19 Unmissable Adventures in Toronto

I touched down in Toronto for the first time in 2022, right as the city was coming back to life after the pandemic slowdown. Walking through the surprisingly quiet streets of what’s usually Canada’s busiest city felt like getting a behind-the-scenes tour of a place that normally moves at full speed.

What makes Toronto special is how it keeps surprising you with something new around every corner. From the food markets packed with flavors from across the globe to the laid-back island escapes just offshore, the cozy neighborhoods filled with indie shops and cafes, and the towering skyscrapers reflecting clouds and sunshine, Toronto has a way of making everyone feel at home.

So, what should you do in Toronto? I’ve spent months exploring the city’s hidden spots and main attractions, and I’ve combined my personal favorites with recommendations from local friends to create this list of must-do experiences in Canada’s largest city.

CN Tower

Standing tall in Toronto’s skyline since 1976, the CN Tower has become the city’s most recognizable landmark and a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Canada’s largest city. This 1,815-foot tower isn’t just about the views – though they’re incredible from both the main observation deck and the higher SkyPod level. The glass floor, where you can walk 1,122 feet above the ground below, has become a favorite spot for visitors to test their nerve. And for those who really want to get their heart racing, you can even try EdgeWalk – where you’ll walk hands-free around the tower’s exterior platform. It’s the kind of experience that makes you appreciate Toronto’s grandeur, whether you’re enjoying a meal at the revolving restaurant or simply taking in the city spread out beneath you like a living map.

Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto’s biggest museum should definitely be on your must-visit list. Located in the heart of downtown, the Royal Ontario Museum houses over 13 million items spread across natural history, world cultures, and art. You’ll find everything from towering dinosaur skeletons and glittering gems to Egyptian mummies and suits of armor. The building itself is a sight to behold, with its modern crystal structure dramatically jutting out from the historic brick facade.

Art Gallery of Ontario

Many art enthusiasts visit the Art Gallery of Ontario for its extensive collection of Canadian art, but this cultural landmark offers much more than maple leaf masterpieces. The museum houses over 90,000 works spanning from classic European paintings to contemporary installations, making it one of North America’s largest art museums. While the permanent Group of Seven collection draws regular crowds, the gallery’s rotating exhibitions and unique architectural design by Frank Gehry give visitors fresh reasons to return throughout the year. Even those who don’t consider themselves art buffs will find something intriguing here, from hands-on family activities to the peaceful Grange House, a historic manor that offers a glimpse into Toronto’s past.

St. Lawrence Market

Step into Toronto’s food paradise at St. Lawrence Market, one of North America’s oldest and largest public markets. The historic 200-year-old building houses over 120 vendors across two levels, where you can sample everything from fresh-baked breads to local cheeses and maple syrup. Head to the lower level to try the famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery, a local favorite that’s been featured on numerous food shows. For a true taste of Toronto’s culinary scene, join one of the market’s food tours or cooking classes, where you can learn about the city’s diverse food culture and pick up some new kitchen skills.

Casa Loma

Many visitors come to Casa Loma to see Toronto’s only castle, but this historic site offers much more than just medieval architecture. The grand estate, built in the early 1900s by financier Sir Henry Pellatt, sits atop a hill overlooking the city and features secret passages, underground tunnels, and elegantly decorated rooms. While the main building draws crowds year-round, the property’s five acres of gardens provide a peaceful escape during warmer months. In winter, the castle transforms into a holiday wonderland with themed events and decorations, but regardless of when you visit, the unique blend of European grandeur and Canadian history makes Casa Loma a fascinating stop on any Toronto itinerary.

Toronto Islands

Just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, the Toronto Islands form a peaceful archipelago in Lake Ontario. This car-free paradise spans 820 acres across 15 interconnected islands, each offering its own slice of escape from city life. Locals and visitors alike flock to Centre Island, the largest of the bunch, where tree-lined paths wind past charming 1920s cottages and waterfront gardens. The islands’ beaches dot the southern shores, with Ward’s Island Beach and Hanlan’s Point Beach being local favorites for swimming and sunbathing. From the shores, you’ll catch some of the best views of Toronto’s skyline, especially at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle across the water. Whether you’re cycling the islands’ paths, picnicking in the shade, or paddling a kayak through the quiet lagoons, the islands feel worlds away from the bustling metropolis just across the harbor.

Rogers Centre

Experience the heart of Toronto’s sports culture at the Rogers Centre, home of the MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays. This massive stadium, with its retractable roof, hosts everything from baseball games to big-name concerts throughout the year. You can join thousands of fans cheering on the Blue Jays during baseball season, or take a behind-the-scenes tour to explore the dugouts, press box, and VIP areas. For a unique experience, book seats in the TD Comfort Clubhouse, where you can enjoy the game while dining on upscale ballpark fare. It’s the perfect spot to catch a summer game or attend one of the many entertainment events held year-round.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Just steps from the CN Tower in downtown Toronto sits Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, home to more than 20,000 aquatic animals. Unlike other aquariums that simply display fish in tanks, this one lets you get up close with sea creatures through its most famous feature – a moving walkway that carries you through a underwater tunnel. As you glide along, sharks and rays swim right over your head, making you feel like you’re walking on the ocean floor. The aquarium also houses a collection of Canadian marine life, from Pacific octopuses to Atlantic lobsters, giving visitors a chance to explore underwater ecosystems from coast to coast. Between the touch tanks where you can feel the rough skin of small sharks and the playful antics of the sea otters, it’s easy to spend several hours here without realizing how much time has passed.

Hockey Hall of Fame

Hockey fans and casual observers alike will find something to love at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. This shrine to Canada’s favorite sport spans 65,000 square feet in a beautifully preserved bank building, taking visitors through the game’s rich history from its humble beginnings to modern-day NHL glory. While most come to see the iconic Stanley Cup up close, the real magic happens in the interactive zones where you can test your shooting skills against virtual goalies or try your hand at play-by-play announcing. It’s not just a museum – it’s a place where hockey dreams come alive, and even those who’ve never watched a game can get caught up in the infectious enthusiasm for this quintessentially Canadian pastime.

High Park

Many locals and tourists flock to High Park, Toronto’s largest public park, for its mix of recreational spaces and natural beauty. The 399-acre green space offers everything from sports facilities to peaceful walking trails through mature oak forests. In spring, the park’s famous cherry blossoms draw thousands of visitors who come to see the pink flowers in full bloom, but there’s plenty to explore year-round. You can visit the zoo, take the kids to the adventure playground, or simply relax by Grenadier Pond. The park also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including outdoor theater performances in summer and holiday festivities in winter.

Distillery District

The Distillery District takes you back to Victorian-era Toronto, housed within the remnants of the 1832 Gooderham and Worts Distillery. I first wandered its cobblestone streets on a crisp autumn morning in 2019, where red brick buildings and preserved industrial architecture create a pocket of history in the modern city. The former whiskey distillery, once the largest in the British Empire, now houses artisan shops, cafes, and galleries in its heritage buildings. Local artists display their work in converted tank houses, while the smell of fresh coffee and chocolate wafts from specialty food shops. The pedestrian-only neighborhood comes alive during the annual Christmas Market, when twinkling lights and wooden stalls transform the historic lanes into a European-style winter wonderland.

Kensington Market

Many visitors head to Kensington Market for its colorful street art and food scene, but this neighborhood is really more of a cultural mosaic. The area packs an impressive mix of vintage shops, international restaurants, and local grocers into its narrow streets – from Latin American cafes to European cheese shops. While the monthly Pedestrian Sundays draw crowds with live music and street performers during summer months, you’ll find the market’s eclectic charm and independent spirit on display any day of the year, as locals and tourists alike browse specialty food stores, grab coffee at indie cafes, or hunt for secondhand treasures at the many thrift shops.

Nathan Phillips Square

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Nathan Phillips Square stands as the city’s central gathering spot and unofficial town square. While other major cities have their iconic meeting places like Times Square or Trafalgar Square, Toronto’s version comes with a distinctly Canadian twist. The space features the famous “Toronto” sign, which lights up in different colors at night, and transforms into a buzzing ice skating rink during winter months. What makes this square particularly special is how it reflects Toronto’s evolution – the modern City Hall building looms behind while food trucks, art installations, and public events bring together locals and tourists alike. Because of its role as the city’s main public space, you’ll find everything from peaceful protests to cultural festivals, and even midnight New Year’s celebrations taking place within its boundaries.

Yorkville

Once a quiet Victorian-era neighborhood, Yorkville has evolved into Toronto’s swankiest shopping district. Walking these streets feels like stepping into a stylish European village, complete with designer boutiques, high-end galleries, and cozy cafes tucked into historic buildings. But unlike other luxury shopping areas, Yorkville maintains its old-world charm with narrow lanes and Victorian architecture. Just look for the well-dressed locals carrying shopping bags from Gucci and Prada, or spot celebrities ducking into five-star hotels during the Toronto International Film Festival, and you’ll get the picture. Thanks to its location near the Royal Ontario Museum, the area has become a perfect mix of culture and luxury, where museum-goers and fashionistas share sidewalk space with equal comfort.

Ontario Science Centre

Many visitors come to the Ontario Science Centre for its hands-on exhibits, but this popular attraction offers much more than just science experiments. Located in the Don Valley, the center spans multiple floors filled with interactive displays that cover everything from space exploration to the human body. While school groups flock here during the week to learn about physics and biology, families can join in on live demonstrations, catch IMAX films in the domed theater, or explore the outdoor nature trails that connect to the surrounding parkland. The center regularly updates its featured exhibitions, but you’ll find plenty of educational entertainment here any time of year.

Toronto Zoo

Looking for an animal lover’s paradise in Toronto? Head over to the Toronto Zoo, where you’ll find over 5,000 animals spread across 710 acres of beautifully designed habitats. The zoo is divided into seven geographic regions, including the African Savanna, Indo-Malaya, and the Canadian Domain, making it easy to explore different ecosystems from around the world.

Eaton Centre

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Eaton Centre draws both locals and visitors as one of North America’s largest shopping complexes, but it’s much more than just a mall. The glass-domed galleria spans several city blocks and houses over 230 retailers, restaurants, and services across multiple levels. While shoppers come for popular brands like Nordstrom and Uniqlo, the centre also serves as a major transit hub and meeting point for downtown workers. Even if shopping isn’t your main interest, the architectural design featuring soaring ceilings and the iconic “Flight Stop” sculpture of Canadian geese makes it worth exploring, especially during winter months when you can escape the cold while walking between downtown destinations.

Fort York

Many visitors come to Fort York to explore Toronto’s military heritage, but this historic site offers much more than just old buildings and battlements. As the birthplace of urban Toronto, the fort played a crucial role in defending the city during the War of 1812 and continues to tell stories of early Canadian life. The 43-acre national historic site features original buildings from the 1800s, military demonstrations, and guided tours that bring the past to life. While history buffs flock here for the museum exhibits and preserved architecture, Fort York also hosts modern-day events like food festivals, art installations, and cultural programs throughout the year.

Scarborough Bluffs

Head to the eastern edge of Toronto to explore the Scarborough Bluffs, a natural wonder that stretches for 15 kilometers along Lake Ontario. These white chalk cliffs rise up to 90 meters above the water, offering some of the best views in the city. Take a walk through Bluffers Park at the base of the cliffs, where you can relax on the sandy beach, have a picnic, or watch boats sail by in the marina. For nature photographers, the hiking trails along the top of the bluffs provide perfect spots to capture the contrast between the rugged cliffs and the blue waters below. Visit during sunset to see the cliffs glow in the golden hour light.