Canada has its fair share of incredible cities, such as Montreal and Vancouver, but Toronto can feel like an afterthought. Canada’s largest city has a lot going on, and it has to be one of the most welcoming cities on earth. That shouldn’t surprise a city where nearly half the residents are foreign-born. Canada’s largest city has plenty of fun things to do in Toronto, no matter the season.
It’s a melting pot of a city with a diverse range of neighborhoods from the immigrants who chose to call this great city home. It’s not just diversity that makes Toronto tremendous but mixes in its rich indigenous history and incredible lake culture. Toronto has no shortage of things to do with a great vibe all year round! Read on to see the best things to do in Toronto.
Best Things to do in Toronto – Top Tours and Excursions
- Toronto: Guided Day Trip to Niagara Falls with Attractions
- Royal Ontario Museum General Admission Voucher
- Harbor and Islands Sightseeing Cruise
- Casa Loma Entry Ticket
- Distillery District Historic Walking Tour
- Heart of Downtown 3.5-Hour Bike Tour
- Night Tour with CN Tower or Harbor Cruise
- Local Craft Beer, History and Culture Tour
Best Things to do in Toronto in Winter and Summer!
1. Sugar Beach
It’s a man-made beach, but Sugar Beach is as beautiful as any other along Lake Ontario. This two-acre stretch of sand is great for sunbathing and relaxing. It seems like it’s far from the city but is, in fact, situated on the downtown waterfront. Within this urban waterfront park, you’ll find umbrellas, chairs, an amphitheater, and paved pedestrian areas.
- Location: 11 Dockside Drive.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Sugar Beach is not a swimming beach, but it’s a great place to hang out on nice days.
2. The Rainbow Tunnel
Once considered an eyesore by the city whose municipal workers repeatedly removed it, the colorful rainbow that adorns this tunnel, presently known as The Rainbow Tunnel, is now a treasured part of the area’s scenery.
A young man named B.C. Johnson painted the original rainbow in 1971 to brighten up the otherwise dreary surroundings and he repainted it several times until it was accepted as a work of art worth preserving.
- Location: E Don Trail in the North York District
- Cost: Free
- Tip: The Rainbow Tunnel is surrounded by Moccasin Trail Park which features a path that leads right through the tunnel and along the scenic Don River.
3. Toronto Islands
Yes, Toronto is a very large city, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of escapes right in the middle of all that urban sprawl where you can get away from the noise and crowds. The Toronto Islands, or Toronto Island Park as it’s commonly referred to, is one of those amazing places and visiting this park is one of the best things to do in Toronto.
This park is a cluster of 15 islands that are connected by paths and bridges and in this park, you’ll find several swimming beaches, sports facilities, picnic areas, hiking trails, restaurants, a boardwalk, gardens, a disc golf course, and an amusement park.
- Location: The island is a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto.
- Cost: A return ferry ticket is $8.70 per adult.
- Tip: Be sure to check out the picturesque 200-year-old lighthouse
4. Look Out For the Toronto Neighbourhood Watch Signs
Some of the neighborhood watch signs around Toronto aren’t like your typical neighborhood watch signs. As you explore the city’s downtown area, keep an eye out for The Incredible Hulk, Captain Kirk, Mighty Mouse, and many others on these otherwise run-of-the-mill signs. The signs were created by Andrew Lamb after he noticed that many of the old signs were worn and faded.
- Location: Mostly in the west end of Downtown Toronto.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Make a game out of it and go on a scavenger hunt looking for as many of the signs as you can.
5. Attend Toronto Festivals
Toronto is a city of festivals and they take place all year round. While it would be impossible to list all of them here, a few notable ones include the Toronto International Film Festival, NXNE Music Festival, Toronto Fringe, CBC Music Festival, Summerlicious, and Toronto Beer Festival.
- Location: Various locations around the city.
- Cost: Ticket prices vary depending on the festival.
- Tip: Make sure to book tickets to festivals in advance as they tend to sell out quickly.
6. Lower Bay Station
The Lower Bay Station only operated for six months before it was closed in 1966. Although it’s currently closed to the public, there are several opportunities to visit this historic location throughout the year. Nuit Blanche is a free all-night art event that takes place in late summer and some of the festival’s exhibits are showcased at this station.
- Location: Beneath Bay station at Bay and Yonge Streets on the Yonge-University subway line.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: If you want to learn more about the history of the station, Doors Open Toronto is a yearly event that hosts tours.
7. SkullStore Oddity Shop
It may not be for the faint at heart but the SkullStore Oddity Shop is one of those places that beckons curious explorers seeking a truly unique shopping experience. Inside this shop, you’ll find a collection of preserved human and animal parts including skulls, dinosaur fossils, shrunken heads, taxidermy, and mummies. Please be assured that these items were collected by legal and ethical means.
- Location: 397 Dundas Street East.
- Cost: Free to browse
- Tip: Be sure to check out the adjacent Prehistoria Museum where even more intriguing items are on display.
8. Sewers of Toronto
The sewers of Toronto are a fascinating place to explore as far as sewers go. They are a huge, well-preserved, well-maintained historic landmark. This secret underworld has tunnel after tunnel, each with its own story. The sewers cannot be explored without a guide but tours are available through Top Dog Tours.
- Location: 65 Front Street West at Union Station.
- Cost: $35.00 per adult
- Tip: Tours take place daily at 11:00 AM.
9. Take a Helicopter Ride
There are many ways to enjoy views of the Toronto Skyline but none compare to seeing it from above and the best way to do this is with a 14-minute Helicopter tour over the city. During this flight, you’ll see many of the city’s top attractions including the CN Tower, Casa Loma, Lake Ontario, High Park and the waterfront. By far, this tour is one of the best things to do in Toronto.
- Location: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Hangar at 2 Eireann Quay.
- Cost: From $232 per person.
- Tip: A digital photo and printed souvenir photo are included.
10. Allan Gardens Conservatory
This beautiful and historic greenhouse has been in operation since 1858 and currently features 16,000 square feet of tropical plants. It’s open every day of the year and is a lovely place to escape the city for a while and immerse in tropical greenery and learn about the site’s fascinating history.
- Location: 160 Gerrard Street East.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: If you happen to visit in December, check out the holiday flower show that’s hosted at the gardens each year.
11. McCrae Lake
McCrae Lake Conservation Reserve is a remote and beautiful parkland area where you can participate in a wide range of outdoor activities without traveling too far from Toronto.
On the lake, kayaking and canoeing are popular activities and nearby, there’s a nine-mile moderate hiking trail that highlights some of the most beautiful areas of the Bruce Peninsula.
- Location: Two hours from Toronto in the Georgian Bay area of Muskoka.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: The trail is open all year round and leashed dogs are welcome.
12. Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
This amazing book collection is one of the country’s best rare book collections with more than 700,000 special editions and hard-to-find titles. The books are expertly-preserved despite being completely accessible to anyone who wishes to handle them. Some of the books date back to the 1500s.
- Location: University of Toronto at 120 St George Street.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: A variety of events, including lectures, take place throughout the year.
13. Casa Loma
Sir Henry Mill Pellatt had grandness and luxuriousness on his mind when he built Casa Loma back in 1911. With 98 rooms, a library, a conservatory, a great hall and countless chandeliers and ornate decorative features, it’s no wonder it cost 3.5 million dollars to build!
Today, the castle is owned by the city of Toronto and welcomes visitors to come in and explore the wonders of this grand urban estate where much of the original features are still intact.
- Location: 1 Austin Terrace.
- Cost: $40.00 per adult
- Tip: Don’t miss the underground tunnel that leads to the stables.
14. The Monkey’s Paw
You’ll have a hard time finding any of the books on the shelves in this bookstore anywhere else! This unique shop features both old and newer books covering a range of obscure and unusual topics.
- Location: 1067 Bloor Street West.
- Cost: The tokens to use the on-site Biblio-Mat are $3.00.
- Tip: The Biblio-Mat is a vending machine that dispenses randomly-generated vintage books.
15. Arthur Conan Doyle Room
If you can’t get enough Sherlock Holmes, The Arthur Conan Doyle Room is the place for you! This nook in a Toronto Library features one of the best Sherlock Holmes collections around. The room that houses this collection is fashioned like the infamous detective’s London apartment complete with memorabilia.
- Location: On the top floor of the Toronto Reference Library at 789 Yonge Street.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Although the collection is rare and of historic importance, curious enthusiasts are permitted to touch and read the books.
16. Berczy Park Dog Fountain
I’m not sure who appreciates this adorable fountain more, dogs or people. It is meant to be a tribute to man’s best friend, but accompanying humans appreciate it too! The fountain has three levels featuring statues of various dog breeds staring at a giant bone.
- Location: 35 Wellington Street East.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: If you’re a cat lover, look for the statue of the lone kitty seemingly oblivious to the dogs as it stares at two birds on a nearby streetlamp.
17. Cube House
There are many unusual structures around Toronto, but the Cube House is a must-see! This bizarre landmark has been stopping traffic since 1996 when it was built by Ben Kutner and Jeff Brown.
- Location: 1 Sumach Street.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Don’t pass this attraction up on your next visit to Toronto or you may never get the chance to see it. Rumor has it that it’s due to be torn down and replaced with condos in the near future.
18. Leslieville’s Crazy Doll House
As you drive through the quiet Leslieville neighborhood, you’ll see pretty houses with well-tended lawns and gardens with one peculiar property sticking out from the rest. Instead of a traditional garden of flowers or vegetables, this property features a garden of dolls, stuffed animals and unique signs.
- Location: 37 Bertmount Avenue.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: The collection changes often, particularly during holidays such as Christmas and Halloween.
19. Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy
This amazing collection of fiction, science fiction and fantasy literature features more than 70,000 works including rare items and is one of the largest in the world.
- Location: On the third floor of the Toronto Public Library at 239 College Street.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Various events take place throughout the year, including book launches, and art exhibits are often showcased.
20. The Little House
Don’t blink or you might miss it! I’m talking about Toronto’s smallest home which is sandwiched between two bigger homes. It was built in 1912 and has since captured the attention of intrigued passersby.
- Location: 128 Day Avenue.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: If you stop to get a glimpse or take pictures of The Little House, be sure to park safely off the road or walk to the attraction.
21. The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
It might seem odd that the oldest landmark in the city of Toronto is a lighthouse, but the storms on the Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario, are no joke and these urban lighthouses helped guide many ships to safety over the years. Built in 1808, Gibraltar Point lighthouse is now located 100 meters away from its original location thanks to the shifting sands.
- Location: You’ll need to catch a ferry from Queens Quay on Bay Street to Center Island.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: The lighthouse is not open to the public except for when special events are held on site. However, you can visit it and photograph the exterior and perhaps you’ll even spot the ghostly figure that’s said to appear on foggy nights.
22. Bata Shoe Museum
This museum is a shoe lover’s paradise! Step inside and see a fabulous collection of 12,000 shoes from all over the world and from various eras spanning 4,500 years. Even the building housing the museum is shaped like a shoebox!
The collection belonged to Sonja Bata who started collecting shoes in the 1940s and today, it’s the biggest shoe collection in the world and one of the best things to do in Toronto.
- Location: 327 Bloor Street West.
- Cost: $14.00 per adult
- Tip: Be sure to check out all the other fascinating shoe-related items that are on display.
23. Little Canada
Little Canada isn’t your ordinary miniature representation of Canada. This incredible small-scale model of the country and its top landmarks comes with a humorous twist. Be sure to look for the cyclists powering the Niagara Hydroelectric station and the snowmobilers who stopped too quickly with disastrous results.
- Location: 10 Dundas Street East.
- Cost: $32.00
- Tip: Have your likeness turned into a mini figurine at the Littleization Station.
24. Toronto Music Garden
Part urban park, part tribute to classical music, this serene escape features stunning landscapes inspired by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. The Prelude is a lovely riverside, Allemande is a forest area with nature trails, Courante passes through a meadow full of wildflowers and Gigue is a set of grassy steps overlooking the harbor that doubles as an amphitheater.
It’s a great place to take a stroll, relax under a tree or take in the views while escaping the busyness of the outside world for a while.
- Location: 479 Queens Quay West.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: During the summer, free guided tours of the park are available and free concerts take place.
25. The Yorkville Rock
The Yorkville Rock is around one billion years old and for some reason, this large stone was removed from its original location, taken apart and put back together in its current location in a city park. Not only is this fascinating rock a must-see, it makes for a great place to take a break from whatever it is you’re doing in the Yorkville area.
- Location: 131 Cumberland Street.
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Grab an ice cream cone or snack from one of the nearby shops and take a seat on the rock and watch the world go by.
26. Hike Along The Scarborough Bluffs
Admittedly we aren’t city people, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise we start the list off with a hike along the Scarborough Bluffs. It’s a nine-mile stretch of cliffs along Lake Ontario that is home to several different parks.
You can hike along the 300-foot cliffs for views of the lake or head down to the shore to enjoy the sandy beach. It’s the perfect spot for a summer picnic or a hike to take in the fall foliage. Bluffer’s Park Lookout is the spot to go for the best views and a great beach!
27. Venture Up the CN Tower
A unique thing to do in Toronto is to head up the CN Tower. The CN Tower is an icon of the Toronto skyline, and at over 553 meters tall, it is the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere. With a stat like that, it boasts some jaw-dropping views of the city and harbor. The building has multiple observations decks, a glass floor, The Skypod, and a restaurant.
The Skypod is the real highlight for us as it’s one of the highest observation decks in the world. At the same time, you’re at the top watch the pendulum sway that illustrates how the tower moves in the wind! Tickets aren’t cheap to reach the top of the observation tower at $40 an adult, but the views are sublime.
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Admission: Adult – $40, Senior – $27, Youth – $27, Child $14
- Location: 290 Bremner Blvd (GPS)
28. Try the Toronto EdgeWalk
If you’ve gotten to the top of the CN Tower and still wondering what to do in Toronto, try the Edgewalk! EdgeWalk is probably the most exciting thing to do in Toronto and is perfect for those seeking a bit of a thrill.
As a guest, get ready to strap into a harness and walk out on a 5 ft wide ledge for an unhindered walk around Canada’s highest tower. There are no railings, so those with a fear of heights might want to give this one a skip. Check out the video to get an idea of the experience and determine if you have the nerves!
- Price: $195
- Location: CN Tower
- Age: 13+
29. Royal Ontario Museum
One of the best things to do in Toronto in the winter is visit a museum! The Royal Ontario Museum covers everything! It’s the best place to learn about world culture, natural history, and art in Toronto.
As one of the largest museums in North America, it attracts more than one million visitors to see its six million items. It’s a city landmark in the neighborhood of Yorkville. We were overwhelmed by everything on display and recommend at least a couple of hours to explore.
- Location: 100 Queens Park (GPS)
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)
- Admission: Adult – $23, Child – $14, Senior $18, Student/Youth – $18
- Website: Link
30. Picnic in High Park
Head to the city’s largest park for a picnic or a stroll around the manicured grounds and gardens. It’s also a great place to work up a sweat with a run or tennis courts. There are also seasonal activities like the outdoor swimming pool and ice skating rinks. Kids and families will love the High Park Zoo, where they can see a variety of animals.
31. Catch a Hockey Game
Everyone should catch an NHL game at some point. It’s no secret that the national religion of Canada is hockey. Consider a game as a right of passage, as seeing a hockey game is a must-do while in Toronto or Canada for that matter.
The Toronto Maples Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967 but still manage to draw a massive crowd. Their home arena, the Scotiabank Arena, is located right in the heart of the city. If you’re already a diehard fan, Toronto is home to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
- Location: Scotiabank Arena (GPS)
- Schedule: Link
- See Also: Hockey Hall of Fame
32. Go For An Ice Skate
After catching a hockey game, you can always give it a try yourself. In the winter, Toronto has over 50 ice skating rinks around the city. The most popular one is at Nathan Philips Square, where the central fountain becomes an ice rink.
Grab your hockey stick, lace up your skates, and get ready for a fun time! It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Toronto in the winter! You won’t need your skates if you head to the managed rinks like the Nathan Philips Square, as they have rental facilities.
33. Walk Down Graffiti Alley
The graffiti alley has a few names, such as Rush Lane or Rick Mercer’s Alley. You can find the kilometer-long art gallery between Spadina and Portland on the south end of China Town.
It’s an explosion of creativity and color spread across the street, covering just about everything. We love checking out areas like this as they play an essential role in urban culture.
The best way to visit Graffiti Alley is through a free tour with Tour Guys. Your guide will dive into the history of graffiti and point out notable works. While the tour is free the guide does work on tips, we’ve done a lot of these free tours and always pay our guide for their time.
34. Go Axe Throwing
Get in touch with Canada’s plaid-clad lumberjack roots at Toronto’s Bad Axe Throwing and BATLgrounds. You probably guessed it by now, but the two venues host a Canadian style of darts that involves hurling axes at a target.
They’re both BYOB, so you can throw on a Canadian Tuxedo and a two-four of Labatt Blue before tossing your ax. No more stereotypes, I promise!
35. Catch a Concert
Toronto hosts a wide range of musical acts and has numerous venues. You can hear everything from big-name artists at the Scotiabank Arena, an opera at the Canadian Opera Company, or your favorite band at the historic Massey Hall. Toronto has no shortage of live performances to enjoy all year round.
Massey Hall is one of the most famous venues in Canada and has hosted a fantastic line-up. Some of the people who have graced its stage include Winston Churchill, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Luciano Pavarotti, the Dalai Lama, and a whole lot more.
36. Shop at the St. Lawrence Market
One of the best places to visit in Toronto is St. Lawrence Market. This famous food market has been named the world’s best by National Geographic. It’s been open since 1803 and started as a temporary weekly market.
The current structure dates back to 1845. The South Market houses over 120 vendors who sell fresh produce, meats, baked goods, and cheese. While the North Market is only open for a weekend antique market and private events. Make sure to check their website for up-to-date event information.
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday-Friday) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Saturday)
- Location: 93 Front St E (GPS)
- Website: Link
37. Art Gallery of Ontario
This art gallery is over a century old and includes more than 90,000 works from the first century onwards. This vast museum is on Dundas street, and if you’re walking by, you definitely can’t miss the 45,000 square meter building. As one of the largest museums in North America, it’s safe to say that you can fill a day here quickly with all of the contemporary art, interactive exhibits, and photographs.
The AGO is also home to Peter Paul Ruben’s The Massacre of The Innocents painting. The AGO prides itself on being kid and family-friendly with tours, art-making activities, and Family Sundays and Summer camps for kids. For an up-to-date schedule of unique art exhibitions, check here. The museum has a long-standing tradition of free Wednesday evenings from 6:00 – 9:00.
- Location: 317 Dundas St W (GPS)
- Hours: (Tuesday – Thursday) 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Friday) 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Saturday – Sunday) 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Admission: Adult – $25, Under 25 – Free, Indigenous Peoples – Free
- Website: Link
38. Toronto Botanical Garden
We’ve mentioned our love for botanical gardens before, and it hasn’t changed. Since leaving New York and saying goodbye to our beloved Bronx Botanical Gardens, we frequently make an effort to visit new ones worldwide. The Toronto Botanical Gardens are free to visit and give visitors the joy of indoor and outdoor experiences, garden tours, and even nature camps.
If you are visiting Toronto in the summer, staying here is a must, and when things liven up. There are frequent outdoor music events, garden dining, and an organic farmers market on Thursdays. The gardens are open every day besides significant holidays.
- Location: 777 Lawrence Ave E (GPS)
- Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Admission: Free
39. Enjoy the Toronto Islands
Still wondering what to do in Toronto? Howabout visit some islands! I had no idea before I visited Toronto that the city had its own little set of islands in Lake Ontario. The Toronto Islands are a group of 15 small connected isles, and some refer to them as just one island because of their easy connection of paths. It’s a 13-minute ferry ride from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Once you land on the islands, a whole day of fun awaits for every age. It’s possible to canoe, kayak, ride your bike, or hike around the islands. There are a few swimming beaches here, including Hanlan’s Point Beach, which is clothing optional.
As a Michigander, I would recommend dipping into the Great Lakes at least once in your life. Kiddies and families can enjoy the Centerville amusement park (geared for younger children, but still a treat!). It is the perfect place to ride a bike or bring your dog for a walk in the summer. Make sure to keep in mind there are still 600 full-time residents living on the island, so be respectful.
40. Canoe Along the Toronto Waterfront
Hit the water to take in the Toronto Skyline views from a unique perspective. On a summer day, it’s one of the most fun things to do in Toronto. You don’t need a canoe as the Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre rents them along the boardwalk. If it’s your first time in a canoe consider one of their tours or lessons.
If you prefer a kayak or stand-up paddleboard they offer those as rentals too. Of course, a canoe is the most classic form of transportation for the lakes around Ontario. The indigenous people of the region used them along the lake centuries before Toronto was founded.
41. Learn about wildlife at the Toronto Zoo
Although there are no more pandas at the Toronto Zoo, there are still over 5000 other amazing animals to go around. These notable animals are the one-horned rhino calf, Sumatran Tiger, and a two-toed sloth named Sally. After a year on safari in Africa, we admittingly have a tough time entering a zoo.
However, we know that not everyone can head into the wild and enjoy the many beautiful animals that populate our earth. Most zoos do great things for animal conservation and funding. Rest assured that the Toronto Zoo is one of the zoos that do fantastic work and makes a considerable effort to conserve endangered species.
They have rescued polar bears from the wild, reintroduced over 120 animals back to the wild, and monitored and saved wild bats around Ontario through their Native Bat Conservation program.
The Toronto Zoo is the largest in Canada and well worth a whole day. There are seven regions to visit: Africa, Tundra, Indo-Malaya, Americas, Trek, Australasia, Eurasia, and Canadian. It will be hard to see everything, so get there early!
- Location: 2000 Meadowvale Rd (GPS)
- Hours: (Monday-Friday) 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Saturday-Sunday) 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Admission: Adult – $28, Senior – $23.15, Child – $18.30, Parking – $14
42. Kensington Market
This hip Toronto neighborhood is our favorite spot in the city and one of the best places to visit in Toronto. It’s full of cafes, boutique shops, record shops, cool bars, and restaurants. It’s long been the neighborhood of immigrants before turning into a hub for artists and now a hipsters playground. The bohemian neighborhood is well worth an afternoon.
If you’re in the mood for mouth-watering tacos Seven Lives Tacos Y Mariscos has become a city fixture. Every day customers line up around the block to eat some of their sensational tacos. If you’re after coffee check out Moonbeam Cafe. Or for a libation sample of some of the brews at the Kensington Brewing Company.
43. Walk around the Distillery District
A series of large Victorian industrial buildings is the former home to the largest distillery in the world. The hip area is full of boutique shops, upscale restaurants, a brewery, a sake distillery, and a chocolate factory.
It’s all pedestrian-friendly, and no cars are allowed in the district. It plays a crucial role in the soul of Toronto and hosts several events throughout the year. Asides from the waterfront, it’s probably the most photographic area of Toronto, and it’s perfect for a night on the town.
44. Get Sprayed at Niagara Falls
Okay, this technically isn’t in Toronto, but it’s a thing to do when visiting Toronto. The world-famous waterfall straddles the border between Canada and the US. It’s only a 90-minute drive from Toronto and is definitely worth the trip. Around 750,000 gallons of water a second roll over the cliff.
If you want to feel the full force of Niagara Falls, check them out with Journey Behind the Falls. The Journey Behind the Falls takes you through a tunnel and directly behind the falls. They’re probably some of the most incredible waterfalls in the world and draw quite a crowd for a reason.
45. Get Some Healthy Eats
One of our favorite things to do in Toronto is to get some healthy food. Some excellent restaurants specialize in healthy food that is tough to find outside of Canadian cities.
We tried out Calli Love and Iq Food and highly recommended them both! Calli Love has some great smoothies and poke bowls. Iq Food serves up salads, veggie bowls, coffee, and healthy baked treats.
46. Catch a Toronto Blue Jays Game
Baseball games are an awesome thing to do in the summer in Toronto. We aren’t diehard baseball fans and find it boring to watch on the TV. However, going to a baseball game in person is a blast and such a festive event.
It’s hard to think of anything more (North) American than heading to a baseball game. Best of all tickets are pretty affordable if you don’t mind sitting higher in the stands. If sports really aren’t your thing the Rogers Centre also hosts some huge acts and bands such as U2, Madonna, Metallica, Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen.
- Schedule: Link
- Location: Rogers Centre
47. Go Cafe Hopping in Toronto
Cities are driven by a love of coffee so you can find some excellent coffee shops in Toronto. If you’re looking for some of the best coffee we had in Toronto, head to Quantum Coffee, The Tampered Press, Rooster Coffee Broadview, or Reunion Coffee Roasters.
If you’re in the city center check out Dineen Coffee Co. for one of the most beautiful interiors we’ve seen in a cafe.
48. Go on a Ski Holiday
The last time we visited Toronto, we wanted to go snowboarding on the Eastern side of Canada. It led us to Billy Bishop Airport and onwards to Mont Tremblant. Mont Tremblant is one of the best ski resorts in Canada and a 90-minute drive from Montreal.
It is also only a very short and direct flight away from Toronto with Porter Airlines and is where many locals choose to go in the winter. Mont Tremblant isn’t just a ski hill, but instead a whole winter resort experience where families can go dog-sledding, snowmobiling, and even shopping under the Laurentian mountains.
49. North Broadway
When you are cold and chilly during a Canadian winter, checking out a show is one of the best things to do in Toronto! Toronto’s booming theatre scene is known as North Broadway. The self-described label hosts many touring companies and has several beautiful theatres.
The most famous theatres are Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre, North America’s only two-floor theatre complex, and Young Centre for the Performing Arts. The Young Centre for the Performing Arts has three stages in 19th-century tank houses located in the Distillery District.
50. Eat Poutine
This is more for the international crowd, but poutine is Canada’s national comfort food. It’s a base of french fries topped with cheese curds and brown gravy. There are variations with creative toppings, but those three ingredients make up its core components. It originates from Quebec, but you can find versions of it throughout Canada. The best poutine can be found at Nom Nom Nom, a shipping container food stall in Market 707. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, head to Poutini’s House of Poutine, where they make a vegan version.
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
