Welcome to Toronto, Canada’s most populous metropolis and a cultural, monetary, and cosmopolitan hub. With its iconic skyline punctuated by the CN Tower, Toronto provides many experiences for each sort of traveler. Better of all, town is open three hundred and sixty five days a yr, and lots of of its premier sights are inside strolling distance within the coronary heart of downtown Toronto.
Uncover the final word information to issues to do in Toronto, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Elevate your Canadian adventure with curated experiences and native insights.
A Tradition Lover’s Information to Toronto
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
One of many first stops for anybody focused on tradition ought to be the Royal Ontario Museum, generally generally known as ROM. Positioned in Toronto, Ontario, the museum is a marvel, partly because of the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a putting architectural marvel that has turn into iconic within the Toronto skyline. The ROM additionally hosts displays, from historic Egyptian sandals to essentially the most intricate up to date artwork items. Moreover the everlasting collections, the ROM options rotating exhibitions, so there’s one thing new to discover every time you go to.
Artwork Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
To delve deeper into the artwork world, go to the Artwork Gallery of Ontario (AGO). This world-class museum showcases a formidable assortment of over 90,000 works, making it amongst North America’s most distinguished artwork museums. Whether or not you’re focused on European classics or up to date artwork from Toronto and past, you’ll find one thing that captures your creativeness.
Bata Shoe Museum
You would possibly discover it peculiar that a whole museum options footwear, however the Bata Shoe Museum will shock you. This museum homes 1000’s of footwear and associated artifacts inside strolling distance of ROM. Highlights embody historic Egyptian sandals and up to date superstar footwear. The museum provides a singular perspective on historical past and tradition by means of one thing as easy but important as footwear.
Aga Khan Museum
For a special cultural expertise, enterprise a bit additional to go to the Aga Khan Museum. This museum is devoted to Islamic artwork and Muslim tradition and provides gorgeous structure and serene gardens. With a group that options artifacts from the Iberian Peninsula to South Asia, it supplies a deep dive right into a wealthy tapestry of histories and traditions.
A Sports activities Fan’s Haven
Main League Sports activities in Toronto
For the sports activities fans on the market, Toronto is a dream come true. The town is house to a few of North America’s most famed sports activities groups. Catch a hockey recreation that includes the Toronto Maple Leafs on the Air Canada Centre, or change gears and luxuriate in a Toronto Raptors basketball match. If baseball’s extra your pace, the Rogers Centre frequently hosts Toronto Blue Jays video games, providing an unforgettable expertise with the ambiance solely main league sports activities can present.
Hockey Corridor of Fame
Should you’re a hockey lover, lacking the Hockey Corridor of Fame could be a cardinal sin. Positioned in downtown Toronto, this nationwide treasure provides courtesy hockey corridor shows that dive deep into Canada’s hockey heritage. From Stanley Cups to the game’s greats, the Hockey Corridor of Fame is a tribute to all issues hockey.
Rogers Centre and Air Canada Centre
Each of those arenas are meccas for sports activities followers. The Rogers Centre is just not solely the house of the Toronto Blue Jays but additionally hosts numerous different occasions, together with concert events and monster truck rallies. The Air Canada Centre, alternatively, is the go-to venue for basketball and hockey video games, providing state-of-the-art amenities and an electrical environment.
Toronto’s Architectural Marvels
Iconic CN Tower
A information to Toronto would solely be full by mentioning its most iconic landmark: the CN Tower. Standing at a staggering top of 553.3 meters, the CN Tower was the world’s tallest freestanding construction when inbuilt 1976. For the thrill-seekers, think about taking a personal helicopter tour for a fowl’s eye view of town. Or, should you choose, the CN Tower additionally provides the EdgeWalk—a daring, hands-free stroll across the circumference of the tower’s central pod.
Casa Loma
Step again in time with a go to to Casa Loma, an imposing fort that serves as a nationwide historic website. Initially constructed as a residence for financier Sir Henry Pellatt, the fort now provides excursions that glimpse early Twentieth-century aristocratic life. Casa Loma supplies an expertise like no different in Toronto with its well-maintained gardens and complex interiors.
Roy Thomson Corridor
One other architectural gem in Toronto’s crown is the Roy Thomson Corridor. Identified for its round architectural design and sloping glass exterior, it serves as the house for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The corridor provides various programming, from classical and jazz to pop and world music, making it a cornerstone of Toronto’s vibrant cultural scene.
Should-Go to Outside Spots
Toronto Islands
Only a fast ferry journey from the Toronto Harbour, you’ll end up in a special world—the Toronto Islands. Providing serene seashores and biking and strolling paths, it’s an important escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto. Whether or not you’re focused on water sports activities or wish to have a picnic whereas taking in views of the Toronto skyline, the Islands provide a various vary of actions for everybody.
Excessive Park
Excessive Park is Toronto’s largest public park, that includes many mountain climbing trails, sports activities amenities, a lovely lakefront, and a number of kids’s playgrounds. The park additionally contains the Excessive Park Zoo, open on daily basis from daybreak to nightfall. Whether or not you wish to go jogging, paddle-boating, or loosen up, this park has one thing for everybody.
Toronto Music Backyard
Should you’re on the lookout for a peaceable retreat, the Toronto Music Backyard provides simply that. Designed in collaboration with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, music influences each side of this superbly landscaped space, that includes sections equivalent to totally different musical intervals. It’s a superb place for a stroll or to absorb one of many many free concert events provided in the course of the summer time.
Household-Pleasant Actions
Ontario Science Centre
For a day of studying and enjoyable, take the household to the Ontario Science Centre. This interactive museum provides a whole bunch of displays the place youngsters and adults can study concerning the wonders of science. The Ontario Science Centre makes training an exhilarating journey, from hands-on experiments to awe-inspiring planetarium reveals.
Ripley’s Aquarium
One other cease excellent for households is Ripley’s Aquarium, situated on the base of the CN Tower. Residence to a big selection of marine life, from the tiniest seahorses to gigantic sharks, this state-of-the-art facility provides interactive shows and academic talks. Benefit from the underwater tunnel, the place you may witness sea creatures swimming simply inches away from you.
Toronto Zoo
Final however not least, the Toronto Zoo is a must-visit. As North America’s largest zoo, it provides all kinds of animals housed in expansive, naturalistic habitats. From the African savannah to the Canadian Arctic, the zoo supplies a journey by means of various ecosystems with out leaving Toronto.
The Shopper’s Paradise
Eaton Centre
Toronto is a consumer’s dream; no place embodies this higher than the Eaton Centre. Positioned in downtown Toronto, this bustling mall is open each day and provides high-end boutiques and standard retail shops. And should you’re not within the temper to buy, it’s nonetheless price a go to for its spectacular structure, together with a glass galleria that spans a number of ranges of the mall.
St. Lawrence Market
Voted because the world’s finest meals market by Nationwide Geographic in 2012, St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit for any foodie. Open on daily basis apart from Sundays and Mondays, the St. Lawrence market options quite a lot of distributors promoting all the things from contemporary produce to gourmand cheeses and artisanal bread. The market additionally hosts cooking courses and provides a cornucopia of ready-to-eat meals.
Kensington Market
To not be confused with the St. Lawrence Market, Kensington Market is just not a conventional market however relatively a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood that gives quite a lot of outlets, cafes, and eateries. This bohemian paradise provides classic clothes shops, worldwide meals, and even road performances, making it a spot you might simply spend a complete day exploring.
Meals and Culinary Delights
Queen Avenue West
With regards to eating, Queen Avenue West is the place to be. From high-end eating places to cozy cafes, this road provides a gastronomic journey that displays Toronto’s multicultural make-up. You’ll discover it right here whether or not you’re craving genuine Japanese sushi or Jamaican jerk hen.
Yorkville
For these keen to splurge a little bit, Yorkville provides a number of the most beautiful eating experiences in Toronto. This upscale neighborhood can be house to varied high-end boutiques and artwork galleries, making it the right place for an expensive day in Toronto.
Distillery District
For a mix of culinary and historic experiences, go to the Distillery District. Stroll its cobblestone streets lined with well-preserved Victorian Industrial Structure and luxuriate in its many distinctive eateries, galleries, and outlets. The district can be house to a few of Toronto’s most fun meals festivals.
Festivals and Seasonal Occasions
Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant (TIFF)
Should you go to Toronto in September, the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant is an occasion it would be best to attend. Probably the most prestigious movie festivals on the earth, TIFF provides a spread of films from blockbusters to indie gems.
Toronto Christmas Market
Held within the historic Distillery District, the Toronto Christmas Market is ideal for stepping into the holiday spirit. Its festive decorations, seasonal meals, and distinctive crafts make it an excellent winter wonderland.
Caribana
For a extra vibrant and colourful expertise, Caribana, Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival, takes place each summer time. It celebrates Caribbean tradition that fills town’s streets with life, that includes parades, stay music, and loads of dancing. Should you plan to attend these occasions, chances are high you’ll be there for lengthy hours. It could be a good suggestion to pack some scrumptious and convenient meals for the day.
Journey Suggestions and Necessities
Transportation
Whether or not flying into Toronto Pearson Worldwide Airport or coming in by prepare to Union Station, getting across the metropolis is handy because of its intensive public transit system. Toronto’s subway, streetcar, and bus companies are environment friendly and well-connected.
Sights
Think about getting a Toronto CityPASS®to avoid wasting appreciable cash on high sights.
Outside and Survival Abilities
In case your journey in Toronto entails mountain climbing or spending time outdoor, it’s possible you’ll discover it useful to know some survival abilities. Toronto provides numerous out of doors spots like Excessive Park and the Toronto Islands, the place you may discover nature. Whereas the environments in these locations are usually protected, studying survival skills is all the time helpful.
Resorts in Toronto
Toronto provides many lodging choices, from luxurious motels just like the Westin Harbour Fortress or the Sheraton Centre Toronto Resort to extra budget-friendly choices. For these searching for a singular expertise, the Drake Resort within the fashionable Queen West neighborhood provides boutique rooms and a vibrant arts scene.
Lengthy-Time period Stays and Different Residing
Toronto has so much to supply, and a few guests select to increase their stays, typically in unconventional methods like residing in an RV. Whereas this may be an thrilling journey, figuring out the risks involved with alternative living like RVs is crucial.
Climate
Toronto experiences all 4 seasons, so pack accordingly. Winters can be cold and snowy, making it the right time for winter sports activities and visiting the Toronto Christmas Market. Summers are heat and humid—ultimate for a Toronto Island getaway or a go to to Excessive Park.
Issues to Do in Toronto on Trip
From its world-class museums just like the Royal Ontario Museum and the Artwork Gallery of Ontario to its bustling markets like St. Lawrence Market and Kensington Market, from main league sports activities to internationally acclaimed festivals just like the Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant, town provides a big selection of actions and experiences which are out there on daily basis of the yr.
Whether or not you’re a tradition vulture, a foodie, a shopaholic, or simply somebody trying to discover, Toronto provides all of it inside strolling distance or a brief journey on town’s environment friendly public transit system.
In a metropolis as dynamic and various as Toronto, the record of issues to do and locations to discover is just about countless. So whether or not you’re visiting Toronto for the primary time or are a seasoned native trying to rediscover town, there’s all the time one thing new and thrilling ready for you round each nook.
This text initially appeared on Savoteur. Featured Picture Credit score: [@starmaro/DepositPhotos]
Jeff is a Harvard 2025 scholar who’s keen about studying, residing, and sharing all issues private finance-related. He has expertise working within the monetary trade and enjoys the pursuit of monetary freedom. Outdoors of his weblog Monetary Pupil, he likes to cook dinner, learn, and golf in his spare time.
