What are the Best Things to Do in Toronto
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.
Unsplash/Teunard Droog
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 |
Unsplash/Sandro Schuh
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.
Find hotels in Downtown Toronto
See All Hotels
NO.1
Unsplash/Ronin
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.
4.6/5
281 reviews
5/5
Hello, this is Mexbanjang saying hello.
Today, I am organizing photos of the CN Tower that I visited during my trip to Toronto, Canada.
The CN Tower, located in Toronto, Canada
A landmark representing Toronto
It was the tallest tower in the world until 2007
📌 Attractions
Observation Deck
Glass Floor
360-Degree Rotating Restaurant
The thrill of walking along the perimeter of the tower
Especially on clear days, you can see downtown Toronto, Lake Ontario, and even as far as Niagara Falls in the distance.
If you are planning a trip to Toronto, I highly recommend it.
Thank you.
4/5
People with a fear of heights really shouldn't get too close to glass. Watching the sunset is nice though.
5/5
the CN Tower is a must for anyone touring Toronto. when it was completed in the mid 70’s it was the tallest structure in the world. great views of Toronto from three different levels. Also a nice revolving restaurant and a few places for coffee and lunch as well
5/5
it's like a symbol of tronto!at night time, very colorful lights turned on, like blue, purple, yellow, red, green,.. it was stunning!!!i wanna go one more time some day!!:)
5/5
I had the most amazing time visiting Toronto last December. I would definitely recommend this destination for your next travel adventure.
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.
4.6/5
187 reviews
5/5
There were many exhibits, and it was very interesting.
4/5
There are various exhibits, so people of all ages can enjoy it. The facility is quite large, but there are chairs placed throughout so you can rest if you get tired, which was great.
5/5
Don't miss the Public Tour！
5/5
It is a very large museum that may take 4 -5 hours to explore. It's a very organised place with lots of artefacts. Nice café inside as well.
5/5
It's a big one with four floors. It takes three or four hours to walk to finish it
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.
4.5/5
62 reviews5/5
A beautiful neo-Gothic mansion! It was fascinating to stroll through its many rooms and see the period furnishings.
5/5
Toronto's must-visit treasure 2⃣️Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a famous building and tourist attraction in Toronto. It combines multiple European architectural styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, and Normandy. It is a Gothic Revival castle-style mansion.
-
🌟 As soon as you step into here, it's like traveling to medieval Europe. The castle has a unique architectural style, with Gothic spires and exquisite carvings. Every detail shows luxury and mystery. Strolling in the castle's garden, it's like being in a fairy tale world, with fountains⛲, sculptures, and flowers🌸 complementing each other, which is beautiful.
🎈The interior of the castle is even more special. The gorgeous hall, elegant study, and mysterious tower, every room is full of stories. You can also climb the tower of the castle and overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Toronto city. The feeling is really shocking.
Whether it's a date for couples👫 or a trip with friends👭, Casa Loma is an excellent choice. Here, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery, but also feel the strong historical and cultural atmosphere.
✅Movie location: Due to its unique architecture, Casa Loma has become the location for many movies, such as the Oscar-winning film "Chicago" and "X-Men".
5/5
Casa Loma stands on a hill in the northern suburbs of Toronto. It is a medieval castle and a microcosm of luxurious life in the early 20th century. The castle was built by Canadian tycoon Sir Henry Perrette between 1911 and 1914.
The castle's architectural style combines a variety of European architectural styles such as Romanesque, Gothic, and Normandy, showing the fusion of European classical architecture and Canadian local characteristics. The castle has a total of 98 rooms and was the largest private residence in Canada at the time.
Due to its unique architectural features, Casa Loma has become the location for many movies. Oscar-winning films such as "Chicago", "X-Men", "Strange Brew", "The Tuxedo" starring Jackie Chan, "Scott Pilgrim VS. the World", "Warehouse 13", "The Pacifier" and so on have all used this place as a filming location, and the popular movie "Harry Porter and the Deathly Hallows" also temporarily used this place as the magic school Hogwarts. Casa Loma Castle is not only the focus of architecture and tourism, but also carries rich historical and cultural value.
5/5
This is a very unique old house. It is worth visiting not only because it looks like a castle. The decoration is also very thoughtful, and there are many antiques and cultural relics collected inside. The highest floor of the house shows the relationship between Canada's history and the world wars. Through the objects, you can understand the past and the contributions of our ancestors to this place. Both ends of the tower can be visited, and the view of the city is very spectacular.
5/5
My favorite castle I've ever been to, very beautiful and well maintained. You can visit the castle for a long time. In addition to the general castle room decoration collection, there is also a wax museum, exhibitions of old Canadian military uniforms and guns, and the layout of the tower linked to the escape game, which is very interesting. When I went there, the basement happened to have a Halloween event, and the children in the group loved it.
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!
4.6/5
27 reviews
4/5
Besides the introduction to Canadian history, the exhibits of culture and artifacts from around the world were very rich, especially the dinosaur bones and mummies. It was definitely worth the trip.
4/5
It's worth seeing. Admission is free on Wednesdays, and free for those under 24.
5/5
Not bad
5/5
It was worth seeing and I highly recommend it.
5/5
Fellow art-lovers: this is a place you don’t want to miss! They also offer different type of membership and binged-worthy annual pass!
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.
4.3/5
11 reviews
5/5
Visiting the Toronto Zoo is an exhilarating experience filled with adventure and discovery. As you wander through the expansive grounds, you'll encounter diverse wildlife from around the globe. The zoo features themed habitats like the Canadian Domain, where native animals roam, and the African Savanna, showcasing majestic lions and giraffes. Interactive exhibits, such as the Discovery Zone, engage visitors of all ages. The serene beauty of lush landscaping and educational programs enrich the visit, making it not just entertaining but informative. Whether observing playful pandas or vibrant birds, the Toronto Zoo offers unforgettable memories in a stunning natural setting.
5/5
In the meantime the government will be continue
5/5
The Toronto Zoo is a zoo located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Encompassing 287 hectares (710 acres),the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada averaging around 1.2 million visitors a year.The zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain. Some animals are displayed indoors in pavilions and outdoors in what would be their naturalistic environments, with viewing at many levels.
5/5
The toronto zoo is an awesome place with a large variety of animals and birds and feels like an oasis of greenery.Goos place to chill out with the kids and family along with learning about the fauna and flaura of the word..Must see place when in Canada
5/5
I went with my daughter last year it was so fun. We finished the enclosures walking around the whole day.
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.
4.5/5
35 reviews
5/5
캐나다 어학연수 중 맞이한 생일파티 겸 여행으로 친구들과 함께 예약해서 다녀왔어요.I highly recommend this place! The aquarium was a little small, but there were many different fish species to see. I especially like skate, and it was great to see big rays. And the jellyfish were so cute. It was a wonderful birthday event🥰
5/5
Worth a visit, great value for money
5/5
This aquarium is definitely worth a visit. There are many great spots for taking photos, especially the tunnel section, which is the most photogenic and where people tend to linger the longest. If you have children, there are facilities inside where they can learn about marine life and have hands-on experiences. It's best to allow about two hours for the visit.
5/5
It's best to avoid holidays, otherwise your photos will be full of heads 😂
5/5
So many novel and interesting fish, it was an eye-opening experience!
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.
4.7/5
19 reviews
5/5
Recommended Day to Visit: SATURDAY On weekends there are flea market beside the main building. pretty cool to check it out for handcrafted goods. The market itself has lots of awesome goodies like sweets and snacks to taste from. Very local and very friendly store keepers. DO BRING CASH!! Not all stores accept card payments.
5/5
Don't go short on Monday when the market is closed❗️
Address: 📍St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, M5E 1C3
ST. URBAiN BAGEL bakery; freshly baked bagels are delicious. You can choose the type of bread. The most recommended bagel sandwiches by bloggers are Smoked Salmon + cream cheese 💲10
other……
In addition to meat, the market also has various seafood stalls, fruit stalls, grocery stores, etc. It is worth spending an afternoon exploring slowly!
5/5
🌟 **St. Lawrence Market: A must-visit historical food landmark in Toronto** 🌟
St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s most popular landmarks. With its rich historical background and mouth-watering food, it’s the best place to experience local culture! 🍖🍞
🛍️ **Market Features**:
- Over **120 stores** featuring fresh produce, gourmet baked goods, Canadian specialties and artisan crafts.
- Look for the traditional **Canadian Peameal Bacon Sandwich**, a must-try signature dish!
📜 **Historical charm**:
- This market has been a hub for the local community since 1803 and has witnessed Toronto's prosperity and growth.
- Visit the farmers market at **North Market** and experience the market atmosphere that has not changed for a hundred years.
🍷 **Multicultural Flavor**:
- Whether it's Italian cheese, Spanish olives, or local maple syrup products, you can find them all here.
📸 **Photo check-in**:
- Take photos of the charming red brick buildings and stall displays, share them with your friends, and feel the vitality and warmth here together!
📍 **Address**: 93 Front St E, Toronto, ON
⏰ **Opening hours**: Tuesday to Saturday
4/5
St Lawrence Market is a nice place to go in Toronto. It is near downtown Toronto. I enjoyed some delicious fresh salmon sashimi at a very affordable price. More shops are open during weekend, it is better to go there during weekend.
5/5
St Lawrence Market in Toronto is a must-go. The building is rich of history and there are many local food available. Try the Peameal Bacon Bun at Carousel Bakery. It is awesome and delicious!
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.
4.6/5
231 reviews5/5
Parking is a bit difficult, there will be traffic jams in the afternoon. The building is very beautiful and unique. It's a pity that the school is too big to visit it all.
4/5
I went to the University Bookstore at the University of Toronto and found a lot of clothing with the university's logo on it for sale. The most amazing thing is that the university has co-branded products with Champion, Nike and Roots, which is really amazing!
5/5
The gate of the University of Toronto, facing the CN Tower
4/5
Lovely campus in the heart of downtown Toronto. A pretty campus to stroll around and admire it's different buildings.
5/5
Dream school, but went to another university for undergrad! Still don’t mind visiting the campus every year when I travel to Toronto ! Stunning and incredible architecture
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.
4.2/5
77 reviews
4/5
There is more than one Chinatown in Toronto. The oldest one is the East Chinatown, but it is not as popular as the Chinatown in the city center. From the postal code provided by Ctrip, it is speculated that it refers to the downtown area, close to the University of Toronto. You can see the CN Tower here, and Chinese characters are everywhere.
5/5
Toronto's original Chinatown with authentic Chinese restaurants and supermarkets. Great to walk to around.
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.
What To Do in Toronto
-
What are the best things to do in Toronto?
-
What is the benefit of buying a CityPASS in Toronto?
-
What is the most fun area of Toronto?
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Trending
-
Featured travel guide
-
Hot deals
-
Top-rated stays
-
Getting around
-
eSIM/SIM card
- Cheap flights from Chicago to Toronto
- Flights from Phoenix to Toronto
- Flights from Seattle to Toronto
- Return flights from Los Angeles to Toronto
- Cheap flights from Nashville to Toronto
- Return flights from Fort Lauderdale to Toronto
- Return flights from Boston to Toronto
- Return flights from Washington D.C. to Toronto
- Cheap flights from Las Vegas to Toronto
- Cheap flights from New York to Toronto
- Return flights from Vancouver to Toronto
- Return flights from Orlando to Toronto
- Cheap flights from Calgary to Toronto
- Return flights from Austin to Toronto
- Cheap flights from San Francisco to Toronto
- Hotels in Shanghai
- Hotels in Guangzhou
- Hotels in Beijing
- Hotels in Bangkok
- Hotels in Hong Kong
- Hotels in Tokyo
- Hotels in Shenzhen
- Hotels in Chongqing
- Hotels in Las Vegas
- Hotels in Seoul
- Hotels in Chengdu
- Hotels in Zhangjiajie
- Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
- Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
- Hotels in Hangzhou
- Hotels in Singapore
- Hotels in Taipei
- Hotels in Xi'an
- Hotels in New York
- Hotels in Bali