You might know Toronto for its iconic landmark and one of the seven modern wonders of the world, the CN Tower—soaring high above the city at more than half-a-kilometer tall Toronto’s historical buildings, fun attractions, and cultural diversity which makes Toronto such a vibrant and bustling city. There’s always something happening from shows, to sports games, to festivals, you’ll surely find something that piques your interest. 

Discover Toronto’s Famous Landmarks

With so much to do, where do you even start? Well, if it’s your first time visiting or exploring Toronto, always check out the classic landmarks like the CN Tower and take in the views from the top. And if you’re not too afraid, walk across the glass floor with a view 342 meters straight down. Be part of the home crowd at our home teams’ games amongst Toronto Maple Leafs or Toronto Blue Jays fans, or Explore underwater creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada , located in the shadow of the Rogers Center at the base of that so-called iconic CN Tower. 

In the summer you can take a ferry over to Toronto’s Center Islands to view the skyline of the city and escape to a bit of beachy tranquility, and in the winter you can skate at City Hall or explore a Christmas market worthy of any Hallmark movie.

Explore the Arts and Culture Scene in Toronto

Toronto has so many unique neighborhoods, each offering a different slice of the city. Shop and eat at The Well — “a choreographed mix of urban experiences, dynamic architecture and interconnected public spaces.” Visit small boutiques and mom and pop restaurants in Ossington , or go gallery hopping in the Distillery District . Toronto as a whole offers so much, but the beauty of it is in the communities within.

Curious about more neighborhoods in downtown Toronto? Check out our guide here . 

Every year, the Toronto Christmas Market takes over the cobblestone streets of the Distillery District and it is so magical. You can try viral foods like indulgent hot chocolate at Cluny’s , visit some galleries, dine in 19th century buildings, and be awed by the breathtaking (and Instagram famous) Christmas tree designed by Christian Dior Parfums. 

Taking you even further north, you can explore family friendly neighborhoods in mid-town, like Yorkville , the Annex , Koreatown , Queen’s Park , and Wychwood Park . You can also head uptown and into the suburbs, where you’ll find Davisville Village , Little Jamaica , and Yonge & Eglinton . But don’t worry, you’ll still have access to diverse foods and cultural communities no matter where you go. 

The GTA, or Greater Toronto Area, is home to many different cities and neighborhoods to explore on a weekend or day off! Check it out here in our GTA neighborhood guide . 

Indulge in Toronto’s Diverse Food Options

Toronto’s food scene is unreal. There are so many amazing restaurants throughout the city that truly showcase how diverse it is. Little Jamaica has the best Jamaican Patties at Randy’s , and if you’ve never tried one, you’re missing out! My comfort food is pho and the best in the city, for me, is Pho Linh . 

Koreatown is somewhere I used to visit weekly as a kid, and although the visits aren’t as frequent anymore, I always know there’s a place to grab my favorite childhood treat at Hodo Kwaja . 

You can even try Michelin Star restaurants , which launched here in 2022 and locals have loved seeing their hometown favorites receive this special star. Some of my top picks are Pai for Northern Thai, Alo for contemporary French cuisine, and Quetzal for upscale Mexican.

Day Trip Ideas

With so much to do in the city, you truly won’t be able to do it all. But, if you’re up for a little day trip to visit one of the seven natural wonders of North America, take a quick drive to Niagara Falls . Here, you’ll see a jaw dropping view of the thundering waterfalls millions of people visit each year. 

Nearby, you can also check out scenic wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake or explore the Butterfly Conservatory that features tropical butterflies floating freely among lush greenery. Ice wine is a specialty in the region because almost all of the grapes used to make it come from Niagara due to its unique climate and wine makers! Some gems in the region include Two Sisters Vineyards , Vineland Estates , and Peller Estates (one of the best ice wine makers in my opinion). 

If you’re looking for more of a relaxing day, outside of the hustle and bustle of Toronto, there are some spa options that give you the full Scandinavian experience such as Scandinave Spa Blue Mountains , Thermea (make sure you’re booking the one in Whitby, Ontario), and my favorite Ste. Anne’s Spa that is all-inclusive and the most indulgent!  

Just like any big city, Toronto really has a lot to offer. I was born and raised here and, now in my late thirties, I have a family of my own and still live here in the suburbs. One of the biggest reasons is because the city always feels safe and there is so much diversity that has influenced me as a person. Access to different cultures and opportunities are abundant. This is one of the reasons why I love it so much, and even more so for my young family. 

SOURCE: Toronto, Ontario: Big City, Bigger Heart