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.
Save destination1. Toronto Eaton Centre
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!
Learn more2. Royal Ontario Museum
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.
Learn more3. 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.
Learn more4. 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!
Learn more5. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
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!
Learn more6. Toronto Islands
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!
Learn more7. 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?
Learn more8. High Park
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!
Learn more9. Harbourfront Centre
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.
Learn more10. 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.
Learn more11. CN Tower
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.
Learn more12. Fort York National Historic Site
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.
Learn more13. 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!
Learn more14. Hockey Hall of Fame
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.
Learn more15. St. Lawrence Market
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!
Learn more16. Ontario Science Centre
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.
Learn more17. Toronto Zoo
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.
Learn more18. Bata Shoe Museum
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.
Learn more19. Yonge-Dundas Square
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.
Learn more20. Art Gallery of Ontario
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.
Learn moreHow 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.