick Up Delicious Food at St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is the biggest and most popular market in Toronto. It’s comprised of several buildings, including the former City Hall. There’s a great mix of vendors here selling everything from fresh produce and artisanal baked goods to antiques and handmade crafts. Book a food tour with a local guide to learn more about the history of the market and its best bits.
11. Grow Your Knowledge in Toronto’s Museums
Toronto has a huge variety of fascinating museums, which are must-see attractions for those who love learning about their travel destinations’ history, culture, and industry. Here are five of the best Toronto museums you can’t afford to miss.
Ontario Science Centre
Get a hands-on learning experience at this interactive museum, which boasts a planetarium and a domed IMAX theater.
Royal Ontario Museum
Learn about the natural and cultural history of both the local region and the world.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey fans can learn about the history of ice hockey, check out the original Stanley Cup, and see a huge variety of memorabilia.
Historic Fort York
Explore the historic Fort York which was built in 1793 to defend the city from the US military.
Bata Shoe Museum
An enormous collection of footwear from throughout history, including ancient foot coverings and the boots of John Lennon.
The Art Gallery of Ontario
A collection of over 95,000 artworks, many of which are by Canadian, First Nations, and North American artists.
12. Take a Ferry to Toronto Island
Take a 15-minute ferry ride from Queen’s Quay to Toronto Island, which is actually a chain of 15 interconnected islets. There are lots of activities to enjoy on the islands. You can lounge on one of the many beaches, swim, kayak, or paddleboard in the lake, take a bike ride or walk along the many trails, or spend a few hours at the beloved Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island.
13. Stroll Trendy West Queen West and Bloor-Yorkville
In 2014, Vogue named West Queen West the second-coolest neighborhood in the world. It has a trendy blend of indie boutiques, art galleries, bars, cafes, and eateries. If you enjoy wandering around this part of town, you’ll also love the Bloor-Yorkville area. It’s an upmarket neighborhood known for its luxury designer stores tucked away in historic Victorian buildings.
14. Wander Around the Distillery District
The Distillery District was once the world’s largest whiskey distillery before it closed down and became derelict. Twenty years ago, it was regenerated and is now home to dozens of indie boutiques, art galleries, artists studios, and eateries. Stroll through this pedestrianized area to enjoy the impressive Victorian architecture and creative atmosphere.
A walking tour of the district is a great way to learn about its history from a knowledgeable local guide. You can combine a visit to the Distillery District with several other areas of Downtown, including Chinatown, Kensington Market, Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto Eaton Centre, and the Entertainment District.
15. Lounge on Toronto’s Beaches
There are some fantastic beaches on the shores of Lake Ontario.
- For swimming and sunbathing, head to Cherry Beach, Bluff’s Beach, Ward’s Island Beach, or Sunnyside.
- Woodbine Beach has volleyball courts, outdoor fitness equipment, and an outdoor Olympic pool.
- Balmy Beach is popular for jogging, walking, and rollerblading.
- Rouge Beach has marshes where you can spot wildlife and a river that’s great for canoeing and fishing.
- Marie Curtis Beach has a wading pool and a playground, making it great for young kids.
16. Enjoy Toronto’s Array of Gardens
There are lots of green spaces in the Greater Toronto area. Toronto Music Garden on the Harbourfront has a whimsical atmosphere and regularly hosts live concerts. Allan Gardens has a variety of exotic plants and flowers and hosts seasonal shows every Spring, Easter, Fall, and Christmas. The grand 5-acre gardens at Casa Loma are not to be missed.
Other popular Toronto gardens include:
- Rosetta McClain Gardens
- Toronto Botanical Garden & Edward Gardens
- Centennial Park Conservatory
- James Gardens
- Spadina Museum Gardens
- Humber Arboretum
17. Check Out Toronto’s Best Street Art
Graffiti Alley runs parallel to West Queen West, and it features impressive street art from talented Torontonian artists. It has regularly been used as a set for photoshoots and music videos.
There are many other murals dotted around Downtown Toronto. Highlights include:
- Equilibrium, 383 Jarvis Street
- East Chinatown Mural, 232 Hamilton St.
- Sharkwater Pangea Seed, 280 Adelaide St W
- Birth of Light, 291 Lakeshore Blvd East
- Machu Picchu, 651 Gerrard St. E.
- Toronto Wall, 101 Spadina Avenue
- Sister Cities, 20 Charles St. East
- Music Mural, 423 Yonge Street
- Make Good, 835 Bloor Street West
- Owl on Bloor, 280 Bloor Street West
- Underpass Park, 29 Lower River Street
18. Soak Up the Atmosphere in Nathan Phillips Square
At the heart of Toronto is Nathan Phillips Square, a vibrant space that regularly hosts special events, community gatherings, and protests. Even when there isn’t anything specific going on, the atmosphere here is always lively. The square features the famous Toronto sign, making it the perfect place for a photo op. If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to go skating on the square’s beloved ice rink.
19. Watch a Movie at the TIFF Bell Lightbox
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes place every September. Over the course of 10 days, between 300 and 400 films from around the world are screened across multiple venues. If you don’t catch the festival, check out the TIFF Bell Lightbox, where indie movies and feature films are screened all year round. It has stadium-style seating and an impeccable sound system for an incredible cinema experience.
20. Catch a Game in a Toronto Sports Stadium
If you love sports, be sure to visit one of Toronto’s impressive sports stadiums. Scotiabank Arena is home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and NBA’s Toronto Raptors, while the Rogers Centre is home to the MLB’s Blue Jays. There’s also the BMO Field, the Coca-Cola Coliseum, Varsity Stadium, the Aviva Centre, and Allan A. Lamport Stadium.
Plan Your Toronto Sightseeing Itinerary
There’s no shortage of fun Toronto attractions to explore so get started planning your itinerary to make the most of your visit to the largest city in Canada.
