Toronto is well-known for its culture and diversity, with people from over 200 countries living within the city. With so many different voices, backgrounds, and cultures, there’s no wonder why Toronto is such a unique travel destination — it’s a melting pot of attractions, adventures and experiences. With so much to do, you might wonder what the top things to do in Toronto are. We’ve listed the top 20 things you can do in Toronto so you can pack your bags and book your calendar.
Cultural Experiences
Toronto is filled with different cultural experiences, thanks to its rich history, eclectic population and thriving arts and entertainment scene.
1. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum
Allan Baxter / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto
The Royal Ontario Museum is the place to be if you’re a fan of history, museums and artifacts. This attraction hosts over 13 million artifacts from around the world, easily making it one of the largest museums in North America. Stroll through Crystal Hall, where you’ll see a stunning collection of crystals and minerals. Or, walk through the Archaeology Gallery, where you can view different artifacts like dinosaur fossils.
This is also a premier museum for families due to the family-focused activities. Take part in an educational program, or hang out at the Kids’ Zone, where everyone can have a good time.
2. View the Exhibits in the Art Gallery of Ontario
rawfile redux / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Whether traveling solo or with a family, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the must-do Toronto activities. Spanning five levels, the AGO hosts a unique Canadian collection of art and sections on European art and contemporary art. The AGO also hosts special rotating exhibitions, offering museumgoers the chance of a lifetime to see certain works of art. And don’t worry — for the little ones in your life, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep them curious.
3. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Time needed: Two hours
Address: 30 Yonge Street, Toronto
What Canadian doesn’t love hockey? Whether you’re a Maple Leafs fan or a fan of the game, visiting one of the top Toronto museums, the Hockey Hall of Fame, takes the cake. Not only is the Hockey HOF home to the coveted Stanley Cup, but it also features exhibits on some of the most well-known names in the sport.
Obviously, the most fun part of this museum is its interactive space, which includes exhibits to test your own hockey skills. Think you can protect the goal against hockey great Sidney Crosby? Give it a try in the interactive exhibit Pepsi Zero Sugar Shut Out.
4. Indulge at the St. Lawrence Market
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Time needed: One to two hours
Address: 95 Front St E, Toronto
If you’re looking for an awesome place to eat in Toronto, visiting the St. Lawrence Market should be at the top of your list. This historic public market is well-known for its selection of fresh produce, special artisan foods and unique trinkets. Skip the grocery store — you can find everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and dairy products here.
Throughout the year, the market hosts events like the Christmas Market and Taste of Toronto, making this attraction a must-visit location for foodies. While you’re there, stop and take a cooking class to learn a new skill.
5. Visit Distillery District
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Time needed: One to two hours
Address: 55 Mill St, Toronto
Filled with dining, entertainment and shopping options, the Distillery District offers visitors and citizens plenty to do and see, which easily makes it one of the most fun things to do in Toronto, Canada. Between the art galleries, theaters, boutiques, restaurants and festivals, visitors have their pick of how they spend their afternoon. However, since this Distillery District is in a historical part of Toronto, the streets are cobblestone. Be prepared to walk with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
6. Experience Kensington Market
AAA / Patricia Miller
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: Kensington Ave, Toronto
One of Toronto's hidden gems is Kensington Market. This diverse community offers so much to Toronto, including unique and quirky shops, diverse food and colorful street art. In addition, Kensington Market offers a farmers market every Sunday where visitors can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. It’s important to note that you should bring cash when you visit shops along the Kensington Market as not every vendor accepts credit cards.
7. Discover the Toronto Theatre District
Canmenwalker / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Time needed: Three to four hours
Address: Varies, depending on theatre
If you appreciate live theatre, you must visit the Toronto Theatre District. This particular area of Toronto is home to several iconic theatres, such as the Royal Alexandra Theatre, St. James Theatre and the Princess of Wales Theatre. Across the many theatre options, you can find classical plays, musicals, experimental performances and independent performances.
Perhaps the best part about seeing a show in the Toronto Theatre District is that there are plenty of dining options and bars, making your night out easy to navigate.
Outdoor Adventures
You can’t explore all that Toronto has to offer by staying indoors. Get outside, smell the fresh air and lace up your sneakers to explore the outdoor adventures.
8. See the CN Tower
Luke Mackenzie / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 351 Front St W
The CN Tower is one of the top things to see in Toronto, whether you’ve lived there your whole life or are just passing through. It is the tallest building in Canada (and once upon a time, the tallest in the Western Hemisphere) and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
There’s plenty to do and see, making this a visit you could spend an hour at or realistically all afternoon. The tower has several observation decks, including the main observation deck and the SkyPod. Eat a meal at the 360 restaurant, named one of the best restaurants in Toronto, where you’ll see the whole city as the restaurant rotates around the tower. And for the truly adventurous, you can check out the Glass Floor, which is 1,122 feet off the ground, or take a walk on EdgeWalk (but don’t look down), where you take a hands-free, harnessed walk along the outside edge of the main observation deck.
9. Explore Nathan Phillips Square
iStockphoto.com / JavenLin
Time needed: One to four hours
Address: 100 Queen St E
Over 1.8 million visitors attend special events hosted in Nathan Phillips Square, like the Toronto International Film Festival and the Christmas Market. If you’re wondering what to see in Toronto, put Nathan Phillips Square at the top.
Visitors can skate on the outdoor ice rink in the winter and swim in the pools in the summer. In fact, at the base of the City Hall towers, you’ll find a beautiful cascading waterfall, turning the bustling area into a tranquil relaxation spot. Since the Square is in the heart of downtown Toronto, you can quickly get to other locations and attractions, making this a unique center point.
10. Tour Casa Loma
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 1 Avenue Road
One of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks is Casa Loma, a stunning Gothic Revival mansion with much to offer its visitors. Built in the early 20th century, this now-museum contains Tudor-style chimneys, underground tunnels and eye-catching gardens, making it a sight for all. Visitors can explore the museum's interior and learn more about Sir Henry Pellatt, for whom the mansion was built. And as a bonus, this attraction is perfect for special events and weddings.
11. Walk Through High Park
iStockphoto.com / emkaplin
Time needed: One to two hours
Address: 1875 Bloor St W
High Park is Toronto’s largest park and offers 160 acres of greenery, trails, forests and gardens. Plus, it’s a peaceful break from the bustling city and one of the most popular budget-friendly activities in Toronto. Within High Park, you’ll find the Toronto Zoo, featuring over 3,000 animals like the kookaburra, northern bald eagle and snow leopard.
In other areas of High Park, you can walk through the Children’s Garden, Rose Garden and Japanese Garden to explore the different plant life and nature's offerings. For those looking to do some activity while enjoying the nature around them, the park offers tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a swimming pool.
12. Explore the Trails on Toronto Islands
Getty Images / simonkr
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: South of Downtown Toronto, on Lake Ontario
Located offshore of Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands offer visitors a reprieve from the busyness of the city. Across the several small islands, you can find sandy beaches that are a great destination for sunbathing or curling up with a good book under an umbrella. If you want to get your steps in for the day, there are plenty of walking, biking and running trails to get your blood pumping.
For those seeking adventure, plenty of fishing, boating and kayaking options make for a fun afternoon. And you can’t miss the different events throughout the year, like the Toronto Islands Jazz Festival and the Summerlicious Food Festival, bringing in crowds of visitors.
13. Stop by the Market at Evergreen Brick Works
Glogger / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 550 Bayview Avenue
One of the best off-the-beaten-path spots in Toronto is Evergreen Brick Works, a thriving community space focused on sustainability initiatives and cultural programs. All year, visitors can explore rainwater harvesting efforts and organic farming methods, all while enjoying fabulous food, artisanal offerings and handmade crafts.
While there, carve out time to stop and enjoy the nature around you. There are trails to hike and bike along and perfect spots to rest your feet or enjoy a picnic.
14. Bike Along Centennial Park
Nadiatalent / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 256 Centennial Park Road
If getting out and exploring nature is your thing but crowds of people aren’t, Centennial Park is where you should set your sights. Agreeably not as busy as its counterpart, High Park, Centennial Park offers lush greenery, biking trails and plenty of space to enjoy a BBQ or sit and people watch. You can’t miss the cherry blossoms, which hit peak bloom between late April and early May, making spring the best time to visit Toronto. Check out the indoor plants exhibit if you want to see other plants while visiting.
15. Enjoy a Picnic at HTO Park
John Turp / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
Time needed: One to two hours
Address: 339 Queens Quay W
HTO Park is a unique park situated in Toronto’s inner harbor. The name aptly comes from combining “H₂O” and the common abbreviation of Toronto, TO. True to its name, this park offers visitors several ways to spend their day. If you enjoy the water, you can enjoy the motion-activated sprays and steam throughout the park, connecting it back to its name and overall theme.
If you fancy sitting down for lunch or just relaxing in the sun, you can choose from one of the park's many restaurants. And perhaps the most significant benefit of this park is its views — walk along the promenade along the waterfront to view the waters of the lakes near Toronto and the city's beautiful skyline.
Entertainment and Attractions
Exploring the vibrant cultural experiences and nature’s wonders that Toronto offers is fantastic, but there are many things to do in Toronto centered around entertainment. No trip to Toronto is complete without marking some of these off your list of places to visit.
16. Explore Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
benedek / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
Time needed: One to two hours
Address: 288 Bremner Boulevard
Have you ever wanted to see thousands of jellyfish up close and personal, without the danger? Well, at the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, you can see this and more. Walk through the tunnel at the Dangerous Lagoon to see sharks and rays, glide through Planet Jellies to see several species of jellyfish in action and check out the Gallery of Wonders for interactive displays.
17. Catch a Game at Rogers Centre
Taxiarchos228 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Time needed: Three to five hours
Address: 1 Blue Jays Way
Swing, batter, batter, swing! What better way to spend your afternoon or evening than with a ball game at Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays? This stadium has a retractable roof, perfect for sunny days and when the weather isn’t so favorable. The stadium boasts 41,500 seats, so fans can enjoy the game from any angle around the field.
18. Watch a Match at Scotiabank Arena
Adam Bishop / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Time needed: Two to five hours
Address: 40 Bay Street
Formally known as Air Canada Centre, the Scotiabank Arena is the place to be if you’re a sports fan. Home of the Maple Leafs, Raptors and the Toronto Rock, any major sports fanatic has likely stepped into this arena. And if you haven’t yet, what are you waiting for? It can hold approximately 19,800 for both hockey and basketball games and has been recognized as one of the top venues in the world thanks to its design and fan experience.
If sports aren’t your thing, consider attending a concert at Scotiabank Arena instead, since most Canadian tours make at least one stop here. This arena is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring elevators and wheelchair-accessible seating.
19. Listen to the Sounds at the Toronto Music Garden
Courtesy of Destination Toronto
Time needed: One to two hours
Address: 479 Queens Quay W
Located right along the waterfront of Lake Ontario in downtown Toronto, the Toronto Music Garden has so much to offer its visitors. This peaceful park was designed by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and landscape architect Martha Schwartz and offers a musical design. The reflecting pool and rippling stream are even more relaxing, making this a place of complete tranquility. During summer, visitors can catch a performance at the curved amphitheater, making for a genuinely magical experience.
20. Explore Harbourfront Centre
Pgiam / Getty Images / CC BY-SA
Time needed: One to three hours
Address: 235 Queens Quay W
Named Canada's leading destination for contemporary culture, Harbourfront Centre offers something for everyone. With over 30 sights to see, including parks, galleries, theaters, a boardwalk and a playground, it's easy to spend several hours at this location.
In addition to the everyday attractions and sights, Harbourfront Centre also provides visitors with events and festivals throughout the year, like the Winter Village and Summer Music in the Garden. For those looking to grow their knowledge, classes are offered at the Harbourfront Centre for hobbies like ceramics, textiles and glass.
Book a Trip to the Heartland Province with AAA
There are so many things to do in Toronto — tackling them all in one day is impossible. Let your AAA Membership benefits lend a hand by having a travel agent book your next trip to Toronto. Or, if traveling more on a whim, book your own hotel and travel arrangements through AAA Travel to get the best deals so you can stay longer to explore the Heartland Province.
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