Toronto, the bustling capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada, is a vibrant metropolis that offers a rich blend of cultural, recreational, and historical attractions.
With its diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, scenic parks, and iconic landmarks, Toronto promises an exciting and dynamic experience for visitors.
Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned traveler, there are countless things to do in Toronto that cater to all interests and ages.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Toronto, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this captivating city.
Best Things to Do in Toronto
1. Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square is a bustling public space located in front of Toronto’s City Hall.
Known for its iconic Toronto Sign, the square is a hub of activity throughout the year, hosting concerts, festivals, farmers markets, and public events.
In the winter, the reflecting pool transforms into a popular ice skating rink, providing a picturesque setting for outdoor fun.
The square also features several art installations and the Peace Garden, a tranquil space dedicated to promoting peace and reflection.
Visiting Nathan Phillips Square is one of the essential things to do in Toronto for anyone looking to experience the city’s vibrant community spirit.
Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1, Canada.
2. CN Tower
The CN Tower, one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world, is a must-visit landmark in Toronto.
Standing at 553 meters, the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario from its observation decks.
The LookOut Level features floor-to-ceiling windows, while the Glass Floor allows visitors to look straight down 342 meters to the ground.
For an even more thrilling experience, visitors can try the EdgeWalk, an outdoor walk on the tower’s edge.
Dining at the 360 Restaurant, which revolves to provide a 360-degree view of the city, is another highlight.
Visiting the CN Tower is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Toronto, offering unparalleled vistas and unforgettable experiences.
Location: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada.
3. Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest art museums in North America, boasting an impressive collection of over 95,000 works spanning centuries and cultures.
The gallery’s diverse collection includes Canadian art, European masterpieces, contemporary works, and pieces from Indigenous cultures.
Notable highlights include the extensive Group of Seven collection and the works of Henry Moore.
The AGO also hosts temporary exhibitions, art classes, and public programs, making it a dynamic cultural hub.
Exploring the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the top things to do in Toronto for art enthusiasts and culture lovers.
Location: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada.
4. Toronto Sign
The Toronto Sign, located in Nathan Phillips Square, is a popular landmark and a must-see for visitors.
Originally installed for the 2015 Pan American Games, the sign has become a permanent fixture and a symbol of the city’s identity.
The sign is illuminated at night and often changes colors to celebrate various events and causes.
It’s a favorite spot for photos, providing a vibrant backdrop for capturing memories of your visit.
Taking a photo with the Toronto Sign is one of the quintessential things to do in Toronto, offering a fun and colorful keepsake of your trip.
Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2, Canada.
5. Woodbine Beach
Woodbine Beach, located on the shores of Lake Ontario, is one of Toronto’s most popular urban beaches.
The expansive sandy beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
The adjacent Woodbine Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.
The beach is also a starting point for the Martin Goodman Trail, a scenic waterfront path popular with cyclists and joggers.
Spending a day at Woodbine Beach is one of the best things to do in Toronto for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the city’s waterfront.
Location: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6, Canada.
6. High Park Toronto
High Park Toronto, the city’s largest public park, offers a diverse array of recreational activities and natural attractions.
The park features extensive walking trails, picturesque gardens, and a large pond.
Visitors can explore the High Park Zoo, home to various animals, or enjoy a performance at the outdoor amphitheater.
In the spring, the park’s cherry blossoms attract crowds eager to witness their stunning beauty.
High Park also has sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Exploring High Park is one of the top things to do in Toronto for those seeking a peaceful retreat within the city.
Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada.
7. Harbourfront Centre
Harbourfront Centre, located along the scenic waterfront of Lake Ontario, is a cultural hub offering a variety of arts, entertainment, and recreational activities.
The complex hosts numerous events throughout the year, including music festivals, art exhibitions, theater performances, and workshops.
Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy dining at one of the many restaurants, or take a boat tour to explore the lake.
Harbourfront Centre also features outdoor skating rinks in the winter and beautiful promenades for leisurely walks.
Experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Harbourfront Centre is one of the top things to do in Toronto for those looking to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural scene.
Location: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada.
8. Canada’s Wonderland
Canada’s Wonderland, located just outside of Toronto in Vaughan, is the country’s premier amusement park.
The park boasts over 200 attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, water rides, and live shows.
Highlights include the Leviathan, one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world, and Splash Works, a 20-acre water park featuring wave pools and water slides.
With a variety of rides and entertainment options, Canada’s Wonderland offers a fun-filled day for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Visiting Canada’s Wonderland is one of the most exciting things to do in Toronto for a day of adventure and amusement.
Location: Vaughan, ON L6A 1S6, Canada.
9. Evergreen Brick Works
Evergreen Brick Works, located in the Don Valley, is a unique environmental community center that promotes sustainability and green living.
The site features a farmer’s market, gardens, art installations, and various educational programs.
Visitors can explore the historic brick factory, hike through the surrounding trails, or participate in workshops on gardening, cooking, and environmental conservation.
The picturesque setting and focus on sustainability make Evergreen Brick Works one of the most interesting things to do in Toronto for those interested in eco-friendly activities and community engagement.
Location: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8, Canada.
10. Trinity Bellwoods Park
Trinity Bellwoods Park, situated in the trendy Queen West neighborhood, is a popular urban park known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of activities.
The park offers spacious lawns, tennis courts, a dog park, and playgrounds.
It’s a favorite spot for picnicking, playing sports, or simply relaxing under the trees.
The park also hosts events such as farmers markets, outdoor yoga classes, and art fairs.
Spending time at Trinity Bellwoods Park is one of the best things to do in Toronto for those looking to enjoy the outdoors and experience the local community vibe.
Location: 790 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3, Canada.
11. Edwards Gardens
Edwards Gardens, located in the affluent neighborhood of North York, is a beautifully landscaped botanical garden that offers a peaceful retreat from the city.
The gardens feature a variety of plant collections, including vibrant flower beds, rock gardens, and serene water features.
Visitors can stroll through the winding paths, enjoy the seasonal blooms, and explore the connected Toronto Botanical Garden, which offers educational programs and workshops.
Visiting Edwards Gardens is one of the most relaxing things to do in Toronto for nature lovers and gardening enthusiasts.
Location: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON M3C 1P2, Canada.
12. Toronto Botanical Garden
The Toronto Botanical Garden, adjacent to Edwards Gardens, is a horticultural haven that offers an array of themed gardens, educational programs, and events.
The 4-acre garden showcases diverse plant collections, including the Kitchen Garden, Teaching Garden, and Woodland Walk.
The garden also features a LEED-certified building that hosts workshops, lectures, and community events focused on gardening and environmental sustainability.
Exploring the Toronto Botanical Garden is one of the top things to do in Toronto for those interested in botany, ecology, and green living.
Location: 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2, Canada.
13. Casa Loma
Casa Loma, a majestic castle perched on a hill overlooking Toronto, is a must-visit historical landmark.
Built in the early 20th century, the castle features stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and beautifully maintained gardens.
Visitors can tour the opulent rooms, explore secret passageways, and learn about the fascinating history of the castle and its builder, Sir Henry Pellatt.
The grounds also offer spectacular views of the city. Casa Loma frequently hosts events such as themed dinners, escape games, and seasonal exhibits.
Visiting Casa Loma is one of the most enchanting things to do in Toronto, offering a glimpse into the city’s past and a taste of royal elegance.
Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada.
14. Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo, one of the largest zoos in the world, is home to over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species.
Spanning 710 acres, the zoo is divided into seven geographic regions, each showcasing the animals and ecosystems of different parts of the world.
Highlights include the African Savanna, the Great Barrier Reef exhibit, and the Tundra Trek, home to polar bears and Arctic wolves.
The zoo also features interactive exhibits, educational programs, and seasonal events.
Visiting the Toronto Zoo is one of the top things to do in Toronto for families and animal lovers.
Location: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON M1B 5K7, Canada.
15. Queen’s Park
Queen’s Park, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, is a historic urban park that serves as the site of the Ontario Legislative Building.
The park offers a serene setting with lush lawns, mature trees, and numerous statues and monuments.
It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply relaxing in the shade. The park also hosts various public events and rallies throughout the year.
Exploring Queen’s Park is one of the best things to do in Toronto for those interested in history, politics, and enjoying green spaces within the city.
Location: 110 Wellesley St W, Toronto, ON M7A 1A2, Canada.
16. Niagara Falls
Although not located within Toronto, Niagara Falls is a must-see attraction easily accessible from the city.
Just a 90-minute drive away, the falls offer breathtaking views and a range of activities.
Visitors can take a boat tour with Hornblower Cruises to get up close to the falls, explore the scenic trails along the Niagara Gorge, or visit attractions like the Butterfly Conservatory and the Skylon Tower.
Niagara Falls also features a vibrant town with casinos, restaurants, and entertainment options.
A day trip to Niagara Falls is one of the most exciting things to do near Toronto, providing an unforgettable natural spectacle.
Location: Border Between New York, United States, and Ontario, Canada.
17. Yonge-Dundas Square
Yonge-Dundas Square, often referred to as Toronto’s Times Square, is a bustling public space in the heart of downtown.
Surrounded by towering billboards, shops, and restaurants, the square hosts numerous events, including concerts, movie screenings, and cultural festivals.
It’s a lively spot for people-watching, grabbing a bite to eat, or catching a live performance.
The square is also a gateway to the Eaton Centre, one of Canada’s largest shopping malls.
Visiting Yonge-Dundas Square is one of the essential things to do in Toronto for experiencing the city’s vibrant urban energy.
Location: 1 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5B 2R8, Canada.
18. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, located near the base of the CN Tower, is a state-of-the-art facility featuring more than 20,000 marine animals.
The aquarium’s exhibits are divided into nine galleries, showcasing a diverse range of aquatic life from around the world.
Highlights include the Dangerous Lagoon, a walk-through tunnel with sharks and rays swimming overhead, and the Rainbow Reef, a vibrant display of tropical fish.
Interactive exhibits, such as touch tanks and live dive shows, enhance the visitor experience.
Exploring Ripley’s Aquarium is one of the most captivating things to do in Toronto for families and marine enthusiasts.
Location: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada.
19. Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museums, featuring an extensive collection of art, culture, and natural history.
The museum’s diverse exhibits range from dinosaur fossils and ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art and cultural displays from around the world.
Highlights include the Bat Cave, the James and Louise Temerty Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs, and the Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery.
The ROM also hosts special exhibitions, public programs, and educational workshops.
Visiting the Royal Ontario Museum is one of the top things to do in Toronto for history and art enthusiasts.
Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada.
20. St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market, located in Toronto’s Old Town, is a historic market that has been serving the city since 1803.
The market features over 120 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and specialty foods.
It’s a great place to sample local delicacies, shop for unique ingredients, and enjoy a meal at one of the many food stalls.
The market also hosts cooking classes, culinary events, and guided tours.
Exploring St. Lawrence Market is one of the best things to do in Toronto for food lovers and those looking to experience the city’s culinary heritage.
Location: 125 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON M5E 1C3, Canada.
In conclusion, Toronto is a city that offers an incredible variety of attractions and activities, ensuring every visitor can find something to enjoy.
Whether you’re experiencing the lively atmosphere at Nathan Phillips Square, marveling at the views from the CN Tower, immersing yourself in art at the Art Gallery of Ontario, capturing memories with the Toronto Sign, relaxing at Woodbine Beach, or exploring the natural beauty of High Park, there are endless exciting things to do in Toronto.
This vibrant city promises a memorable adventure filled with diverse and unforgettable experiences.
