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A little rain has never hurt anyone, but it’s not always ideal when you’re on holiday! However, if you’re visiting Toronto, you probably will experience some wet weather while you’re here. Did you know that it actually rains more in Toronto than it does in London?
But the good news is that rain doesn’t have to spoil your Toronto itinerary. There are tons of fun indoor things to do in this awesome city, so you can still have a blast exploring when the weather is bad. While we visited during the summer, some of my favorite things to do in Toronto are indoors, like the Hockey Hall of Fame or going on a dinner cruise in the harbor.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 18 fun things to do when it’s raining in Toronto. This way, you can be fully prepared for a rainy day (or two) in the city!
Don’t have time to read the full article? Our absolute favorite things to do in Toronto when it’s raining are:
- Check out the Hockey Hall of Fame for a true Canadian experience!
- Wander through the gorgeous Casa Loma.
- Drink craft beer on a Toronto brewery tour!
- Go on a walking tour of the city’s underground PATH network.
- Eat as much as possible at the St. Lawrence Market!
- Things to do in Toronto when it Rains
- 1. Wander the Hockey Hall of Fame
- 2. Visit Casa Loma
- 3. Go on a tour to Niagara Falls
- 4. Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour
- 5. Visit the Distillery District
- 6. Go for brunch at Lady Marmalade
- 7. Royal Ontario Museum
- 8. Drink local craft beer
- 9. Go wine tasting
- 10. Eat your way around the St. Lawrence Market
- 11. Sip some cocktails
- 12. PATH – A Walking Tour of Toronto's Underground City
- 13. Walk the Art Gallery of Ontario
- 14. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- 15. See a Raptors Game at the Scotiabank Arena
- 16. Check out Little Canada
- 17. Eaton Centre
- 18. Eat Italian food in Little Italy
- Where to Stay in Toronto
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Toronto when it Rains
1. Wander the Hockey Hall of Fame
It’s a well-known fact that Canadians love hockey, so visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame is the perfect thing to do on a rainy day in Toronto.
Whether you’re already a fan of the sport or are just curious why the citizens of Toronto are so crazy about it, we highly recommend this place. Here you’ll find lots of fun and interactive ways to learn about the National Hockey League (NHL) while staying warm and dry. Plus, it’s in the heart of downtown Toronto, so it’s easy to get to.
We loved visiting Lord Stanley’s Vault, where the original Stanley Cup is held, and checking out a replica of the Montreal Canadiens’ dressing rooms. There are a ton of interactive games. Play the Goodyear Shootout against virtual renditions of pro players and see how you perform against them. Or instead, be the goalie with the Pepsi Zero Sugar Shootout.
This fun and interactive museum is an experience that both kids and adults love, so it’s ideal for families, and we thought it was also pretty well-priced. Tickets cost $25 CAD for adults and $15 CAD for kids – plus, under 3s can enter for free!
The Hockey Hall of Fame is open from 10 am until 5 pm daily, and we think that 2 hours is the ideal amount of time to spend here. However, we’d allow a little longer if you’re a real hockey lover. It gets busy, so visit early if you want to play all of the games and get a photo with the Stanley Cup.
Best of all, booking tickets in advance lets you secure the tickets now, and pay later, keeping this a budget-friendly activity. Check out the details and book this activity in advance here.
2. Visit Casa Loma
Visiting Toronto’s very own castle, Casa Loma, is one of our favorite things to do when it’s raining here, as there are so many fascinating exhibits inside!
This impressive Gothic mansion was built by a well-known financier, Henry Pellatt. However, his fortune diminished during the First World War, so he didn’t live here for very long. It briefly became a luxury hotel in the 1920s, before being reopened as a museum in the late 30s, and today it attracts over half a million visitors each year.
You can find out more about the interesting life that Henry Pellatt led in The Rooms exhibit or learn all about espionage at the Intelligence and Camp X exhibit. I also enjoyed checking out the antique cars in the garage and discovering the murkier side of Toronto’s history in the Dark Side Tunnel, which is said to be haunted!
I’m sure you’ll agree that Casa Loma is a very striking building, so it should come as no surprise that a lot of TV shows, movie scenes, and even commercials have been filmed here. You can head to the Backstage Celebrity Gallery to check out waxworks of actors who have worked at the castle or go to the Hollywood Film Gallery to see posters and stills of scenes that were shot here.
I recommend buying your tickets online to avoid long lines on the day of your visit. Casa Loma is very popular, especially if it’s raining! It costs $40 CAD for an adult ticket and you’ll probably spend a few hours wandering around here. The museum is located in the Casa Loma neighborhood and is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
If you visit in the afternoon, head to the castle’s BlueBlood Steakhouse afterward for a delicious meal! This upscale restaurant displays works of art from prominent figures like Andy Warhol, and the steak is out of this world – although it doesn’t come cheap at $75-$250 CAD per meal. It opens at 4 pm on weekends and 5 pm on weekdays, so if you need a good meal to perk you up on a rainy day, you know where to go after exploring the castle.
3. Go on a tour to Niagara Falls
You’re going to get wet when you visit Niagara Falls anyway, so why not go on a rainy day? Plus, there are some awesome tours of Niagara Falls from Toronto.
We loved the Niagara Falls tour that we went on, and had a much better time than when we visited by ourselves. We stopped by the Niagara College Teaching Winery on the way to the falls and the wine was so tasty! Starting with a wine tasting always puts me in a good mood. When we got to Niagara, we still had plenty of time to explore the viewpoints on foot and admire the beauty of the falls.
On this tour, what you do for lunch depends on the time of year you go. We went during the summer so we were treated to lunch at Queen Victoria Place Restaurant, which had great views of the falls! But during the winter, you’ll enjoy an even fancier meal with a 3-course lunch at the Table Rock House Restaurant, which is a real bucket list dining experience.
After lunch, you’ll get to do a boat ride that takes you right up to the falls. This was our favorite part of the day, but it’s only offered during the summer. If you’re here during the winter you’ll get to do the Journey Behind the Falls instead. This is also an epic experience, so don’t worry, you won’t be missing out!
That’s the nice thing about this tour – you don’t have to worry about seasonal attractions because everything is organized for you. We wrote a full review on this amazing tour to Niagara Falls if you want more details!
Our tour wrapped up with a visit to the charming town of Niagara on the Lake, where we grabbed a beer from the Shaw Cafe and Wine Bar. As you can probably tell, we loved this tour so much and would highly recommend it. Visiting Niagara Falls is always a fantastic day trip from Toronto, but all of the extras are what made our day truly unforgettable.
This day trip starts around 9:30 am and lasts roughly 10 hours, and we never felt rushed. Plus, for $200 CAD each, we were really happy with the price, which included everything we already mentioned and roundtrip transport from Toronto meeting points. We definitely couldn’t have done it for much cheaper by ourselves anyway!
You can book this tour here and get free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand!
Related Read: Did you know you can also visit Niagara Falls from New York? Check out these awesome Niagara Falls tours from New York City!
4. Toronto Premier Dinner Cruise on Odyssey in Toronto Harbour
A delicious dinner and epic views of Toronto? Sign us up!
You don’t need a bright sunny day to enjoy this Premier Dinner Cruise, because you’ll be on a spacious luxury boat as you sail along the city’s waterfront. And even when it’s raining outside, you’ll still be able to admire the city’s iconic skyline through the huge glass windows on board. We’ve done dinner cruises in the rain before and honestly, it doesn’t damper the experience.
One thing that we love about this cruise is that you get a 3-course plated dinner, rather than a buffet. Not that there’s anything wrong with a buffet, but we do find that food is usually better when it’s cooked to order. With dishes like pan-seared Atlantic salmon, braised beef short ribs, vegetable coconut curry, and chocolate fudge cake on the menu, you’ll feel like you’re dining at one of Toronto’s best restaurants.
There’s also a DJ on board and after dinner, you can hit the dancefloor! This is such a fun way to spend an evening in Toronto, and nothing beats the view of the city that you get from the water. You’ll cruise past the CN Tower, the Rogers Center, the Harbourfront, and the Toronto Islands, so you get to enjoy a ton of sightseeing alongside a delicious dinner. What’s not to love?
This 3-hour cruise leaves from Queens Quay Terminal at 7:30 pm. The dates available depend on the season you visit, so be sure to check before you book! It costs $147 CAD per person, except for on Saturdays when it costs a little more at $156 CAD.
Prices include the cruise, dinner, dancing, and coffee or tea. Alcoholic drinks do cost extra, but they’ve got beer, wine, and cocktails on board if you fancy something to wash down your dinner with!
I recommend booking this tour as far in advance as you can, as it’s a popular option!
5. Visit the Distillery District
The Distillery District used to be a huge whiskey distilling complex, but in the 1990s it was redeveloped into a pedestrian tourist district. Nowadays, it’s home to tons of independent cafes, restaurants, art studios, and shops.
We love wandering the streets of the Distillery District, especially since many of them are closed to cars. However, there are also plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in this area, so you can still enjoy your visit on a rainy day.
First things first, stop for lunch! We love visiting BOKU Japanese Eats + Drinks, which serves amazing ramen. What’s better than hot soup on a rainy day? They also make incredible specialty cocktails! I ordered the Tokia Old Fashioned which, to my delight, came in a teapot.
And since this is the distillery district, indulge in some spirits (but don’t over-indulge!). Head to Izumi, a sake brewery, to sample traditional Japanese sake made with fresh Ontario spring water. After you sample, you can pick up a bottle to go! We also enjoy Mill Street Brew Pub for a pint of Tronto-brewed craft beer.
However, the Spirit of York Distillery is the only true distillery in the district, so a stop here is a must! They specialize in gin and vodka, both of which you can taste when booking a tour in advance for $15 CAD.
Lastly, I also love seeing the vintage photography at the Corkin Gallery here – there’s really too much to do! It’s no wonder this is one of the top destinations on Toronto sightseeing tours.
The Distillery District is also an awesome place to do some souvenir shopping. You can find everything from handmade luxury candles to unique fragrances (and a bottle of sake, of course!). I’m sure your friends and family back home will thank you for it!
6. Go for brunch at Lady Marmalade
Brunch is an all-weather activity, and there’s nowhere better to enjoy it in Toronto than Lady Marmalade. We instantly fell in love with this place on our very first visit and come back here every time we’re in the city. Honestly, we just can’t get enough of their insanely good eggs Benedicts, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches. You can even add a mimosa or Aperol spritz – I mean, why not when it’s raining outside?
We also think that Lady Marmalade is decently priced for the quality at between $10 and $22 CAD per dish. Plus, it’s such a beautiful, stylish cafe, and the staff always make us feel so welcome. The coffee is also really strong, which is perfect if you need a little pick-me-up on a rainy day.
They’re located on Broadway Ave. and are open daily from 8:30 am to 3 pm.
7. Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is home to over 13 million objects, so to say that it’s got an extensive collection would be a bit of an understatement! It literally takes you through time, covering prehistoric dinosaurs, Canada’s ancient Indigenous culture, and art from all over the world.
However, the museum’s exterior is just as noteworthy as what’s inside! Half of the museum is housed in a futuristic building that looks like blades of glass jutting out into the street, and it sits in stark contrast to the 20th-century brick building that accommodates the other half of the collection. It’s definitely worth stopping outside to snap a quick photo, even in the rain (you won’t melt!).
There’s so much to see inside the Royal Ontario Museum that you could easily spend 3 to 4 hours exploring all of the exhibits, so it’s a fantastic place to wait out the rain. It’s located just north of Queen’s Park and is open from 10 am until 5:30 pm from Monday to Saturday.
You can reserve your Royal Ontario Museum tickets online here for $26 CAD per person!
Related Read: If you happen to catch some bad weather while visiting New York City, check out our guide to the best things to do when it’s raining in NYC!
8. Drink local craft beer
Brewing is big in Toronto, so don’t miss the chance to check out some of the city’s best craft beer while you’re in town. Sure, we love sitting out on a patio in the summer with a pint in hand, but brewery hopping is also a great thing to do when it’s raining. You can stay cozy indoors as you sample Toronto’s unique local brews.
CRAFT Beer Market has tons of different beers for you to try. It’s located downtown and is open from 11 am to midnight on school nights and till 2 am Friday and Saturday. This is a good option if you’re looking for a later night since most of the breweries on our list are open from noon till 9 pm or 10 pm.
Then there’s Saulter Street Brewery, an understated spot with a great vibe. We also like the inventive brews at Rorschach Brewing Co., which is a bit further out on Eastern Ave.
But honestly, there are so many great breweries in Toronto that you could devote your entire trip to exploring them all! You probably don’t want to do that, though, since there are so many other fantastic things to do in Toronto.
If you only have a few days in Toronto and want to taste craft beer, join this brewery tour. You’ll travel between in a comfy van, so you can stay out of the rain the entire time. Since you’re in a small group, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people. Plus, as big craft beer fans, we can confirm that each of the 3 breweries you’ll visit is excellent, and we love that you get behind-the-scenes tours and Q and A sessions with beer experts along the way.
The tour costs $125 CAD per person and runs at 6 pm on Fridays and 11 am on Saturdays. As well as sampling lots of different beers, you also get snacks plus a beer glass and a magnetic bottle opener to keep – who doesn’t love a freebie? You can book your spot on the tour here, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before!
9. Go wine tasting
On a sunny day, we’d head out on a tour to explore the Niagara wine region (check out our recommendations for Niagara wine tours here!), but when it’s raining, you’re better off going somewhere cozy. We suggest enjoying a close-knit wine-tasting experience with an epic view of the CN Tower! So on a wet day in Toronto, we can’t recommend this Canadian Wine Tasting Experience enough.
There are so many incredible tours in Toronto, but this one is truly meant for a rainy day. It takes place in the heart of Downtown Toronto, so it’s really easy to get to. It’s led by a local sommelier who will invite you into her home to enjoy an evening of wine tasting alongside a delicious cheese and charcuterie board, with locally sourced goodies.
What we love about this tasting session is that Laura, the host, sources wine from all over Canada, so you get to try different bottles that aren’t readily available in Toronto. It gives you a great insight into Canadian winemaking and culture, without having to leave the downtown area!
We also really like the fact that Laura has designed this experience to make wine tasting accessible and approachable, so there’s no snootiness and no stupid questions. You can ask her anything that you might be too shy to ask at a vineyard. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the first thing about oaks, blends, corks, or barrels!
This 2-hour wine-tasting session costs $175 CAD per person and includes all of your tasting and snack fees! It runs every day at 2 pm and 5 pm, so it’s super easy to fit into a busy day. If you’re traveling solo in the city, it would be a great way to meet new people in a relaxed and friendly setting, although it’s also a lot of fun for groups too.
Book your wine tasting right here (with an option to pay later!).
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.
10. Eat your way around the St. Lawrence Market
Not only is the St. Lawrence Market the oldest market in Toronto, but it’s also the perfect place to stuff your face on a rainy day!
We love the boutiques and specialty stores here, but for us, the real draw is the food! We couldn’t get enough of the delicious slices at St Lawrence Pizza and Pasta, or Buster’s Sea Cove is a really popular spot for seafood – be prepared to wait in line. And if you love cheese (come on, who doesn’t?) then pop into the Olympic Cheese Mart, where you’ll have over 600 different varieties to choose from.
With so many food options, it can be easier just to take a food tour! We took this food tour in Toronto which took us to the St. Lawrence Market and Old Toronto for the best food in the city. The stand-out dish was maple-glazed smoked salmon, and there is always a secret dish too (but I’m not telling what we had!). This is a walking tour, so you might get a little wet, but luckily most of the time you’ll be in the market.
There are many food tours in Toronto, so you really can’t choose wrong! But to check out St. Lawrence Market, you can book the same tour we took in advance for $88 CAD.
The St Lawrence Market is closed on Monday, and the hours vary by day, so check the times before you go. You could easily spend a few hours hiding from the rain at this market because it’s home to more incredible food than you could possibly eat. Plus, it has a really fun and friendly atmosphere.
11. Sip some cocktails
On a rainy evening in Toronto, you can’t go wrong with hitting one of the city’s cocktail bars.
Our favorite was Bar Pompette, which is located in Little Italy. It serves modern renditions of classic cocktails, as well as some seriously yummy French food. Their cocktail menu is seasonal, so make sure to check out their Instagram page before you go to get an idea of what you fancy. They’re open from 5 pm till late and often host live music sessions to really set the mood!
We also loved Bar Raval, a Spanish-style bar serving tapas and fantastic cocktails, and super cozy decor that makes it an ideal spot to nurse a drink when it’s raining outside. The staff make you feel right at home and they had us laughing the whole night. It’s open from 11 am until 1 am, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from Bar Pompette, so you could always check out both of them if you can’t decide.
For something upmarket, you can head to the swanky BarChef for beautifully presented cocktails. The drinks here really are works of art, and they’re priced accordingly at up to $55 CAD for a cocktail. This place isn’t what we’d call budget-friendly, but if you’re looking to treat yourself on a night out in Toronto then you can’t go wrong. It’s located on Queen St. and is open from 5 pm until 2 am every day, and you can make a reservation online (although they save seats for walk-in guests, too).
And last, but certainly not least, Toronto is home to what The World’s 50 Best Bars dubbed the best bar in Canada! Civil Liberties doesn’t have a cocktail menu. Instead, you just chat to the staff and they devise the perfect cocktail for you.
If you love fancy cocktails and only have 24 hours in Toronto, this is the place to go. It’s pretty amazing, and ideal if you’re one of those people who never know what to order. It’s open from 6 pm until 2 am every evening, so drop by this location for one of their unique drinks and forget all about the rain outside.
12. PATH – A Walking Tour of Toronto’s Underground City
Did you know that Toronto has its own underground city?
The PATH network was originally designed as an underground pedestrian system so that Torontonians could escape the winter weather while walking around the city. Over time, it has evolved into its own underground destination with lots of shops, restaurants, and hotel entrances. You can even access some of the city’s subway stations from down here. It’s such a cool place to explore and the perfect place to do some sightseeing while staying warm and dry on a rainy day!
The best way to explore it is on this walking tour, where you’ll be in a small group of no more than eight people. Your local guide will teach you about PATH’s history and take you to see many of the network’s highlights here. You’ll pop up at places like City Hall, Ripley’s Aquarium, the Entertainment District, and Yonge Dundas Square, so you’ll get to tick off some must-see spots in the city while learning how to get around like a local.
The tour lasts for between 1.5 and 2 hours, which we think is a good length of time for a walking tour. As you explore the underground city, your guide will also teach you a lot about the history and diverse culture of Toronto.
A lot of visitors to Toronto miss the PATH network altogether, but we think it’s such a cool way to see a different side of the city (quite literally!). Plus, at $38 CAD per person, it’s a pretty affordable thing to do on a rainy day.
The tour runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays during the winter months, and leaves at 1 pm outside Union Station, ending at City Hall. It involves around 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) of walking, so remember to wear comfortable shoes! This is a popular tour and does sell out, so book your walking tour of the Underground City in advance here.
13. Walk the Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario is actually one of the largest art museums in North America, and the collection here includes more than 120,000 pieces from every continent and time period. So if you’re into art, you’ll struggle to find a more diverse collection than this!
You’ll need about 2 hours here, and maybe even 3 to 4 if you’re a true art aficionado, so it’s a great rainy-day activity. The gallery is located right downtown and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:30 am to 5/5:30 pm. However, they stay open till 9 pm on Wednesday and Friday.
Since the art gallery is so popular, it’s best to book your tickets online before you go, because then you can skip the ticket line – yay! It costs $30 CAD for people aged 26 and over, but if you’re 25 and under then you can visit for free. Just remember to bring your ID with you because the staff won’t just take your word for it. You can also explore the collection galleries for free on Wednesday evenings between 6 pm and 9 pm which is a great budget-friendly activity in Toronto!
You can reserve tickets in advance here, and pay later, which is great if your plans change and you need to cancel. This is one of the many reasons we love booking experiences through Viator!
14. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
If you’re visiting Toronto with the kids, you should definitely visit Ripley’s Aquarium – regardless of whether it rains or not! But saving your visit for a wet day is a good idea because it will keep the kids occupied with the mesmerizing exhibits, such as the shipwreck gallery, jellyfish planet, and daily dive shows.
The aquarium follows strict environmental and animal welfare standards and does a lot of important work towards the conservation of Canada’s marine life. We also love the fact that they host fun and unique events, such as painting classes and jazz on Friday nights!
The hours fly by when you’re exploring this aquarium, and it will most certainly prevent the kids from moaning when it’s raining outside. Timed tickets cost $44 CAD for adults, $29 CAD for youths, or $12.50 CAD for kids (ages 3-5). However, you can get a Flex ticket for just a few dollars more, which means you can visit without a reservation, whenever suits you. We actually recommend booking a Flex ticket and then saving it for a rainy day in Toronto.
The aquarium is located near the Harbourfront. It’s open daily from 9 am to 9 pm and sometimes stays open even later on special occasions and holidays. Regardless of when it starts pouring rain, you’ll be able to come here!
Related Read: There’s also a fantastic Ripley’s Aquarium in Vancouver that you can visit!
15. See a Raptors Game at the Scotiabank Arena
Whether you’re a basketball fan or just enjoy the thrill of watching a sports game, going to watch the Toronto Raptors play at the Scotiabank Arena is always an exciting experience – and it doesn’t matter if it’s raining outside, because you’ll be indoors watching the match!
The Scotiabank Arena is one of Toronto’s best-known landmarks, and the Raptors are part of the NBA. This is the world’s most famous basketball competition, so games here are a pretty big deal! If you really want to get into the spirit, you can also head for pre-game drinks at one of the sports bars near the stadium, like the Loose Moose, Real Sports Bar, or Kelly’s Landing.
There’s always a fantastic atmosphere at Raptors games – the crowd goes wild when the teams enter the court. Of course, the Canadian National Anthem is sung, so if you want to go the extra mile you can familiarize yourself with a few bars of “O Canada” before you go!
Budget tickets for Raptors games start at $60 CAD per person, although you can end up paying up to $250 CAD per person, depending on the game you go to see. Regular seating starts at around $131 CAD per person while sitting in the inner ring closest to the action will cost upwards of $1,100 CAD. So basically, there’s an option for every budget. Keep in mind that these games are only available during their season, which runs from October to April.
Games usually start at 7:30 pm although doors open a few hours before that – the exact time depends on the seats you purchase. We love how easy it is to book these tickets through Viator. Thanks to their lowest price guarantee, you don’t need to worry about getting ripped off with third-party ticket sites, which has been happening a lot lately. You can safely book tickets to see the Toronto Raptors right here!
16. Check out Little Canada
If you haven’t got time to visit the rest of Canada from Toronto, then no worries, because you can still see it in miniature at Little Canada! This is an incredibly detailed model of pretty much the entire country, including iconic places like Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Golden Horseshoe, and Quebec.
What we love the most, though, is the Little Me experience which allows you to print a tiny 3D model of yourself – how cool is that? Actually, what’s even cooler is that if you choose a ¾ inch (2 cm) model, you can then have your little self placed inside the Little Canada model, which makes for awesome photos. Kids get so excited about this, so this is another great thing to do with the family when it’s raining in Toronto.
Little Canada is right in Downtown Toronto, so it’s easy to get to. It’s open weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm and on weekends from 10 am to 7:30 pm.
Tickets to Little Canada start at $45 CAD per person and the Little Me experience is an additional cost (but totally worth it, right?). The Little Me will set you back $39-$59 CAD (which can be paid onsite) and it takes 2-3 weeks to print. You can check all the details and book this unique Toronto experience here.
17. Eaton Centre
If you’re looking to cash out your rainy day fund, you won’t go far wrong at The Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. The shopping here is world-class, with a big Indigo bookstore for those who love reading as many books as possible on holiday. You’ll also find luxury clothes shops and popular stores like Sephora, Uniqlo, Zara, and The North Face (which is ideal if you’re heading to Banff to hike in the Rockies after visiting Toronto).
It’s not just about the shops themselves, though. This mall is so beautiful that it’s worth checking out even if you don’t want to buy anything. On a wet day, it’s weirdly calming to watch the rain run across the glass roof. Plus, they have wonderful seasonal displays at certain times of the year, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
The mall is in the heart of the downtown area, so you’re close to tons of the other fun rainy-day activities that we’ve mentioned in this article. It’s easy to get here via subway, bus, or tram and while store hours may vary, the mall itself is open every day 10 am – 9 pm, except Sunday when it’s open 11 am -7 pm.
18. Eat Italian food in Little Italy
As an Italian, I might be biased towards Toronto’s Little Italy. But then again, probably not, because I can tell when a Little Italy is touristy and inauthentic.
Fortunately, that’s not the case at all with Toronto, because Little Italy here is quaint and charming. We loved walking around here when the weather was dry, but on a rainy day, you can shelter inside the amazing restaurants and stuff your face instead!
If you’re here in the late morning or early afternoon, you can’t go wrong with the brunch waffles at Starving Artist. For an affordable evening meal, you can go for pizza at the family-run Il Gatto Nero – we loved the authentic vibe here!
For something more romantic and sophisticated, the Sotto Voce Paste and Wine Bar is ideal for a glass of wine and a perfectly plated meal. It’s open every day but Sunday from 5 pm till late and makes a delicious dinner option.
However, we have to give the prize for the best pasta to Trattoria Taverniti. We shared the Gnocchi and Burrata Con Prosciutto, which was absolutely incredible. If you’ve only got a couple of days in Toronto and you’re craving Italian food, this is the place to go! It’s open every night for dinner, but remember to make a reservation because the word is out about this place and it gets busy.
And if you’re looking for some post-meal drinks, two of our favorite cocktail bars in Toronto are right nearby: Bar Pompette and Bar Raval. If you’ve been paying attention, you may remember we talked about those above, but it’s worth mentioning them again because their delicious drinks really will wipe away any rainy day blues.
Where to Stay in Toronto
What’s better than a cozy bed on a rainy day!? Finding a comfy place to stay in Toronto is essential and there are a ton of options in this city. I know you want to ensure you book a place with an amazing location and even better amenities, which narrows down your choices.
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!
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!
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?! Prices range from $350-$600 CAD, which isn’t bad considering 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. Prices start at $300 CAD and 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 seasons), 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 as well as 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!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Toronto is a city suitable for all types of weather. So if you’ve booked your ticket and the forecast calls for rain, no worries! Some of my favorite activities in Toronto are well-suited to a rainy day. So hopefully, this list helps you plan that itinerary and have a truly awesome experience – rain or shine!
We hope you found this blog useful as you plan your Toronto travels. We have a ton of resources and love to share our travel stories, so be sure to check out our other blogs about Canada! Here are some of my favorites below: