13 Best Things to Do in Toronto, Canada

Heading to Ontario’s capital? Awesome! Let me give you the rundown on the best things to do in Toronto while you’re here.

Toronto is a bustling city on Lake Ontario’s northwestern shores.

It has a combination of activities and attractions that make for a super fun trip.

On the one hand, you can visit all the trendy hangouts in the city, and on the other hand, there are beautiful nature spots waiting for your attention.

From museums to towers and parks, I guarantee there will be no shortage of fun things to do in Toronto.

Not sure where to start? Don’t stress, I’ve made the perfect list. Let’s get into it!

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Toronto Essentials

Top Experiences & Tours In Toronto

Where To Stay In Toronto

Budget-friendly

Mid-range

Luxury

How to Get Around Toronto

To get around Toronto, I suggest using public transport.

The Toronto Transport Commission (TTC) runs the subway, streetcars, and buses.

Public transport will get you where you need to go, whether that be into the city or the suburbs.

You can check their website for fares and passes, as well as routes and schedules.

Aside from those options, you can also take a taxi or use popular ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft — they’re more popular than taxis nowadays anyway.

Toronto is a big city with a lot of traffic and pricey parking.

With that in mind, I’d say stick to public transport or taxis over a rental car as it’s more affordable and convenient.

Neighborhoods are pretty easy to explore on foot or by bike during the day. Just take the usual safety precautions at night as you would in any unfamiliar city.

1. Take a Walk Through High Park

High Park is a great spot to visit if you’re a nature lover.

Whether you go there for a picnic, to see the beautiful gardens, or to use the sports facilities, there’s something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

When there, you’ll notice the variety of Toronto things to do on offer.

Not only are there plenty of activities, from playgrounds to a small zoo and a dog park, but there’s also a beautiful lake, a Chinese garden, and hiking trails.

I’d recommend a visit to this gem in the heart of the city, and not just because it’s a super Instagrammable park.

2. See the Sights at the CN Tower

Visiting the CN Tower is definitely one of the top things to do in Toronto.

Once upon a time, it was the world’s tallest tower, standing at 1,815 feet (553 meters), which is still impressive.

When visiting, you’ll be able to see a 360-degree view of the greater Toronto area from the main observation level.

But if you want to reach the highest viewing platform, head to the Skypod.

If you’re brave enough, strap in at the EdgeWalk and take a hands-free walk on a five-foot-long ledge overlooking the city.

3. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum.

The first thing you’ll notice is how aesthetically pleasing the building is.

Then, you’ll be caught up with all the art, natural history, and world culture exhibits open to visitors.

You might lose track of time at the ROM because it’s filled with more than 13 million artifacts across 40 galleries and spaces.

You’ll see dinosaur bones, Roman sculptures, Indigenous and Chinese art, and more.

Note: Due to construction on the Bloor Street entrance, you should enter the museum through the Weston entrance on Queen’s Park.

Check availability on Viator!

4. Stop by a Coffee Shop

I’m sure that while you’re out and about you’ll want to stop at an all-round great café for some coffee and maybe some yummy treats.

NEO Coffee Bar is a highly rated café that serves high-quality Japanese treats and typical brewed coffees, teas, and matcha.

Food-wise, there is a small but delicious menu filled with seasonal specials, Japanese-style sandwiches or sandos, pastries, mochi, cookies, and cheesecake.

5. Eat Yummy Food at the St. Lawrence Market

Foodies will love St. Lawrence Market.

There, you can buy produce from vendors like Family Food Market, Acropolis Organics, and Cherry Avenue Farms.

There’s a vendor for every kind of food, from meat to cheese to fruits and veggies.

But you can also buy prepared food, coffee, and baked goods. Check out Carousel Bakery and Ali’s Fresh Baked, these are just a few examples.

There are also crystal shops, jewelry stalls, and more than 120 other retail and food vendors waiting for you to give them a visit.

6. Take a Look at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

When it comes to figuring out what to do in Toronto, a trip to the aquarium never hurts.

No matter how old you are, I’m pretty sure everyone enjoys watching sea life.

Ripley’s Aquarium is a great stop with over 20,000 aquatic animals, colorful exhibits, and even a glass tunnel built into the “Dangerous Lagoon” exhibit that lets you see sharks up close.

Or, if you prefer something less PG, check out a Night at the Aqueerium, a night of drag, dancing, and cocktails.

The aquarium hosts events like this often, so I’d check their website if that’s something you’re into.

7. Have a Drink at the Distillery District

The Distillery District is one of the best Toronto attractions that has it all, from beer to art and even cobblestoned paths!

You have to make some time for this place because it’s just magical.

What was once a group of Victorian Industrial buildings has since become an exciting hub filled with shops, galleries, restaurants, cafés, and theaters.

Of course, there are plenty of places to sit down and enjoy a good brew, too.

There are also events always going on at the Distillery District. Check out their website for event info.

8. Visit the Toronto Islands

Who doesn’t love a little adventure? I do. That’s why I recommend you head out to the Toronto Islands.

The three islands—Centre, Ward’s, and Algonquin—are interconnected, which means you can explore all of them without boat transfers.

You can have picnics, visit restaurants and cafés, and check out the permanent art installations on the island: Edward Hanlan and Fire and Water.

You can also bird watch, see a 200-year-old lighthouse, and go kayaking on the lagoon.

Tip: The only way to reach the islands is by ferry from downtown’s Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. You can book ferry tickets in advance here.

9. Stroll Through the Harbourfront Centre

Sitting on the waterfront of Lake Ontario, the Harbourfront Centre is a very creative and contemporary spot in Toronto.

That’s what makes it so great to visit.

The center was revamped in the 1970s, with 100 acres of waterfront transformed into a cultural, educational, and recreational space.

The Harbourfront Centre is a vibrant and upscale neighborhood filled with theaters, art galleries, amazing food spots, gardens, and an urban beach.

There are plenty of activities and events going on throughout the year, like writing festivals, architecture exhibitions, and even ice skating during the winter.

10. Discover Casa Loma

Casa Loma is one of the coolest places to visit in Toronto.

You might recognize it as the home of the X-Men, but this well-loved tourist attraction is now a functioning museum.

As one of the few castles in Canada, Casa Loma is a 98-room Gothic Revival château built by Canadian businessman Sir Henry Mill Pellatt in 1914.

Now, the museum hosts events like Symphony in the Gardens, offers on-site dining and exhibits, has a gift shop, and is open daily to the public.

Buy general admission tickets here and take a self-guided tour through the gorgeous castle and its lush gardens.

11. Find Peace at Toronto Music Garden

This lovely garden is in the Harbourfront neighborhood.

It’s modeled after Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello, and each section of the garden relates to a dance movement in the suite.

This is by far one of the most unique and aesthetic gardens to visit. Its lush amphitheater hosts free classical music concerts every summer.

The Summer Music in the Garden happens from the end of June to August for those interested in visiting this cozy live music show at the waterfront garden.

12. Check Out the Art Gallery of Ontario

Located in Grange Park in downtown Toronto and opened in 1900, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) should be on your list of things to do.

The art gallery has over 90,000 items in its collection.

It focuses on Canadian and Indigenous art, but it also has a noteworthy collection of European art from famous artists like Rembrandt, Rodin, and Picasso.

There are also places to eat, event spaces, a gift shop, and a library, which you can take a look at when there.

Book your tickets in advance online here.

13. Brunch at 1 Kitchen

1 Kitchen is a part of the 1 Hotel Toronto, known for its sustainable and locally-sourced culinary approach.

The restaurant emphasizes farm-to-table dining, with a menu that showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farmers and producers.

The design and atmosphere of 1 Kitchen are in line with 1 Hotel’s eco-friendly ethos, featuring natural materials and a cozy, inviting ambiance.

When you walk inside, you’ll be surrounded by tons of greenery, making it a great place for photos, too!

Stop here for brunch or lunch!

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Posted By: Arabella · In: canada, north america, travel