Things to Do in Toronto
If you’re looking for things to do in Toronto, you’re in for a delight. As one of the hottest tourist destinations in Canada, planning a visit to the Ontario capital city of Toronto can be overwhelming. The multicultural city is filled with experiences that range from quintessentially Canadian, to indicative of the country’s ever-changing culture. Situated alongside the coast of gorgeous Lake Ontario, Toronto can transform from a city destination to an outdoorsy expedition in the matter of an afternoon. The city and surrounding areas are home to a rich history, striking views, unbeatable food choices, a thriving music scene, and art from all walks of life.
With several unique neighbourhoods and areas to explore, visitors could spend anywhere from a few days to several months getting to know Canada’s most metropolitan city. Spend the day exploring the independent shops that give Toronto its charm, or eat your way through the city at any of the hundreds of famous restaurants and bars. Known for its diverse population and colorful street art, Toronto is one of the best destinations for those who like to wander and explore.
We’d love for you to keep scrolling to learn more, but you may also wish to explore Toronto’s official tourism website.
Explore Toronto
Toronto is full of fun things to do. Keep scrolling or jump to a section you know you want to discover.
Food and drink
Perhaps the most alluring aspect of Toronto’s culture is its vast array of food from different parts of the world. For Canadian fare, check out the kitchen at St. Lawrence Market or buy fresh ingredients from the farmer’s market. Toronto’s downtown area boasts numerous upscale options, such as the high end pasta bar, Scaramouche, which usually requires reservations. Have a drink before dinner at the swanky Barchef, known for its experimental and visually pleasing cocktails.
Visitors looking forward to the diversity of Toronto’s food scene should check out Chubby’s Jamaican, where soul food meets Caribbean fare. Pinky’s Ca Phe has a modern, cosy atmosphere to enjoy an innovative Vietnamese meal. The nearby Craft Beer Market is the perfect place to wind down with a local brew and a soul warming meal after a long day of touring the city.
Outdoors
Toronto’s unique location along Lake Ontario makes it an easy place to enjoy time outside. The area surrounding the city includes several beloved nature experiences, like the numerous trails in Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area, just under an hour away. This park has short, accessible walks that lead to amazing viewpoints. The park is also one of Ontario’s most popular rock climbing destinations. The world famous Bruce Trail, the oldest footpath in the country, begins just 60 kilometres outside of Toronto and is well worth the drive out of the city.
For outdoor experiences within the city, check out the Beaches, a collection of four beaches along Lake Ontario. Rent a sailboat or try your hand at stand up paddle boarding. Moccasin Trail Park is an urban walk that takes visitors under the parkway and through a natural forest, ending at the beautiful Don River. In the city, Tommy Thompson Park contains several waterfront trails that offer excellent views of the city in one direction and the vast lake in the other. One of Toronto’s most beloved parks, High Park, is especially glorious in the spring with its grove of sakura cherry trees in full blossom.
Arts and culture
The list of attractions to see in Toronto is seemingly endless — the countless museums, historical sites, and cultural epicenters are sprinkled with serendipity, like the colourful street art, talented buskers, and quirky shops. Here are a few must-do’s in Toronto.
For lovers of art and architecture, make time to visit the gothic Casa Loma. This beautifully haunting castle is situated right in the heart of the city, making it an easy addition to a stroll around town. Graffiti Alley, decorated floor to ceiling with powerful street art, is just one of Queen West’s spunky sights that make the neighbourhood a tourist favourite. The Art Gallery of Toronto is a piece of art in itself, along with the swath of classical and contemporary art it houses.
The CN Tower, also known as ‘the Toronto Needle’, stretches high above the skyline and makes it the perfect first or last stop on a visit to Toronto. Historians should also check out the Royal Ontario Museum, which is widely considered one of the best museums in the region.
For a fun day trip, take a ferry to one of several Toronto Islands, where visitors can enjoy a nature walk, a beach day, or bicycle ride around the island.
Last updated: August 4, 2022