This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.
Looking for the best Toronto has to offer? Whether you’re passing through for the day or staying for several, there’s something on this list for everyone!
Toronto has hundreds of places to go and things to do and see. Knowing which is worth your time is a pretty tough decision!
We have visited the city more times than we can count and have done a lot, and I mean a lot, of what it has to offer. From the obvious and awesome main tourist attractions to little-known local highlights.
We narrowed down our favorite experiences as well as included some essential insider tips so you can make the most of your time in this amazing city. Seriously, there’s stuff here you won’t find anywhere else!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this tour from Toronto to Niagara Falls. It would be a shame to go all the way to Toronto and miss one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world – and this tour makes the experience that much better! Check out all the positive reviews and reserve his tour here!
Tip: Book this tour in advance and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- Things to do in Toronto, Canada
- Where to Stay in Toronto
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Toronto, Canada
1. Hockey Hall of Fame
For the hockey fan out there (or even if you aren’t), a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must while you’re in town!
As you can probably guess, it’s full of all kinds of hockey memorabilia from across the world, which was super fun to look around. 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 comes out on top!
One of my favorite moments here had to be seeing the original Stanley Cup, which was donated by Lord Stanley of Preston over 130 years ago. While you might not be able to take the original trophy back home with you, you can definitely snap a pic with the current one, like Dan did! You can either take a photo for free, or have it done professionally for $10 CAD, which I think is a great idea for a family photo.
Open from 10 am to 5 pm daily except for Christmas and New Year’s Day, this is also one of the cheapest things to do in in the city at just $25 CAD per person. Discount tickets are available for youths (ages 4-13) at $15 CAD per person, and tickets for seniors over the age of 65 cost $20 CAD per person.
Skip the queues by buying your tickets online in advance here.
2. See Niagara Falls
You can’t spend a few days in Toronto without paying a visit to arguably the most famous waterfall in the world!
We’ve written all about our favorite Niagara Falls tours from Toronto in this blog, but the tour we most recently did and loved was this one! You can read all about it below…
Niagara Falls Platinum Tour from Toronto
The last time we were here, we went on this premium tour of Niagara Falls, which included some exciting extras on top of a guided visit to the falls! We liked that the three-course lunch was included in the price of the tour, and the restaurant actually overlooked the falls – talk about dining with a view.
Another thing we loved about this tour is that it includes a visit to one of the best wineries in Ontario for a tasting, and a stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake, a picturesque old town full of charming boutiques, historic buildings, and beautiful flower displays. We wrote a full review on this Niagara Falls tour it was so good!
This is a really great way to experience some of the best that the Canadian side of Niagara Falls has to offer! Not only did we see a ton on this experience, but when you factor in all the extras, we couldn’t have done it much cheaper ourselves.
You can book the same Niagara Falls tour we did here!
3. Take a tour of the city
Taking a tour of Toronto is a great way to get your bearings and cover a lot of the highlights in one day. We think that this city highlights tour is a great way to spend your first morning and get to know the city a little better before exploring independently.
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.
The food market is also closed on Sundays and Mondays, so on those days you’ll get to explore the Distillery District, which is also super cool.
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 9 people, so it feels nice and personal, and it can even be a great way to make some friends if you’re traveling solo. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included in the price, so you won’t need to stress about finding a pickup point, either.
The tour costs $189 CAD for adults and includes all of your transportation and skip-the-line admission to the attractions you visit.
You can book this awesome city tour online here!
4. Drink local craft beer
Whether you’re a craft beer lover like we are, or you’re just curious about this buzzing side of Toronto, nothing quite beats the ease and fun atmosphere of a guided craft beer experience! Our favorite by far was this small group walking tour, which includes visits to three classic pubs, and, of course, plenty of samplings!
With a maximum group size of 12, I loved that this was a close-knit experience – unlike so many other tours we didn’t feel like we were being herded around like sheep. Tickets cost $99 CAD per person, and there’s also the option to upgrade to a private tour for $143 CAD per person, which I think would be perfect for larger groups.
You can check out the reviews and book here!
5. Go on a food tour
We love getting to know a city through its food, and Toronto is home to some truly amazing eateries – it’s one of the things we love most about the city. It’s the most diverse city in Canada, so a food tour in Toronto is a great way to sample all of the different cuisines that coexist here.
This walking food tour that we did is easily a highlight for us. It gave us a great insight into the diverse culinary scene of Toronto, and we got to try some local classics, including butter tart, sushi, pierogies, and a peameal bacon sandwich. There’s also a secret dish at the end and, best of all, a maple syrup tasting!
We liked this particular tour because it took us off the beaten path to lots of local hidden gems, including the St. Lawrence Market, and we got to learn all about the iconic culinary traditions that exist in Toronto.
The tour lasts for about 3.5 hours and costs $99 CAD per person, or you can upgrade to a private experience for $185 CAD per person (based on 4 adults booking).
Satisfy your cravings by booking this food tour online here!
6. Wander the Distillery District
Toronto’s Distillery District was once responsible for the production of over 2 million gallons of whiskey per year, but it became pretty run-down in the late 20th century. However, the 47 well-preserved Victorian buildings that made up the original distillery complex were identified as ripe for redevelopment, and since the 1990s, this district has blossomed into a pretty awesome part of the city.
During the festive season, the Distillery District also hosts The Distillery Winter Village which is basically like the ultimate Christmas market. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re here around that time. You won’t find any chain businesses around here – all of the buildings are exclusively reserved for independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and art studios!
The Spirit of York Distillery is the only actual distillery that still distills spirits here, so pop on by if you’re a fan of vodka or gin like us – they have a ton of fruity flavors that make the trip oh-so-worth it. For $17 CAD per person, you can also go on a self-guided tour of the distillery, with your ticket including a flight of 3 delicious spirits in their luxury tasting room. I’d recommend booking this in advance!
You could also grab a craft beer at the Mill Street Brewpub (where you’ll often find Daniel!), treat yourself to a decadent ice cream at Scooped (where you’ll find me!), or grab a pastry and coffee at the charming Brick Street Bakery. In fact, to be honest, there are just so many cool spots here that it’s hard to know where to start.
Keen to learn more about the Distillery District, we decided to try out this walking tour, which turned out to be even better than we hoped! Our guide taught us all about the story of how the Distillery District came to be, and we think it’s a great way for someone new to this part of the city to get their bearings.
The tour costs just $24 CAD per person and lasts for around an hour. It ends in the Distillery District, so afterward you’re free to go and explore the area more by yourself.
You can read the glowing reviews for this walking tour here!
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.
7. Visit the Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 different islands that are interconnected by bridges and walkways, so you can walk from one to the next. There’s also lots to do here, such as checking out the beaches, paddleboarding, cycling around, and visiting the amusement park. It’s basically a network of islands that serves as a big outdoor playground.
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.
For families with kids, I highly recommend dropping by Far Enough Farm, a super cool petting zoo that has over 40 species of animals! Or if kicking back and relaxing is more your thing, Ward’s Island Beach is a sheltered beach that’s ideal for this.
Since the Toronto Islands are pretty small, cycling around them on one of the bike tours from Toronto is a great way to explore the area in just a few hours.
You can seize the day and take this morning bike tour of the islands (this is the tour that we did), during which you’ll visit Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, as well as explore more residential areas and soak in the panoramic views of Toronto’s famous skyline. A local guide will also share lots of insider info about the islands, which makes things even more interesting!
Costing just $113 CAD for an adult ticket, it’s a nice, family-friendly day out and a great way to travel all over the Toronto Islands in just 3.5 hours, so that you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring at your own pace.
You can book this morning bike tour here!
8. Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise
Say “ahoy!” and step aboard a 1930s tall ship for this 2-hour cruise from the Toronto Harbour on Lake Ontario! This is a super immersive experience, and you’ll sing sea shanties as the crew fire the massive canon on board.
You also get a yummy meal on board as you enjoy the food, and poutine is on the menu, which is a must-try when you’re in Canada!
The cruise is only available on weekends and departs every 2 hours from 11:30 am until 7:30 pm, so you can even go at sunset if you like – our personal recommendation! It costs $43 CAD for adults, and we think it’s such a fun way to celebrate a special occasion or a great choice for a family outing on the water.
Click here to book your spot on this authentic pirate cruise!
9. See Toronto from the sky
The only way to get a better bird’s-eye view than you do from the CN Tower is by going on a scenic flight.
A scenic flight is one of our favorite ways to see new cities, and flying over Toronto’s skyline is a really special experience. Obviously, this is quite an expensive thing to do, so it’s not in the budget for everyone, but we do think that this scenic flight is pretty good value for money at $119 CAD per person (plus a $30 CAD fuel charge per person).
It’s a 24-minute flight that will take you over iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and the Rogers Center, as well as over Toronto Island and Lake Ontario, so you’ll get some beautiful views of the city’s urban and natural landscapes.
There’s a maximum of 8 people per plane, so you won’t be fighting for a good seat, and you can also chill in the VIP lounge before your departure.
You can book this budget-friendly flight online here!
Or, if you want to go really classy and take a helicopter ride, we highly recommend this iconic helicopter experience! Exploring the Toronto Islands over to downtown Toronto, High Park, and the Lake Ontario waterfront, we also got a free digital photo to remember the experience! There’s a maximum of 3 people per helicopter, so we will feel like a true VIP from start to finish.
This helicopter flight costs $269 CAD per person plus a $14 CAD fee per vehicle if you take the ferry across the inner harbor to the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, but you can also ride for free as a pedestrian.
Reserve your helicopter ride online here with free 24-hour cancellation!
10. Art Gallery of Ontario
If you’re interested in art, then you’ve got to go and check out the Art Gallery of Ontario. It’s actually one of the largest art museums in North America! It was originally established in 1900 and now houses over 120,000 works from all over the world, dating all the way back to the first century.
It’s inside a really futuristic building, so even if you don’t end up going inside, it’s definitely worth snapping a photo of the outside.
The art gallery is super popular and there are often long lines, so we recommend booking your tickets in advance here to avoid waiting around. Tickets cost $30 CAD for adults aged 26 and over, while those aged 25 and under can visit for free (although you will need to bring a valid form of ID to claim this).
The museum is open from 10:30 am – 5:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. On Friday and Wednesday, it stays open until 9 pm, and it’s closed on Mondays, so bear this in mind when planning your visit.
Skip the queues by booking your admission here in advance!
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.
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?! 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. 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. Rooms also feature a kitchenette, which comes in very handy when traveling on a budget!
Starting from only $170 CAD per night (in the low seasons), this centrally located hotel is tastefully decorated and features plenty of amenities. 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!
Wow, what a list! As you know, Toronto is a huge city and there is just so much to see and do there! I hope this blog has helped you to decide what exactly interests you most and keeps you busy during your visit to Toronto.
Be sure to also check out our other blogs about Canada, including a few of our favorite posts below:
22 Absolute BEST Places to Visit in British Columbia