Top Sights and Experiences
CN Tower: For great views of the city, head to the observation deck. EdgeWalk lets you walk along the outside ledge of the tower. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Next to the CN Tower, this aquarium has an underwater tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead. It’s a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Casa Loma: Wander through historic rooms, explore secret passageways, and take in views of the city from the towers. A good stop for anyone into history. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Into ancient artifacts, natural history, or art? The ROM has a bit of everything. A great place to explore on a cool or rainy day. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): The AGO features Canadian, Indigenous, and international art. The building, redesigned by Frank Gehry, is also worth seeing. Bata Shoe Museum: A small but unique museum all about footwear, with shoes from around the world and across history. A fun stop if you want something different. High Park: High Park is beautiful in the fall. Great for a walk, with plenty of trails and open space to enjoy the crisp autumn air. The Well: One of Toronto’s newest spots, The Well has shops, restaurants, and open spaces. Easy to walk around and nice if you’re nearby.
Best Areas for Shopping
Yorkdale Mall: If you’re in the mood for some shopping, Yorkdale offers a mix of high-end stores and popular retailers. It’s a spacious mall with plenty of options. Eaton Centre: Located right downtown, Eaton Centre has a wide variety of stores, making it an easy spot to find everything you need in one place. Yorkville: Known for its upscale vibe, Yorkville has a blend of boutiques, galleries, and independent shops. It’s a nice area for a relaxed afternoon of browsing. Queen Street West: This neighborhood is great for discovering local designers, vintage shops, and unique finds. If you like exploring one-of-a-kind boutiques, Queen West is worth a visit. Distillery District: A charming historic area with artisan shops, galleries, and Canadian-made goods. It’s perfect for leisurely shopping and enjoying the cobblestone streets. Kensington Market: Eclectic and vibrant, Kensington is full of vintage stores, independent markets, and quirky shops. It’s a great spot if you enjoy thrifting or hunting for unique treasures.
Top Neighborhoods for Dining and Drinks
Yorkville: Known for its stylish restaurants and cafes, Yorkville is a great spot for a leisurely lunch, afternoon coffee, or a nice dinner. King West: This neighbourhood has no shortage of trendy restaurants, rooftop patios, and lively bars. Ossington Avenue: For a mix of cuisines and casual spots, Ossington has everything from Korean BBQ to small-plate tasting menus. It’s a great area to explore if you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for. Kensington Market: Known for its international food scene, Kensington Market is the place to try something new. From tacos to dumplings, you’ll find plenty of options for a laid-back, delicious meal. St. Lawrence Market: A classic Toronto spot with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to local specialties. Be sure to try a peameal bacon sandwich — it's a local favorite. Chinatown: If you’re craving dim sum, dumplings, or a comforting bowl of pho, Chinatown has some of the best options in the city. Little Italy: For homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a good glass of wine, Little Italy is the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner. The Annex: With its mix of cozy cafes and casual restaurants, The Annex is a great choice for brunch or an easy dinner. It’s laid-back, local, and perfect for a low-key meal.