If you visit anywhere for the first time, you will have many questions about the destination, its transport, dining options, budgeting, and more. Likewise, say you are a first-time visitor in Toronto and are unaware of what to do, where to go, and what to see. You will also be unfamiliar with the city’s etiquette and dos and don’ts. Hence, we present Toronto Itinerary: A Friendly Guide to Newcomers. This blog guides you step-by-step on exploring everything this city has to offer. These include the must-visit attractions, famous day trips outside the city, and diverse neighborhoods.
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Things To Know Before Traveling To Toronto
Toronto is Canada‘s largest city and the capital of the province of Ontario. With over 6 million residents, it is among the most populous Canadian cities. Its diverse population includes people of different ethnicities, religions, and languages; hence, this city is shrouded in a festive atmosphere throughout the year. Furthermore, this city offers an exquisite blend of multicultural heritage and cosmopolitan lifestyle. While there are no hard and fast rules for visiting Toronto, you must do pre-research to help you understand its culture, etiquette, and dos/don’ts.
- How Many Days Are Enough In Toronto? It depends on your travel preference, but 4 to 5 days is enough.
- Best Time To Visit Toronto: Spring (April-May), Summer (June-August), and Fall (September-November)
- Best Area To Stay In Toronto: Downtown Toronto is the best tourist place. Other places include Chinatown, Harbourfront, Yorkville, Midtown, and West Queen West.
- What Part Of Toronto Has The Best Nightlife? The Entertainment District, King Street West, and College Street
- Must-dos in Toronto: Use Toronto’s public transit system (TTC), Respect local etiquette, culture, and customs, Purchase a PRESTO Card for travel, and Try Canadian and other diverse cuisines.
- What Not To Do As A Tourist: Don’t come to Toronto in the Winter, don’t miss the Toronto neighborhoods, Avoid unsafe neighborhoods like Jane and Finch, don’t only eat at chain restaurants, avoid tourist traps, don’t skip public transportation, and don’t neglect the weather.
Budgeting For Toronto Travel
Toronto is among the most expensive travel destinations worldwide. On average, visitors spend between $70 and $684 daily. However, if you want to live in Toronto for a long time, it is the most affordable Canadian city. Nonetheless, this city caters to budget-conscious travelers as well. On average, you can expect to spend around $206 per day. You can reduce costs by applying budget-friendly methods, such as living in cheaper accommodations, enjoying free attractions, and managing food costs.
Accommodation
Toronto has some of the best hotels with 4 to 5-star ratings. These include flagship properties like the Four Seasons, The Ritz-Carlton, and Shangri-La. This city has many cheaper accommodations for budget travelers, ranging from Airbnb to hostels, inns, and homestays. You can learn more about budget-friendly accommodations here. Still, on average, 3-star hotels in Toronto cost $211 per night, and 5-star hotels cost $248.
Transport
You can easily live in Toronto without a car. This city boasts an efficient public transit system. The TTC offers extensive bus, subway, and streetcar networks, with well-mapped routes and regular schedules. If you want to use TTC, purchase a PRESTO Card, an easy-to-use reloadable payment card. It offers discounted fares compared to cash payments. PRESTO One-ride ticket costs $3.35, a two-ride ticket $6.7, and a day-pass ticket $13.5.
Food
Toronto features a diverse culinary scene, offering flavors and dishes from around the globe. You will find everything from authentic Canadian specialties (peameal bacon sandwich and poutine) to Italian classics, French dishes, and indigenous cuisine (bison, wild rice, and Saskatoon berries). A visitor can expect to spend $30 to $60 dining in a mid-range restaurant and $100 to $150 in a fine dining establishment. You can reduce costs to $10 to $20 per person if you dine at fast food or cheaper restaurants. If you want any restaurant recommendations, check out this blog.
5-Day Toronto Itinerary – Day 1: Explore Downtown
You can spend as many days as you want in Toronto. If you are on a short trip, 2 to 3 days are enough. However, if you want to explore this city leisurely, we suggest you spend at least five days here. This 5-day Toronto Itinerary begins with your arrival at the airport and continues until your departure. The first day is all about exploring downtown.
Begin Your Morning At The CN Tower
- Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
- Prices: Adults (14 to 64): $45, Senior (65+): $32, EdgeWalk: Starting at $199
Toronto is home to one of the world’s tallest freestanding structures, the CN Tower. This 553-meter tall tower was built between 1973 and 1976 and was the world’s highest tower from its completion in 1976 to 2009. You can enjoy stunning cityscape views from the tower. It has three observation levels: the Main Observation Level (346 meters above ground), the Lower Observation Level (featuring a glass floor), and the Top Observation Level (447 meters above the ground). Additionally, the EdgeWalk is a thrilling experience for adventurous visitors, where they will walk along the tower’s outside edge with only a harness securing them.
Check Out Collections Of The Royal Ontario Museum
- Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
After a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to the CN Tower, it’s time to head to Canada’s biggest museum, the Royal Ontario Museum. It was built in 1914 and houses a gigantic collection of artworks, natural history specimens, and cultural objects. The ROM has two main programs. The Exhibition and Gallery section features a world-class collection of 18 million artifacts. There are various exhibits here, from dinosaur fossils to Earth’s treasures and impressive Chinese Architecture. Likewise, the Digital, Research, and Learning program includes museum visits, virtual lessons, and specialty digital programming.
Visit The Ripley’s Aquarium Of Canada
- Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- How To Get There: Take the subway and get off at Union Station or St. Andrews Station.
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Toronto has many family-friendly attractions, including the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. This aquarium is located in downtown Toronto and is home to over 20,000 exotic freshwater and sea specimens of 450+ species. It features several galleries, including the Canadian Waters, Planet Jellies, Dangerous Lagoon, Rainbow Reef, The Shoreline Gallery, Ray Bay, Discovery Center, Kelp Forest, Dragons, and Life Support Systems. Visitors will see many colorful fish, anemones, jellyfish, and a giant Pacific octopus. In addition, they can observe, interact with, and touch four species of stingrays (Cownose Ray, Southern Stingray, Roughtail Stingray, and Spotted Eagle Ray).
Day 2: Cultural Experience
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Canadian culture is influenced by its indigenous customs and traditions. A mixture of British, American, Caribbean, African, French, Asian, and European nationalities has also added to the Canadian identity. That being said, Day 2 is about learning and exploring the city’s cultural heritage. You will visit the world-class museum, see its gigantic collections, learn about the local lifestyle, and watch Canadians’ favorite sport.
Visit The Infamous Art Gallery Of Ontario
- Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Start your second day in Toronto with a trip to the Art Gallery of Ontario. Its 583,000-square-foot space building is located in the Garange Park neighborhood of Downtown Toronto. This art gallery has a permanent collection of 120,000+ works, ranging from cutting-edge contemporary art (Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room – Let’s Survive Forever) to European masterpieces (Peter Paul Ruben’s The Massacre of The Innocents) and excellent works by Indigenous and Canadian artists. It also holds an impressive photography collection by artists like Diane Arbus and Garry Winogrand. Each artwork is categorized into exhibits, such as European, Modern, Canadian Art, Contemporary, and Library & Archives.
Feed Your Stomach Strolling Through Kensington Market
- Address: Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM
- Social Media: Official Website
After a fun morning expedition to the Art Gallery of Ontario, you must be getting hungry. So, why not fill your stomach in Toronto’s most eclectic and multicultural neighborhood? Kensington Market features old Victorian buildings, narrow streets, and a maze of alleys. It is also home to many eccentric stores, atmospheric cafes, and shopping hubs. Moreover, this open-air market neighborhood has over 240 local businesses ranging from local produce to cultural eats, vintage clothing, specialty products, and live music. The must-do thing here is to try local dishes. Some iconic dishes are fish & chips, beef patty sandwiches, tacos, empanadas, and crispy fried chicken.
Catch Live Matches At The Scotiabank Arena
- Address: 40 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5J 2X2, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Ice hockey is an integral part of Canadian culture and national identity. Hence, we add Scotiabank Arena as our final destination on Day 2. It is the home stadium of the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs. The professional ice hockey team usually has its matches in the arena. Even if there are no live matches, you can catch concerts, events, video game competitions, or political conventions here. Scotiabank Arena is also the home stadium of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. It has hosted over 2,600 events, including multiple NHL and NBA playoff runs. You can also add a quick trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame afterward.
Day 3: Nature and Parks
Toronto is an urban metropolis with gigantic skyscrapers and busy city life. However, away from the hustle and bustle, you will find serenity in its local parks. If you want a peaceful retreat, head to the Toronto Islands, a beautiful getaway off Downtown Toronto’s shore.
Take A Ferry To The Toronto Islands
- Address: St Lawrence-East Bayfront-The Islands, ON, Canada; Google Map
- Things To Do: Sightseeing, Beach Day, Water Activities
- Social Media: Official Website
You begin your morning with a 13-minute ferry ride to the Toronto Islands, a group of 15 islands inter-connected by bridges and pathways. Take the boat from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Queen’s Quay and Bay St. This island offers stunning city skyline views, sandy beaches, and many outdoor activities. You can enjoy a beach day and work on your tan or indulge in watersports like swimming, kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. In addition, you can visit the 200-year-old Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. This historical landmark is said to be haunted by its former keeper, John Radelmulle.
Bike Around The Toronto Islands
You can explore the Toronto Islands on foot or rent a bike. As this island is a car-free community, bike rentals are readily available. You can also book a guided bike tour. You can choose from morning, afternoon, and evening bike tours. These tours help you to navigate the off-beaten path and explore the must-see attractions, including the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and the Royal Canadian Yacht Club. They also save you from getting lost and come with a local guide who will narrate about the islands’ history, its people, and local tales.
Return To The Mainland And Relax At Harbourfront Center
- Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
You will return to the mainland after a fun-filled day at the Toronto Islands. Your first stop will be Harbourfront Centre, a lakeside 4-hectare complex. This facility is open year-round and features many shops, restaurants, exhibits, and communal spaces. You can enjoy a tranquil, leisurely walk, check out ongoing events and performances, and dine at any of the on-site restaurants. You can also check out the stores and art galleries and buy souvenirs to bring back home. Many cultural arts, crafts, and foods are available for sale during events and festivals.
Day 4: Day Trips From Toronto
After three days of exploration inside the city, Day 4 is all about a day trip from Toronto. Neighboring districts like Blue Mountain, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Wasaga Beach, and Muskoka are within a 2-hour drive of Toronto. You can head to any of these destinations early in the morning and spend a whole day exploring. You will even have plenty of hours to return to the city.
Toronto: Guided Niagara Falls Day Trip with Optional Cruise
- Duration: 9 hours
- Price: $71.59~
- Free Cancellation
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Niagara Falls is a must-visit destination in both the US and Canada. This Guided Niagara Falls Day Trip takes you to explore the Canadian side of the Falls. You can join the tour from any of the twelve pick-up points in Downtown Toronto. You will travel in an air-conditioned minibus, where your guide will offer historical and behind-the-scenes commentary. Moreover, the tour includes a few iconic photo stops, including the Niagara Floral Clock and Niagara River Whirlpool. Upon arrival, you will have 3 to 4 hours of free time to enjoy sightseeing and explore local attractions. You also have the option to add the 25-minute Hornblower Boat cruise to your itinerary.
Luxury Wine Tours to Niagara On The Lake
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price: $325~
- Free Cancellation
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Niagara-on-the-Lake is often a rushed stop-off for visitors visiting Niagara Falls. However, this place is Ontario’s premier wine region and deserves a day trip. If you are a wine lover, we suggest you book this Luxury Wine Tour to Niagara On The Lake. This full-day tour will allow you to explore four diverse regional wineries. You will enjoy wine tasting at each winery and learn about the local wine scene. This Viator offer also includes a 3-course lunch and an ice wine sample in the ice lounge of Peller Estates.
Algonquin Provincial Park Day Tour from Toronto
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price: $140.78~
- Free Cancellation
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If Niagara Falls doesn’t interest you, how about you visit Ontario’s oldest provincial park instead? Algonquin Provincial Park Day Tour from Toronto takes you on a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Algonquin Provincial Park is marvelous, featuring lush forests, beautiful lakes, 14 hiking trails, and 8 campgrounds. Depending on the time of your visit, you can choose from hiking, canoeing, or snowshoeing. If you prefer outdoor activities or want to enjoy a day out in nature, this Viator tour is best for you.
Day 5: Diverse Neighborhoods
This is the last day of our 5-day Toronto Itinerary. On this day, you will primarily explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods on foot and learn about their origins. Your final stop will be Toronto’s oldest market, where you will shop for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home. Afterward, it’s straight to the airport for a flight back home.
Admire Historic Buildings Of The Distillery District
- Address: Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Google Map
- Things To Do: Shopping, Dining, Attending Events
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Toronto’s pedestrian-only Distillery Historic District is known for its “best of class” creative businesses. It houses over 40 boutiques and one-of-a-kind stores where visitors can shop as much as they want. This commercial and residential district was opened in 2003 to offer a space where creativity would flourish and passion would be aroused. The result is a dramatic fusion of old and new. You will find beautiful Victorian Industrial architecture with stunning 21st-century design and creativity. Visitors can walk around the district, shop, and dine at available restaurants. They can also participate in ongoing events.
Take A Tour Of Casa Loma
- Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Next, you will visit Toronto’s Majestic Castle, Casa Loma. Sir Henry Pellatt is the man behind this gorgeous Gothic Revival castle-style mansion. The construction took three years and $3.5 million. Anyone who visits this place will be amazed by its grandeur, architecture, and beautiful gardens. Add the spooky tales surrounding the castle, and you can imagine why it is so famous.
Buy Souvenirs From The St. Lawrence Market
- Address: 92- 95 Front St East, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1C3; Google Map
- Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 9 AM – 7 PM; Saturday: 7 AM – 5 PM; Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- How To Get There: By subway, Yonge-University-Spadina line, King Street Station
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Our final destination is one of Canada’s oldest markets, St. Lawrence Market. Unlike other open-air markets, it is a complex with three main buildings. The South Market is best for buying the freshest fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, fish, dairy goods, and baked products. Likewise, St. Lawrence Hall houses retail businesses and three rooms, which serve as an event venue for special occasions. Finally, the North Market’s Saturday Farmers’ Market is an old tradition that began in 1803. Over 80 antique dealers open their businesses from dawn to 5 PM.
Our 5-day Toronto itinerary features its must-visit attractions. You can customize it however you please. For recommendations on things to do, check out this blog about Toronto’s famous activities. You can also read this blog to find things to do with kids. Likewise, this Canadian city is best to visit during the Spring and Summer. The off-season is also not without its advantages. You will find affordable hotel deals and can spend time enjoying indoor activities.
