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Heading to Toronto for the weekend? I must say, I’m a bit jealous! Toronto is such a lively city with heaps to do. So much to do that it can be difficult to decide exactly how to use your limited time!
We’ve traveled all over the city and decided to help those weekend warriors, like yourself, by putting together an ideal weekend itinerary.
This itinerary covers 2 days (plus a bonus day if you choose) and hits the best restaurants and bars, the most iconic sites, and some hidden gems. Pick and choose what activities you like, or follow this itinerary exactly. Regardless, you’re in for a fun couple of days in Toronto!
Day 1
Morning – Visit the Toronto Islands

The best way to begin your weekend in Toronto is to visit the gorgeous Toronto Islands! You’ll have plenty of time to explore the skyscrapers later, but we love getting out into nature whenever we can, so that’s the first thing on our agenda. Grab some coffee and breakfast to-go and enjoy it on the ferry ride over.
The Toronto Islands is a group of 15 islands only a short ferry ride from downtown. The ferry is only $9 CAD round trip and the boats depart every 20 to 60 minutes, depending on which island you’re going to. Check out the fares and timetables here!
There’s more than meets the eye here, but my favorite way to explore is by cycling around. We joined this morning bike tour, as it made our day of exploring easy by including transportation from Toronto, our ferry ticket, and a bicycle and helmet. We spent a few hours cruising along the paths and saw the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, and a gorgeous view of the skyline! Our guide was great because he taught us a lot about Toronto and we had fun! This tour is available year-round for $110 CAD.
And if you decide to visit the islands on your own, there are even more things to explore! There’s a great walking path that is a 14.6-kilometer (9-mile) loop all over the islands. During the summer, go swimming or rent paddleboards from Toronto Island SUP. This is actually quite lovely in the morning, just remember that we have a full day of activities after so bring some dry clothes!
For a full list of can’t-miss activities, check out our Toronto Island guide!
Book your morning bike tour here with FREE 24-hour cancellation.
Lunch – Distillery District


After some outdoor exploration on the Toronto Islands, it’s time to head downtown! You’ve likely worked up an appetite doing all that biking and walking and we’re going to have some lunch in the Distillery District.
This historic neighborhood was once the zone for whisky production in the city. Don’t worry, you won’t just be drinking spirits for lunch, there’s actually a lot of amazing food here! I love walking through this area because it’s all Victorian-style buildings and a pedestrian-only street, so you can leisurely stroll and take in the scenery.
We highly recommend stopping by BOKU Japanese Eats + Drinks which has some of the best ramen I’ve had (outside of Japan itself, that is!). Their cocktails are unique – my Old Fashioned was served in a teapot! However, if you are more of a vodka or gin person, you’ll love Spirit of York Distillery. This is the only true distillery in the district – it’s an essential stop!
Mill Street Brewpub is another good option for lunch if you’re looking for big juicy burgers, loaded nachos, or wings. Plus, we’ll always go for a pint of craft beer over whiskey!
If you’re a history buff, you’ll love taking this short 1-hour Distillery District walking tour. This neighborhood is teeming with history and fascinating old tales, it makes your time in the district more immersive. I couldn’t believe some of the stories we heard! The tour starts at 11:30 am, so you can grab lunch after.
Afternoon – Explore Casa Loma


Casa Loma is a super unique Toronto site. On the outside, you’d think it’s a Gothic Revival Castle. But once you walk inside, you’ll see that it’s actually a museum full of gorgeous decor, interactive exhibits, and lots of quirks!
I loved looking at all the vintage furniture and decor, but the exhibits were really interesting too. Our favorite was The Dark Side of Toronto, where they tell all about the time of Prohibition, The Great Toronto Fire, and even more shady things. Their antique car collection was really impressive, as well as the WWII intelligence Exhibit. Spoiler alert: the castle was actually used as a secret agent training school!
We spent a few hours exploring Casa Loma and you can visit for $40 CAD per person from 9:30 to 5 pm. The exhibits rotate frequently, even if you’ve been before, it’s probably different! Buy your tickets to Casa Loma in advance here.
To get even more info and our top tips for visiting, check out our full blog on Casa Loma!
Dinner – Little Italy


Nothing is better than a delicious dinner with a great ambiance to cap off a day of exploring. We headed to Little Italy to discover a more diverse side of Toronto and fell in love with this area!
Little Italy is vivacious and adorable, with lots of small, family-owned businesses and some of the best food in the city. You’ll be able to smell the fresh pasta, cheese, and handcrafted desserts from the street! If you’re looking for an upscale meal, we love Sotto Voce Pasta and Wine Bar. The white wine sauce potato gnocchi was heavenly!
You can still enjoy authentic Italian food while staying within budget by going to Il Gatto Nero – they take pizza to the next level. For tasty pasta that doesn’t break the bank, check out Trattoria Taverniti (just be sure to make reservations, it’s busy here!).
Night – Go for cocktails


After your relaxing dinner in Little Italy, it’s time for a nightcap – so hit one of the many specialty cocktail bars! I am actually shocked at how many cocktail bars there are in Toronto, we are just listing a few but there are many you can choose from. A few of these bars are in Little Italy and walkable for your dinner spot, but some are a short drive away. But, you only have a weekend in Toronto, go out and hit the town!
Bar Pompette (our favorite)
Our absolute favorite cocktail bar is Bar Pompette! It is located in Little Italy but has the ambiance of an authentic Parisian cafe. This bar was listed as one of the top 50 bars in North America – we simply had to try it out!
The cocktails are just as great as you’d expect, and it’s quite a production to watch the bartenders make these craft creations. We happened to wander in on jazz night, which added to the vibes. You can check their Facebook page here to see what events are happening, or simply stop in – it’s open until 2 am on weekends and 1 am Sunday through Thursday.
Bar Raval
Bar Raval is another fun option located in Little Italy, just a 5-minute walk from Bar Pompette. The interior is made out of handcrafted wood, it is stunning, to say the least! We enjoyed some specialty cocktails and had fun chatting with the staff, who were super chill and welcoming.
I highly recommend trying the “Palomita” which is their spin on a classic Paloma. They also have a wide selection of mocktails! Bar Raval is open every day from 11 am to 1 am, so stop in and enjoy!
Civil Liberties (Canada’s No. 1)
We love finding speakeasies whenever we explore a new city, and Toronto has a few standouts. Civil Liberties is a unique speakeasy, as they don’t have a menu and instead make cocktails based on your taste preference. I was blown away by the bartender’s skills – my cocktail was even better than what I had in mind!
Since this is a speakeasy, you have to search a little to find it. There isn’t a sign, but instead, you’ll find the large pineapple painted on the front of the building. They don’t take reservations, and it can be busy so you might have to wait, but it’s worth it! Civil Liberties is open every day from 6 pm to 2 am.
BarChef
Last but not least is BarChef, just a quick taxi ride from Little Italy. This is yet another quirky cocktail bar, but it serves incredible creations! The menu rotates seasonally and they use fresh herbs, garnish, and ingredients to reflect the season. They also serve drinks in unique vessels, like a plant pot, shells, or other artistic presentations.
With this high quality, the prices are definitely on par as drinks are $22 to $55 CAD each. It’s one of those can’t-miss experiences, so stop in for one cocktail and enjoy the ambiance! BarChef is open from 5 pm to 2 am and will definitely be a memorable part of your Toronto weekend.
Day 2
Breakfast – Lady Marmalade


Hopefully, you didn’t have too many cocktails last night, but even if you did, I have the perfect cure – breakfast at Lady Marmalade! Nothing gets me prepared for another day of exploring than a big yummy breakfast, especially if Eggs Benny is involved.
Lady Marmalade has 7 different Eggs Benedict on their menu, featuring mango and pulled pork. They have great coffee (and even better mimosas) so we were definitely ready for the day after feasting here.
Breakfast and lunch (and I suppose that includes brunch!) are available daily from 8:30 am to 3 pm, except Wednesdays. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices of dishes, just around $14 – $22 CAD per plate.
Unfortunately, Lady Marmalade doesn’t take reservations and it’s no secret how good their food is. Our insider’s tip is to arrive 10 minutes before they open so you can get a table right away. You have too much to explore to wait around all day!
Morning – Hockey Hall of Fame


Okay, this next activity is probably the most Canadian thing we could put on the agenda, so buckle up! It’s time to explore the Hockey Hall of Fame, which is fun even if you’re a hockey fan or not – trust me.
This place is huge and full of memorabilia, artifacts, and tributes to the great hockey legends. You can see the original Stanley Cup and the current Stanley Cup for the perfect photo op. Either whip out your phone for a selfie or you can pay $10 CAD for a professional photo.
But the really fun part was playing all of the interactive games here! Kids love it, but to be honest, adults have just as much fun! They have a model rink where you can go up against the greatest stars of the NHL (well, animated versions of them). Or live out your sports broadcasting skills at the TSN Broadcast Zone.
There is a lot to do here, we actually wrote a full blog post about the Hockey Hall of Fame so you can know what to expect!
Entrance tickets are $25 CAD and we recommend booking them in advance so you can skip the queue! You’ll probably spend a few hours here, as there’s a lot to see! The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in downtown Toronto, about 10 minutes from Lady Marmalade.
Book your tickets ahead of time here with FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Mid-morning – Head up the CN Tower


Continue exploring downtown Toronto by making your way to the CN Tower! This offers the best views in the city and is also a staple in the skyline. It is only a 15-minute walk from the Hockey Hall of Fame, or a quick 5-minute drive (although it will probably take longer to find parking, so it’s best to walk!).
The CN Tower is an impressive 553 meters (1,814 feet) tall, making it the tallest building in Canada. The observation deck gives 360-degree views of the city below, but my favorite part was the glass floor deck! It was a bit spooky standing on it, I won’t lie! You can book a time slot for the main observation deck for $43 CAD (you must book in advance).
For even more impressive views, you can head 33 stories higher to the SkyPod! This is an additional $10 CAD. If you want to get your heart racing, try out the EdgeWalk, where you’ll walk on the edge of the building like James Bond, except with a harness on! This is 116 stories up and is the world’s highest hands-free walk. Completing this definitely gives you bragging rights! The EdgeWalk is open from the spring to the fall and is $199-$225 CAD depending on the day.
Regardless of what you do, the CN Tower is an iconic Toronto location, and you’ll have so much fun getting incredible city views from the top!
Lunch – St. Lawrence Market


St. Lawrence Market is a historic piece of Toronto and a great lunch spot! They have 120 vendors here with world-class food, local shops, hand-crafted items, and other artisanal goods, so you’ve got options. We had a lot of fun wandering around the market, getting to chat with all of the vendors, and experiencing this slice of the city.
Speaking of slices … we had some incredible pizza for lunch! As I said, you’ll have no shortage of options, but we absolutely loved St. Lawrence Pizza and Pasta. You can probably tell from the photo above, but it totally hit the spot. They also have a famous seafood stall, Buster’s Sea Cove where the line-up for food wrapped around the corner!
When you’re shopping at the market, be sure to stop by the Olympic Cheese Mart and browse the 600 types of cheese on offer. We had a hard time picking the perfect cheese, but the owner was super helpful and gave us samples.
You’ll be able to stop in for lunch every day except Monday, and the hours vary per day. I recommend checking online before heading out, although they will definitely be open during lunchtime!
Related Read: If you’re a foodie, you’ll absolutely love going on a food tour! Read about the 5 best food tours in Toronto and book one for yourself!
Afternoon – Visit the Legislative Building

I love this weekend itinerary because you’re experiencing a little bit of everything! This afternoon we are taking you to explore the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This activity is a lot more fun than it sounds, take my word for it! The legislative building is home to Ontario’s provincial legislature, so all of the big decisions are made here and have been for decades.
The building is absolutely gorgeous inside and out, so even stopping by to gawk at the architecture is worth it. Be sure to bring photo ID and you’ll have to go through security to enter the building. The Legislative Assembly is open for visitors from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays only, so this will only work if you’re on a “weekend getaway” during the weekdays! Even still, going for a stroll through Queen’s Park and checking out the exterior is a fun use of an afternoon!
If you do happen to be visiting during the week, plan to join one of their free guided tours. We joined the 30-minute building tour, which was a great free activity while we explored the city.
Night – Sunset sail

For the last activity on your weekend in Toronto, head out on the water for a sunset sail! This will showcase Toronto’s incredible beauty and make for a memorable end to your trip. Start by getting dinner on the harbourfront, there are plenty of great options. Then hop aboard the same sunset sailing tour we joined for a fun evening on the water!
We spent two hours sailing around the bay and Lake Ontario, taking in the coastline as the sun went down with a cocktail in hand. The crew was super fun and they even taught some sailing skills! The boat only accommodates 12 other people, so it was small enough that it felt very relaxed and intimate while keeping the cost a bit lower by sharing the experience.
You can reserve our same sailing experience from mid-May through October and the days of the week vary, as do the departure times. They offer an afternoon and evening departure, so in case sunset doesn’t work for you, an afternoon sail will be a lot of fun too! You can book this tour for $189 CAD, and it offers reserve now, pay later options, and free cancellation 24 hours before you depart.
Don’t miss out on this epic end to your weekend – book this sunset cruise here!
Optional Day – Niagara Falls


If you are planning a three-day weekend getaway, add a day trip to Niagara Falls. You can also replace one of the day’s activities with this if visiting one of the largest waterfalls in the world is on your bucket list! Luckily, Niagara Falls is only 90 minutes from Toronto, so it’s really easy to get there.
The iconic waterfall is actually made of three different falls, Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most powerful and sits on the Canadian side. You can walk across the bridge to see American Falls, which are incredibly stunning as well (be sure to bring your passport!).
If you have a rental car, you can drive to Niagara and explore on your own. However, we opted to take a tour from Toronto because there is a lot to see in this area and we had no idea where to begin! Plus, it made the logistics much easier so we could simply enjoy the day.


Many tours are on offer depending on your budget and activity level, so read our full guide on the best Niagara Falls tours from Toronto to find the best one!
We went on this exact full-day guided tour and had an amazing time! The highlight was taking a cruise to the base of the waterfalls (you’ll definitely get wet!). We also had some free time to wander around on our own, walk to America (that just sounds funny), and take in the views.
Another highlight of this tour was wine tasting at Niagara-on-the-Lake, and a delicious 3-course lunch overlooking the falls. We honestly couldn’t believe how much was included in this full-day tour for only $200 CAD.
Read the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book the same tour we took here!
Related Read: Looking for more activities? We put together a list of the best day trips from Toronto – check them out here!
Other Things to do While You’re in Toronto


Toronto is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So here are a few other top attractions and activities you may like to explore:
- Go on a wine tour! – Canada’s largest wine-making region, the Niagara Wine Region, is not far from Toronto. Famous for its exquisite Chardonnays, Rieslings, Pinot Noirs, and Icewine, you can’t miss coming here if you’re a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur! We don’t recommend driving yourself to go wine tasting, so the best way to visit is by taking this full-day wine-tasting tour from Toronto.
- Eat great food! – With so many different cultures and restaurants, Toronto is a foodie heaven! Miku Toronto is considered the best sushi restaurant in the city with a big outdoor patio and a happy hour (3-4 pm) with great discounts. Food tours in Toronto are also top-notch and we enjoyed this walking food tour to help us try a variety of tasty dishes from butter tarts to pierogies to maple syrup and the chance to explore the iconic St. Lawrence Market.
- Go on a bike tour – Biking is a great way to explore Toronto’s fantastic outdoor areas as well as the trendiest neighborhoods and historic sights. You can easily get around and see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. Plus, there are many fun bike tours to choose from to suit your interests and needs. Our favorite was this guided bike tour downtown!
- Drink craft beer – The craft beer scene in Toronto is booming! If you’ve read a few of our blogs, you probably already know how much we love a refreshing pint! Our favorite spot in Toronto is the Amsterdam Brewhouse – it has 4 patios and is located right on the waterfront. For a behind-the-scenes look at how craft beer is made and to do some tastings, check out this brewery tour!
Where to Stay in Toronto

Let’s face it, Toronto is a huge city with practically endless options when it comes to hotels. But, not all hotels are created equal – you want to ensure you book a place with an amazing location and even better amenities, which narrows down your choices.
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!
I’ve handpicked some of the best places to stay in the city – the below hotels all have an ideal central location as well as everything you need to have a comfortable stay!
Fairmont Royal York Hotel (Luxury Stay – $$$)
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in Toronto. With its historic ballroom, beautiful rooms, and a gorgeous skylit indoor pool, you’ll have to force yourself to leave and explore the city! But once you do, you’re steps from Union Station, so getting around via public transport is really easy. It also means that you can take the train from the airport directly to the hotel!
The Hockey Hall of Fame is two blocks away, and you’re also about a 20-minute walk from both the waterfront and the Distillery District. Rooms usually start from around $500-$600 CAD per night and you can check availability and book the Fairmont Royal York online here!
The SoHo Hotel (Moderately-priced Boutique Hotel – $$)
The SoHo Hotel is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a centrally located hotel that is just stunning. This hotel is located only a short walk from attractions like the CN Tower, and it also has plenty of nice facilities including a lap pool and fitness center. Oh, and did I mention the rooms have heated bathroom floors?!
Room rates typically range from $300 CAD and up. The SoHo is one of the highest-rated hotels in Toronto, so be sure to book online here well in advance to secure your room.
One King West Hotel and Residences (Moderately-priced Full Apartments – $$)
If you’re looking for a home away from home, then One King West Hotel and Residences might be the best choice for you. Although a hotel, this property features fully self-contained apartments complete with a kitchen. This is perfect if you like to cook some of your own meals. On top of that, the location is ideal and you’ll also find a fitness center and onsite bar and restaurant.
For an entire apartment in Toronto, prices start at about $330 CAD. You can check availability and book online here.
Town Inn Suites Hotel (Budget Hotel – $)
You don’t have to spend a small fortune to stay in Toronto. If you’re on a tighter budget, Town Inn Suites Hotel is the best choice for you. Starting from only $170 CAD per night (in the low season), this centrally located hotel is tastefully decorated and features plenty of amenities. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, which comes in very handy. You can check prices and secure your room online here.
Samesun Toronto (Budget Hostel – $)
The Samesun Toronto is the perfect choice for backpackers or solo travelers wanting to meet others. The hostel has a great location as well as communal spaces (including a huge kitchen) where you can relax. They offer both dorm beds and budget private rooms, but bathrooms are all shared.
You can grab a dorm bed for less than $100 CAD per night during peak season. You can book the Samesun Toronto online on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.
One of the best ways to experience Canada is by hitting the road. Some of the best things to do and attractions are located in remote areas between destinations. For that reason, we highly recommend getting your own wheels!
- Rent a car – To simply rent a vehicle, search on Discover Cars where they compare tons of different rental companies near you. This way you can easily compare prices, features, policies, and more!
- Rent a campervan or motorhome – Motorhome Republic is great for finding a motorhome or campervan to rent in Canada. With your own home on wheels, you can camp in beautiful places and save money on accommodation!
Thanks for reading!

Spending a weekend in Toronto will be busy, but full of amazing activities! You’ll be reminiscing on this weekend getaway for years to follow. At least we always look back on our time in Toronto with fondness! You can either follow this itinerary to a T or pick out your favorite activities, it’s up to you. Regardless, I know you’ll get a good look at this fun city in just one weekend of exploring.
If you found this article helpful, check out our other Canada or USA blogs for more travel inspiration and tips. Here are a few to get you started:
How to Spend TWO DAYS in New York City: 2-Day Itinerary