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There are so many things to do in Toronto it can be difficult to know where to start. Being one of the most multiculturally diverse cities on the planet, there is something for everyone. It’s our hometown but we’ve also experienced Toronto as a tourist. It is the largest city in Canada, and in our humble opinion, it’s the most exciting!
If you are visiting Toronto, our comprehensive Toronto guide will help you find the best places to visit in Toronto for first-time visitors and return.
Top Things to do in Toronto
We have broken this guide into sections to help you plan your Toronto itinerary. There here are clusters of attractions in different parts of the city so instead of hopping in taxis or taking the subway running around in all directions, we’re going to give you a Toronto guide where you can walk from one attraction to another.
Part 1 – Toronto Entertainment District – CN Tower, Roger’s Center, Grafitti Alley Part 2 – Front Street and Distillery District – Gooderham and Worts, Hockey Hall of Fame, St. Lawrence Market Part 3 – Harbourfront – Sugar Beach, Toronto Islands, Harbourfront CruisePart 4 – Downtown Toronto – Yonge and Dundas Square, Nathan Philips Square, Eaton Centre Part 5 – Toronto Museums & Galleries – ROM, AGO, Part 6 – Toronto Outdoors – High Park, Evergreen Brickworks, Cycling Trails, Humber River, The Beaches Part 7 – Toronto Entertainment Venues – Ed Mirvish Theatres, Massey Hall, Roy Thompson Hall, Second City Part 8 – Day Trips from Toronto – Niagara Falls, Niagara on the Lake, Toronto Zoo, Canada’s Wonderland
Entertainment District
1. CN Tower Edge Walk
The CN Tower is Toronto’s most iconic landmark and the most popular thing to do in Toronto. Built in 1975, it reigned as the world’s tallest building until 2007 when it was taken over by the Burj Khalifa in 2008. While the CN Tower is a top Toronto Attraction unto itself, it’s the Edgwalk that makes it special.
Location: 301 Front Street. Directions – TTC to Union Station, then walk East on Front Street
CN Tower Glass Floor
If you aren’t up for the adrenaline rush of the Edgewalk, you still must visit the CN Tower to see city views from its observation decks. You can eat dinner at the revolving restaurant, walk on the glass floor, and see the best view of Toronto from inside and out, enjoy a virtual reality ride. Read more: CN Tower Edgewalk – Taking on The World’s Highest SkyWalk
2. Toronto Railway Museum
While you are at the CN Tower, there are plenty of things to see and do around Front Street. Make your way to the Railway Museum just behind the CN Tower to see this incredible display. The Toronto Railway Museum is dedicated to the history of rail transport in Canada located in the former Canadian Pacific Railway John Street Roundhouse, which was built in 1929.
It served as a maintenance facility for steam locomotives and today it is a sprawling outdoor museum featuring a collection of historic railway equipment, including locomotives, passenger cars, and cabooses. Visitors can see exhibits of various railway artifacts, learn about the history of Canadian railways, and experience interactive exhibits.
After checking out the Railway museum, you can pop into the Steamwhistle Brewing Company. Pop into the roundhouse to enjoy a pint of premium beer and a bite to eat. Located in the historic John Street Roundhouse which was use to repair locomotives from the Canadian Pacific Rail company, it is now a tap room complete with Biergarten inspired by the famous beer gardens of Munich.
3. Rogers Centre
This area is filled with things to do from the Ripley’s Aquarium and the Toronto Rogers Centre which is home to the back to back Major League Baseball champions circa 1992 and 1993, The Toronto Blue Jays.
The Rober Center is the ultimate entertainment complex with the largest retracting roof in North America. Home to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rogers Centre is a huge stadium seating 53,000 people. When the Jays aren’t playing, you will find the hottest musical acts in the world playing in their stadium tours. See Roger’s Live Nation for upcoming concerts.
4. Entertainment District Nightlife
The CN Tower, Roger’s Center, and Ripley’s Aquarium are all located on the south edge of the Entertainment District so once you’ve spent the day sightseeing here, it’s time to enjoy life in the city in the heart of the action.
The Entertainment District spans from Queen Street to the Gardiner Expressway and Spadina Avenue to University. It’s home to legendary live music venues such as the Horseshoe Tavern, The Rivoli, and Cameron House. Toronto’s top theatres, are Roy Thompson Hall, Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Princess of Wales and there are plenty of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and pubs.
The Entertainment District is a great place for travelers to make a base while exploring the top Toronto Attractions. Close to Union Station, it is easy to get to and it is where Toronto’s main nightlife venues are with cocktail lounges and chic bars. Stay at the Ritz Carlton, one of our favourite hotels in Toronto.
5. Queen West
This is where the hippest of the hip hang out in Toronto. Queen West is known as the Art and Design district and if you’re looking for some trendy styles, this is the place to go. Queen Street is lined with shops and stores selling everything from makeup to menswear.
You can even buy sewing and material goods here as well as jewelry-making supplies. It’s got it all. Once the shops close, the food scene begins and the live music starts at venues like The Horseshoe, the Rivoli, and the Rex.
6. Graffiti Alley
Queen Street is the main entertainment area of the Entertainment District home to some of the best shopping in Toronto and the headquarters of City TV. But just behind the glitz and glam of Queen Street is Graffiti Alley. Graffiti Alley is the most popular place in Toronto for Instagram.
Located at Queen and Bathurst Graffiti Alley offers 1 km of walls covered in street art and graffiti along Rush Lane. Canadian commentator Rick Mercer shot his Rants along Graffiti Alley over the course of his 15-year show. It’s located in the city center on Queen Street making it an easy walk to get to and it is filled with amazing street art.
Front Street and Distillery District
7. Distillery District
The Distillery is one of the most popular places in Toronto for travelers. Stroll through the pedestrian walkways along cobblestone streets as you browse the many boutiques, brew pubs, and art galleries. In the summer the streets come alive with outdoor street performers, music, and stage performances. In the winter, the annual Toronto Christmas Market is in full swing.
8. St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market was once voted as the #1 Food Market in the World by National Geographic. St. Lawrence Hall and the North and South Market building have been operating for more than 200 years at the foot of Front and Jarvis Street. 120 vendors take pride in their goods operating stalls that have been passed down for generations. Take a walk through St. Lawrence Market and buy some fresh cheese, meats, and bread to take on a picnic in the Toronto Islands.
St. Lawrence Market is undergoing a new development and the North Market is closed as its state-of-the-art design is being built, but the City relocated the Sunday Antique Market and Farmers Market to a temporary market at 125 The Esplanade.
9. Scotia Bank Arena
It is our second-largest stadium and is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and NBA Champions, the Toronto Raptors. If you are a hockey fan, make sure to buy tickets to a Maple Leaf game well in advance, Toronto loves its hockey and games sell out quickly.
Scotia Bank Arena is also home to the 2019 NBA champions the Toronto Raptors. Tickets are at a premium for basketball games too, but visitors can watch a game in the square outside the arena known as Jurassic Park. This is almost as lively as watching it live as crowds gather to cheer on our beloved team.
In between the two major sporting seasons, the Scotia Bank Arena opens its doors to more music acts. Visit their website for hockey, basketball, and concert schedules.
10. Hockey Hall of Fame
Canada loves its hockey and Toronto is home to the Hockey Hall of Fame. If you are a hockey fan, you won’t want to miss visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame. Located in downtown Toronto at the foot of Yonge and Front Street it’s a must stop on any Toronto itinerary for hockey fans. It houses the Stanley Cup and it’s on display when it’s not touring the country. It also houses the world’s largest collection of hockey memorabilia, there are interactive displays and two theatres.
Harbourfront
11. Helicopter Tour or Scenic Flight
For a bird’s eye view of the city, take a scenic flight from Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island. We have had the privilege of taking several scenic flights over Toronto. What stands out besides the beautiful city skyline is all of the green space in Toronto. It is very impressive to see so many trees scattered among the skyscrapers.
Travelers shouldn’t miss the chance to see Toronto from above. You’ll fly along the waterfront of Lake Ontario to see the beaches, and Toronto Islands, and circle around the skyscrapers of this spectacular international city. This 7-minute helicopter tour is an affordable way to see the city skyline from above. It may be a short flight, but 7 minutes is all you need to view the CN Tower standing over downtown Toronto, Fort York, and the Lake Ontario waterfront from above
12. Harbourfront Centre
After you have seen Toronto from above, make your way from Billy Bishop to Toronto’s Harbourfront, it’s just down the street. Harbourfront is an amazing entertainment area complete with theatres, museums, music venues, and festivals.
Harbourfront Centre is the heart of the area with entertainment venues, artists workshops, galleries and outdoor attractions. There is always something going on at Harbourfront Centre. There are plenty of dining options and it is an excellent place to stroll along Toronto’s waterfront, do some shopping in the Centre and enjoy the artisan workshops.
The main building of Harbourfront Centre is closed for renovations, but events are still going and The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery remains open.
While at the Toronto Harbourfront and book a sunset harbour cruise for a fantastic sunset view of Toronto. There are all kinds of cruises planned to show off the Toronto skyline from dinner cruises, daytime cruises, and cocktail cruises to special Luau Cruises and holiday events. It’s a beautiful way to take in the Toronto Scene and witness the Toronto Islands as you cruise Lake Ontario. Book a cruise in advance
13. Sugar Beach
Harbourfront is also home to one of Toronto’s most photographed beaches, Sugar Beach. It’s a tiny beach located on Corus Quay right beside the Redpath Sugar Factory, Sugar Beach is a quiet spot just at the east end of Queens Quay. It’s a small patch of sand with Muskoka Chairs and a pink umbrella installation.
Location: Located on Queens Quay – Subway to Union Station and Walk South to the water. Or ride the Spadina Streetcar all the way to Harbourfront. 29. Harbourfront Cruise
14. Toronto Music Garden
A hidden gem in the Harbourfront district is the Toronto Music Garden in Queens Quay. Designed by Yo Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy. It was inspired by the first movement of Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major for unaccompanied cello, and the park is meant to be a living representation of the piece.
The park features six distinct sections, each representing a different bar of the music. The sections to look for in the Toronto Music Garden Prelude, Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Menuett, and Gigue. The park also features a variety of plants, trees, and flowers, which were chosen to reflect the mood and character of each section of the piece.
15. Toronto Islands
You must go to the islands for the best view of the city skyline. This is the view that everyone around the world recognizes. There is stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and cycling. You can visit the beaches of the island including Toronto’s famous Nude Beach.
Take the ferry to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, or Ward’s Island and spend the day enjoying the sunshine and iconic views of the city. We always enjoy a picnic on the islands and there’s even a small amusement park. Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island is a cute park for kids with a carousel, log ride, Ferris wheel and plenty of concession stands, midway games, and miniature gold. The islands are a perfect getaway for the whole family from the city.
Location: Board the ferry from Queen’s Quay.
Downtown Toronto
16. City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square
Located just a few blocks from Yonge and Dunas Square is Nathan Phillip’s Square. Home to Toronto City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square is a gathering spot for tours and meetups.
It probably attracts the most visitors to Toronto due to the iconic City Hall Building. It is a popular spot for events, art displays, and celebrations. This is where we celebrate New Year’s Eve and the fountain turns into a skating rink during the winter months.
For exploring City Hall and downtown Toronto the Sheraton Center is an excellent hotel. It overlooks City Hall and is connected to the PATH at the Toronto Eaton Centre, this is often our go-to hotel. It has an indoor/outdoor pool, and fitness center. Trip Advisor / Booking.com Check it out on
17. Toronto CF Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre has been the heart of Toronto Shopping since the 1970s. Located at Yonge and Dundas Square, this shopping mall spans from Dundas to Queen with flagship stores like The Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue helming the ends. There are high-end boutiques and thrifty dollar stores. It has everything you’d want under one roof.
The Eaton Centre spans from Queen Street to Dundas Square along Yonge Street in the heart of Toronto and it is the busiest shopping center in North America. Right now its iconic Canada Geese installation has been taken down as the Toronto Eaton Centre is undergoing a 77-million-dollar makeover, but it is still open for business
18. Yonge and Dundas Square
This popular public square in the heart of Downtown always has something exciting going on. Surrounded by billboards, shopping, movie theatres, and City TV, it’s a happening spot. It’s Toronto’s version of Times Square in New York City and a place all travelers to the city should visit. There are always outdoor performances, festivals, and even free movies in the summertime.
At Yonge and Dundas Square, you’ll find plenty of Restaurants including Milestone’s Patio overlooking Yonge Street and lots of shopping including Toronto’s Iconic Eaton Center.
Location: At the intersection of Yonge and Dundas Street. Subway Line 1 to Dundas Station.
19. Little Canada
Little Canada is also located at Yonge and Dundas Square on the lower level of the Cineplex building. This Toronto attraction features miniature replicas of famous Canadian landmarks, such as the CN Tower, Niagara Falls, and the Parliament Buildings. You can also see miniaturized versions of various Canadian cities and regions, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and the Canadian Rockies.
It has interactive displays where you can activate the Northern Lights, makes it rain in Vancouver, or control the cars on the streets of Toronto.
20. Toronto Underground City
It’s true, Toronto has an entire subterranean world under the city known as The Path. It is one of the largest underground walkways in the world. Starting at Yonge and Dundas Square it weaves through 30km of the downtown core all the way to Union Station.
More than 200k daily visitors and commuters walk the path filled with restaurants, shopping, cafés connecting 75 skyscrapers, subway stations, department stores and hotels.
Located: in the downtown core. Just walk into any building and look for the Path sign. Visit Path.com for maps
21. Kensington Market
For the complete opposite end of the spectrum, Kensington Market is a funky shopping district with second-hand clothing and vintage style. Located just off Spadina in the heart of China Town, you’ll find cheese boutiques, fresh vegetable markets, microbrews, and vintage clothing. It is the funkiest place in the city and a must-stop for anyone coming to Toronto. For a local vibe and funny atmosphere, make sure to visit Toronto’s, Kensington Market.
22. Chinatown
One of Toronto’s most vibrant neighborhoods in downtown Chinatown is located on Spadina Avenue. Pick up your favorite Asian vegetables for authentic cooking, eat incredible Chinese food, and ask for “a pot of tea” after hours (meaning, a pot of beer)
You really feel as if you have stepped into an Asian city with the sounds, smells, and tastes of Asia engulfing the senses at every turn.
Located along Spadina Avenue between Queen and College Book a walking tour of China Town and Kensington Market.
23. Bloor/Yorkville
While you are visiting the ROM, take a stroll over to Toronto’s chicest neighborhood. Bloor Yorkville is home to the Mink Mile – One of the world’s most expensive shopping streets. For shopping, you’ll find every high-end sort you can think of including Gucci, Chanel, Kate Spade, and Burberry.
The top salons make their home in Yorkville and some of the city’s best dining is here. If you want to people-watch and keep an eye out for celebrities in Toronto, this is the place to be. Our favorite hangouts in Bloor Yorkville are Hemingways Patio and The Pilot.
24. Casa Loma
Did you know Toronto has a castle? Casa Loma was built in 1911 by Sir Henry Pellatt; a local financier to be used as his private residence. It was a lavish Gothic Revival mansion with 98 rooms at 64,700 square feet (6,011 m2). There are always seasonal events going on at Casa Loma with Halloween celebrations, Christmas decorations, and March Break Festivities. But visitors can tour this historic castle as well.
There are stables and a coach house and today it is a popular tourist attraction. There is even an 800-foot tunnel leading to the stables. You can tour the many suites or eat at the BlueBlood Steamhouse, a casual restaurant at the Terrace Grill and coffee and snacks at Liberty Café. Read More: Toronto Tours by Locals
Location: 1 Austin Terrace – Take the Subway Line 1 to St. Claire Station and then walk West to Casa Loma
Toronto Museums and Galleries
When planning your Toronto sightseeing excursions you must include museums in your Itinerary. Toronto has a number of museums and art galleries to see, but these are a few of the top.
25. Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum of Natural History and one of the top 10 cultural institutions in North America and Canada s largest museum.
Located in downtown Toronto at the corner of University and Bloor, this popular Toronto attraction melds old and new. The contemporary design of the Royal Ontario Museum is a beautiful addition. The ROM houses 13 million artifacts and artwork featured in 40 different exhibition spaces and galleries.
You can purchase advance tickets to the ROM Get Your Guide for $20. Location: 100 Queens Park – at the corner of Yonge and Avenue Road. Line 1 or 2 Subway to Museum Station.
26. Art Gallery of Ontario – AGO
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) went through a huge transformation in 2008 with a spectacular design by Canadian artist Frank Gehry. The art gallery houses permanent collections like the Group of Seven, The Thomspon Collection and Contemporary Art. It also has a lovely cafe where locals like to meet for a drink or coffee. Its no wonder this is one of the best places to visit in Ontario, let alone Toronto. Located downtown Toronto on Queen Street, it is a central location that is easy to walk to from the Entertainment District, China Town or Front Street.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West – Line 1 Subway to St. Patrick Station There are several private art galleries along this street.
27. Bata Shoe Museum
This is one of the most unique museums we’ve experienced with displays of footwear through history. But you’ll also see celebrity footwear like Elton John’s platform boots and Elvis’ Blue Suede Shoes, and stilettos worn by Marilyn Monroe. Canadian legend Terry Fox’s running shoe is on display from when he attempted to run across the country for cancer research. He eventually succumbed to the disease, but he is a true Canadian hero.
28. Aga Khan Museum
Opened in Sept 2014, the Aga Khan Museum features a collection of Islamic, Persian and Muslim Art. It is North America’s first museum dedicated to Islamic Art and was started by the private collection of the late Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. The museum houses 1000 objects dating back 10 centuries housed in an impressive eye-catching building.
Location: 77 Wynford Drive – Subway Line 2 to Broadview Station then transfer to Bus #100 to the museum.
29. Fort York
Before Toronto became the mega city that it is, it was once called York. And this fort stood on the waters of Lake Ontario to protect the city during the War of 1812. This National Historic Site is open year-round offering guided tours, demonstrations, and exhibits. You’ll have fun interacting and learning about history.
30. Ontario Science Centre
Located north of the city, the Ontario Science Centre has been a favourite for decades. There are great hands-on science exhibits and spectacular displays. Walking through the Living Earth exhibit feels like you are walking through a real rainforest. It has Toronto’s only Planetarium and there is an OMNIMAX Theatre showing new films regularly.
Location: 770 Don Mills Road North York: Subway Line 2 to Pape Station, transfer to Bus 25 North to Don Mills at St. Dennis. Or grab an Uber, or ride a bike!
The Entertainment District is filled with music venues, and Toronto’s top theatres and it is home to TIFF. (The Toronto International Film Festival)
Toronto Theatres
31. Ed Mirvish Theatres
Ed Mirvish was a beloved businessman in Toronto from the 1960s to the 1990s. His love for the theatre basically single-handedly revitalized the Toronto theatre scene. He opened the Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, and & Ed Mirvish Theatres all of which still showcase the most popular Broadway shows of the day.
Check out Mirvish.com for all theatre listings and showtimes.
32. Massey Hall
Massey Hall is an intimate music venue that has seen acts perform from all around the world. If you are looking for a rock and country acts or comedians to watch, chances are you’ll find someone at Massey Hall. And there is exciting news! Massey Hall has reopened and is hosting musical acts in its newly renovated space.
33. Roy Thompson Hall
For the best orchestra, opera and musical performances, Roy Thompson Hall is the top classical music venue in Canada. Home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra it is the premier concert hall in the city with outstanding acoustics. It is also a popular venue during the Toronto international film festival.
34. Second City
The Second City in Toronto is awesome. It is the best Second City outside of Chicago in the United States. Comedic icons such as Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara, and Martin Short performed here and it is still going strong on Blue Jays Way.
Make a night of it in the Entertainment District to see its live comedy shows featuring improv, sketch comedy, and musical performances.
35. Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
It is the largest soft-seat theatre in Canada making for a very comfortable experience. There’s always something playing here including concerts, films, live shows, and festivals.
Check out their calendar for show details. Anyone under 30 Years old receives $15 tickets!
Toronto Outdoors
36. High Park
Located in the West End, the city’s largest park attracts visitors from afar during cherry blossom season, but there is a lot more to high park.
Visit the High Park Zoo housing domestic animals like bison, highland cattle, and llamas. There are plenty of picnic areas, hiking and cycling and in the summer Shakespeare in the Park begins with live performances from the Bard. There’s Grenadier Pond, the Historic Colborne Lodge and it is a short walk down to the Lake Shore to enjoy the Toronto Waterfront.
37. Evergreen Brickworks
With outdoor markets, art exhibits and cafés, the Evergreen Brickworks is a fantastic place to spend a couple of hours. Rent a bike from one of the city’s bike share locations and peddle out to the quiet district to grab some fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmers market. This reminds me of those cool districts you find in New York City.
Location: 550 Bayview Avenue. It’s tricky to get to cycling or a car is the best way. By transit, Subway line 1 north to Davisville and then bus #28 to the Brickworks.
38. The Beaches
The Beaches have long been a favourite tourist attraction of Toronto. Starting at Ashbridges Bay, you’ll find beach volleyball, boardwalks, and parks stretching along the 3km trail along Lake Ontario leading to the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant. Traffic is a killer in the summer, so use a bicycle to get around. The Beaches Jazz festival takes place during the month of July.
Location: Toronto East – Queen Streetcar.
Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach is located at the outer harbour on the Martin Goodman Trail and is a popular spot for SUP, Kite Boarder and kayaking. Locals like the off-leash zone for dogs. On your way stop at Polson Pier for the best skyline view of the city outside the island.
Kew Beach
Kew Beach is another great spot for Canoe and Kayaking plus our favourite SUP. It’s home to the balmy beach club and there’s outdoor fitness equipment to play with. Kew Beach basically blends into Balmy Beach and Woodbine Beach and there’s an outdoor swimming at the Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pools including 5 and 10-metre (15-30 feet) diving boards!
Ashbridges Bay
Ashbridges Bay is one of the more popular spots for beach lovers in Toronto. The waterfront trail runs through the Bay area that has green parks and walkways, beaches, a skateboarding park and picnic sites. This is Toronto’s main spot for fireworks during Canada Day and Victoria Day.
39. Ontario Place
Located at the CNE Grounds on the Lakeshore, Ontario Place is an excellent place to spend an afternoon. It has one of the best outdoor festival stages in Toronto at Budweiser Stage attracting big names performing in an intimate setting. And there’s an IMAX theatre. Enjoy the excellent trail for cycling or rollerblading that goes around 7.5 acres of green space.
Location: 955 Lakeshore West BLVD – Hop on the 514 Streetcar out to Dufferin Gate Loop. Or ride a bike along the waterfront trail.
40. Toronto Bike Trails
Toronto has some excellent bike trails away from the city traffic. You can use the bike share program to cycle around the city, or you can rent a bike. Some of the best cycling trails are the Waterfront Trail, Leslie Spit Trail, The Don Valley Bike Path, Key Garden Belt Line, Taylor Creek Park, and High Park.
Locations: For a complete list of Toronto, Bike Trails visit Toronto.com There are plenty of cycling tours that will take you to see the top Toronto attractions.
Toronto has some amazing mountain biking with more than 70km of intermediate to advanced singletrack. They are well maintained by local volunteers and it’s popular for hikers, runners and dog walkers too. So be careful when riding!
Bike Share Toronto is good for short rides. A day pass is only $7. It’s important to note is that a pass is for 24 hours, but includes unlimited 30-minute rides. So after 30 minutes at a time, extra fees apply. So it’s best to use them to get from point A to point B. The good news is that rental stations are close to most attractions.
41. SUP Bluffers Park
There are plenty of spots to Stand Up Paddle Board in Toronto but the most scenic spot is Bluffers Park just off of Bluffers Beach. Blue waters mixed with the white Scarborough Bluffs make a perfect setting and the water is usually calm for paddleboarding.
Located in Scarborough just east of the other Toronto beaches, it is one of the more scenic beaches of Toronto with the lovely Scarborough Bluffs towering overhead at 65 metres high. (180 feet) There’s a restaurant at the marina and spots for picnics. Bluffers Beach has become a popular Instagram spot.
42. Kayak the Humber River
Sure the Beaches and Islands are popular for Kayaking, but Toronto has a beautiful river that offers a quiet alternative. Here you can paddle down the calm waters to spy on wildlife like egrets, turtles, and hawks.
The Humber River can be accessed at Old Mill Station in the West End of the city.
43. Sunnyside Park
Located in the West End of Toronto, Sunnyside Beach is a quieter stretch of beach located near Sunnyside Pool. There’s a lovely pavilion that’s popular for weddings and events and you can grab some lunch while you are here.
It’s an excellent place for running and cycling and there are plenty of stops along the Waterfront Trail. This trail takes you out through wetlands, over the Humber River and Mimico Creek, and into West Etobicoke.
Day Trips from Toronto
These day trips from Toronto are just two of the day trips that we recommend for first-time visitors and people from out of the country. But there are countless day trips from the city that you can explore. Read our complete list of the best day trips from Toronto: 25 Day Trips from Toronto to Escape the City
44. Canada’s Wonderland
I used to sing at Canada’s Wonderland for four seasons so this amusement park is very dear to my heart. Located north of Toronto, this is one of the best day trips from the city. Spend an entire day enjoying its mega roller coasters, water parks and entertainment.
The park features more than 200 attractions, including 16 roller coasters, making it one of the top destinations for thrill-seekers. Some of the most popular rides at Canada’s Wonderland include the Leviathan, Behemoth, and Yukon Striker roller coasters.
Canada’s Wonderland is also home to Splash Works where you can cool off at its water slides, and other aquatic attractions. The park is open from May to October, but throughout the year there are special events with Christmas markets, Halloween Haunts, and Winterfest.
45. Niagara Falls
One of the top day trips from Toronto is to go to Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls really requires more than a day, but the top attractions in the falls can be done in one simple day if you have limited time. Get Yourself an Adventure Pass and spend the day exploring the top attractions in Niagara Falls like The Hornblower, Journey Behind the Falls, Whitewater Walk and Clifton Hill. Read more: Things to do in Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls can be done in a Day. When I was working at Canada’s Wonderland during my summer vacations, we always made at least one day trip to Niagara Falls to enjoy its top attractions. With the Niagara Adventure Pass, you can see it’s top sights in less than 12 Hours. You can get to Niagara Falls on a full day tour, by bus or by renting a car. Check car rental prices here.
46. Niagara on the Lake
Niagara on the Lake is another great day trip from Toronto. You can combine a trip with Niagara Falls, or go on your own for a day of wine tasting and exploring some of the top vineyards in Canada. Located on Lake Ontario, Niagara on the Lake definitely deserves more than one day, but if you only have a short time, it is at least worth checking out to see its historic downtown, take a wine tour to one of its wineries, stop at historic Fort George, or watch a show at the Shaw Festival. Check out more things to do in Niagara on the Lake here.
47. Toronto Zoo
If you want more wildlife viewing, the Toronto Zoo is a popular attraction. We’re not huge on zoos, but there is an argument that zoos help promote sustainability and awareness about wildlife. And if you are going to visit a zoo, the Toronto Zoo isn’t too bad.
The animals all have for the most part large enclosures and seem to be treated quite well. When I was working at YTV, we went to the Toronto Zoo a lot and the people who work there are very passionate about animal conservation and animal welfare.
48. Terra Lumina
Terra Lumina is an attraction at the Toronto Zoo that happens after dark. A 1.5 km walking path takes you through a light show and multimedia experience. Lazers shoot through the air, paths light up and wolf howls and polar bears are projected onto screens. It starts in the future 2099 and travels back in time.
Check out more tours from Toronto and Day Trips
49. Best Instagram-Worthy Spots in Toronto
Sugar Beach – Located at Lower Jarvis Street beside to the Redpath Sugar Factory just down from Queens Quay. Polsen Pier – Polsen Pier is an excellent waterfront attraction with entertainment and fantastic views of the Toronto skyline. Brookfield Place – This beautiful piece of architecture is located in the city center on Yonge Street. When you enter this entertainment center, you are treated to stunning views of the Allan Lambert Gallery which is a 6-story enclosed courtyard. Humber Bay Bridge – The Humber Bay Bridge is a pedestrian and cycling walkway connecting downtown Toronto with The Lakeshore. Museum Subway Stop – located in the heart of the city center, the Museum Subway Stop is an easy place to grab beautiful photos of the museum columns adorning the platform. Graffiti Alley – This isn’t only a great Instagram spot, Graffiti alley is one of the best places to visit in Toronto.
50. Best Toronto Festivals
Toronto is a city of festivals and some of the not to miss events are:
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – Sept Toronto Pride – June Toronto Summer Music Festival – July Luminato – June Beaches Jazz Festival – July Toronto Caribbean Carnival – July
Getting Around Toronto
Hop on Hop Off Bus – If you want to get around the city, a great way to explore is the Toronto Hop on Hop off Bus. A 48-hour pass lets you explore Toronto’s main attractions as you hop on hop off at major tourist sites. Cost $49/It will help you see the highlights quickly and take you to some of the top sights in Toronto like Casa Loma, and a free harbour cruise.
Public Transit – Fares cost $3.25. If you buy tokens or a Presto Card it is $3. You can buy Presto Cards in advance here.
Bike Share Toronto is good for short rides. A day pass is only $7. It’s important to note is that a pass is for 24 hours, but includes unlimited 30-minute rides. So after 30 minutes at a time, extra fees apply. So it’s best to use them to get from point A to point B. The good news is that rental stations are close to most attractions.
Car rentals – Toronto itself can sometimes be very spread out depending on where you are going. If you want to do day trips from Toronto, a rental car is a good option.
RentalCars.com is a good comparison website to find the right car rental for you.
Parking – Use Green Ps when parking in Toronto, they are the best deal and you can download the app.
Uber – In America Lyft is cheaper, but in Toronto Uber is cheaper and the drivers we’ve talked to say they prefer Uber over Lyft. (it’s the opposite of what we’ve heard from drivers in America. Interesting eh?
Read More Toronto Travel Tips
And there you have it. Our ultimate guide for things to do in Toronto. If you are visiting Toronto, this guide should have you covered with all the amazing things to see and do! What did we miss?
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