Is Toronto Worth Visiting in 2024? Local Guide

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Are you wondering, “Is Toronto worth visiting?” As a local, I get asked this question a lot!

I grew up in Toronto and have experienced almost everything that this city offers. Like any big city, Toronto definitely has its pros and cons.

It’s a great city for culture, food, and amazing outdoor spaces, but it’s also crowded and expensive, and the weather can be unbearable with its humid summers and freezing winters!

I don’t live in Toronto anymore because I prefer the mountains to big-city living, but I still think it’s a great city to vacation in and is definitely worth visiting.

So why visit Toronto? Let’s find out!

🍁 To experience the best of Toronto, I recommend this private tour – It’s perfect for first-time visitors who are short on time and want to make the most of their trip to Toronto!

Red Muskoka chair on the Toronto boardwalk overlooking Lake Ontario and has a gorgeous clear blue sky above

Is Toronto Worth Visiting In 2023?

If you are asking yourself, “Is Toronto, Canada, worth visiting?” or “Is Toronto a fun city?” The answer is yes! Toronto is a world-class city with hundreds of things to do.

You can explore stunning art galleries, watch a play in the entertainment district, dine out at some of the city’s best restaurants, enjoy shopping in trendy boutiques on Queen Street West, and take in breathtaking views from atop one of the tallest towers in the world!

Toronto also offers plenty of outdoor activities, from biking and kayaking to walking and running trails.

Toronto boardwalk with sailboats and kayaks floating on Lake Ontario beside it and the CN Tower viewed in the background

What Is Toronto Known For?

Toronto is known for being Canada’s largest city and its economic center.

It is also known for having the tallest tower in the western hemisphere (the CN Tower) and for being a culturally diverse city with an incredible food scene.

CN tower with a background of cotton candy looking clouds with light and dark pink clouds with a blue sky

A Brief History Lesson On Toronto

Toronto has a rich and vibrant history. It was founded by the British in the 1700s and was an important hub for traders. In the 1800s, its population grew, and it became one of Canada’s most important cities.

Today, Toronto is Canada’s economic powerhouse and home to many cultural institutions, including five professional sports teams, numerous museums, and world-renowned festivals like the Toronto international film festival.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Toronto?

Fall is the best time to visit Toronto.

Toronto has hot sunny weather during the summer, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and enjoying its beautiful outdoor spaces, but it is also humid and overcrowded in the summer.

The temperatures dip in the fall, and fewer tourists are around, making it a better (and cheaper) time to visit.

Winters in Canada are cold, so it’s best to avoid visiting from November through March.

How Many Days In Toronto Is Enough?

If you are visiting Toronto for the first time, three to four days is enough time to experience some of the main attractions. If you have more time, there is more than enough to keep you busy for a whole week.

Consider making time for a road trip! Ontario has some amazing road trip destinations you can easily reach from Toronto.

Is Toronto worth Visiting? – 25 Best Things To Do In Toronto

Purple sunset view of the CN Tower in Toronto from the Toronto Islands with silhouetted trees

1. CN Tower

The iconic CN tower stands 553.3m high (1,815.3 ft) in the middle of downtown Toronto and is the tallest tower in the western hemisphere. It once held the record for being the tallest tower in the world, but that title now goes to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Visiting CN Tower is a must-do in Toronto. Marvel at the incredible views of the city from the observation deck, or enjoy a fancy dinner at the revolving restaurant.

For a unique experience, try the edgewalk, where you can dangle 116 stories above Toronto with nothing but a harness to secure you!

🚁 For an exhilarating view of the CN Tower try this 14-Minute Helicopter Tour Over Toronto!

2. Ripleys Aquarium Of Canada

A visit to Ripley’s Aquarium will be a fun day out during your Toronto, Canada vacation, especially if you have kids.

The aquarium houses more than 20,000 fish and 450 different species of other sea creatures. It’s a large aquarium, so I recommend spending around 3 hours here to see everything.

3. Royal Ontario Museum

Don’t miss the Royal Ontario Museum while visiting Toronto. It’s the largest museum in Canada and is very impressive. It showcases art, world culture, and natural history.

Tickets cost $26 CAD ($19 USD) for adults and $16 CAD ($12 USD) for children. My pro tip is to visit on weekday afternoons when the museum is the least crowded.

Kensington Market view of a graffitied building behind a graffiti car with plants inside of it.

4. Kensington Market

A trip to Toronto isn’t complete without visiting this famous market.

Kensington Market has a fun vibe and is a great place to shop and eat in Toronto.

There also are several great food tours of the market!

🍔 Exploring the market with an expert guide will save you from being overwhelmed by choice! – I recommend this tour!

5. Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square is a large public square in downtown Toronto.

Taking pictures in Nathan Phillips Square is one of the best free things to do in Toronto. There is a huge Toronto sign in the square that lights up.

A picture in front of the famous Toronto sign will surely get you some likes on Instagram!

6. Historic Distillery District

Toronto’s historic distillery district is a pedestrianized area close to downtown.

It’s a trendy part of the city with lots of quirky bars and cafes, boutique fashion stores, and independent art galleries.

It has some beautifully restored Victorian-era buildings and is a great place to take photos.

🍻A fun way to explore the distillery district is on this Toronto local beer tour – the tour incorporates beer, history, urban icons, and funky neighborhoods – can you really get much better than that?!

7. Toronto Islands

A trip to the Toronto islands is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Toronto. You can reach the Toronto islands by taking a short ferry ride from the harbor.

You can also take a sailing tour that will let you relax as you sail around the islands and Lake Ontario.

🚢 This is my favorite Toronto Island boat tour – Sailing under the full moon is an unforgettable experience!

8. Eaton Centre

The Eaton Centre is a large shopping center in Toronto. It’s a great place to visit if it’s raining or simply if you just love to shop!

There are more than 250 stores and restaurants, and the food court is huge with lots of options, so it’s a good place to come for a cheap lunch.

9. Ontario Place

Ontario Place is an entertainment venue, event venue, and park in Toronto, located on three artificial islands just off-shore in Lake Ontario. It’s since closed as an amusement park but now is a concert venue.

It’s a nice place to wander or bike, especially on sunny afternoons. There are many different events and activities held here throughout the year too.

Sarma that you can get on a food tour in Toronto. It's cabbage leaf wrapped around pork and rice garb.

10. Toronto Food Tour

I love food tours! They’re the perfect way to get to know a new city while filling your belly!

I’ve been on several great food tours in Toronto and always had fun filling up on delicious tasty treats. You can also get a taste of Toronto’s most famous foods.

🍔 I love this Canada-themed food tour of Kensington Market because you get to taste everything from First Nations cuisine to French-Canadian poutine – A perfect way to get to know Canadian culture through food!

11. Bata Shoe Museum

This unique museum houses over a thousand shoes and related shoe artifacts from a collection of nearly 15,000 objects.

This hidden gem is worth a visit if you are exploring Toronto and want to visit somewhere unique.

I recommend spending a few hours here as it is a rare adventure, and much to see!

12. Harbourside Centre

The Harbourside Centre is a beautiful waterfront park in Toronto. It hosts many events throughout the year, including festivals and cultural activities. There are also lots of food stalls and nice coffee shops here too.

Harbourside Centre is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Toronto. Come down here on an evening, grab a snack, and find a spot in one of the many seating areas that line the long path along the seashore as you watch the sunset.

13. High Park

High Park is a large outdoor space in Toronto with well-maintained gardens, a greenhouse, and a mini-zoo.

It’s a lovely place to come and wander around in the fall as all the leaves change colors. The park is a very relaxing place and provides a little respite from the busy downtown area of Toronto.

14. Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a gothic-style castle and mansion that dates back to 1903.

It’s a beautiful building, and you can explore several floors of beautifully decorated rooms. The surrounding gardens are also stunning. It’s a great place to come and take photos.

It’s also been used as a filming location for several films and Tv shows, such as X-Men and Scott Pilgrim vs The World. So you might even recognize it from one of your favorite movies!

🚌 You can get to Casa Loma by taking the Toronto hop-on-hop-off bus tour

15. Hockey Hall Of Fame

You probably know that Canada is famous for ice hockey, so it’s no surprise that this is one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions!

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a fun and interactive museum that features trophies, hockey memorabilia, and tributes to some of Canada’s most famous hockey players and teams.

🍁 Check ticket prices and availability!

16. Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario science center is a fun and interactive museum. With over 500 exhibits, there are plenty of things here to keep the kids happy all day.

The science center is a good place to go when the weather isn’t so great.

17. Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo is home to over 5000 animals and is committed to protecting wildlife.

The zoo houses many species from around the world. You can see bears, pandas, giraffes, monkeys, and many more, so it’s a great place to bring the kids while vacationing in Toronto.

18. Canadas Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is a large theme park just outside of Toronto – but still within the greater Toronto area.

It’s a great place to come for a day trip from Toronto. It’s one of North America’s most popular theme parks, with over 3 million visitors a year.

The park is home to Canada’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster, along with many other fun rides and amusements. It also regularly hosts events and festivals, including a month-long Canada Day celebration.

st lawrence market with red brick building and people going to the market to shop in Toronto

19. St Lawrence Market

St Lawrence Market is another iconic foodie destination in Toronto. Over 120 vendors here serve cuisine from around the world alongside some Canadian staples.

🍔 I love this food tour of St Lawrence Market – it’s a delicious way to sample the best of the local food and drink

Nina wandering into Lake Ontario in the Beaches Neighbourhood in a blue dress with butterflies across it and a sailboat in the background in Toronto

20. The Beaches Neighbourhood

The Beaches is a district East of Downtown Toronto. It has the best coffee and brunch spots in all of Toronto and is known for having the best beaches in Toronto.

This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Toronto. It’s one of the best places to hang out during summer in Toronto, but it’s also incredibly underrated!

Most tourists never hear about the Beaches Neighborhood, so I’m letting you in on a local’s secret.

21. Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario is a large gallery housed in a very cool and futuristic-looking building.

There are over 90,000 works of art housed here, so be sure to allow yourself plenty of time when you visit this museum.

22. Allan Gardens Conservatory

The Allan gardens conservatory is a beautiful indoor botanical garden in the heart of Toronto. The garden is spread throughout five greenhouses, each with a different theme.

The gardens feature various exotic plants ranging from tropical plants to those found in arid desert regions. The gardens also have an impressive collection of orchids.

23. Fort York

Fort York is an early 19th-century military fortification in the Fort York neighborhood of Toronto. It is best known for being the site of the violent battle of York in 1813.

History buffs will love exploring this fascinating historical site. It is Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings.

24. Toronto Botanical Gardens

The Toronto Botanical Gardens is a calming oasis in the middle of the busy city.

The gardens have 17 themed gardens spread across 4 acres and provide an excellent place to stroll on a sunny day in Toronto.

The gardens are free to enter, and there are opportunities for garden tours and other educational experiences as well.

Man in yellow kayak paddling on Lake Ontario past a forest on an island

25. Go Kayaking On Lake Ontario

There are some great kayaking spots in and around Toronto.

My favorite place to go kayaking on Lake Toronto is the Toronto Islands, which are just 20 minutes from Downtown Toronto!

🚣‍♀️ This is my favorite kayak tour in the Toronto Islands to spot native wildlife and get a stunning view of the Toronto skyline

Sports And Entertainment In Toronto

Why not catch a sports game during your Toronto vacation?

Toronto is home to some excellent sports teams. The Toronto Raptors are the only Canadian NBA team. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the local hockey team, and the Toronto Blue Jays are a Major League baseball team.

Watching a local sports team is a fun way to engage with the city.

🏒 Check here for hockey tickets

Weather And Climate In Toronto

Toronto is known for its four distinct seasons, which are great for year-round outdoor activities. In the summer months, the city enjoys hot days with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) and some days reaching over 30°C (86°F).

Winter temperatures typically range from 0 to -10°C (32 to 14°F). Snowfall usually begins around mid-November and lasts until March.

If you’re visiting Toronto for the first time, check the weather forecast before you pack your bags!

Is Toronto Safe To Visit?

Toronto is a safe city to visit. Canada, in general, is a very safe place to visit and has a global peace index of 12. It is a much safer place to visit than the UK, which has a rating of 34, and even the USA, which is ranked 129th.

Is Toronto Expensive To Visit?

Toronto can be expensive. If you are staying in 5-star hotels, eating at fancy restaurants, and taking lots of tours, naturally, the costs will be higher.

Toronto can also be a budget-friendly destination. There are lots of free things to do in Toronto and plenty of cheap eats too. Ultimately it depends on your travel style.

How To Get Around Toronto

The city offers an extensive public transport system consisting of buses, streetcars, subways, trains, and ferries.

Taxis are also available throughout downtown, and Uber and Lyft are popular options too.

You can also choose to rent a car, which is a good idea if you plan on taking some day trips out of the city.

🚗 For car rentals in Toronto, I love this company – you can easily search and compare different rental options to find the best deal!

Where To Stay In Toronto

I recommend that you stay in Downtown Toronto so that you are close to all the main attractions. You’ll be able to save money on transportation as many sights will be within walking distance.

There are some excellent hotels in the Downtown area. I love 1 Hotel Toronto as it has a beautiful rooftop pool with an incredible view of Toronto’s skyline. It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

Bisha Hotel is another great option, and it’s one of the best Toronto hotels with private hot tubs!

FAQs: Is Toronto Worth Visiting?

Is Toronto Better Than Vancouver To Visit?

Toronto and Vancouver are both great cities to visit, but they are very different. Toronto is fast-paced and action-packed, whereas Vancouver has a more laid-back vibe.

Which Is Better Toronto Or Montreal?

Toronto and Montreal are both excellent cities. They are two of the biggest and most popular cities in Canada. Toronto is great for big city life and has many world-class things to see and do. Montreal has a charming French vibe and is a fantastic destination for foodies.

Why Is Toronto Popular For Tourists?

Toronto is a popular tourist destination with world-class sights and attractions like the CN Tower. It also has many excellent museums and art galleries and plenty of beautiful outdoor spaces too.

Is Toronto A Friendly City?

Yes, Toronto is a friendly city. Canadians are known to be among the world’s most friendly and polite people. You will find that people in Toronto are friendlier and more likely to stop and engage in small talk than people from other big cities in North America, such as New York.

Is Toronto Worth Visiting In December?

It is worth visiting Toronto in December for the many fun winter activities the city offers. You can visit Christmas markets or go dog-sledding, ice skating, or hiking in snowy parks.

Final Thoughts: Is Toronto Worth Visiting

Toronto is a great place to visit, with many amazing things to do. From visiting the CN tower to kayaking around the Toronto islands, there is more than enough to entertain you on vacation in Toronto.

Hopefully, after reading this post, you have gone from asking, “Is it worth visiting Toronto?” to thinking, “I can’t wait to go to Toronto!”
So, pack your bags and take the trip you have been dreaming about! Then, why not combine your visit to Toronto with a trip to Niagara Falls?

More about Toronto, Canada:

Canada Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?

100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!

💧Can you drink the water in Canada?

Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?

Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Canada?

Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?

My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).

Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?

For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?

Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.