Fun Things To Do In Toronto: The Best Things To See And Do

When people think about visiting Ontario, Toronto is often the first place that comes to mind, and there’s good reason for that. As Canada’s largest city and Ontario’s primary tourist destination for international visitors, Toronto offers an incredible mix of world-famous attractions, diverse neighbourhoods, amazing food, professional sports, and cultural experiences. If you’re visiting for a weekend or using it as a base to explore the rest of the province, there’s no shortage of fun things to see and do in Toronto.

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Being a life-long resident of Ontario, I’ve visited Toronto countless times over the years. Every trip feels different. One day I might be exploring hidden laneways covered in street art, while the next I’m enjoying waterfront views or discovering a new restaurant. The city’s energy is contagious, which makes it one of the most exciting places to visit in Ontario.

Why Toronto Is Ontario’s Top Tourist Destination

Toronto serves as the gateway to Ontario for millions of visitors each year. Thanks to its international airport, diverse attractions, and convenient location, many foreign travelers choose Toronto as their first stop when exploring Canada.

What makes Toronto stand out is its diversity. More than half of the city’s residents were born outside of Canada, creating a multicultural destination unlike any other in the country. Visitors can experience food, festivals, and cultures from around the world without ever leaving the city.

The city also offers a unique blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. When visiting Toronto, you can expect to see soaring skyscrapers and historic districts, waterfront parks and nearby islands. This is what makes Toronto appeal to every type of traveller.

Best Time To Visit Toronto

The best time to visit Toronto really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Most travellers agree that late spring through early fall (May to October) is ideal. During these months, the city comes alive with outdoor festivals, patio dining, waterfront activities, and events like street festivals and concerts. Warm weather makes it easy to explore neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, or stroll along the harbourfront without worrying about heavy coats or icy sidewalks.

Summer is especially popular with foreign visitors, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. If you prefer fewer crowds and better travel deals, late spring (May–June) or early fall (September–October) is a great time to visit. You’ll still experience pleasant temperatures, colourful scenery, but at a slightly more relaxed pace. Winter can be very cold, but it’s still a good option for museum visits, holiday markets, and indoor attractions if you don’t mind bundling up.

Driver’s Tip: Whatever season you choose to visit Toronto (or Ontario in general), it’s important to pack the right items for the time of year you’re visiting.

Popular Tourist Attractions In Toronto

In this post, I share the popular tourist attractions in Toronto, which are also my favourite things to do and see when I’m visiting the city. Even if you’re visiting Toronto for a week, it will be almost impossible to experience all of these attractions, so pick your favourites and enjoy!

Visit the CN Tower

No visit to Toronto is complete without seeing the iconic CN Tower. Standing over 550 metres (1,815.3 ft)  tall, it dominates the city’s skyline and offers breathtaking views across Toronto, Lake Ontario, and beyond. At one point in time, the CN Tower was the tallest building in the world. It’s currently the tallest building in North America.

On clear days, you can see for miles from the observation decks. If you’re looking for an extra thrill, the EdgeWalk allows adventurous visitors to walk around the outside of the tower while secured to a safety harness.

Whether you visit during the day or at sunset, the CN Tower remains one of Toronto’s most recognizable attractions.

Driver’s Tip: Schedule your visit to the top of the tower for 8:00 pm during the summer so that you can witness the breath-taking sunset. The CN Tower is Toronto’s most popular tourist attraction, so it will be busy at all times of the day

Take In The History At Casa Loma

A visit to Casa Loma feels like stepping into a European castle right in the heart of Toronto. Built between 1911 and 1914 for financier Sir Henry Pellatt, this magnificent Gothic Revival mansion is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

One of my favourite parts of visiting Casa Loma is exploring the towers and gardens. The views from the towers offer a stunning perspective of Toronto’s skyline, while the beautifully landscaped grounds provide a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. History buffs will appreciate the exhibits detailing Sir Henry Pellatt’s rise and fall, while movie lovers may recognize Casa Loma from numerous films and television shows that have been filmed here. Casa Loma is a must-see stop when visiting Toronto.

Explore the Distillery District

One of my favourite places to wander in Toronto is the historic Distillery District. The beautifully preserved Victorian industrial buildings now house boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafés.

The cobblestone streets create a completely different atmosphere from downtown Toronto’s busy core. During the holiday season, the area becomes even more magical with festive lights and seasonal markets.

It’s the perfect place to slow down, grab a coffee (or alcoholic beverage 🙂 ), and enjoy some of the city’s rich history.

Discover Toronto’s Waterfront

Toronto’s waterfront has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. Today, visitors can enjoy scenic walking paths, parks, restaurants, and stunning views of Lake Ontario.

I always recommend taking a stroll along the harbourfront and watching the boats come and go. During the summer months, the area comes alive with outdoor events, festivals, and waterfront patios.

The views of the skyline from the waterfront are some of the best in the city.

Driver’s Tip: To get a look at Toronto’s skyline from a different perspective, I highly recommend booking a harbour cruise

Take a Ferry to the Toronto Islands

One of Toronto’s best hidden escapes is the Toronto Islands. Just a short ferry ride from downtown, the islands feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visitors can rent bikes, relax on the beaches, picnic in the parks, or simply enjoy incredible skyline views. The islands are especially beautiful during the summer and offer some of the most photographed views of Toronto.

Visit St. Lawrence Market

Food lovers won’t want to miss St. Lawrence Market. Frequently ranked among the world’s best public markets, it offers everything from fresh produce and baked goods to international cuisine.

Sampling local foods while exploring the market is one of the most authentic Toronto experiences. Be sure to try the famous peameal bacon sandwich, a local favourite.

Explore Kensington Market and Graffiti Alley

Toronto’s creative side shines in neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and Graffiti Alley.

Kensington Market is packed with independent shops, international restaurants, and vibrant street life. Just a short walk away, Graffiti Alley showcases some of Toronto’s most impressive street art.

Both locations provide fantastic photo opportunities and offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s artistic culture.

Toronto Zoo Is A Fun Thing To See And Do In Toronto

A visit to the Toronto Zoo is a fantastic family-friendly outing, especially for those travelling with children. As one of the largest zoos in Canada, it offers a full day of adventure exploring animals from around the world, interactive exhibits, and spacious outdoor habitats.

Kids love the hands-on learning areas and themed zones, while parents appreciate the mix of education and entertainment. With plenty of walking trails, picnic spots, and seasonal activities, it’s an easy and memorable way to keep children engaged while enjoying a day in nature.

Driver’s Tip: If you plan on doing many of the popular attractions when in Toronto, I highly recommend purchasing the Toronto City Pass. For just $134.96 + tax, you can visit up to 5 of Toronto’s popular attractions.

Catch a Professional Sports Game

Toronto is home to some of Canada’s most popular professional sports teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, attending a game can be an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere inside the arenas and stadiums is electric, especially during playoff season.

Enjoy Live Theatre And Stand-Up Comedy

Toronto is home to one of North America’s premier theatre districts, making it a fantastic destination for visitors looking to enjoy world-class live entertainment. Centered around the historic Entertainment District, the city hosts everything from Broadway productions and international touring shows to innovative Canadian performances.

Taking in a live show is one of the best ways to experience Toronto’s vibrant arts and culture scene. The beautifully restored theatres, talented performers, and electric atmosphere create an unforgettable night out. After a day spent exploring the city’s attractions, there’s nothing quite like settling into your seat and watching a world-class production come to life.

Toronto also has a strong stand-up and improv scene, with plenty of venues ranging from legendary stages to smaller indie rooms where you might catch rising talent before they break out.

Some of the most popular comedy venues include:

• The Second City Toronto – Famous for sketch and improv comedy, and a launching pad for many major comedians
• Yuk Yuk’s Toronto – One of Canada’s best-known stand-up comedy clubs, featuring touring pros and local comics
• Comedy Bar – A favourite indie venue with improv, sketch, and stand-up shows almost every night
• The Social Capital Theatre – Known for experimental comedy, improv, and smaller alternative shows
• Absolute Comedy Toronto – A classic stand-up club offering dinner-and-a-show style comedy nights

Experience Toronto’s Incredible Food Scene

One of the biggest reasons international visitors love Toronto is its food. The city offers cuisines from nearly every corner of the globe.

If you’re craving authentic Italian food, Toronto has it! Dim sum, Toronto has it! Caribbean cuisine, Toronto has it! Middle Eastern specialties, Toronto has it! Or if you’re craving modern Canadian fare, you’ll find it in Toronto. Exploring different neighbourhoods through their food is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city.

Driver’s Tip: You will find the most diverse cuisine in the Lexington Market Neighbourhood and the Waterworks Food Hall. The Waterworks Food Hall is a cafeteria-like setting that boasts over 14 different spots to eat feating food from all around the world. It offers a fun and vibrant atmosphere where it has become a vibrant gathering spot located in the heart of King Street West.

Toronto’s Museums

Toronto’s museum scene plays a big role in drawing international visitors to the city. Visiting the museums provides visitors with an easy way to understand Canadian history, Indigenous cultures, global art, science, and the city’s diverse, multicultural hub.

The majority of the museums are accessible and are located downtown or within easy access by transit. If you find yourself in Toronto on a rainy day, then visiting one of its many museums should be on your itinerary.

Top museums in Toronto to visit

• Royal Ontario Museum – One of the largest museums in North America, featuring global cultures, natural history, and dinosaur exhibits
• Art Gallery of Ontario – A major art museum with Canadian, Indigenous, and international works, plus striking modern architecture
• Hockey Hall of Fame – A must-see for sports fans, celebrating Canada’s most iconic sport
• Bata Shoe Museum – A unique collection showcasing footwear from around the world and across history
• Gardiner Museum – Dedicated to ceramics, with beautiful ancient and contemporary pottery collections
• Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto – Showcasing cutting-edge modern art and rotating exhibitions
• Fort York National Historic Site – A historic military site offering insight into Toronto’s early colonial history

How Long Should I Stay In Toronto?

The length of time you should stay in Toronto all depends what you want to see and do. Since I live in Ontario, I often take the train to Toronto from Kitchener and just spend 1 day exploring Toronto.

If you’re an international visitor, is one day in Toronto enough time? Absolutely not! I recommend spending at least four days in Toronto to explore most of the popular attractions. If you want to escape the crowds for a day, there are plenty of day trips that you can take from Toronto.

Regardless how long you want to actually explore Toronto, it’s a central spot in Ontario and is a great spot to make your home base allowing you to explore other parts of Ontario.

Best Things To See And Do In Toronto

Toronto’s popularity with international visitors is easy to understand. It combines world-class attractions, cultural diversity, incredible food, waterfront beauty, and endless entertainment options into one dynamic destination.

Every time I visit Toronto, I discover something new. Whether it’s standing atop the CN Tower, exploring the Toronto Islands, wandering through historic districts, or enjoying a meal from another corner of the world, Toronto offers experiences that will keep you coming back again and again.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Ontario, Toronto is the perfect place to start your adventure. It’s a city that showcases the diversity, energy, and excitement that make Ontario such an incredible destination to explore.

SAVE THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO