Toronto captivated me from the moment I stepped off the plane. This vibrant Canadian city offers an incredible mix of cultures, foods, and activities that can overwhelm first-time visitors. After spending four action-packed days exploring everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, I’ve compiled the ultimate Toronto bucket list. Skip the tourist traps and follow my carefully curated guide to experience the best this amazing city has to offer.
1. Marvel at the CN Tower’s Edge Walk
Adrenaline junkies, this one’s for you! Strapped into a harness, you’ll walk along the outside ledge of this 1,815-foot landmark, hands-free. The panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline are absolutely breathtaking.
Most visitors just ride the elevator up, but the Edge Walk gives you bragging rights forever. If you’re scared of heights but still want the view, enjoy dinner at the revolving 360 Restaurant instead.
2. Wander Through Kensington Market’s Colorful Streets
Unlike traditional indoor markets, Kensington is an entire neighborhood of eclectic shops, vintage boutiques, and international food spots. The vibrant street art and multicolored Victorian houses create the perfect Instagram backdrop.
Sunday afternoons transform the area into a pedestrian-only zone filled with street performers. My favorite discovery was a tiny Jamaican patty shop tucked between vintage stores – the spicy beef patties were heavenly!
3. Feast Your Way Through St. Lawrence Market
Named one of the world’s best food markets by National Geographic, this historic marketplace dates back to 1803. The peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery is legendary – crispy on the outside, tender inside, and absolutely worth the line.
Upstairs houses quirky antiques and crafts from local artisans. Pro tip: arrive early on Saturday mornings when farmers bring their freshest produce, and the atmosphere buzzes with energy from locals doing their weekly shopping.
4. Escape to Toronto Islands
Just a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown sits this car-free paradise. Rent bikes to explore the interconnected islands, lounge on surprisingly beautiful beaches, or kayak through peaceful lagoons.
The skyline view from Ward’s Island is spectacular, especially at sunset. Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island delights kids with its vintage rides, while Hanlan’s Point offers Toronto’s only clothing-optional beach for the adventurous traveler.
5. Get Cultured at the Royal Ontario Museum
The ROM’s striking crystal addition to its historic facade perfectly represents Toronto’s blend of old and new. Inside, you’ll find everything from dinosaur fossils to Chinese temple art spanning 13,000 years of human history.
Friday nights transform the museum with ROM Friday Night Live events – cocktails, food stations, and DJ sets among the exhibits! The Bat Cave exhibit freaked me out in the best way, with realistic sounds and thousands of model bats overhead.
6. Explore the Distillery District’s Historic Charm
Once home to the largest whiskey distillery in the world, this pedestrian-only area now houses boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in beautifully preserved Victorian industrial buildings. The cobblestone streets transport you back in time while offering thoroughly modern delights.
SOMA Chocolatemaker serves the richest hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. Don’t miss the giant LOVE lock installation – couples add padlocks as symbols of their commitment, creating an ever-growing public art piece.
7. Cheer on the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena
Hockey isn’t just a sport in Toronto – it’s practically a religion. The energy inside Scotiabank Arena during a Maple Leafs game is electric, even if you don’t understand all the rules.
Can’t score tickets? Join locals at Real Sports Bar across from the arena. With a 39-foot screen and passionate fans, you’ll feel like you’re in the stands. The Carlton Street crowd’s collective groans and cheers taught me more about Canadian culture than any museum could.
8. Discover Graffiti Alley’s Urban Art Scene
Rush Alley (nicknamed Graffiti Alley) stretches for nearly a kilometer with ever-changing murals created by local and international street artists. Unlike other tourist attractions, this one’s completely free and constantly evolving.
The kaleidoscope of colors makes for incredible photos. I stumbled upon an artist actually creating a new piece and got to chat about his inspiration! The area feels most authentic on weekday afternoons when photographers and art lovers outnumber tourists.
9. Shop ‘Til You Drop at Yorkville
Once Toronto’s hippie haven (where Joni Mitchell performed in coffeehouses), Yorkville transformed into the city’s most upscale shopping district. Designer boutiques line streets where celebrities often hide behind sunglasses during film festivals.
The people-watching rivals the shopping! Even if luxury purchases aren’t in your budget, the area’s hidden courtyards and sculpture gardens make for a lovely afternoon stroll. The Village of Yorkville Park features massive granite boulders transported from the Canadian Shield.
10. Indulge in Dim Sum in Chinatown
Toronto boasts one of North America’s largest Chinatowns, centered around Spadina Avenue. Weekend dim sum transforms into a delicious adventure as servers wheel carts loaded with bamboo steamers between packed tables.
Lai Wah Heen offers upscale dim sum with artistic presentation. For authentic old-school charm, Mother’s Dumplings serves northern Chinese specialties in a no-frills setting. The soup dumplings burst with savory broth that might just be the most satisfying food experience in the city.
11. Catch Sunset Views from Polson Pier
Skip the tourist crowds at more obvious lookout spots and head to this industrial-area gem. The unobstructed view of Toronto’s skyline reflecting in the harbor waters at dusk left me speechless.
Bring a blanket and snacks for an impromptu picnic. Summer weekends feature Cabana Pool Bar for those seeking a South Beach vibe, while photographers gather year-round for the perfect skyline shot. I captured my phone’s new background image here!
12. Experience the Immersive Art at AGO
The Art Gallery of Ontario houses over 90,000 works spanning from the first century to today. Frank Gehry’s redesign transformed the building itself into a masterpiece with a stunning spiral staircase that seems to float through the air.
Wednesday evenings offer free admission, attracting a younger crowd. The permanent Group of Seven collection showcases distinctly Canadian landscapes that capture the country’s wild beauty. Their bold use of color changed how Canadians saw their own wilderness.
13. Get Spooked on a Ghost Walk Through Old Town
Toronto’s 200-year history hides darker tales than you might expect. Guided ghost walks through Old Town reveal haunted theaters, abandoned tunnels, and the eerie stories behind historic buildings that look perfectly normal by day.
The Mackenzie House, home of Toronto’s first mayor, reportedly features phantom footsteps and a printing press that operates by itself. Our guide’s theatrical delivery had our group jumping at shadows! Even skeptics enjoy the fascinating historical tidbits woven throughout the spooky stories.
14. Browse Rare Finds at BMV Books
Bibliophiles rejoice! This multi-level used bookstore on Bloor Street houses treasures waiting to be discovered. Unlike chain stores, BMV’s charm comes from its organized chaos and surprisingly affordable prices.
The rare book section upstairs contains first editions behind glass, while basement bins hold $1 paperbacks. I spent hours browsing and left with an armful of books for under $30. The staff recommendations section introduced me to Canadian authors I’d never encountered before.
15. Sample Craft Brews in the Junction
Once a dry neighborhood until 1997, the Junction now ironically boasts Toronto’s best craft beer scene. This former industrial area transformed into a hip district where abandoned factories house taprooms serving experimental brews.
Henderson Brewing offers tours showing their process from grain to glass. Indie Alehouse serves wild flavor combinations alongside Detroit-style pizza that perfectly complements their hoppy IPAs. The neighborhood’s history as a railway junction is reflected in industrial-chic brewery décor.
16. Devour a Peameal Bacon Sandwich at Carousel Bakery
This iconic Toronto sandwich features lean back bacon rolled in cornmeal, grilled until crispy outside yet juicy inside, and served on a soft country bun. Carousel Bakery in St. Lawrence Market has perfected this simple yet mouthwatering Canadian creation.
Add a smear of honey mustard for the ultimate experience. Celebrity chefs from Anthony Bourdain to Bobby Flay have made pilgrimages here. The line moves quickly, and the sandwich is substantial enough to fuel hours of additional sightseeing.
17. Relax in High Park’s Natural Oasis
Escape the urban hustle in Toronto’s largest public park, spanning 400 acres of trails, gardens, and even a small zoo with free admission. The Japanese cherry blossoms in spring draw thousands of photographers and picnickers beneath the pink canopy.
Grenadier Pond offers peaceful fishing spots and waterfowl sightings. I stumbled upon Shakespeare in the Park during summer – professional actors performing on an outdoor stage with the audience sprawled on blankets. The centuries-old oak trees provided perfect shade for my afternoon nap.
