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

Shopping mallPhoto of Gerrard Square Shopping Centre — Shopping mallvia Google Maps

Gerrard Square Shopping Centre

Neighbourhood indoor mall with an array of big-box retailers, clothiers & fast-food restaurants.

Toronto, ON|4
Afghan restaurantPhoto of NAAN KABOB — Afghan restaurant

NAAN KABOB

Exotic, high-ceilinged dining room for a mix of Afghan & Middle Eastern cuisine with halal meats.

Toronto, ON|5
Botanical GardenPhoto of Toronto Botanical Garden — Botanical Garden

Toronto Botanical Garden

Serene site featuring 17 themed gardens over 4 acres, plus events, a seasonal cafe & a garden shop.

Toronto, ON|5
Amusement ParkPhoto of Centreville Amusement Park — Amusement Park

Centreville Amusement Park

Quaint Centre Island park with 30+ rides for kids & adults, including a 1907 carousel & hobby farm.

Toronto, ON|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Agincourt Mall — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Agincourt Mall

Open since 1966, this down-to-earth retail center offers a mix of stores, services & eateries.

Toronto, ON|4
MarketPhoto of Kensington Market BIA — Market

Kensington Market BIA

Long-standing, colourful market area for independent shops/cafes, plus produce, meat & fish stands.

Toronto, ON|5
Go-karting venuePhoto of K1 Speed Toronto — Go-karting venuevia Google Maps

K1 Speed Toronto

Chain of indoor racing centers featuring electric go-karting for all skill levels, plus food.

Toronto, ON|5
Movie theaterPhoto of Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough — Movie theatervia Google Maps

Cineplex Cinemas Scarborough

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

Toronto, ON|4
Movie TheaterPhoto of Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP — Movie Theater

Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP

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

Toronto, ON|4
RestaurantPhoto of Cactus Club Cafe — Restaurant

Cactus Club Cafe

Toronto, ON|4
Shopping MallPhoto of Woodside Square — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Woodside Square

Covered retail complex with shops, services & a food court on the lower level, plus offices on top.

Toronto, ON|4
Live Music VenuePhoto of Danforth Music Hall — Live Music Venue

Danforth Music Hall

Built in 1919, this longstanding theatre hosts contemporary local & international musicians.

Toronto, ON|5
Irish pubPhoto of Brazen Head Irish Pub — Irish pubvia Google Maps

Brazen Head Irish Pub

Irish-themed bar with pub grub, TV sports, an exposed-brick interior & 2 levels of outdoor seating.

Toronto, ON|5
Tex-Mex RestaurantPhoto of Sneaky Dee's — Tex-Mex Restaurantvia Google Maps

Sneaky Dee's

Unassuming bar serving Tex-Mex fare & known for its nachos, with edgy live music & DJs upstairs.

Toronto, ON|4
FarmPhoto of Riverdale Farm — Farm

Riverdale Farm

Farm offering livestock, gardens & craft programs set within a park with ponds & picnic areas.

Toronto, ON|5
SupermarketPhoto of Galleria Supermarket York Mills — Supermarket

Galleria Supermarket York Mills

Toronto, ON|5
Shopping MallPhoto of Stock Yards Village — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Stock Yards Village

Open-air mall with diverse retail stores, casual restaurants & an indoor playground/arcade.

Toronto, ON|4
RestaurantPhoto of Black+Blue Toronto — Restaurant

Black+Blue Toronto

Toronto, ON|5
Californian RestaurantPhoto of KŌST — Californian Restaurant

KŌST

Airy restaurant with towering views of the city serving seasonal dishes inspired by Bajan cuisine.

Toronto, ON|4
Convention centerPhoto of Enercare Centre — Convention centervia Google Maps

Enercare Centre

Toronto, ON|4