Top 10 Things to Do in Toronto

Updated 2026-10-26

Toronto is Canada’s largest city, spread along the north shore of Lake Ontario. A first visit usually mixes a few big landmarks with time in its neighbourhoods and food markets. Here are ten things worth fitting in, with links to tours that cover them where one exists on this site.

1. See the skyline and the CN Tower

The CN Tower is the city’s defining landmark and you will see it from almost everywhere downtown. For a very different view, helicopter flights loop past the tower and over the harbour; flight times and routes are listed on each flight’s page.

2. Eat your way through St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market, on Front Street East, has been a food market since the 1800s and is the classic place to try a peameal bacon sandwich. Several food tours start nearby, including the Hungry Hogtown St. Lawrence Market food tour and the St. Lawrence Market Taste of Canada tour.

3. Wander Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a compact, walkable neighbourhood of independent food shops, vintage stores and small restaurants from many cuisines. Food tours here include the Kensington Market International Food Tour, Taste the World and a donut tour.

4. Walk Old Town Toronto

The streets around King Street East and St. Lawrence Market are the oldest part of the city. The tip-based Old Town free walking tour runs in English and Spanish and is an easy way to get your bearings on day one.

5. Spend an afternoon on the Toronto Islands

A short ferry ride from downtown, the Toronto Islands are largely car-free, with beaches, parks and wide views back to the skyline. Cycling is the easiest way to get around; see the private Toronto Islands bike tour or rent a bike and ride at your own pace.

6. Explore the Distillery District

The Distillery District is a pedestrian area of restored Victorian industrial buildings with galleries, shops and restaurants. The Great Canadian Food Tour covers both St. Lawrence Market and the Distillery District.

7. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum

The ROM, on Bloor Street at Queen’s Park, is one of the largest museums in North America, covering natural history, world cultures and art. It sits close to the university area covered by the Discovery District walking tour.

8. Cycle the waterfront

The Martin Goodman Trail runs along Toronto’s lakeshore and is popular with cyclists and runners. The guided Toronto city bike tour is offered in English and Spanish, and hourly to full-day rentals start downtown.

9. Take a cooking class

On a rainy or cold day, a hands-on cooking class is a good indoor alternative to sightseeing — and you eat what you make.

10. Take a day trip to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is not in Toronto — it is a separate city roughly 130 km away — but it is the most popular day trip from the city. Compare the Niagara and other day trips by departure point, duration and what each one includes.