CN Tower
This might be my favorite place to start! Seeing the city from high above all the roofs is a stunning and unforgettable first impression. It gives visitors a sense of how far the city spreads, how many city centers there are and how ridiculously tall the high-rises stand (though they look miniature from 553 meters/1,820 feet. You can watch planes land and take off from Toronto Island airport and appreciate how green the city actually is.
Weather
If your travel allows, keep an eye on the weather forecast and choose a sunny day to ensure you get a good view.
Be a tourist, but be a smart one
Now, you can pay $38 to stand in numerous lines and wait for your turn to go up the elevator only to go up to the observation deck with countless other tourists and - if you're lucky - loud hordes of children and maybe even the occasional school class. And once you get there, you can spend $25 on fast food and a drink squeezed in between everyone else taking selfies.
OR you can be a smart cookie (which clearly you are because you are on this site to start with!) and make a lunch or dinner reservation. Let me walk you through it:
Weather
If your travel allows, keep an eye on the weather forecast and choose a sunny day to ensure you get a good view.
Be a tourist, but be a smart one
Now, you can pay $38 to stand in numerous lines and wait for your turn to go up the elevator only to go up to the observation deck with countless other tourists and - if you're lucky - loud hordes of children and maybe even the occasional school class. And once you get there, you can spend $25 on fast food and a drink squeezed in between everyone else taking selfies.
OR you can be a smart cookie (which clearly you are because you are on this site to start with!) and make a lunch or dinner reservation. Let me walk you through it:
- If you make a reservation at the 360 Restaurant, you agree to at least a two- or three-course meal ($60/$65 respectively last time I checked) so you HAVE to order from the prix fixe menu when you get there.
- You get to skip ALL the lines. You walk straight past everyone else and use an elevator dedicated specifically to the restaurant.
- You still get the tower details on your 52 seconds up.
- You will spend a much more enjoyable time munching on a local fare in a fine dining setting. There might still be screaming children, but definitely fewer than on the tourist deck below.
- You get the most incredible view of the entire panorama because the restaurant actually turns 360 degrees while you eat (hence the name).
- And if you've done the math, you end up paying about the same as the non-diners on the deck below. Only you're experience has been 100% better.
Toronto Island
Do not go on the weekend if you can avoid it. Did you hear me? Do not.
Now that that's settled, let's dive right in.
Toronto Island is tremendous fun if you are visiting between May and September. Definitely plan an entire day and make sure you leave early-ish. Here's my perfect day on Toronto Island:
Getting there
Get off at Union Station, swing by the Danish Pastry House on the lower level; pick up a cup of coffee and a hoj snegle for your way across the water. Fuel is key on a long day and you don't want to start hungry. The calories will hold you over, trust me.
It's a short 10-minute walk to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Buy your ferry tickets online to avoid standing in line. There is a dedicated line for ticket-holders. You can buy them using your phone while you're there. Each ticket is return so once you pay, you're guaranteed to get on and off the island. If I'm on foot, I usually head to Centre Island with all the attractions, easy beach access and restaurants.
You might want to pack a scarf or sweater as it can get windy and chilly on the ferry. Make your way straight up to the upper deck and secure a spot facing the city. The view is phenomenal.
On the Island
Once on the island, you have all the choices! I like to pack a picnic, blanket and frisbee and spend the day either by the beach or on the grassy area just behind. Picnic tables are available. Toronto Island has several beaches so if the weather allows, bring a towel and your rubber duck.
Food is available on the island but your options are limited to subways, pizza pizza, fries and over-prized drinks. Be smart and pack a charcuterie platter or at least sandwiches and some fruit.
You can rent a bike for up to 4 people (I have seen more on it, too) and explore the island. Take a little ride over to Ward's Island and cruise through the residential area straight from a picture book about island life.
Other activities include kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, none of which I have tried so it's up to you.
Bring the Kids!
If you're bringing little ones, they are going to LOVE this trip! Between the beach, biking and playgrounds with splash pads, there's plenty to do and see for free. If you're really feeling it, take them to Centreville, the island's own amusement park including 30+ rides for big and small, Far Enough Farm and lots of opportunities for terrible food choices and sugar rushes (pack that picnic!). We decided to buy all-day tickets for unlimited rides; at $43 +tax it's not cheap but the kids loved it.
General advice
Be sure to check the ferry schedule before you take off and know that during busy times, you may not get the first ferry and might end up waiting for the next one which can easily take 30-45 minutes. That's why I don't recommend going on the weekend or during bank holidays. Pick a weekday and relax.
Now that that's settled, let's dive right in.
Toronto Island is tremendous fun if you are visiting between May and September. Definitely plan an entire day and make sure you leave early-ish. Here's my perfect day on Toronto Island:
Getting there
Get off at Union Station, swing by the Danish Pastry House on the lower level; pick up a cup of coffee and a hoj snegle for your way across the water. Fuel is key on a long day and you don't want to start hungry. The calories will hold you over, trust me.
It's a short 10-minute walk to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Buy your ferry tickets online to avoid standing in line. There is a dedicated line for ticket-holders. You can buy them using your phone while you're there. Each ticket is return so once you pay, you're guaranteed to get on and off the island. If I'm on foot, I usually head to Centre Island with all the attractions, easy beach access and restaurants.
You might want to pack a scarf or sweater as it can get windy and chilly on the ferry. Make your way straight up to the upper deck and secure a spot facing the city. The view is phenomenal.
On the Island
Once on the island, you have all the choices! I like to pack a picnic, blanket and frisbee and spend the day either by the beach or on the grassy area just behind. Picnic tables are available. Toronto Island has several beaches so if the weather allows, bring a towel and your rubber duck.
Food is available on the island but your options are limited to subways, pizza pizza, fries and over-prized drinks. Be smart and pack a charcuterie platter or at least sandwiches and some fruit.
You can rent a bike for up to 4 people (I have seen more on it, too) and explore the island. Take a little ride over to Ward's Island and cruise through the residential area straight from a picture book about island life.
Other activities include kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, none of which I have tried so it's up to you.
Bring the Kids!
If you're bringing little ones, they are going to LOVE this trip! Between the beach, biking and playgrounds with splash pads, there's plenty to do and see for free. If you're really feeling it, take them to Centreville, the island's own amusement park including 30+ rides for big and small, Far Enough Farm and lots of opportunities for terrible food choices and sugar rushes (pack that picnic!). We decided to buy all-day tickets for unlimited rides; at $43 +tax it's not cheap but the kids loved it.
General advice
Be sure to check the ferry schedule before you take off and know that during busy times, you may not get the first ferry and might end up waiting for the next one which can easily take 30-45 minutes. That's why I don't recommend going on the weekend or during bank holidays. Pick a weekday and relax.
Distillery District
I have a mixed relationship with the Distillery District. There are some awesome galleries and studios of incredible local artists and makers, but that it feels like you pay for the whole experience with every little purchase. Read: It's not the place for cheap fun. Every time I have gone it was super fun until something went terribly wrong (poor service, an over-priced meal, rude visitors). In my personal case, this place is jinxed because there always seems to be something that stops the Distillery District to be 100% awesome. But I keep going back so make of that what you will ;)
Just stroll through and keep your eyes open for what looks good. You can't go wrong. My highlights include:
Just stroll through and keep your eyes open for what looks good. You can't go wrong. My highlights include:
- Le Cluny: A little french patisserie serving decent coffee and delicious French pastries (If Oh-la-la is your middle name, make sure to check out the Living Toronto section!). Attached is the actual Cluny Bistro - very chic and French. I have yet to go but it looks fantastique!
- The Peace Sign on Gristmill Lane (entering from Parliament Street) is a fun photo opp.
- Bergo Designs is a fun design store for all the unnecessary but oh-so-fun items that make every-day-life a little sweeter. Fun to stroll through!
- Artscape Distillery Studios are fun to walk through. If you want a taste for local art, this is a good place to start.
St Lawrence Market
If you've been to the incredible food & deli markets of the new world (New York, Paris, Cork etc.) St. Lawrence Market falls short. But it can be a fun experience if you are into local and seasonal produce.
If you're going on a Saturday, bring some extra patience as it will be crowded and slow-moving but you might be lucky and catch some live music in the lower level food court.
This is an ideal spot if you're shopping for a picnic (see Toronto Island above) or want to get your hands on some fresh seafood and quality meats. With that being said, look closely. I have found that the stalls vary greatly in terms of quality. Take a good look and trust your gut. If the chicken skewers don't look good, pass!
The food court downstairs can be a life-saver for hungry travelers and I have found the Polish and Eastern European stalls to be reliable in terms of quality. Seating is always limited so if you spot a seat, run for it!
If you're going on a Saturday, bring some extra patience as it will be crowded and slow-moving but you might be lucky and catch some live music in the lower level food court.
This is an ideal spot if you're shopping for a picnic (see Toronto Island above) or want to get your hands on some fresh seafood and quality meats. With that being said, look closely. I have found that the stalls vary greatly in terms of quality. Take a good look and trust your gut. If the chicken skewers don't look good, pass!
The food court downstairs can be a life-saver for hungry travelers and I have found the Polish and Eastern European stalls to be reliable in terms of quality. Seating is always limited so if you spot a seat, run for it!
Fairmont Royal York
Possibly my favorite spot for a sprinkle of glamour! Grab a drink in the foyer bar or head to the Library Bar for a beverage of your choice. Again - and you probably guessed it - this is not cheap but it's beautiful.
If you can stay overnight, you probably won't regret it. It's a beautiful hotel and conveniently located right across Union Station.
If you can stay overnight, you probably won't regret it. It's a beautiful hotel and conveniently located right across Union Station.
Yonge Street
... is looooong. And it changes drastically from section to section. And it's fun to simply walk along and take it all in. Yonge Street (pronounced Young Street) gives you access to
- Hudson's Bay (Canada's upscale Department Store)
- Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto's mini Times Square
- Eaton Centre, one of Toronto's largest shopping malls
- Bloor/Yonge - an intersection of two major streets and home to some of the larger brands. Walk West on Bloor Street to see your Cartier, Escada and Dolce & Gabbana housed in a bizarre 70's block that will remind you more of the East-German Stasi headquarters than any luxury shopping experience but hey, each their own!
- If you fancy a subway ride North, Yonge Street actually becomes quite pretty and a little more upscale. Get off at Davisville and walk North for a little stroll and change of scenery.
Also worth seeing...
Other spots that are worth seeing:
- Bedford Academy: decent pub with a solid beer and cider selection and decent pub food
- Graffiti Alley on Richmond Street
- Pravda Vodka Bar
- Ripley's Aquarium: I wasn't sure what to expect, and it's not cheap but the kids absolutely loved it! They even got to touch manta rays and we spent a good 2 hours walking around marveling at sharks, turtles, rays and jelly fish. Since it's right by CN Tower, it might be a great add-on to your meal at 360 Restaurant (see above)
- Royal Ontario Museum: The ROM is home to some great natural history exhibitions (including dinosaurs!), stuffed animals, a bat cave and great play area for kids younger than 12. Great option for rainy weather! Check for their walking tours!
- Art Gallery of Ontario: Another great alternative in case you run into some poor weather! Great variety of art and a pretty sweet coffee shop that reminds me of a modern-day Noah's Arch. Also ask about their tours, they're usually included in your admission.
