Toronto is a force to be reckoned with on the world stage! As home to countless outstanding attractions, this city draws millions of visitors every single year.
Those of us lucky enough to live here can visit these incredible landmarks anytime. Even then, we could do something different every single day of the year and still never experience everything Toronto has to offer.
What if you’re only visiting for a weekend? You may not be able to do it all, but you can still pack the most fun and excitement possible into your journey. Today’s guide will help you get the most enjoyment from a short but unforgettable trip.
Must-Visit Sites for History Buffs and Nature Lovers
Whether or not you have a deep appreciation for history, you cannot help but fall in love with Toronto’s unforgettable historic sites. If you arrive on a Friday night, you can start your adventure with a visit to the Distillery District.
Cobblestone streets take you back in time, while the fantastic entertainment and dining options give you a new appreciation for modern life. Go for a stroll, admire the lights, grab some refreshments, and perhaps enjoy some live music while you’re there. Not a bad start to your weekend getaway!
On Saturday morning, check out St. Lawrence Market for breakfast and perhaps some early shopping for rare, artisanal and handmade finds. You could easily spend your entire day right here, but there’s so much more to experience.
Do you want to take in the sights of nature with the sounds of the big city in the distant background? Toronto is full of fantastic parks and trails!
Closer to the east end, there’s the Evergreen Brick Works, yet another of our favourite, underrated attractions located in the scenic Don Valley Ravine. Be sure to visit the Farmer’s Market, sip a refreshing beverage, and admire some art installations before moving on to the next destination on your list.
If you’re visiting the West End, High Park is not to be missed. It’s one of the most significant natural sites in the city, with tons of trails to explore, as well as a pond, a garden, and even a petting zoo. To keep your energy level high, you can enjoy a light lunch and coffee at The Grenadier Cafe overlooking the park.
So many fun things to do in Toronto, and we’ve barely scratched the surface! Get even more ideas from the posts below:
- Cycling in the Summer: Toronto’s Hottest Bike Trails
- Let the Music Play: A Guide to Toronto’s Incredible Venues
- Our Favourite Indoor Activities in the East End
Visit the Harbourfront
When visiting Toronto, the Harbourfront is near the top of our list, especially if you love the water. You can sit or stroll for hours watching the boats come in and out.
Alternatively, you can hop aboard for a lunch or dinner tour or head on over to the Toronto Islands for a nature escape; there are few better ways to take in our spectacular city skyline.
Speaking of the waterfront, Toronto is also home to several fabulous beaches. Even if you’re not the type to get your feet wet, you will love the views from the boardwalk!
Curate Your Shopping, Entertainment and Dining Experience
For many people, a visit to a fantastic city like Toronto means plenty of shopping, dining, and an eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind entertainment. There are literally hundreds, probably thousands of options to choose from. The trick is to curate your experiences based on your preferences.
Do you love iconic malls with countless shops and services on multiple stories under one massive roof? An afternoon visit to the Toronto Eaton Centre is practically mandatory. With approximately 200+ stores, restaurants, and other services, you can always find exactly what you are looking for.
To browse the absolute best of the best, check out what the locals call the “Mink Mile” in the Yorkville neighbourhood. This is the go-to destination for high-end fashion, jewellery, top-of-the-line home decor accessories, electronics, and more.
According to a recent Cushman & Wakefield report, this stretch along Bloor Street West is the most expensive retail street in all of Canada, topping other upscale shopping corridors in Vancouver and Montreal. Even if Gucci or Chanel aren’t in the budget, it’s still fun to visit and window shop!
Are you searching for something obscure that you won’t know until you’ve found it? Take a wander through Kensington Market; this highly walkable area is a treasure trove of indie shops, art galleries, and boutiques. It’s also a hot spot for some of the trendiest bars and restaurants in the city.
If there’s time, a visit The Annex is always an unforgettable experience, whether you’re shopping or just exploring one of Toronto’s most bustling neighbourhoods.
An Endless Array of Flavours
What’s a weekend getaway without great food? You’ll never have to find out when Toronto is your destination. You can explore cuisines you never knew existed, take a chance on a new dish, or indulge in your favourite comfort food.
- For a themed dining experience, check out the spectacular view from one of several rooftop patios throughout the city.
- If you have a taste for fine dining, Toronto’s Michelin-recognized restaurants will never disappoint.
- At any given time, there’s an exciting event happening somewhere in the city, and fantastic food is always part of the mix.
- Even the food trucks offer some truly gourmet creations!
Slip in a Matinee or Evening Performance
Between exploring Toronto’s many historic sites and the incredible shopping, your weekend schedule may already be pretty full. However, you can’t go to bed yet because we haven’t even touched on our world-class entertainment scene. Would you expect anything less from a city with a neighbourhood that’s literally called “The Entertainment District?”
This downtown area boasts several theatres and art centres, as well as stadiums such as the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, and TIFF Lightbox, which hosts the annual Toronto International Film Festival.
You can take in some live performances at venues like the Royal Alexandra Theatre, the Princess of Wales Theatre, and Roy Thomson Hall. You need tickets for most performances, so it’s best to plan your night out in advance whenever possible.
Fortunately, though, you can often squeak in an afternoon matinee. If you want to keep everything spontaneous, check out the local bars for live music or comedy shows all over the city.
Does all this talk about Toronto’s top attractions have you ready to buy your next house here? The posts below can help you plan:
- Living Your Loft Life in Toronto
- Why Now Is the Time for Toronto Buyers
- How the Government is Helping First-Time Buyers in Toronto
Your Usual Tourist Hotspots
We saved some of Toronto’s most iconic tourist spots for last. Some people cannot fathom a visit to the city without going up to the top of the CN Tower, checking out the latest exhibit at the Royal Ontario Museum or the Ontario Art Gallery, or observing the sharks and other aquatic life at Ripley’s Aquarium.
Although all of these are your quintessential Toronto tourist attractions, they can be busy, and long lineups can eat into your precious vacation time. Not to worry, however.
Toronto has many other incredible experiences to offer. If you have trouble getting to everything on your list, there is an obvious solution; just schedule another visit. Or better yet, start searching for your next home here. Living in our favourite city means everything you ever want to see and do is right at your fingertips!
Thinking about a move? Reach out to us at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300, and we are happy to talk about all the joys of Toronto life!
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