11 top things to do in Toronto

Toronto stands as a testament to Canada‘s cosmopolitan spirit, where gleaming skyscrapers form a dramatic backdrop to historic neighbourhoods and inviting green spaces. Downtown Toronto pulses with energy, while quiet corners offer unexpected moments of tranquillity. Whether you’re drawn to world-class cultural institutions, outdoor adventures or vibrant street life, Canada’s largest city delivers year-round excitement.

For first-time visitors, the diversity of places to visit in Toronto can seem overwhelming. Start with a Downtown Toronto walking tour to orient yourself, then branch out to explore specific neighbourhoods. The city’s approachable public transit system makes it easy to venture beyond the core to areas such as Roncesvalles, the Junction or Leslieville. The city’s famous multiculturalism isn’t just a demographic fact either – it’s woven into the very fabric of daily life, creating a metropolis that feels both uniquely Canadian and genuinely global.

Embrace it all with 11 of the top things to do in Toronto.

Of all Toronto’s landmarks, none is more recognisable than the CN Tower. The 553m structure offers breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. Adventure seekers can also experience the EdgeWalk, circling the tower’s exterior while safely harnessed 356m above the ground.

Natalie’s insider tip: Book a weekday sunset time slot to avoid the crowds. The transition from day to night transforms the cityscape, offering two unique photo opportunities for the price of one admission.

The ROM is one of downtown Toronto’s cultural jewels, with its crystal-like architecture housing millions of captivating artefacts. Dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages flock to the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs, while the Galleries of Africa and Ancient Cultures offer fascinating glimpses into anthropological history.

Queen Street Toronto epitomises the city’s creative spirit. This buzzing thoroughfare stretches from historic to hip, lined with independent boutiques, galleries and music venues. The stretch between Spadina Avenue and Trinity Bellwoods Park showcases some of the city’s most innovative retailers and colourful street art.

For the best vintage shopping, explore the side streets north of Queen between Bathurst and Ossington. Local fashionistas know these quieter blocks often hide the real treasures.

Each September, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) transforms the city into a celebrity-studded celebration of cinema that attracts film lovers from all over the globe. Beyond TIFF, the city hosts the side-splitting Just For Laughs Toronto, bringing world-class comedy to downtown venues, while countless cultural festivals like Caribbean Carnival and VELD music festival celebrate the city’s diversity year-round.

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This Victorian-era industrial complex has been reimagined as a pedestrian-only cultural hub with happening restaurants, galleries, theatres and boutique shops. During winter, the Toronto Christmas Market (now called the Distillery Winter Village) turns the cobblestone streets into a magical European-style festival complete with spicy mulled wine and twinkling lights.

Natalie’s insider tip: Visit on weekday mornings to photograph the historic architecture without crowds. The early light catching the red-brick buildings creates brilliant photo opportunities.

Toronto is full of hiking opportunities within city limits. High Park offers 400 acres of trails, gardens and wildlife-spotting opportunities. There’s also the Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto’s east, which provides hiking trails and the chance to spot deer, foxes and various bird species in their natural habitat.

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The Queen Elizabeth Theatre Toronto hosts everything from rock concerts to comedy shows in an intimate setting. Nearby, the Entertainment District bustles with world-class venues like the nationally renowned Royal Alexandra Theatre and the TIFF Bell Lightbox, making this neighbourhood an performing arts cornerstone.

Natalie’s insider tip: Check the theatre’s social media for last-minute ticket releases. Some of the best seats are held for VIPs and released just hours before showtime if unclaimed.

This historic market complex represents Toronto’s unique culinary heart. The South Market building houses food vendors, while the North Market hosts farmers’ markets and antique dealers on weekends. The surrounding neighbourhood features some of the city’s best preserved 19th-century architecture, often used for Hollywood period dramas.

The Toronto Islands serve as an unexpected urban oasis. Accessible by ferry, these car-free islands promise sparkling sandy beaches, prime picnic spots and top city views. Rent bikes to explore all three of the main interconnected islands (Ward’s Island, Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point) or kayak the lagoons for a unique perspective of the skyline.

The vision of renowned financier Henry Pellatt, this Gothic Revival castle was inspired by the proprietor’s trips to Europe and was finished in 1914. It features secret passages, elegant rooms and blooming gardens. The estate’s tower also provides a unique vantage point for cityscape photography, particularly magical during sunset. 

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The PATH network connects 30km of shopping and entertainment beneath downtown Toronto’s streets. This underground city proves especially valuable during winter months, offering climate-controlled access to major attractions and transit hubs.

Each season brings unique opportunities to experience Toronto. Spring welcomes beautiful cherry blossoms to High Park, summer fills streets with festivals and outdoor dining, fall paints the city in spectacular colours, and winter transforms spaces like Nathan Phillips Square into lively skating rinks beneath twinkling lights. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or urban exploration, Toronto’s constantly evolving landscape ensures every visit offers something new to discover, whatever time of year.

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