Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 10 Things to Do in Toronto
- Ride up to the top of the CN Tower
- Explore Canada's largest museum, the Royal Ontario Museum
- Taste the best of Toronto at St. Lawrence Market
- Rent a bike or a pedal boat at Toronto Islands
- Wander around the historic Distillery District
- Meet animals at the Toronto Zoo
- Admire masterpieces at the Art Gallery of Ontario
- Stroll around the beautiful Edwards Gardens
- Step back into time at Black Creek Pioneer Village
- Shop underground at the Path
Toronto is such a gold mine of cool and fun spots to explore that I bet it’s hard to keep track of all the dope things to do around here. But hey, that’s where we come in!
So, forget about the daily grind for a second and get ready to fall in love with Toronto all over again. From hidden gems to fantastic food and all the quirky and unexpected in between, here’s our rad list of things to do in Toronto!
Ride up to the top of the CN Tower
Website: https://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/home.html
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-868-6937
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
Forget about city sightseeing on foot, ‘cause, from 1,815 feet up, the view from the top of the CN Tower is literally next level.
In just 58 seconds, you’ll find yourself on the Lookout Level and be treated to a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the entire city, Lake Ontario, and, on a clear day, even a glimpse of Niagara Falls!
If you’re feeling particularly daring, why not give the EdgeWalk a try? Yup, we’re talking about the world’s highest hands-free, full-circle walk.
Local tip: The CN Tower can get madly busy during the day, so try visiting around sunset for the most mesmerising city views—unless you’re a night owl, then, by all means, go for it and enjoy those sparkling lights!
Explore Canada’s largest museum, the Royal Ontario Museum
Website: https://www.rom.on.ca/
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-586-8000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
The ROM is like this ginormous treasure chest waiting to be explored with collections that dive into art, archaeology, and natural science. It’s got everything from dinosaur bones (yes, real ones) to Egyptian mummies to Indigenous artefacts.
And hey, don’t be fooled by the somewhat intimidating, fortress-like exterior of the old building. Inside, it’s an architectural masterpiece that combines the historic with the modern, much like the city of Toronto itself.
The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, the ROM’s modern wing, is a must-see. Some find it quirky, others call it splendid, but one thing’s for sure: it’s 100% unforgettable.
Local tip: Now, between you and me, check out if your visit falls on the third Monday of the month; that’s when the ROM offers discounted admission prices.
Taste the best of Toronto at St. Lawrence Market
Website: https://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
Address: Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-392-7219
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday 7 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
St. Lawrence Market is where you’ll find the best of Toronto under one roof—no joke. You’ll be able to find everything from fresh produce, meats, and seafood piled high to out-of-this-world sandwiches, baked goods, and mouthwatering international cuisine.
Basically, if you’re on the hunt for a proper nosh, St. Lawrence Market has got you covered. You also don’t want to miss out on the Market Gallery, where you can explore art, artefacts, and all sorts of exhibitions about the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Local tip: You’ve got to try the iconic peanut bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery! Just remember to go early because the lines can get pretty bonkers!
Rent a bike or a pedal boat at Toronto Islands
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/toronto-island-park/
The Toronto Islands are a group of 15 small islands interconnected by pathways and bridges and only a short ferry ride away from downtown. Once you get there, going on a bike ride is one of the best ways to take in all that gorgeousness.
To wander around those car-free roads, under the dappled sunlight of leafy canopies—that’s the good stuff, folks! But head up; you’ve got options.
You can rent a single bike if you’re feeling the solo adventure vibe, or there’s also the quintessential quadricycle if you’re rolling with your pals.
Local tip: Be an early bird to beat the crowds, especially in the summer. And don’t forget to pack sunblock, your favourite snacks, and a blanket for that perfect picnic set-up—mandatory relaxation vibe right there.
Wander around the historic Distillery District
Website: https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/
Address: 55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-364-1177
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
The Distillery District is a quintessential part of Toronto’s history, boasting an array of well-preserved Victorian Industrial architecture scattered all around.
There’s something truly exceptional about window shopping through the small, independent boutiques offering quirky finds that you just won’t stumble upon elsewhere.
The place is brimming with must-try restaurants and cafe patios that offer a perfect respite when you want to sit back, relax, and do some people watching. Don’t skip out on trying a few local brews either.
Local tip: If you’re a chocolate lover, don’t miss out on SOMA Chocolatemaker; they make some of the best chocolate in Toronto.
Meet animals at the Toronto Zoo
Website: https://www.torontozoo.com/
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-392-5900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 7 PM
The Toronto Zoo is, after all, one of the biggest zoos in the world, with over 5,000 animals from all corners of the globe.
It’s split into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, the Tundra Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and the Canadian Domain.
In between your animal encounters, you can grab some grub at one of the zoo’s numerous food spots. Plus, there are plenty of picnic areas if you’d prefer to bring your own munchies.
Local tip: Early morning visits are the best! Not only will you avoid the big crowds, but you also get to see the animals at their most active.
Admire masterpieces at the Art Gallery of Ontario
Website: https://ago.ca/
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-979-6648
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Thursday – 10:30 AM to 5 PM
- Wednesday and Friday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
The AGO is one of the most distinguished art museums in North America! Packed with more than 95,000 works of art, it’s a real feast for the eyes. What’s pretty cool about AGO is the variety—it’s a never-ending carousel of world-class exhibitions.
At this museum, there’s something for everyone, making it as versatile as it is awe-inspiring. And let’s not forget the Galleria Italia, showcasing a remarkable collection of wood and glass architecture!
Local tip: Don’t miss out on “Free Wednesday Nights” at the Art Gallery of Ontario, where admission to the gallery is absolutely free from 6 PM to 9 PM!
Stroll around the beautiful Edwards Gardens
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/473/index.html
Address: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON
Contact details: +1 416-392-8188
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Edwards Gardens is not just your regular garden; it’s an oasis of greenery featuring myriad plants, flowers, and trees! You can enjoy meandering along the scenic pathways, checking out the flower beds, or simply admiring the beauty of nature.
Don’t forget to bring the kids along, too! They’ll love exploring the Children’s Teaching Garden, where they can learn about various plants and their importance in our ecosystem.
And if you want even more adventure, hop onto the adjacent Wilket Creek Ravine trails, where you can hike or bike amidst lush greenery.
Local tip: While the garden is beautiful throughout the year, the spring and summer months are especially breathtaking, so try to time your visit accordingly!
Step back into time at Black Creek Pioneer Village
Website: https://blackcreek.ca/BlackCreek
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, Toronto, ON
Contact details: +1 416-736-1733
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Black Creek Pioneer Village is like a living museum with over 30 historic buildings and structures, many of which are still operational.
As you wander around, you’ll see blacksmiths working at their forge, freshly baked breads, and maybe even a tinsmith creating some metal wares.
All the while, costumed villagers give you all the historic tidbits you need to feel as if you’re indeed in the 1800s! Your kids (or you, why not?) will absolutely adore the sheep, cows, horses, and other farm animals that call the Village home.
After all, farm animals were an integral part of life for early Ontario settlers. Plus, if you’re up for a little adventure, the Village also offers horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides.
Local tip: Try to check their website for special event days like the Pioneer Harvest Festival or Christmas by Lamplight. Those days offer some extra fun activities that’ll make your trip all the more memorable!
Shop underground at the Path
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/visitor-services/path-torontos-downtown-pedestrian-walkway/
Address: 31 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
The PATH is arguably the largest underground shopping complex in the world, boasting a whopping 29 kilometres of shopping arcades. You’d think with all that space, it’s just about shops, eh? Nope!
The PATH is home to a whole bunch of restaurants, services, and even entertainment spots to keep you busy and lively as you explore.
You’ll find yourself wandering around beautifully designed connections linking some of Toronto’s top sights—think skyscrapers, subway stations, and even popular tourist spots!
Local tip: While The PATH is great on weekdays, keep in mind that many of the shops and amenities are closed on weekends, so plan your underground shopping spree accordingly!
