What to do in Toronto in 2 Days
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario. Its not the Canadian capital – that honour goes to Ottawa, but its definitely my favourite city in the entire country. Its situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, one of the five great lakes of North America, and traces its roots to being a trading post settlement from the 17th century. Today its a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Its culturally diverse, prosperous and filled with exciting things for visitors to do. It may be Canada’s financial and commercial capital, but there’s also a lot of fun to be had in Toronto. In this post, I’m going to show you some of the best attractions to visit on a short trip to the city. I’ll also be giving you a few tips to help make things easy for you.
When to Visit Toronto
I spent time in Toronto in early July. That’s right around the best time to visit. Its the height of the Canadian summer, meaning you can expect sunny days and good vibes. It also means high prices and crowded attractions, but that tends to be the trade off when travelling. If you come to Toronto at this time of year, you’ll get daily temperature in the high 20s Celsius. Fall and Spring are also decent times to visit – cooler, but the city won’t be as packed.
In the winter (December to February), it can get quite cold and miserable. The days are short and its not unusual for temperatures to get below freezing during this time. While Toronto has a lot of indoor attractions, I feel like if you’ve got the flexibility, you should aim to come to Toronto in the warmer months.
Getting to Toronto
Being the major city that it is, Toronto is extremely well connected to the world. Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the largest airport in Canada and is located around 27 kilometres north-west of Downtown Toronto. The two terminal airport receives flights from all over North America, as well as a range of international destinations further afield. Once you fly in, you can get into the heart of the city by taking the UP express train from the airport through to Union Station, which just so happens to be one of the grandest stations in all of North America. The train ride is around 25 minutes, with trains departing every 15 minutes. A one way ticket will cost you around $12.35 CAD.
The Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is a much smaller airport on the Toronto Islands. If you’re arriving on a short domestic flight or from somewhere in the US north-east you might be able to fly in here, and take a brief ferry ride to get downtown.
Note that most countries require a visa or Electronic Transit Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Being an Australian citizen, I was eligible for an eTA, which is valid for 5 years (or until you get a new passport) and costs $7.00 CAD. Apply at least a week in advance on the official website (the process is quite straightforward) if you are eligible. As always, make sure you check specific requirements for entry (including any covid related restrictions) well before your trip.
Getting Around Toronto
Toronto is really easy to get around. The city is on a grid system, so you never really need to worry about getting lost. Most of the major attractions are all clustered together downtown by the waterfront, making getting around on foot quite doable for much of your stay. I don’t think I used Uber at all while in Toronto – everything was so close.
While some attractions (I’m looking at you Casa Loma) are a bit further out, the city’s public transport system has you covered there. The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) operates a series of buses, trams and subway trains that can get you anywhere you want to go throughout the city. The subway in particular is highly efficient, with trains departing regularly. A day pass will set you back $12.50 CAD, but consider how often you’ll need to take public transport, a single ticket may work out cheaper if you’re a walker.
Where to Stay in Toronto
As a first time visitor to Toronto, you should aim to stay somewhere near the Entertainment and Financial districts of Downtown. Not only are these parts of the city a short walk to Lake Ontario (you may well have lake views from your hotel), but they’re also where all the quintessential Toronto attractions are located.
I’d be lying if I tried to tell you Toronto wasn’t an expensive city. With that said, you can find accommodation here to suit any budget. For a rough idea, you can expect to pay the following per night for a double room in high season:
- Budget: less than $100.00 CAD
- Mid-range: $100.00 – $250.00 CAD
- Luxury: over $250.00 CAD
On my recent trip to Toronto, I stayed at the One King West Hotel and it was AMAZING. It was definitely an upscale option, but its prime location, spacious rooms and great staff were worth every dollar. The restaurant and bar in the lobby were great (though if you’re in Toronto, you’re going to want to venture out to some of the excellent food spots in the surrounding neighbourhoods). The hotel’s towers offer stunning views of the city and the lake from your room. One King West offers all the luxuries of a modern hotel and I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for an upper end experience.
Other Things to Know
The official currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar. Credit cards are widely used and ATMs can be found everywhere in Toronto.
I highly recommend looking into the Toronto CityPass which will get you admission to a number of the attractions on this itinerary. If you plan on following this guide, you’ll save money by purchasing the CityPass rather than buying tickets for each participating attraction individually.
Toronto is an extremely safe city. I never felt uncomfortable at all while staying in and around the city. You should of course be aware of your surroundings in case of petty theft and pickpockets (like everywhere in the world), but you’re unlikely to face any problems during your stay.
Spending 2 Days in Toronto
As Canada’s largest city, there’s no way you’ll be able to see everything in Toronto in only two days. You will however be able to enjoy most of the city’s best attractions and also taste some great Canadian dishes. As mentioned above, getting from A to B in Toronto is extremely straightforward, so you should be able to follow this guide fairly easy. It definitely works best in the summer months though, when you’ll have longer daylight hours to fit everything in.
Day One: Hockey, Islands and Heights
The first day of this itinerary is completely concentrated on the Downtown and waterfront districts of Toronto. You can do the whole of this day’s itinerary on foot (other than a ferry ride or two) and its a great way to see the most famous parts of the built up metropolis. Before you dive in though, head to your local Tim Hortons to start your day the way Canadians do.
Hockey Hall of Fame
- Where: Brookfield Place, 30 Yonge Street, Toronto
- When: 10.00am – 5.00pm daily
- Admission: $25.00 CAD for adults
- Website: https://www.hhof.com/
Is there anything more Canadian than a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame? This impressive museum is housed inside the former Bank of Montreal building downtown and is a really fun and interactive showcase of Canada’s most popular sport. A dedicated NHL fan could spend the whole day here, reading every last plaque, watching each piece of footage and taking part in the interactive activities, but even someone that doesn’t follow the sport (like myself) will have a great time here for an hour or two.
Inside the Hockey Hall of Fame, there are countless exhibits focusing on individual players, teams and classic moments throughout the game’s history. One of the highlights is definitely the chance to see the actual Stanley Cup up close for an amazing photo opportunity. There’s lots of interactive stations throughout the experience as well – you’ll have the chance to take or defend shots at the goalposts, do virtual commentary with legendary announcers, and host a Sports Centre update (which is WAY harder than it looks!). There’s also an excellent 3D film included with your admission that takes you onto the ice alongside some of the greatest plays in the history of the game.
- You can read more about the Hockey Hall of Fame in my post HERE.
St Lawrence Market
- Where: 92-95 Front Street E, Toronto
- When: while hours can differ (check the website), generally 9.00am – 7.00pm Tuesday to Friday; 7.00am – 5.00pm Saturday and 10.00am – 5.00pm Sunday (closed Mondays)
- Admission: Free
- Website: http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
As lunch time hits, grab a bite to eat at St Lawrence Market. The market building is less than a ten minute walk east of the Hall of Fame, and along the way you’ll pass some really cool landmarks ranging from the Dog Fountain to Toronto’s own Flatiron Building. Once you arrive at St Lawrence Market, you’ll be at a public market that dates back over two centuries. Inside the massive building, there’s over 100 stalls and vendors selling all kinds of produce. There’s even an antiques market that opens on Sundays in another building nearby.
If you have more time, I recommend a food tour here at St Lawrence Market, so that you can taste a range of the very dishes available. If your inner foodie is overwhelmed with all the choices though, stop by the Carousel Bakery – its where you’ll find Toronto’s iconic pea-meal bacon sandwich.
Toronto Islands
- Where: Ferries to the Toronto Islands leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (9 Queens Quay W, Toronto)
- When: During the summer season, the first ferry departs at 8.00am, the last ferry returns at 11.40pm.
- Admission: A return ferry ticket costs $8.70 CAD for adults.
- Website: https://www.torontoisland.com/
After lunch, head down to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal on the waterfront, for an afternoon on the Toronto Islands. The walk takes about 15 minutes, and there’s regular ferries that head out to all three of the islands. The islands are all connected by land bridges, so it doesn’t really matter which one you get the boat to, but ideally you’d aim to start at Hanlan’s Point. Once you’re there, you can stroll along the beautiful landscape and beaches, enjoying the city views and making your way to the hub of island activity at Centre Island, then continuing on to quieter Ward’s Island.
I spent about 3 hours on the Toronto Islands. I wasn’t expecting much when I headed out, but it actually was one of my favourite things I did in Toronto. There’s a huge amount to do out here, and its really a great way to relax in nature. Centre Island is definitely where the action is, with its small amusement park, outdoor pop-up bars, petting zoos and hedge mazes, so I’d recommend spending the majority of your time there. Over on Hanlan’s Point, in addition to the beaches, you can check out the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and even relax on a clothing-optional beach. The main reason to go to Ward’s Island is to stroll along the Lakeshore Avenue Boardwalk before heading back to the city.
- For a more detailed look at the Toronto Islands, check out my guide HERE.
CN Tower
- Where: 290 Bremmer Boulevard, Toronto
- When: 9.00am – 10.00pm daily
- Admission: $43.00 CAD for adults
- Website: https://www.cntower.ca/
Back in downtown Toronto, finish your first day in the city with its most iconic attraction. The CN Tower was constructed in the 1970s, and for a period of time held the distinction of being the world’s tallest man made structure. While it now no longer can claim that honour, it does stand at over 500 metres in height, and on a clear day you can see all the way to Niagara Falls from the tower’s observatory.
The CN Tower is a short walk from the waterfront, but make sure you book your entry ticket in advance. If you don’t have a pre-booked time, you’ll have to wait in a separate line, especially towards the end of the day when lots of people come to the tower for sunset. Once you’re up the super-fast elevator to the observatory, take it all in. The 360 degree views of the city are awe-inspiring. In addition to looking out across the city skyline, there’s a reinforced glass floor you can cross to see the ground way below, or you can even pay extra to head up to the SkyPod (though the views aren’t THAT much better so its not essential if you’re content with the main level).
Consider making a booking at the restaurant if you’re feeling like some fine dining and cocktails with a view. Otherwise there’s a basic cafe and bar in the main observatory. When you’re done with the tower, head back towards the waterfront for a night time stroll along the lake to finish up.
- I’ve written about my trip to the CN Tower HERE.
Day Two: Castles, Culture and (Sea) Creatures
The places you’ll be headed on your second day in Toronto are a little more spread out, but its still fairly easy to get around. Our itinerary begins further north of the main downtown area, and its a bit too far to walk (unless you feel like an hour on foot to get started). Head to one of the many metro stations in the heart of the city and take the number 1 line to Dupont Station. The train ride will only take around 12 minutes, and once you arrive, you can walk a few blocks north until you hit the Baldwin Steps, ascending to Toronto’s very own castle.
Casa Loma
- Where: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
- When: 9.30am – 5.00pm daily (open until 10.00pm on Mondays)
- Admission: $40.00 CAD for adults
- Website: https://casaloma.ca/
Did you know there was an actual castle in Toronto? While Casa Loma may never have actually housed royalty, it remains a must see when visiting the city. The 98 room residence was built for Sir Henry Pellatt, one of the most influential Canadian industrialists. Construction was (mostly) completed in 1914 and cost over $3.5 million, however less than a decade later Pellatt was forced to abandon his castle as he couldn’t afford the upkeep. Casa Loma was sold and today functions as a museum, with its preserved halls welcoming guests looking to tour this residence of Canada’s social elite. The castle has also been used for filming in various movies such as X-Men and Chicago.
There’s plenty to see at Casa Loma. While exploring the grounds and rooms of the castle is fascinating enough, you’ll also get great views of downtown Toronto on the horizon from both castle towers. Admission to the castle also includes the Queen’s Own Rifles Museum on the third floor. Make sure you also pass through the tunnel to the stables a few blocks away, where you’ll see various vehicles from the time in the Automotive Museum and even take a walk through a Madame Tussaud like exhibit!
Allow at least 2 hours to see all of Casa Loma. Your admission includes a complimentary audio tour. I highly recommend following it, as you’ll learn all about its history and the story of Sir Henry Pellatt. After your tour, grab a quick bite at the on-site cafe before moving on.
- For more on Casa Loma, go read my post HERE.
Royal Ontario Museum
- Where: 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto
- When: 10.00am – 5.30pm daily
- Admission: $23.00 CAD for adults
- Website: https://www.rom.on.ca/en
After lunch, you’re off to Canada’s largest museum. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is instantly recognisable due to its piercing “Crystal” design that was added to the exterior of the original building in 2007. Today the museum contains a collection of over six million fascinating objects across four floors and numerous exhibits. The various halls of the museum can be divided into two broad sections – World Cultures (displaying items from cultures across the world including art, religious artefacts and more), and Natural History (where you’ll find skeletons of extinct dinosaurs and collections from nature).
The ROM is a roughly half hour walk south from Casa Loma. Alternatively, you can get back on the same subway line you took in the morning and head back to Museum station (a 4 minute ride) which is just minutes away from the museum’s entrance. Once inside, spend at least two hours to get a cursory look at everything – if you want to go through comprehensively, you’d need to spend most of the day here. I recommend taking the free highlights tour before checking out some of the halls that interest you in more detail. One of my favourite exhibits was the highly immersive Bat Cave, which recreates the experience of walking through a Jamaican bat habitat.
- There’s a lot to see at the ROM. Check out my detailed overview of the Museum’s galleries HERE.
Distillery District
- Where: 9 Trinity Street, Toronto
- When: you can come at any time, but aim for late afternoon/early evening to coincide with dinner.
- Website: https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/
Moving into the late afternoon, head back downtown before taking a walk some 20 minutes east to the Distillery District. This cobblestone lane zone is filled with old industrial structures that have been converted into restaurants, bars, galleries and studios. Spread out across 47 repurposed buildings, there’s countless options for dinner in the Distillery District, all while taking in the area’s original architecture, which dates back to its days as the whisky distillery of Gooderham & Worts.
While there’s so many options here, as a first timer you can’t go wrong with the Mill Street Brew Pub. They do INCREDIBLE poutine and they have delicious local beers on tap. If you’re after something different though, try Izumi Sake Brewery, the first sake brewery in North America. The Spirit of York Distillery is another popular option for gin, whisky and vodka drinkers. You should also spend a bit of time after dinner admiring the street art throughout the area. The Distillery District is full of good energy and I really liked this part of the city.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Where: 288 Brenner Boulevard, Toronto
- When: 9.00am – 11.00pm daily
- Admission: $44.00 CAD for adults
- Website: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/
After dinner, its back to the base of the CN Tower to take a tour of the aquarium next door. The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a really modern aquarium, having only opened in 2013. The admission is definitely on the pricey side, but I really enjoyed the hour or so I spent in this super touristy attraction. The aquarium contains over 16,000 marine organisms and is broken up into different zones, each representing distinct aquatic environments. You’ll start with a tour through the local waters of the Ontario Lake Basin, before venturing through kelp forests, jellyfish pools, and of course, the Dangerous Lagoon shark tank. The latter is the aquarium’s most popular zone, with a travelator whisking you through the tank as sharks, stingrays and the like swim overhead.
The aquarium is extremely popular, especially for families with children. For this reason, it gets seriously packed during the day. That’s why I’ve recommended stopping by in the evening after dinner – you’ll have more time to see the fish without jostling for room in the crowds in front of each tank.
- Want to read more about Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada? I’ve posted about it HERE.
Nathan Phillips Square
- Where: 100 Queen Street, Toronto
As you leave the aquarium, take a few photos of the lit up Rogers Centre (formerly the Toronto Skydome) nearby, before walking a few blocks through the heart of the city to Nathan Phillips Square. This public square in front of the City Hall building is an iconic spot to wrap up a night in Toronto. Its most famous for the lit up Toronto sign, so stand across the massive fountain pool and take your photos. Many will be doing the same, so people watch here before calling it a night.
More Time in Toronto?
While there’s much more to do in Toronto itself, if you have more than two days in the area, I’d recommend getting out of the city and making the trip to Niagara Falls. Its one of the natural wonders of the world, and is a really enjoyable experience that I’ll be posting about another time. If you’ve got enough time to do that while also spending more time in Toronto itself however, your options are limitless. One attraction I didn’t get to do (which is included in the CityPass) is the Toronto Zoo, which tends to attract favourable views. You could also check out the Art Gallery of Ontario, or one of the city’s many other galleries and museums.
There’s so much to do in Toronto. I hope this post has given you a starting point, particularly if you only have a short amount of time to spend in the city. Is there anywhere I’ve missed that you would recommend? If so, be sure to let me know! I loved my time in Toronto, and definitely will return in the future.