Looking for the best things to do in Toronto? Toronto is Canada’s largest and most multicultural city, with the CN Tower, lively neighbourhoods, waterfront islands and pro sports. This list mixes famous landmarks with local favourites and easy day trips, with practical tips on timing, tickets and costs for Canadian travellers.
Best things to do in Toronto
1. CN Tower
EdgeWalk and glass floor. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
2. Toronto Islands
Beaches and skyline views, by ferry. Book tickets online to skip the line.
3. Royal Ontario Museum
Art and natural history. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
4. Distillery District
Victorian industrial buildings. Allow at least an hour to enjoy it properly.
5. St. Lawrence Market
Peameal bacon sandwiches. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
6. Kensington Market
Eclectic shops. Bring a refillable water bottle.
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7. Ripley’s Aquarium
Family favourite. Bring a refillable water bottle.
8. Art Gallery of Ontario
Canadian and European art. Weekdays are much quieter than weekends.
9. Food tours
One of the most popular ways to experience Toronto; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Book tickets online to skip the line.
10. Sports games
One of the most popular ways to experience Toronto; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
11. Island days
One of the most popular ways to experience Toronto; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
12. Festivals
One of the most popular ways to experience Toronto; ask your hotel or a local outfitter for current options and prices. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
13. Take a day trip to Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls on the Canadian side offers the best views of the Horseshoe Falls, boat tours into the mist and a lively tourist strip. Read our Niagara Falls travel guide. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk more than you expect.
14. Take a day trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming 19th-century town in Ontario wine country, home of the Shaw Festival and icewine. Read our Niagara-on-the-Lake travel guide. Combine it with a nearby café or lunch spot.
15. Take a day trip to Muskoka
Muskoka is Ontario’s cottage country, a land of lakes, resorts and fall colours two hours north of Toronto. Read our Muskoka travel guide. Arrive early for the best light and fewest people.
16. Eat your way through the local food scene
Try peameal bacon sandwich, multicultural food and butter tarts. Food tours are a fun way to sample several places in one afternoon. It is great value for families.
When to go
The best time to visit is May to October.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Cool to mild; maple season in March–April. |
| Summer | June–August | Warm to hot, 25–30°C, festival season. |
| Fall | September–October | Brilliant fall colours from late September. |
| Winter | December–March | Cold and snowy, -10°C or lower; winter carnivals. |
Where to stay
- Downtown: Central.
- Entertainment District: Theatres.
- Yorkville: Upscale.
- Queen West: Trendy.
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$180–300 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$320–550 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$650–1,500 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
For more detail, read our Toronto travel guide.
Tips for visitors
- Use the UP Express from Pearson.
- TIFF in September raises prices.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Trying to cover every neighbourhood in a day: cluster sights by area instead.
- Renting a car you will barely use and paying high overnight parking fees.
- Eating only in the main tourist zone, where prices are higher and quality lower.
- Skipping reservations for popular restaurants, tours and observation decks on weekends.
- Underestimating walking distances: bring comfortable shoes.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$960–C$1,650 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,990–C$3,341 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
What to pack for Toronto
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A light layer for air-conditioned interiors
- A compact umbrella
- A crossbody bag or small backpack
- A portable charger
- A smart outfit for nicer restaurants
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in Toronto?
For most first-time visitors it is CN Tower: EdgeWalk and glass floor.
How many days do you need in Toronto?
Plan 3–4 days to cover the highlights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Toronto?
May to October.
Is Toronto good for families?
Yes. Many of the top attractions suit children, and Toronto is popular with everyone.
What should I eat in Toronto?
Try peameal bacon sandwich, multicultural food and butter tarts.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Toronto Travel Guide: Neighbourhoods, Sights and Food
- Toronto 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Niagara Falls Travel Guide: Falls Attractions and Where to Stay
- Niagara-on-the-Lake Travel Guide: Wineries, Theatre and Historic Charm
- Muskoka Travel Guide: Lakes, Cottages and Fall Colours