Best 20 things to do in Toronto, Canada

Welcome to Toronto, the place where maple syrup flows through the veins of its inhabitants! This side-splittingly funny travel guide will unveil the top 20 things you absolutely shouldn't miss in this bustling Canadian city. Go on a culinary adventure and indulge in poutine, the social experiment that combined fries, cheese, and gravy to create a heart attack on a plate. Don't forget to ride the ridiculous CN Tower, a colossal structure that fearlessly defies gravity and mercilessly mocks your stomach's ability to handle heights. And, of course, embark on a shopping spree in Kensington Market, where you can find the most eccentric and outrageous fashion tastes, making you stand out like a flamboyant flamingo in a sea of penguins! Note: The content is written in a lighthearted and humorous tone. Please make sure to check travel restrictions and guidelines before planning any trips due to COVID-19.

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1. Toronto Eaton Centre

4.4 (48874)

220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, Canada

Welcome to the Toronto Eaton Centre, a spectacular fusion of shopping heaven and a maze designed especially for those who enjoy getting lost while searching for their favorite stores. With over 230 shops, brace yourself for a shopping experience so vast that even the most seasoned shopaholics may find themselves questioning their life choices. Don't worry, if you get turned around, just take a moment to bask in the glow of the enormous glass ceiling and pretend you're in a botanical garden instead of trying to remember where you parked your car. As you wander through this labyrinth, keep an eye out for the iconic Flight Stop sculpture, a flock of literal geese that will have you questioning whether you're in a shopping center or an eccentric art exhibit. But fear not, there's more to this place than just fabulous fashion and bewildering artwork. Take a break from retail therapy at the broad selection of eateries, guaranteed to satisfy even the most demanding foodies. Just remember, calories consumed while shopping don't count... or so we hope. In conclusion, the Toronto Eaton Centre is not just a shopping mall; it's a state of mind. Whether you're after the latest fashion trends, trying to find your way out of its labyrinthian corridors, or simply seeking a culinary treat, this lively hub will keep you entertained and bewildered in equal measure. So put on your comfiest shoes, prepare to exaggerate your shopping stamina, and plunge headfirst into the retail frenzy that awaits – and hey, maybe you'll even find some incredible deals along the way!

www.cfshops.com

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2. Royal Ontario Museum

4.7 (30966)

100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada

Nestled in the bustling city of Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum stands tall like a sophisticated giant tortoise wearing a bowtie. With its grandiose architecture resembling a mating dance between a spaceship and a medieval castle, this museum promises a riveting experience for both history aficionados and confused tourists desperately seeking shelter from Canadian winter. Inside its hallowed walls, you'll find a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits, like a time capsule meticulously showcasing the evolution of human fashion, from questionable caveman loincloths to absolutely necessary '90s grunge flannel shirts.

www.rom.on.ca

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3. Queen Street West

Queen St W, Toronto, ON, Canada

Welcome to Queen Street West, Toronto's eclectic playground for the effortlessly cool and those who are convinced they've mastered the art of urban chic. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating journey of self-discovery amidst a delightful chaos of vintage boutiques, trendy cafes, and a never-ending stream of unique characters. As you saunter along this vibrant street, embrace the delightful challenge of finding the perfect balance between self-expression, Instagram-worthiness, and resisting the uncontrollable urge to re-mortgage your house for a pair of designer shoes.

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4. Kensington Market

Kensington Market, Toronto, ON M5T, Canada

Welcome to Kensington Market, a hidden gem amidst the bustling streets of Toronto! This quirky neighborhood is a whimsical blend of cultures, alternative fashion, and mouth-watering street food that will leave your taste buds doing the conga. Brace yourself for a sensory overload as you navigate through an eclectic maze of vintage shops, colorful murals, and hipster hangouts; just be sure to bring your adventurous spirit and your dancing shoes – you never know when a spontaneous ukulele jam session might break out!

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5. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

4.6 (51552)

288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada

Welcome to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto, where you can dive headfirst into an underwater adventure without actually getting wet! Get ready to be amazed by a collection of aquatic wonders that will send your imagination floating like a jellyfish drifting with the current. From the mesmerizing dance of mesmerizing stingrays to the delicate elegance of colorful seahorses, this place has more marine life than a fisherman has fish tales (and that's a lot) - so grab your snorkel (or not) and come explore this underwater wonderland!

www.ripleyaquariums.com

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6. Toronto Islands

4.8 (1357)

Toronto Islands, St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada

Welcome to the fabulous Toronto Islands, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life without really leaving the city! These little gems, affectionately known as "Toronto's backyard," are a whole bunch of interconnected islands that offer beautiful beaches, lush green spaces, and more sweaty cyclists than you can shake a maple syrup-coated stick at. Whether you enjoy strolling, picnicking, or desperately trying not to drop your ice cream cone on the fear-inducing rides at Centreville Amusement Park, the Toronto Islands have got you covered!

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7. Chinatown

Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T, Canada

Welcome to Chinatown, Toronto's vibrant neighborhood that will satisfy your cravings for both culinary adventures and cultural exploration. Stroll through the bustling streets adorned with eye-catching red lanterns, where the tantalizing aroma of dumplings and noodles wafts through the air, ensuring that your taste buds remain on high alert. Don't miss the chance to bargain hunt in the myriad of colorful shops, where you'll find everything from exotic trinkets to quirky souvenirs - because who doesn't need a keychain that doubles as a miniature waving cat?

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8. High Park

4.7 (23984)

1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada

Welcome to High Park, Toronto's very own "wild" oasis! With its vast expanse of greenery, quirky zoo, and even a "Hill" that could probably give Mount Everest a run for its money (okay, maybe not, but it's close enough), this park is truly a treat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Be prepared to lose yourself (not literally, don't worry) in the charm of this urban jungle and keep an eye out for the elusive High Park hipsters sipping lattes while birdwatching – they're the real MVPs here!

www.highparktoronto.com

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9. Harbourfront Centre

4.6 (18328)

235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada

Welcome to Harbourfront Centre, the vibrant hub of Toronto where the hustle and bustle of the city meets the calming embrace of the stunning waterfront. Prepare to have your senses dazzled as you navigate through a cultural maze, where you can get lost in a sea of breathtaking art installations, toe-tapping musical performances, and enough theatre shows to make even Shakespeare blush. Just don't forget to bring your appetite, because this place has more food options than your indecisive friend who takes twenty minutes to order a coffee.

www.harbourfrontcentre.com

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10. Casa Loma

Casa Loma, Toronto, ON, Canada

Welcome to Casa Loma, Toronto's very own architectural wonder that makes you feel like you've stumbled upon a medieval fortress in the middle of Canada's bustling metropolis. This majestic castle, once the home of Sir Henry Pellatt, is your ticket to transporting yourself back to a time when Canadians went all out in the pursuit of classy eccentricity. Don't miss the chance to stroll through the opulent rooms, but be warned: you might get the sudden urge to start knight training in the Great Hall.

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11. CN Tower

4.6 (58485)

290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada

Welcome to the quirky and colossal CN Tower in marvelous Toronto! Standing tall like a supermodel in skyline, this architectural wonder boasts the title of being the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere. Take an exhilarating elevator ride to the top, where you'll be treated to jaw-dropping panoramas that will make your selfie stick feel inadequate. And fear not, adrenaline junkies—you can test your courage by walking on the world-famous glass floor, a surefire way to make you question your life choices.

www.cntower.ca

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12. Fort York National Historic Site

4.5 (2200)

250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada

Nestled amidst the heart of Toronto, Fort York National Historic Site is not your typical vacation spot - unless you're nostalgic for musket-wielding soldiers and cannon-fire. Embark on a journey back in time and witness the birthplace of modern Toronto, where history comes alive and makes you question your choice of comfortable footwear. Stroll through the scenic grounds, dodge costumed interpreters, and marvel at the fortress's stunning architecture that dates back to a time when selfies involved holding a painting for four hours straight.

www.toronto.ca

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13. Distillery District

Distillery District, Toronto, ON M5A, Canada

Welcome to the Distillery District in Toronto, where history intertwines with hipster vibes like a perfectly woven flannel shirt! This charming neighborhood is a whimsical labyrinth of Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, and art installations that will make your Instagram followers green with envy. Indulge in a delightful blend of craft breweries, quaint cafes, and trendy boutiques, but beware of the ghosts of distilling past - they may have a spectral tendency to nick your double-shot espresso right when you need it most!

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14. Hockey Hall of Fame

4.6 (4684)

30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada

The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto is an ice-riddled sanctuary for all those who firmly believe that hockey is not just a game, but a way of life. Get ready to be engulfed by a wave of hockey nostalgia as you step into a world where puck-slinging heroes are worshipped like ancient gods. From retired jerseys hanging like ancient tapestries to legendary sticks birthed from the mighty forests of Canada, this shrine to the sport will make your heart pound faster than a slapshot from the Great One himself.

www.hhof.com

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15. St. Lawrence Market

4.6 (29234)

Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada

Hidden in the heart of Toronto lies a culinary treasure trove known as St. Lawrence Market. Picture a bustling hub where food enthusiasts converge, blissfully ignoring the concept of "saving room for later." From gooey poutine to peameal bacon sandwiches that could double as edible weapons, the market proudly displays its offerings like edible superheroes, ready to save even the emptiest of stomachs. So put on your stretchiest pants and embark on a gastronomic adventure that promises to leave you simultaneously satisfied and full of regret - but hey, no pain, no gastronomical gain!

www.stlawrencemarket.com

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16. Ontario Science Centre

4.4 (13716)

770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON M3C 1T3, Canada

Welcome to the Ontario Science Centre, where science meets adventure in a way that won't make you clamor for an emergency exit. Explore this delightfully nerdy wonderland, where even the most determined couch potatoes will feel a sudden urge to investigate the mysteries of the universe. With interactive exhibits that make you feel like a cosmic detective instead of just a tourist, get ready to unleash your inner geek and leave with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of scientific exploration.

www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

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17. Toronto Zoo

4.4 (27912)

2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada

Welcome to the Toronto Zoo, where you can embark on a wild adventure without the excessive sunburn or pesky bug bites! This sprawling zoo is a wonderland of animal goodness, filled with creatures from all corners of the world. From sneaky red pandas who could win an Olympic gold in hide-and-seek to polar bears that have perfected the art of looking adorable while chilling, the Toronto Zoo is a delightful escape into nature's charismatic realm.

www.torontozoo.com

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18. Bata Shoe Museum

4.4 (1837)

327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7, Canada

Welcome to Toronto, home of the Bata Shoe Museum, where footwear enthusiasts and sole-searching travelers come to get their wiggle on! This quirky museum is a mecca for those who have a fetish for fabulous footwear, showcasing a collection that would make Cinderella green with envy. From ancient Egyptian sandals to Lady Gaga's sky-high stilettos, you'll tread through centuries of fashion history and leave wondering if you should have brought an extra suitcase for all the shoes you'll be tempted to buy.

www.batashoemuseum.ca

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19. Yonge-Dundas Square

4.5 (18136)

1 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 2R8, Canada

Welcome to Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto's very own Times Square wannabe! This bustling urban plaza is like a fantastical concoction of flashing billboards, never-ending crowd noise, and an inexplicable mix of street performers trying to outdo each other. Brace yourself for the sensory overload as you navigate through this vibrant concrete jungle, where selfie sticks will try their utmost best to photobomb your panoramic shots.

ydsquare.ca

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20. Art Gallery of Ontario

4.7 (14936)

317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada

Welcome to the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto, where masterpieces come to hide from the chilly Canadian winters! This quirky gallery boasts an impressive collection of art that reflects the diversity of the city, from contemporary installations to classic European paintings. So grab your maple syrup latte and prepare for a culturally entertaining journey through this creative wonderland.

ago.ca

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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.

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Toronto Adventure: 5 Days of Fun for the Whole Family!

A family friendly trip to Toronto, Canada offers a wide range of exciting activities for everyone. Explore the iconic CN Tower and enjoy stunning views of the city, experience the fun-filled entertainment district with attractions like Ripley's Aquarium, and immerse yourselves in the cultural diversity by visiting the vibrant neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Kensington Market. With numerous family-friendly museums, parks, and delicious dining options, Toronto promises an unforgettable and enjoyable vacation for the whole family.

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.

Romantic Long Weekend in Toronto, Canada

A romantic trip to Toronto, Canada promises to be an unforgettable experience. You and your partner can stroll along the picturesque Harbourfront, enjoy a cozy dinner for two at the top of the iconic CN Tower, and explore the stunning exhibits at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

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.