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

Bar & GrillPhoto of Loose Moose / Antler Room — Bar & GrillOur original photo

Loose Moose / Antler Room

2nd-floor spot with rustic tables, vintage signs & many beers on tap, plus tacos, burgers & snacks.

Toronto, ON|4
Italian restaurantPhoto of Terroni — Italian restaurantvia Google Maps

Terroni

Casual-chic eatery in a former court house, with classic Southern Italian fare & thin-crust pizzas.

Toronto, ON|4
BrewpubPhoto of Mill Street Brewpub Distillery District Toronto — Brewpubvia Google Maps

Mill Street Brewpub Distillery District Toronto

Casual eatery & beer hall serving pub grub staples such as burgers & potpie plus in-house brews.

Toronto, ON|4
RestaurantPhoto of Cactus Club Cafe — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Cactus Club Cafe

Toronto, ON|4
Performing arts theaterPhoto of CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre — Performing arts theatervia Google Maps

CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre

Historic, opulent venue with 2 grand balconies, offering large-scale touring musicals & stage shows.

Toronto, ON|5
Art museumPhoto of Aga Khan Museum — Art museum

Aga Khan Museum

Museum noted for its bright white, contemporary architecture & exhibits tracing Islamic culture.

Toronto, ON|5
Hindu TemplePhoto of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto — Hindu Templevia Google Maps

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto

Toronto, ON|5
Turkish RestaurantPhoto of Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine — Turkish Restaurantvia Google Maps

Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine

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

Earls Kitchen + Bar

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

Toronto, ON|5
Performing arts theaterPhoto of Princess of Wales Theatre — Performing arts theatervia Google Maps

Princess of Wales Theatre

Refined playhouse from Mirvish Productions for musicals like "Miss Saigon" & "Les Misérables."

Toronto, ON|5
Chinese RestaurantPhoto of Dragon Pearl Buffet — Chinese Restaurantvia Google Maps

Dragon Pearl Buffet

All-you-can-eat Chinese buffet with vast food choices & its namesake dessert in an ornate space.

Toronto, ON|4
Bar & GrillPhoto of Jack Astor's Bar & Grill Front Street — Bar & Grillvia Google Maps

Jack Astor's Bar & Grill Front Street

Toronto, ON|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Bayview Village Shopping Centre — Shopping Mall

Bayview Village Shopping Centre

Toronto, ON|4
ParkPhoto of Allan Gardens — Park

Allan Gardens

Collection of plants from around the world housed in a cast-iron & glass building dating from 1910.

Toronto, ON|5
Warehouse storePhoto of Costco Business Centre — Warehouse storevia Google Maps

Costco Business Centre

Members-only warehouse selling a huge variety of items including bulk groceries, electronics & more.

Toronto, ON|5
Bar & GrillPhoto of Jack's Scarborough — Bar & Grillvia Google Maps

Jack's Scarborough

Toronto, ON|5
StadiumPhoto of BMO Field — Stadiumvia Google Maps

BMO Field

Toronto, ON|5
Shopping MallPhoto of Centerpoint Mall — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Centerpoint Mall

Straightforward indoor mall with big-label clothing shops, electronics stores & an ample food court.

Toronto, ON|4
Turkish restaurantPhoto of Bereket Kebab House — Turkish restaurantvia Google Maps

Bereket Kebab House

Toronto, ON|5
Hot pot restaurantPhoto of Liuyishou Hotpot Scarborough — Hot pot restaurantvia Google Maps

Liuyishou Hotpot Scarborough

Casual Chinese spot featuring soup dumplings, hot pots & a buffet counter with cold appetizers.

Toronto, ON|5