Walk through Toronto for a single afternoon, and you'll understand why no other city on earth captures what urban living truly means. Finding the best things to do in Toronto means balancing the heights of the CN Tower with the creative energy of Graffiti Alley. From Yonge-Dundas Square to Kensington Market, the city's scale can be overwhelming without a plan. Our curated list below (along with our exclusive insider tips) covers the essential experiences that make Toronto worth the trip.
1. CN Tower
Visit the CN Tower to check an iconic landmark off your tourist to-do list.
Location: 301 Front St W
Best time to visit: Spring and summer months provide clearer skies, but the tower is open year-round.
No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the iconic CN Tower. Soaring 553 meters above the ground, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto and even features a glass floor for an adrenaline rush. You can also reserve a spot for the EdgeWalk, where you'll walk 116 stories above Toronto, with just a harness stopping you from falling.
2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Location: 100 Queens Park
Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds .
Dive into art, culture, and natural history at the ROM. With over 6 million artifacts, including dinosaur skeletons and Ancient Egyptian artifacts, this museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Architecture lovers will also love the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, a futuristic museum extension, considered one of the most complex construction projects in North America.
3. Toronto Islands
Best time to visit: Summer is perfect for kayaking, picnicking, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Escape the urban hustle and take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, a collection of small islands in Lake Ontario. Enjoy beautiful beaches, picnic spots, bike rentals, and stunning skyline views. The best part? The Toronto Islands are car-free, making them an ideal spot to disconnect from the city's noise.
4. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Location: 288 Bremner Blvd
Best time to visit: Weekdays or early weekend mornings to avoid crowds.
Dive into the magical world of marine life at Ripley's Aquarium. Get up close and personal with sharks, rays, and colorful fish in the underwater tunnel, or attend the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit. The underwater tunnel has you step on a moving walkway, with water and ocean creatures above your head and to your sides.
Local Tip: "The best thing to do in the winter: The Aquarium!!! There's something for everyone. Kids, adults, teens, tourists, new Canadians, not new Canadians. It's educational, interactive, well designed. Considering the focus is mainly on North American species of fish, it's pretty darn cool. They also have really fun special events: Friday Night Jazz, Paint Nites, Night At The Aqueerium for Pride, etc." — Maya Shankman (Principal Talent Acquisition Manager).
5. St. Lawrence Market
Location: 93 Front St E
Best time to visit: Early morning for the Saturday Farmers Market or during the week to avoid crowds (except Mondays when it's closed).
Indulge your taste buds at St. Lawrence Market, a food lover's paradise since 1803. Discover diverse cuisines, local produce, and specialty shops offering everything from artisan cheese to freshly baked pastries. With over 120 vendors, you're sure to find your perfect bite.
6. Casa Loma
Location: 1 Austin Terrace
Best time to visit: Spring and summer, when the gardens are in full bloom.
Step into a fairytale castle at Casa Loma. Explore this Gothic Revival mansion's opulent rooms, secret passages, and beautiful gardens. It's a fascinating glimpse into Toronto's history. Casa Loma is also a popular filming spot. It was used as a set for X-Men or the chick flick, The Vow.
Pro Tip: Car lover? Don't miss the antique car display in the garage and carriage room, with vintage models from the early 1900s.
7. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Location: 317 Dundas St W
Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays, with holiday exceptions.
Immerse yourself in the world of art at the AGO. The Gallery has over 90,000 works of art, including sculptures, photography, and paintings, of both Canadian and international origin. Renowned artists like Monet, Picasso, and Chagall are exhibited there, making it a great spot for an art history lesson.
8. Distillery District
Location: 55 Mill St
Best time to visit: Around Christmas
Wander through the charming pedestrian-only streets of the Distillery District. This historic area is known for its Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, boutiques, and a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. The area truly shines during the holidays, when it transforms into a Christmas Market.
9. High Park
Location: 1873 Bloor St W
Best time to visit: Spring for the cherry blossoms or summer for picnics and outdoor activities.
Get lost in nature's beauty at High Park, Toronto's largest public park. Take a stroll along the trails, visit the famous cherry blossoms in spring, or spot wildlife in the picturesque Grenadier Pond. The High Park Zoo is also a great family outing, where kids can see capybaras, llamas, and peacocks.
Pro Tip: Start your day with a full Canadian Breakfast at the Grenadier Cafe.
10. Hockey Hall of Fame
Location: 30 Yonge St
Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
Delve into Canada's favorite sport at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Explore interactive exhibits, see the iconic Stanley Cup, and test your skills in the state-of-the-art shooting gallery. You can also go watch video footage or a feature film in the Hall's movie theatres.
11. Sankofa Square
Location: 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
Best time to visit: Check the calendar for events and festivals to make the most of your visit.
Experience Toronto's answer to Times Square at Sankofa Square (previously Yonge-Dundas Square). This vibrant public space hosts events and concerts and boasts a bustling atmosphere. It's characterized by massive digital billboards and bright lights, much like its New York counterpart. It's also known for hosting free music and film events, so you can experience Toronto while saving up on money.
12. Kensington Market
Location: Kensington Ave
Best time to visit: Anytime during the year, but weekends offer a lively atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the bohemian vibe of Kensington Market. This vibrant and colorful neighborhood is filled with eclectic shops, vintage boutiques, trendy cafes, and street art. Check out the iconic Garden Car, a brightly painted vehicle turned into a mobile planter.
13. Harbourfront Centre
Location: 235 Queens Quay W
Best time to visit: Summer, for events and concerts by the water.
Delight in the lively atmosphere of the Harbourfront Centre. Located along Toronto's waterfront, the non-profit Harbourfront Centre is a cultural hub hosting concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, and outdoor activities. While summer is the best time to visit for outdoor music, winter brings its own magic with an ice rink.
14. Queen Street West
Location: Queen St W
Best time to visit: Anytime during the year.
Queen's Street West is a bustling hub of trendy shops, unique boutiques, art galleries, and hip restaurants. It's the perfect place to indulge in a little retail therapy, discover local designers, and immerse yourself in the city's fashion and arts scene. The street also borders Trinity Bellwoods Park, a great spot for picnics.
Local Tip: "Toronto is a must for coffee lovers and foodies, there are just so many good places and cute coffee spots in the city that it's hard to choose; during weekends, my favorite activity is trying out a new spot. One of my favorites is Peter Pan Bistro — the eggs benedict is one of the best I've ever tried, and their coffee beans remind me of Brazilian coffee beans!" — Carol Brand (Talent Acquisition Manager)
15. Nathan Phillips Square
Location: 100 Queen St W
Best time to visit: Winter for ice skating or summer for festivals.
Visit Toronto's iconic city square, home to the famous "TORONTO" sign. Enjoy ice skating in winter or relax and people-watch during the summer months. You can also visit the Spirit Garden, a place to learn about Indigenous history and culture.
16. Aga Khan Museum
Location: 77 Wynford Dr.
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall for pleasant weather and garden exploration.
Delve into Islamic art and culture at the Aga Khan Museum. Discover its impressive collection, stunning architecture, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Visiting with kids? The Museum hosts Family Sundays (12-4 PM) with craft activities for children aged 5-12.
17. Bata Shoe Museum
Location: 327 Bloor St W
Best time to visit: Rainy or colder days when you prefer indoor exploration.
Delve into the world of footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum. Discover fascinating exhibits highlighting the history, art, and culture of shoes from around the world. From Queen Victoria's ballroom slippers to Elvis Presley's loafers, you'll find shoes that reflect a variety of styles and eras.
Pro Tip: Check out the Bata Shoe Museum's events calendar ahead of time for a chance to join crafty workshops.
18. The Beaches
Location: Along Lake Shore Blvd
Best time to visit: Summer for beach activities and a vibrant atmosphere.
Escape to Toronto's eastern shoreline and explore the Beaches neighborhood. Enjoy sandy beaches, beach volleyball, charming shops, and cozy cafes. We also recommend checking out the Beaches International Jazz Festival in July for authentic live music.
19. Graffiti Alley
Location: Rush Lane
Best time to visit: Year-round for a unique and colorful experience.
Discover incredible street art in Graffiti Alley. This vibrant laneway showcases ever-changing graffiti masterpieces and is a testament to Toronto's creative spirit. It's free to visit and a great spot for selfies or group photos. You can also book a paid guided walking tour to learn more about the artists and the history of graffiti.
20. Toronto Music Garden
Location: 475 Queens Quay W
Best time to visit: Summer months when the garden is in full bloom.
Designed in collaboration with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, this enchanting garden reflects the rhythms and movements of Bach's Suite No. 1 in G Major. The gardens reflect that with names like Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuett, and Gigue.
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