The Ultimate Toronto Travel Guide

Toronto is the beautiful, dynamic capital city of Ontario, Canada. It is Canada’s largest city and is home to many cultures making Toronto one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Its ionic skyline is made up of skyscrapers and the 9th tallest freestanding structure, the CN Tower. Toronto is Canada’s business hub and is a center for the arts and fashion. The city hosts film, art and music festivals all year round. It also has numerous museums and art galleries, both live and motion picture theatres, and is home to all of Canada’s major broadcasting networks. Toronto is a city filled with history, entertainment and attractions. Toronto is home to many sport fans who cheer on their professional teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Toronto Football Club. It is a beautiful city with many parks, zoos, trails and beaches to explore. There is something in Toronto for everyone to love and enjoy.

I was born with a wandering soul. While I was growing up I always wanted to leave my home city, Toronto and explore the world. I daydreamed about surfing waves Down Under, exploring trails in Hawaii and drinking cappuccino while admiring the amazing Colosseum in Rome. I spent my time learning about other countries and cultures and I hoped that one day I would get the chance to experience them for myself. When I turned 18 I finally had the opportunity to leave and I spent the next 4 years of my life hopping from country to country, living my dream.

On my journey I learned a lot about myself, people and life, but one of the biggest takeaways I have from all of my travels, is how silly I was for taking Toronto for granted. It is made up of many unique neighbourhoods that allow you to experience so many cultures. You could spend the morning shopping at brand name stores on Bloor Street East, then eating in Chinatown for lunch, followed by exploring the Bohemian streets of Kensington Market, grab Ethiopian food for dinner in the Danforth, then ending your day at one of many trendy bars in the entertainment district. Toronto truly is an amazing city with so much to do.

Here is a complete guide for when you visit Toronto.

Explore:

Toronto is a vibrant and multicultural metropolis, filled with endless activities to do. Toronto has something for everyone, and you can easily customize your Toronto adventure to fit your lifestyle and passions.

I recommend you take time and visit the following attractions. These may be tourist sites, but they are also treasured by locals. On any day of the week you will find a good mix of tourists and locals at all of these locations. If you are on a budget, pick up a City Pass and gain access to five major attractions at a lower price.

1. The CN Tower: Currently the 9th tallest freestanding structure in the world, the CN Tower stands at 553 meters high. Enjoy the best views of the city, and Lake Ontario from the LookOut and Skypod and be sure to walk on the glass floor. Adrenaline junkies can try the Edgewalk, where they can walk along the outer ring of the tower.
2. The Royal Ontario Museum (The ROM): The spectacular exhibits make The ROM a must visit while in Toronto. Learn about ancient cultures, see beautiful masterpieces and take selfies with dinosaurs. Every Friday during the months of May and June, enjoy a great party at The ROM’s Friday Night Live.
3. Ripley’s Aquarium: Discover the world under the sea while touring Ripley’s Aquarium. See beautiful fish, jelly fish, sharks, stingrays and more.
4. Nathan Phillips Square: Take time to enjoy the urban beauty of Nathan Phillips Square. If you are visiting Toronto in the winter, rent a pair of skates and skate on the ice rink. No matter what time of year you go, be sure to take a selfie with the Toronto sign.
5. St. Lawrence Market: Spend the day shopping and indulging in a variety of different foods at the St. Lawrence Market. 
6. Yonge – Dundas Square: Enjoy events like community celebrations, theatrical performances, and free concerts at Yonge – Dundas Square .

Nature lovers should be excited, because Toronto has many beautiful parks, trails and beaches to explore. Spend the day walking around High Park, enjoying the stunning views and the zoo. After spending the morning shopping in the trendy stores on Queen Street West, why not have a picnic at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Enjoy some fun in the sun soaking in the vitamin D at The Beaches. You must take a ferry ride over to Toronto Island and spend at least a few hours exploring the island.

Toronto is home to some of the coolest neighbourhoods I have ever explored. I highly recommend taking the time to explore the following three neighbourhoods. Pro Tip: Be ready to take a lot of photos, because there is so much to see at all of these locations.  

Kensington Market

You must explore Kensington Market, a funky, Bohemian neighbourhood filled with vintage shops, entertainment, and unique stores and restaurants. Visit on pedestrian Sundays, when the roads are blocked, and you can roam the streets listening to talented musicians while tasting delicious food. While in Kensington I recommend you shop at Courage My Love. Fun fact: Courage My Love has been opened since the 70’s.

The Distillery District

Check out The Distillery District, a hip cobblestone neighbourhood home to art galleries, trendy restaurants, bars and shops. The Distillery has events all year round including the annual Christmas Market in December. While in The Distillery I recommend you eat at El Catrin. They serve amazing Mexican food and possibly have the best guacamole in the whole world.

Queen Street West

Make sure to visit Toronto’s trendiest neighbourhood, Queen Street West. Voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, Queen Street West, is packed with hipster shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. While on Queen Street I recommend you grab a drink at the legendary Drake Hotel. 

Where to Eat

Toronto is home to some seriously delicious food. You can find dishes from all over the world. No matter what your budget is, your taste buds will be in heaven. I recommend eating at:

1. Mythology
2. Bloomer’s
3. Tibet Cafe & Bar – order the veggie Momos
4. La Palma
5. Mahjong Bar
6. Moo Frites
7. The Tennessee Tavern
8. Rendez-Vouz

Nightlife

Be sure to enjoy Toronto’s Nightlife. There are tons of bars, clubs, and breweries opened every night of the week as well as fun events happening throughout the year. I recommend the following:

Bars:

1. The Office Pub on John Street
2. Mulberry Bar
3. Goldie

Clubs:

1. Rebel
2. Uniun Nightclub
3. Wildflower

Breweries:

1. Indie Alehouse
2. Amsterdam Brewery
3. Bellwoods Brewery

Events:

1. The ROM’s Friday Night Live
2. Jazz Night at the Rex
3. After Hours Comedy

Transportation

If you want to save money and explore the city like a local, skip Uber and take the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), Toronto’s public transport system. The TTC is made up of subway lines, buses and streetcars. You can purchase individual fares, day and week passes.

You could also enjoy the city by bike and rent a bike from Toronto Bike Share.

Where to Stay

Toronto has tons of hotels that you could stay at. However, the hotels in Toronto can get pretty pricey. If you are traveling on a budget, I recommend staying at a Hostel or Airbnb.

Hostels in Toronto:

1. HI Toronto Hostel
2. All Days Hostel
3. The Planet Traveler Hostel
4. The Only Backpacker’s Inn
5. The Parkdale Hostellerie

Toronto is filled with amazing attractions, delicious food, unique neighbourhoods, and friendly people. It is a city that you will fall in love with and want to visit again and again. If you haven’t been to Toronto let me know, in the comments below, what you are most excited to see and do. If you have been to Toronto let me know what you love most about this great city.