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

Italian restaurantPhoto of The Old Spaghetti Factory — Italian restaurantvia Google Maps

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Family-friendly chain eatery featuring traditional Italian entrees amid turn-of-the-century decor.

Toronto, ON|4
RestaurantPhoto of Earls Kitchen + Bar - Financial District (King & University) — Restaurant

Earls Kitchen + Bar - Financial District (King & University)

Sleek, upscale chain serving gourmet burgers, global comfort food, cocktails, wines & beers.

Toronto, ON|5
Movie TheaterPhoto of Cineplex Cinemas Queensway & VIP — Movie Theater

Cineplex Cinemas Queensway & VIP

Modern multiplex cinema chain screening the latest Hollywood films, plus new independent releases.

Toronto, ON|4
Live Music VenuePhoto of RBC Amphitheatre — Live Music Venue

RBC Amphitheatre

Lakeside concert space for touring shows, with reserved seating & a general admission lawn area.

Toronto, ON|4
Japanese RestaurantPhoto of Gyubee Japanese Grill (Dundas) — Japanese Restaurant

Gyubee Japanese Grill (Dundas)

Toronto, ON|5
Italian restaurantPhoto of Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Front Street — Italian restaurantvia Google Maps

Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Front Street

Brick work & elegant touches adorn this Italian kitchen serving fresh pastas & housemade mozzarella.

Toronto, ON|5
MuseumPhoto of Ontario Science Centre — Museum

Ontario Science Centre

Popular interactive exhibits on science & technology, plus touring shows & an IMAX cinema.

Toronto, ON|4
Shopping mallPhoto of Dufferin Mall — Shopping mallvia Google Maps

Dufferin Mall

Sprawling, contemporary shopping centre with big-box anchor stores & brand-name clothiers.

Toronto, ON|4
Event VenuePhoto of Exhibition Place — Event Venuevia Google Maps

Exhibition Place

Vast entertainment complex dating to 1879, with exhibit & cultural venues, plus parks & monuments.

Toronto, ON|4
RestaurantPhoto of JOEY Eaton Centre — Restaurantvia Google Maps

JOEY Eaton Centre

Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.

Toronto, ON|5
Shopping MallPhoto of CF Sherway Gardens — Shopping Mall

CF Sherway Gardens

Contemporary, light-filled mall with ample greenery, brand-name clothiers & a vast food court.

Toronto, ON|5
Art museumPhoto of Art Gallery of Ontario — Art museum

Art Gallery of Ontario

Large gallery with huge Canadian collection, European masterworks & a major Frank Gehry renovation.

Toronto, ON|5
Convention CenterPhoto of Metro Toronto Convention Centre — Convention Centervia Google Maps

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Toronto, ON|5
RestaurantPhoto of JOEY King St — Restaurantvia Google Maps

JOEY King St

Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.

Toronto, ON|5
British RestaurantPhoto of Fox on John — British Restaurantvia Google Maps

Fox on John

Spacious, casual alehouse offering draft beer & hearty pub grub, plus pool tables.

Toronto, ON|5
Photo of Woodbine Beachvia Google Maps

Woodbine Beach

Vibrant in warm weather, this wide, curved beach offers swimming, volleyball courts & picnic areas.

Toronto, ON|5
Thai RestaurantPhoto of PAI — Thai Restaurantvia Google Maps

PAI

Nuit & Jeff Regular's casual Northern Thai spot serving dishes like salted crab & papaya salad.

Toronto, ON|5
RestaurantPhoto of JOEY Sherway — Restaurant

JOEY Sherway

Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.

Toronto, ON|5
Shopping MallPhoto of CF Shops at Don Mills — Shopping Mall

CF Shops at Don Mills

Designer clothing & other shops & restaurants in a complex centered around a grassy town square.

Toronto, ON|4
Performing Arts TheaterPhoto of Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament — Performing Arts Theatervia Google Maps

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Jousting, horsemanship & falconry plus a 4-course, utensil-free meal served in a castle-like space.

Toronto, ON|5