annual visitors
pro sports teams
residents
languages spoken
%
pop. born outside canada
Top 12 Things To Do In Toronto
Cool, diverse and totally underrated
This guide is the perfect place to get started with the top things to do in Toronto – North America’s coolest city.
Toronto is a city with something for everyone. An endless food scene, multicultural population, daily live sports and entertainment and an incredibly fun nightlife. These are just a few of the reasons travellers from around the world keep coming back year after year.
If you visit in the summer, Toronto is an absolute playground. Bars and restaurants take dining and nightlife outdoors; parks and islands are full of sunseekers, and the events calendar is consistently busy with festivals of all sorts on a weekly basis.
Although the winters can be harsh, don’t let that stop you. With a little planning and of course warm clothing, you’ll discover another side of the city that you’re sure to love.
What To Do In Toronto
1. Take a ferry to the Islands
Make a day of it on the Toronto Islands. Spend the day on a beach in a beautiful park with amazing skyline views across Lake Ontario.
2. Cheer on the local sports teams
The Raptors, Bluejays, Maple Leafs and more. No matter when you visit, there’s sure to be a big game on the schedule!
3. Get cultured at the ROM & AGO
Spend a few hours checking out Canadian history and art at the ROM & AGO.
4. Saturdays at Kensington Market
The place for the best people watching, thrift shops and cheap tacos in Toronto.
5. Soak up St. Lawrence Market
Visit the world famous St. Lawrence Market and snack on cheese, pastries and Canadian bacon in a lively setting.
6. Head downtown for dinner & drinks
Toronto has one of the world’s truly great food scenes. A diverse population has lead to incredible international cuisine and modern fusions.
7. Take it easy at Trinity Bellwoods Park
Hangout at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Bring some beers, a blanket, frisbee or football and chill in the sunshine.
8. Hangout at the Harbourfront
Toronto has a beautiful and vibrant waterfront. A popular event space, pretty parks, and running and bike paths for the active residents of the city.
9. Shop till you drop on Queen West
Widely recognized as Canada’s coolest street, Queen West offers miles of trendy fashion, hip eateries and niche shops to check out.
10. Check out Graffiti Alley
Block after block of murals and art pieces showcase Toronto’s best street artists.
11. Day out in the Distillery District
The historic distillery district boasts great restaurants, independent shops, and of course plenty of bars to check out.
12. Take a day trip to Niagara Falls
A natural wonder of the world, Niagara Falls is a sight to behold. Sail into the falls on the Maid of the Mist, then soak up the carnival-like atmosphere.
Check Out Toronto’s Coolest Neighbourhoods
Trendy independent shops, cafes and restaurants blend seamlessly into vibrant multicultural communities. East and west of the downtown core, neighbourhoods such as Kensington Market, Chinatown, Leslieville, Queen West and Ossington, are places to experience the youthful energy of this dynamic city. Go a little deeper and visit neighbourhoods that are a hallmark of Toronto’s and Canada’s European immigrant waves that still retain their ethnic identity, like Greektown, Little Italy, and Little Portugal, along with many others. Checking out different neighbourhoods is one of the top things to do in Toronto.
Ward's Island
Toronto Raptors Basketball
St.Lawrence Market
Dundas Square
Toronto Bluejays Baseball
Queen Street West
Toronto Islands
Distillery District
Niagara Falls
Nathan Phillips Square
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Top Toronto Events
Spring & Summer
Tastemaker Toronto
Global food festival at the historic Evergreen Brick Works building in the heart of the city kicks off the annual food calendar.
Pride Toronto
One of the largest Pride Festivals in the world, the week long celebration includes epic parties and a parade that is not to be missed.
Toronto Jazz Festival
The worlds top jazz musicians come together and perform at various venues across the city from intimate to grand halls.
Summerlicious
200 participating restaurants create a stunning array of three course dishes for all to enjoy.
Roger’s Cup Tennis
Top tennis players compete in a world-class tournament for one of the most prized trophies in tennis.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival
A cultural explosion of colours, tastes and music. The caribbean culture is celebrated at one of the largest festivals worldwide.
Taste of the Danforth
A showcase of Greek food and culture in the east side Greektown neighbourhood. Hugely popular, this is the place to dine in the summertime.
Autumn & Winter
TIFF
The world’s largest public Film Festival, over 300 films are screened for the first time while 100’s of Hollywood stars flock to the city for their premieres.
Just For Laughs
A hilarious comedy festival featuring the biggest names in comedy and some up and comers perform sets that will have your rolling in the aisles.
Nuit Blanche
An all night artistic affair, subways run all night taking people from one fascinating art exhibit to the next throughout the city.
Cavalcade of Lights
Kick off the Christmas holiday season with live music, fireworks and performances at Nathan Phillips Square.
Toronto Christmas Markets
An old world tradition, vendors and food stalls set up selling holiday favourites in a warm and joyous atmosphere.
New Year’s Eve
Ring in the new year with thousands of merry souls at Nathan Phillips Square with fireworks overhead.
Winterlicious
200 participating restaurants and top chefs prepare set menus of incredible three course meals. A fantastic celebration of international cuisine.
Featured Host
One King West
Staying in the heart of downtown Toronto at One King West is the perfect way to position yourself to enjoy the best that Toronto has to offer. Centrally located in the financial district, you’re always a short Uber, walk or transit ride to theaters, nightlife, shopping and restaurants. From street level, you can appreciate the buzz of the city. A true urban metropolis with a distinct, contagious energy in the air.
related articles you may also enjoy
