What to do in Toronto: Explore Attractions and Hidden Gems

a view of a city street at sunset with tall buildings in the background
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Highlights

  • Toronto is a wonderful metropolis that’s uniquely North American and European.
  • With marketplaces, bustling neighborhoods, and royal theaters, this city doesn’t disappoint. 
  • If anyone in your party needs a small break from the hustle, there are gardens and nearby islands to escape to.
  • Some of the best shopping in the world exists within the Distillery Historic District, an absolute must on anybody’s agenda. 
  • You’ll also be shocked to find a castle right, smack, dab in the heart of the city. 

Toronto is the dignified capital of the province of Ontario. Proudly preening along Lake Ontario’s northwestern shoreline, this city has everything, including downtown delights and spectacular waterscapes. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Toronto, don’t stop now because it’s time for a new travel blog! You’re about to dip into a fabulous North American city that also features a unique European flair. 

With architectural delights, some of the best restaurants in the world, and unrivaled theaters and parks, there’s something in this majestic metropolis for everyone. 

St. Lawrence Market

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St. Lawrence Market should be first on your list when deciding what to do in Toronto, Ontario. It’s the perfect plan of action if you’d like to stock your Airbnb with unique culinary finds. 

The name is simplistically misleading. It’s actually a diverse culinary explosion with fresh meats, seafood, baked goods, sandwiches, and more. 

Located in downtown Toronto, St. Lawrence Market is a bit reminiscent of Pike Place Market in Seattle. Plan to casually stroll the stalls within this beautiful brick building for a couple of hours. 

If you time it right, you can enjoy their farmers’ markets and, on Sundays, peruse the stalls of over 80 antique dealers. 

Casa Loma

a castle like building with lots of flowers in front of it
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When you envision Disney castles, do you think of Bavaria, Romania, Scotland, or Ireland? Fair enough. But, Toronto has its own stunner right in the heart of midtown. 

After an afternoon here, you’ll go home with countless pictures of turrets, stained glass windows, hidden staircases, and secret passageways. The rooms feature authentic period furnishings and open up to breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline from its towers. 

To no surprise, the gardens are also gargantuan, delivering as many savory sights as the interior. Since Castle Loma is only a little over 100 years old, it still has countless stories untold and you can make yourself part of them. 

Try to visit Toronto in the summer so you can enjoy the show put on by the Casa Loma Symphony Orchestra in the Glass Pavilion. Whether you’re looking for your own Beauty and the Beast moment or a step back in time, Casa Loma delivers, making it one of the most stunning vacation destinations in the world. 

Toronto Island Park

the toronto skyline is seen from across the water
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What is there to do in Toronto Island Park? Well, technically, this is a day in and of itself. But it’s worth every hour devoted to its sunny shorelines. 

In the morning, hop aboard a ferry and, in just over 30 minutes, you’ll step through another portal into picturesque finds. 

Toronto Island Park boasts:

  • four different beaches
  • the 200-year-old Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
  • two permanent public art installations
  • several bird-watching locations, including Hanlan’s Point and Trout Pond
  • lagoons for boating 
  • Centreville Amusement park
  • Far Enough Farm where you can meet ponies, rabbits, sheep, and more
  • a disc golf course
  • William Meany Maze, a spectacular hedge maze with 1,200 black cedars
  • Franklin Children’s Garden
  • an endless array of trails
  • Centre Island Pier, a popular fishing hotspot for carp and pike

It’s amazing that such an island is within arm’s reach of a bustling metropolis. You’ll be happy to return to the mainland for a meal in any one of their delicious restaurants after a stunning day out on the island. Or, better yet, this may answer the question of what to do in Toronto for a weekend. 

Ironically, Toronto Island Park has a lot in common with some of the hidden gems in a city much farther south: Miami. If that cultural paradise is next on your list, make sure you bookmark our complete guide of what to do in Miami.