Toronto: 10 Highlights & Tips for the Canadian Metropolis

The Canadian metropolis Toronto, picturesquely situated on Lake Ontario, is one of the most fascinating cities in Canada.
The impressive skyline, numerous green oases, and multicultural flair give the city a vibrant atmosphere.
Additionally, Toronto is often referred to as the "Hollywood of Canada". In this article, you'll find out why that is and which 10 highlights you should not miss in this exciting city.

Diverse and Multicultural – that’s the best way to describe this Canadian metropolis with its nearly 2.7 million inhabitants on Lake Ontario.
Over 140 languages are spoken in Toronto, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. There’s always plenty to experience and discover.
So grab some comfortable shoes and get ready for an exciting discovery tour of Toronto!

1. DOWNTOWN TORONTO

The best way to start your tour is with one of the many Free Walking Tours. A local guide takes you on a 90-minute journey, depending on the chosen tour, through a specific neighborhood, sharing all the important information along with insider tips – an authentic way to get to know Toronto.

Since we wanted to explore the city center first, we chose the Downtown Toronto Tour. This tour started in the heart of Union Station, Canada’s busiest train station, and took us past the most famous 5-star hotel, where even the Queen and Prince Philip once stayed: the Fairmont Royal York.

Then our guide walked us through the Financial District, lined with skyscrapers. We entered an underground passagethat led us into The PATH.
This underground city center in Toronto stretches over about 27 km and connects all subway stations as well as the main buildings of the city.
In this tunnel system, you’ll find numerous shops, restaurants, and more.

Our guide told us that downtown residents often don’t come to the surface on very cold, rainy, or extremely hot days. Instead, they do all their errands in The PATH.
That’s why the city above can appear deserted, while there’s bustling activity in the tunnels.

Back on the surface, we passed a few more interesting sights until we finally reached Toronto’s Old City Hall.
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The English-speaking tours are free. At the end of the tour, you decide how much the experience was worth to you and whether you want to tip the guide.
If you don’t like the tour, you can stop at any time or leave without tipping at the end. However, we assure you that this experience is very worthwhile and a lot of fun!

THE NATHAN PHILIPPS SQUARE

Our Free Walking Tour ended at the old city hall for a special reason. This is where Nathan Phillips Square is located, one of the city’s most central squares.
Here, you can enjoy a variety of experiences, from historical and modern architecture to open-air concerts and demonstrations.

The main attraction of Nathan Phillips Square, and an absolute must for any first-time visitor to Toronto, is the colorful, illuminated "TORONTO" sign, made up of three-meter-tall letters.
In winter, the large, reflective water basin in front of the letters transforms into a spacious ice rink for young and old alike.

Our tip: Since the square is a true tourist hotspot, it’s best to visit it early in the morning to have as few other tourists as possible in your photos.
But even at night, the sign is a beautiful sight, as the brightly colored lights are especially striking then.

THE DUNDAS SQUARE

Another central square you should not miss on your tour through Downtown is Dundas Square. Often called the "little brother of New York’s Times Square", it’s located between Victoria Street and Yonge Street. With its bright neon advertisements and numerous shops behind them, the square is impossible to miss.

At Dundas Square, you’ll also find the famous Eaton Centre, the flagship store of the Canadian department store chain.
Although this glass shopping temple with its 230 stores is now only the third-largest in the country, you should definitely take a look inside.

THE GOODERHAM BUILDING

Also in Downtown, at the eastern end of the Financial District, is the Gooderham Building on Wellington Street.
The building’s name goes back to the Gooderham family, who founded one of the city’s largest distilleries in 1837. You’ll learn more about this in the next point.

This is a Flatiron Building, which may be familiar to you from New York. Its unique shape has given this impressive red-brick building its name.
With a bit of imagination, it resembles a flat iron – wide at the back and narrowing to a point at the front.

In the late afternoon, the Gooderham Building looks particularly impressive, as the sun’s position casts it in a kind of “spotlight”.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Canada, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
You can find a suitable adapter here: Travel Adapter Canada.

2. TORONTO’S DIVERSE NEIGHBORHOODS

THE DISTILLERY DISTRICT

The historic neighborhood Distillery District lies east of downtown Toronto. It was named after the Gooderham family, who once operated the world’s largest distillery here: the Gooderham & Worts Distillery. The impressive industrial complex they built in the Distillery District ceased operations in 1990 and has recently been transformed into a trendy area for restaurants and shopping.

Today, you can stroll among the old brick buildings in Victorian style and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of hip bars, cafes, unique boutiques, and studios.
Major fashion and fast-food chains are nowhere to be found here. In summer, live music, along with a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, sets a festive mood.

Especially during the Christmas season, the popular Toronto Christmas Market takes place here, making this neighborhood a must-visit for every Toronto visitor.

THE CLASSIC DISTRICTS

Like in many big cities, Toronto also has classic neighborhoods like Chinatown, Greektown, Little Italy, Little Jamaica, and Little India.
Each of these neighborhoods has its own charm and character, but they all have one thing in common: the various cultures coexist peacefully and respectfully in the city.

Chinatown lies between Dundas Street and Spadina Avenue and is known for its variety of delicious Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese restaurants.
But in Greektown, you’ll also find numerous culinary highlights, such as souvlaki and baklava in the Greek taverns.
Among the locals, the district is known as "GreekTown on the Danforth", as it stretches along Danforth Avenue. Here, the street signs are in both English and Greek.

The lively Little Italy stretches along College Street and, in addition to fruit and vegetable markets, mainly offers traditional pizzerias, trattorias, and ice cream parlors.
Here, you can experience the Dolce Vita in the middle of Toronto.

Little Jamaica extends from Eglinton Avenue West via Allen Road to Keele Street. Here, tropical dishes and pleasant reggae tunes await you.

If you visit the colorful Little India, you’ll be enchanted by fine fabrics, various jewelry, and a multitude of aromas and scents. This neighborhood is located on streets around Gerrard Street.

THE KENSINGTON MARKET DISTRICT

The alternative neighborhood Kensington Market is located a bit behind Chinatown. What can you expect in this district? A true art center with colorful, graffiti-covered facades, the scent of incense, vintage stores, hip people, and a relaxed atmosphere.

In this highly multicultural hipster district of Toronto, filled with quirky second-hand shops and lovingly designed small cafes and bakeries, we sometimes felt like we were in a completely different world. The colorful and unconventional Kensington Market should not be missed on your tour of the city.

Would you like to dive deeper into this alternative district? Then be sure to join a guided tour of Kensington. You can find tickets and more info here.

THE YORKVILLE DISTRICT

The modern and elegant neighborhood Yorkville is a popular shopping destination for the wealthy, with its designer stores, exclusive boutiques, and galleries around Bloor Street, Mink Mile, and Avenue Road. Yorkville Village, Toronto’s high-end fashion shopping center, is located directly on Avenue Road.
Here, you’ll find a variety of designer stores lined up next to each other, guaranteeing plenty of variety.

THE QUEEN WEST DISTRICT

In the next hipster district Queen West, you’ll mostly find unique stores and second-hand fashion, as well as small shops where locals sell their made-in-Toronto products.
Of course, in this hipster mecca of Toronto, there’s a variety of hip and vegan restaurants and cafes of all kinds.

GRAFFITI ALLEY (RUSH LANE)

You’re likely to notice the many colorfully spray-painted building facades as you explore the city.
But one street, more of an alley, really stands out—the most colorful street in all of Toronto: Graffiti Alley (Rush Lane).

The creative murals here draw crowds of tourists every day, and we agree: a stroll through this alley is a must on your sightseeing list.

Graffiti Alley is a bit hidden, so you might miss it if you’re not careful. Keep an eye out on Spadina Avenue at the Queen St. West South Side stop!
The discreet entrance to Graffiti Alley is right across from the streetcar stop.

OUR TOUR TIP

If the colorful street art has piqued your interest, definitely take a Graffiti Tour through Toronto.
This tour will take you through entire streets filled with street art and graffiti, with information about the artists along the way.
Tickets and more information can be found here.

CHURCH AND WELLESLEY

Another neighborhood you shouldn’t miss is Church and Wellesley. As soon as you’re at the corner of Church Street and Wellesley Street, you’ll understand why it’s worth visiting.
You’re in Toronto’s lovingly designed LGBTQ+ district, where the rainbow is a unifying theme throughout.

Street signs, crosswalks, and building facades are painted in vibrant rainbow colors.
Unique Pride graffiti on buildings and countless bars and cafes with a diverse crowd make this neighborhood a lively experience you should dive into.

Every June, Church and Wellesley hosts the Pride Month Festival, attracting visitors from all over the world with live concerts, parties, parades, and the Christopher Street Day celebrations.

3. ST. LAWRENCE MARKET

If you love strolling through markets, the St. Lawrence Market is the place for you. Although the market with over 100 stalls may not look particularly appealing from the outside, its diverse offerings inside are impressive. Here, you’ll find everything the region’s agriculture has to offer.

The range of fresh produce is huge and includes fruits, vegetables, sweet and savory baked goods, cheese, meat, and sausages.
Of course, there are also snack stands where you can enjoy typical Canadian snacks for a quick bite.
On weekdays, alongside the numerous food options, you’ll find many craft and art vendors at the St. Lawrence Market.

Every Sunday, a weekly antique market is also held here.

4. CN TOWER

The 553-meter-high CN Tower is the city’s landmark and a central feature of Toronto’s impressive skyline. Until 2009, it was the tallest TV tower in the world.
But, of course, the CN Tower has more to offer than just being an architectural icon.

A glass elevator whisks you up to the observation deck at 346 meters in seconds. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of bustling Toronto below and Lake Ontario.

For an added thrill, try walking on the glass floor of the observation deck, where you can look straight down beneath your feet. Looking for an extra adrenaline kick?
You can walk around the tower at a height of 356 meters with just a harness during the Edge Walk.

The CN Tower is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance online to ensure your desired time slot, as it’s a popular attraction and often crowded.
Tickets can be purchased here. Entry to the CN Tower is also included in the Toronto City Pass.

Our tip: To make the already spectacular view even better, visit the CN Tower either shortly after it opens in the early morning or about 30–40 minutes before sunset!
We also recommend visiting only on clear days. On foggy or very cloudy days, you won’t see much and would miss out on the impressive view.

5. HARBOURFRONT

The renovated Harbourfront district, located at the southern edge of the city right by the water, is a must-visit. Once a rundown area with old warehouses and factory buildings, it has transformed into a modern and trendy hotspot in Toronto.

Stroll along the beautiful boardwalk or through the various parks and gardens along the Harbourfront! There is a wide selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
At the Harbour Front Centre, you’ll find various art exhibits, free concerts, and plenty of shops to browse.

Starting east of the Harbourfront is a 45-kilometer coastline, considered a hidden gem by locals. Here you’ll discover lovely beach spots like Woodbine Beach, Kew Beach, and Cherry Beach. Even in the colder months, a walk along the picturesque shoreline is worth it.

At the Harbourfront port, not only do ferries depart to the Toronto Islands, but also sightseeing boats for lake tours. Why you should take a ferry to one of the Toronto Islands will be revealed in the next section.

Our tip: Along the Harbourfront boardwalk, you can catch the best sunrise in the city on sunny mornings. Additionally, you can watch planes from the nearby Billy Bishop Airport take off and land in the morning sunlight.

6. TORONTO ISLANDS

If you need a little break from the city’s hustle or just want a different perspective of the Toronto skyline, you should head to one of the 14 Toronto Islands.
These small island groups in Lake Ontario are connected by bridges and can only be reached by one of the ferries, which depart every 30 minutes, or by water taxi.

The ferry ride from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the Harbourfront to one of the three docks (Centre Island, Hanlan’s Point, or Ward Island) takes no more than 15 minutes.

Once on the almost car-free islands, you’ll find not only numerous parklands and relaxing beaches like Centre Island Beach, Manitou Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach, and Ward’s Island Beach, but also opportunities for sports like jogging, biking, or tennis.
The cozy cafes invite you to unwind and let your mind wander.

On the eastern islands Ward’s Island and Algonquin Island, you’ll also find around 260 beautiful houses worth admiring.

The real highlight awaits you in the evening. In our opinion, there’s no better place to watch the Toronto skyline at sunset than from the Toronto Islands.
Here, you’ll have the chance to capture the most impressive photos of the skyline both during sunset and during the day.

Another tip: In the summer, the islands are ideal for a day trip with canoeing and a picnic. Unfortunately, we visited in spring, but we plan to experience this on our next visit.

Ferry tickets can be purchased in advance on toronto.ca or directly at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
Ferries run daily from 6 am to 11 pm. The exact schedule can also be found on toronto.ca.

7. RIPLEY'S AQUARIUM OF CANADA

Located right next to the CN Tower in the city center, Ripley’s Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Canada.
With over 12 million liters of water—that’s about 80,000 bathtubs worth—there’s plenty to see here.

Inside Ripley’s Aquarium, you’ll find three large tanks with over 16,000 marine creatures, including sharks, stingrays, and horseshoe crabs. Additionally, there are more than 100 interactive displays that bring the diverse underwater world to life. A major highlight is North America’s longest underwater tunnel, where you can walk through and observe jellyfish, divers, and other marine life all around you.

Plan to spend about two hours for your visit. The aquarium is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm. Since Ripley’s Aquarium is very popular, it’s best to go on a weekday morning if possible.
We also recommend buying your ticket in advance online to avoid long queues at the ticket counter. Entry to the aquarium is also included in the Toronto City Pass.

8. TORONTO ZOO

On nice days, and if you have enough time, you should visit Canada’s largest zoo, the Toronto Zoo. Located about 20 kilometers northeast of downtown along the Rouge River, the zoo is home to around 5,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo is also heavily involved in protecting endangered species.

Plan to spend at least half a day here. The Toronto Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. To avoid the sometimes long wait at the ticket counter, we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance online. The entry fee is also covered in the Toronto City Pass.

9. ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM (ROM)

Art and history enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Located at the corner of Bloor Street and Avenue Road, the ROM is Canada’s largest museum and one of the most renowned in North America. Its impressive collection includes more than 13 million artifacts, with exhibitions covering natural history, world cultures, and fine art.

At the ROM, you have the chance to marvel at an impressive collection of dinosaurs alongside countless natural and art historical treasures – an absolute highlight for any dinosaur enthusiast! This vast and fascinating museum, home to over six million individual exhibits, requires ample time to explore. Therefore, you should plan to spend at least half a day there.

The Royal Ontario Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, and it’s best to plan around two to three hours for your visit. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is advisable as the museum is very popular, especially on weekends. The ROM is also included in the Toronto City Pass.

10. THE CITY & ITS HOLLYWOOD STARS

Remember when we referred to Toronto as the “Hollywood of Canada” at the beginning of this post? The reason is simple: the impressive skyline, numerous skyscrapers, and colorful, diverse neighborhoods make the city a popular setting for films set in San Francisco, Chicago, or New York.

Additionally, the costs for closing off a street or intersection in Toronto are significantly lower than in New York.
Popular movies and TV shows like Suits, Gilmore Girls, Resident Evil, and many others have been filmed here. Keep your eyes open—you might just spot a Hollywood celebrity!

11. A DAY TRIP TO NIAGARA FALLS

The famous Niagara Falls, North America’s most renowned waterfalls, are only a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto, making them an ideal destination for a day trip.
If you have the chance, take advantage of this spectacular natural experience, as you’re already so close! If, like us, you’ve rented a car, you can easily make the trip on your own.
If you haven’t rented a car yet, you can book one through rentalcars.com, or arrange a guided bus tour through getyourguide.

The Niagara Falls are situated directly on the border between the USA and Canada. Once you’re on the Canadian side, we recommend parking in one of the lots and exploring on foot.
Parking fees vary depending on the season, day of the week, and duration, but you should expect to pay around $20 to $30 for a day.

From the Canadian side, you’ll have the best view of the three magnificent waterfalls. The Niagara Falls consist of the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls on the U.S. side, while the Horseshoe Falls (670 meters wide) are almost entirely on the Canadian side and are the most impressive of the three.
They’re fed by the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

On the Canadian side, there’s a beautiful panoramic trail that allows you to get very close to the massive waterfall plunging 57 meters down at the Horseshoe Falls.
Below on the Niagara River, you can see tour boats trying to bring visitors as close as possible to the falls.
These boat tours are the classic activity around the falls, and tickets are available at numerous counters or can be booked online in advance.

During the 20-minute boat tour, you’ll pass by all three waterfalls, with the Horseshoe Falls, of course, as the highlight.
Despite being given ponchos, expect to get pretty wet! Though many tourists board, this unique experience shouldn’t be missed.
Unfortunately, when we visited in late April, we weren’t prepared for the icy temperatures and several centimeters of snow.
Due to our improper (too light) clothing, we couldn’t go on the boat tour—a decision we still regret!

The Rainbow Bridge connects Canada and the USA. If you walk across, you’ll usually reach the U.S. side faster than those driving, as the passport control process is fairly straightforward.
Unlike entry by plane or rental car, you don’t need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to cross the Rainbow Bridge on foot.
However, you’ll still go through passport control and need to complete the I-94 form and pay a $6 fee.

On weekends and holidays, there may be longer waits at the border crossing.
Crossing with a rental car is only recommended if you plan to continue traveling in the U.S., as it involves more bureaucratic hassle.

Our tip: Stay until after dark to see the waterfalls illuminated in beautiful, changing colors—a truly romantic sight!

GOOD TO KNOW

Before seeing Niagara Falls for ourselves, we pictured a more romantic scene: waterfalls surrounded by pristine nature. However, our expectations were adjusted by reality.
Despite their impressive scale, the falls are not set in untouched natural surroundings but are surrounded by hotels, restaurants, casinos, amusement parks, and observation towers.

IS THE TORONTO CITY PASS WORTH IT?

To get straight to the point: yes, the Toronto City Pass is worth it, especially for first-time visitors spending more than a day in the city. Our sightseeing included attractions like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and the Royal Ontario Museum. The price of 108 CAD for the Toronto City Pass may initially seem steep, but if you add up the individual entry fees, you’ll quickly see the value in this investment.

The City Pass includes the following attractions:

• CN Tower
• City Cruises Toronto
• Casa Loma
• Royal Ontario Museum
• Toronto Zoo (optional) OR
• Ontario Science Centre (optional)

The City Pass is valid for nine days from the first use. Right after booking, you’ll receive the pass via email, and it can be used as a mobile entry ticket. It’s best to book the Toronto City Pass online at citypass.com/toronto.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TORONTO

Toronto is accessible year-round, so the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences.

The city has a continental climate, meaning hot summers and very cold winters. While all four seasons exist, spring and fall are relatively short and less distinct.

We recommend visiting between June and September. During these months, you’ll usually have ideal weather conditions with average temperatures around 25°C.
You may also experience a beautiful Indian Summer in late fall. After this period, temperatures drop significantly.

Winter can be extremely cold and uncomfortable, often accompanied by strong winds that amplify the icy conditions.
It’s wise to be prepared for all types of weather, as conditions can shift from windy and rainy to a heatwave in just a few days.

During our visit in late April, we experienced a mix of sunny, pleasant days and icy temperatures. As a result, we decided to return in the summer next time.

THE IDEAL LENGTH OF STAY FOR TORONTO

The ideal length of stay also depends on your personal interests. We recommend planning for 3 to 5 full days.
This way, you’ll have enough time to explore all the attractions and soak in the exciting, expansive metropolis at your own pace.

Of course, it’s also possible to visit Toronto in just 1 to 2 days. However, this may mean rushing from one attraction to another without seeing everything in such a short time.
This could prevent you from getting a true sense of the city, which would be a real shame!

Arrival & Entry

ARRIVAL BY PLANE

If you want to fly directly to Toronto, flight times vary depending on your location: typically 1–5 hours from North America, 8–10 hours from Europe, 13–16 hours from Asia, and longer from other continents such as Africa or Australia. Platforms like skyscanner.com or other flight comparison websites can help you find the best options.

For most travelers, entry to Canada requires a valid passport. All travel documents must be valid until at least the end of your stay.

Visitors from visa-exempt countries can enter without a visa for short tourist stays, but they may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
For longer stays or specific entry requirements, check with your local government or Canada’s official immigration website before your trip.

Good to know: If you’re arriving on an international flight, you’ll land at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
However, if you book a domestic flight within Canada or from the U.S., you may land at the smaller Billy Bishop City Airport on the Toronto Islands.
There’s a free shuttle bus to the downtown area from here.

ARRIVAL BY CAR

If you’re visiting Toronto as part of a road trip through Canada or the U.S., arriving by rental car is straightforward. If you’re entering with a rental car from the U.S., it’s essential to confirm with the rental company whether a border crossing is allowed or if you need to register it. You can easily book a rental car in advance through rentalcars.com.
The entry requirements are the same as those for entry by plane.

We rented our car in New York and traveled without any issues during our three-week U.S. and Canada road trip to and from Toronto.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

Toronto has a variety of hotels and other accommodations, though they tend to be quite expensive. The city’s diverse neighborhoods can also make it challenging to decide where to stay. Regardless of which neighborhood or type of accommodation you choose, you’ll find suitable options on platforms like booking.com or Airbnb.

We were very satisfied with our accommodation on Gerrard Street East, near the Church and Wellesley neighborhood, which we booked through booking.com.
Although it wasn’t directly in downtown, the apartment was an excellent starting point for exploring the city.
Public transportation can get you to the city center or surrounding neighborhoods in no time.

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• The Right Travel Adapter for Canada
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The Best Travel Guides for Toronto
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Canada

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.

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