Is Toronto Worth Visiting? 8 Must-Know Reasons To Go

Toronto, which I’m lucky to have called home now for over a decade, is Canada’s largest city. I moved to Toronto in 2014 for school, thinking I would leave when I was done with my program. But I never did! I fell in love with the city’s energy, and now I can’t imagine living anywhere else. 

Is Toronto Worth Visiting?

Toronto is absolutely worth visiting. It’s a big, diverse city with tons to do, from great museums and galleries to exciting neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and the Chinatown. Toronto is home to an amazing food scene with options from all over the world, and the city has lots of greenspaces to enjoy, like the Toronto Islands and Trinity Bellwoods Park. Plus, it’s easy to get around, and there’s always something happening, like concerts, sports games, or world-renowned festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival. 

Toronto, Ontario: The Basics

If you’re thinking of visiting Toronto, here are some basics about the city that you should know. 

When is the best time to visit Toronto?

Spring, summer, and fall are the best time to visit Toronto if you want to avoid the cold winter weather. The summer months, July and August, are the warmest time to visit, with the temperature averaging around 25 degrees celsius. These months can feel quite hot, so for a more comfortable temperature, consider visiting Toronto in June or September. 

How to get to Toronto?

Toronto is accessible by air, rail, road, or bus. Thanks to the well-connected Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which serves flights from major cities worldwide, it’s easy to fly into the city. You can also reach Toronto by train, using VIA Rail or Amtrak, or by bus with companies like MegaBus. If you’re nearby, driving is straightforward with major highways leading into the city. Toronto is accessible by air, rail, road, or bus.

How long should you spend in Toronto?

Three days is enough to see Toronto’s highlights, like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, and waterfront, but it’s a short visit given how big the city is. To truly experience Toronto’s diverse neighborhoods, food scene, parks, and cultural attractions, plan to spend at least 3 days or more in Toronto – I recommend spending 6 days in Toronto if you can. A longer stay gives you time to see beyond the highlights, and even take a day trip to Niagara Falls.

an aerial view of queen street west, toronto
Queen Street, Toronto

8 Reasons Why You Should Visit Toronto

Let’s unpack exactly why Toronto is worth visiting. 

1. Toronto is Home to Iconic Landmarks

One of the main reasons Toronto is worth visiting? This Ontario city is home to many iconic landmarks!

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 epic 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, you can go on 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!

a square filled with bright, lit up billboards, known as Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto
Yonge-Dundas Square

Yonge-Dundas Square, sometimes referred to as Toronto’s “Times Square,” is another iconic landmark in Toronto.

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 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.

These are just some of the landmarks that make Toronto worth visiting – don’t worry, I’ll be covering more of them throughout this guide. 

the toronto cityscape, view from lake ontario
View of the CN Tower from Lake Ontario

2. Toronto is a Walkable City With Good Transit

Toronto is a highly walkable city with a solid public transit network. This makes it easy for you to get around. Neighborhoods like the Distillery District, Kensington Market, and Queen Street West are pedestrian-friendly, and during the summer, some major streets become pedestrianized for festivals.

Toronto’s extensive Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) system includes subways, streetcars, and buses, connecting key areas like the waterfront, museums, and landmarks like the CN Tower. Although us local Torontonians love to complain about the TTC, overall, it’s generally simple, reliable, and safe to use and it makes destinations farther out, like High Park or Scarborough Bluffs, easily accessible.

Good transit and walkability mean you can save on car rentals and parking, while also enjoying a more immersive experience of the city. As locals, my partner and I often spend our weekends (especially in the warmer months!) wandering Toronto’s different neighborhoods, popping into shops and stopping to enjoy parks.

a red ttc street car in toronto crossing an intersection in the downtown of the city
A streetcar crossing an intersection in Chinatown, Torotno

3. Toronto Has an Amazing Food Scene

Toronto is known for being the place to go if you’re a foodie – and even if you aren’t, you’ll still appreciate the range of restaurants and cuisines available in the city. Because Toronto is such a multicultural city, you can find all types of restaurants, from your classic pub food to Ethiopian, Chinese, and Indian.

Here are four notable restaurants that showcase this variety across different cuisines and price ranges:

$$$ Bar Raval – This is a popular Spanish-inspired tapas bar in Toronto, which is known for its stunning Gaudí-style woodwork interior. Here, you can order Spanish small sharing plates, including charcuterie, seafood, and inventive takes on traditional dishes. You can also order delicious cocktails at Bar Raval. It does get busy, so make a reservation, or plan to wait for a table if it’s a weekend evening.

Location: 505 College St, Toronto

three small plates of spanish dishes on a wooden table, including a bowl of olives
My most recent meal at Bar Raval

$$ Mother’s Dumplings – Head here for Northern Chinese cuisine! Mother’s Dumplings is a Toronto institution, known for its hand-made dumplings.  The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere where the focus is on comfort food and traditional flavors. Be sure to try the Steamed Pork and Chive Dumplings! Along with dumplings, the menu includes noodles, soups, and savory pancakes.

Location: 421 Spadina Ave., Toronto

$ Lalibela Restaurant – This is a beloved spot in Toronto for Ethiopian food. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with traditional decor and a cozy setting. Meals are served on large injera bread, which doubles as a utensil. A standout dish is the Lalibela Platter, a combination of flavorful stews and vegetables, perfect for sampling a variety of tastes. There are both vegetarian and meat options available, and dishes are communal, so it’s best to go with at least one other person!

Location: 869 Bloor St W, Toronto

$ Tondou Ramen – This is the only authentic Okinawan Japanese restaurant in Toronto! Come here for rich broths and perfectly cooked noodles, and delicious fried chicken (my favourite is the Nanban Fried Chicken!). A notable dish is the Tonkotsu Black Ramen, made with a creamy pork bone broth, garlic oil, and tender chashu pork. There are vegetarian options available and in the summer, be sure to sit outside on their patio.

Location: 596 College St, Toronto

Nanban chicken, a bowl of chashu don, and a bowl of ramen at Tondou Ramen

4. You Can Learn Toronto History

Toronto, originally inhabited by First Nations, became a French trading post in the 18th century. Established as the town of York in 1793, it was renamed Toronto in 1834. The town grew rapidly into a city, which is now a cultural and economic hub, and Canada’s largest city.

It’s worth visiting Toronto to learn about the city and surrounding region’s history, and there’s a few places you can go to do this.

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. 

Tours of the castle and gardens are available daily, and they last about 2 hours. 

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.

a historic, large white house surrounded by green lawns and blooming trees, the spadina house in toronto
Spadina House

5. Toronto is Home to Beautiful Greenspaces

Something I’ve always loved about Toronto is how much greenspace the city has. There are many parks throughout the city, ranging in size, and you’ll find that the city’s residential streets are often lined with beautiful, old trees. 

Toronto’s greenspaces are perfect for picnics, cycling, or simply unwinding in nature. Here are a few of my favourite greenspaces to enjoy in the city:

The Toronto Islands  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. This small collection of islands is just off the coast of the city on Lake Ontario, and easy to reach by public ferry. 

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.

It’s also worth mentioning that there are many Toronto boat tours you can enjoy from Toronto’s waterfront, which bring you through Toronto harbour and around the Toronto Islands!

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.

High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, at approximately 400 acres (161 hectares). This beautiful park is worth visiting for its scenic trails, cherry blossoms in spring, and attractions like the zoo and Grenadier Pond. Perfect for picnics and nature walks, this park is a peaceful escape from the city. From downtown Toronto, take the TTC subway to High Park Station on Line 2 to enter the park using the north gate. 

two kayaks paddling by boats docked in the toronto islands
Kayakers paddling through a channel in the Toronto Islands

6. You Can Visit Interesting Museums 

If you enjoy museums, you’ll love Toronto! According to a 2019 report by Statistics Canada, the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area is home to 95 museums, which cover a wide range of topics and interests, from art and history to science and specialized subjects.

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a must-visit, showcasing fascinating exhibits on natural history, world cultures, and amazing dinosaur fossils. For a unique perspective, visit the Aga Khan Museum, which highlights Islamic art, culture, and heritage.

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. 

Inside the Art Gallery of Ontario

7. Attend Fun Toronto Events

Toronto has a year-round lineup of events and festivals, so you’ll want to check if any are on when you’re planning to visit! The best events tend to happen during the warmer months—spring, summer, and fall. On summer weekends there’s so much happening that it’s common to stumble on a festival taking place in a park or along a city street!

Toronto truly has an event or festival for everyone, from farmers’ markets and street festivals to art showcases and globally celebrated events like Toronto Pride and the Toronto International Film Festival. 

Here are a few notable events and festivals to kick-start your planning:

Toronto International Film Festival – Known locally as TIFF, the Toronto International Film Festival is held annually over two weeks in early September. This is one of the world’s largest publicly attended film festivals, attracting filmmakers, celebrities, industry members, and the public from all over the globe. Besides film screenings, the festival means Toronto is busy with side events, lectures, discussions, workshops, and parties! 

Toronto Caribbean Carnival – The Toronto Caribbean Festival is a month-long celebration of Caribbean culture, held every August for the past 52 years! It’s Canada’s largest cultural event and the biggest outdoor festival in North America. Carnival events, showcasing tradition, diversity, and history, take place throughout the city in various forms. The highlight is the Grande Parade, where the streets come alive with masquerade bands, dancers in colorful costumes, and live music. 

Toronto Pride – Toronto Pride is held annually in June as a celebration of LGBTQ+ diversity. This is one of the largest pride events in the world! The month-long festivities lead up to Pride Week, with events like Trans Pride, the Dyke March, and the iconic Pride Parade. In addition to the parades, the city comes alive with lively nightlife, street festivals, cabana parties, and theatre performances.

Nuit Blanche Toronto – Nuit Blanche is an annual all-night art celebration held every fall. It transforms Toronto into an artscape that lasts all night, from sunset to sunrise. Hundreds of local and international artists contribute to the event, featuring modern art installations, live performances, interactive exhibits, and lively nightlife. With so much to explore, art enthusiasts often plan their routes using maps and itineraries. During Nuit Blanche, bars are often open extra late, as a way for attendees to relax and socialize during the overnight event.

Film screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival

8. Perfect Home Base For Day-Tripping

Toronto is a perfect home base for visiting the surrounding region of Ontario. There’s lots of epic short trips from Toronto you can take, from visiting Prince Edward County (a region known for its wine-making) to some of Ontario’s best provincial parks. With a 2 hour drive (or less!) you can enjoy Ontario’s nature, visit farms (including alpaca farms!), and experience small towns, like Caledon, Ontario.

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 “overrated,” 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.

The view of Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, showing the Maid of the Mist heading toward the waterfall
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 viewpoints, 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!

view of toronto's skyline at sunset, which you can experience during 4 days in toronto
The Toronto skyline at sunset time

Final Thoughts: Is Toronto Worth Visiting?

Toronto is undeniably worth a visit. As a local, I might be a bit biased, but there’s a reason I’ve chosen to make Toronto home for over a decade! Toronto is a beautiful, fun, vibrant city where I’ve found a real sense of community, and I think this is felt by visitors, too.

Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, nature enthusiast, or thrill-seeker, Toronto has it all. With plenty to do, you can easily fill up 4 days in Toronto, or more! 

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