Toronto, the largest city in Canada, is brimming with electrifying things to do and see. From standing atop the iconic CN Tower to exploring the bustling markets or relaxing in the serene parks, Toronto offers a medley of experiences that cater to all tastes and interests.
Whether you’re planning a vacation or dreaming of a Canadian adventure, this list of the best things to do in Toronto is bound to inspire you. We’re going beyond the traditional tourist sites and delving into some of the more unique, off-the-beaten-track attractions.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive into the 50 best things to do in Toronto and discover a city teeming with culture, history, and excitement!
Toronto Skyline with CN Tower
Best Things to Do in Toronto
What is Toronto Famous For
Toronto Checklist
Top 50 Things to Do in Toronto
In no particular order, here is our list of the 50 best things to do in Toronto.
1- Stand Atop the CN Tower
Begin your Toronto exploration with a panoramic view from the CN Tower, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The breathtaking 360-degree views of the city skyline will leave you spellbound. Don’t forget to walk on the glass floor if you dare!
2- Stroll Through Kensington Market
A vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, Kensington Market, is filled with artistic murals, vintage stores, fresh produce, and an array of international cuisines. It’s a perfect spot to explore and soak in the city’s diverse culture.
3- Catch a Game at Rogers Centre
Sports enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the chance to watch a game at the Rogers Centre, home to the Toronto Blue Jays. Feel the electric energy and cheer along with the local fans.
4- Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario
Home to over 90,000 works of art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a must-visit for art lovers. From Canadian and Indigenous art to European masterpieces, there’s something for every art enthusiast here.
5- Relax at Toronto Islands
Escape the city’s hustle and bustle and head to the Toronto Islands. With beautiful beaches, picnic spots, and bike rentals, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful retreat.
6- Discover the Royal Ontario Museum
Offering a blend of natural history and world cultures, the Royal Ontario Museum showcases an extraordinary collection of artifacts and exhibitions. Whether you’re interested in dinosaurs, minerals, or ancient civilizations, this museum has it all.
7- Shop at St. Lawrence Market
Named one of the world’s best food markets, St. Lawrence Market is a haven for food lovers. Taste fresh produce, delicious sandwiches, and local specialties as you wander through the market’s bustling aisles.
8- Experience the Distillery District
The Distillery District, with its cobblestone streets and preserved Victorian-era architecture, houses unique boutiques, galleries, and cafes. It’s an excellent spot for a leisurely walk, shopping, and enjoying a meal.
9- Watch a Performance at the Princess of Wales Theatre
For theatre lovers, a night out at the Princess of Wales Theatre offers a chance to watch world-class productions in a stunning environment. Check the schedule in advance to catch a must-see show.
10- Explore Ripley’s Aquarium Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto
Dive into an underwater adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium. Home to over 20,000 aquatic creatures, this immersive experience allows you to walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and colorful fish.
11- Wander Around High Park High Park Toronto
High Park offers a blend of recreational activities, gardens, and natural areas. With hiking trails, a beautiful lakefront, playgrounds, and even a zoo, it’s a perfect place for an outdoor day.
12- Learn History at Fort York Fort York Toronto
Step back in time and discover the birthplace of modern Toronto at Fort York. Explore the historic buildings and learn about the city’s military history through engaging exhibits.
13- Indulge in Toronto’s Food Truck Scene Toronto Food Trucks
Sample the culinary delights from Toronto’s food trucks, offering a wide variety of flavors from gourmet burgers to international delicacies. These mobile eateries are an essential part of the Toronto food scene.
14- Join a Brewery Tour Toronto Brewery Tour
Craft beer enthusiasts can explore Toronto’s thriving brewery scene through guided tours. Learn the art of brewing and taste some unique local beers.
15- Visit the Bata Shoe Museum Bata Shoe Museum Toronto
Dedicated to the history of footwear, the Bata Shoe Museum showcases an extensive collection of shoes from different cultures and eras. It’s an unconventional and fascinating museum that’s worth a visit.
16- Take a Graffiti Tour Toronto Graffiti
Explore the city’s vibrant street art scene with a guided graffiti tour. The colorful murals and graffiti-laden alleys are a testament to Toronto’s rich artistic heritage.
17- Relive Literature at Toronto’s Bookstores Toronto Bookstores
From quaint independent shops to large book emporiums, Toronto’s bookstores are a paradise for literature lovers. Spend a quiet afternoon browsing through shelves filled with stories waiting to be discovered.
18- Enjoy a Lake Ontario Cruise Lake Ontario Cruise
A Lake Ontario cruise offers a unique perspective of Toronto’s skyline. Enjoy the refreshing breeze and take in the beautiful sights from the water.
19- Catch a Film at the Toronto International Film Festival TIFF Toronto
If visiting during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF A visit to the Orsay Museum is certainly one of the most cultural things to do in Paris!
20- Join a Guided Graffiti Alley Walking Tour Graffiti Alley Art
For a deeper understanding of the street art, join a guided walking tour of Graffiti Alley. The guides, often local artists themselves, provide insights into the meanings, styles, and stories behind the colorful murals.
21- Visit Casa Loma Casa Loma Toronto
Experience a touch of European elegance at Casa Loma, a Gothic Revival mansion that now serves as a museum and event space. Explore the beautifully decorated rooms, wander through the gardens, or enjoy an escape room adventure on the premises.
22- Enjoy Toronto’s Music Scene Toronto Music Venues
Toronto is home to a vibrant music scene, with venues ranging from intimate clubs to grand concert halls. Check the local listings for performances, whether you’re into jazz, indie rock, classical, or electronic music.
23- Go Kayaking on the Humber River Kayaking Humber River
Explore the natural beauty of Toronto by kayaking along the Humber River. This peaceful experience allows you to see wildlife and get a unique view of the city.
24- Spend a Night at the Opera Canadian Opera Company
For a night of sophistication, attend a performance by the Canadian Opera Company. The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is renowned for its stunning acoustics, making it a delightful venue for opera lovers.
25- Explore the Science Centre Ontario Science Centre
A great place for families and curious minds, the Ontario Science Centre offers hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and IMAX films that make science fun and engaging.
26- Catch a Raptors Game Toronto Raptors Game
Join the energetic crowd at a Toronto Raptors game. If you’re in town during basketball season, catching this NBA team in action is a thrilling experience.
27- Walk Along the Waterfront Toronto Waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront offers scenic walking and biking paths, urban beaches, public art installations, and a range of dining and shopping options. Don’t miss the views of the skyline, especially during sunset.
28- Visit the Black Creek Pioneer Village Black Creek Pioneer Village
Travel back to the 19th century at Black Creek Pioneer Village. Experience what life was like in early Toronto through historical buildings, demonstrations, and interactive activities.
29- Indulge in a Spa Day at Hammam Spa Hammam Spa Toronto
Treat yourself to a day of relaxation at the Hammam Spa, inspired by traditional Turkish baths. Indulge in a variety of spa treatments for a rejuvenating experience.
30- See the Cherry Blossoms at High Park Cherry Blossoms High Park
Visit High Park in the spring to witness the breathtaking cherry blossoms. The park’s collection of Sakura trees bloom for a short period, attracting visitors from all over the city.
31- Watch the Sunset from Polson Pier Sunset at Polson Pier
Polson Pier provides one of the best views of Toronto’s skyline. It’s a perfect spot for photographers or anyone wanting to watch a serene sunset over the city.
32- Experience Little India Little India Toronto
For a taste of South Asian culture, explore Gerrard Street East’s Little India. Enjoy the flavors, sights, and sounds through its restaurants, shops, and cultural festivals.
33- Hike the Scarborough Bluffs Scarborough Bluffs
The stunning Scarborough Bluffs stretch along the Lake Ontario shore, offering breathtaking views and hiking trails. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers seeking a getaway within the city limits.
34- Tour the University of Toronto University of Toronto
With beautiful architecture and gardens, the University of Toronto’s St. George campus is worth exploring. Take a guided tour or simply wander around at your leisure.
35- Take a Cooking Class Cooking Class Toronto
Experience Toronto’s diverse culinary scene hands-on by taking a cooking class. Learn to make anything from French pastries to authentic Thai dishes.
36- Participate in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Toronto Caribbean Carnival
If you’re visiting in late July or early August, don’t miss the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This vibrant festival celebrates Caribbean culture through parades, music, dance, and delicious food.
37- Visit Evergreen Brick Works Evergreen Brick Works
This revitalized brick factory is now a hub for sustainability and community. Explore the farmers’ markets, art exhibitions, and beautiful parkland.
38- See a Show at the Second City Second City Toronto
Enjoy a night of laughter at the Second City, known for its hilarious sketch comedy and improv shows. Many famous comedians have graced this stage early in their careers.
39- Explore the Toronto Zoo Toronto Zoo
With over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species, the Toronto Zoo offers an exciting day of exploration. See everything from pandas to polar bears in this extensive zoo.
40- Attend a Blue Jays Game If you’re a baseball fan, catch a Toronto Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre. Even if you’re not into sports, the atmosphere and stadium experience are fun for all.
41- Visit the Bata Shoe Museum A unique museum dedicated to footwear, the Bata Shoe Museum displays over a thousand shoes and related artifacts, tracing 4,500 years of history.
42- Stroll through the Distillery District This pedestrian-only area is filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and breweries housed in Victorian-era buildings. It’s a charming place to explore, especially during the Christmas Market season.
43- Take a Helicopter Tour of the City See Toronto from a whole new perspective by taking a helicopter tour. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the skyline, waterfront, and other iconic landmarks.
44- Visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada A favorite among families, Ripley’s Aquarium features stunning marine exhibits, including a walk-through shark tank. It’s a great way to learn about marine life from around the world.
45- Explore Kensington Market Kensington Market is a distinctive multicultural neighborhood known for its blend of vintage shops, art spaces, ethnic groceries, and diverse restaurants. Don’t miss it on a Sunday when the streets become pedestrian-only.
46- Attend Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) If you’re a film enthusiast, plan your visit around TIFF, one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals. Enjoy screenings, celebrity sightings, and industry panels.
47- Discover the Toronto Islands Just off the coast, the Toronto Islands offer a tranquil escape from the city. Rent a bike or a kayak, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax on one of the sandy beaches.
48- Take a Day Trip to Niagara Falls While not in Toronto itself, Niagara Falls is close enough for a day trip. Experience the majestic falls, enjoy a boat tour, or explore the nearby wineries.
49- Visit the Museum of Illusions Challenge your senses and perception at the Museum of Illusions. With over 80 exhibits, this quirky museum offers interactive, immersive, and fun experiences for all ages.
50- Shop at St. Lawrence Market Named one of the world’s best food markets, St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit for foodies. Sample local products, enjoy fresh produce, and explore the variety of artisanal goods available.
