Things To Do
in Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city, a dynamic hub of culture, business, and innovation. Its skyline is anchored by the CN Tower, while diverse neighborhoods burst with global cuisines, festivals, and arts. The city sits on the shores of Lake Ontario, offering expansive waterfront trails, parks, and a thriving urban fabric.
Multicultural communities shape a welcoming, fast-paced environment where every street corner reveals a new flavor, story, or urban adventure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic St. Lawrence Market, where you can enjoy a fresh breakfast sandwich from one of the local vendors. Spend some time wandering through the market's stalls, picking up artisan cheeses and baked goods to snack on later. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the market's history and its role as a community hub since the 1800s.
After lunch, head to the nearby Distillery District, a historic area filled with Victorian industrial buildings now turned into trendy shops and galleries. Take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone streets and stop by some of the local craft breweries for a tasting. As you explore, admire the street art and installations that give the area a vibrant cultural flair.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the Distillery District for dinner, where you can savor contemporary Canadian cuisine. After your meal, catch a live performance or art exhibit at one of the local theaters or galleries. End your evening with a nightcap at a nearby distillery, soaking in the historic ambiance.
Catch a ferry from downtown Toronto to the beautiful Toronto Islands, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. Upon arrival, rent a bike or kayak to explore the various trails and waterways that wind through this serene oasis. Don’t forget to stop by Centre Island for a leisurely brunch at one of the charming cafes.
Spend your afternoon lounging on the beaches or visiting the quaint shops and picnic areas on the islands. If you're feeling adventurous, try paddleboarding or take a guided nature walk to learn about the local flora and fauna. The peaceful surroundings make it a perfect spot for relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Return to the mainland and enjoy a scenic walk along the waterfront, taking in the sunset views over Lake Ontario. Treat yourself to dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where you can indulge in fresh seafood and local dishes. Cap off your day with a leisurely stroll through the Harbourfront Centre, where you might find live music or art installations to enjoy.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $60-100 |
| 🏨Hotel night in city center | $150-250 |
| 🚇One-way public transit ticket | $3-4 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $70-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Multicultural neighborhoods with diverse dining and cultural experiences
- Excellent public transit and strong walkability in downtown core
- Higher costs in central neighborhoods and limited parking
- Rush-hour traffic around major arteries and event-heavy periods
Places to Visit in Toronto
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic tower framing a sweeping panorama of Toronto’s skyline and Lake Ontario.
Cobblestone streets and preserved brick warehouses create a moody, historic backdrop for photos.
A long alley near Queen Street West filled with colorful murals and street-art textures.
A quick ferry ride away, offering photogenic skylines, beaches, and tranquil water reflections.
A Gothic Revival castle with towers and formal gardens for dramatic architectural shots.
Modern promenade with waterfront vistas, boats, and city silhouettes at all hours.
Food in Toronto
Toronto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Toronto’s signature sandwich—seasoned peameal bacon on a soft bun; Carousel Bakery at St. Lawrence Market is a classic spot to try it.
Must-Try!
Fries topped with cheese curds and gravy; widely available from casual stalls to chains like Smoke's Poutinerie.
A sweet Canadian custard tart found in bakeries across the city, from market stalls to patisseries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market with fresh produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, and ready-to-eat bites.
Eclectic neighborhood offering global street food, cafés, and colorful storefronts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect lines and wait your turn; greet with a simple hello or thank you when appropriate.
Toronto is multicultural; be respectful of different cultures, languages, and customs; ask before photographing people.
Be mindful of personal space in busy places; avoid loud conversations on transit; hold doors for others when possible.
Safety
Tipping in Toronto
Ensure a smooth experience
Tip 15-20% before tax for good service in restaurants and bars; smaller tips or rounding are common at cafes and casual spots.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (tap) are common; cash is still used; Interac e-Transfer and mobile wallets (Apple Pay/Google Pay) are popular.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect warm, sometimes humid days with a lively festival calendar. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take advantage of patios, waterfront parks, and open-air events.
Cold, windy conditions with occasional snow. Dress in layers, wear sturdy boots, and seek indoor attractions or skating at Nathan Phillips Square.
Mild temperatures with variable showers. Great for outdoor markets, cherry blossoms, and early-season street festivals.
Comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage. Ideal for walking tours, photography, and city parks.
Toronto at Night
Hiking in Toronto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of forested ravines and river trails close to the city, offering easy to moderate hikes with urban scenery.
Extensive green space with woodlands, gardens, and city views, ideal for a relaxed outdoor day.
Scenic lakefront trails with dramatic cliffside views and park amenities nearby.
Long-distance hiking routes starting near the city; popular for day hikes and weekend trips in the surrounding region.
Airports
How to reach Toronto by plane.
Main international gateway located about 20-25 minutes from downtown by car (longer during peak traffic); UP Express rail and local transit connect to the city.
Downtown waterfront airport with quick transfers to downtown; convenient for short-haul flights and regional services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the most diverse cities globally, with large Chinese, South Asian, Filipino, Black Canadian, Latin American, and European communities.
A large portion of residents are urban, career-focused, and connected to world-class universities and colleges in the GTA.
A variety of family-friendly neighborhoods and accessible services support a growing senior population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A central sport in Canada with a large local following; Toronto is home to the Maple Leafs in the NHL and numerous amateur leagues.
Toronto hosts the NBA's Raptors and a strong street basketball culture across parks and recreation centers.
Toronto FC competes in Major League Soccer; soccer enjoys broad participation in parks and leagues year-round.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toronto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Toronto offers abundant vegetarian and vegan options. Look for plant-based dishes, ask for no animal products, and clarify sauces to avoid hidden animal-derived ingredients.