Toronto, a vibrant metropolis nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario, beckons with a plethora of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a wide-eyed tourist or a proud resident, this dynamic city offers a captivating blend of attractions and activities to ignite your senses. From the iconic CN Tower piercing the skyline to the hallowed halls of the Hockey Hall of Fame, prepare to be enthralled by the diverse tapestry of Toronto. This comprehensive guide unveils 30 of the most exceptional things to do in Toronto, ensuring an unforgettable adventure.
1. See the Skyline from the Water
The Toronto skyline is a breathtaking spectacle, and there’s no better vantage point than from the tranquil waters of Lake Ontario. Embark on a nautical adventure and witness the city’s architectural marvels from a unique perspective. Several options cater to all preferences, from leisurely kayak rentals at The Boat House on Toronto Island to invigorating stand-up paddleboarding tours. For the truly adventurous, Oceah Oceah offers a challenging five-hour paddling tour from Kew-Balmy Beach to Bluffers Park, providing an immersive experience of the lake’s vastness and the city’s stunning backdrop.
2. Go Thrifting
Unearth hidden treasures and embrace sustainable fashion by exploring Toronto’s thriving thrift scene. Beyond the typical souvenir shops, the city’s vintage boutiques offer a curated selection of unique finds, each with a story to tell. Courage My Love is a treasure trove of costume jewelry and eclectic accessories, while Gadabout takes you on a journey through fashion history, showcasing garments from the 19th century to the present day. For the discerning gentleman, Kingpin’s Hideaway boasts a remarkable collection of vintage suits, ascots, and fedoras, perfect for adding a touch of timeless elegance to your wardrobe.
3. See a Show at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, the world’s last operating double-decker theatre. Opened in 1913 as vaudeville houses, the Elgin and Winter Garden showcase unique architectural styles. The Elgin Theatre exudes opulence with its gold and red color scheme, while the Winter Garden Theatre transports you to a whimsical forest, with columns resembling tree trunks and foliage cascading from the ceiling. Attend a captivating performance or embark on a guided tour to delve into the theatre’s rich history and marvel at artifacts such as an original silent film projector from the early 20th century.
4. Eat and Shop in Little India
Experience the vibrant cultural tapestry of Toronto by venturing into Little India, a bustling neighborhood centered around Gerrard Street East. This vibrant enclave celebrates the city’s South-Asian community, offering a sensory feast of authentic flavors, vibrant colors, and cultural experiences. Indulge in traditional Indian cuisine at restaurants like Leela Indian Food Bar, or savor spicy burgers and refreshing drinks at Desi Burger. Explore Nucreation’s exquisite collection of sarees and kurtis, or discover unique copper kitchenware at Kohinoor Kitchen Ware.
5. Visit Niagara Falls
No trip to Toronto is complete without a pilgrimage to the majestic Niagara Falls, a natural wonder that has captivated visitors for generations. Just a short day trip (approximately 80 miles south) from Toronto, these awe-inspiring waterfalls are a sight to behold. In addition to the falls, the town of Niagara Falls offers a plethora of entertainment options, including casinos and shopping outlets. For an unforgettable experience, take a boat tour that brings you face-to-face with the cascading water, or enjoy panoramic views from restaurants like Top of the Falls and Fallsview Dining.
6. Find Solitude on the Philosopher’s Walk
Escape the urban hustle and find solace on the Philosopher’s Walk, a serene pathway winding through the University of Toronto campus. This picturesque footpath connects cultural landmarks such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Royal Conservatory of Music, and Trinity College. Admire the Queen Alexandra Gateway, erected in 1906, and soak in the academic atmosphere amidst the bustling student population. Reflect on life’s big questions while seated on benches adorned with historical plaques and literary quotations.
7. Hang Out in High Park
Embrace the outdoors at High Park, Toronto’s largest public park, offering a diverse range of activities for all ages. Explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy a picnic amidst lush greenery, or let the kids loose on the playgrounds. High Park is also home to landscaped gardens, a public pool, a wading pool, an ice rink, baseball diamonds, and Grenadier Restaurant. In spring, witness the breathtaking explosion of cherry blossoms, transforming the park into a pink paradise.
8. Shop for Delicious Foods at St. Lawrence Market
Indulge your culinary senses at St. Lawrence Market, a historic marketplace that has earned accolades as one of the world’s best food markets. The South Market houses over 120 specialty food vendors, offering a tempting array of fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, dairy, meat, and seafood. On Saturdays during the summer, the North Building transforms into a bustling farmers’ market, showcasing the region’s finest agricultural products.
9. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum
Embark on a journey through art, culture, and natural history at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Canada’s largest museum. With over 30 galleries, the ROM showcases a vast collection spanning ancient Rome, Chinese temple art, dinosaurs, Japanese culture, and much more. Whether you’re passionate about archaeology, art, or natural science, the ROM offers a captivating experience for every visitor.
10. Stop by the Art Gallery of Ontario
Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), one of North America’s largest art museums. Explore the AGO’s extensive collection, featuring Canadian, European, contemporary art, and photography. With over 90,000 works of art, the AGO offers a diverse and enriching experience for art enthusiasts of all levels.
11. Shop Until You Drop
Toronto is a shopper’s paradise, offering a diverse range of retail experiences to satisfy every taste and budget. From upscale boutiques in Bloor-Yorkville to eclectic vintage finds in Kensington Market, the city boasts a vibrant shopping scene. Explore the CF Toronto Eaton Centre for department stores and popular brands, or venture to Leslieville and Queen Street West for unique independent shops.
12. Wander the "Second Coolest Neighborhood in the World"
Discover the eclectic charm of West Queen West, a neighborhood named by Vogue as the "second coolest neighborhood in the world" in 2014. This vibrant district boasts a captivating mix of independent shops, boutiques, bars, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Begin your exploration at Queen and Bathurst, and wander west to Dufferin, immersing yourself in the neighborhood’s unique atmosphere.
13. Stroll Through Allan Gardens Conservatory
Escape the urban landscape and enter a tropical oasis at Allan Gardens Conservatory, a horticultural haven in the heart of the city. This conservatory features six greenhouses showcasing plants from around the world. Explore the two tropical houses brimming with orchids, bromeliads, and begonias, and marvel at the Palm House’s collection of palms, bananas, and tropical vines.
14. Spend a Day in the Distillery District
Step back in time and explore the historic Distillery District, a pedestrian-only village filled with Victorian-era buildings, cobblestone streets, shops, cafes, and restaurants. This unique district also houses art galleries, theaters, and artist workshops, offering a glimpse into Toronto’s thriving arts scene.
15. Head to the Toronto Islands
Escape the city bustle with a ferry trip to the Toronto Islands, a chain of islands offering a tranquil retreat from urban life. Bring your bike and explore the islands’ scenic trails, relax by the water, or enjoy a picnic on the beach. Families can head to Centreville on Centre Island, a charming amusement park with rides and attractions for all ages.
16. Hit the Beach
Toronto is blessed with several great beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Cherry Beach, Sunnyside, Ward’s Island Beach, Bluffer’s Beach, and Kew-Balmy Beach are among the best options, offering a refreshing escape from the city heat.
17. Take in the Views From the CN Tower
Ascend to the heights of the CN Tower, an iconic landmark that dominates the Toronto skyline. High-speed elevators whisk visitors to the LookOut level, offering panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario. For the truly daring, experience EdgeWalk, a thrilling hands-free walk around the tower’s main pod, 116 stories above the ground.
18. Explore Kensington Market
Discover the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of Kensington Market, a neighborhood brimming with vintage stores, restaurants, bars, food shops, and cafes. This diverse and colorful district offers a unique shopping and dining experience, perfect for those seeking something off the beaten path.
19. Check Out the Aga Khan Museum
Immerse yourself in the art and culture of the Islamic world at the Aga Khan Museum. This museum showcases the contributions of Muslim civilizations to world heritage through a vast permanent collection, workshops, rotating exhibitions, and special events.
20. Go to Evergreen Brick Works
Explore Evergreen Brick Works, a year-round destination offering a diverse range of activities and attractions. This unique site features a farmers’ market, skating rink, children’s garden, nature trails, ongoing events, art installations, and much more.
21. Hear Live Music at Horseshoe Tavern
Experience Toronto’s live music scene at the legendary Horseshoe Tavern, a venue that has hosted iconic musicians since 1947. From The Rolling Stones to Arcade Fire, the Horseshoe Tavern has been a stage for countless legendary performances.
22. Hang Out at Harbourfront Centre
Explore Harbourfront Centre, a 10-acre waterfront site offering a diverse range of attractions, including theaters, art galleries, parks, gardens, restaurants, and more. This year-round venue attracts millions of visitors each year, offering a wide array of activities and events.
23. Visit Casa Loma
Step into a fairytale at Casa Loma, a majestic castle nestled in the heart of Toronto. This former home of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt features decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful gardens.
24. Head to the Hockey Hall of Fame
Celebrate Canada’s national pastime at the Hockey Hall of Fame, home to the world’s most extensive collection of hockey memorabilia and the Stanley Cup. Visitors can test their skills against animated versions of famous goalies and shooters, and watch hockey-themed movies.
25. Walk Around the Toronto Zoo
Discover the animal kingdom at the Toronto Zoo, home to over 5,000 animals representing 450 species from around the world. The zoo is divided into seven geographic regions, showcasing animals in environments that mimic their natural habitats.
26. Explore Historic Fort York
Step back in time at Historic Fort York, home to Canada’s most extensive collection of original War of 1812 buildings. This historic site offers tours, exhibits, period settings, and seasonal demonstrations, providing a glimpse into Toronto’s rich past.
27. See Some Undersea Life at Ripley’s Aquarium
Marvel at the wonders of the underwater world at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, home to a vast collection of aquatic creatures, including jellyfish, sea turtles, tropical fish, stingrays, and sharks.
28. Go on Some Rides at Canada’s Wonderland
Thrill-seekers can head to Canada’s Wonderland, a sprawling amusement park featuring over 200 attractions and the 20-acre Splash Works water park.
29. Hike or Camp in Rouge Park
Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature at Rouge National Urban Park, a vast green space offering hiking trails, beaches, a campground, and a variety of outdoor activities.
30. Learn About Footwear at Bata Shoe Museum
Discover the fascinating history of footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum, showcasing over 4,500 years of history through a collection of over 13,000 artifacts.
