You're planning a Toronto trip and wondering what's actually worth your time? I get it. When I first visited years ago, I wasted half a day at some overhyped spot before discovering the real gems. After living here seven years, I've compiled the authentic insider's list of best things to do in Toronto you won't find in generic brochures.
Must-See Toronto Landmarks
Look, everyone will tell you to visit the CN Tower. They're not wrong, but I'll give you the real scoop on how to do it right.
CN Tower Experience
Pro tip: Book online 3 days ahead for 15% discount. Sunset slots fill fastest. The glass floor? Honestly, after the first 30 seconds of adrenaline, it's just... a floor. But the EdgeWalk? Worth every penny if you're not afraid of heights.
| Activity | Price (CAD) | Hours | Best Time | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $43 adult | 9AM-10:30PM | Weekday mornings | ★★★☆☆ |
| EdgeWalk (external walk) | $225 | 10AM-6PM | Golden hour | ★★★★★ |
| 360 Restaurant | $65-100/person | 11AM-11PM | Lunch (views better) | ★★★☆☆ |
Getting there: Take Line 1 to Union Station, then 10-min walk. Don't drive - parking costs more than your coffee budget.
Casa Loma: Fairy Tale Castle
290 Beverly St | Open daily 9:30AM-5PM | $40 adult
Looks straight from Hogwarts? That's because they filmed X-Men here. The secret tunnel connecting stables to main building is cooler than the fancy rooms. Summer Wednesdays offer jazz nights - bring wine and picnic blanket.
Personal gripe: The "secret passage" isn't secret when 40 people are jammed inside. Go at opening time.
Toronto's Hidden Food Gems
Forget chain restaurants. These are spots where locals actually eat:
| Restaurant | Location | Must-Try Dish | Price Range | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rasta Pasta | 61 Kensington Ave | Jerk Chicken Pasta | $12-18 | Messy, spicy perfection |
| St. Lawrence Market | 93 Front St E | Peameal Bacon Sandwich | $8-15 | Breakfast heaven |
| Kensington Market Food Crawl | Multiple vendors | Tacos at Seven Lives | $5-20 | Best street eats |
Neighborhoods You Can't Miss
Toronto's soul is in its neighborhoods. Skip the generic downtown crawl for these spots:
Distillery District
55 Mill St | Best visited weekdays before 3PM to avoid crowds. Cobblestone streets and Victorian factories house art galleries and craft breweries. Mill Street Brewery's seasonal Sampler ($16) is my go-to. Christmas market gets insanely packed - maybe skip unless you love shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
Kensington Market
Eclectic thrift stores, street art, and food from 20+ countries. Sundays = pedestrian paradise when cars are banned. Tacos at Seven Lives ($6 each) will ruin all other tacos for you. Warning: Some shops only take cash.
Remember that vintage store I loved on Augusta Ave? Closed last year. RIP your $8 leather jacket finds.
Museums That Don't Bore You
- ROM (Royal Ontario Museum): 100 Queens Park | $23 adult | Open Tue-Sun 10AM-5:30PM. Dinosaur skeletons and bat cave worth the price. Avoid school field trip hours (11AM-2PM weekdays).
- AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario): 317 Dundas St W | Free Wed 6-9PM | Regular $25. Canadian and Indigenous art shines brighter than European collection. The spiral staircase is Instagram bait.
- Bata Shoe Museum: 327 Bloor St W | $14 adult | Quirky collection from Elvis boots to ancient Egyptian sandals. Smaller but surprisingly fascinating.
Free Activities That Don't Suck
Toronto isn't cheap. Balance your budget with these:
- Harbourfront Centre free concerts (summer weekends)
- Allan Gardens Conservatory (steamy tropical escape in winter)
- Graffiti Alley walking tour (start at Queen St W & Spadina)
- Toronto Islands sunset views (ferry costs $8.70 but views free)
Seasonal Activities Breakdown
Toronto transforms completely by season. Here's when to do what:
| Season | Top Experiences | What to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Toronto Islands beach day, outdoor festivals, patio drinks | CN Tower midday - lines insane |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | High Park foliage, apple picking in Greenbelt | Nuit Blanche (overcrowded art event) |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Nathan Phillips Square skating, Distillery lights | CN Tower EdgeWalk (too windy) |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Cherry blossoms in High Park, waterfront walks | Outdoor patios before May (unpredictable weather) |
Day Trips Worth Leaving the City
Got extra time? These nearby spots beat staying downtown:
- Niagara Falls: 1.5hr by GO Train or drive. Skip Clifton Hill tourist traps, do Hornblower cruise ($30) instead
- Scenic Caves Nature Adventures: 2hr drive to Collingwood. Suspension bridges and caves with epic Georgian Bay views
- Prince Edward County: 2hr drive. Wineries, sand dunes, and antique shops. Try Huff Estates winery
That waterfall hike near Hamilton? Way more impressive in photos. Actual spot is smaller and usually crowded.
Insider Tips for Saving Money
Toronto can drain your wallet fast. Fight back:
- Use Presto card for transit (saves 20% vs single fare)
- Attraction combo passes like CityPASS ($94 for 5 sites)
- Free museum days: AGO Wed nights, ROM third Tue evening
- BYOB restaurants avoid liquor taxes (look for corkage $15-25)
Toronto FAQs Answered Raw
How many days do I need?
Minimum three full days to hit highlights without rushing. Five days lets you add day trips or neighborhood deep dives.
Is Toronto safe for tourists?
Generally safer than most big cities. Avoid empty subway cars late at night and be alert in Dundas Square after midnight. Biggest risk? Pickpockets in crowded summer festivals.
Best areas to stay?
Downtown core (expensive but convenient), Leslieville (hipster vibe), or near Bloor-Yonge (transit hub). Avoid airport hotels unless purely business trip.
Should I rent a car?
Only if doing multiple day trips. Parking costs $30-50/day downtown, and traffic is brutal. Subway/streetcar covers 85% of tourist spots.
What's overrated?
Honest opinion? Ripley's Aquarium. Cool tunnel walk but $44 for 90 minutes feels steep. Hockey Hall of Fame only worth it for die-hard fans.
Transportation Hacks
Getting around doesn't need to stress you:
- From Pearson Airport: Take UP Express train ($12.35) to Union Station (25 mins). Taxi costs $55+
- TTC subway/streetcars: Presto card tap payment ($3.30/ride)
- Bike share: $7 for 24-hr access + free 30-min rides
- Water taxis: Faster than ferry to Toronto Islands ($12 each way)
Notice those old streetcars still running? They've got charm but no AC. Avoid in heatwaves unless you enjoy sauna conditions.
Toronto with Kids Activities
Family-tested winners:
| Activity | Location | Kid Appeal | Parent Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverdale Farm | 201 Winchester St | Petting zoo + pony rides | Free admission |
| Ontario Science Centre | 770 Don Mills Rd | Interactive exhibits | Cafe + free parking |
| Sugar Beach | 11 Dockside Dr | Pink umbrellas + sand | Downtown views |
Festivals Worth Planning Around
Time your trip with these iconic events:
- Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): Early Sep. Spot celebrities but expect inflated hotel prices
- Taste of the Danforth: Aug weekend. Massive Greek food festival with dancing
- Winterlicious: Jan-Feb. Prix-fixe menus at high-end restaurants ($25-$45)
That Caribbean Carnival parade in August? Unforgettable energy but prepare for transportation chaos downtown.
Nightlife Beyond Clubs
Toronto after dark isn't just about dancing:
- Comedy Bar (Bloordale): Local improv shows ($10-15)
- Snakes & Lattes (Annex): Board game cafe with craft beer
- Jazz Bistro: Intimate live jazz (cover $15-30)
Final Money-Saving Tip
CityPASS ($94 CAD) covers:
- CN Tower
- Royal Ontario Museum
- Casa Loma
- Toronto Zoo OR Science Centre
- Ripley's Aquarium
Saves about 45% versus individual tickets. Valid for 9 days so you can pace yourself.
Look, Toronto won't reveal its secrets easily. But armed with this local knowledge, you'll experience the real city - not just the postcard version. And please, if you discover an amazing hidden dumpling spot? Slide into my DMs. I'm always hunting.
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