Places to Visit in Toronto: A Comprehensive Guide

Toronto is the largest and most populous city in Canada. It is an essential stop on a journey through Canadian territory and can also be considered as an addition to an itinerary in the northeastern United States, such as New England, for example. The famous Niagara Falls are just one of the natural wonders located a stone’s throw away from this city situated on the shores of Lake Ontario. However, the city itself holds surprises and curiosities waiting to be discovered.

From the top of the CN Tower (the tallest structure in Canada) to the depths of the Underground, we will explore the things to do in Toronto, both within this bustling metropolis and its surrounding areas, together. In the following paragraphs, you will also find all the necessary information to plan a visit to Toronto and, in general, a trip to Canada.

How to Get There

Toronto is the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario and is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the smallest of the five Great Lakes of North America. If you look for the city on the map, you will easily realize that Toronto is not far from the U.S. border. Notably, one of the major natural attractions in the area, the Niagara Falls, is partially Canadian and partially American, as is the rest of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, with the latter being the primary source.

• Read our guide on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls

There are numerous options to get to Toronto, depending on the type of trip you are planning. If you are considering a purely Canadian itinerary, this city is a major hub for international flights.

The same applies if you are thinking of visiting parts of Canada and the United States, such as an itinerary through the Mid Atlantic, New England, and the southeastern regions of Canada. Toronto can serve as an excellent starting or ending point for a journey that includes multiple stops between the two countries.

The proximity to the border and the ease of access, even by public transportation, from some of the major northern U.S. cities make Toronto an easy “foreign” stop during a trip to the United States. If you’re planning to explore the Great Lakes region or extend your journey to Niagara Falls while traveling on the East Coast, well, you could easily consider a brief stop in Toronto to get a taste of Canada.

Toronto Airports and City Transfers

Toronto has two airports, and you may choose one or the other depending on your departure (or arrival if you’re starting from here). Pearson International Airport is the main hub. It is located approximately 12.5 miles from the city center and is well-connected by public transportation.

Billy Bishop Airport is the second airport, catering to short and medium-haul flights within Canada and the United States. This secondary runway is located on one of the islands in Lake Ontario, right in front of downtown Toronto. The terminal is also well-connected to the city.

Let’s see how to get to the city center from both airports:

• From Pearson International Airport: Upon landing, you can rent a car or use taxis or ride-sharing services (there is a designated area for Uber and Lyft). Public transportation also provides good connections between the terminals and the city. Thanks to an internal train station at the airport (in Terminal 1), the UP-Express train connects the city in just 25 minutes. It operates from 5 am to 1 am with a frequency of 15 minutes. The ticket costs 12.35 Canadian dollars (free for children under 12). Another option is the various bus lines that connect the airport to various parts of the city; the ticket cost is lower than the train, but the frequency of buses is less. You can find all the details on this page.
• From Billy Bishop City Airport: The easiest way to get from the terminal to the city center and vice versa is by foot. It may seem contradictory since we mentioned that the airport is on an island, but there is a tunnel (853 feet long) that passes under the waters of the lake. Another option, if you prefer not to walk, is the ferry. It’s free for pedestrians, departs every 15 minutes, and takes only 90 seconds for the very short crossing. Finally, you might find one of the shuttles useful, especially for reaching some of the more distant areas of the downtown. You can find updated bus schedules that run between the center and the airport on this page.

From New York to Toronto

New York City is one of the best-connected U.S. destinations with the capital of Ontario. Despite the distance (about 500 miles), it’s not unthinkable to plan a visit to both cities on the same itinerary. If you are touring the United States and want to add Toronto to your destinations, NYC can be a good starting point. At the same time, if you are visiting Canada, you might want to spend some days in New York City to experience the attractions of the Big Apple. Here are the options for traveling between the two cities.

Traveling by Public Transportation

There are several public transportation options shuttling between New York and Toronto. Thanks to a collaboration between  Amtrak and the Canadian Via Rail, you can travel by train between the two cities (approximately 12.30 hours to Toronto, 13.30 hours to New York). Train ticket prices can vary depending on how far in advance you book and can be somewhat expensive (between $100 and $200 one-way). Considerably cheaper, though possibly less comfortable, are buses.

Megabus, Greyhound USA, and Greyhound Canada are the three companies that offer the complete bus route (between 11 and 13 hours), with variable prices that I recommend checking online. If the duration of the trip seems daunting, keep in mind that many buses travel overnight, and some even stop for a visit to Niagara Falls, which could be a great intermediate stop between the two cities.

Traveling by Car

The distance between New York and Toronto is approximately 500 miles, which is roughly equivalent to an 8-hour drive without encountering significant delays. The journey could be broken up with intermediate stops, and split into at least two parts to avoid spending an entire day driving. Buffalo and Niagara Falls are certainly the best places to stay, as the most famous waterfalls in North America are a must-see in the area.

Traveling by Airplane

The fastest way to travel between New York and Toronto is by air. Once again, there are multiple flight options. Porter Airlines operates flights between New York’s Newark Airport and Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport. American Airlines and Delta, on the other hand, shuttle between the two major airports: Pearson and JFK.

Search for a flight to Toronto

5-Day Guided Tour from New York to Toronto

From Boston to Toronto

As in the case of New York, Boston can also serve as a starting point to travel to Toronto during a Northeastern U.S. itinerary. The two cities are separated by nearly 590 miles, so the journey is not short, but intermediate stops like Saratoga Springs or the magnificent Niagara Falls can make it a pleasant adventure. Let’s explore the alternatives for traveling from Boston to Toronto and vice versa.

Traveling by Public Transportation

Amtrak and the Canadian Via Rail allow you to travel between these two cities, but there is no direct route; you need to make a transfer in Utica. It takes about 7.5 hours from Boston to Utica and another 8 hours from Utica to Toronto. The total price for both legs varies between $100 and $200, depending on when you book.

Traveling by road is cheaper but less comfortable. Again, you’ll need to make at least one transfer. The best route is Boston to Buffalo (10 hours and $40 to $70 with Greyhound USA) and Buffalo to Toronto (2 to 3 hours and $10 to $30 with Greyhound USA, Greyhound Canada, or Megabus).

Traveling by Car

Consider between 8 and 9 hours of consecutive driving if you want to complete this journey. Unless it’s necessary, my advice is to plan one (or even two) overnight stops to break up the trip into multiple days and take the opportunity to see other locations.

Traveling by Airplane

In just 2 hours, you can fly between the two cities with daily flights. Specifically, Porter and Air Canada serve Billy Bishop Airport, while Pearson Airport is served by Air Canada, United Airlines, and WestJet.

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From Chicago to Toronto

Do you aspire to explore the North American Great Lakes region to the fullest? Then, you certainly shouldn’t limit yourself to the U.S. side, as the Canadian side is also rich in natural attractions and cities worth visiting, with Toronto being at the forefront. Chicago and Toronto are the two major cities in the region, located in the USA and Canada respectively, so it’s only natural to include both of them in an itinerary. Let’s examine the options available for traveling between these two metropolises.

Traveling by Public Transportation

There is no direct train connection between Chicago and Toronto. You’ll need to take the Amtrak train to Detroit (a little over 5 hours, $40 to $60), cross the border with a local bus or taxi, and then take a Via Rail train from Windsor (the Canadian city across from Detroit) to Toronto (4 hours, $80 to $160). A direct bus route is possible (12 to 13 hours, $50 to $80), and the service is operated by Greyhound USA and Greyhound Canada.

Traveling by Car

Over 500 miles separate Chicago from Toronto, but if you have a car at your disposal, it’s not advisable to drive for over 8 consecutive hours without a break. We are in a stunning natural area, and you can easily split the journey into at least two days to fully enjoy the scenic views offered by the lakeshores. Keep in mind that if you have a few days to spare, you could comfortably visit the shores of four out of the five Great Lakes. For more details, read our article about Lake Michigan (Upcoming).

Traveling by Airplane

Both Chicago and Toronto have two airports with reciprocal connections. Between Chicago O’Hare and Toronto Pearson, there are daily flights operated by Air Canada, American Airlines, and United Airlines. Between Chicago Midway and Toronto Billy Bishop, Porter Airlines operates flights.

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From Montreal to Toronto

Montreal is one of the Canadian cities that is well worth a visit and is at a reasonable distance from Toronto. If you are traveling in the northern United States and want to extend your journey into Canada for a taste of the Great White North, in addition to Toronto, you might consider a second stop here. Why not think about an itinerary that takes you between these two Canadian cities, Niagara Falls, New York, and the beauty of New England? Below are the alternatives for traveling between Montreal and Toronto.

Traveling by Public Transportation

Via Rail offers numerous daily runs to move by rail from Montreal to Toronto and vice versa. The journey takes 5 hours and costs between 100 and 200 Canadian dollars. The bus is slower (about 6 hours) but much more economical (45 to 65 Canadian dollars); Megabus operates these services. Greyhound Canada, on the other hand, offers routes from Montreal to Ottawa and from Ottawa to Toronto.

Traveling by Car

Less than 340 miles separate the two cities, and in one day (5 to 6 hours of driving), you can travel from Montreal to Toronto or vice versa. With a detour of about 60 miles, you can also include Ottawa in the itinerary. If you have an extra day or two available, you might consider extending your trip to visit it.

Traveling by Airplane

Pearson Airport is daily served by three airlines flying from Montreal: Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat. On Billy Bishop City Airport, Air Canada and Porter operate daily flights from Montreal.

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Best Time to Visit Toronto

Toronto has a continental climate with significant seasonal temperature variations. While summers are quite warm, winters are cold. Knowing the climate conditions before your trip is important not only to equip yourself with suitable clothing but also to be aware of what you can or should do in each season.

The city is located on the western shore of Lake Ontario, in the strip of land surrounded by the waters of three of the five North American Great Lakes: Ontario, Erie, and Huron. This location implies two climate factors: frequent nighttime fog throughout the year and a good distribution of precipitation, which is very consistent across the four seasons. Unlike some other North American cities, you won’t find a sharp difference between summer and winter in terms of rainfall. It rains about 10 to 15 days per month from January to December.

Let’s take a look at the climate conditions in Toronto during different seasons:

• Summer: The three months from June to August are warm. It’s easy to exceed 86°F on the hottest days of the year, and daily highs generally stay above 77°F in July and August. During these same months, nighttime lows hover around 62-64°F, while they remain a few degrees cooler in June. In summer, there are 10-11 rainy days per month, so even though it’s the driest season, you still have about a third of a chance to use an umbrella. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent season to visit the city.
• Fall: The transitional season runs from September to early November. In September, the average temperatures are around 62°F, which drop considerably in October, with an average of 50°F. It’s still possible to find very warm days, albeit increasingly sporadic, as well as low-temperature spikes towards the end of the season. Regarding rainfall, there are 11-12 days of precipitation per month.
• Winter: The cold season is quite long, spanning from November to March. The coldest temperatures occur in January and February, which are the two coldest months. During this period, the daily average temperature is 26-24°F. Daytime highs usually hover near 32°F, and particularly frigid days are possible. Precipitation is slightly more frequent compared to other seasons, ranging from 13 to 15 days per month. In many cases, instead of rain, you’ll see snowfall, especially from December to February.
• Spring: In April and May, we have climatic conditions similar to autumn, with slightly higher chances of rain. The temperature gradually starts to rise, with May being a particularly pleasant month.

So, when to go? My advice is to prefer summer and autumn, but Toronto is a city equipped to be visited all year round. If you happen to be here on a rainy or snowy day or even during a particularly hot and humid summer day, don’t worry: many attractions are indoors or accessible through the underground tunnels of Toronto!

How Many Days in Toronto?

Toronto is a large city with plenty to see and do. You could spend a long time here, finding different activities every day, but it also lends itself well to a quick visit. Depending on how you’re planning your trip, you might want to explore the city in just one day or dedicate more time to it. My suggestion is to spend at least two days in the city. Here are my recommendations:

• Toronto in 1 day: If you have only one day, especially in the summer, take a bike tour of the downtown area to get a comprehensive overview of the city and shorten the distances between various points of interest. Don’t miss the CN Tower and the Distillery District, make a stop at St. Lawrence Market, and venture at least a few steps into the PATH.
• Toronto in 2 days: With an extra day, you can visit Casa Loma and the Royal Ontario Museum, stroll in one of the major city parks, and explore the most characteristic streets, such as Graffiti Alley. You can also dedicate half a day to the Toronto Islands, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.
• Toronto in 3 days: Reserve the third day for the city’s more unique neighborhoods, like Trinity Bellwoods, and explore some of the smaller museums. The Hockey Hall of Fame and the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre are two very different but equally worthwhile places to include in your visit.
• Toronto in 4 days to one week: If you have more than three days, head out of the city. The surroundings of Toronto are rich in attractions, mostly of a naturalistic nature (we’ll discuss this further).

How to Get Around Toronto?

Toronto has an extensive public transportation network, making it easy to get around the city without the need for a car. Many of the major points of interest can be reached on foot in any season. You’ll find that you can walk to many of the main attractions even when it’s too cold to be outdoors, as explained in the section about the Toronto PATH system. However, for longer journeys, especially within the city, you’ll want to rely on public transit.

One significant advantage of Toronto compared to other cities is that the subway, buses, and streetcars can all be used with the same tickets, as they are all operated by the Toronto Transit Commission. Here are the fare prices in Canadian dollars:

• Single fare: $3.25
• Youth (ages 13-19) and Senior (65+): $2.20
• Children (up to 12 years old): Free
• 2-Ride Ticket: $6.50
• Day Pass: $13

You can find detailed maps of the three different modes of transportation at this link, which can help you understand how to easily move around the city, including between the airport or train station and your hotel. To make your city visit more convenient, you might consider the hop-on hop-off bus service.

Hop-on hop-off bus Information

Biking is also a perfect way to get around Toronto in the summer when the weather permits. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes throughout, perfect for those who enjoy cycling in a city. Bike rentals are plentiful if you want to have one available all day, but you can also use the city’s bike-sharing system for a few hours of riding. Finally, why not take part in an organized bike tour to be guided by a tour guide who will show you the city’s highlights while cycling?

Toronto Bike Tours Information

Things to Do in Toronto

There’s a bit of everything in the capital of Ontario, which doesn’t disappoint art enthusiasts, nature lovers, history buffs, or shopping enthusiasts. Toronto, known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, has something different to offer its visitors every day, and it’s hard to get bored, no matter the time of year.

Top 10 Attractions in Toronto

It’s always challenging to create a Top 10 list of the best things to see in a city since personal tastes can vary greatly. However, here is a list of must-see attractions for first-time visitors. You’ll find more detailed descriptions of each in the following paragraphs.

1. CN Tower: One of the world’s tallest structures and the unmistakable symbol in the city’s skyline.
2. Distillery District: The most distinctive neighborhood in Toronto.
3. St. Lawrence Market: The historic covered market.
4. Royal Ontario Museum: The most significant museum in the province.
5. Casa Loma: Canada’s most famous castle.
6. Graffiti Alley: The most colorful street in the city.
7. Toronto PATH: The 18 miles of underground walkways that make up the Toronto PATH system.
8. Toronto Islands: The lush islets in front of the city.
9. Hockey Hall of Fame: The beating heart of Canada’s national sport.
10. Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre: The most picturesque theater in Canada.

Toronto Neighborhoods

Toronto is a city with a vibrant downtown area, featuring various squares and neighborhoods bustling with things to see and do. The most characteristic part of the city is undoubtedly the oldest: Old York. The blocks that once constituted the heart of the old city of York are now a must-visit in Toronto. Here, you’ll find the Distillery District, an area where Victorian-era industrial warehouses have been revitalized into galleries, studios, bars, and restaurants. The historic Gooderham and Worts distillery from 1832, which was once the largest distillery in the British Empire, is the district’s iconic building. Surrounding it is a vast pedestrian area where you can leisurely stroll, explore art exhibitions, or enjoy food and drinks at one of the many establishments.

Walking Tour of the Distillery District

In the Old York neighborhood, you’ll also find the city’s primary covered market: St. Lawrence Market. Open for over two centuries, it consists of two floors. On the lower level, you can indulge in culinary delights from sandwich vendors while perusing the fishmongers, butchers, and bakeries. The upper floor houses the Market Gallery, a free-access space hosting rotating photography and painting exhibitions. In front of the building, there’s a farmer’s market every Saturday morning at 5 am, and an antique market every Sunday.

Downtown Yonge, between Yonge-Dundas Square and Yonge St., attempts to be a tribute to New York’s Times Square but struggles to capture attention as it aims to. More appealing for tourists is Graffiti Alley, one of the largest graffiti-covered streets located between Queen St. W. and Richmond St. W. This street is filled with vibrant graffiti that are genuine works of art, not just simple wall scribbles.

Toronto also has its Chinatown, although it may not compare to New York or San Francisco’s more famous Chinatown; it’s still fascinating. The eastern neighborhood is centered around Spadina St., and it’s not the only area in the city where a specific nationality is concentrated. Little Italy, Koreatown, and Little Portugal are a few similar examples, although they may not be as distinctive in Toronto as in some other cities.

Queen West is another neighborhood, or rather a street, worth exploring. The stretch of Queen St. W. between University Ave. and Bathurst St. is a hub of shops, bars, restaurants, and various entertainment options. Here, you can find everything from curious stores spanning furniture and handicrafts to music and contemporary art. To the west of Queen West is West Queen West, which extends beyond Trinity Bellwoods Park. The most intriguing part of the area is the sub-neighborhood, Trinity Bellwoods, known for its alternative and hipster vibe.

CN Tower

The Toronto skyline is easily recognizable due to the presence of one of the world’s tallest buildings: the CN Tower. Its height (1,815 feet) is what has made this structure so famous. From its construction in 1976 until 2007, it held the Guinness World Record as the world’s tallest structure. While it may no longer hold that title, this colossal concrete tower remains one of the most visited attractions in all of Canada.

From a distance, it may appear to be just a gigantic antenna, but if you’re in Toronto, someone might even invite you to have dinner there. So, what is the CN Tower? The project was initiated by the Canadian National railway and telecommunications company (hence the name CN Tower) with the goal of building a structure that would represent Canada to the world. Since it needed to transmit signals over long distances, the idea was to create a massive antenna that could also serve other purposes. Between 1,122 and 1,467 feet, a large steel and concrete disk was inserted, containing four floors accessible to visitors, featuring both observation points and a bar and restaurant. One of its most unique features is that the restaurant floor rotates 360 degrees, completing a full rotation every 90 minutes.

The reason to take the CN Tower elevator is that, on a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city and beyond. The ride itself in the glass elevator is a dizzying experience. However, it’s from the Edge Walk – a walkway on the outer edge of the tower at 1,168 feet – and the Sky Pod – an indoor observation deck at 1,467 feet – that you can admire Lake Ontario, the vast Canadian plains, and even catch a glimpse of a portion of the United States. Don’t miss the Glass Floor – an indoor walkway with a glass floor – and the Look Out – the upper floor with a large window facing outward.

Ticket prices to go up the tower start at $38, with an additional fee if you want access to the Sky Pod. You can check the updated prices on this page. Access is free for restaurant customers, but the menu there can be quite expensive. At the base of the tower, there are many more affordable dining options. If you don’t plan to go up, the best spot to take a photo from below is at the intersection of Queen St. W. and McCaul St.

City Pass that includes the CN Tower

Museums and Iconic Buildings

The museum offering in the capital of Ontario is quite diverse. We find a bustling contemporary art scene with ever-evolving galleries and exhibitions, as well as historic buildings and local history museums. Below, I describe some of the main museums, but the city offers many other opportunities to explore local history and immerse yourself in various forms of contemporary art.

• Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): The ROM is Canada’s most important museum and one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to natural sciences and world history. With over 6 million items on display, divided into nearly 40 different galleries, it’s a place of interest from the outside. The large glass facade, added in 2007, looks like a massive shard embedded in the original structure. From dinosaur skeletons to Egyptian mummies, from a section dedicated to Chinese temples to a replica Jamaican cave complete with bats, the ROM’s halls offer something of interest to everyone. Additionally, besides the already diverse permanent exhibition, there are constantly changing temporary exhibitions, theatrical performances, film screenings, and concerts. The museum is open every day from 10 AM to 5:30 PM, and tickets cost $23 ($14 for children, $18 for students and seniors). You can find tickets on this page.
• Casa Loma: Toronto’s “Hill House” is one of the few castles to be found in North America and, when you stand before it, it feels like you’re in a location in central or northern Europe. This luxurious residence, dating back to 1914, has a whopping 98 rooms and is a celebration of architectural embellishments. Perched atop a hill (the ancient Lake Iroquois shoreline, the glacial basin from which Lake Ontario formed), to reach it, you must ascend the Baldwin Steps, a steep series of steps surrounded by greenery. The castle is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5 PM, and tickets cost $32.49 ($27.32 for seniors and youth, $22.15 for children).
• Ripley’s Aquarium: It’s not easy to find large aquariums in cities that don’t face the sea, and that alone makes Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada an interesting attraction. Over 15,000 aquatic animals inhabit the 5.7 million gallons of water in tanks not far from the CN Tower. The aquarium is open every day from 9 AM to 11 PM, and tickets cost $33 ($23 for seniors and youth, $10 for children). You can find tickets on this page.
• Spadina Museum: It was the summer residence of financier James Austin and still beautifully preserves Victorian-Edwardian gardens. Today, it is a museum dedicated to the 1920s and 1930s.
• Art Gallery of Ontario: For lovers of modern and contemporary art, this gallery is a reference point in Toronto, featuring works ranging from Magritte to Warhol, as well as Inuit sculptures.
• 401 Richmond: What was once a lithography warehouse has now transformed into 130 contemporary art galleries, arranged in a 199,132 square feet space managed by a New York-style artistic collective. Admission is free, and even if you’re not drawn to contemporary works, you might be intrigued by the rooftop garden.
• Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre: It’s a theater, or rather, the last surviving Edwardian-era double-decker theater still in operation. Inaugurated in 1913, it was slated for demolition in 1981 but was restored, bringing back to light frescoes depicting a blooming rose garden, and new carpets were even commissioned from the Belgian factory that made the originals.
• Hockey Hall of Fame: Everyone knows that in Canada, the most popular sport is hockey. If you’re a sports enthusiast, you can’t miss the Rogers Centre, where football and baseball games are played; it’s famous for having the world’s first fully retractable roof. But to delve into Canadian sports culture, you must visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, home to the world’s largest collection of hockey memorabilia.
• Bata Shoe Museum: A museum dedicated exclusively to shoes, where you can trace the history of footwear going back 4,500 years, exploring traditions from all parts of the world. You can find tickets on this page.
• Ontario Science Center: Located north of the city center, this science city offers interactive experiences that captivate both children and adults. Seeing cosmic rays and touching a tornado are just a few of the things you can do here.

Parks and Beaches

Despite being a large metropolis, Toronto is a city with plenty of green spaces. The connection with nature can be found in two forms: parks or gardens scattered throughout the city and beaches along the shores of the lake. Some of these points of contact with nature within the urban area are more significant than others. Here are some examples of parks and gardens:

• High Park: This is Toronto’s main park, located in the western part of the city center. More than a third of this vast green area is wooded, but you’ll also find a small zoo, a nature center, and other points of interest within it. The best time to visit is undoubtedly in spring when the blooming cherry blossoms make it feel like a Japanese garden.
• Trinity Bellwoods Park: It’s one of the main parks in the city center and, as such, one of the most frequented by Toronto residents. You’ll find it bustling with people both in summer when the lawns are filled with people resting on the grass, and in winter when you can ice skate or simply have a snowball fight.
• Toronto Music Garden: The Harbourfront, which overlooks the lake, is one of the richest areas in terms of green spaces. One in particular stands out for its uniqueness: it was designed to be a representation of Bach’s Suite No. 1 for Cello. Everything here speaks of music and, not surprisingly, it regularly hosts concerts and activities related to the world of music.
• Edwards Gardens: Located northwest of the city center, it’s Toronto’s botanical garden, rich in biodiversity, from imposing trees of Canadian forests to a variety of seasonal flowers. Thematic gardens are interspersed with streams, fountains, and wooden bridges. There’s also an educational garden for children.
• Tommy Thompson Park: This park has a truly unique origin. It’s an artificial peninsula created after the dredging of the Outer Harbour, to which debris from numerous downtown construction sites was added. Unexpectedly, this artificial green area has become a nesting site for many animals, even revealing itself as one of the largest places in the world where American gulls nest. It’s only accessible on weekends, and educational walks are organized in the summer.

Toronto also offers numerous beaches, both within the city and in the immediate vicinity. Don’t expect the Caribbean; we’re still looking at a lake in Canada, not a tropical sea. However, in summer, they are pleasant places to spend a few hours, and in winter, they are the best places to see the frozen lake. The following are just some examples:

• Kew Beach: It’s the most popular beach because it’s the most central. It’s connected to the other two main city beaches: Balmy Beach on one side and Woodbine Beach on the other. Behind Kew Beach, you’ll find the Kew Gardens public gardens, which are also very popular, where an ice skating rink is set up every winter.
• Sunnyside Beach: Almost in front of High Park, you’ll find the other major city beach. In reality, it’s a long series of small beaches with a public park running along the lakeshore.
• Hanlan’s Point Beach: On the Toronto Islands, right next to Billy Bishop Airport, you’ll find this large beach, which is different from the others because it has a clothing-optional section. It’s the only beach that offers a naturist area. More than sunbathing and swimming in the lake, it’s worth stopping here to watch planes land directly from the beach.

Underground Toronto

When you think of an underground city, tunnels and hidden bunkers beneath the surface come to mind. Well, the Toronto Path is something entirely different. We’re talking about a network of nearly 18 miles of underground shopping galleries beneath the streets of the city center. It’s a system of connections between some of the downtown’s major points of interest, with approximately 1200 stores scattered throughout. Would you have ever thought that 5000 Toronto residents work underground?

More than just a place to briefly visit, the Toronto underground is a parallel city to the one above ground. The harsh Canadian winter climate doesn’t reach below ground, where the temperature, thanks to air conditioning, remains constant year-round. You’ll find all kinds of shops, restaurants, offices, and medical facilities along the Path’s corridors, and on the official website, you can create your personalized itinerary to explore at least a part of it. Especially because you can walk here to move between various museums and points of interest on the surface. The CN Tower, Rogers Center, and Hockey Hall of Fame are just a few of the easily accessible locations from underground.

Toronto islands

Toronto City Pass

Things to Do Around Toronto

Canada is the land of the Great North, renowned worldwide for its pristine nature as much as its cities. To fully experience the Canadian natural beauty, one often needs to venture away from urban centers. However, even in the vicinity of Toronto, there are several places for interesting day trips. Here are some examples:

• Niagara Falls: The Niagara Falls are one of North America’s natural wonders, and a visit to this area is a must. Located on the border between Canada and the United States, you can access them from both sides. Due to their proximity, they make for an ideal stop during a road trip between the two countries, but they can also be considered for a day trip from Toronto. You can find all organized trips from Toronto to Niagara Falls at this link.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake: This charming town is situated at the point where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario, just 50 miles from Toronto. It’s an excellent place to stop before or after visiting the nearby falls. Niagara-on-the-Lake was the capital of the British colony of Upper Canada from 1792 to 1796, and its historical legacy is still evident. The central streets, Queen St. and Picton St., are delightful with historic buildings, many of which are in Victorian style. The Fort George National Historic Site is the main historical attraction related to the war.
• Thousand Islands: The Thousand Islands are one of the major attractions in eastern Canada. Located in the northernmost part of Lake Ontario, where the Saint Lawrence River originates from the lake, this archipelago was the site of significant battles between the United States and Canada. It later became a favored vacation spot for wealthy North Americans and beyond. Today, this region is a highly attractive tourist destination, both for its natural beauty and its historical and cultural significance. If you make the journey here (about a 2 to 3-hour drive from Toronto), you can visit castles and military fortifications, enjoy nature through long hikes, and paddle on the lake by renting a canoe. The official website provides detailed information on things to see and do. From the town of Gananoque, you can also embark on boat cruises. You can explore 1.5-hour or 3-hour cruises, as well as 5-hour cruise at these links.
• Scarborough Bluffs: For a quick excursion from Toronto, even in half a day, this is one of the best options to immerse yourself in nature along the lake’s shoreline, just a short distance from the city. These cliffs are located slightly north of the city, and a small peninsula allows you to view them from the lakeside while staying on the mainland. You’ll find a well-maintained park with walking trails and a tourist harbor here.
• Conservation Halton: Located 30-40 miles southwest of Toronto, near Milton, you’ll discover this extensive area of natural interest. It’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature if you only have a day and need to make a round trip from Toronto. The official website provides a network of hiking trails and viewpoints. Among the main points of interest are the Hilton Falls, beautiful 32-feet waterfalls in the summer and picturesque when frozen over in the winter.
• Collingwood and Wasaga Beach: If you want to see at least one of the other great North American lakes, Collingwood is a town on the smaller part of Lake Huron, a two-hour drive from Toronto. Nearby lies Wasaga Beach, which holds the record for the world’s longest freshwater beach, spanning approximately 5 miles along the lake’s shores.

Best Places to Eat in Toronto

Toronto’s culinary scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering a wide range of cuisines from Italian and Chinese to steakhouses and fast food. But if it’s your first time in the northernmost nation of the Americas, you might be wondering: what is typical Canadian cuisine?

Maple syrup is a well-known Canadian delicacy, commonly used to drizzle over pancakes. In downtown Toronto, you can enjoy excellent pancakes with maple syrup at a couple of places where you can savor a typical Canadian breakfast.

• Old School (800 Dundas St. W.): If you want to taste authentic, old-fashioned pancakes with maple syrup, this is the place to go. You can also try other flavors and dishes here.
• Fran’s Restaurant and Bar (200 Victoria St.): At Fran’s, you can find delicious pancakes served with maple syrup, available all day, every day, and in many different varieties.

Toronto is situated on the shores of one of the Great Lakes, surrounded by numerous streams, so fresh fish is always on the menu. Trout and salmon are Canadian culinary staples, and in Toronto’s restaurants, you can enjoy them in various preparations, whether fried, baked, smoked, or even raw in sushi.

• Rodney’s Oyster House (490 King St. W.): This restaurant is a seafood lover’s paradise and has been a city institution since 1987. It serves a wide variety of seafood dishes.
• Adega (33 Elm St.): Specializing in seafood, this Portuguese-run restaurant offers international seafood recipes at reasonable prices.

Canadian meats are also known for their quality, and you might want to try dishes made with unique meats like elk and bison. These meats are prepared in a variety of ways, from simple burgers to hearty stews.

• Union Restaurant (72 Ossington Ave.): One of the best downtown Toronto restaurants where you can try dishes featuring elk meat, among other options.
• WVRST (609 King St. W.): This beer hall offers budget-friendly options, including an excellent elk burger. It’s one of the best ways to try this flavorful meat without breaking the bank.

Best Places to Stay in Toronto

Toronto is a bustling metropolis with a wide and diverse range of accommodation options. Depending on the area of the city, the services and hotel prices can vary. For this reason, we have dedicated a specific article with our recommendations for each neighborhood.

Tips on where to stay in Toronto and the surrounding areas

Games and Sporting Events

Basketball and baseball are among the most beloved sports in North America, but in the country of the Great White North, the national sport is ice hockey. In truth, in a populous metropolis like Toronto, you can also attend matches of other sports such as soccer, rugby, and lacrosse, but the three sports mentioned above are the most followed and, therefore, have the biggest sports events. Let’s see below what the city’s main teams are and how to find tickets for a game.

Maple Leafs

Anyone who has never seen an ice hockey game live cannot imagine how violent and exciting this sport can be at the same time. The greatest team in the quintessential Canadian sport had to be called the “Maple Leafs”!

If you find yourself in Canada and love major team sports, you should seriously consider attending at least one hockey game. Naturally, in Toronto, you should cheer for the blue and white Leafs!

Find tickets for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Enter the TRAVELINUSA code to get a $10 discount on a minimum purchase of $100

Raptors

What basketball enthusiast has never watched a Toronto Raptors game on TV, one of the most famous basketball teams in the world? When they were founded in 1995, the Toronto Raptors were the first Canadian team to enter the NBA, and after a few years at the bottom of the standings, the red and white team gradually made their way up. From the 2013/14 season, the Raptors stood out, becoming the representative basketball team of Canada on the global stage, and in 2019, they won the NBA championship.

With the slogan “We are the north!” Toronto fans support their champions at the Scotiabank Arena. If you want to see them in action during your stay here, you can find all the available game dates below.

Find tickets for the Toronto Raptors

Enter the TRAVELINUSA code to get a $10 discount on a minimum purchase of $100

Blue Jays

Baseball is a typically American sport but is also widespread in Canada. The Toronto Blue Jays are the city’s team and the only Canadian team in Major League Baseball. They play their games at Rogers Centre, the stadium famous for its fully retractable roof. To watch a game of the local team in the city’s unique stadium, you can find available game dates and ticket prices below.

Find tickets for the Blue Jays

Enter the TRAVELINUSA code to get a $10 discount on a minimum purchase of $100