Best Things To Do: Toronto, Canada

Welcome to Toronto

Toronto is one of North America's most exciting and culturally diverse cities, packing world-class food, iconic skyline views, and buzzing neighbourhoods into one unforgettable destination. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, Canada's largest city has something genuinely surprising around every corner. Here's everything you need to know before you go.

Overview

Sitting on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is home to roughly 2.8 million people and recognised as one of the most multicultural cities on the planet — over 200 languages are spoken here. It's a city where a Michelin-starred restaurant sits next door to a decades-old dim sum parlour, and where gritty street art transforms old warehouse districts into open-air galleries. The four seasons each bring their own character, but spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are widely considered the sweet spots for visiting — comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and the city in full colour.

Top 10 Things To Do in Toronto

• Visit the CN Tower: No trip to Toronto is complete without heading up the CN Tower. At 1,815 feet, the views over Lake Ontario and the city skyline are breathtaking. Budget around $30–$40 USD per adult for entry, and book online in advance to skip the line.
• Explore Kensington Market: This eclectic neighbourhood west of downtown is Toronto's creative soul — think vintage shops, street food from every corner of the globe, and independent coffee roasters. It's completely free to wander and best explored on a Saturday morning.
• Walk the Distillery District: A beautifully preserved Victorian industrial complex turned arts and entertainment village, the Distillery District is full of galleries, boutiques, and excellent restaurants. It's especially magical during the Christmas market in December.
• See a Game at Scotiabank Arena: Catch the Toronto Raptors (NBA) or Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) for a truly electric atmosphere. Tickets start from around $50 USD and can be purchased through the official team websites.
• Day Trip to Niagara Falls: Just 90 minutes from downtown by bus or car, Niagara Falls is an easy and spectacular day trip. Go early to beat the tour groups and walk across to the US side for a different perspective of the falls.
• Discover the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Canada's largest museum covers everything from ancient Egypt to Canadian Indigenous cultures and natural history. Adult tickets run about $20–$25 USD, and the architecture alone is worth the visit.
• Stroll the Toronto Islands: A short ferry ride from the downtown waterfront ($9 USD round trip) takes you to a car-free collection of islands with beaches, bike paths, and stunning skyline views looking back at the city.
• Eat Your Way Through St. Lawrence Market: Consistently ranked one of the world's best food markets, St. Lawrence Market is a must for food lovers. Arrive hungry and try the peameal bacon sandwich — a true Toronto tradition.
• Explore Chinatown and Spadina Avenue: Toronto's Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant in North America. Grab late-night dumplings, browse herbal shops, and wander north into the equally fascinating Annex neighbourhood.
• Catch a Show at the TIFF Bell Lightbox: Toronto hosts the world-famous Toronto International Film Festival every September, but the TIFF Bell Lightbox cinema shows curated and independent films year-round — a fantastic evening option for movie lovers.

Practical Tips

• Toronto's public transit (the TTC) is reliable and affordable. A single fare costs around $2.40 USD, or pick up a PRESTO card for easy tap-and-go payments across buses, streetcars, and subways.
• The city is very walkable between neighbourhoods like Queen West, Kensington, and the Entertainment District — comfortable shoes go a long way.
• Tipping is standard at 15–20% in restaurants and for taxi or rideshare drivers.
• Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). The exchange rate fluctuates, but roughly $1 USD = $1.35–$1.40 CAD at the time of writing.
• Uber and Lyft both operate in Toronto, and rides within the downtown core are generally affordable — expect $8–$15 USD for most short trips.

Getting There

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the main gateway and one of North America's busiest hubs. Direct flights are available from major US cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami, with flight times ranging from 1.5 to 5 hours. Airlines including Air Canada, WestJet, Delta, and United all serve the route regularly. From the airport, the UP Express train connects directly to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes for around $10 USD — the fastest and most stress-free option.

Accommodation Options

• Budget: HI Toronto Hostel in the downtown core offers clean, social dorms from around $35–$50 USD per night. The Annex neighbourhood also has several well-reviewed guesthouses with great transit links.
• Mid-Range: The Kimpton Saint George Hotel and Hotel X Toronto both offer stylish rooms, excellent locations, and solid amenities for roughly $150–$220 USD per night.
• Luxury: The Shangri-La Toronto and the Four Seasons in Yorkville are the city's standout luxury options, offering impeccable service, rooftop pools, and fine dining — expect to pay from $350 USD per night and up.

Toronto rewards curious travellers