I’ve been thinking lately about that specific travel moment you know: you arrive at the famous spot, look around, and quietly think, “is this it?” It happens. I’ve been up the CFTR a thousand times and I’m still not over the view, but half the things tourists line up for in Toronto could have skipped the line entirely.
After calling this city home for 25 years — long enough to remember when the CN Tower was the only giant in the sky, and when a ferry to the Islands felt like crossing to another world — I’ve put together the guide I wish someone had handed me. Not the brochure version. The real one, with the corners I actually like.
Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, here’s what I think is genuinely worth your time.
The Quick List: 5 Things to Do in Toronto If You’re Short on Time
Short weekend? First trip? Start here.
- The CN Tower — the iconic sky-high view over the city and Lake Ontario
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada — a stunning ride right at the bottom of the tower
- Royal Ontario Museum — world-class art, culture, and natural history in one building
- A ferry day trip to the Toronto Islands — the best escape from the city’s buzz, skyline included
- Get lost in Kensington Market — Toronto’s bohemian, passionately multicultural heart
- Catch a Blue Jays game on a summer afternoon — a classic Toronto ritual
The Big Icons (Yes, You Should Still Do These)
Go up the CN Tower — do the EdgeWalk if you’re brave
You can’t talk about Toronto without the CN Tower, and that’s not just because it’s in the name. I’ve been up countless times, and on a clear day the view is straight-up stupidly good. For the really brave, the EdgeWalk is genuinely terrifying and completely unforgettable — it’s the world’s tallest full-circle, hands-free tower walk, and you’ll be dangling 356m (1,168 ft) above the street telling this story for years. We did it once for my dad’s 80th birthday, and he’s still talking about it.
My biggest tip: book timed tickets online well in advance. The lines can be truly enormous, and no one’s watching the skyline happy while they wait in line.
Glide under the sea at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Right at the base of the CN Tower is Ripley’s, one of the best aquarium experiences of its kind in the world. The standout is the Dangerous Lagoon — a huge underwater tunnel with a moving sidewalk, so you just stand there and watch sharks, sea turtles, and giant sawfish drift past. For families, for rainy days, or for anyone who likes turtles, it’s a genuine winner. Go on a weekday morning or later in the evening to dodge the biggest crowds.
Lose a morning at the Royal Ontario Museum
The ROM is one of the largest museums in North America, and that sharp, drifting Michael Lee-Chin Crystal crashed into the historic building makes it impossible to miss. I used to live a few blocks away, so this museum has a soft spot in my heart. It’s a treasure trove of world culture and natural history, but my favorite has always been the dinosaur wing — truly world-class. Skip the weekday mornings if you can: schools and groups flood in. Go after 1 p.m. instead and the whole place settles down.
Wander the Art Gallery of Ontario
Even if you’re not an art person, go for the building alone. The swirling wooden staircase Frank Gehry designed is a masterpiece, and spending an afternoon in the Thomson Collection of European art and the Group of Seven paintings — Canada’s most iconic group of artists — is one of the calmest hours you can have in the middle of this loud city.
Eat your way through St. Lawrence Market
National Geographic once named St. Lawrence Market the best food market in the world, and 200-plus years later I’m here to tell you they weren’t wrong. It’s a Toronto institution in the truest sense, and the new North Building opened in April 2025, housing the Farmers’ and Antique Markets. My ritual is non-negotiable: head to Carousel Bakery for the peameal bacon on a bun. It’s the most Toronto thing you can eat. Saturdays when the farmers’ market is in full swing are glorious — and packed. For a calmer browse, go on a weekday.
Step back in time in the Distillery District
The Distillery District’s cobblestone streets are a beautifully preserved slice of Victorian industrial architecture, and completely pedestrian-only, which is half the charm. Back when I worked in the film industry, we used to shoot here long before it became the art, culture, and good-food hub it is today. If you can time your visit for the winter, the Christmas Market here is magical, and I make a point of going every single year.
Explore the castle: Casa Loma
Toronto has its own castle, and it’s a spectacular Gothic Revival mansion. I have work memories from here too — a lot of the first X-Men movie was shot at Casa Loma. The audio guide is worth whatever it costs: it’s narrated by “Archie,” the castle’s fictional archivist, and he brings the rooms and the former owner, Sir Henry Pellatt, fully to life. My favorite part is winding through the secret passages and the 800-foot tunnel that runs from the castle to the stables.
Downtown’s Beating Heart
People-watch at Yonge-Dundas Square
They call it Canada’s Times Square, though — honestly, it doesn’t need the nickname. It’s a huge public square flooded with flashing billboards, sprawling crowds, and street performers, sensory overload in the best possible way. It’s not a place for quiet, and that’s the point. I love sitting with a coffee and just watching the impossible cross-section of humanity flow through, especially at night when all the lights come on. In summer there are often free concerts and events.
Stand in front of the TORONTO sign at Nathan Phillips Square
City Hall, the famous “TORONTO” sign, and one of the biggest public squares in the city. In winter the reflecting pool freezes over into an outdoor rink, and renting skates here is a classic Toronto experience — I can tell you from grownups in two hats pretending that’s not happening. In summer it’s the hub for festivals and big events. It’s also the spot for the photo you’re going to post, day or night.
Neighbourhoods Where the Real Toronto Hides
Away from the big-ticket names, Toronto is a city of very different neighbourhoods. Forget the map — getting a little lost is the whole point.
Wander Kensington Market
A designated National Historic Site, and one of the best places in the city to eat, shop, and just exist. It’s a vibrant, multicultural maze of independent stores and eclectic food stalls in the heart of Chinatown. Grungy, colorful, unapologetically itself. I used to live here, and my favorite way to spend the day is to wander for hours without a plan. Follow your nose to the smell of fresh churros, slip into three vintage shops you can’t resist, and pick up an empanada from one of the Latin American stalls.
Take a long walk down Queen Street West
Once named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Queen West has been the epicentre of Toronto’s art and music scene for decades. The Graffiti Alley alone is worth the trip — the murals are incredible and constantly changing. This was the spot where Rick Mercer filmed his infamous “rants” for Canadian television (if you’ve never seen one, consider that a personal failing on your part). It’s perfect for a slow walk, popping into designer shops and music venues like the Horseshoe Tavern.
Eat until you can’t on Little Italy on College Street
Toronto has several “Little Italys,” but College Street is the original, and it used to be my stomping grounds. Countless nights exploring its restaurants and bars. In summer the patios are packed and the whole neighbourhood is buzzing. For good food and late-night eats after a show, I still go here first.
Window-shop in Yorkville
If Queen West is Toronto’s artistic heart, Yorkville is its polished, upscale counterweight — and since it’s the last neighbourhood I’ve lived in, I know it like the back of my hand. It’s fantastic for window shopping and celebrity spotting, especially during TIFF. The BATA Shoe Museum is here too, if you’re into that specific kind of cool. For the full Yorkville feel, a cocktail on the Sassafraz patio for people-watching is perfect; for something more casual, Hemingway’s rooftop patio or Eataly for a proper Italian spread will do.
Newer Spots the Locals Are Talking About
I’ve lived here for more than 25 years, and the city still manages to surprise me. These are the newer additions that have quickly become must-sees.
Marvel at Little Canada
One of the city’s newest and genuinely most charming attractions: a massive, shockingly detailed miniature world of famous Canadian landmarks, from coast to coast. I was prone to bluster by the detail — a tiny, twinkling version of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa during their winter light show, a minuscule Niagara Falls. It’s surprisingly magical, and one of the better cross-ages experiences in Toronto.
Spend an evening at The Well
The Well is a huge new development that has completely transformed the area west of the financial district: an open-air cluster of shops, great restaurants, and a European-style food market. It’s quickly become one of my favorite spots for dinner — the range of food is astonishing, from fine dining to casual eats. A great place to land an evening when the weather’s good.
Walk the redeveloped waterfront
Toronto’s waterfront used to be an industrial afterthought full of old movie studios. Now you can walk or bike for kilometres along the water’s edge. My favorite part is Sugar Beach — soft sand and those iconic pink umbrellas, right next to the old Redpath Sugar Refinery. An urban beach that feels like a cheat code.
For the Sports Fans
Toronto takes its teams seriously, and the passion is infectious — especially during a playoff run. The main sports complex, including the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena, is right downtown.
Catch a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre
There is nothing quite like a clear afternoon at the ballpark. This place is packed with memories for me — my husband worked at the Rogers Centre for years, and I was lucky enough to stand in its ugly seats and watch the Blue Jays win the World Series in 1993. A hot dog, the dome open (weather permitting), the crowd doing the one — it’s the most classic summer experience in this city. Even if baseball isn’t your thing, the atmosphere on its own is worth a few hours. Look for the “Loonie Dogs” nights for a deal-worthy ticket.
See the Raptors or Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena
Home to the NBA’s Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs, this is where the action is. Leafs tickets are notoriously hard to come by, but you can usually find seats for a Raptors game. If you’re here during a playoff run, whatever you do, go to “Jurassic Park” — the outdoor square next to the arena where fans spill out and watch the game on a huge screen. The energy is electric, in a good way.
Pay respects at the Hockey Hall of Fame
If you like hockey at all, this is a must. It’s a wonderful tribute to the sport, full of memorabilia and interactive exhibits, and even folks whose interest is passing get quietly taken by it. My favorite part is seeing the actual Stanley Cup up close in the Great Hall. It’s smaller than you’d think. A perfect few hours to spend downtown.
Get Outside: Pockets of Green You Can Reach in 30 Minutes
Ferry to the Toronto Islands
A short, scenic ferry ride from downtown and the city’s noise just… turns off. The Toronto Islands are a string of car-free islands with beaches, parks, and some of the best skyline views in the city. It’s the perfect family day trip, and home to Centreville Amusement Park, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, and the castaway ruins of the Hanlan’s Point Hotel. It’s a soft spot for me too — this is where my husband and I had our first date, so I have a soft spot I refuse to explain. The ferry runs to three different stops; for beaches and a slower vibe, head to Ward’s Island or Hanlan’s Point. Rent a bike — it’s the best way to explore the little paths and bridges.
Picnic in High Park
High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, and a true urban oasis. I lived in the High Park neighbourhood for 10 years — it was the first home I had when I moved to Toronto — and I’ve never stopped coming back. The cherry blossoms in spring are world-famous and beautifully crowded, but I’m actually a fall person here: when the maples are all fire, this place is at its quietest. After a walk, head over to the nearby Roncesvalles Village — one of my favorite neighbourhoods, full of Polish delis and indie coffee shops.
Hike the Scarborough Bluffs
A hard-to-believe landscape within the city limits: the Scarborough Bluffs are a stretch of dramatic white cliffs running 15 km along the Lake Ontario shoreline. For the most iconic view, head to Bluffer’s Park — look up from the beach to the towering white cliffs and for an hour you’ll think you’re on the Mediterranean, not in a major Canadian city.
How to Actually Plan the Trip
Getting around
- TTC (public transit): the best way to get around Toronto. The subway is fast and great for long distances north-south and east-west, and the streetcar and bus fill in the rest. You can just tap your credit card or phone on your way in and out, or grab a PRESTO card if you’re here a while.
- From the airport: the UP Express train from Pearson (YYZ) to Union Station is, without a doubt, the best way into the city — clean, frequent, and only 25 minutes. Do not sit in a taxi in traffic and wonder what you were thinking.
- Walking: downtown and the best neighbourhoods are very walkable. Once you’re in Kensington Market or Yorkville, your feet are the best transport.
When to go
- Summer (June–August): the city is at full volume — patios packed, festivals every weekend, warm air. The most popular time, and the most crowded.
- Autumn (September–October): my favorite. The humidity is gone, the colours in the Don Valley and High Park are unreal, and TIFF takes over the city.
- Winter (December–March): yes, it’s cold — layer up. But the Distillery Christmas Market, the Nathan Phillips rink, and fewer crowds make it a genuinely magical alternative.
- Spring (April–May): unpredictable (you can still get snow in April, no judgment), but May is when High Park’s cherry blossoms erupt and the city finally exhales. If you’re going for the flowers, aim for late May.
Where to stay
For a short visit, I’d stay central — downtown or the Entertainment District puts you within walking distance of most of what’s on this list. Yorkville if you want the luxury-hotel, fine-dining side of things. If you’re after a local, less touristy feel, Queen Street West, Ossington, or anywhere west of the city is where I’d bed down.
That’s the City I Keep Coming Back To
Toronto reinvents itself constantly, and I think that’s exactly why I still love it after 25 years. It’s a mosaic of cultures, cuisines, and corners you can’t find in one trip — and the people here are remarkably welcoming about letting you find them. I hope this saves you from a few of the “is this it?” moments.
And if you have questions about the city I live in, ask away in the comments — I answer faster than the UP Express gets you into the city.
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