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 Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Scarborough — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Scaddabush Italian Kitchen & Bar Scarborough

Toronto, ON|5
RestaurantPhoto of Earls Kitchen + Bar — Restaurant

Earls Kitchen + Bar

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

Toronto, ON|5
RestaurantPhoto of 360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower — Restaurantvia Google Maps

360 The Restaurant at the CN Tower

The CN Tower's 350-metre high revolving restaurant offers regional Canadian fare & panoramic views.

Toronto, ON|4
Book StorePhoto of Indigo - Toronto Eaton Centre — Book Storevia Google Maps

Indigo - Toronto Eaton Centre

Toronto, ON|5
RestaurantPhoto of The Rec Room Roundhouse — Restaurantvia Google Maps

The Rec Room Roundhouse

Airy, spacious mini-chain for pub grub & craft beer plus arcade games, pool tables & live acts.

Toronto, ON|4
Performing Arts TheaterPhoto of Meridian Hall — Performing Arts Theatervia Google Maps

Meridian Hall

Spacious, storied venue with elegant decor hosting concerts, theatre performances & cultural events.

Toronto, ON|5
Bar & GrillPhoto of Jack's Sankofa Square — Bar & Grill

Jack's Sankofa Square

Toronto, ON|4
Japanese restaurantPhoto of Gyubee Japanese Grill (Bloor) — Japanese restaurantvia Google Maps

Gyubee Japanese Grill (Bloor)

Guests cook meats & seafood on table grills at this buzzy, all-you-can-eat Japanese barbecue joint.

Toronto, ON|5
BrewpubPhoto of Amsterdam Brewhouse — Brewpubvia Google Maps

Amsterdam Brewhouse

Contemporary pub offering Amsterdam ales, an eclectic menu of comfort food & ample outdoor seating.

Toronto, ON|4
GardenPhoto of Edwards Gardens — Garden

Edwards Gardens

Former estate garden with wildflowers, perennials & fountains, plus a botanical garden & gift shop.

Toronto, ON|5
Turkish RestaurantPhoto of Mangal Kebab House — Turkish Restaurantvia Google Maps

Mangal Kebab House

Toronto, ON|5
RestaurantPhoto of JOEY Don mills — Restaurantvia Google Maps

JOEY Don mills

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

Toronto, ON|5
Steak HousePhoto of Chop Steakhouse & Bar — Steak Housevia Google Maps

Chop Steakhouse & Bar

Toronto, ON|5
Mexican RestaurantPhoto of El Catrin Destileria — Mexican Restaurantvia Google Maps

El Catrin Destileria

Trendy, stylish restaurant with elevated Mexican small plates, many tequilas & a heated patio.

Toronto, ON|4
Movie TheaterPhoto of Scotiabank Theatre Toronto — Movie Theatervia Google Maps

Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

14-screen multiplex (including IMAX & 3D) with the latest Hollywood films, plus a licensed lounge.

Toronto, ON|4
Movie TheaterPhoto of Cineplex Odeon Eglinton Town Centre Cinemas — Movie Theater

Cineplex Odeon Eglinton Town Centre Cinemas

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

Toronto, ON|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Woodbine Mall & Fantasy Fair — Shopping Mall

Woodbine Mall & Fantasy Fair

Large mall offering dozens of familiar retailers, restaurants & an indoor amusement park.

Toronto, ON|4
DinerPhoto of Denny's — Dinervia Google Maps

Denny's

Casual diner chain dishing up classic American comfort fare, including all-day breakfast favorites.

Toronto, ON|5
ParkPhoto of Downsview Park — Park

Downsview Park

A former military base now home to a sports complex, forests, a lake & a variety of events.

Toronto, ON|5
ParkPhoto of Trinity Bellwoods Park — Park

Trinity Bellwoods Park

Spacious park with volleyball & tennis courts, an outdoor skating rink & indoor recreation centre.

Toronto, ON|5