Experience the Best of Toronto in 5 Days

Explore the urban and multicultural charm of Toronto, Canada's largest city.

22 April 2023

Toronto, Canada is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a range of activities for tourists. Visitors can take in stunning views of the city from the top of the CN Tower, explore the historic Distillery District, and sample delicious food from worldwide cuisines in vibrant food markets. A trip to Toronto would not be complete without visiting one of the many museums, galleries, or theaters that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Hello, Toronto!

  • Check into The Drake Hotel a trendy, boutique hotel in the Queen West neighborhood
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at Lee Restaurant Chef Susur Lee's famous fusion eatery
  • Walk off your meal at the CN Tower take the glass floor elevator to the top for stunning views of Toronto
  • Stroll through Kensington Market a colorful, diverse neighborhood filled with unique shops and restaurants
  • End the night with a drink at The Cameron House a cozy, live music venue in the heart of Queen West
Day 2

Cultural Delights

  • Start your day with brunch at Mildred's Temple Kitchen a farm-to-table eatery serving up delicious comfort food
  • Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario home to an impressive collection of Canadian and international artwork
  • Visit the Royal Ontario Museum discover the natural and cultural history of Canada and beyond
  • Have dinner at Little Malta a cozy restaurant serving up traditional Maltese cuisine
  • Catch a show at the famed Second City Comedy Club Canada's premiere sketch comedy venue
Day 3

Island Adventures

  • Take the ferry to Toronto Islands escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax on the beach
  • Rent bikes or kayaks and explore the island's beauty
  • Have lunch at Carousel Café a family-owned eatery with fresh, seasonal foods
  • Visit Centreville amusement park for some classic fun
  • Dine at Canoe Restaurant have dinner with a view of the city from the 54th floor of Toronto's TD Tower
Day 4

Hip and Happening

  • Check out Graffiti Alley a colorful, ever-changing street art showcase in the Queen West neighborhood
  • Visit the trendy Ossington Avenue explore the diverse shops and restaurants
  • Have lunch at Grand Electric a hip, counter-service taqueria with creative cocktails
  • Shop at the iconic Hudson's Bay a department store and Canadian institution
  • Have dinner at The Black Hoof a casual, carnivorous eatery with an impressive charcuterie selection
Day 5

Historic Yorkville

  • Wake up and grab breakfast at STK an upscale café with delicious acai bowls and smoothies
  • Take a walk through the historic Yorkville neighborhood known for its upscale shops and celebrity sightings
  • Visit Casa Loma a stunning castle with fascinating exhibits and a beautiful garden
  • Have lunch at Café Boulud a French bistro with a cozy, romantic atmosphere
  • End the trip with a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame learn about Canada's favorite sport and see the Stanley Cup up close

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Toronto by plane is to fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport, which has connections to many major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Toronto is a viable option from various cities across North America. From New York City, it takes approximately 8 hours to reach Toronto via I-90E and over the Niagara Falls border crossing.

Train

There is the VIA Rail train service from Montreal to Toronto that provides scenic views of the countryside and the journey takes approximately 4-5 hours.

Boat

There are currently no direct boat routes to Toronto, however, you can take a ferry from Rochester, NY to Toronto Island Airport and then take a short flight to Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport.

Bus

Taking a coach bus from New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal is a popular way to get to Toronto. Bus companies like Greyhound and Megabus provide direct services to Toronto's Bus Terminal.

More travel plans

Toronto On A Budget: 3-Day Adventure

Exploring Toronto on a budget can be an ideal option for budget travelers. One can explore the stunning city’s top attractions, like the CN Tower and the Toronto Islands, without breaking the bank. With various free activities, affordable accommodation, and cheap eats the trip to Toronto is budget-friendly.

Toronto: The Ultimate 4-Day Cultural Adventure

Toronto offers a wide variety of attractions for tourists, including the iconic CN Tower and famous museums like the Royal Ontario Museum. Visitors can also enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring diverse neighborhoods like Kensington Market and the Distillery District. Additionally, Toronto provides easy access to natural beauty, such as Niagara Falls and the beautiful waterfront of Lake Ontario.

Toronto on a Budget: Downtown Delights

With a limited budget, a trip to Toronto can be an exciting experience. Exploring the streets of downtown, visiting museums and galleries, and taking a ferry ride to the Toronto Islands are all affordable options. Eating at local food markets and finding budget-friendly accommodations can also make for a memorable trip.

Toronto on a Budget: 5-Day Adventure Guide

Traveling to Toronto on a tight budget is an excellent option for adventurers looking to explore one of Canada's most dynamic cities while keeping costs low. With affordable accommodations, delicious street food, and free cultural attractions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario, it's easy to have a blast exploring Toronto without breaking the bank. Don't forget to visit the CN Tower, take a stroll around Lake Ontario, and immerse yourself in the city's rich arts and music scene.