Toronto is a city that buzzes with an energy all its own. It is a beautiful, messy, and wonderful mix of cultures, cuisines, and neighborhoods just waiting to be explored.
From towering skyscrapers to peaceful islands, this city packs a serious punch for any traveler.
Get ready to dive into the ultimate Toronto bucket list. We are going way beyond the basic postcard shots.
We have handpicked the absolute best things to do in Toronto that will give you stories to tell for years.
This is your personal guide to experiencing the city like a true local, finding hidden gems, and hitting those iconic spots that make Toronto unforgettable. Let us get started.
1. CN Tower – Best Overall & Iconic Experience
You simply cannot come to Toronto without a trip up the CN Tower. It is the city’s most famous landmark for a reason.
This isn’t just about seeing a tall building. It is about experiencing the city from its most incredible vantage point.
The elevator ride up is a thrill in itself, whooshing you to the main observation level in less than a minute.
Suddenly, you are 1,136 feet in the air, and the world opens up beneath you.
The view is absolutely mind-blowing. You can see the entire downtown core, spot tiny cars moving on the highways, and see all the way across Lake Ontario on a clear day.
For the real daredevils, the Glass Floor and the SkyTerrace are a must-do. It feels totally surreal to stand on a clear glass floor and look straight down.
It is a true test of your nerves. For an even bigger thrill, try the EdgeWalk, where you can walk, hands-free, around the outside of the tower’s main pod.
It is one of the most unique things to do in Toronto for a serious adrenaline rush. This is the definitive Toronto experience.
2. St. Lawrence Market – Best For Foodies & Local Vibe
Forget fancy restaurants. If you want to taste the real, beating heart of Toronto, you go to St. Lawrence Market.
This place is a Toronto institution, a historic market hall that has been serving the city since 1803.
Stepping inside is like walking into a food lover’s paradise. The air is thick with the smell of fresh bread, gourmet cheese, and sizzling griddles.
It is a bustling, joyful chaos that captures the city’s spirit.
You will find over 120 vendors selling everything you can imagine. But you have a mission. You must try the legendary Peameal Bacon Sandwich from the Carousel Bakery.
It is a simple, perfect sandwich on a bun that people line up for. Explore the stalls for amazing Canadian cheeses, fresh pasta, and beautiful produce.
Grab a fresh-baked pastry, some local maple candy, and just soak it all in. Finding the best things to do in Toronto means connecting with local life, and there is no better place than this market. It is a feast for all your senses.
3. Toronto Islands – Best For Families & Outdoor Escapes
Sometimes you just need to escape the city’s concrete jungle. The Toronto Islands are your perfect, peaceful getaway, just a short ferry ride from the downtown core.
This chain of small islands feels like a whole different world. The second you step off the boat, the city’s noise fades away, replaced by the sound of lapping water and rustling leaves.
It is the perfect antidote to a busy day of sightseeing.
The islands offer something for everyone. For families, Centre Island is a dream. It has a fantastic amusement park called Centreville with rides perfect for younger kids.
There is also a farm, beaches, and lots of green space for a picnic. If you are looking for a quiet retreat, head to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Point.
You can rent a bike and cycle the peaceful paths, or just find a quiet spot to enjoy an incredible, unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline.
It is one of the best photo ops you will get. This is easily one of the top Toronto activities for a relaxing afternoon.
4. Graffiti Alley – Best For Instagram & Free Fun
Want to discover one of Toronto’s coolest, most colorful secrets? You have to find Graffiti Alley.
This isn’t a formal museum. It is a living, breathing, ever-changing outdoor art gallery located in the trendy Entertainment District.
The alley runs for several blocks, and every single inch of it is covered in mind-blowing street art.
It is a explosion of color, creativity, and talent that will make you stop and stare every few feet.
Exploring this area is completely free and absolutely one of the best free things to do in Toronto. You do not need a ticket or a guide.
Just show up and start wandering. The murals change all the time as new artists come in to paint, so it is a new experience with every visit.
It is the perfect place to take some amazing, unique photos for your Instagram feed.
You will see everything from huge, photorealistic portraits to wild, abstract designs. It shows off the city’s edgy, artistic side that you will not find on a standard tour.
5. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – Best For A Rainy Day & All Ages
When the weather in Toronto turns, or you just need a break from the sun, dive into the magical underwater world of Ripley’s Aquarium.
Located right at the base of the CN Tower, this place is so much more than just a bunch of fish tanks.
It is an immersive journey through different marine habitats that will leave you in awe.
It is a fantastic Toronto attraction for couples, families, or anyone who loves a little wonder.
The highlight for most people is the Dangerous Lagoon. You get on a moving glidepath that takes you through a clear tunnel.
Sharks, sawfish, and giant sea turtles swim right over your head and all around you. It feels like you are walking on the ocean floor.
Other amazing areas include the Rainbow Reef, a burst of color from tropical fish, and the Planet Jellies exhibit, which is hypnotically beautiful.
It is educational, fun, and incredibly impressive. This is easily one of the most fun things to do in Toronto, no matter your age.
6. Kensington Market – Best For Bohemian Vibes & Unique Shopping
If you are looking for a neighborhood with personality, Kensington Market is your spot.
This place is wonderfully weird, bohemian, and full of life. It is a National Historic Site, but it feels anything but old.
The streets are a vibrant mix of vintage clothing stores, quirky cafes, international food shops, and colorful, crumbling houses.
It is a place where you can feel the city’s creative, accepting, and slightly offbeat soul.
The best way to experience Kensington is to just get lost in it. Pop into a vintage store and find a one-of-a-kind jacket.
Stop at a cafe for a fresh juice or a coffee. Grab a famous empanada or a vegan treat from one of the many global food spots.
On a sunny day, the patios are packed, and you might even stumble upon a spontaneous drum circle.
It is a feast for the eyes and the stomach. For a truly authentic Toronto experience, spending an afternoon wandering through Kensington Market is an absolute must-do.
7. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Best For Museum Lovers & Learning
For a dose of culture and natural history, the Royal Ontario Museum, or the ROM, is your go-to destination.
It is one of the largest museums in North America, and its collection is absolutely massive.
The building itself is a piece of art, with its crystal-like Michael Lee-Chin Crystal addition jutting out over Bloor Street.
Inside, you can travel the world and through time, all under one roof.
You can spend hours here and still not see everything. Get face-to-face with towering dinosaur skeletons in the Age of Dinosaurs gallery.
Be amazed by the gorgeous gem and mineral collection. Explore ancient Egyptian mummies and walk through galleries dedicated to Chinese, Korean, and Canadian history.
The ROM does a fantastic job of making history feel exciting and accessible. It is one of those essential Toronto Canada activities that is both fun and fascinating for everyone.
8. Distillery District – Best For Couples & Romantic Strolls
Step back in time and into one of the most picturesque spots in the city. The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only village made up of 44 heritage buildings from the 19th century.
Once the home of the Gooderham and Worts distillery, it is now a beautifully preserved national historic site.
The cobblestone streets and Victorian industrial architecture create a romantic, old-world atmosphere that is completely unique in Toronto.
Today, the district is filled with art galleries, unique designer shops, charming cafes, and restaurants. You will not find any chain stores here.
It is all about independent, local businesses. It is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, holding hands, and popping into interesting shops.
During the winter, it transforms into a magical Christmas market (without the religious focus, it is a festive village). Any time of year, it is a beautiful, peaceful place to explore. It is a top choice for a romantic date or a relaxed afternoon.
9. High Park – Best For Nature Lovers & Seasonal Beauty
High Park is Toronto’s massive backyard, a 400-acre green oasis in the west end of the city. It is the perfect place to trade the sound of traffic for the sound of birds chirping.
This park has a bit of everything, making it one of the best Toronto activities for nature lovers and families alike.
You can easily spend a whole day here exploring its many trails, ponds, and attractions. The big draw for many visitors is the stunning display of cherry blossoms in the spring.
It is a truly spectacular sight that draws crowds from all over. The park is also home to Grenadier Pond, a large body of water perfect for a peaceful walk.
There are sports fields, a small zoo with free admission, playgrounds, and even a trackless train for kids.
You can hike through wooded trails and forget you are in the middle of a huge city. It is the best spot to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving Toronto.
10. Catch a Game at Scotiabank Arena – Best For Sports Fans & Live Events
To feel the electric energy of the city, you need to experience a live game. The Scotiabank Arena, located in the heart of the entertainment district, is the home of Toronto’s beloved sports teams.
In the winter, you can watch the Toronto Maple Leafs play hockey. In the summer and spring, you can cheer on the Toronto Raptors as they play basketball.
The atmosphere inside the arena is absolutely infectious. Even if you are not a die-hard sports fan, the energy is a thrill. The crowd roars, the music pumps, and you get swept up in the excitement.
It is a classic North American experience. Grab some classic arena snacks and join the cheering fans.
Seeing the passion of Toronto’s sports fans is an experience in itself. Checking the schedule and catching a game is one of the most exciting things to do in Toronto for a memorable night out.
11. Casa Loma – Best For History Buffs & Fairytale Feel
Ever wanted to explore a real-life castle? Well, in Toronto, you can. Casa Loma is a majestic, Gothic Revival style mansion built in the early 1900s. It is straight out of a storybook, with its grand towers, secret passages, and sprawling gardens.
Walking through its halls, you can let your imagination run wild, picturing the lavish life of its original owner, Sir Henry Pellatt. You can explore the opulent rooms, from the grand library to the stunning conservatory.
Do not miss the chance to climb the towers for a great view, or to venture down into the tunnel that connects the house to the stables.
It is a place that feels both grand and a little bit magical. It is a unique Toronto attraction that offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of extreme wealth and ambition.
It is a perfect spot for anyone who loves history, architecture, or just a good old-fashioned castle.
12. Explore The Waterfront Trail – Best For Biking & City Views
Toronto sits on a magnificent lake, and one of the best ways to appreciate it is by exploring the Waterfront Trail. This network of paths stretches for miles along Lake Ontario, offering stunning views of the water and the city skyline.
It is a fantastic, active way to see a different side of the city. You can walk, jog, or, best of all, rent a bike and cover more ground. Riding east from downtown, you will pass by beautiful parks, marinas filled with boats, and peaceful beaches.
You can stop at the Leslie Street Spit, a man-made peninsula that is now a stunning nature sanctuary for birds.
The path is mostly flat and well-maintained, making it enjoyable for all fitness levels.
It is a refreshing, healthy, and beautiful way to spend a few hours. This is one of the top outdoor activities in Toronto for anyone who loves to be on the move.
Conclusion
Toronto is a city that never stops giving. It is a place where you can explore a castle in the morning, wander through a vibrant market at lunch, and watch a thrilling basketball game at night.
This list of the best things to do in Toronto is just the beginning. Each neighborhood has its own secret spots and local favorites waiting for you to discover.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to this incredible city today. Your unforgettable Toronto adventure is calling. Book your flight, pack your bags, and get ready to explore.