Things to do in Toronto

Toronto packs a lot into one city. You can spend a morning at the Royal Ontario Museum, an afternoon wandering High Park, and an evening catching a sho…

Toronto packs a lot into one city. You can spend a morning at the Royal Ontario Museum, an afternoon wandering High Park, and an evening catching a show at Massey Hall. The food scene is just as varied, from casual Thai at PAI to upscale Italian at Scaddabush. It’s easy to fill a weekend here.

For families, the CN Tower and Ripley's Aquarium of Canada are classic stops, while older kids might prefer K1 Speed Toronto or Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Shop at St. Lawrence Market for local food, or browse the CF Toronto Eaton Centre for bigger brands. Music fans have plenty of venues, including the historic Danforth Music Hall and the intimate Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar. When the weather’s good, Trinity Bellwoods Park and Riverdale Park East are great for a picnic or a game of volleyball.

Frequently asked questions about Toronto

What are the best outdoor things to do in Toronto?

High Park is the biggest green space, with hiking trails, a zoo, and a playground. For something different, walk through the Toronto Music Garden, which was designed with input from Yo Yo Ma. Trinity Bellwoods Park has tennis and volleyball courts, and Riverdale Park East is popular for tobogganing in winter.

What can families with kids do in Toronto?

The Royal Ontario Museum has dinosaur fossils, and the Ontario Science Centre has interactive exhibits. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a hit with most kids. For active fun, try K1 Speed Toronto for electric go-karting or Sky Zone Trampoline Park. Centreville Amusement Park has rides for younger children.

Where can I find good food and drink in Toronto?

PAI serves casual Northern Thai dishes, including salted crab and papaya salad. The Old Spaghetti Factory is a family-friendly Italian spot. For a fancier meal, Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar makes fresh pasta and housemade mozzarella. Gyubee Japanese Grill offers all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue where you cook at the table.

What are the best places for live music in Toronto?

Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall are known for their acoustics and host big names. The Danforth Music Hall is a historic theatre with contemporary acts. For jazz, the Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar has nightly performances. Horseshoe Tavern is a classic rock venue that’s been around for decades.

Are there any unique attractions or historic sites to visit in Toronto?

Casa Loma is a grand 1914 castle with tours and gardens. St. Michael's Cathedral Basilica is a Gothic Revival church from 1848. The Distillery Historic District is a pedestrian-only area with boutiques and galleries in former distillery buildings. The CN Tower offers panoramic views and a glass floor.

Things to do in Toronto

PlazaPhoto of Nathan Phillips Square — Plaza

Nathan Phillips Square

Lively public space in front of city hall hosting events year-round & a busy ice rink in the winter.

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Tourist AttractionPhoto of The Distillery Historic District — Tourist Attraction

The Distillery Historic District

A collection of boutiques, galleries, cafes & restaurants takes the place of a former distillery.

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Halal RestaurantPhoto of Karahi Boys — Halal Restaurantvia Google Maps

Karahi Boys

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Shopping MallPhoto of CF Toronto Eaton Centre — Shopping Mall

CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Huge array of shops, clothiers & restaurants in a soaring, historic mall with a glass ceiling.

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ParkPhoto of High Park — Park

High Park

Sprawling park with hiking trails, a zoo, sports fields & a large children's playground.

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Cultural CenterPhoto of Harbourfront Centre — Cultural Center

Harbourfront Centre

Lakeside cultural hub with dance, modern art, craft & theatre spaces, plus many annual events.

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Art museumPhoto of Royal Ontario Museum — Art museum

Royal Ontario Museum

Sprawling natural history & world cultures galleries, plus dinosaur fossil skeletons.

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AquariumPhoto of Ripley's Aquarium of Canada — Aquarium

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Expansive, modern aquarium with many species & habitats on display, plus events & classes.

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Shopping MallPhoto of CF Fairview Mall — Shopping Mall

CF Fairview Mall

Bright & spacious 2-level indoor mall with big-box anchors, brand-name fashions & a food court.

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StadiumPhoto of Rogers Centre — StadiumOur original photo

Rogers Centre

Home of baseball's Toronto Blue Jays, this stadium features a retractable roof & hosts concerts.

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Tour AgencyPhoto of Niagara Falls Canada Tours — Tour Agency

Niagara Falls Canada Tours

Bustling area near Horseshoe Falls with hotels, gaming, shops, restaurants & entertainment.

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Tourist AttractionPhoto of CN Tower — Tourist Attraction

CN Tower

Landmark, over 553-metre tower featuring a glass floor & a revolving eatery with panoramic views.

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MuseumPhoto of Casa Loma — Museum

Casa Loma

Grand 1914 castle featuring regular tours & gardens that are open seasonally.

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ZooPhoto of Toronto Zoo — Zoo

Toronto Zoo

Immense zoo with outdoor pavilions housing hundreds of species, plus a large botanical collection.

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ArenaPhoto of Scotiabank Arena — Arena

Scotiabank Arena

Large arena hosting pro hockey, basketball & lacrosse, plus many visiting big-name music acts.

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MarketPhoto of St. Lawrence Market — Market

St. Lawrence Market

Spacious market with 100+ vendors, bakers, butchers & artisans, with produce & antiques on weekends.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Scarborough Town Centre — Shopping Mall

Scarborough Town Centre

Modern mall with big-box, department & specialty retailers, plus a food court & movie theatre.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Yorkdale Shopping Centre — Shopping Mall

Yorkdale Shopping Centre

High-end & casual clothiers, retailers & restaurants in a bright, modern indoor complex.

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PlazaPhoto of Sankofa Square — Plaza

Sankofa Square

Bustling outdoor public space & live-event venue hosting concerts, movies & community events.

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Furniture StorePhoto of IKEA North York — Furniture Storevia Google Maps

IKEA North York

Scandinavian chain selling ready-to-assemble furniture, plus textiles, lighting & home decor.

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