Top things to do in Toronto
See the sights and soak up the culture at Toronto’s world-class attractions, events and festivals.
Suggested Days: 4
Explore the City Sights
Soar to the top of the CN Tower in 58 seconds flat and feast your eyes on spectacular views. Don’t miss the Glass Floor! Adrenaline junkies will definitely want to try EdgeWalk – the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 5 ft (1.5 m) wide ledge encircling the top of the CN Tower’s main pod, 116 storeys above the ground! Right next door, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is home to over 16,000 aquatic animals including sharks, jellies and sting rays. Nearby, visit the Hockey Hall of Fame and touch the Stanley Cup, hockey’s most coveted prize. Take a hop-on hop-off tour or a guided walking tour to catch as many highlights as you can.
Venture outside of downtown for some amazing attractions for kids of all ages. Gaze at lions, tigers and polar bears at the Toronto Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world. Get hands-on with hundreds of interactive exhibits at the Ontario Science Centre. Spend a day at Canada’s Wonderland and dare to ride the Leviathan, a ‘giga coaster’ 306 ft (93 m) tall.
Get your Culture Fix
View the impressive European Old Master Collection at the beautiful Art Gallery of Ontario. Explore Canadiana, plus discover world culture and natural history, in the Royal Ontario Museum. See blue suede shoes worn by Elvis at the Bata Shoe Museum. Explore Casa Loma, an Edwardian castle complete with secret passages, ghosts and elegant gardens. Visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in nearby Kleinburg, home to an extensive collection of Canada’s renowned Group of Seven painters and Indigenous art.
So many entertainment choices are on Toronto’s playbill. See big name musicals at the Royal Alexandra and Princess of Wales theatres, or visit Roy Thomson Hall, home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy opera or ballet at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Grab some popcorn and settle in at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, a venue dedicated to showing the very best in film, both past and present. Discover a bustling nightlife in bars, bistros and restaurants. Cheer for the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey, Toronto Raptors basketball, Toronto Argonauts football, Toronto FC soccer and Toronto Blue Jays baseball teams.
Shop Around
The glittering glass galleria of the Toronto Eaton Centre soars over 230 Canadian and international retailers. Follow the PATH, an underground walkway that links 30 km/20 miles of shopping, services and restaurants. For couture, head to Bloor-Yorkville – think of it as Toronto’s Park Avenue. Browse the area’s boutiques and emporiums for the latest trends and designer fashions.
“West Queen West” was named by Vogue as one of the hippest districts in the world, based on its indie patisseries, homegrown labels, and hidden-from-view galleries – hallmarks of hipness, according to the magazine! Step back into the past at the Distillery District, a 19th-century neighbourhood that is a centre for arts, culture and entertainment.
Venture up to Vaughan Mills and score amazing finds at designer outlet stores. Find exclusive luxury brands at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
Hang Out in the Neighbourhoods
Toronto’s neighbourhoods each have their own unique character and flair. Eclectic Kensington Market is a treasure trove of vintage shops, funky cafés and vibrant graffiti. Immerse yourself in the sounds, sights and flavours of Greektown. Stroll Little India to experience South Asian cuisine and culture. Spend a day in Corso Italia, lively neighbourhoods with colourful cafés and boutiques. Take a guided walking tour for a local’s perspective.
Browse the bounty of 120 farmers and specialty merchants at the St. Lawrence Market, established in 1803. Explore Toronto’s vibrant waterfront on foot or by bike – a great place to start is Harbourfront Centre, where there are always cultural events going on. Spend a quiet afternoon at Toronto Islands, a car-free green space just a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown.
Festivals are Always in Season
Toronto is bursting with festivals and events. Springtime welcomes the largest garden festival in the country, Canada Blooms. Experience Luminato, a 10-day celebration of arts where the city’s stages and public spaces come alive with performance art, music, films and more. Come summertime, the legends come out at the Toronto Jazz Festival. Revel in the midsummer rhythms of Caribana, North America’s largest Caribbean festival. Enjoy the spirit of Buskerfest or the culture of Franco-Fete! The stars light up the city every September during the Toronto International Film Festival. Catch the Royal Horse Show or see a rodeo competition at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November.
Last updated: September 5, 2023