Toronto is a booming metropolis within Canada’s Ontario province. Not only is it home to a score of soaring skyscrapers and sights to see, but it’s also a reasonable distance away from the breathtaking and torrential Niagara Falls.
Toronto—the capital of Ontario—is the largest city in Canada. This cosmopolitan metropolis features a diverse array of attractions and plenty of unique entertainment options in the form of museums, malls, markets, and peculiar establishments (such as a poop-themed restaurant or a strip club hotel), among others.
I truly enjoyed my time in this city. It is an incredibly fun place to visit, and the CN Tower EdgeWalk —an exhilarating experience entirely unique to Toronto—was a truly unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience. I believe you will easily have unforgettable experiences here as well. And, when you do visit, follow this Toronto Adventure Guide to maximize such experiences.
Note: I highly recommend looking at Canada’s main destination page. It has an overview of the entire country (various cities, some history, synopsis, climate, communication, navigation, costs, ratings on cost/food/popularity, attractions/activities, special considerations, etc.) alongside some interesting facts about the country as a whole.
Recommended Duration of Visit
3 days (ideal), 2 days (doable)
Click for some interesting facts about Toronto
Flights / Getting There: Since Toronto is a major city, you can simply fly into it. Alternatively, you can drive to Toronto through Buffalo, New York or Detroit, Michigan. Buffalo is arguably the better driving route because passes through Niagara Falls.
Climate: Toronto’s climate intuitively follows the normal pattern of North America. There is one distinction: winters (December, January, February) are colder (subzero sometimes) and summers (June, July, August) are less warm compared to the United States.
Communication: English is the official language.
Navigation: You can get around Vancouver using an intuitive metro/bus system. Google Maps makes navigating this system significantly easier (just make sure you’re not headed in the opposite direction).
The Green P app gives access to various parking lots throughout the city, and you can set the app up in a couple of minutes. Parking can be $6 per hour, but, if you’re moving around via vehicle throughout the day, then it’s a great option. Otherwise, you can leave your vehicle in the various long-term parking areas. There is Uber as well.
Lodging: There are hostels here, but lodging, in general, is moderately expensive in a large city like Toronto. Filmores Hotel (where I stayed) is a hotel AND strip club. I do not recommend this place unless you are extremely adventurous and have great earplugs. In the worst case, you’ll have a very interesting story to tell.
Activities Planning: Toronto’s CityPASS offers great package deals for the attractions. Refer to the attractions section for more information on the various attractions.
Special Considerations
General: Similar to almost all other cities in Canada, student IDs help tremendously when it comes to reducing attraction costs.
Peak Seasons: Summer is definitely the peak season. Niagara Falls is especially crowded during the summer as well.
Currency: Canadian Dollars (CAD). Currency Converter.
Many attractions in Toronto are time-sensitive, so a plan (for the entire day) must be prepared ahead of time. Make sure to check out the excellent deals from Toronto CityPASS as well. Many popular attractions (Casa Loma, CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, etc.) are included in a significantly discounted package.
Casa Loma: Completed in 1914 and rich in history, this architecturally unique castle in Toronto once belonged to Sir Henry Pellatt. It features massive halls, secret passageways, a gorgeous sprawling backyard, a small museum, and towers with panoramic views of the city.
Refer to the Casa Loma Guide for more information and awesome photos.
Cost: A little over $30 CAD. You can buy Casa Loma tickets here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
Royal Ontario Museum: As the most visited museum in Canada, the ROM features a diverse collection of art, culture, and history. It is also Canada’s largest field-research institution.
With millions of items—ranging from prehistoric to modern times and spanning across a multitude of fields and cultures—it is certain to entertain and amaze visitors from all walks of life.
Cost: $23 CAD per adult. You can buy Royal Ontario Museum tickets here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| Since Casa Loma is the farthest attraction, it should be visited first thing in the morning. If you have a vehicle, then parking is $15 for the duration of your stay. Once inside, there will be signs guiding you to the respective towers. Around October, Casa Loma turns into a giant haunted castle (it’s amazing). |
| If you do not have a car, the Royal Ontario Museum is about a 30-minute walk from Casa Loma. Parking is slightly problematic around this region, so I recommend downloading the GreenP app and parking at their various locations (refer to "Navigation" in the Overview section for more information). |
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): This massive art museum—one of the largest in North America—contains about 100,000 items. It features a diverse array of artwork in the form of statues, paintings, and abstract designs, among others. And many art pieces are of Canadian, First Nation, African, European, and Oceanic influence.
Cost: $25 admission or $35 annual pass. People 25 and under have free admission. You can find more information on the AGO here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Kensington Market: This bohemian neightborhood features an amalgam of specialty restaurants, boutiques, shops, and art spaces. In general, it is a very fun and (hipster) place that is very festive during the summers and weekends.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| You can’t wear anything on your back, and it would be wise to not take a bag at all into the museum. |
| While the neighborhood spans several blocks, most of the shops are concentrated on Augusta Avenue. |
St. Lawrence Market: This major indoor market has two main floors and dozens of vendors. As the oldest market in Toronto, it specializes in food—selling a variety of goods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, coffee, and tea, among others. There are shops for non-food items (like souvenirs) as well.
Cost: Variable. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Hockey Hall of Fame: This museum is dedicated to the history of ice hockey. In addition to the hall of fame, it also features exhibits on players, memorabilia, and trophies (like the Stanley Cup).
Cost: $20 CAD. You can buy Hockey Hall of Fame tickets here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| There are two buildings that bear the name. The main market is the big green two-storey building. The much smaller white one is an extension that is mostly open on weekends. There should be WiFi available throughout the main building. |
| The Hall of Fame is actually within a larger commercial building on Wellington and Yonge Street. When thinking of Canadians, three things come to mind: 1) They’re nice 2) Maple syrup, 3) Mooses, and 4) Hockey. |
Distillery District: The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only district characterized by 19th century buildings. While this area once contained a large distillery in the past, its main attractions nowadays are the various pieces of art, sculptures, restaurants, shops, and bars that line its cobblestone streets.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Located near the CN Tower, this exhibit features over 16,000 specimens from over 450 species. And the shark exhibits are some of the best around.
Cost: Variable depending on the type, but I strongly recommend the CitiPASS package because it’s much cheaper there. You can buy tickets for Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
| There are other very cool attractions in the area as well—like a giant heart and a giant mechanical spider. From mid-November till December 23, this area transforms into the wonderland known as the Toronto Christmas Market. |
| Unlike many other time-sensitive attractions in Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium closes around 11 pm. Therefore, it should be one of the last attractions to visit in your day. If anything, time the visit right after the CN tower (the tower also closes around the same time). |
CN Tower: The Canadian National Tower—one of the tallest structures in the world and the most distinguishable structure in Toronto—is a 1815 feet (533 meters) communications and observations tower in downtown Toronto. Not only does it offer stunning paranoramic views from two different observation decks, it also features the CN Tower EdgeWalk—an exhilerating experience where you can walk outside the tower on a circular platform.
Cost: Varies depending on ticket. You can find more information on the CN Tower here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
Niagara Falls: Easily one of the greatest marvels of nature, Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls—consisting of Horseshoe (Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—at the end of the Niagara Gorge. And while the Falls themselves are impressive, there are many other notable attractions nearby.
Most impressively, there is a very fun and unique amusement park town built entirely around the Falls. Refer to the Niagara Falls Adventure Guide for more information.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 hour to 3 days (if you want to tour the nearby town).
| The highest observation deck (the Skypod) is quite bad for photography, but the lower observation deck is just fine. If you make a reservation for the CN Tower Edgewalk experience, then you will have a special express pass granting access to both observation decks. |
| Niagara Falls is about a 2-hour drive from Toronto. If you do not have a vehicle, there are various hassle-free and reasonably priced tours that include dozens of destinations along the way. Since Horseshoe Bend (the largest fall) is more easily observed on the Canadian side, the best views are on the Canadian side as well. |
Many attractions in Toronto are time-sensitive, so a plan (for the entire day) must be prepared ahead of time. Make sure to check out the excellent deals from Toronto CityPASS as well. Many popular attractions (Casa Loma, CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, etc.) are included in a significantly discounted package.
Casa Loma: Completed in 1914 and rich in history, this architecturally unique castle in Toronto once belonged to Sir Henry Pellatt. It features massive halls, secret passageways, a gorgeous sprawling backyard, a small museum, and towers with panoramic views of the city.
Refer to the Casa Loma Guide for more information and awesome photos.
Cost: A little over $30 CAD. You can buy Casa Loma tickets here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
| Since Casa Loma is the farthest attraction, it should be visited first thing in the morning. If you have a vehicle, then parking is $15 for the duration of your stay. Once inside, there will be signs guiding you to the respective towers. Around October, Casa Loma turns into a giant haunted castle (it’s amazing). |
Royal Ontario Museum: As the most visited museum in Canada, the ROM features a diverse collection of art, culture, and history. It is also Canada’s largest field-research institution. With millions of items—ranging from prehistoric to modern times and spanning across a multitude of fields and cultures—it is certain to entertain and amaze visitors from all walks of life.
Cost: $23 CAD per adult. You can buy Royal Ontario Museum tickets here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| If you do not have a car, the Royal Ontario Museum is about a 30-minute walk from Casa Loma. Parking is slightly problematic around this region, so I recommend downloading the GreenP app and parking at their various locations (refer to "Navigation" in the Overview section for more information). |
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): This massive art museum—one of the largest in North America—contains about 100,000 items. It features a diverse array of artwork in the form of statues, paintings, and abstract designs, among others. And many art pieces are of Canadian, First Nation, African, European, and Oceanic influence.
Cost: $25 admission or $35 annual pass. People 25 and under have free admission. You can find more information on the AGO here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| You can’t wear anything on your back, and it would be wise to not take a bag at all into the museum. |
Kensington Market: This bohemian neightborhood features an amalgam of specialty restaurants, boutiques, shops, and art spaces. In general, it is a very fun and (hipster) place that is very festive during the summers and weekends.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 3 hours.
| While the neighborhood spans several blocks, most of the shops are concentrated on Augusta Avenue. |
St. Lawrence Market: This major indoor market has two main floors and dozens of vendors. As the oldest market in Toronto, it specializes in food—selling a variety of goods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, coffee, and tea, among others. There are shops for non-food items (like souvenirs) as well.
Cost: Variable. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| There are two buildings that bear the name. The main market is the big green two-storey building. The much smaller white one is an extension that is mostly open on weekends. There should be WiFi available throughout the main building. |
Hockey Hall of Fame: This museum is dedicated to the history of ice hockey. In addition to the hall of fame, it also features exhibits on players, memorabilia, and trophies (like the Stanley Cup).
Cost: $20 CAD. You can buy Hockey Hall of Fame tickets here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| The Hall of Fame is actually within a larger commercial building on Wellington and Yonge Street. When thinking of Canadians, three things come to mind: 1) They’re nice 2) Maple syrup, 3) Mooses, and 4) Hockey. |
Distillery District: The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only district characterized by 19th century buildings. While this area once contained a large distillery in the past, its main attractions nowadays are the various pieces of art, sculptures, restaurants, shops, and bars that line its cobblestone streets.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| There are other very cool attractions in the area as well—like a giant heart and a giant mechanical spider. From mid-November till December 23, this area transforms into the wonderland known as the Toronto Christmas Market. |
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Located near the CN Tower, this exhibit features over 16,000 specimens from over 450 species. And the shark exhibits are some of the best around.
Cost: Variable depending on the type, but I strongly recommend the CitiPASS package because it’s much cheaper there. You can buy tickets for Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.
| Unlike many other time-sensitive attractions in Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium closes around 11 pm. Therefore, it should be one of the last attractions to visit in your day. If anything, time the visit right after the CN tower (the tower also closes around the same time). |
CN Tower: The Canadian National Tower—one of the tallest structures in the world and the most distinguishable structure in Toronto—is a 1815 feet (533 meters) communications and observations tower in downtown Toronto. Not only does it offer stunning paranoramic views from two different observation decks, it also features the CN Tower EdgeWalk—an exhilerating experience where you can walk outside the tower on a circular platform.
Cost: Varies depending on ticket. You can find more information on the CN Tower here. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.
| The highest observation deck (the Skypod) is quite bad for photography, but the lower observation deck is just fine. If you make a reservation for the CN Tower Edgewalk experience, then you will have a special express pass granting access to both observation decks. |
Niagara Falls: Easily one of the greatest marvels of nature, Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls—consisting of Horseshoe (Canadian Falls), American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls—at the end of the Niagara Gorge. And while the Falls themselves are impressive, there are many other notable attractions nearby.
Most impressively, there is a very fun and unique amusement park town built entirely around the Falls.
Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 hour to 3 days (if you want to tour the nearby town).
| Niagara Falls is about a 2-hour drive from Toronto. If you do not have a vehicle, there are various hassle-free and reasonably priced tours that include dozens of destinations along the way. Since Horseshoe Bend (the largest fall) is more easily observed on the Canadian side, the best views are on the Canadian side as well. |
CN Tower EdgeWalk
Walk on a 5 feet (1.5 meter ledge) encircling the CN tower at 1168 feet (356 meters). The EdgeWalk is a handsfree and thrilling experience—complete with photos and a video.
As an experienced tower climber, I guarantee that the safety equipment is 100% secure and safe (even more so than my personal climbing equipment, to be honest). This experience is unique only to Toronto, and it is one that you will remember for a lifetime. Of course, you will also have some of the best photos to brag about.
I cannot overstate how incredible this experience is. I had an amazing time on the EdgeWalk. To be so high up in the middle of a city is something a tower climber like me can only dream of, because most of the tallest towers I’ve climbed were in the middle of nowhere. If you want a taste of living life on the edge (in the safest environment), then this is pretty much the only place in the world where you can do it.
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What to order: The Tonkotsu Ramen is one of my favorites. This style of ramen—with a delicious pork-based broth—is what this place is known for.
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What to order: You should try the Crab Cake.
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What to order: The Empanada is a classic, inexpensive, and tasty treat.
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What to order: The Mango Parfait is a good choice, but everything else seemed excellent as well.
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What to order: The Banana Split was delicious and hilariously presented (click the photo near the restaurant name). The shit emoji was actually candy that tasted like bubble gum. I still think they should have called it the “shit show.” A damn shame.
More information on Hokkaido Ramen Santouka
What to order: The Tonkotsu Ramen is one of my favorites. This style of ramen—with a delicious pork-based broth—is what this place is known for.
More information on Planta Yorkville
What to order: You should try the Crab Cake.
More information on Fat Bastard Burrito
What to order: The Butter Chicken Burrito is a pretty solid option. There are classic burrito options as well.
More information on Latin Taste
What to order: The Empanada is a classic, inexpensive, and tasty treat.
More information on Pita Land
What to order: The Chicken Shawarma is a solid option.
More information on Millie Creperie
What to order: The Mango Parfait is a good choice, but everything else seemed excellent as well.
More information on Poop Café
What to order: The Banana Split was delicious and hilariously presented (click the photo near the restaurant name). The shit emoji was actually candy that tasted like bubble gum. I still think they should have called it the “shit show.” A damn shame.
This cosmopolitan capital of Ontario hosts a score of soaring skyscrapers, unique architecture, and attractions unseen anywhere else (i.e. Casa Loma, Niagara Falls, and the CN Tower, among others). If you’re ever in this part of the world, consider adding this dynamic Canadian metropolis to your itinerary. You won’t regret it.
On a final note, make sure to share this page so others will know more about Toronto!
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