Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is one of Canada’s most important cities and a common stop on many North American road trips. When I visited in 2013, our time in the city was rather short — barely a full day — and, to be honest, Toronto didn’t completely win me over. It felt modern, full of skyscrapers and business districts, almost like a smaller version of New York City, but with less character. Still, if you’re planning a visit, there are a few things worth seeing, especially if you know where to focus your time. Below you’ll find a practical travel guide covering the best things to do in Toronto, along with travel tips, food recommendations, accommodation ideas and nearby day trips.

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Disclaimers:

• This post was originally written in August 2013 following our summer road trip to New York & Long Island, Boston, Niagara Falls, Toronto, the Amish county & Philadelphia. It was now updated to reflect the latest information available to this date since Toronto will be one of the World Cup 2026 host cities.
• Please note that this post contains affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links included here. As always, all opinions are my own. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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If you’re heading to Canada, these Lonely Planet travel guidebooks can help you plan your itinerary and get more out of this destination along the way.

📸 What to see in Toronto (best things to do)

Toronto is Canada’s most populous city, with an estimated city population of about 2.8–2.9 million residents as of 2026, while the wider metropolitan area surpassed 7 million people.

As the country’s financial and commercial hub, Toronto hosts the Toronto Stock Exchange, major banks, corporate headquarters and a strong services economy, making it one of North America’s key business centers.

If this is your first time in the city, focusing on downtown Toronto and the waterfront will give you a solid overview of its main landmarks, neighborhoods and overall vibe — especially if you only have one day.

Read these posts for more inspiration around Canada!

Things to do in Montreal: a complete travel guide

What to do in Niagara Falls: a complete guide to visiting from the USA and Canada

World Cup 2026 host cities: a travel guide to Canada, Mexico and the USA

🌆 Toronto City Hall & Downtown Toronto

Downtown Toronto is where you’ll immediately notice the city’s modern, North American vibe: glass skyscrapers, wide avenues and a strong financial-district feel that reflects its role as Canada’s main financial and commercial hub. At its heart stands Toronto City Hall, with its distinctive curved towers, well worth a quick stop if you’re already exploring the area on foot.

That said, Toronto’s downtown core isn’t just about contemporary architecture. Scattered throughout the area are historic and cultural pockets that add depth and character to the city. Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant in North America, while Little Italy offers a lively mix of cafés, restaurants and nightlife. Nearby, St. Lawrence Hall, an elegant 19th-century landmark, anchors the historic St. Lawrence district and the homonymous market, one of the most atmospheric parts of the city.

Another highlight is the Distillery District, a beautifully preserved, pedestrian-only area known for its Victorian industrial architecture, independent galleries, shops and bars. History lovers may also want to visit Fort York, the birthplace of Toronto and a key site in early Canadian military history, located just west of the downtown core.

The downtown area is also home to the historic University of Toronto, whose elegant campus, collegiate buildings and green spaces offer a quieter contrast to the surrounding business districts and are pleasant to explore on foot.

While exploring downtown, you’ll come across the Hockey Hall of Fame, a must for ice hockey fans and a reminder of how deeply the sport is rooted in Canadian culture. Toronto is home to the legendary Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors, who play at nearby Scotiabank Arena.

Architecture enthusiasts should not miss Brookfield Place, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Its light-filled glass-and-steel interior is impressive even if architecture isn’t usually your thing.

One particularly practical feature of downtown Toronto is the PATH, a vast network of underground walkways stretching over 30 kilometres and connecting office towers, shopping centres and transit hubs. These subterranean galleries are especially useful during Toronto’s harsh winters, allowing locals and visitors to move around the city centre without facing freezing temperatures.

🎨 Kensington Market

Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s most alternative neighbourhoods, known for its colorful Victorian houses, street art and eclectic mix of food spots from around the world.

Nearby Ossington Avenue has become one of the city’s trendiest strips, packed with restaurants, cocktail bars and a more local nightlife vibe.

🏡 Casa Loma & Spadina House

For a glimpse into Toronto’s past, Casa Loma is a grand castle-like mansion set on a hill with gardens and period interiors, while Spadina Museum offers a well-preserved look at early 20th-century life in the city.

🚣‍♀️ Waterfront & Lake Ontario

One of the most pleasant areas in Toronto is the Waterfront, stretching along Lake Ontario. Compared to the dense downtown core, this area feels more open and relaxed, making it ideal for a walk, especially in good weather.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Toronto, strolling along the lakefront is an easy and enjoyable option that doesn’t require much planning.

The Harbourfront Centre is a very lively part of the waterfront too, especially in summer, with cultural events, lakeside walks and ferry access to the Toronto Islands.

🗼 CN Tower: is it worth visiting?

The CN Tower is Toronto’s most recognizable landmark and dominates the skyline at over 553 meters high. It functions both as a broadcasting tower and a tourist attraction, offering observation decks and panoramic views over the city and Lake Ontario.

For thrill-seekers, the CN Tower also offers the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the tower’s outer ledge — one of the most extreme experiences in the city.

When we visited, CN Tower tickets were over $30 per adult (they now cost $47!), which felt overpriced for such a short stay, so we decided not to go up. That said, if you’re a fan of viewpoints or it’s your first time in the city, it’s easy to see why it remains one of the city’s top attractions.

🍎 St Lawrence Market

St Lawrence Market was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of our visit. This historic brick market is packed with food stalls, bakeries and local vendors selling fresh produce and ready-to-eat dishes. It’s an excellent place for a casual meal and one of the most authentic experiences in the city.

If you enjoy food markets when traveling, this is one of the best things to do in Toronto and feels far more authentic than some of the city’s major attractions.

🖼️ Museums & attractions in Toronto

If you have more time than we did, Toronto offers a wide range of museums and attractions that cater to different interests and travel styles. Among the most popular are the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), one of the largest art museums in North America, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), focused on art, culture and natural history, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, conveniently located near the CN Tower and particularly popular with families.

Beyond these well-known institutions, Toronto’s cultural scene extends much further. The Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world, while the Ontario Science Centre is packed with interactive exhibits that appeal to both kids and adults. Art lovers may want to venture slightly outside the city centre to visit the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, a leading showcase of Canadian art set in a scenic natural environment.

More niche but equally interesting options include the Gardiner Museum of Ceramic Art, dedicated entirely to ceramics from around the world, the Bata Shoe Museum, which explores footwear history and design, and the striking Aga Khan Museum, focused on Islamic art and culture. The TD Gallery of Indigenous Art rounds out the offer, highlighting Inuit artistic traditions, often in collaboration with major institutions and cultural collectives.

Together, these museums provide a much deeper cultural dive into Toronto and are particularly good options if the weather isn’t great or if you’re planning a longer stay.

💡 Good to know: If you’re planning to visit several cultural attractions across the country, you may want to look into the Canada Strong Pass, a nationwide initiative that offers free or discounted access to selected museums, galleries and heritage sites across Canada, including some institutions in Toronto.

🌿 Parks & green spaces in Toronto

Despite its reputation as a dense, business-focused city, Toronto has several green spaces that offer a welcome break from the urban landscape. Whether you’re visiting in spring, summer or simply need some fresh air, these spots are worth keeping in mind:

High Park is Toronto’s largest green space, ideal for a break from the city, especially in spring when cherry blossoms attract locals and visitors alike.

Allan Gardens Conservatory is a small but pleasant botanical greenhouse near downtown, and one of the city’s lesser-known free attractions.

Last but not least, and inspired by Bach’s cello suites, the Toronto Music Garden combines landscaping and music themes; a peaceful stop along the waterfront!

📝Travel tips for Toronto, Canada

🚕 How to get to Toronto & getting around

The city is located in Ontario, in southeastern Canada, right by Lake Ontario.

Once in the city, getting around is fairly straightforward:

• 🚲 By bike: Toronto is quite bike-friendly in central areas, with bike lanes and a public bike-share system (Bike Share Toronto). Bike rental shops are also available downtown.
• 🛥️ By boat: ferries cross Lake Ontario to the Toronto Islands, a popular escape in summer. You can check the ferry schedules.
• 🚙 By car: not necessary for city sightseeing, but useful for day trips. During our summer road trip, we used the car we had rented with Alamo at Buffalo International Airport, driving to Toronto and then continuing to Philadelphia, the Amish county and Washington DC.
• ✈️ By plane: Toronto is well connected internationally via Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), one of the busiest airports in Canada. Moreover, the centrally located Billy Bishop airport offers service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the US.
• 🚕 By taxi / ride-hailing: taxis are available, but services like Uber and Lyft are widely used and often more convenient.
• 🚂 By train: Toronto is well connected to other Canadian cities via VIA Rail, with frequent services to places like Ottawa and Montreal. Union Station is the main train station in the city.
• 👣 On foot: ideal to get a sense of the city, especially around downtown and waterfront areas.
• 🚌 Public transport: streetcars, buses and subway lines cover most tourist areas. Visitors can save money with day passes or multi-day transport passes.

Travelers on a budget may want to look into a Toronto CityPASS for discounted access to major attractions. For broader trips around the country, the Canada Strong Pass offers free or reduced entry to participating cultural sites and national parks across Canada.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa in Toronto.

First time indoor skydiving in Oakville, near Toronto

Guided bike tour of Toronto and its islands!

Helicopter Flight over Niagara Falls

📝 Practical travel info for Toronto

In case this is your very first time visiting the Canadian city of Toronto, here are a few tips to help you navigate this North American destination. For further details, head to my Canada destination page.

• ❄️ Best time to visit: Toronto experiences cold winters and warm summers. The best time to visit is late spring to early fall (May to September), when the weather is pleasant and outdoor areas like the waterfront can be fully enjoyed.
• 🗓 Key events: from May to September, the city hosts many of its most important cultural events, including the Toronto Jazz Festival in June, NXNE (North by Northeast) music festival in summer, the vibrant Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) in August or the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September.
• ⏳ Historic background: founded in the late 18th century, Toronto grew from a small colonial settlement into Canada’s largest city and economic hub. Waves of immigration and rapid modernization have shaped the multicultural, diverse city it is today.
• 📍Itinerary (1-2 days in Toronto): if possible, spend at least two nights in Toronto to explore at a relaxed pace. With just one day, focus on Downtown Toronto, the waterfront, St Lawrence Market or an exterior visit to the CN Tower.
• 🛟 Safety: Toronto is generally considered a safe city for travelers. That being said, and as in any large city, stay alert in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings. For extra peace of mind when traveling abroad, you can calculate how much you would pay for your health insurance with the SafetyWing widget below.

🍴What and where to eat in Toronto

Food-wise, our experience in Toronto was somewhat limited due to time constraints. We had dinner at Bâton Rouge on our arrival evening — a safe, casual option — and later explored St Lawrence Market, which turned out to be one of the most interesting food spots in the city.

St Lawrence Market is ideal for casual meals and local food stalls, offering everything from baked goods and sandwiches to international bites. If food is a big part of your travels, focusing on markets and independent eateries rather than chain restaurants is usually the best approach in Toronto.

On our way back to the US the following day, we also stopped for lunch at Bar Bill Tavern in East Aurora (New York State), a well-known spot famous for its wings — a good reminder that some great foodie stops may lie just outside Canada if you’re road-tripping.

If you have more time in the city, here are some noteworthy restaurants in Toronto, grouped by cuisine:

• 🍤 Asian cuisine: Asian Legend (Chinese), Manpuku (Japanese), Pai (northern Thai kitchen; locations in Downtown and Uptown).
• 🇨🇦 Canadian cuisine & fine dining: 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower (with panoramic views), Rodney´s Oyster House, Richmond Station.
• 🇫🇷 French restaurants in Toronto: Alo (one Michelin star), Biff´s Bistro, La Palette.
• 🍝 Italian restaurants in Toronto: Biagio Ristorante, Buca, Terroni, Trattoria Nervosa.
• 🇪🇸 Spanish cuisine: Bar Raval, Beso, Tapas at Embrujo.
• 🌎 Other cuisines: Albert´s Real Jamaican Foods, Big Daddy´s Crab Shack & Oyster Bar, Bymark, Chiado Restaurant (Portuguese), Ethiopian House, Kalyvia (Greek cuisine), Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, Lady Marmalade (brunch), Off the Hook, Rodeo Brazilian Steakhouse, The Sultan’s Tent and Cafe Moroc (Middle Eastern restaurant).

🛏 Where to stay in Toronto, Canada

We spent the night at the Neill-Wycik Hostel, a budget-friendly option that worked well for a short stay.

If you’re planning where to stay in Toronto, here are some ideas depending on your travel budget:

• Luxury hotels (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): Fairmont Royal York, Shangri-La Toronto, The Ritz-Carlton Toronto, Windsor Arms Hotel.
• Mid-range hotels (⭐⭐⭐–⭐⭐⭐⭐): Chelsea Hotel Toronto, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown, Gladstone House, Hilton Toronto, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, Hyatt Regency Toronto, Novotel Toronto Centre, Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown, Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, The Drake Hotel, The Omni King Edward Hotel, The Westin Harbour Castle.
• Budget accommodation (⭐⭐ or below): Samesun Toronto, The Clarence Park, The Planet Traveler Hostel.

For more options, platforms like Airbnb, Booking or Hostelworld are always reliable.

📍Map: best things to do in Toronto

Below you’ll find a map with all the places mentioned in this travel guide, color-coded by category to help you plan your trip efficiently.

🧳Day trips from Toronto (Canada)

Toronto is an excellent base for exploring southern Ontario. The most popular day trip is Niagara Falls, located about 1.5 hours’ drive from the city.

Just a short ferry ride from downtown, the Toronto Islands offer green spaces, beaches and some of the best skyline views of the city. They’re especially popular in summer and make for an easy half-day escape.

Other possible excursions include small towns in Ontario or nature areas surrounding Lake Ontario, especially if you’re traveling by car. Some day trip ideas from Toronto include Hamilton and its waterfalls, Niagara-on-the-Lake or Prince Edward County.

Browse all our road trip adventures during the summer of 2013.

Boston

Exploring the Amish county & Philadelphia

New York & Long Island

Niagara Falls

🎒 Final thoughts on the Canadian city of Toronto

Toronto is a modern, functional city and a major gateway to Canada. While it didn’t fully capture my heart, it does offer a handful of worthwhile attractions, particularly if you’re passing through on a larger itinerary or combining it with nearby highlights like Niagara Falls.

If you’re planning a longer trip to Canada, Toronto can be a logical stop. Besides, this will be one of the official host cities of the FIFA World Cup 2026, making it a convenient base for travelers planning to attend matches while exploring the North America region.

Have you heard of more things to do in Toronto? Feel free to leave your suggestions and comments below, or show your support by loving this article.

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