Things to Do in Toronto
50 curated spots from Toronto itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Art Gallery of Ontario
Spend a few hours with major Canadian and international art collections in a comfortable indoor setting.
2h 30m · $30-$35
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Contemporary Canadian art exhibits; photography allowed in most galleries, focus on spiraling staircases.
2h · $20Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) Exterior & Free/Reduced Areas
Walk up from the waterfront via the downtown core to admire the Frank Gehry–designed facade and neighborhood architecture; time your visit for a free or discounted entry period if available, or enjoy the public areas and exterior for photos.[2][6]
1h 30m · $0-20 (often discounted/free at certain times)
Bloor West Village Stroll
Walk the main street just north of the park with bakeries, cafés, and small local shops.
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Bluffer’s Park Beach
Relax on the sandy beach at the base of the Bluffs, with calm water and cliff views.
2h · Free
Centre Island Beach & Boardwalk
Relax on the sandy beach, swim in Lake Ontario in season, and walk the boardwalk toward Ward’s Island.
2h · Free
CN Tower
Ride up to the observation deck for sweeping city and lake views; consider the EdgeWalk if you want a serious adrenaline rush.[3][5]
2h · $45-80
Distillery District Evening Walk
Explore cobblestone lanes, art galleries, and historic brick buildings turned into shops and studios.[3]
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Distillery District Exploration
Cobblestone streets, galleries, street art; photography highlight at golden hour with warehouse reflections; no restrictions.
2h · Free
Ferry to Toronto Islands
Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre or Ward’s Island for car-free paths and great skyline views.[3][5]
1h · $10-15
Graffiti Alley
Three-block stretch of ever-changing street art a short walk from Kensington and Queen Street.[3]
45m · Free
Harbourfront & Waterfront Trail Walk
Start near Harbourfront Centre and walk the lakeside promenade, watching boats on Lake Ontario and catching skyline reflections; detour to small parks and piers for photos and nature by the water.[2][6]
1h 30m · Free
Harbourfront Centre & Waterfront Walk
Stroll the boardwalk along Lake Ontario, watch boats, and enjoy public art and views of the islands.[3]
1h 30m · Free
Harbourfront Live Music Nightlife
Catch jazz or folk at Harbourfront Centre stages; dusk lights for photos.
2h · $10-20
Harbourfront Photography Walk
Stroll boardwalk to CN Tower views; golden hour (sunset ~8PM summer) for skyline shots from pier edges; indoor alt: nearby aquarium exhibits.
2h · Free
High Park Hiking Trails
Explore forest paths, ponds, and ravines; you might spot birds, squirrels, and other urban wildlife along the way.[3]
2h · Free
High Park Zoo & Grenadier Pond
Walk by the small free zoo and circle Grenadier Pond, a peaceful spot popular with birdlife.
1h 30m · Free
Horseshoe Tavern
Finish with live music at a classic Toronto venue known for dependable programming.
2h · $15-$35 cover or minimum spend
Kensington Market
Eclectic shops, murals, vintage stores; photography highlight: colorful street art alleys, less-crowded mid-afternoon.
2h · Free
Kensington Market & Chinatown Street Market Wander
From the AGO, stroll west into Kensington Market’s colorful streets, murals, and vintage shops, then continue to Spadina Avenue in Chinatown for produce stalls, cheap snacks, and classic shopfronts.[2][8]
2h 30m · Free (plus any snacks or small purchases)
Kensington Market Neighborhood Walk
Wander colorful streets filled with vintage shops, murals, and global food spots; great for casual photos.[3]
1h 30m · Free (food extra)
Queen Street West Shopping
Browse independent shops, streetwear, design stores, and small galleries along the corridor.
2h · Free to browse
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Walk through underwater tunnels and see sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish next to the CN Tower.[3][5]
1h 30m · $49
Scarborough Bluffs Hike (Bluffer’s Park)
Walk the lakeside trail below the white cliffs and climb gentle paths to viewpoints; reach by car or TTC plus a short walk.
2h 30m · Free
Second City Toronto
Catch a comedy or late performance as a lively, easygoing nightlife option.
2h · $25-$45
Spirit of York Distillery Co. Tasting
Sample locally produced gin or vodka in a stylish tasting room after dinner.
1h · $20-35
Steam Whistle Brewery
Join a tasting session or relaxed beer stop in a historic roundhouse setting.
1h 30m · $10-$20
The Distillery District
Walk the cobblestone lanes, browse boutiques, and enjoy the preserved industrial architecture.
2h · Free
The Poetry Jazz Cafe
Catch live music in an intimate room with an easygoing date-night atmosphere.
2h · $10-$25 cover or minimum spend
The Porch Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bar with CN Tower views; go for a drink around sunset or after dinner.
1h 30m · $15-30Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
St. Lawrence Market
Go for a peameal bacon sandwich or bakery breakfast and explore the market stalls.
1h · $10-$20 per person
El Catrin Destileria
Vibrant Mexican restaurant with a huge tequila list and shareable plates; book ahead on busy nights.
1h 30m · $30-50 per person
Amsterdam BrewHouse on the Lake
Lakeside brewery restaurant with patio; share a pizza or fish tacos and sample local beer flights.
1h 15m · $25-45 per person
Balzac's Coffee Distillery
Artisan coffee and pastries in historic building.
45m · $10-12 per person
Banh Mi Boys
Grab a quick, affordable late breakfast or early lunch bowl/sandwich before shopping.
45m · $10-$18 per person
Barque Smokehouse
Popular smokehouse a short walk from High Park; share brisket, ribs, or a platter.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Drom Taberna
Tapas with local wines near music spots.
1h 15m · $15-22 per person
FIKA Café
Cozy Scandinavian-inspired café; grab coffee, pastries, or a light toast before exploring the area.
45m · $10-18 per person
Hapa Rice Bar
Filipino rice bowls with tropical flavors.
1h · $12-18 per person
Kensington Market Peddler
Falafel wraps or empanadas from street vendors.
45m · $10-15 per person
La Palette
Sit down for a French-leaning lunch and a relaxed midday break.
1h 15m · $18-$28 per person
Miku Toronto
Choose a lighter lunch or shareable plates before an afternoon on the water.
1h · $18-$30 per person
Nadège Patisserie
Pick up pastries, sandwiches, or a light lunch to keep the afternoon easy.
1h · $12-$22 per person
Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
Bustling Thai restaurant; order the pad gra pao, khao soi, or chef’s specials and consider booking ahead.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Pogue Mahone Pub
Irish breakfast with tropical terrace.
1h · $12-18 per person
Rol San Restaurant
Classic, bustling dim sum and Cantonese spot; share a few steamed dumplings, rice rolls, and a noodle dish for a filling under-$15-per-person meal if you split plates.
1h · $10-15 per person
Seven Lives Tacos
Authentic al pastor tacos in casual spot.
1h · $12-18 per person
St Lawrence Market Stalls
Fresh peameal bacon sandwiches from Carousel Bakery or market pastries.
1h · $10-15 per person
Sunny Morning Breakfast & Lunch
Casual spot for hearty breakfasts; try the peameal bacon and eggs or a classic omelette.
1h · $18-30 per person
The Black Hoof
Charcuterie and small plates.
1h · $14-20 per person