Toronto

Toronto Travel Guide

Canada's largest city — a global metropolis famous for the CN Tower and multicultural food scene. Over 200 ethnic groups coexist, forming cultural pockets like Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Little Italy. The Distillery District showcases Victorian-era buildings turned into art and shopping spaces, and the waterfront is a hub for summer festivals. Also the perfect base for a day trip to Niagara Falls.

Essential Toronto Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Toronto

★ 4.6

CN Tower

At 553m tall, the CN Tower was the world's tallest free-standing structure when completed in 1975 and remains an iconic Canadian landmark. The main observation deck at 346m features a glass floor that lets you look straight down at the city for a thrilling experience. The 360 revolving restaurant lets you dine while taking in the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. EdgeWalk, on the exterior railing, is the world's highest hands-free outdoor walk.

HoursDaily 09:00-22:00 (varies by season).

LocationDowntown Toronto, Ontario

TipsVisit around sunset to enjoy both day and night views of Toronto. A CityPASS bundles a discount.

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★ 4.5

Royal Ontario Museum

Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's largest natural history and world cultures museum, with more than 13 million objects in its collections. Standout exhibits include dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, and Chinese architecture. The bold modern Crystal extension by Daniel Libeskind, added in 2007, has become a new landmark for Toronto. It's a world-class museum that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

HoursDaily 10:00-17:30 (Fri until 20:30).

LocationBloor-Yorkville, Toronto

TipsAdmission is discounted on the third Tuesday of each month. Located in Bloor-Yorkville, it pairs well with nearby galleries and shopping.

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★ 4.9

Niagara Falls

Straddling the Canada-US border, Niagara Falls is one of the world's three great waterfalls, with 2.8 million liters of water plunging over the edge every second. The Canadian-side Horseshoe Falls is the most majestic, and Table Rock offers a striking sense of its scale. Riding the Hornblower cruise right up to the base of the falls lets you feel nature's power in the mist. The falls are dramatically lit at night, and fireworks light up the sky in summer.

HoursOpen 24 hours (cruises: May-November 09:00-sunset).

LocationNiagara Falls, Ontario

TipsAbout 1.5 hours by car from Toronto. Pack a waterproof jacket and book Hornblower cruise tickets in advance. In winter, parts of the falls freeze for an unusual spectacle.

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★ 4.6

Distillery District

The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only cultural quarter housed in the 19th-century Gooderham & Worts whiskey distillery - one of North America's best-preserved Victorian industrial complexes. Cobblestone lanes wind past galleries, designer boutiques, cafés, craft breweries, and restaurants, making it a beloved Toronto cultural hub for artists and visitors alike. The December Christmas Market is magical with a giant tree and carolers, and summer brings outdoor concerts and festivals. It also served as a filming location for movies like 'Chicago.' Free. Walk from downtown or take the 504 streetcar.

Hours10:00-22:00 (varies by shop)

LocationDistillery District, Toronto

TipsVisit during the Christmas Market (late November to December) for the most festive atmosphere. Don't miss craft beer tastings at Mill Street Brewery.

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★ 4.6

St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market dates back to 1803 and has more than 200 years of history - National Geographic named it the world's best food market. The South Market houses over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, cheese, bread, and spices, while the North Market hosts a Saturday farmers' market and Sunday antique market. It's a foodie pilgrimage for Toronto's signature peameal bacon sandwich (at Carousel Bakery) and a wide range of multicultural dishes. Free. A 10-minute walk from Union Station.

HoursTue-Thu 09:00-19:00, Fri 08:00-19:00, Sat 05:00-17:00 (closed Sun/Mon)

LocationOld Town, Toronto

TipsSaturday mornings are the most lively, and the peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery is worth the line. Sundays bring the antique market.

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★ 4.5

Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a 98-room Gothic-style mansion completed in 1914 by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt. Towering stone turrets, secret passageways, an 800m underground tunnel, stables, and gardens have all been preserved, giving central Toronto a slice of European castle. It has been a filming location for X-Men, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and many other productions, and summer brings evening lights and live music. The 42,000 sqm English-style gardens are also lovely for a stroll. Admission CA$40. A 10-minute walk from Dupont subway station.

HoursDaily 09:30-17:00 (varies by season)

LocationCasa Loma, Toronto

TipsThe audio guide brings Sir Henry Pellatt's story to life. Summer night lights and the Halloween 'Legends of Horror' event are popular highlights.

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★ 4.7

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario directly in front of downtown Toronto, reachable in just 15 minutes by ferry. They are the city's closest natural escape and offer the best head-on view of the skyline. Activities include the Centreville Amusement Park (summer only), Hanlan's Beach, bike rentals, kayak and paddleboard, picnics, and a walk to the lighthouse. Locals flock here in summer and the islands are also a favorite wedding spot. Ferry round trip CA$9.11. Departs from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.

HoursFerries 06:30-23:30 (varies by season)

LocationToronto Islands, Toronto

TipsFerry lines get long on summer weekends - go on a weekday or early morning. Renting a bike (CA$10/hour) is the best way to explore the islands.

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★ 4.5

Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a bohemian multicultural neighborhood in west downtown Toronto and a National Historic Site of Canada. Narrow streets house eateries from Jamaica, Mexico, the Middle East, Korea, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and beyond - foodie heaven. Vintage clothing, record stores, indie bookshops, and graffiti art fill every block, and on the last Sunday of each month 'Pedestrian Sundays' close the streets to cars for performances and festivals. Free. Easily paired with a Chinatown visit.

Hours24 hours (shops 10:00-22:00)

LocationKensington Market, Toronto

TipsVisit on the last Sunday of the month (May-Oct) for Pedestrian Sundays - street performances and festivals. Combine with Chinatown for an efficient day.

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★ 4.6

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a 12,500-square-metre aquarium located directly beneath the CN Tower, home to more than 20,000 marine animals across 50 exhibits. The highlight is a 96-metre underwater glass tunnel where visitors walk beneath sand tiger sharks and rays. Adult admission is roughly CA$44, and the aquarium is a five-minute walk from Union Station. In 2026 a new gallery, Graffiti Reef, was added, combining street-art murals with a coral reef conservation theme.

HoursDaily 9:00 AM-9:00 PM (closing time changes from September; hours subject to change)

LocationDowntown Toronto, Ontario

TipsRe-entry isn't allowed, so plan for 1.5-2 hours; visiting on a weekday morning or late afternoon helps you avoid the busiest crowds.

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★ 4.6

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The Art Gallery of Ontario, opened in 1900, is one of Canada's largest art museums. In 2008 architect Frank Gehry led a major renovation, giving the building its distinctive wood-and-glass facade. The AGO holds about 90,000 works, including European paintings, Indigenous Canadian art, and Inuit sculpture. Adult single-day admission is CA$30, while visitors 25 and under can enter free year-round. It's located on Dundas Street West downtown, a short walk from St. Patrick subway station.

HoursTue-Sun 10:30 AM-5:00 PM, extended hours until 9 PM on Wed & Fri, closed Mondays (subject to change)

LocationDowntown Toronto, Ontario

TipsThe gallery offers free admission for everyone on the first Wednesday of each month from 6-9 PM, a great way to visit on a budget.

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★ 4.5

Hockey Hall of Fame

Founded in 1943, the Hockey Hall of Fame is now located at Brookfield Place near Union Station in downtown Toronto. It displays jerseys and equipment from legendary players alongside the actual Stanley Cup trophy, plus interactive exhibits like a goaltender shooting simulator. Adult admission is CA$25, seniors (65+) CA$20, and children (4-13) CA$15. A typical visit takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

HoursDaily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM (extended in summer; subject to change)

LocationDowntown Toronto, Ontario

TipsOnline tickets remain valid for two years from purchase, so you can buy in advance and pick your visit date later.

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★ 4.7

High Park

High Park spans about 161 hectares, making it Toronto's largest park, and admission is free. It has been famous for its cherry blossoms since 1959, when the city of Tokyo donated 2,000 Japanese cherry trees as a gesture of gratitude; the trees typically bloom in late April to early May. The park also features Grenadier Pond, hiking trails, and a free mini zoo with llamas, bison, and deer. It's accessible on foot from High Park subway station.

HoursDaily 6:00 AM-midnight (mini zoo open 7:00 AM until dusk, free)

LocationHigh Park, Toronto, Ontario

TipsDuring cherry blossom season, vehicle access is restricted, so taking the subway or bus is more convenient; visiting on a weekday morning helps you avoid the crowds.

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★ 4.5

Toronto Zoo

Opened in 1974, the Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in North America, located about 35 kilometres northeast of downtown. It's divided into continent-themed zones - Africa, Americas, Asia, and Australasia - housing more than 5,000 animals. Adult admission is roughly CA$33, with prices and hours varying by season. Parking costs an additional CA$20 per vehicle.

HoursVaries by season (summer 9:30 AM-7:00 PM, winter 9:30 AM-4:30 PM; subject to change)

LocationScarborough, Toronto, Ontario

TipsThe grounds are very large and walking between areas takes time, so riding the on-site Zoomobile tram makes getting around much easier.

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★ 4.5

Nathan Phillips Square & Toronto City Hall

Nathan Phillips Square surrounds Toronto City Hall, completed in 1965 from a design by Finnish architect Viljo Revell that won an international competition. It's known for its two curved towers embracing a low, saucer-shaped council chamber. The square is free to visit, featuring fountains and the Toronto Sign in summer and an outdoor skating rink in winter, plus a Peace Garden honoring the victims of Hiroshima.

HoursSquare open 24 hours; City Hall interior open weekdays 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (subject to change)

LocationDowntown Toronto, Ontario

TipsIn winter the reflecting pool turns into a skating rink, and you can rent skates on-site to try it out.

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★ 4.5

Fort York National Historic Site

Built in 1793, Fort York was the site of the pivotal Battle of York during the War of 1812. Today it is one of Canada's best-preserved collections of 18th- and 19th-century military buildings, including original barracks, a powder magazine, and officers' quarters. General admission is free, and the visitor centre offers free 45-minute guided tours on the hour. It's located southwest of downtown in the Fort York neighbourhood.

HoursWed-Sun 11:00 AM-5:00 PM (Thu until 7:00 PM), closed Mon & Tue (subject to change)

LocationFort York, Toronto, Ontario

TipsGroups of 15 or more are charged a fee, so if you're planning a large visit it's best to contact Fort York in advance.

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★ 4.4

Rogers Centre

Rogers Centre opened in 1989 as SkyDome, notable as the world's first stadium with a fully retractable roof. It was renamed Rogers Centre after Rogers Communications acquired it in 2005, and underwent a major renovation from 2022 to 2024. On non-game days, stadium tours let visitors see the field, clubhouse, and press box, with adult tour tickets around CA$25. It sits right beside the CN Tower, making the two easy to visit together.

HoursTours run on non-game days with varying time slots by day (subject to change)

LocationDowntown Toronto, Ontario

TipsTours are limited on game days, so check the official website for the tour schedule before visiting.

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★ 4.7

Aga Khan Museum

Opened in 2014, the Aga Khan Museum is North America's first museum dedicated exclusively to Islamic art, housed in a white granite building designed by Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki. It holds around 1,000 works including manuscripts, ceramics, and miniature paintings from across the Islamic world, surrounded by a Persian-style charbagh garden. Adult admission is CA$20, with free entry for visitors 25 and under. Every Wednesday from 4-8 PM, admission is free for everyone.

HoursTue, Thu-Sun 10:00 AM-5:30 PM, Wed until 8:00 PM, closed Mondays (subject to change)

LocationNorth York, Toronto, Ontario

TipsDon't miss a stroll through the surrounding Charbagh garden, which pairs beautifully with the museum visit.

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★ 4.6

Scarborough Bluffs

The Scarborough Bluffs stretch roughly 15 kilometres along Lake Ontario, rising up to 65 metres and preserving a geological record from the end of the last Ice Age about 12,000 years ago. The area comprises 11 parks, with Bluffer's Park being the main access point to the water, featuring a sandy beach and man-made breakwaters. Admission is free, though parking lots charge a fee. The cliffs are still eroding, so staying on marked paths is important.

HoursParks open daily 6:00 AM-midnight (subject to change)

LocationScarborough, Toronto, Ontario

TipsThe view of the cliffs from the Cathedral Bluffs viewpoint is especially beautiful around sunset, so try to time your visit accordingly.

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Things to Do in Toronto

Adventure

CN Tower EdgeWalk

Walk the exterior ledge of CN Tower at 356m (116th floor) tethered to a safety harness - the world's highest hands-free outdoor walk. About 90 minutes (with 30 minutes on the edge).

Price CA$225Duration About 1.5 hours

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Tour

Niagara Falls Hornblower Cruise

Boat tour right up to the base of the Falls. Feel nature's power in the mist and roar of Horseshoe Falls - a signature day-trip activity from Toronto.

Price CA$35-45Duration 20-minute boat ride; full day trip

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Adventure

Toronto Islands Bike Ride

Ferry to the Toronto Islands and cycle around with the best head-on view of the Toronto skyline, plus beaches, a lighthouse, and an amusement park. Bike rental CA$10-15/hour.

Price Ferry CA$9 + bike rental CA$10-15/hourDuration About 3-4 hours

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Nightlife

Toronto Raptors NBA Game

Watch Canada's only NBA team, the Toronto Raptors, at Scotiabank Arena. Experience the passionate fan culture of the 2019 NBA Champions.

Price CA$50-300 per ticketDuration About 2.5-3 hours

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Culture

Distillery District Christmas Market

Toronto's biggest Christmas Market, held in the Distillery District from late November through December. Giant tree, carolers, hot mulled wine, and Christmas crafts galore.

Price Free weekdays; CA$8 weekendsDuration About 2-3 hours

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Culture

Kensington Market Food Tour

A guided food tour through Kensington Market sampling Jamaican patties, Mexican tacos, Middle Eastern falafel, Korean corn dogs and more - the true multicultural spirit of Toronto.

Price CA$75-100 per personDuration About 3 hours

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Must-Try Food in Toronto

Poutine

🍢 Street Food

Canada's beloved snack — fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. CA$8-15 per serving. Smoke's Poutinerie on Queen Street West is a popular spot.

Peameal Bacon Sandwich

🍱 Traditional

Toronto's signature sandwich, made with Canadian-style peameal (back) bacon. CA$7-12 each. Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market is the original.

Butter Tart

🍰 Dessert

A sweet Canadian tart filled with butter, sugar, and egg. CA$3-5 each. Try them at bakeries in St. Lawrence Market or Kensington Market.

Toronto Dim Sum

🍱 Traditional

Authentic Cantonese dim sum in Toronto's Chinatown, one of North America's largest. CA$20-35 per person. Rol San and Lai Wah Heen are top picks.

Craft Beer

🍵 Drink

Toronto is at the heart of Canadian craft beer culture. CA$7-10 per pint. Try Mill Street Brewery in the Distillery District and Steam Whistle.

Maple Syrup Desserts

🍰 Dessert

Canadian classics made with maple syrup - pancakes, maple taffy, maple doughnuts and more. CA$5-15. Available at St. Lawrence Market and sugar shacks in season.

Jamaican Patty

🍢 Street Food

Yellow pastry filled with spicy Jamaican-style minced meat - a Toronto street snack classic. CA$3-5 each. Patty King (Kensington Market) and Allan's Pastry Shop are recommended.

Toronto Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Toronto?

May-October is the best time to visit. Summer (June-September) is peak tourist season, and winters are very cold.

How much does it cost to travel in Toronto?

Daily budget around $130-210 (accommodation $70-130; food $30-50; transport and admissions $30-35).

How do I get around in Toronto?

About 25 minutes from Pearson Airport to downtown on the UP Express train. The TTC subway, buses, and streetcars cover the city. Prepaid SIMs (Bell, Rogers, Fido) available at the airport. Tap and card payments accepted nearly everywhere; cash is rarely needed. Restaurant tipping of 15-20% is standard.

Do I need a visa to visit Toronto?

Korean passport holders need an eTA approved in advance (stays of up to 6 months).

Is Toronto safe for tourists?

Generally safe, but be cautious in some areas (like Jane and Finch) at night. Public transit is generally safe.

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