Things to Do in Toronto
Toronto is Canada's biggest city and its cultural and financial capital, a place where 140 languages are spoken, where the CN Tower still defines the skyline, a…
Toronto is Canada's biggest city and its cultural and financial capital, a place where 140 languages are spoken, where the CN Tower still defines the skyline, and where every neighbourhood has its own personality. From the islands in the lake to the galleries in the core, there is more to do here than any single trip can hold. This guide covers the best things to do in Toronto for every kind of traveller, from the must-see icons to the free walks, the family-friendly stops, the romantic corners, the outdoor fun, the rainy-day museums, the seasonal highlights and the best day trips beyond the city.
What to do in Toronto
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Top things to do in Toronto
Start at the CN Tower for the Glass Floor and the EdgeWalk (if you are brave), then walk to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada next door and the Rogers Centre. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Yorkville for dinosaurs and world cultures, and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) for Canadian art and the Henry Moore collection. Walk the Distillery District for cobblestones, galleries and craft cocktails, and the St. Lawrence Market for the peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery. Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for the best skyline view in the city.
Free things to do in Toronto
Toronto has excellent free options. Walk or bike the Martin Goodman Trail along the Lake Ontario waterfront, explore the Distillery District (free to wander), and visit the Allen Lambert Galleria at Brookfield Place. The Toronto Islands ferry is inexpensive and the islands themselves are free to explore. The AGO and the ROM offer free entry on Wednesday evenings (check current schedules), and the Toronto Reference Library and the Toronto Public Library's special collections are free to visit.
Things to do in Toronto for families
Families love Ripley's Aquarium, the Royal Ontario Museum (especially the dinosaur gallery and the bat cave), the Ontario Science Centre, and the Toronto Zoo. Take the ferry to Centre Island for the Centreville amusement park and the Far Enough Farm, and visit the High Park playground and the free High Park Zoo. The Harbourfront Centre offers free family programming in summer, and the Rec Room at the Ex is a hit with older kids.
Things to do in Toronto for couples
Couples should walk the Distillery District at dusk, share a peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market, and take the ferry to the Toronto Islands for a sunset skyline view. Book a table in Yorkville or along the Harbourfront, and catch a show in the Entertainment District. In winter, skate at the Nathan Phillips Square rink under the Toronto sign, then warm up with a cocktail in the Financial District.
Outdoor activities in Toronto
Toronto is a surprisingly outdoor city. Walk or bike the Martin Goodman Trail along the waterfront, rent a kayak at the Harbourfront, hike the ravines in the Don Valley and Rouge Park, and cycle the Beltline Trail through the city. The Toronto Islands offer car-free cycling and beaches, and High Park adds cherry blossoms in spring and trails year-round. In winter, skate at Nathan Phillips Square and the Evergreen Brick Works.
Rainy-day activities in Toronto
Toronto's museums and galleries are among the best in Canada. The Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Aga Khan Museum and the Bata Shoe Museum cover world cultures and design. The Toronto Reference Library and the Brookfield Place atrium are architectural freebies. St. Lawrence Market, the PATH underground walkway and the Eaton Centre offer shopping under cover, and the Rec Room and the Pinball Vault offer indoor games.
Seasonal activities in Toronto
Summer (June–August) is festival season, with the Toronto International BuskerFest, the Beaches International Jazz Festival and free Harbourfront concerts. Fall (September–November) brings the Toronto International Film Festival and changing colours in the ravines. Winter (December–February) is for the Cavalcade of Lights, skating at Nathan Phillips Square and the Distillery Winter Village. Spring (March–May) brings cherry blossoms in High Park and the return of patio season.
Day trips from Toronto
Drive to Niagara Falls (90 minutes) for the falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, to the Muskoka region (2 hours) for lakes and cottages, and to the Blue Mountain area (2 hours) for hiking and skiing. The Scarborough Bluffs offer a dramatic lake-shore walk within the city, and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington (1 hour) are a great plant-lovers' day out.
Day trips from Toronto
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Bookable attractions & experiences in Toronto
AttractionCN Tower EdgeWalk
Hands-free walk around the outside of the CN Tower's main pod.
Price: $$$
Where to stay in Toronto
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Toronto?
Three days is enough to see the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Distillery District and the Toronto Islands, with time for a market and a museum. Add a day if you want to include a day trip to Niagara Falls or the Muskoka region.
What is the best time of year to visit Toronto?
Summer (June–August) is festival season with warm weather and patios, but it is also the most crowded. Fall (September–November) brings the Toronto International Film Festival and changing colours. Winter (December–February) is cold but festive, and spring (March–May) brings cherry blossoms and milder weather.
Do I need a car in Toronto?
No. Toronto has an extensive subway, streetcar and bus system, and most central neighbourhoods are walkable. A car is useful for day trips outside the city, but parking downtown is expensive and traffic can be heavy during rush hours.
What are the best free things to do in Toronto?
Walk the Martin Goodman Trail along the waterfront, explore the Distillery District, visit the Toronto Islands (inexpensive ferry), and enjoy the Allen Lambert Galleria at Brookfield Place. The AGO and the ROM offer free entry on Wednesday evenings (check current schedules), and the Toronto Reference Library is free to visit.
Is Toronto good for families?
Yes. Families love Ripley's Aquarium, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Centre and the Toronto Zoo. The ferry to the Toronto Islands offers the Centreville amusement park and the Far Enough Farm, and the Harbourfront Centre offers free family programming in summer.
What is the best day trip from Toronto?
Niagara Falls (90 minutes) is the most popular day trip, combining the falls with Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries. The Muskoka region (2 hours) offers lakes and cottages, and the Blue Mountain area (2 hours) offers hiking and skiing. The Scarborough Bluffs offer a dramatic lake-shore walk within the city.
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