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View of Toronto Cityscape during sunset, Toronto Island, Canada

The Best Things to Do in Toronto

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By Jess


With a wonderful lakeside setting, a medley of colourful neighbourhoods and an eclectic arts and dining scene, Toronto has all the ingredients for a captivating city break.

Read on for my guide to the best things to do in Toronto, to make the most of your time in Canada’s most vibrant city.

Family Friendly Toronto

Toronto is most definitely a city that knows how to show kids a good time!


Rise early and board the hop-on-hop-off bus, which provides an inexpensive mode of exploring Toronto and accessing all of the main attractions. Start your day with a trip to the CN tower, once the tallest freestanding structure in the world and one of the best things to do in Toronto. Test your head for heights as you ascend over 340 metres to reach the observation deck that provides spectacular views of Toronto and up to 100 miles beyond on a clear day. Indulge in a spot of lunch at 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower which combines top Canadian cuisine with unforgettable views across the city thanks to the revolving floor.


Once refuelled, take a trip out to the Toronto Islands, easily accessible via a short ferry from the mainland. The chain of islands are host to an array of activities to keep the whole family entertained on a summer’s day, such as renting a bicycle and taking in the scenery through Algonquin Island Park. Finish the day at Centreville Amusement Park, home to more than thirty rides including a model railway and petting zoo.


For year-round entertainment visit the largest museum in Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum, which is crammed with arts, culture and natural history. Little science buffs will be thrilled to explore the Ontario Science Centre where you can walk through a rainforest, visit a planetarium, or even touch a tornado!


 

Exterior, Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto

Foodie Favourites

Toronto proudly holds the title of the world’s most multicultural city and with that comes an explosion of diverse and delectable cuisines. Join the St Lawrence Market and Toronto Old Town Tour and enjoy a history filled short walk around the Old Town before indulging in Portuguese treats, authentic Jewish bagels and local Ontario cheeses at the market that has existed for longer than Toronto itself. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Toronto for foodies!


You’ll be spoilt for choice with the multitude of cuisines on offer as you stroll through Chinatown, with Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese restaurants on offer.  If Asian food is not your forte, pop over to Little India or even Little Italy.


 

St Lawrence Market Toronto

Something Different

After ticking off the iconic CN tower and eating your body weight in maple syrup, why not try something a little different?


Toronto’s Distillery District was once the world’s largest whiskey distillery, yet in recent years an array of restaurants, art galleries and outdoor sculptures have sprung up amongst its cobbled streets. Sit outside and enjoy a float of beer samples from one of the many craft breweries. During winter, the streets are lined with vendors and carol singers at the Christmas market.


Visit ‘The Junction’, Toronto’s hipster district. Named after the four railway lines that meet here, the NY Times called it one of the world's most stylish neighbourhoods. There are over 220 small businesses here offering everything from home décor to vegan bakeries. Come at night to experience the buzz of the numerous restaurants and bars and witness some of Toronto’s most eclectic characters!


Shopping afficionados will love Vaughan Mills, an outlet mall with hundreds of top brands at discounted prices. No need for a car, as a free shuttle bus runs daily from the centre of Toronto.


If you’re lucky enough to be in town during a home game what better way to get into the Canadian spirit than attending a basketball game at the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays? Or for a quintessentially Canadian experience, catch the Toronto Maple Leafs at home for an ice hockey match!


 

Downtown Toronto

Outdoor Spaces

On a warm day there are plenty of outdoor areas to enjoy throughout Toronto and a multitude of festivals throughout the year. Woodbine Beach Park boasts a glorious 3km stretch of shoreline and provides access to Summerville Outdoor Olympic Pool along with several volleyball courts.


What better way to spend an afternoon than picking up artisan treats from Kensington Market before taking in the sights and smells of the city during a twenty minute stroll across to Trinity Bellwood Park? The park is a popular hangout for locals in the West End of Toronto and home to the mythic albino squirrel. Local legend has it that you will be blessed with good luck if you're fortunate enough to spot one!


No trip to Toronto would be complete without a stop at Nathan Phillips Square, home to the iconic Canada sign. Throughout the year several concerts are held here and during wintertime a large ice skating rink covers the surface, one of the best things to do in Toronto for a magical festive experience!


 

Two Girls sitting on the Bench, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Further Afield

There's a host of natural wonders right on Toronto's doorstep.


The picture postcard Niagara region is home to the famous falls and over 75 distinctive wineries, home to the world-famous ice wine. 


For a taste of Canada to satisfy even the sweetest of teeth, take a trip to Ontario’s oldest cranberry farm with the Cranberry Wine Experience and learn how the popular drink is made. 


For nature lovers, the Algonquin Provincial Park is not to be missed - a vast expanse of endless forests, rocky ridges and crystal-clear lakes. Home to the quintessentially Canadian moose and black bears alike. For the active, there are several hiking trails to choose from along with many lakes to kayak. If you’re looking to escape the city and explore the great outdoors, this is one of the best things to do in the area.


 

Niagara Falls, Canada

For more inspiration, take a look at our Toronto Holidays pages.

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Written by Jess

Jess is a Contract Analyst based in our Kensington head office. Jess has worked at TF since 2023 and has travelled to 31 countries. Her favourite destinations include Slovenia, Cuba and Morocco.

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