Plan an epic Toronto vacation this fall
Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city is a vibrant, multicultural mosaic of art, heritage, cuisine and entertainment. And the short but stunning fall season, which bridges the gap between summer and winter, is one of the best times to visit.
Toronto harbourfront
Attractions and activities
From iconic museums and cutting-edge galleries to hidden gems and offbeat boutiques, there’s something for every kind of explorer. Whether you're hunting for one-of-a-kind finds or soaking in skyline views on a city tour, Toronto delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
CN Tower
Toronto’s most iconic attraction offers unmatched city views from observation platforms, a revolving 360 Restaurant 1,150 feet (350 metres) up and EdgeWalk, an exciting daredevil walk around the outside of the top needle of the tower.
Location: 290 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Explore a wide range of permanent and visiting exhibitions at one of North America’s most significant art collections, including the popular Let’s Survive Forever, Yayoi Kusama’s infinity mirrored room.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Bold ideas meet boundary-pushing art, creating space for innovation, intrigue and inspiration.
Locations: 158 Sterling Road, #100, Toronto
Bata Shoe Museum
Follow the footsteps of history with over 1,000 shoes and related artifacts spanning 4,500 years.
Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Canada’s largest museum explores culture, art and natural history from around the world.
Location: 10 Queens Park, Toronto
Toronto Shopping Guide
From high fashion to vintage markets, there’s a shopping experience for every whim and fancy.
Square One Shopping Mall
The largest shopping centre in Ontario, Square One is worth a day trip from downtown to Mississauga.
Location: 100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga
Heli Tours Toronto
Take in the city's sights and fall foliage from above on a helicopter tour departing from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Hangar 1.
Location: 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto
Toronto Bicycle Tours & Events
Guided bicycle tours along downtown routes and to the Toronto Islands.
Location: 275 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Events and entertainment
In the fall, Toronto comes alive with a vibrant mix of cultural festivals. These include Nuit Blanche and the Toronto International Festival of Authors, thrilling sports action from the Maple Leafs and Raptors and diverse entertainment events that celebrate the city’s rich multicultural spirit.
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
The CNE is a long-standing tradition in Toronto, marking the transition from summer to fall. This multi-day, carnival-style event features rides, games, food, shopping and entertainment.
When: August 15–September 1, 2025
Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
This year, Toronto proudly hosts the 50th Toronto International Film Festival in various venues and theatres. TIFF is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, often serving as a precursor to the Oscars. For 10 days, see new and notable films, spot stars and celebrities and attend red-carpet events. Get your tickets well in advance.
When: September 4–14, 2025
Nuit Blanche
For one whole night, explore creative and thought-provoking contemporary art installations and exhibits displayed across the city.
When: October 4, 2025
Pro-sports games
Catch major league action in Toronto this fall. Baseball (MLB) season wraps up at the end of September, followed by the Canadian Football League (CFL). In October, professional basketball (NBA) and hockey (NHL) seasons begin.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The country comes to the city for almost two weeks every year, delivering the best in agricultural achievements, local food, crafts, entertainment and equestrian shows.
When: November 7–16, 2025
Where: Exhibition Place, Toronto
Food and drink
With close to 10,000 restaurants, cafes and eateries and over a dozen craft breweries, you’ll never run out of great food and drink options in this city.
Here are some highlights.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Toronto is the first Canadian city to be recognized in the MICHELIN Guide, and it boasts several restaurants that have been awarded stars.
Bib Gourmand restaurants
The MICHELIN Guide recognized these restaurants for superb menus at a great value.
The Distillery District
A pedestrian-only neighbourhood with Victorian industrial architecture, cobblestone streets and a cluster of bars, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, brewpubs and a chocolate-maker. Naturally, there’s also a distillery in the district, so enjoy a tour and tasting at Spirit of York Distillery.
Location: Distillery District, Toronto
Bloor and Yorkville
Once a bohemian hub, this neighbourhood is renowned for high-end retail shopping and some of Toronto’s finest restaurants, including Sassafraz, Buca, Café Boulud and Alobar.
Location: Yorkville, Toronto
St. Lawrence Market
A large, historic brick building bustling with organic groceries, bakeries, cheese and olive vendors, restaurants and food stalls. Try the famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or Paddington’s Pump.
Location: 93 Front Street East, Toronto
Kensington Market
One of the city’s most eclectic and colourful neighbourhoods, Kensington is a mix of boho, vintage shops, fresh vegetable stalls, cheese and spice shops, bakeries and an array of fusion restaurants tucked into the historic Victorian architecture.
Locations: Kensington Market, Toronto
Ossington Strip
This west side street has evolved into a hip food and drink destination, featuring cool brewpubs, bars, and bistros.
Location: Ossington Avenue, Toronto
Little India
The flavours and colours of Southeast Asia come alive in this exciting neighbourhood, with tandoori barbeque, curries and thalis, as well as chai shops and sari boutiques.
Location: Gerrard Street East, Toronto
Accommodations
Diverse Toronto accommodations range from luxurious five-star hotels to stylish boutique stays and budget-friendly options. Discover these high-calibre downtown properties:
St. Regis Toronto
A five-star property with all the luxury services and amenities you’d expect and then some, like the white-glove butler service and a daily Champagne sabering ritual.
Location: 325 Bay Street, Toronto
Park Hyatt Toronto
This upscale property is located across the street from the Royal Ontario Museum and a short walk to Yorkville, one of Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhoods. The cityscape view from the rooftop lounge is outstanding.
Location: 4 Avenue Road, Toronto
Ace Hotel Toronto
Stylish rooms, craft cocktails, and skyline city views put this downtown spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of the top 100 new hotels in the world.
Location: 51 Camden Street, Toronto
1 Hotel Toronto
Strike the perfect balance between urban and cottage chic with reclaimed and upcycled materials, natural design elements and high-end perks like a rooftop pool.
Location: 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto
Shangri-La Toronto
Stylish décor, top-notch service, signature cocktails and the upscale Miraj Hamman Spa.
Location: 188 University Avenue, Toronto
Bisha Hotel
A mix of hotel and residences in Toronto’s Entertainment District with select suites designed by artist Lenny Kravitz. And don’t forget to try KOST Restaurant, located on the 44th floor.
Location: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
Le Germain Hotel Maple Leaf Square
Steps away from the Scotiabank Arena and the Rogers Centre, which is convenient if you plan to see a show or catch a game.
Location: 75 Bremner Boulevard, Toronto
Getting here and around
Customs documentation
Travellers to Canada must present a valid passport or NEXUS card. Get more information on customs, passports and requirements.
By air
Most flights into Toronto land at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), approximately 30 kilometres (18 miles) northwest of the city centre.
UP Express is a swift and convenient way to travel to and from the airport in just 25 minutes. Alternative ways to travel downtown include Toronto transit, taxi, Uber or Lyft.
Several major car rental companies also operate at Terminal 1.
Additionally, Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) is conveniently located along Toronto’s waterfront just minutes from downtown, Porter Airlines provides flight service between major US cities such as New York City, Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Las Vegas.
By land
There are 14 road border crossings into Ontario from the United States. Check border wait times and find out what you’ll need to know to cross the border into Canada.
Getting around
Toronto’s Transit Commission (TTC) includes an extensive city streetcar, subway and bus network. Buy a TTC Day Pass to move around the city at your leisure.
Bike Share Toronto provides bicycle rental kiosks across downtown Toronto.
Know before you go
Visit Destination Toronto to plan your time in Toronto.
Weather
Ontario is a four-season destination. Temperatures and weather change dramatically throughout the year. Learn more about the weather in Ontario and get suggestions on what to pack and how to prepare for a visit in the fall.
Currency, measurements and holidays
Find helpful things to know about Ontario, including Canadian currency, measurements and public holidays acknowledged in the province.
Safety information
Emergencies aren’t always the first thing we consider when planning a vacation, but it’s essential to know who to contact in an emergency.
Land acknowledgement
Toronto is on the traditional territory of various Indigenous nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
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Last updated: July 1, 2025