6 Days in Toronto: What to See + Things to Do

Last Updated on February 24, 2025

Planning to spend 6 days in Toronto? This Toronto guide, written by a local, covers everything you need to know for a visit to this exciting city that I’ve called home for over 10 years. 

Toronto is the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario. The city sits right along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. 

With over 6 million people, it’s the largest city in Canada. But living here, it doesn’t feel that large. Toronto has many boroughs and neighborhoods that feel like their own small communities within a big city.

Throughout my 20s I’ve lived in 5 different cities. But Toronto is the one that most feels like home. This sprawling city is Canada’s biggest, and it’s full of character and culture.

One of the things I love most about Toronto is its multiculturalism. Statistics Canada reports that Toronto is Canada’s most linguistically diverse city. 

On top of English, you will hear Torontonians chatting in Cantonese, Hindi, Italian, Spanish, Tamil, Mandarin, Portuguese, Farsi, Russian and more. And this multiculturalism makes Toronto special. Any person, visiting or local, whatever their interest or taste, can find their community here. 

This 6 days in Toronto guide covers the best of Toronto, from the perspective of a local. With this 6 day Toronto itinerary you’ll experience Toronto neighborhoods, museums, breweries, jazz music, a castle, the Toronto islands, and more!

As someone who has lived in Toronto for a decade, I’m excited to share all of my favourite recommendations with you.

Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and keep Pina Travels reader-supported. Thank you!

When is the Best Time to Spend 6 Days in Toronto?

When people think of Canada, they often think of cold weather and snow. While it’s true that much of Canada does have a chilly winter, that isn’t the case year-round. 

Spring, summer, and fall are a gorgeous time to visit Toronto if you want to avoid the winter. The summer months, July and August, are the warmest time to visit, with the temperature averaging around 25 degrees celsius.

The summer is my favorite time to be in Toronto, because Torontonians know how to take full advantage of beautiful weather. The city comes alive with busy patios, street festivals, and vibrant parks. 

During the winter months, which span from early December to late March, the weather averages around -3 degrees celsius. Compared to other big Canadian cities, like Montreal and Ottawa, that’s pretty mild! 

Winter isn’t the best time to visit Toronto if you’d like to enjoy the outdoors – but it’s still possible to enjoy museums and other indoor spots despite the cold. 

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You can get started with an Airalo eSIM, right here.

How to Get Around Toronto

Toronto is a big city, but you’ll find that it’s pretty walkable. If you need some transport to get you from place to place, you can take the subway, bus, bicycle, or a cab.

Taking public transport in Toronto

No need for a car in Toronto because the public transport system is fantastic. Torontonians (and visitors!) mostly use the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) which connects riders quickly to all of Toronto’s downtown neighbourhoods. 

The TTC provides subway, streetcar, and bus service that will typically get you around faster than a car because of all the city traffic. 

As a tourist, you can buy a day pass, weekend pass, or weekly pass to use. You can also tap on and tap off of streetcars, buses, and the subway using your credit card. And, be sure to download a TTC app to your phone for schedules and trip planning.

How to get to Toronto from Pearson Airport

The easiest way to reach Toronto from the airport is by taking the UP Express train. This commuter train connects people from Pearson International Airport to Union Station in the downtown core of Toronto in 25 minutes.  It costs just a few dollars each way!

How to cycle around Toronto

Cycling is a great way to get around while spending a weekend in Toronto! Bike Share Toronto provides rentable bikes that can be grabbed from an outdoor station. 

Stations are located all over the city and you can use your credit card to rent bicycles from these stations for unlimited 30-minute trips. Download the bike share app for a map of all the stations where you can grab and drop off a bike.

Taking taxis and cabs in Toronto

Taxis, Ubers and Lyfts are readily available in Toronto. I find that Uber and Lyft are usually cheaper than cabs, but cabs are reliable and safe too, and sometimes faster if you flag one on the street. 

The main cab companies are City Taxi, Beck Taxi, and Co-op Cabs. Most cabs take payment by credit card as well as cash.

Driving in Toronto

Driving in Toronto is big city driving, so it can be overwhelming if you aren’t used to busy roads. The biggest challenge of driving in Toronto is driving alongside streetcars, busses, cyclists, and scooters. But as long as you plan your routes, use navigation in you vehicle, stay aware of the traffic around you, and are patient, you’ll be fine!

Need a car rental for your Toronto adventures? Discover Cars compares the prices for a vehicle from a variety of suppliers to ensure you get the cheapest rate, and you can reserve your car rental in advance. Reserve a car rental here!

Where to Stay in Toronto

When it comes to accommodation, there’s plenty of choice in Toronto. While there are lots of chain hotels and Airbnb’s, I want to highlight some of the city’s local, independent, and unique hotels and hostels.

Many of these hotels aren’t in the downtown core, but don’t let that deter you. Staying in one of these spots will expose you to a more local region of the city. Here are some notable hotels and hostels, for every budget.

Hotels for 6 Days in Toronto

The Annex Hotel – This hotel is in my own Toronto neighborhood! I often drop by for a drink in their chic bar. The hotel offers just a few rooms, each of which is minimalist, with lots of windows and a platform bed. A nice touch is that every room is outfitted with a record player and a small collection of vinyl to choose from. Located in Toronto’s west end, this hotel is close to popular neighborhoods, shopping, and restaurants.

The Gladstone – Built in 1889, The Gladstone is Toronto’s oldest continuously operating hotel. When staying in the hotel or visiting, you’ll notice The Gladstone’s historicity when you use the elevator. The antique elevator still requires an operator! This is a fantastic spot in the city to be, with proximity to artist venues, independent shops, and restaurants. Plus, each room is uniquely designed and decorated by a local artist.

The Drake Hotel – The Drake is known for being an artistic hub, as well as a boutique hotel, restaurant, bar, and music venue. There you’ll often find contemporary art collections and exhibitions on display. The hotel is in the city’s trendy west end, and has friendly staff and a community feel.

Budget accommodation for 6 Days in Toronto

The Parkdale Hostellerie – This budget hotel is in a very hip neighborhood of Toronto, with great access to the downtown core. It offers affordable hotel rooms, as well as suites and hostel dorms. Being a budget traveler myself, I know the value of a good hostel.

Only Backpacker’s Inn – This backpacking hostel is in a residential, lively neighborhood known as Greektown. If Greek food is your thing, this is the hostel for you. Only Backpacker’s Inn has dorm rooms and one private room. Plus, it offers a large rooftop patio, communal kitchen, and lots of common spaces.

Planet Traveler Hostel – This backpacker’s hostel uses green energy through integrated systems like solar panels and water heat recycling, giving travelers an environmentally conscious option for accommodation. And, found just around the corner from Kensington Market, it’s perfectly located. With a rooftop lounge and bar, it’s a great spot for solo travelers to connect with others. 

How to Spend 6 Days in Toronto

Ready to spend 6 days in Toronto? Let’s dive into the itinerary!

Day 1: Explore Downtown Toronto

Your first day in Toronto is all about seeing some famous sites! 

Start in Nathan Phillips Square

On your way to the CN Tower, make a stop in Nathan Phillips square. Nathan Phillips Square is an urban plaza on Queen Street. It is right by Toronto City Hall at the intersection of Queen Street West and Bay Street, and is named after Nathan Phillips, mayor of Toronto from 1955 to 1962. Stopping by the square, you’ll see new and old Toronto city hall, and you can get a photo with the famous “Toronto” sign!

Visit Yonge-Dundas Square and the Eaton Centre

Yonge-Dundas Square, sometimes referred to as Toronto’s “Times Square,” is located at the intersection of Yonge Street and Dundas Street. 

It’s a busy, open-air square that is known for being a hub of street performers, bright lights, giant digital billboards, and constant flow of people. Often, you’ll find large festivals or impromptu events happening in this public space. 

From Yonge-Dundas Square, a short walk will bring you to the iconic Eaton Centre, Toronto’s largest shopping mall. The main entrance to the Eaton Centre from Dundas Square is located just to the south of the square, at the intersection of Yonge Street and Dundas Street. 

With over 230 stores, you’ll find everything from high-end fashion to local boutiques. If you aren’t into shopping, be sure to pop into the Eaton Centre to admire “Flight Stop,”a permanent sculptural installation by Michael Snow, which was unveiled in 1979.

Visit Steamwhistle Brewery

This Toronto brewery is right by the CN Tower. Steamwhistle was founded in 2000 by three former employees of Upper Canada Brewing. They brew pilsner beers in a historic brick railway roundhouse. You can stop by for a tasting, a tour, or to check out the shop. 

Go to the Top of the CN Tower

The CN Tower is at the very center of the downtown core of Toronto and it’s the world’s 9th tallest free-standing structure. It’s truly an icon of the city, and it’s often visible from miles away because of its height. 

A classic visit to the tower means taking a high speed elevator up to the tower’s observation decks. Once you reach the deck, you’ll get to peer down at the city below through a glass floor.

For something a little more thrilling, opt for the Edge Walk – the world’s highest hands-free walk. Wearing a suit and strapped into a harness, you can circle around the exposed top of the CN Tower. 

For something more chill, consider having a meal in the 360 Restaurant. At the top of the tower, this restaurant provides more than just dinner… You’ll be treated to panoramic views!

See a Show at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre

The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre is the last-operating vaudeville-era double-decker theater in the world. This 100-year old historic theatre complex is a National Historic Site, and an important part of Toronto’s theater scene. 

The theater hosts a variety of film screenings, concerts, dance shows, fashion shows, fundraisers, comedy and lecture series. 

If there aren’t any shows that appeal to you, you can also opt to take a guided tour of the beautiful and historic premises. The tour includes a look inside the Winter Garden Theatre, which is one of the only surviving Edwardian stacked theaters left in the world.

Day 2: Explore Chinatown and Kensington Market

This 6 days in Toronto itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to two of Toronto’s best neighborhoods: Chinatown and Kensington Market. These two neighbourhoods are adjacent to each other, making it easy to explore them both in one day.

I personally love walking around Chinatown and Kensington market on a Sunday afternoon. You’ll often catch my partner and I doing this, particularly during the summer months!

Start the Day in Chinatown

Chinatown has historically been home to immigrants from Hong Kong and China. It’s one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, with history dating back to the late 1870s, when the first Chinese business opened there. 

It’s one of the best neighborhoods in Toronto to explore on foot, because you can pop into various shops and wander by street vendors. This is also the best area for Asian cuisine! You’ll find Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese food and more.

Most businesses in the neighborhood, including medical centres and banks, offer services in Chinese languages, and you’ll notice that street signs in Chinatown include Cantonese. 

The stretch of Spadina Street at the core of Chinatown is typically busy during the day with local shoppers visiting street markets. Be sure to check out some of Indigenous businesses in Toronto that are in this area!

Spots to check out in Chinatown:

• Art Gallery of Ontario is on the edge of Chinatown, and displays a variety of genres, including the works of emerging First Nations artists.
• Bau-Xi Gallery is one of Canada’s top commercial art galleries featuring Canadian and international artists.
• Tap Phong Trading Company is actually a cookware and dinnerware supplier, they provide many of Toronto’s restaurants with their wares. I love browsing this shop for gems like unique dishware and cute pots for my house plants.  

Next, Explore Kensington Market

This famous Toronto neighborhood is known for its laid-back, artsy vibe. It’s long been one of the best neighborhoods in Toronto! And, it’s a designated National Historic Site of Canada. 

In Kensington Market you’ll find eclectic shops, vintage clothing stores, ethnic restaurants, bars, street food, artisan markets, street performers and street art.

At the north end of Augusta Avenue in Kensington is an oddity that’s been an icon of the neighborhood for years: the garden car. This repurposed car can be seen in the summer bursting with foliage.

Plants grow out through the roof, doors, windows, and trunk. The garden car is a piece of public art and considered a statement of protest against the damage that cars cause to the environment.

Spots to check out in Kensington Market: 

• Wanda’s Pie in the Sky for pies and other delicious sweets. 
• Rasta Pasta for Jamaican-Italian fusion fare. 
• Pow Wow Cafe for Indigenous Canadian cuisine. 
• Ronnie’s Local 069 or Thirsty and Miserable for a craft beer. 
• Cafe Pamenar for a cup of coffee or tea. 
• Courage My Love for vintage shopping. 
• Golden Patty for delicious Jamaican patties.

Pop Into The Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario (known by Torontonians as the “A.G.O.”) features a collection of close to 95,000 works. There, you’ll discover both Canadian works, and art from the global art scene.

You can view pieces by emerging First Nation artists, or some of the gallery’s large permanent collection by the famous Canadian Group of Seven. And, you’ll find European masterpieces too. You can purchase a general entry ticket for the AGO in advance, right here. 

Must-know tip: Admission to the AGO is free the first Wednesday night of each month, between 6pm – 9pm.

Listen to Jazz at Poetry Jazz Cafe

For a relaxed evening, head to the Poetry Jazz Cafe on Queen Street West. This is one of the best spots in Toronto to listen to live jazz, blues, and soul music. 

And on some evenings, you’ll catch performances of live spoken word. They serve beer, wine, and an array of cocktails. Be sure to check their website for the performance calendar, and arrive early. 

Day 3: Harbourfront and the Toronto Islands

On your third day in Toronto, you’re hanging out by the lake! Start your day exploring the Harbourfront neighborhood, before heading to the Toronto Islands.

Start Your Morning Walking Around Harbourfront

Harbourfront is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the most southern neighborhood of Toronto, a long stretch of urban lakefront at the edge of Toronto’s downtown core. It’s known as a particularly touristy neighborhood, but for good reason. Walking along the waterfront you’ll have beautiful views of Lake Ontario.

From the Harbourfront, you can catch ferry connections to the Toronto Islands. And in the summer months, Harbourfront has many community activities and free concerts. You’ll also find urban parks, trails, and restaurants. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Toronto for watching the sunset over the lake!

Spots to check out at Toronto’s Harbourfront: 

• Amsterdam Brewery for some local craft beers. Sit on their waterfront patio for views of the lake.
• HTO park for sunbathing and people watching, and the famous waterfront wavedecks, a collection of curvy docks. 
• Harbourfront Centre is the neighborhood’s arts and culture hub.
• Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is where you can catch the ferry to the Toronto Islands. You’ll have incredible views of the cityscape from the ferry deck. 

Take a Ferry to the Toronto Islands

Toronto rests on the shores of Lake Ontario. Just off the coast of the city there are a collection of small islands called the Toronto Islands.

They are a haven for Torontonians in the summer months because there you can lounge on beaches, go swimming, cycle nicely paved trails, or have a picnic under the trees. There’s plenty of well-marked signage to help you navigate the islands. 

Centre Island is the most easily accessed one. Ferries leave from Toronto Harbourfront every 15 minutes, and it takes just 20 minutes to reach the Islands. Once there, you can pick up a rental bike for the day and explore everything from the Centreville Theme Park to Gibraltar Point Lighthouse.

If you’d like to swim, head to Hanlan’s Point. Ward’s Island can be walked to from Centre Island, and it’s nice to visit because the view of the city from Ward’s is gorgeous.

You can read more details about taking the ferry on the Toronto Islands website. Or, you can grab a water taxi. There are two main water taxi companies that run small boats going from Toronto’s waterfront to the islands.

They are Toronto Harbour Water Taxi and Tiki Taxi. The taxis cost $12 per person, and that’s going each direction. I love taking the taxis because they are a lot faster.

Go to a Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Game [Spring, Summer, and Fall only]

The Toronto BlueJays is a professional baseball team that competes in Major League Baseball (MLB). 

The team has a dedicated stadium in downtown Toronto, where locals and tourists alike can go to experience a baseball game from early spring to late fall. During the summer, the games are especially festive. 

The stadium roof is retractable, so when the weather is good the stadium is opened up to the fresh air and blue skies. 

You can enjoy some hotdogs, beers, and cheer along with the crowd. A Blue Jays game is a truly Torontonian experience! Tickets can go for as little as $20, and can be bought here.

Attending a Blue Jays game.

Day 4: Explore Casa Loma & Queen Street West

On the 4th day of your 6 day Toronto itinerary, you’ll see a castle and explore one of Toronto’s trendiest neighborhoods. 

Take a Tour of Casa Loma

Kick off day 4 in Toronto by visiting Toronto’s one and only castle. Casa Loma was built and owned by Canadian soldier and financier Sir Henry Pellatt. Completed in 1914, the castle was once the largest private residence in Canada. 

It has 98 rooms, several towers, and five acres of gorgeous estate gardens. Today, Casa Loma is open to the public for tours. You can also see permanent installations, like a classic car collection. 

Casa Loma is a bit out of the way, so you’ll need to rely on public transport or taxis to get there. Tours of the castle and gardens are available daily, and they last about 2 hours. You can book your entry ticket to Casa Loma in advance, here.

Learn Toronto History at the Spadina House

A short walk from Casa Loma is the Spadina House. Also known as the Spadina Museum, it’s a historic mansion in Toronto. The house was built in 1866 by James Austin, a successful businessman and the founder of the Austin, Nichols & Co. grocery empire. 

Throughout the 20th century, the Austin family played a significant role in Toronto’s development. Today, the Spadina house is a beautifully preserved museum showcasing the life of Toronto’s elite during the Edwardian and Victorian eras.

The mansion’s beautiful gardens, ornate rooms, and period furnishings make it a fascinating step back in time. You can learn the history of the Austin family and Toronto through guided tours that highlight the family’s lifestyle, architecture, and the social changes of the time.

The museum is open year-round, with seasonal events and exhibits offering something new to discover with each visit. You can enjoy free admission by taking a guided tour Wednesdays to Saturdays, or by wandering the halls of the house at your own pace on Sundays.

Explore Queen West

Queen West is known for being a trendy and hip enclave of Toronto, and many people think of it as one of the best neighborhoods in Toronto. It’s a popular shopping district, so you’ll find many boutiques, as well as tattoo shops, restaurants, and bars. This is the perfect neighborhood for an afternoon walk.

Pop into some shops, enjoy a cocktail or a coffee. To snap some Instagram worthy pictures, take a stroll through the famous graffiti alley. Spots to check out on Queen Street West:

• The Cure Apothecary specializes in all-natural beauty products.
• Drake General Store sells Canadiana themed artisanal products and gifts.
• At Le Labo, you can create personalized fragrances for candles, lotions, and more.
• Grab a coffee from Early Bird Espresso.
• Drom Taberna for a drink and Eastern European fare. 
• On Third Thought for gelato and wine.

After exploring Queen West, swing by Trinity Bellwoods Park to hang out in the grass. Head to the north end of the park for an epic view of the CN Tower!

Spend the Evening at Bar Raval

Some in Toronto call Bar Raval the city’s most beautiful bar in the city. It’s adorned with Gaudi-esque carved wood, and has a cozy and social atmosphere. In the morning, they serve coffee and pastries, and from afternoon to late night, they serve cocktails, wine and pintxos.

They don’t take reservations, so you’ll likely have to wait to get in. Head to Bar Raval on your 4th evening in Toronto to enjoy some delicious snacks and cocktails. 

Day 5: St. Lawrence Market and Toronto’s East End

On your 5th day in Toronto, you’ll visit a popular market, historic district, and more of Toronto’s east end.

Have Breakfast at St. Lawrence Market 

St. Lawrence Market is an indoor public market where you’ll find artisanal shops and plenty of food stalls. Originally established as a public market in 1803, it’s since evolved into a space for food, community, and local craftsmanship. 

The South Market building, constructed in 1845, is home to over 120 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and foods, while the North Market is known for its Saturday Farmers’ Market.

Since this is your first stop of the day, it’s the perfect place to grab breakfast. I recommend picking up the iconic peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery. Other options include crepes from Crêpe It Up or fresh pastries from Future Bakery.

Aside from getting breakfast, you’ll want to wander around the market’s specialty shops selling cheese, spices, and seafood, or visit the Market Gallery, showcasing Toronto’s history and art. 

When you’re finished enjoying St. Lawrence Market, take a short 5 minute walk down Front Street heading west. 

First, you’ll come to the Gooderham Building, which is known as Toronto’s Flatiron building. Built in 1892, it predates New York’s more famous Flatiron Building and shares its distinctive triangular shape, which results from its location at the point that Front Street and Wellington Street meet.

This building used to be the headquarters of the Gooderham and Worts distillery empire, but it’s now a mix of office and retail space. After admiring the interesting architecture of the Gooderham Building, walk behind it, where you’ll come to a small park called Berczy Park. 

In this small park you’ll find a special fountain – known as the dog fountain! It’s a large fountain that features sculptures of playful dogs and one cat surrounding a central spout.

Wander The Beautiful Distillery District 

After Berczy Park, walk about eastward down Front Street, turning right on Trinity St, arriving at the Distillery District of Toronto. The walk takes 15 to 20 minutes.

The Distillery District is a historic neighborhood that was once home to a large whiskey distillery called the Gooderham and Worts Distillery. The distillery was founded in 1832, by 1860 was the world’s largest whiskey distillery, but eventually closed in the 1990s.

Today, the neighborhood is known for its industrial 19th-century architecture, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops. You can easily spend an hour or more wandering the beautiful area, popping into shops and taking photos. 

Be sure to stop by the Clock Tower, look at Canadian-designed shoes in the shop called John Fluevog Shoes, and grab a coffee from Balzac’s.

I’m a big fan of the Ontario Spring Water Sake Company, which is on Gristmill Lane in the Distillery District. It is eastern North America’s first sake brewery! Pop in for a tour and sake samples, and buy your own freshly pressed, unpasteurized, and unfiltered sake to bring home.

Depending on how long you spend in the Distillery District, you might start to get hungry. If you’re ready for lunch, grab a sandwich or another tasty meal in St. Lawrence Market. Try El Catrin for Mexican food or Cluny Bistro for French-inspired dishes. Both offer great atmospheres and delicious meals.

If you happen to be in Toronto during the holiday season, check out the neighborhood’s famous Christmas Market. The market typically runs from the end of November to early January, and during this time, the Distillery District is festively decorated, with lots of small stands selling food and artisan goods. 

Enjoy a Walk Through Corktown Common

When you’re ready to move to your next stop of the day, walk east down Mill Street for about 12 minutes, until you reach Corktown Common. 

Corktown Common is an urban park located in Toronto’s revitalized West Don Lands area. The park is 18 acres of natural landscapes and recreational spaces, where you’ll find wetlands, walking and biking trails, playgrounds and splash pads for kids, and a lush meadow. This park is  a nice escape from the busy city, with stunning views of Toronto’s skyline.

Stop by Sugar Beach

After a nice nature break in Corktown Common, you’ll start heading back east to the center of the city. On the way, stop by Sugar Beach!

Sugar Beach in Toronto is a cute urban park located along the waterfront. It is known for it’s signature pink umbrellas and white sand, which create a playful beach vibe, perfect for relaxing or enjoying lake views. 

Named after a nearby sugar factory, it’s a unique blend of industrial heritage and modern design. Unfortunately, you can’t actually swim at this beach, but it’s still a fun stop to take in some beautiful views and relax.

Go on a Sunset Boat Tour 

The perfect way to spend a spring, summer, or fall evening in Toronto is on a cruise of the Toronto harbour! There are several Toronto boat tours to choose from, but the Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise is one of my favourites. 

Book the evening tour on a Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise to watch the sun set over the beautiful cityscape. You’ll set sail in the Toronto Harbour on a vintage, 3 mast 1930s schooner. You’ll sail for 2 hours to either the eastern or western gap out on Lake Ontario.

While on your Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise, you can sit back and relax with a drink while enjoying panoramic views of the Toronto Islands and the city skyline. 

Listen to ancient sea shanties as your crew coils the ropes, and watch as they fire the ship’s cannon. You are welcome to wander the ship, and help raising and lowering the sails or talking with our experienced crew.

The Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise includes a 2 hour sail and a fuel surcharge. Food and drinks aren’t included with the tour, but are available for purchase on board. Be sure to book your tour in advance because they tend to fill up, especially during summer. The tour departs from 235 Queens Quay W.

Alternative: Watch the Sunset at Polson Pier

Prefer to stay on land? Instead of a boat tour, drive, walk, cycle, or take public transit out to Polson Pier to watch the sunset from one of the best locations in Toronto!

Polson Pier is a waterfront location in Toronto’s Port Lands, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city’s skyline and Lake Ontario. Originally an industrial site, it has been transformed into a recreational and entertainment hub. It’s popular for its panoramic sunsets, making it a favorite spot for photographers as well as locals. 

*Note! Check the sunset time for the day and aim to arrive 30-45 minutes earlier to grab a good spot and enjoy the golden hour lighting.

Alternative: Go on a Sunset Helicopter Ride Above Toronto!

Soaring above Toronto in a helicopter (or small plane) is an exhilarating way to gain a new perspective of the city. Most Toronto helicopter tours operate out of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is a regional airport located on the Toronto Islands, very accessible from downtown Toronto. 

Billy Bishop airport is convenient to get to from downtown Toronto, it’s only 15 minutes away. It’s located on an island on Lake Ontario, just across a small channel from the mainland – Toronto’s waterfront. It’s a small, quiet airport, which makes it very easy to find your tour operator. 

One of the best helicopter tours to book is this 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto. You’ll get to fly above Toronto on a aerial tour of the downtown core. You’ll see the city skyline, the iconic CN Tower, Casa Loma, High Park and the beautiful waterfront. 

This flight covers about 35 km (22 miles) and includes one keepsake digital photo that’s delivered online, and one printed souvenir picture. There are a variety of departure times available throughout the day and evening.

The 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto includes:

• 14 minute helicopter tour over Toronto 
• Souvenir photo
• Local taxes 

Day 6: Day Trip To Niagara Falls 

On the final day of your 6 days in Toronto, you’ll venture outside the city. There’s lots of epic short trips from Toronto you can take, but I find that most visitors, especially first-time visitors, want to go to Niagara Falls. 

Niagara Falls is considered a natural wonder of the world because of its combination of height, volume, and the sheer force of the water flowing over the waterfall. It’s easy to day trip from Toronto to see the falls because they’re just 90 minutes from the city! 

Although you might see some people claiming that Niagara Falls is “over-rated,” I don’t agree. I think the falls are super impressive – so much so, I’ve gone to see them several times.  

On a day trip to Niagara Falls, you can see the 3 waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls: the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. 

There are multiple free view points, but you also have the option of immersive experiences, like going on a boat tour through Niagara City Cruises. This tour brings you super close to the falls, so close you can feel the power of the water, and end up soaked. Don’t worry, they’ll provide a poncho! 

You can also go on the Journey Behind the Falls, which allows you to get up close to the base of Horseshoe Falls via an observation deck. You get to walk behind the falls, and watch the water flowing over through viewing portals that are cut into the bedrock. You can book your ticket for Journey Behind the Falls in advance, right here.

Aside from seeing the actual falls, Niagara Falls is a small city that’s home to casinos, hotels, museums, and restaurants. Visit the Niagara Falls History Museum to learn the region’s history, including its role in the War of 1812 and fascinating exhibits about the falls’ geological and cultural significance. 

For dining, head to The Keg Steakhouse & Bar overlooking the falls, where you can enjoy delicious steaks and seafood along with stunning panoramic views of the Niagara Falls.

So, how can you get to and from Niagara Falls?

Day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto by car

Driving from Toronto to Niagara Falls is straightforward and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Start by taking the Gardiner Expressway westbound, which transitions into the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). 

Follow the QEW toward Niagara Falls, enjoying views of Lake Ontario along the way. After passing St. Catharines, follow signs for Highway 420/Niagara Falls. Take Highway 420 east into the city, leading directly to the main tourist area near the falls. 

There are plenty of parking lots and garages near attractions like Clifton Hill or Table Rock Welcome Centre. Plan for tolls if using routes like the 407.

Need a car rental? Discover Cars compares the prices for a vehicle from a variety of suppliers to ensure you get the cheapest rate, and you can reserve your car rental in advance. Reserve a car rental here!

Day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto by public transit

It’s convenient and affordable to day trip to Niagara Falls by public transit. The best way to do this is to take the GO Train from Union Station to Niagara Falls, with seasonal direct routes available. The trip takes about 2 hours each way. 

Metrolinx GO offers a 1-day pass for Niagara Falls, which includes your trip there and back, as well as unlimited use of public transit in Niagara Falls, on the WEGO transit system. The pass is a great deal! 

Day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto by group tour

A group tour is a convenient way to visit Niagara Falls from Toronto because it includes your transport and activities – no planning needed! 

On this highly-rated Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto, you’ll go on a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway with your guide. You’ll get the chance to visit the top regional attractions, and enjoy several photo stops including the Niagara Whirlpool and the Niagara River viewpoint. 

This tour includes 3 hours spent at the falls independently. During this time you can choose how you’d like to see the falls – from the free view points, or by going behind the falls or on a boat tour. 

Be sure to book the Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto in advance to ensure you get a spot on this popular day trip tour!

Final Thoughts: Spending Six Days in Toronto

With 6 days in Toronto, you have plenty of time to explore some of the city’s best neighbourhoods, shopping, restaurants, museums, and more. After this Toronto itinerary, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced the beauty and diversity of this North American city. 

Heading out of the city after 6 days in Toronto? 

Check out these 12 Epic Short Trips From Toronto, and my day trip guide for What to Do in Caledon, Ontario.

Looking for more to do in Ontario, Canada? Read my other posts: 

• 14 Must-Visit Indigenous Businesses in Toronto
• First-Timer’s Guide to Exploring Algonquin Provincial Park
• 8 Must-Do Toronto Boat Tours
• Why You Need to Visit an Alpaca Farm in Ontario
• Your Essential Guide to Visiting Point Pelee National Park