Toronto, the capital of the province of Ontario, is one of Canada’s most important cities. Located along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto provides its visitors with a multicultural, lively atmosphere. Don’t miss out on all the things to do in Toronto Canada and discover the vibrancy in each of its points of interest.
From a stroll through Chinatown, to climbing the tallest tower in America, to a trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto is a small universe in itself and a destination of great cultural value.
What are the best places to visit in Toronto?
1. Downtown
This is the city’s Old Town, the heart and soul of Toronto Canada. It is the city’s commercial and economic hub and also its most vibrant area. Downtown is huge and offers a multitude of options for travellers. Here you can enjoy Canada’s restaurants, bars, shops and historic sites.
As well as being a hot spot for travellers, it’s an area full of culture. There are plenty of sights and attractions within walking distance, so it’s also an ideal place to stay if you’re visiting the city for the first time.
2. CN Tower
The CN Tower is Toronto’s most iconic landmark, dominating the city’s skyline. It is one of the city’s most important landmarks and climbing it is definitely a must-do in Toronto, Canada. The tower had long held the title of the tallest tower in the world and is still one of the tallest buildings in America.
At the CN Tower you can choose between two different levels to look out over the city. The central observation deck is a large glass ring with panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario. The upper observation deck has an extra charge and offers the highest view of the tower. The CN Tower is without a doubt a must-see on your travel route through Toronto Canada.
To organize your trip we recommend using the Passporter where you can get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that most interest you to add to your route map.
3. St Lawrence Market, a must-do in Toronto, Canada
This is one of the most traditional buildings remaining in downtown Toronto. It is a large brick building that functions as a traditional market where all kinds of products are sold. In the surrounding area there are picturesque buildings such as the one on the corner of Front Street and Church Street, another of Toronto’s most significant sights.
St Lawrence Market is also home to a small antiques market that takes place on Sunday mornings. This market is a very good place to eat in the historic centre of the city, tasting its unique gastronomy, and getting to know its great variety of cheeses.
4. Kensington Market y Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Toronto. Its central point is the intersection of Spadina Street and College Street. It is a gastronomic and commercial landmark in the city. Just behind Chinatown, a few hundred metres down College Street, is Kensington Market, which is the hippie and alternative area of the city.
Kensington Market provides a great contrast in pace and atmosphere compared to the surrounding areas. It’s a quiet, bohemian, artsy neighbourhood. Packed with cafés with homemade cakes, small restaurants and second-hand clothes shops, it’s a great place to wander around and discover new things.
5. Distillery District
Today, this is Toronto’s most popular neighbourhood and an area that reflects the more industrial side of the city. At the end of the 19th century the Distillery District was home to all the city’s old distilleries and liquor stores which fell into disuse during the 20th century. These distilleries left in their wake large brick buildings that today give Toronto a special character.
The structures of the old distillery buildings and cobblestone streets of the former industrial area are now home to designer shops and some of Toronto’s trendiest restaurants. It is one of the city’s most striking areas and a charming place to stroll around or have a coffee in its quaint cafés.
6. Toronto Islands
This is a small group of islands located in Lake Ontario, connected by several bridges. A short distance from Downtown, this part of the city is great for long walks along its paths, and even swimming at one of its beaches.
These islands also have some of the best urban views in Toronto. To get to these islands you can take three different ferries which leave regularly from the pier at the end of Yonge Street. The shore of Lake Ontario is closest to Downtown and also has several lovely places to stroll. The further away you get from the centre you can enjoy beaches such as Woodbine.
7. Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a mansion located a few kilometres north of downtown Toronto. It is a building that dates back to the early 19th century and has a striking façade. Its neo-Gothic style is incongruous amongst Toronto’s nontraditional architecture, which has made it one of the most popular places in the city.
Today it is a museum and tourist attraction, with its interior being decorated with furniture from its golden years in the first half of the 20th century, and a lovely garden to walk around.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to do in and around Toronto, Canada?
1. Niagara Falls
A trip to Niagara Falls is a must if you are travelling to Toronto, Canada. Niagara Falls is one of those bucket-list locations, known worldwide for its beauty and breathtaking silhouette. Located in a meander of the Niagara River, this dreamlike landscape marks the border between Canada and the United States. That’s why you can see the falls from either the American or Canadian side.
Niagara Falls has two main waterfalls, separated by a small island. Firstly, we find the Horseshoe Falls, the larger of the two with a width of 670 metres and a height of 53 metres, and secondly the American Falls. The Falls are a huge tourist attraction in Toronto and Canada in general, and is well worth a visit.
2. Algonquin Park
Algonquin Provincial Park is the area’s main natural landmark and one of the country’s most treasured natural parks. It is a National Historic Landmark and its current protected area covers more than 7,500 square kilometres. It is a park filled with fantastic natural scenery and more than 2,000 lakes for swimming or canoeing.
One of the most interesting things to do in the area is camping. There are several areas around the park that are fenced off and reserved for camping, and inside the park camping is allowed in these areas which can be reached on foot or by canoe.
What to do in 2 days in Toronto, Canada?
With two days in Toronto, you will be able to see the most important and iconic places in the city and get to know its authentic Canadian atmosphere. You will have just enough time to discover the best of this city and leave with a good taste of all that Toronto has to offer. Here is a possible two-day itinerary of all the things to do in Toronto, Canada.
Day 1:
- Downtown
- CN Tower
- St Lawrence Market
- Kensington Market y Chinatown
- Distillery District
- Casa Loma
Day 2:
- Toronto Islands
- Niagara Falls
What to do in 3 days in Toronto, Canada?
Canada is known for its lush landscapes and vast vegetation. That’s why, on your third day in Toronto, you can’t miss Algonquin Park. Here you can camp and hike or canoe in some incredible landscapes, discovering the wildest and most authentic part of Canada.
Tips for your trip to Toronto
- Don’t forget to bring warm clothes and shoes. Toronto’s climate has a reputation for being very cold. Despite a harsh and cold winter, springtime weather can be very pleasant and summer has plenty of hot and humid days due to the proximity to the lake.
- Although French is the official language of Québec and English is the second language, Spanish is also spoken in the main tourist areas.
- Most streets have bike lanes. Toronto also has a public electric bike rental service, which is a great way to get around the city’s most important spots. Check out Bike Share Toronto for more information.
- Organise your itinerary with the Passporter App and don’t miss any of the city’s important spots.
- Don’t forget to bring a SIM card to stay connected to the Internet.
Frequently Asked Questions about your trip to Toronto, Canada
Toronto has 2 international airports, where you can get the train, bus or taxi to the city.
Getting around Toronto by public transport is quick and easy. In Toronto you will find streetcar, underground and bus services. Moreover, these three services are coordinated so you can use the same ticket to get to your stop, taking different services to get to your destination.
If you’re looking to try Canadian delicacies and delve even deeper into its culture through its gastronomy, don’t miss out on this selection of restaurants. Here’s a list of 5 of the best restaurants you have to try in the city of Toronto, so don’t miss out and make a note of your favourites!
– Lady Marmalade
– Rasa
– Antler Kitchen and Bar
– The Tilted Dog Pub & Kitchen
– Oyster Boy
– Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre, an IHG Hotel
– One King West Hotel and Residence
– Hilton Toronto
– DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown
– Kimpton Saint George Hotel, an IHG Hotel
– Residence Inn by Marriott Toronto Downtown / Entertainment District
Toronto bus station has Greyhound and Megabus buses that have frequent departures to the bus station in the town of Niagara Falls. The town is located about four kilometres from the falls, and you can walk there or take one of the local public buses.
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