How to Spend THREE Days in Toronto: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

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Planning a trip to Toronto? Good news – you’ve come to the experts! 

Squeezing all of this vibrant city’s highlights into just three days might seem daunting, but don’t worry, because I’ve got you covered. As a proud Canadian, I’ve spent tons of time exploring Toronto over the years. So, from iconic attractions like the Hockey Hall of Fame and Niagara Falls to local gems like the Distillery District, this itinerary will enable you to experience the very best of Toronto without feeling rushed.

Plus, this guide is packed full of insider tips and all of the timings to ensure that everything flows smoothly. Ready to make the most of your time in Toronto? Let’s get started!

Day 1 

Breakfast – eggspectation

We’re kicking off this epic three-day itinerary with one of my favorite breakfast spots in Toronto! Eggspectation is a popular spot downtown, and it serves the yummiest breakfast dishes. The smoked salmon benny croissant is my personal favorite, but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here. It opens at 7 am daily, so get here nice and early so that you can snag a table and enjoy your breakfast before this morning’s tour begins at 9 am. 

Morning – Go sightseeing! 

Taking a tour of Toronto is a great way to get your bearings and cover a lot of the highlights in one day, so what better way to kick off your trip than with this city highlights tour?

The tour picks up from hotels in downtown Toronto. To get picked up right from Eggspectation, you’ll need to message the operator privately, or you can set the pickup spot as the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, which is just a 6-minute walk from the breakfast spot. Easy peasy! 

Over the course of 4 hours, you’ll visit the CN Tower observation deck, take a cruise on the harbor, and visit the St. Lawrence Food Market, which was actually named the best food market in the world!

During the winter months, you won’t get to do the cruise as it’s too cold, but you’ll visit Casa Loma instead, which I think is equally cool. This Gothic Revival-style castle is full of secret passageways, grand staircases, and panoramic city views from the towers.

The food market is also closed on Sundays and Mondays, so on those days, you’ll get to explore the Distillery District, which is a really fun and vibrant part of Toronto. This is a small group tour with a maximum of nine people, so it feels nice and personal, and it can even be a great way to make some friends if you’re traveling solo. 

Book your sightseeing tour here with FREE cancellation!

Lunch – Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar

You will have an opportunity to grab some food on this morning’s tour, but if you’re still hungry afterwards, then you can grab lunch at Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar. They do really tasty soups and salads here, and there are lots of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.

My favorite thing to order is the Goddess Bowl! This is also a convenient spot to grab a bite to eat because it’s just a 5-minute walk from the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is our next stop! 

Afternoon – See the Hockey Hall of Fame 

Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan or know nothing about the sport, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-visit while you’re in Toronto! It’s a 5-minute walk from today’s lunch spot, and I suggest getting here no later than 3 pm, because it closes at 5 pm and you’ll want at least 2 hours to explore. There’s just so much to see and do!

As you can probably guess, the Hall of Fame is home to all kinds of hockey memorabilia from across the world. There are also loads of fun exhibits and interactive activities for kids (and big kids!) to try out, like the NHLPA Game Time, where we got to go head-to-head against animated versions of NHL legends in a model rink to see who came out on top. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t me.

One of my favorite moments here had to be seeing the original Stanley Cup—and no, I’m not talking about those huge reusable tumblers! It’s the National Hockey League championship trophy, and it was donated by Lord Stanley of Preston over 130 years ago, so it’s a real piece of Canadian history.

You can either take a photo with the cup for free, like we did, or have it done professionally for $10 CAD, which is a great idea for a family photo.

The Hall of Fame is popular, so I definitely recommend booking your tickets online to save time and ensure that you don’t miss out.

Check prices and grab your Hockey Hall of Fame tickets here!

Late Afternoon – Enjoy a scenic stroll along the waterfront

After soaking up the hockey history at the Hall of Fame, it’s time to slow down and enjoy a scenic stroll along the Toronto Waterfront Trail. This route will take you to tonight’s dinner spot while taking in some of the city’s best views along the way. 

Once you’ve exited the Hall of Fame, head south down Yonge Street toward the lake, then turn right (west) onto Queens Quay. From there, hop onto the Waterfront Trail, which will take you past iconic spots like the Harbourfront Centre, HTO Park, and the Power Plant Gallery while enjoying scenic views of Lake Ontario.

Keep walking until you hit Amsterdam Brewhouse, your dinner destination, which is right next to Harbour Square Park. Trust me, this walk is a vibe, especially at sunset!

Dinner – Amsterdam Brewhouse

The Amsterdam Brewhouse is right on the waterfront, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the Rogers Centre, which is ideal if you plan on catching a game afterwards. This place is HUGE, so there’s no need to book, and they have a lovely waterfront patio that you can take full advantage of during the summertime! There are a ton of fantastic Canadian beers on offer, and the food menu here is all about burgers and wings. 

Evening – Catch a sports game or show

Whether you’re into sports or the performing arts, Toronto’s got your evening plans covered. From high-energy games at the Rogers Centre—whether it’s baseball in the summer or hockey in the winter—to laugh-out-loud comedy at Second City or live music and theater shows across the city, there’s always something happening after dark.

Watch a sports game

During the summer, the Toronto Blue Jays regularly play baseball at the Rogers Centre. Even if you’re not super into baseball, watching a game is so much fun because there’s always a great atmosphere, and it’s a cool way to experience Canadian culture. Games often begin in the evening on weekdays, so check the schedule and grab your tickets here!

Meanwhile, in the winter, the Toronto Maple Leafs play hockey games at the Rogers Centre instead. It’s also well worth catching one of these games while you’re in town, and actually, a lot of people think that hockey is more exciting to watch than baseball. 

Catch a show

If sports really aren’t your thing, then don’t worry because there’s always a show going on somewhere in Toronto. I really enjoy catching comedy shows at the Second City Toronto, which is just a 10-minute walk from the Amsterdam Brewhouse. They host nightly shows that always have me in stitches! But if you’d prefer a play, a stage show, or some music, then check out this website for a full list of shows and events happening in the city!

Day 2

Breakfast – Tim Hortons

You’ve GOT to try Tim Hortons at least once while you’re in Canada! As you may well already know, it’s an iconic Canadian chain restaurant that’s known for its donuts, quick breakfast sandwiches, and coffee—double doubles actually originated here. And it just so happens that there’s a Tim Hortons right near the ferry terminal, so we recommend grabbing a quick breakfast sandwich to eat while on board this morning.

Morning – Explore the Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 different islands in Lake Ontario, just a short distance from the mainland. The islands are interconnected by bridges and walkways, so you can walk from one to the next, although cycling is the easiest and most efficient way to get around! 

The best way to get yourself to the Toronto Islands is to take the City of Toronto ferry service. During the summer, boats go from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island, Hanlan’s Island, and Ward’s Island. It doesn’t really matter which one you get off at, as it’s easy to walk between the three. 

I do recommend getting here early, though, to give yourself plenty of time to explore! There’s a lot to see and do here, including checking out the beaches, paddleboarding, and visiting the amusement park. For families with kids, I highly recommend dropping by Far Enough Farm, a super cool petting zoo that has over 40 species of animals! 

For most travelers, though, I think that the best way to see these islands is on this morning bike tour from Toronto! You’ll meet your guide in the city at 8:30 am and catch the ferry with your group, so it makes it super easy to get to the islands. Your ferry ticket is even included in the cost of the tour!

We had a blast on this tour. We visited the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, as well as exploring more residential areas and soaking in the panoramic views of Toronto’s famous skyline. We also learned a ton of info about this unique chain of islands, including the kooky lottery that you have to go through to become a homeowner here!

Read all of the 5-star reviews and book this morning bike tour here!

Lunch/Afternoon – Go on a food tour! 

We love getting to know a city through its food, and Toronto is no exception! In fact, Toronto is the most diverse city in Canada, so a food tour is a great way to sample all of the different cuisines that coexist here. So instead of lunch at a cafe or restaurant today, book this walking food tour for 1 pm. 

The tour starts about a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal and lasts for around 3.5 hours, wrapping up at about 4:30 pm. If you do the bike tour, it will have you back here in plenty of time to stroll over to the meeting point.

Bring your appetite, because we ate SO much food when we did this tour! A few of the local classics we tried included butter tart, sushi, pierogies, and a peameal bacon sandwich. There was also a secret dish at the end and, best of all, a maple syrup tasting!

We also visited the St Lawrence Market. You might have been here on yesterday’s tour, but coming as part of this food tour offers a much deeper dive into this famous foodie hub.  We got to visit the very best food stalls and spent more time sampling local favorites, which you may have missed the first time around. 

The only thing to note about this tour is that it doesn’t run on Mondays. If your second day in Toronto does happen to be a Monday, then you might want to switch days two and three of this itinerary around.

Satisfy your cravings by booking this food tour online here!

Late Afternoon – Wander the Distillery District 

After indulging in some of Toronto’s best bites on the food tour, you’ll end up in the Distillery District, which was once responsible for the production of over 2 million gallons of whiskey per year before falling into disrepair. Nowadays, though, this is a historic area brimming with character and charm, so take some time to explore this pedestrian-only neighborhood to the fullest. There’s a ton to do here, so here are a few of my top suggestions:

Go shopping

There are lots of cool boutique stores in the Distillery District! Hoi Bo is super cute and unique, or Hatley Boutique has tons of cute kids’ wear. 

Go on a distillery tour

One of the coolest things that we’ve done in the Distillery District is take a self-guided tour of the Spirit of York, which is the only actual distillery that still distills spirits here. The experience costs $17 CAD per person and you get to go behind the scenes, then enjoy a flight of three of their spirits in their tasting room. They have tons of fruity flavors to try, so this is definitely worth doing! I’d recommend booking in advance, though.

Explore the art galleries

You probably won’t be surprised to learn that the Distillery District is also home to some of Toronto’s coolest art galleries! I think that the Arta Gallery is a must for contemporary art fans, while the Thompson Landry Gallery is a fantastic place to discover your new favorite Canadian artist! 

Dinner – Little Italy 

Tonight, we recommend heading to a new area of the city to get a taste of just how diverse the culture of Toronto is, and there is no better place to do that than Little Italy! It’s a 20-minute drive from the Distillery District, and we suggest getting there via cab or Uber. 

Little Italy is a vibrant neighborhood in Toronto set around the main College Street strip. Since Daniel’s family is Italian, we can’t resist going here to indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. It’s such a quaint and trendy area of the city, and we enjoy walking around and taking in the Italian vibes!

For a nice, sophisticated evening meal, we suggest Sotto Voce Pasta and Wine Bar. I’m a sucker for their potato gnocchi in a white wine sauce—yum! It’s a great spot in any season, feeling cozy inside during the winter and enjoying the patio in the summer months!

Evening – Enjoy some cocktails 

After your busy day exploring Toronto, there is no better way to end it than by relaxing with a fancy drink in hand! And the great news is that some of our favorite bars in Toronto are located in Little Italy, making it easy for you to walk over after dinner.

Bar Pompette

Bar Pompette is actually just a few doors down from Sotto Voce. It also just happens to be our favorite bar in Toronto! Offering a chic French atmosphere and drinks made with authentic ingredients, this bar feels like you are sitting in a Parisian café. When you get here, you won’t be surprised as to why they are named one of the Top 50 Bars in North America, I can promise you. 

Bar Raval

If Bar Pompette is too busy, or you want to try out a few different spots, head on over to Bar Raval, also located in Little Italy. As soon as you walk in, you’ll be wowed by the gorgeous wooden decor! We had so much fun here, sipping on drinks and cracking jokes with the hilarious staff.

Civil Liberties

And if you fancy another drink after that, you can walk 20 minutes (or just hop in an Uber) to Civil Liberties, which was rated the Best Bar in Canada! It is a small speakeasy that serves unique Prohibition-era cocktails. They don’t even have a menu, so the bartenders will whip up a specialty creation for you based on your preferences!

There is no sign on the front of this bar, instead, you must look for the large pineapple symbol out front! It’s a busy place, and you may have to wait a bit for a seat, but we think it’s well worth the wait!

Day 3

Breakfast – On the go!

Today’s Niagara Falls tour will pick you up right from your hotel at around 9:30 am, so this morning we recommend grabbing something nearby. The tour includes a three-course lunch, so you shouldn’t need a huge breakfast, but of course, you’ll want some fuel for the day!

Morning/Afternoon – Full day tour to Niagara Falls 

You can’t spend a few days in Toronto without paying a visit to arguably the most famous waterfall in the world! So book this epic Niagara Falls tour for your final day in Toronto and end your time here on a high note. 

This tour offers pickup from hotels in Downtown Toronto. You’ll be collected at around 9:30 am and get back again at around 7:30 pm. At around 10 hours, this tour is a long day, but it’s so much fun that it doesn’t feel that way at all.

We absolutely loved this tour! And of course, going on a boat cruise that took us right up to this magnificent feat of nature was a huge part of that, but it wasn’t the only reason that we had a great time. 

We also got to start the day at a winery and enjoy a glorious three-course lunch at a restaurant with a direct view of the falls. Then, after donning our ponchos and going almost underneath the falls on the cruise, we visited the super scenic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where we had free time to shop and explore. 

We seriously hit the jackpot when we booked this tour, and we’re not the only ones who feel that way, because you can read over a thousand glowing reviews right here. It delivers the ultimate Niagara Falls experience, and if you’re going to visit Niagara Falls, you might as well do it right!

Book this epic Niagara Falls tour here, before it sells out!

Late dinner – Richmond Station

You should get back from Niagara Falls at around 7:30 pm, which works out nicely because Richmond Station is open until 10:30 pm! Located downtown, it was founded by Chef Carl Heinrich, who won the second season of Top Chef Canada, and it has become a real local favorite. It offers upscale Canadian cuisine, including a seven-course tasting menu, so it’s the ideal place to cap off a fantastic three days in Toronto. It’s popular, though, so I strongly suggest booking a table.

Where to Stay in Toronto

Toronto is a huge city with practically endless options when it comes to hotels. But not all hotels are created equal, and when you’re only here for a short time, you want to ensure you book a place with an amazing location, which narrows down your choices.

To make things even simpler, I’ve handpicked some of the best places to stay in the city. The following hotels all have an ideal central location and all the amenities you’ll need for a comfortable stay—just be sure to book early if they still have rooms available, as the good ones tend to fill up fast!

If you’re looking for more info about where to stay in Toronto, be sure to read our blog. It includes detailed info on the best area to stay, how to get from the airport to your hotel, and the top hotels!

Luxury – $$$

The name “Fairmont” is synonymous with luxury, and so, true to form, the Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of the most decadent hotels in Toronto. With its historic ballroom, beautiful rooms, and a gorgeous skylit indoor pool, you’ll have to force yourself to leave and explore the city! But once you do, you’re steps from Union Station, so getting around via public transport is really easy. It also means that you can take the train from the airport directly to the hotel! 

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a mere two blocks away, and you’re also about a 20-minute walk from both the waterfront and the Distillery District. Rooms usually start from around $500 CAD per night. Check availability and book the Fairmont Royal York online here!

Mid-range – $$ 

Revery Curio Collection is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a sleek and centrally located hotel. It’s a short walk from major attractions like the CN Tower, and it also has plenty of modern facilities, including a gym, a bar, and private parking. 

Room rates typically range from $350 CAD and up. Revery is one of the highest-rated hotels in Toronto, so be sure to book online here well in advance to secure your room.

Budget – $ 

Toronto isn’t the cheapest of cities, but you don’t have to spend a small fortune to stay here! If you’re on a tighter budget, the Samesun Toronto is a fantastic hostel in a great location. It’s a little bit further from downtown, but you’re close to vibrant areas like the Distillery District and Little Italy, so it’s an awesome way to save money if you don’t mind a little extra walking or making use of Toronto’s extensive public transport network.

Private rooms here typically start from $200 CAD per night, which is a real bargain by Toronto’s standards! Check availability and book your stay here!

Thanks for reading!

There’s so much to experience in Toronto, but I hope this three-day itinerary has helped you plan your trip and feel excited about everything this amazing city has to offer. From iconic landmarks and skyline views to food tours, historic neighborhoods, and a day trip to Niagara Falls, this itinerary covers all the highlights with just the right mix of local flavor.

If you’re sticking around for a few extra days or planning a return visit, make sure to check out our other Toronto blogs here for even more ideas. I’ve also linked a few below that I think you’ll find super helpful.

10 BEST Things To Do in Toronto

5 BEST Niagara Falls Tours from Toronto: Which One to Choose

The Absolute BEST Area to Stay in Toronto +Our Top 6 Hotels!