Best Things to Do in Toronto

Toronto is the kind of city that greets you with a smile and sends you home with a host of memorable experiences.

Set on the shores of Lake Ontario, this clean and vibrant city blends an impressive glass-and-steel skyline with the warmth of multicultural neighbourhoods.

Toronto is often dubbed one of the world’s most liveable cities, and for good reason. Superb museums, leafy parks and lakeside paths, and easy public transport make sightseeing straightforward, even on your first visit.

Whether you’d like to experience sky-high views, wander the quiet waterfront parks or experience the buzz of an ice hockey game, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful and diverse city.

Best Things To Do, See and Experience in Toronto

Whether you’re joining a Travelsphere escorted tour or exploring with a free afternoon or evening, there is plenty to see and do in Toronto. Here are some experiences to put at the top of your list.

The CN Tower

You can’t miss Toronto’s most famous landmark – the CN Tower. Standing 553 metres tall, it’s Canada’s tallest freestanding structure.

Ride the high-speed lift to the main observation level and enjoy sweeping views. On a clear day, Lake Ontario gleams like a sheet of blue steel, and the city’s streets stretch out in a neat grid below. Step onto the Glass Floor for a fluttery thrill as you look straight down. For the ultimate panorama, head up to the SkyPod, one of the highest observation platforms in the Western Hemisphere, where the horizon stretches for miles.

The Royal Ontario Museum

Recognisable for its bold, angular ‘crystal’ façade, the Royal Ontario Museum is Toronto’s flagship museum of art, culture and natural history. Inside, you’ll find galleries housing a wide range of exhibits, featuring everything from dinosaurs and Ancient Egypt to Indigenous art and mineral collections.

The nearby Gardiner Museum specialises in ceramic art. From here, you could stroll into Yorkville for coffee or lunch, where tree-lined streets, art galleries, and cafés in restored townhouses give the area a village-like feel. Along Bloor Street, the Mink Mile brings big-name boutiques, while side streets host independent shops.

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The Distillery District

Once home to Gooderham & Worts – one of the largest distilleries of the Victorian era – the Distillery District is now a pedestrian-only quarter of red-brick warehouses, cobbled lanes, designer boutiques and bold public art. Independent cafés serve excellent coffee, while microbreweries and cocktail bars ensure you won’t go thirsty.

There’s plenty to see and do all year round here. Events range from yoga to line dancing and brewery tours. You can even join a haunted walk along the streets by lantern light.

Kensington Market

Kensington Market is full of creative energy, with vintage shops sitting alongside bakeries and grocers. Adding a modern twist, colourful murals brighten the streets, and walking through the market, you’ll smell spices, fresh coffee, and food from around the world. Easy eats range from tacos to patties and poutine (a dish of hot fries, fresh cheese curds, and gravy, which originated in Quebec).

From late spring to early autumn, Sundays often become car-free “Pedestrian Sundays,” turning the streets into a lively stage for music and street performers. Visit mid-morning for a gentler pace, or late afternoon when the neighbourhood hums.

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market has been the city’s favourite food hall since the early 1800s, and many stalls are still family-run after generations.

Wander the aisles to sample local cheeses, maple treats, and plenty more. Your Local Guide can give you tips on foodie highlights like sweet maple butter. Head downstairs for bakeries and delis serving fresh snacks.

For a true taste of Toronto, try a classic peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery in the North Market. It’s unsmoked back bacon rolled in cornmeal, served in a soft bun – a classic here since the 1960s.

Casa Loma

Built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most visited historic attractions. This gothic-style castle in midtown Toronto offers a fascinating contrast to the city’s modern skyline.

Wander through the 98 rooms, discover secret passages, and relax in the stunning gardens. Exhibitions and seasonal events run throughout the year.

Cafe Culture

If you’d like to relax with a good coffee or brunch, neighbourhoods like Leslieville and Queen West have lots of options and a creative, laid-back cafe scene.

Enjoy pancakes with maple syrup, smoked salmon on rye or shakshuka alongside a strong coffee. It is the perfect way to fuel yourself during a day of sightseeing. Ask your Tour Director for local bakery tips, as there are many excellent patisseries in Toronto – or simply visit as many as possible!

Want to explore more? Read our guide to the best places to visit in Eastern Canada.

Niagara Falls

If you’re visiting Toronto, Niagara Falls is an easy day trip – about 90 minutes to two hours by coach each way. The sight is unforgettable: three mighty waterfalls straddling the Canada–US border, thundering into a misty gorge.

In season, you can take a boat ride for a close-up of the falls, then stroll the promenade for different viewpoints. If time allows, carry on to the pretty town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for lunch.

Our New England, Canada & New York in the Fall tour is perfect for exploring this historic region at it’s most iconic time of year. It includes time at Niagara Falls, and transport and timing are organised for you.

Learn About Ice Hockey

Toronto is a major ice hockey hub and home to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame to discover more about Canada’s national winter sport. You can view the impressive exhibits and the famous Stanley Cup.

If your travel dates align, try to catch a Leafs game. The atmosphere downtown is electric and welcoming, even for newcomers. If tickets are hard to get, look for weekday games or consider the Toronto Marlies for a more affordable option.

When to Visit Toronto

Toronto changes with the seasons, so consider your preferences before booking your dream trip. Late spring and early autumn are ideal for mild weather and lighter crowds. May and June have long evenings, while September and October bring colourful autumn leaves.

Average temperatures range from a high of about 27°C in July to around −1°C in January.

July and August can be humid, so consider exploring early or late in the afternoon, and save museum trips for midday.

Winter can be very cold, but Toronto is always busy. Museums are calm, festive lights sparkle from late November, and outdoor rinks give the city a classic Canadian feel.

Swot up on your general knowledge with our fun facts about Canada guide.

Make It Easy With Travelsphere

Travel with well-located hotels, included flights and transfers, and support from expert Holiday Directors and Local Guides. Our expertise means you’ll enjoy the very best of every destination, with free time to relax and explore.

Ready to plan? Discover our Grand Tour of Canada with Rocky Mountaineer, featuring time in Toronto plus included flights, transfers and hand-picked hotels.

Find out more about our many carefully curated guided tours in Canada.