30 Top Things to Do in Toronto

Written by

Jessica Padykula

Updated 04/30/20

Fact-Checked by

Canada, Ontario, Toronto, Toronto Sign in Nathan Phillips Square by the City Hall, dusk — Walter Bibikow/Getty Images

Toronto is filled with fun, interesting, unique and exciting things to do whether on vacation or you call Toronto home. From the top of the CN Tower to the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world, these are 30 of the best activities and attractions the city has to offer.

01 of 30

Hang Out in High Park

Autumn walkway covered with orange leaves - Toronto, Ontario, Canada — diegograndi/Getty Images

Address

1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada

Phone +1 416-338-0338

Web Visit website

Stop by Toronto's largest public park to take advantage of hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, landscaped gardens and in the spring, an explosion of cherry blossoms. High Park is easily accessible by public transit and also home to an outdoor public pool, a wading pool for kids, an ice rink, baseball diamonds, and Grenadier Restaurant.

02 of 30

Shop for Delicious Foods at St. Lawrence Market

Interior of the sprawling St. Lawrence Market — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

93 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada

Phone +1 416-392-7219

Web Visit website

The city’s largest market is a definite must-do on any trip to Toronto and was even voted best food market in the world by National Geographic. The South Market is home to over 120 specialty food vendors selling everything from fresh produce and baked goods, to prepared foods, dairy, meat, and seafood. Saturdays in the summer you’ll find a bustling farmers’ market at the North Building.

03 of 30

Visit the Royal Ontario Museum

Exterior of the museum of Ontario — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada

Phone +1 416-586-8000

Web Visit website

Canada’s largest museum showcases everything from art and archaeology to natural science in over 30 galleries. Whether you’re interested in ancient Rome, Chinese temple art, dinosaurs, or Japanese culture (to name but a few), something at the Royal Ontario Museum will likely pique your interest.

04 of 30

Stop by the Art Gallery of Ontario

Art Gallery of Ontario — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada

Phone +1 416-979-6648

Web Visit website

Wandering through the Art Gallery of Ontario, whether the permanent collection or a special exhibition never gets old. Toronto is lucky to have one of the largest art museums in North America, with a collection of more than 90,000 works of art. The collection is comprised of Canadian, European, contemporary art, photography, and more.

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05 of 30

Shop Until You Drop

Interior of the Eaten Center in Ontario Canada — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, Canada

Phone +1 416-598-8560

Web Visit website

No matter what you’re looking for, be it clothing and accessories, housewares, vintage finds, books, art, kids’ stuff or something for your pet, Toronto has it. The city is filled with diverse shopping areas including Bloor-Yorkville, Yonge and Eglington, the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, Kensington Market, Leslieville, and Queen Street West.

06 of 30

Wander the “Second Coolest Neighborhood in the World”

West Queen West neighborhood — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Toronto’s eclectic West Queen West neighborhood was named by Vogue in 2014 as the second coolest neighborhood in the world thanks to its vibrant mix of independent shops and boutiques, bars, a large concentration of art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. Start your exploration at Queen and Bathurst, heading west to Dufferin to take in everything this ‘hood has to offer.

07 of 30

Stroll Through Allan Gardens Conservatory

Allan Gardens Conservatory in Toronto — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5, Canada

Phone +1 416-392-7288

Web Visit website

Slip into a tropical oasis in the middle of the city with a visit to Allan Gardens Conservatory where you’ll find six greenhouses filled with plants from around the world. The conservatory is open 365 days of the year and always free to enter. Some highlights include the two tropical houses filled with a variety of orchids, bromeliads and begonia and the Palm House filled with a variety of palms, bananas, and tropical vines.

08 of 30

Spend a Day in the Distillery District

Distillery District in Toronto Canada — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada

Phone +1 416-364-1177

Web Visit website

No visit to Toronto would be complete without a few hours (or even a whole day) spent exploring the historic Distillery District. Wander among Victorian-era buildings on pedestrian-only cobblestone streets filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The area is also home to several art galleries, theatres and artist workshops to explore.

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09 of 30

Head to the Toronto Islands

View of Toronto from Toronto Islands — basslinegfx / Getty Images

Address

9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3, Canada

Phone +1 416-203-0405

Web Visit website

Escape the city via ferry with a trip to the Toronto Islands. Whether you bring your bike (which you can take on the ferry) and explore on two wheels, relax by the water, hang out on the beach, have a picnic, or take the family to Centreville on Centre Island to check out the rides, there’s always something fun to do.

10 of 30

Hit the Beach

Beautiful beach in Toronto — joelblit / Getty Images

Address

Cherry Beach, Ontario, Canada

Web Visit website

Toronto is blessed with some great beaches as evidenced by how busy they can get come summertime. Cherry Beach, Sunnyside, Ward’s Island Beach, Bluffer’s Beach, and Kew-Balmy Beach are some of the best for swimming or sunbathing. Depending on which beach you visit, there’s also the option for kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.

11 of 30

Take in the Views From the CN Tower

CN Tower in Toronto — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

CN Tower, 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6, Canada

Whether you head to the LookOut level of the CN Tower, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the city. High-speed elevators whisk visitors to the top in just 58 seconds.

12 of 30

Try EdgeWalk

Four people enjoying edge walk at the CN Tower — CN Tower

Address

290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada

Phone +1 416-601-3833

Web Visit website

Depending on your threshold for thrill-seeking, you can go one step further than the CN Tower’s LookOut Level or Glass Floor and try EdgeWalk. This adventure is the first of its kind in North America and has you doing a hands-free walk around the main pod of the tower, 116 stories above the ground.

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13 of 30

Take a Food Tour

Close up of a burger taken during a food adventure in toronto — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

92 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada

Phone +1 877-317-4870

Web Visit website

Toronto has become a full-fledged foodie destination and one of the best ways to experience the diverse culinary scene is with a fun and tasty food tour. A few good ones to check out include those offered by the Culinary Adventure Co. and Foodies on Foot including their popular 501 Streetcar Food Tour.

14 of 30

Explore Kensington Market

Kensington Market in Toronto — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K2, Canada

Phone +1 416-323-1924

Web Visit website

One of the most fun and eclectic neighborhoods to explore in Toronto has to be Kensington Market. Brimming with a variety of vintage stores, a diverse array of restaurants and bars, food shops and cafes, it’s easy to spend a whole day wandering, shopping and eating your way through the vibrant area.

15 of 30

Check out the Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum in Toronto — bukharova/Getty Images

Address

77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1K1, Canada

Phone +1 416-646-4677

Web Visit website

One of the newest museums in Toronto, Aga Khan Museum is dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of the Islamic world, as well as the ways in which Muslim civilizations have contributed to world heritage. In addition to a vast permanent collection, the museum also offers workshops, rotating exhibitions and special events.

16 of 30

Learn Something at the Ontario Science Centre

Ontario Science Centre exterior — Klaus Lang/Getty Images

Address

770 Don Mills Rd, North York, ON M3C 1T3, Canada

Phone +1 416-696-1000

Web Visit website

There’s always something new to discover at the Ontario Science Centre with its array of interactive, hands-on exhibits that cover everything from the human body and outer space, to the living earth and rocks and minerals. Exhibits here are geared towards a range of age groups, from tots to teens.

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17 of 30

Go to Evergreen Brick Works

Evergreen Brick Works — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8, Canada

Phone +1 416-596-7670

Web Visit website

Named one of the top 10 geotourism destinations in the world by National Geographic in 2010, Evergreen Brick Works is a year-round destination boasting a farmers’ market, skating rink, children’s garden, nature trails, ongoing events for the whole family, art, the Evergreen Garden Market, a bike shop, workshops, and much more.

18 of 30

Hear Live Music at Horseshoe Tavern

Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

370 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A2, Canada

Phone +1 416-598-4226

Web Visit website

One of the best places in the city to see live music is the legendary Horseshoe Tavern, which has been going strong since 1947. The much-loved music venue has seen everyone from The Rolling Stones and Tragically Hip, to Blue Rodeo, Wilco, and Arcade Fire grace the stage. There’s usually something going on here every night of the week.

19 of 30

Catch a Flick at TIFF Bell Lightbox

TIFF Bell Lightbox in Toronto — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5, Canada

Phone +1 416-599-2033

Web Visit website

There’s always something interesting playing at TIFF Bell Lightbox so it’s worth checking the listings to see what’s showing since it’s not likely something you’ll see at your local multiplex. The complex occupies an entire city block in Toronto's media and entertainment district. In addition to films, TIFF Bell Lightbox also hosts various events, talks, and festivals.

20 of 30

Hang out at Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre in Toronto — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada

Phone +1 416-973-4000

Web Visit website

Harbourfront Centre’s 10-acre waterfront site is home to more than 30 spots to explore, including theatres, art galleries, parks, gardens, restaurants and more. The multifaceted year-round venue attracts over 17 million repeat visitors each year and is well worth checking out any time of year. Go skating by the lake in the winter, or head out for a paddleboard or kayak ride in the summer.

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21 of 30

Visit Casa Loma

Casa Loma in Toronto — AndresGarciaM / Getty Images

Address

1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada

Phone +1 416-923-1171

Web Visit website

There’s a castle right in the middle of Toronto. The former home of Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma is one of the city’s most unique attractions and houses decorated suites, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful five-acre estate gardens. There are usually events here throughout the year both at the castle and on the castle grounds.

22 of 30

Head Underground via Toronto’s PATH

Toronto’s PATH underground system — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Toronto is home to what Guinness World Records notes as the largest underground shopping complex in the world. PATH is a 19-mile network that runs under the downtown core. Stretching from Queens Quay in the south all the way up to the Eaton Centre, the maze of subterranean walkways is filled with shops, restaurants (from food courts to high-end dining), fitness centers, spas, and entertainment.

23 of 30

Head to the Hockey Hall of Fame

Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto — Kristjan Veski / TripSavvy

Address

30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada

Phone +1 416-360-7765

Web Visit website

Stadiums, Sports Attractions & Ski Resorts

4.3

Love hockey? Then you might want to visit Toronto’s Hockey Hall of Fame, home to the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world as well as the Stanley Cup. In addition, visitors can go one-on-one against life-size, animated versions of some of today's greatest goalies and shooters and watch hockey-themed movies.

24 of 30

Walk Around the Toronto Zoo

Cheetahs at the Toronto Zoo — John Knight / Getty Images

Address

2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada

Phone +1 416-392-5900

Web Visit website

Canada’s premier zoo is home to over 5,000 animals covering 450 species, which include a wide range of creatures from around the world. The Zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Canadian Domain, and the Tundra Trek. Animals are either indoors in tropical pavilions or outdoors in environments that align with their natural habitat.

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25 of 30

Explore Historic Fort York

A view of Fort York Toronto, a historic fort from the Napoleonic wars and the war of 1812. — a_berent / Getty Images

Address

250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada

Phone +1 416-392-6907

Web Visit website

Established in 1793, Historic Fort York contains Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and 1813 battle site and is the ideal attraction for history buffs of all ages. Fort York is open year-round and offers tours, exhibits, period settings that take you back in time, and seasonal demonstrations.

26 of 30

See Some Undersea Life at Ripley’s Aquarium

Fish-spotting at Ripley's Aquarium — Ripley's Aquarium Toronto

Address

288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada

Phone +1 647-351-3474

Web Visit website

Located at the base of the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada contains 135,000 square feet of interactive, underwater exhibits. This is the country’s largest indoor aquarium and is home to an amazing array of aquatic creatures, including jellyfish, sea turtles, countless colorful tropical fish, ancient giant lobsters, stingrays, and sharks. See the creatures swim above you via the underwater gallery.

27 of 30

Go on Some Rides at Canada’s Wonderland

Canada's Wonderland coaster — bukharova/Getty Images

Address

1 Canada's Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6, Canada

Phone +1 905-832-7000

Web Visit website

Located just outside of Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland is a sprawling amusement park featuring over 200 attractions and the 20-acre Splash Works water park. There are rides and attractions here for every age and level of thrill-seeking, including an area just for kids and some of the most thrilling rollercoasters in the country.

28 of 30

Visit a Brewery

Halo Brewery in Toronto — Arild Vågen/WikiCommons

Address

2125 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1X1, Canada

Phone +1 647-348-1002

Web Visit website

Toronto has experienced a major craft beer boom. There are new breweries popping up all the time offering their own unique twist on one of the most popular beverages in the world. Many breweries offer tours and tastings, or tap rooms where you can sample a flight or two of freshly brewed beer. Some to check out include Bandit Brewery, Halo Brewery, Kensington Brewing Co., and Blood Brothers Brewing (to name but a few).

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29 of 30

Hike or Camp in Rouge Park

Trail in Rouge Park — Rouge Park

Address

Zoo Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5W8, Canada

Phone +1 416-264-2020

Web Visit website

You might be surprised to learn that you can camp right in Toronto. Rouge National Urban Park is a massive green space containing one of the region’s largest marshes, beautiful beaches, the city’s only campground and numerous scenic hiking trails. The park offers guided walks, children’s programs, fishing, watersports, bird watching and more.

30 of 30

Learn About Footwear at Bata Shoe Museum

Dressed mannequins and their shoes at Bata Shoe Museum. — Lonely Planet/Getty Images

Address

327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada

Phone +1 416-979-7799

Web Visit website

A thousand shoes and related artifacts are on display (from a collection numbering over 13,000) at the Bata Shoe Museum. The collection showcases over 4,500 years of history and includes Chinese bound foot shoes and ancient Egyptian sandals, to celebrity footwear and nearly everything in between.

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30 Top Things to Do in Toronto