Toronto is calling! From skyline views and waterfront adventures to fabulous food and world-class museums, an adventure awaits!
Toronto’s story stretches back thousands of years, beginning with Indigenous peoples who lived, traveled, and traded throughout the region. The city later grew as a British colonial settlement called York before being renamed Toronto in 1834, developing into the multicultural, international city we know today.
Toronto has a little bit of everything, from skyscrapers rising above Lake Ontario to historic neighborhoods filled with mom-and-pop shops, local restaurants, and independent boutiques. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer adventure, you’ll find plenty of places to explore, delicious food to try, and new corners of the city to discover.
Here’s our guide to the top 10 things to do in Toronto!
How to Get There
The closest airports to Toronto are the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), close to downtown and convenient for select flights within Canada and the United States.
From Pearson, the UP Express train reaches Union Station in about 30 minutes, making it an easy way to get into the city without dealing with traffic.
Once you’re downtown, Toronto’s public transportation network is the best way to get around. Use the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) to plan journeys around the city. If you’re hoping to explore places away from the city, take a look at the city’s rental options below!
Best Time to Visit
Late May—June or September—early October, when the weather is comfortable for exploring the city and the outdoors. In the spring, gardens and cherry blossoms bloom. In early summer there are festivals, watersports, and patio dining.
I went in September and I can say it’s especially lovely that time of year. The temperatures are mild, there are way fewer crowds, and the leaves change beautifully.
Things to Do
1. Visit the CN Tower
You can’t visit Toronto without heading to its most recognizable landmark. The CN Tower rises above the downtown skyline, giving us panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario.
There is a Glass Floor if you’d like to see the view straight down, and the EdgeWalk experience if you’re a thrillseeker. For special occasions, book dinner at the tower’s revolving restaurant!
Travel tip: Reserve tickets ahead of your visit, especially if you want to view the sunset.
2. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum
Dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, and contemporary exhibits all meet at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Its collections span art, culture, and the natural world, so there’s something for almost every kind of traveler!
The museum’s facade is worth admiring, too. Take a few hours to explore—it’s an especially good choice for a rainy afternoon or a cold Toronto day.
Need real Toronto energy?
Listen to Episode 8 of our podcast, Love, Faith & the Miles in Between—recorded on site.
3. Spend a Day on the Toronto Islands
Need a little room to breathe? Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands. The islands have walking paths on the water, green spaces, and beautiful views of Toronto’s skyline.
You can rent a bike, pack a picnic, or spend an afternoon exploring at your own pace. Centre Island is the most popular choice for visitors, while other parts of the islands offer quieter places to enjoy the lake.
4. Discover Casa Loma
Who says you have to travel to Europe to visit a castle? Toronto has its own! Casa Loma is a historic mansion with grand rooms, decorative architecture, and gardens that make it the perfect stop for history lovers.
Explore the interiors, get views of the neighborhood, and browse the estate’s details. It also makes a fun destination for anyone who loves a little old-world elegance on their travels.
Check the official website for current opening hours, ticket options, and special exhibitions before visiting.
5. Shop and Eat at St. Lawrence Market
Come hungry! St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s best-known food markets, full of vendors that sell produce, baked goods, seafood, cheeses, and local specialties.
It’s a lovely place to sample different flavors. Browse the stalls, pick up something for lunch, and pick up some Canadian treats to enjoy later. If you love learning a city’s food culture, this stop belongs on your itinerary.
Market hours vary by day, so check the official schedule before you plan your visit.
6. Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario
Art lovers, this one’s for you. The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) features an extensive collection spanning Canadian art, European works, photography, and more.
You can spend the afternoon walking through the galleries, see the work of artists you already love, and find new favorites. The building itself is beautiful, with distinctive architectural details.
Check the gallery’s current exhibitions and ticket information before you go. If you’re building a culture-filled weekend, pair the AGO with a walk through the nearby downtown neighborhoods.
7. Wander Through Kensington Market
For vintage shopping and colorful street art, make your way to Kensington Market. This neighborhood is known for its international character and creative spirit! Browse second hand clothing stores, stop for coffee, and try something new from one of the area’s many food spots!
Bring comfortable shoes for all the walking!
8. Explore the Distillery Historic District
Brick lanes and industrial buildings give the Distillery Historic District a distinct character. This district is a great place to spend a few hours browsing shops and admiring architecture.
Visit during the day for a relaxed stroll, or return in the evening for dinner and drinks. During the winter holiday period there are seasonal events to attend. Some events require tickets, so check the calendar here before visiting.
This is a particularly good stop if you love craftsmanship, design, and discovering the stories behind a city’s historic spaces.
9. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Discover the underwater world at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, located right next to the CN Tower! The aquarium features marine habitats, fascinating species, and an underwater viewing tunnel where you can watch sea life move around you.
It’s an easy addition to your downtown itinerary, especially if you’re traveling with family or love learning about the natural world.
You can pair the aquarium with the CN Tower in one day! Check ticket availability and current hours online before your visit.
10. Enjoy the Waterfront
Finish your Toronto adventure with a walk along the Toronto waterfront. You can promenade on the shore, watch the sunrise, and rent boats, paddle boards and more!
If you’re visiting in the evening, stay long enough to see the downtown skyline light up. It’s a breathtaking sight you’ll carry with you forever.
Thanks for Reading!
Toronto brings together the energy of a major city and the beauty of a lakeside town for a refreshing experience. There’s so much to do: spend the morning admiring art, the afternoon exploring the streets, and the evening watching the skyline glow over Lake Ontario.
Whether you’re visiting for the food, the culture, the architecture, or the outdoor adventures, there’s plenty to discover.
And as you explore, take a moment to appreciate the beauty God has created.
What city should we cover next? Let us know in the comments! 🤍
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