Toronto may be Canada’s biggest city, but it’s also the most diverse. There is a great range of activities and attractions for visitors, with something for everyone.
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What to Do in Toronto - By Seasons & Months
Toronto is an incredibly diverse city with a lot to offer visitors all year round. From snowshoeing in the winter to boat rides in the summer, one of the best ways to explore Toronto is by heading outdoors!
What to Do in Toronto - In Winter
Toronto can get pretty nippy during the winter months, but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting! The city is hot with activities ranging from ice skating in Nathan Phillips Square to snowshoeing on the Toronto Islands. The Distillery Winter Village is one of the highlights of the winter for locals and visitors alike, and make sure to snag some tickets to a Maple Leafs game.
| December to February Activities | |
| For culture vultures…. | Casa Loma, Royal Albert Hall, Maple Leafs game, coffee shops, restaurants |
| For nature lovers… | Snowshoeing on one of the Toronto islands, ice skating in the park |
| For city slickers… | Hit the shopping malls for some retail therapy, Distillery Winter Village, and Cavalcade of Lights |
What to Do in Toronto - In Spring
During the spring, Toronto begins bursting with life and color. The flowers begin to bloom, and street festivals pop up across the city. This is a good time to visit for anyone who wants to experience slightly warmer weather without the big tourist crowds that you find during the summer.
| Type of Traveler | March to May Activities |
| For culture vultures…. | Casa Loma, Royal Albert Hall, Street Festivals |
| For nature lovers… | View spring flowers at Toronto Botanical Garden, cherry blossoms, bike the Martin Goodman Trail |
| For city slickers… | Canadian Music Week, film festivals |
What to Do in Toronto - In Summer
As the weather heats up, Toronto becomes more and more cool. The spring festivals leads to summer parties with many restaurants and bars offering outdoor seating. This is the best time of the year to explore Toronto’s many islands or to go on a boat ride on Lake Ontario. It’s important to keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of the year for tourism so make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to visit all of the attractions on your to-do list and don’t try to fit in too many things in one day. Everything may take a lot longer than you think!
Type of Traveler | June to August Activities |
| For culture vultures…. | Casa Loma, Royal Albert Hall, CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium |
| For nature lovers… | Toronto Islands, boat rides on Lake Ontario |
| For city slickers… | Outdoor concerts and events |
What to Do in Toronto - In Fall
As the temperature begins to drop, the tree leaves burst into a kaleidoscope of color. As always, the museums and attractions have their doors open for visitors, and you can also try some unique autumn activities like apple picking or visiting a pumpkin patch. This is also a great time to walk along the lakefront path as you can get great views of the CN Tower without battling tourist crowds.
Type of Traveler | September to November Activities |
| For culture vultures…. | Casa Loma, Royal Albert Hall, Street Festivals, apple picking, and a pumpkin patch |
| For nature lovers… | Walk along the lakefront trail, see the salmon migration in Humber Bay shores |
| For city slickers… | Ghost tours, Toronto International Festival of Authors |
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What to Do in Toronto - By Area
Toronto is one of the biggest and most diverse cities in Canada. The city is relatively easy to get around in with a walkable downtown and extensive public transport. This should be great news for culture vultures and history buffs as Toronto has so much to offer visitors!
| Neighborhood | Top Activities |
| Downtown Toronto | Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma |
| The Beaches | Lakefront boardwalk, Ashbridge’s Bay Park, |
What to Do in Toronto - Downtown
Downtown Toronto is home to most of the city’s museums and attractions. The Toronto city skyline dominates the city, making it a great spot to start your Toronto adventure! Once you have used this as an opportunity to get to know the lay of the land, you can hit the pavement and go to Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, Hockey Hall of Fame, and St. Lawrence Market.
What to Do in Toronto - Beach
Toronto’s location right on the edge of one of the Great Lakes certainly makes it unique. The waterfront is lined by a charming boardwalk, which makes you feel like you have been transported to the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean. The area is fairly quiet and largely residential, so you really do feel like you have escaped the hustle and bustle of the city while you’re here.
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What to Do in Toronto - Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions
Toronto has a slew of landmarks, museums, and family attractions suitable for everyone from the tiniest of tots to the grumpiest of grandpas, including an enormous aquarium, a soaring observation tower, and a quirky neighborhood. Toronto even has its very own castle! Below are some of the best things to do in Toronto.
What to Do in Toronto #1: CN Tower
It's impossible to miss this iconic landmark whenever you’re in Toronto
Rising over 500 meters above downtown, the CN Tower is the tallest tower in Canada. The tower features a rotating restaurant and observation tower. If you’re feeling really brave and in need of an energy boost, you can even try out the Edge walk, which gives you the chance to walk 116 stories above downtown Toronto with nothing but a safety harness.
What to Do in Toronto #2: Royal Ontario Museum
History buffs won’t want to miss the Royal Ontario Museum. This massive complex takes you back through centuries of local history, giving you an in-depth look at how the city developed. The building itself is incredibly striking, combining a quaint stone building with a modern steel and glass structure that provides the perfect juxtaposition between the past and the future.
What to Do in Toronto #3: Casa Loma
Built at the turn of the 20th century, Casa Loma is the closest thing you’ll find to a castle in Ontario. The castle is the brainchild of a wealthy businessman who modeled the sprawling mansion after a splendid European castle. Today, it serves as a house museum and you’re able to see the interior as well as the stunning gardens.
What to Do in Toronto #4: Art Gallery of Ontario
Boasting a collection of more than 90,000 works of Art, the Art Gallery of Ontario was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. It is one of the most distinguished art museums in North America and should be on the must-see list for every art lover!
What to Do in Toronto #5: Toronto Zoo
Located about 30 minutes outside of downtown Toronto, the Toronto Zoo is home to more than 300 different species of animals from all corners of the world. The zoo attracts more than 1.2 million visitors per year and is a great family-friendly activity for people of all ages.
What to Do in Toronto #6: Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Located in the heart of downtown, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in an underwater adventure. Walk through massive aquariums full of sea creatures and marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature.
What to Do in Toronto #7: St. Lawrence Market
Built nearly two centuries ago, this indoor market specializes in fresh produce, cheese, meat, wines, and olives, making it the perfect stop for foodies. There are also antique shops, craft stores, and more where you can pick up some great souvenirs to take home.
What to Do in Toronto #8: University of Toronto
The University of Toronto campus is located on the edge of Queen’s Park. It was founded in 1827 and was the first institution of higher learning in Canada. The beautiful Gothic architecture and leafy surroundings make this a charming place to wander around.
What to Do in Toronto #9: Chinatown
If you want to get a taste of China without leaving Toronto, then it’s time to head to Chinatown. Crammed full of authentic Chinese shops and restaurants, the streets are always buzzing with activity. One of the best times to visit is during the evening or night when the neon lights come on, giving the whole atmosphere a vibrant glow.
What to Do in Toronto #10: Toronto Bluffers
If you want to see more of Toronto’s natural beauty, you may want to visit the Toronto “Bluffers”. Also known as the Scarborough Bluffs, these towering cliffs are a popular spot for hiking and for strolling along the pristine beach.