Last Updated on August 9, 2026
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and after living here for more than a decade, I can confidently say it’s worth visiting.
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.
What makes Toronto so special for both residents and visitors is how much diversity there is in things to do.
The city has an excellent food scene, world-class museums and galleries, unique neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and Chinatown, and plenty of green space, including the Toronto Islands and High Park.
It’s easy to enjoy Toronto without a car, and there’s always something happening, whether that’s a major sporting event, a concert, or a festival like the Toronto International Film Festival.
Read on for 8 reasons why Toronto is worth visiting, including the city’s most popular attractions, food scene, museums, parks, festivals, and nearby day trips.
Toronto is located on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. Today, Toronto remains home to vibrant First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.
- 1. Toronto is Home to Iconic Landmarks
- 2. Toronto is a Walkable City With Good Transit
- 3. Toronto Has an Amazing Food Scene
- 4. You Can Learn Toronto History
- 5. Toronto is Home to Beautiful Greenspaces
- 6. You Can Visit Interesting Museums
- 7. Experience Fun Toronto Events
- 8. Perfect Home Base For Day-Tripping
- Toronto, Ontario: The Basics
- A City of Neighborhoods, Food, and Culture
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1. Toronto is Home to Iconic Landmarks
One of the main reasons Toronto is worth visiting is its collection of well-known landmarks. There are several “must-visit” sites, and even as a local, I still find myself visiting them from time to time.
Whether it’s looking up at the CN Tower, wandering through the Distillery District, or passing through Yonge-Dundas Square, these places have become symbols of Toronto for a reason.
The CN Tower sits in the heart of downtown Toronto and is probably the city’s most recognizable sight. As one of the world’s tallest free-standing structures, it’s visible from all over the city and has become a symbol of Toronto.
A classic visit involves taking the high-speed elevator to the observation decks, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the skyline, Lake Ontario, and, on a clear day, as far as Niagara Falls.
If you’re feeling brave, you can try EdgeWalk, the world’s highest hands-free walk, which takes you around the outside edge of the tower while secured to an overhead rail.
For a more relaxed experience, book a table at 360 Restaurant, a restaurant located at the top of the CN Tower. The revolving dining room offers panoramic views of the city while you eat.
Another Toronto landmark is Sankofa Square (formerly known as Yonge-Dundas Square). Located at one of the busiest intersections in Canada, this public gathering space is known for its giant digital billboards, frequent events, and lively atmosphere.
Throughout the year, it hosts concerts, festivals, cultural celebrations, film screenings, and community events.
Whether you’re attending an event or simply people-watching, it’s a fun place to experience the energy of downtown Toronto. From Sankofa Square, it’s just a short walk to the Eaton Centre, one of Toronto’s most popular shopping destinations.
The Distillery District is another must-visit Toronto landmark. Once home to the Gooderham & Worts Distillery, which grew into one of the largest distilleries in the world during the 19th century, the area has been transformed into a pedestrian-only district filled with shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés.
Today, visitors come for the beautifully preserved Victorian industrial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere.
It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering, shopping, and grabbing a coffee. While you’re there, stop by the Clock Tower, browse the Canadian-designed footwear at John Fluevog, and enjoy a coffee from Balzac’s.
These are just a few of Toronto’s most famous iconic landmarks. Don’t worry, I’ll be covering more landmarks throughout the rest of this guide.
2. Toronto is a Walkable City With Good Transit
Something I’ve loved about Toronto from day one is that it’s a highly walkable city, with a solid public transit network.
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 public transit is managed by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). The 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 parts of the city that are farther out, like High Park or Scarborough Bluffs, easily accessible.
Good transit and walkability means 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.
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 restaurants that I personally love, which showcase this variety across different cuisines and price ranges:
$$$ Bar Raval – This is a popular Spanish-inspired tapas bar in Toronto, which is known for its stunning Gaudí-style woodwork interior. Here, you can order Spanish small sharing plates, including charcuterie, seafood, and inventive takes on traditional dishes. You can also order delicious cocktails at Bar Raval. It does get busy, so make a reservation, or plan to wait for a table if it’s a weekend evening.
Location: 505 College St, Toronto
$$ 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
$$ 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 favorite dish of mine 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
$ 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
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.
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.
Ward’s Island is the easternmost of the Toronto Islands and is home to a small year-round residential community, a sandy beach, and some of the city’s best skyline views. Most people tend to head to Centre Island, but I think Ward’s Island offers a quieter, more relaxed experience that’s perfect for spending a day exploring on foot.
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.
6. You Can Visit Interesting Museums
If you enjoy museums, Toronto won’t disappoint. 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.
One of the city’s most popular museums is the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), where you can explore exhibits on natural history, ancient civilizations, world cultures, and towering dinosaur fossils.
Art lovers should make time for the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Home to nearly 100,000 works of art, the AGO features everything from contemporary pieces by emerging Indigenous artists to masterpieces by the Group of Seven and renowned European painters. It’s one of the largest art museums in North America and easy to spend several hours exploring.
Inside the Art Gallery of Ontario
You can purchase a general entry ticket for the AGO in advance, right here.
Pro Tip: Admission to the AGO is free on the first Wednesday evening of every month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., making it one of the best free things to do in Toronto.
For something a little different, visit the Aga Khan Museum, which showcases Islamic art, culture, and history through a collection that spans centuries and continents. The museum’s architecture and beautiful grounds are worth seeing in their own right.
Together, these institutions help make Toronto one of Canada’s leading cultural destinations.
7. Experience 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 spring, summer, and fall, when the weather is nicest.
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!
Film screenings at the Toronto International Film Festival
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.
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 Ontario alpaca farms, to experiencing small towns like Caledon and visiting some of Ontario’s best provincial parks.
The most popular day trip from Toronto tends to be Niagara Falls, and for good reason.
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.
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!
Niagara Falls
Toronto, Ontario: The Basics
If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, here are a few practical things to know before you visit.
When is the best time to visit Toronto?
For most visitors, the best time to visit Toronto is between May and October. During this period, the city is at its liveliest, with outdoor patios, festivals, concerts, and events happening almost every weekend.
July and August are the warmest months, with daytime temperatures often reaching the mid-to-high 20s Celsius. It can feel hot and humid, especially in the downtown core.
If you prefer milder weather, June and September are excellent choices. You’ll still get plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities, but with fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures.
Winter in Toronto can be cold and snowy, but it’s also the quietest time to visit and hotel prices are often lower.
How do you get to Toronto?
Toronto is one of the easiest cities in Canada to reach. Most international visitors arrive through Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Canada’s busiest airport.
If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Canada or the northeastern United States, you can also reach Toronto by train with VIA Rail or Amtrak.
Bus companies such as Megabus and FlixBus connect Toronto with many cities across Ontario and nearby provinces and states.
If you’re driving, major highways like Highway 401 and the QEW provide easy access to the city.
How many days do you need in Toronto?
I recommend spending at least 3 full days in Toronto.
Three days gives you enough time to see major attractions like the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Distillery District, and Toronto Islands. However, Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, and many of its best experiences happen away from the major tourist attractions.
If you have the time, 5 to 6 days in Toronto will give you a much better feel for the city.
You’ll be able to explore neighbourhoods like Kensington Market, Chinatown, Leslieville, and Queen West, spend more time enjoying Toronto’s food scene, and even take a day trip to Niagara Falls.
Is Toronto expensive to visit?
Toronto is one of Canada’s more expensive cities, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Accommodation is usually the biggest expense, especially during summer and major events like the Toronto International Film Festival.
You can save money by visiting in spring or fall, using public transit instead of renting a car, and taking advantage of free attractions like High Park, Kensington Market, the Toronto Islands, and many city festivals.
Do you need a car in Toronto?
No. In fact, I usually recommend not renting one. Toronto is a very walkable city, and most major attractions are connected by the TTC’s network of subways, streetcars, and buses. Parking can be expensive and traffic can be frustrating, particularly downtown.
If you’re planning day trips outside the city, such as visiting Niagara Falls or provincial parks, you may want a car for those portions of your trip.
A City of Neighborhoods, Food, and Culture
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!
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Looking for more to do in Ontario, Canada? Read my other posts:
