Toronto Travelers Recommend

Toronto makes a great base for exploring nearby Niagara Falls, the famous falls that straddle the US–Canada border and dramatically mark the halfway point of the Niagara River on its way from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Here’s what you need to know.

Guided Full-Day Tours

A full-day guided tour from Toronto includes the services of a tour guide, plus round-trip transport to the mighty falls. You’ll traverse the scenic Niagara Peninsula, a lush region spotted with orchards and vineyards, to get to the falls where you can explore with your guide or independently and see just the Canadian side or both the Canadian side and the US side. Some tours include lunch, and several have the option to add on an additional activity such as a visit to the Journey Behind the Falls observation decks or a helicopter ride over the water.

Day Trips with a Niagara Boat Cruise

For those looking to get close to the action of Niagara Falls, a day trip that includes a Niagara boat cruise is an excellent option. These tours have all the benefits of a guided full-day tour (transport through beautiful Canadian landscapes, stops at various attractions along the way, and the services of a knowledgeable guide), plus the option to add on a boat cruise down around the falls.

Things to Know

• Niagara Falls is set 80 miles (130 kilometers) south of Toronto, a journey of about 1.5 hours by road.

• Most day trips to the falls from Toronto last upwards of nine hours, so be prepared with comfortable shoes, snacks, and water. 

• Snowfall is abundant in the area during winter and the months of April and October are also quite brisk, so dress accordingly if visiting during these times.

• Due to the mist created by the strong falls, it’s likely you’ll get wet if exploring up close. Be prepared to wear rain gear or bring a change of dry clothing.

• In summer and over some holidays, Niagara Falls is illuminated by an after-dark fireworks display, drawing visitors at night.

Whether you’re a culture vulture, a dedicated foodie, a devoted sports fan, or an architecture lover, Toronto is the place to be. Book a 3-day stay, and have time to explore Toronto’s top attractions and to take a day trip to Niagara Falls. Here’s how to create the perfect, 3-day plan.

Day 1: Sightseeing by Land, Air, and Sea

Given Toronto’s impressive scope (it’s home to nearly 3 million people and is the largest city in Canada), it can take time to orient yourself. Dedicate your first day in town to discovering Toronto by bus, boat, and helicopter. A hop-on hop-off bus tour makes for an accessible way to kick off your day, and allows you to see more of the top sights—from the CN Tower to the Hockey Hall of Fame—in less time, without a map. After several hours of exploring via double-decker bus, enjoy an entirely new angle on Toronto on a cruise of Toronto Harbour. Learn the city’s history as you go, capture photos of its skyline, and glimpse the scenic Toronto Islands. A night, there’s nothing like a helicopter ride to cap off the day’s adventures—though you may want to squeeze in a post-flight bite in the buzzing Entertainment District or vibrant Chinatown.

Day 2: Food and Culture

With the major sights under your belt, you can dedicate your second day in town to exploring Toronto’s cultural offerings and food. Sign up for a brunch tour for a relaxing start to the day. Venture to some of the city’s hippest hoods—like Queen West—and get ready to stroll, people-watch, and sample local brunch classics, from bloody Caesars to baked goods. Alternatively, hit St. Lawrence Market or Ossington Avenue (two of the city’s top culinary destinations) for a more varied tasting itinerary. In the afternoon, explore one of Toronto’s many world-class museums, from the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario to the Aga Khan Museum. Later in the day, your nightlife options abound: Go for a beer-themed crawl of the city’s hyped breweries with a guide to show the way, or hit up the city’s celebrated speakeasies.

Day 3: A Niagara Getaway

Given that Toronto is less than a 2-hour drive from Niagara Falls, it’s no surprise that the natural wonder is at the top of most day-trippers’ to-do lists. Book a full-day getaway from Toronto for a seamless sightseeing experience, from round-trip transportation to a ride aboard Hornblower Niagara Cruises. Alternatively—for those who may have already visited the falls—Ontario offers further enchantments. The well-preserved, 19th-century Niagara-on-the-Lake is ranked as one of Canada’s most beautiful small towns, and is an idyllic place to while away the day. Then there’s Ontario Wine Country. Home to a burgeoning wine scene, dozens of top-notch producers, and a selection of gourmet restaurants, it’s a popular destination for oenophiles and epicureans.

Toronto doesn’t do things halfway. As the largest city in Canada, home to the West’s tallest freestanding structure and a multicultural urban hub, Toronto is a buzzing, action-packed place to be. Luckily, two days is still enough time to discover many of its top sights and experiences. Here’s how to plan your trip.

Day 1: Monuments and Museums

**Morning:**On a 2-day stay, efficient sightseeing is essential—and a hop-on hop-off bus tour gives you plenty of bang for your buck, with no worries about navigation. Depending on your itinerary, you can cruise past Royal Ontario Museum, glimpse Casa Loma, glide through the Entertainment District, and more, all in just a couple of hours.

**Afternoon:**Toronto is a town that takes its culture seriously, and a museum trip makes the perfect afternoon excursion. Depending on your interests, book tickets for the Art Gallery of Ontario, venture into the Aga Khan Museum, or—if the thrill of competition is more your style—explore the Hockey Hall of Fame.

**Night:**The CN Tower is Toronto’s most recognizable site, but simply admiring it from ground level won’t do. Instead, ascend 1,465 feet (447 meters) to its lofty SkyPod for luminous city views.

Day 2: Alternative Sightseeing

**Morning:**Toronto’s waterfront is one of its biggest assets, and there are few better ways to start your day than by heading out on a sightseeing cruise. In a glass-encased boat, chart the Inner Harbour, enjoy views of the Toronto Islands, and capture one-of-a-kind skyline shots.

**Afternoon:**Toronto is reputed to have Canada’s most adventurous and eclectic dining scene, and a neighborhood walking tour is the perfect way to combine your city explorations with a tempting tasting session. Typical tours might stop at international Kensington Market, explore up-and-coming Corktown, or hit the city’s culinary mecca: St. Lawrence Market.

**Night:**As evening descends, turn your attention from bites to drinks, and experience the city’s famous nightlife for yourself. Book a cocktail-themed discovery tour to hit Toronto’s coolest speakeasies, most atmospheric jazz bars, and entertaining pubs (with ample chances to toast to your trip).

As Canada’s most multicultural city, Toronto is a hub for summer festivals. The city hosts events celebrating art, culture, and food, so whether you're looking for souvlaki and mezes or yoga and cupcakes, Toronto has a festival for you. Here are some favorites.

Toronto Pride Pride weekend is a celebration of Toronto's thriving LGBT community. Over 10 days, the festival features a parade and a a number of events and activities, and with nearly 1.2 million annual attendees, it's one of the largest pride festivals in the world.

Toronto International Dragon Boat Race The Dragon Boat Festival puts a fun spin on a great cause with participants racing beautifully decorated and brightly colored boats through the waters of the Toronto Islands to promote awareness and growth of Chinese culture in the city. Insider tip: This festival location boasts the best view of the city.

Woofstock Head over to St. Lawrence Market for the annual Woofstock Festival on the second weekend of June to hang out with some retrievers, terriers, and beagles. This festival features all things "woof," including games, races, and the adorable Ms. and Mr. Canine Pageant.

Caribana (Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto) Caribana is one of North America's largest street festival and likely the largest Caribbean celebration outside of the islands. Prepare for colorful performances, steel pan, soca, calypso, and plenty of dancing. Don't fill up on fried bake, doubles, and Jamaican patties before the parade so you have extra energy for dancing.

Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays While Pedestrian Sundays may not be a formal festival, this popular Toronto event takes place every Sunday year-round and offers food and music from local vendors. With everything from outdoor yoga lessons and market sweets to breakout capoeira, there's always something different going on.

TD Toronto Jazz Festival The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is known as one of North America's premier jazz festivals, welcoming half a million fans to the city over 10 days each year with 350 performances and some 1,500 musicians. The heart of the festival is located at Nathan Philips Square, but events also take place around the city.

Taste of the Danforth Toronto boasts more culturally diverse and award-winning restaurants than one can count, so it's no wonder that the city is host to numerous food and culinary festivals, including the Greek Town's Taste of the Danforth Festival. Set on East Toronto's Danforth Avenue, souvlaki meets mezes and Hellenic food, culture, and music collide.

Canada’s largest and most international city, dynamic Toronto mingles historical neighborhoods with hipster enclaves, sky-high landmarks with Victorian architecture, and vibrant cultural offerings with much-loved sports teams. Here’s how to plan the perfect 1-day stay.

Morning: A City Tour on Wheels

Make the most of your morning in Toronto, and opt to sightsee on wheels. Find a perch atop a hop-on hop-off bus, and set out to discover the city’s top attractions without worrying about navigation. Crane your neck to see the CN Tower, drive past the turrets of Casa Loma, glimpse the avant-garde exterior of the Royal Ontario Museum, and wend your way along the waterfront. For a more up-close experience, a guided bike tour of downtown also provides a fitting introduction.

Afternoon: Explore Toronto’s Neighborhoods

After an overview of Toronto’s key attractions, narrow your scope and spend your afternoon getting to know one or two of the city’s most characterful neighborhoods. Discover Toronto’s Old Town and enjoy a tasty lunch when you tour 19th-century St. Lawrence Market, one of the city’s most popular attractions. Follow a guide on a stroll through Chinatown, go for a food-themed best-of tour of Kensington Market, or see the trendy Distillery District by Segway.

**Night:**It isn’t a full day in Toronto without a cruise of the harbor, and evening is the perfect time to head out on the water. Watch the sun setting over the city, see the lights come on, and—depending on the itinerary you select—enjoy dinner and dancing as part of your boat tour. Or, for an especially festive end to your trip, book an evening helicopter journey for sky-high views.

Toronto is Canada's largest metropolitan area, and it's also one of the country's most multicultural cities. With cultures and cuisines from around the globe, Toronto makes for a food-lover's dream. Here's what to know about exploring its restaurants, markets, and specialty stores.

Must-Visit Foodie Neighborhoods

• Distillery District: This district is full of cafes, restaurants, and shops located within heritage buildings with beautiful architecture, as well as the famed Stone Distillery.

• Dundas West/Little Portugal: This up-and-coming residential neighborhood is full of Portuguese shops and cafes offering authentic food and groceries.

• Leslieville: Leslieville's cafes, groovy shops, and restaurants have served as a backdrop for numerous film and TV productions and today attract trendsetters with a mix of Canadian flavors.

• King West: Comparable to New York City's SoHo, King West is home to the Toronto International Film Festival and a wide array of restaurant options.

• Old Toronto: The first of Toronto's named neighborhoods is home to tons of multicultural shops, restaurants, and markets.

Must-Do Experiences

• Taste beer and chocolates on a walking tour of Toronto's Distillery District.

• Indulge in meaty treats and try Toronto's signature peameal bacon sandwich on a Hogtown history food tour.

• Take a small-group gourmet dinner tour of Little Italy and visit several popular local restaurants.

• See the sights and enjoy lunch or dinner out on Toronto Harbour during a dining cruise.

• Learn about Toronto's fascinating food history on a visit to Kensington Market.

• Visit the St. Lawrence Market and learn about Toronto's underground Prohibition tunnel with a foodie tour guide.