{"id":13671,"date":"2023-09-10T03:39:33","date_gmt":"2023-09-10T03:39:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journal.rentbyowner.com\/?p=13671"},"modified":"2026-05-20T09:11:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T09:11:54","slug":"things-to-do-in-toronto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentbyowner.com\/journal\/things-to-do-in-toronto\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Best Things to Do in Toronto"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Toronto<\/a> is Canada\u2019s biggest and most diverse city, which means it\u2019s packed with fascinating cultural sights and fun things to do. If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Hike, Bike, and Relax on Scarborough Bluffs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Scarborough Bluffs<\/a> 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\u2019s Park and check out the sculptures, a Greek stage, and a log cabin from the 19th century at Guild Park and Gardens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Enjoy Views of the City from the CN Tower Edge Walk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

CN Tower is Toronto\u2019s best-known landmark and a fantastic way to experience it is to take the Edge Walk<\/a>. This full-circle platform sits 116 stories above the city streets, and it\u2019s the first of its kind in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Meet the Animals of Toronto Zoo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spanning 710 acres, Toronto Zoo<\/a> is home to more than 5,000 animals from all over the world. It\u2019s 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\u2019s Aquarium of Canada<\/a> to see a huge variety of marine wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Explore the Harbourfront Centre<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sixteen million people visit the Harbourfront Centre<\/a> every year to enjoy its impressive live performances, art exhibitions, gardens, and restaurants. Events take place at this waterfront complex all year round. It\u2019s 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 \u2014 many of which are free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. See the City from Lake Ontario<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Toronto skyline is unmissable, and the best way to see it is from Lake Ontario<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Take a Day Trip into the Canadian Countryside<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> is just 90 minutes away by car, and there are many tour operators that run pickup\/drop-off services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue Mountain<\/a>, a popular ski resort, is two hours away by road. Rattlesnake Point is just 50 minutes away and it\u2019s a great spot for rock climbing and hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Ride Rollercoasters at Canada\u2019s Wonderland<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Canada\u2019s Wonderland<\/a> is a huge amusement park just 28 miles outside of Toronto. It boasts 200 attractions, including a water park. Some of Canada\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Get Lost in Thought on the Philosopher\u2019s Walk<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Philosopher\u2019s Walk is a peaceful footpath on the University of Toronto campus that traverses some of the city\u2019s best cultural landmarks. It passes Trinity College, the Royal Ontario Museum<\/a>, the Royal Conservatory of Music, and Queen Alexander Gateway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 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\u2019s Park Crescent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Spend the Day in High Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

High Park<\/a> is Toronto\u2019s biggest public park, and it\u2019s the ideal spot to get active. It\u2019s lined with trails for hiking and biking, there are several playgrounds for the kids to burn off steam, and there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Pick Up Delicious Food at St. Lawrence Market<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

St. Lawrence Market<\/a> is the biggest and most popular market in Toronto. It\u2019s comprised of several buildings, including the former City Hall. There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Grow Your Knowledge in Toronto\u2019s Museums<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t afford to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ontario Science Centre<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Get a hands-on learning experience at this interactive museum, which boasts a planetarium and a domed IMAX theater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Royal Ontario Museum<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Learn about the natural and cultural history of both the local region and the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hockey Hall of Fame<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hockey fans can learn about the history of ice hockey, check out the original Stanley Cup, and see a huge variety of memorabilia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historic Fort York<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Explore the historic Fort York which was built in 1793 to defend the city from the US military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bata Shoe Museum<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An enormous collection of footwear from throughout history, including ancient foot coverings and the boots of John Lennon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Art Gallery of Ontario<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A collection of over 95,000 artworks, many of which are by Canadian, First Nations, and North American artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Take a Ferry to Toronto Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Take a 15-minute ferry ride from Queen\u2019s Quay<\/a> 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<\/a> on Centre Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Stroll Trendy West Queen West and Bloor-Yorkville<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In 2014, Vogue named West Queen West<\/a> 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\u2019ll also love the Bloor-Yorkville area. It\u2019s an upmarket neighborhood known for its luxury designer stores tucked away in historic Victorian buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Wander Around the Distillery District<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Distillery District<\/a> was once the world\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>, and the Entertainment District.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Lounge on Toronto\u2019s Beaches<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are some fantastic beaches on the shores of Lake Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n