Things to Do in Toronto

Choose from 30 Fun Things to Do in Toronto

Toronto Chinatown

Located in the heart of downtown and a hub for the city’s Chinese-Canadian community, Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood lined with an appealing range of small businesses. Visitors and Toronto residents flock here to dine at the area’s popular eateries and shop for produce and imported specialty items at corner grocers.

The Basics

Chinatown is within walking distance of Toronto’s downtown landmarks. As such, walking tours often include a stop here for a historical overview of Chinese immigration to Toronto. Private tours offer the option to add Chinatown to a fully customized itinerary. For an experience that focuses solely on the area's gourmet eateries, food tours visit hidden gems and establishments loved by locals, from Cantonese bakeries to Hong Kong–style dim sum restaurants.

Things to Know Before You Go

Chinatown is a must for foodies.
When possible, book reservations in advance to avoid the notoriously long lines at restaurants in the area.
Bring cash: Some Chinatown businesses do not take credit cards.
The time limit for street parking is three hours unless specified otherwise.

How to Get There

Chinatown is located in Downtown Toronto and is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive transit system. To reach Chinatown, take streetcar 510 to Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West or streetcar 501 to Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue. Bus 505 stops at Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street West, the closest stop to Chinatown.

When to Get There

Chinatown is busiest during typical lunch and dinner hours—go during these peaks to get a feel for the neighborhood’s atmosphere. To beat the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience, stroll through just as the shops open, around 9am–10am. A Chinese New Year festival (February) and a summer Chinatown Festival are held annually, offering a range of food vendors, cultural performances, and public-art displays.

Dim Sum with a View

Located on the fifth floor of the Dragon City Shopping Mall, in the heart of Chinatown, Sky Dragon is a hidden gem with a cityscape view. The dim sum restaurant, open daily, uses Hong Kong–style cart service to offer guests steamed treats. While you dine, look out onto Spadina Avenue and beyond for city views rarely seen by visitors.

Chinatown, Toronto, ON, Canada

From $ 28

St. Lawrence Market

A foodie paradise, this long-running farmers market occupies the historic South Market House building, which previously served as Toronto’s city hall and jail. Since 1803, residents and visitors have come here to meet, eat, and shop for food items ranging from Prince Edward Island oysters to peameal bacon to Montreal-style bagels.

The Basics

St. Lawrence Market is heaven for hungry travelers, with many visitors stopping by during food tours of Toronto. It’s also a common stop on beer tours and walking tours around Old Town Toronto, as well as on haunted tours, thanks to reports of ghost sightings in and around the market area.

In addition to the 50 or so food vendors on the lower level, the market also features the Market Gallery on the second floor. Set within the former council chamber, the gallery displays temporary exhibits covering local history and culture. The nearby North Market hosts a farmers market on Saturdays, beginning at 5am, and an antiques market on Sundays.

Things to Know Before You Go

St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit for foodies.
Bring cash as some vendors don’t accept debit or credit cards.
The market is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

The nearest subway stop to the St. Lawrence Market is Union Station, which is about a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take the King streetcar. Get off at Jarvis and walk one block to the south.

When to Get There

St. Lawrence Market is open Tuesday to Saturday. On Saturdays, particularly during the summer, the market is usually thronged, especially at lunchtime and during the afternoon. Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds. During the lead-up to Christmas, the market offers an assortment of festive specialties.

What to Eat at St. Lawrence Market

While there is no shortage of good food at St. Lawrence Market, there are some only-in-Canada specialties that locals and visitors rave about. The Carousel Bakery, for example, sells the popular peameal bacon sandwich, which consists simply of a kaiser roll, topped with peameal bacon and mustard. St. Urbain Bagels, meanwhile, are credited with introducing Montreal-style bagels to Toronto. The bagels here are dipped in honey water before being cooked over a wood fire.

92 Front Street East, Old York, Toronto M5E 1C4, Canada

Free

From $ 19

Toronto Eaton Centre

Known as a landmark as well as one of Canada’s most well-known retail centres--with over 200 shops-- it’s hard to miss the Eaton Centre in the heart of Toronto’s downtown core, stretching over two city blocks. Named after the now-defunct Eaton’s department store chain led by Timothy Eaton, the retailer filed for bankruptcy in 1999; Sears acquired all assets, though the Centre still retains its name.

Architecturally, the Centre is known for its flock of Canadian geese, designed by artist Michael Snow, suspended from the centre of a glass-galleria. During the holiday season, a massive Christmas Tree towers in the centre of the mall -- the swarovski crystal decorations have been popular with visitors and shutterbugs.

The mall has 7 different restaurants and a modern food court --renovated in 2011--appealing to all tastes. The mall is still undergoing renovations near the Queen entrance yet the Centre remains one of Toronto’s biggest tourist attractions, drawing 50 million visitors a year.

Practical Info

There are two main entrances to the mall, both at Yonge: the Queen Street entrance from the South (Subway stop: Queen) and the Dundas Street entrance from the North (Subway stop: Dundas). If you are walking, you can enter near the middle of the mall at Shuter and Yonge. The main food court is at the Dundas entrance; across the street is Dundas Square (for entertainment) and a movie theatre/restaurants, located on the north-east side of Yonge & Dundas. There are also more shops in the vicinity of Yonge and Dundas, including The World’s Biggest Bookstore (now Indigo) on Edward Street. The Bay department store is across the street from the mall on Queen Street. Steps west from the Queen street side is City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square. Also nearby are entertainment venues, Massey Hall and Elgin/Winter Garden Theatre. Mall hours are extended during the winter holiday season.

220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON, Canada

Mon-Fri: 10am-9pm; Sat 9:30am-7pm; Sun: 11am-6pm

From $ 33

Toronto Harbor

The Toronto Harbour comprises of a few areas. Running east to west from Jarvis, just south of Queens Quay to lower- Spadina along and south of of Queens Quay is the downtown Harbourfront area. The focal point of the Harbour also known as The Harbourfront is where the Harbourfront Centre, Power Plant art gallery and Queens Quay Terminal are located. At Bay and Queens Quay, the walkway to the ferries ($7 per adult each way) to access the Toronto Islands.

The Harbourfront has transformed over the years due to the proliferation of condo developments and a new population that never existed. It is now become more of a destination due to its revitalization. You can picnic, rent a boat or take a tour over to the Toronto Islands or simply walk along the boardwalk. Key spots to picnic other than the islands are on the man-made beaches, mainly Sugar Beach (named after the Redpath Sugar Factory nearby) and the HtO Park, on Queens Quay near Rees Street, known for their pink and yellow umbrellas, respectively. You can get your picnic supplies at supermarkets Loblaws (at Jarvis St.) or at Sobeys (at York St.). Alternative dining options are plenty due to the number of sprawling patios with a lakefront view including The Watermark and the newly opened Amsterdam Brewery. Toronto’s food truck scene has also made wave for vendors to open in the newly opened Ontario and Canada Squares (appropriately opened on Canada Day, 2013).

There are plenty of photo opportunities and landmarks including the “Light Showers” waterfall installation at the Sherbourne Common urban park; the eco-friendly building housing the media company, Corus; the Simcoe wavedeck; the installations at Canada and Ontario Square; and the Toronto Music Garden, inspired by cellist Yo Yo Ma, where you can watch free concerts.

Practical Info

Due to the revitalization of Queens Quay to be completed by 2015, construction from York to Spadina has affected streetcar service from Union Station. It is best to walk from Union Station over to Bay or York and south to Queens Quay if you are going to the central part of Harbourfront. The Harbourfront is best explored by foot or on bike; there are a number of Bixi bike stations available in the area and throughout downtown.

Queens Quay at York St., Toronto, ON, Canada

Open 24 Hours

From $ 16

Yonge-Dundas Square

The flashy urban scene of Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square is reminiscent of New York City’s Times Square. More than 56 million people visit this iconic spot every year, making it one of the busiest intersections in Canada. This is where you find glowing billboards, Eaton Centre, Ed Mirvish Theatre, and great spots to people-watch.

The Basics

Yonge-Dundas Square is a one-acre (half-hectare)outdoor space centered around the intersection of Yonge and Dundas streets. There is always something going on, from free concerts to cultural celebrations to yoga and more. Dancing fountains and giant digital signs draw visitors, as do Toronto’s famous shopping mall, Eaton Centre, and several other leading Ontario businesses. Visit Yonge-Dundas as part of a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or as part of a group tour of the city.

Things to Know Before You Go

Yonge-Dundas Square is a great stop for shoppers.
Access free Wi-Fi throughout the square.
Explore this area by hop-on-hop-off tour bus and you can see multiple Toronto sites without the hassle of driving and parking.

How to Get There

Yonge-Dundas Square is at the center of downtown Toronto. By car, take the Gardiner Expressway to Yonge Street, and head north until you reach Dundas. There are some paid parking lots, but they can be difficult to find and pricy. Walking or taking public transit is recommended. By public transportation, take the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line to Dundas Station.

When to Get There

Spring and fall are great seasons for visiting Toronto and taking advantage of the mild weather. Kids and adults splash around in the square’s iconic fountains, turned on from mid-April to mid-October. Check city event listings for upcoming programming at Yonge-Dundas, such as free concerts, yoga classes, and films.

All About the Street Performers

One of the signature entertainment options in this area is the buskers and street performers that crowd Yonge-Dundas Square, showing off their talents in return for tips. Street performers have a long tradition in Toronto, and they participate in the annual Toronto International Buskerfest happening on Labor Day weekend each year.

1 Dundas St E, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

From $ 33

High Park

As the largest park in Toronto, High Park offers a bounty of recreational opportunities. Locals and visitors alike hop from activity to activity, including playgrounds, a dog park, zoo, hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, baseball fields, and an ice skating rink. High Park is a popular spot for concerts and for enjoying nature, especially in spring's cherry blossom season.

The Basics

Take at least a few hours to enjoy the numerous attractions at High Park while in Toronto. One-third of the park is undeveloped, with trees, shrubs, and flowers, including fragrant Sakura cherry trees, gifts from Tokyo that form a fragrant pink canopy in the springtime. Children love the numerous playgrounds here, as well as the small zoo. Grenadier Pond makes an ideal spot for resting or fishing.

Things to Know Before You Go

High Park is ideal for nature lovers and families with young children.
There are several in-demand restrooms across the park.
Grenadier Cafe, located in the middle of the park, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and coffee.
Bring some drinks, snacks, or a picnic meal with you. There are plenty of spots to picnic.
There is an off-leash dog park.

How to Get There

High Park is bordered by the Queensway and Bloor Street West to the south and north, and Parkside Drive to the east. By public transportation, take the TTC Light Rail to High Park Loop, or take the Bloor-Danforth subway line to High Park Station. Parking is free at High Park, but it can be hard to find on busy days.

When to Get There

Ontario holidays and weekends, as well as spring cherry blossom season, tend to be busiest. However, it's worth it to fight the crowds to capture the beauty of the cherry trees in bloom, typically from late April to early May.

Origin of Grenadier Pond

There are a few theories behind the naming of Grenadier Pond, but the most intriguing revolves around an oft-told story of three Grenadiers who crossed the pond here to defend themselves against American forces in April 1813. They are said to have died crossing the thin ice on foot or by boat, and the pond was named in their honor.

1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

From $ 199

Sugar Beach

A small recreation area in Toronto on the shore of Lake Ontario, Sugar Beach is not the place for a dip as swimming is prohibited. Its sandy shores are just fine for relaxing on a sunny day under the shade of a pink patio umbrella. Visitors have views of cargo ships and the Redpath Sugar Refinery, which inspired the name.

The Basics

Muskoka (Adirondack) chairs and umbrellas available for public use are scattered across the white sand of Sugar Beach. Though you can’t swim in the water, the beach is a nice place to relax on a sunny day. There is also a splash pad with fountains that allow children and adults to cool off in the spray. The beach, created by the city of Toronto in 2010, is a popular spot for sunbathers and families.

Things to Know Before You Go

This is a fun family destination and a great spot for enjoying down time during a busy activity-filled Toronto itinerary.
Swimming is not allowed at Sugar Beach.
Be sure to bring sunscreen and a towel to lay on.
The Sugar Beach promenade and plaza are both wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Sugar Beach is located on Queens Quay, just south of Lower Jarvis Street on the eastern edge of Jarvis Slip. You can drive there from Gardiner Expressway. Take the Lower Jarvis Street exit to Queens Quay. Parking is available at the beach. You can take the bus to the Dockside Drive at Queens Quay East stop.

When to Get There

Toronto enjoys the most beautiful sunny days in the summer months of June, July, and August. However, on summer weekends at Sugar Beach, you may face crowds jockeying for a chair or a spot underneath one of the umbrellas. If you can go on a weekday, your chance of finding a good spot is better.

This Beach Rocks

One of the key features of Sugar Beach is the oversized granite rocks lining the perimeter of the beach and in the plaza next to Corus Quay. The rocks were brought from a quarry in northern Quebec and were painted with candy stripes to give the park a playful, whimsical feel, complementing the bright pink umbrellas and white beach chairs.

Sugar Beach, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

From $ 22

Yorkville

Yorkville, situated northeast of the University of Toronto, has transformed into a chic, high-end shopping district lined with luxury stores, art galleries, restaurants, and historic homes. Known in the 1960s as the "hippie capital of Canada," Yorkville was once home to cultural personalities, including Joni Mitchell and Margaret Atwood.

The Basics

As one of Toronto’s historic neighborhoods, Yorkville is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, a convenient way for visitors to explore without the hassle of navigating on their own. Others opt for private tours, tacking a meal or visit to the high-end “Mink Mile” shopping strip onto their customized itineraries. A private guide provides context about historic landmarks that visitors often miss when exploring alone.

Things to Know Before You Go

Yorkville is a must-visit for both history buffs and serious shoppers.
Make restaurant reservations in advance to skip long lines during evenings and on weekends.
The time limit for street parking is three hours unless specified otherwise.

How to Get There

Located northeast of the University of Toronto, Yorkville is easily accessible via Toronto’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest Metro stops are Museum Station on the line 1 and Bay Station on the line 2, or take bus 300 or 6 to Bloor Street West and Bay Street. Alternatively, Toronto’s bike-share program offers a more scenic route. A bike dock is conveniently located on the southeast corner of Bloor and Bay streets.

When to Get There

As an upscale shopping and dining hub, Yorkville is busiest at dinnertime and on weekends. Visit during these hours to get a feel for the bustle and atmosphere of the neighborhood. For a quieter experience, go just as the shops open around 10am. Yorkville also hosts an annual summer car show, where locals and visitors flock to pedestrian-only streets for luxury car displays, as well as a winter ice festival that showcases elaborate sculptures.

Village of Yorkville Park

After 18 years of lobbying for public green space, residents convinced the city in 1992 to build Yorkville Park on top of a former parking lot. The park is divided into 11 sections that represent Canada’s distinct landscapes, from forests to prairies, and features a 1-billion-year-old rock from the Canadian Shield. Sandwiched between historic homes and upscale boutiques, Yorkville Park is an ideal spot to relax, eat lunch, or people-watch.

Yorkville, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

From $ 33

Toronto Islands

Though Toronto’s high-rise skyline is in sight, the Toronto Islands—a chain of islands scattered off the shore of Lake Ontario—feel a world away. The islands, once a narrow peninsula, were cut off from the mainland by violent storms, and now their sandy coastlines and verdant parklands serve as a peaceful escape for the city-weary.

The Basics

The three most visited destinations in the Toronto Islands are Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point, which together make up Toronto Island Park. Centre Island features an old-timey amusement park called Centreville, which encompasses a reconstructed turn-of-the-20th-century Main Street, a petting farm, and quaint rides including an antique carousel. Hanlan’s Point is known for its sandy beach—a portion of which is clothing optional—and barbecue-friendly fire pits. Ward’s Island, the easternmost tip of Centre Island, also has an attractive beach. The islands are car-free, so most visitors explore on foot or by bike. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat to get out on the water. To escape the crowds and reach off-the-beaten path locales, try a stand-up paddleboarding tour.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Toronto Islands are a must-see for families and beach lovers.
Bring sunscreen and a hat if you plan on spending time on the beach.
Rent a bike to travel between the main islands, which are connected by paths.
Ferries to the island are accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The Toronto Islands are accessible only by boat. City-run ferries depart from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located at the end of Bay Street on Queen’s Quay, and connect with Centre Island, Ward’s Island, and Hanlan’s Point during spring, summer, and fall. During winter, only the Ward’s Island ferry route operates. Private water taxis also go to the islands.

When to Get There

On hot summer weekends, the Toronto Islands are often thronged. Get there early to stake out a good spot on the beach. Hanlan’s Point and Ward’s Island are usually quieter than Centre Island. Stick around until sunset to see the city skyline light up.

Best Swimming Spots on the Toronto Islands

Swimming is one of the most popular activities on the Toronto Islands, as the waters are calm and offer a great way to cool off from the sweltering summer heat. Centre Island Beach is a common choice for families who want to be near the attractions of Centreville. Quieter options include Hanlan’s Point Beach, half of which is a designated nudist beach; Ward’s Island Beach; and Gibraltar Point Beach, home to a supposedly haunted old lighthouse.

Harbourfront, Toronto, Canada

Ferry rides: C$7.71 round trip for adults

From $ 19

Toronto Financial District

Toronto’s Financial District has been the heart of Canada's finance industry since a mass relocation of global bank headquarters from Montreal in the 1960s. Situated in historic Old Toronto, the area hosts an impressively dense collection of skyscrapers and architectural gems, from First Canadian Place to Scotia Plaza.

The Basics

One of Toronto’s busiest neighborhoods, the Financial District is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, a convenient way for visitors to explore without the hassle of navigating on their own. Others opt for private tours, including a walk through Downtown and Old Toronto in the day’s customized itinerary. A private guide provides context about historic landmarks that visitors often miss when exploring alone, from the Flatiron Building to the Fairmont Hotel.

What to Know Before You Go

As home to three of Canada’s tallest skyscrapers and a variety of historic 19th-century buildings, Financial District is a must-visit for architecture buffs.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes, as the area’s best explored on foot.
There’s a 3-hour time limit for parking in the area unless otherwise specified.

How to Get There

Situated in the heart of Old Town Toronto, the Financial District is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. Take the metro’s 1 line or street car 509 to Union Station, or take bus 6 or streetcar 504 to Bay Street and King Street. Alternatively, the area has a number of bike-share docks, which can be easily located on the Bike Share Toronto website.

When to Get There

As a major hub for banks, law firms, and insurance companies, the Financial District is buzzing during weekday business hours. For a quiet visit, explore in the evenings or on weekends. Summer farmers markets are held at various locations in the Financial District, including Scotia Plaza, Brookfield Place, and Royal Bank Plaza. In addition, a range of restaurants in the area offer prix-fixe menus during Summerlicious restaurant week every July.

PATH

Toronto’s PATH holds the title of the largest underground shopping network in the world. At 4 million square feet (371,600 square meters), PATH connects public transit stops, shopping centers, and office buildings in the core of Downtown Toronto. A visit to the Financial District offers an opportunity to explore the tunnels, which are lined with shops and cafes hidden beneath the city.

Toronto Financial District, Toronto, Canada

From $ 65