11 THINGS TO DO IN TORONTO AND 4 TO SKIP
The CN Tower
It is probably the most touristy thing you can do in the city, but if you’ve never done it you should at least go once. The views are incredible and watching the city below from the glass floor is a wild experience. If you are more daring, you can do the edge walk. Skip the tower restaurant and go eat somewhere on the ground, you’ll get better food for a better price
The Royal Ontario Museum (The ROM)
The ROM is a three in one museum, you can see some art, world culture exhibits, and natural history, all whilst enjoying the incredible architecture. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon. If you’re a student, bring your student card and get free admission every Tuesday. Or go to the ROM on the third Tuesday of every month at 4:30pm-8:30pm when it is free for everyone.
The AGO
With a collection of more than 90000 works of art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. It is currently hosting the Leonard Cohen exhibit showcasing Rare concert footage and archival materials, including musical instruments, notebooks, lyrics and letters as well as photographs, drawing, created by the legend himself. If art galleries aren’t your vibe, go just to experience Frank Gehry’s redesign, it’s pretty cool
The ROM
The AGO
Catch a Show
Just like NYC, Toronto has a healthy Broadway scene. Do like the locals and have an early dinner on King Street near the theatre and walk to your show and enjoy the night. Mirvish runs most of the big productions in town and right now they are hosting Hamilton until August 2023 at the Princess of Wales.
St Lawrence Market
For all my fellow foodies out there, this is a must stop. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it is just fun to walk around and see all the different vendors. You can also sign up for a cooking class here which is always fun.
The Distillery District
One of Toronto’s most famous heritage locations and one of its most haunted. Come in the evening for dinner then join the Haunted walking tour at twilight for some history and spooky thrills.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma
Built in 1914, Casa Loma is not only a popular tourist destination, but also an events venue and has been used in movies and tv shows. What I love most about Casa Loma is that the man who built it, built it for his wife. It is one of the most beautiful expressions of love that has been manifested in the physical world. I must see for me.
High Park
The biggest public park in Toronto has something for everyone. Hiking, picnic spots, dog park, a zoo, playground for kids. Everything is here and yet it still feels like a hidden away secret spot. In the spring you can see the cherry blossoms.
The Island
People forget that Toronto has an island, I know I do, but there's a lot to do there. An easy and affordable day trip, take the ferry across, then head to the beach. Or maybe hiking is your speed. Have kids? Spend some time at Centerville. The week leading up to Labour Day weekend you can watch the SkyHawks practice for the air show.
Bata Shoe Museum
I’ve been to many strange museums, but the Bata Shoe Museum is more cool than strange. They have over a thousand shoes and artifacts from all over the world and time. Perfect activity for your fashionistas and Sneakerheads.
Graffiti alley
If you’re looking for the quintessential Toronto influencer photo-op, then Graffiti Alley is for you. Other than that it’s just a street with graffiti.
To Skip
The aquarium
What can I say, There’s a Ripley’s Aquarium in what feels like every major city. It’s a water zoo. Yes the Jellyfish wall is really cool and highly instagramable but there is so much more in the city that you can’t do anywhere else. Do those first and if you have time then go to the aquarium.
Eaton Center
Toronto City Hall
Go to one mall, see them all. I never understand why the Eaton Center is on all the top tourist lists. It’s a mall, it isn’t like the outlet malls of the US or the fun luxury of Rodeo Drive where you might spot a celebrity. It’s a mall. It’s a big mall, but it has all the same stores you probably have at home. Unless you really want to shop till you drop then skip it.
City Hall
It’s literally a building, not even a nice one with a massive Toronto sign that changes colours. If it’s winter, come on down and skate at Nathan Phillips, but otherwise skip this time waster, you can see everything you need to in Resident Evil: Apocalypse or Handmaid’s Tale.
Dundas Square
Canada likes to call Dundas Square the Time Square of the north. It’s not. It’s a fraction of the size and people only call it that because of all the massive digital signs everywhere. There are no good restaurants or entertainment there. It’s just a cinema and the Eaton Center. If you don’t get harassed by the Jesus Man, then you’ll probably watch your life flash before your eyes when you try the diagonal crossing. I just say skip it and spend your time elsewhere.
*This post does not contains affiliate links, I do not make any commissions on any of my recommendations.