10 Top Things To Do In Toronto Besides The CN Tower!

Toronto is Canada’s largest city so there’s quite a bit to do in the city.

There’s so much that it can be hard to figure out what exactly are the top things to do in Toronto.

That’s where I come in! With family in Toronto, I know all the top places to visit in Toronto, both the tourist and more local spots.

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A Note About The Toronto CN Tower…

There’s no doubt that one of the top things to do in Toronto is visit the CN tower.

I’m only bringing it up so nobody can get mad at me for not bringing up the most obvious Toronto attraction.

I mean, you can’t go to Toronto Ontario and not notice the CN Tower – it’s smack dab in the middle of the city and shows up in almost every skyline view!

If you’re interested in going up to the top of the CN tower for a view, book a tour to skip the line, or expect to wait in a long line.

Also, keep in mind that you won’t see the CN tower in your skyline view at the top (which is a very prominent structure in the Toronto skyline).

Instead, I recommend a few other easier ways to actually see the CN tower in the Toronto skyline…keep reading to find out where!

CN tower in toronto skyline at sunset from kensington market. There are shorter two story shops in the front with larger condos and high rise buildings in the back with the CN tower

Top Things To Do In Toronto

Now, without further ado, here are my top things to do in Toronto that aren’t visiting the CN Tower…

1. Go To A Jays Game

Unless you’re travelling during the winter, try your best to go to a Jays game (a Blue Jays game that is!). The baseball season goes from the end of March until the beginning of October.

The Blue Jays aren’t only Toronto’s baseball team but they’re really Canada’s baseball team.

The Toronto Blue Jays are the only Canadian team in the league! So we all cheer for them as fellow Canadians (along with the Raptors in basketball, so you could also go to a Raptors game!).

Even if you aren’t a fan of baseball (I’m definitely not!) you have to go to a Jays game. They play at Rogers Stadium (which is also a place to see in Toronto), which conveniently located next to the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium.

Buy some Jays gear while you’re there to wear during the rest of your trip.

Make sure not to miss the 7th inning stretch where everyone sings ‘Take Me Out To The Ball Game‘ together.

2. Visit The Toronto Waterfront: What To Do Toronto Canada

Toronto was settled on the edge of Lake Ontario, so you can either visit the Toronto waterfront by land or sea (well lake!).

The main place to go on land is Queens Quay West. If you continue walking along Queen’s Quay you’ll pass the harbour front and eventually make it to Sugar Beach.

Along the way, you might want to stop for picturesque views along the Waterfront Promenade. But, if you’re looking for more of an activity, bring your bathing suit for when you reach Sugar Beach!

The harbour front is also where you can jump on a boat to either the Toronto Islands (more on that in a bit), or just head out on a harbour boat tour for a skyline view of Toronto from the water.

queens quay west toronto. a bustling street in downtown toronto with cars stuck in traffic at a light, despite it being green. On the light post there's a street sign for queens quay w

3. Visit Toronto Islands For Best Skyline View

The Toronto Islands offers THE BEST view of the downtown Toronto skyline.

I had been to Toronto so many times before I decided to go to the Toronto Islands… don’t make the same mistake I did. This is now my all time favourite places to visit in Toronto.

First, the Toronto Islands offer a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Second, it’s really easy to get to considering you’re going to an island.

All you have to do is hop on the ferry (or water taxi) at the Toronto Harbour front. You don’t even have to stay on the Island for long, you’ll see the view right away and then you can head back to the city!

If you have time though, I recommend staying and exploring the Toronto Islands. There’s an amusement part perfect for kids, bike paths, and even more beaches!

You might also be interested in reading

The Toronto Islands Guide: How To Get There & What To Do

the perfect picnic lunch spot on toronto island with a view: you're sitting on lush green grass, trees line you view of the toronto skyline behind the water. The water is calm enough that you can see a slight reflection. And there are people paddle boarding further out.

4. Nathan Philips Square: Top Things To Do In Downtown Toronto

Nathan Philips Square is the main square of downtown Toronto.

At first glance Nathan Philips Square doesn’t seem like much, but every time I visit there always seems to be an event going on in the square. From Caribbean festivals, food trucks, and ice skating in the winter!

On the weekends in the summer, this is one of the top places to visit in Toronto for some free evening entertainment.

Plus, if you want a photo in front of the of the iconic Toronto sign, this is where you’ll find it!

Of course, you’ll also find some more touristy things here like the Toronto Old City Hall to admire!

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nathan philips square toronto filled with people at night. The toronto sign is lit up in different colours, behind it is a stage with lights so bright you can barely see it.

5. Shop Along Toronto Trendy Streets (Kensington Market)

Toronto has a few similar trendy shopping locations and you definitely have to stop by at least one of them. These are where you’ll find the real Toronto vibes.

Kensington market is one of those places on every top 10 list – and for good reason.

But! What other lists don’t say is that Kensington Market isn’t exactly for everyone, I wouldn’t send my parents there, it’s just not their scene.

Kensington Market is kind of a grungy, dirty, artsy location in Toronto. While parts of it are incredibly Instagram worthy, others remind me of Canal Street in New York…

But, if you want local hand made goods, this is the place to go.

kensington market toronto. Cars are driving down the street with yellow painted buildings on a perfect sunny day.

And of course, you can come here for brunch and coffee! In fact, it has one of the best foodie scenes in Toronto, discover it on a food tour of Kensington Market.

Make sure to stop by the colourful homes on Kensington Avenue for a photo op too!

But for less sketchy vibes, Queen Street West might be more up your alley.

It’s very similar to Kensington Market, but instead of being in a whole area, it’s just one street that you’re shopping along.

On Queen Street you’ll mostly find vintage and thrift stores.

Or if you want an even more local spot for shopping, head to The Junction. I love shopping at Arts Made for local hand made products. And they have a lot of restaurants to choose from once you’re here (each with their own patio perfect for summer terrace season!).

the junction toronto. A line of tables and chairs on the street blocked by a brown wooden fence. Green umbrellas are open above them on a bright sunny barely cloudy day. There's restaurant across the street with the same outdoor terrace on the street.

6. Things To Do In Downtown Toronto: Younge & Dundas Square, And The Eaton Centre

You might ask yourself: why am I sending you to a shopping mall in downtown Toronto?

Well if you weren’t a fan of the small shopping streets then head to the Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. This is the place to find everything you need.

I swear Montrealers flock to the Eaton Centre when they come to Toronto. It will have all your regular main stream stores and more.

Younge & Dundas Square is right next to the Eaton Centre. You won’t feel like you’re in Canada anymore, it’s like a mini Times Square with the giant billboard ads!

a closeup of yonge st sign in toronto ontario

7. Casa Loma – Unique Toronto Attractions

Casa Loma is another one of those places to visit in Toronto that I somehow only discovered on my most recent trip to the city.

Casa Loma is EPIC but I warn you that the tickets are costly! Honestly, just driving by is worth it to see this giant castle emerge in the suburban city streets.

You can buy tickets to tour the castle but you can also go to enjoy lunch or dinner in the gardens.

During the summer Casa Loma also hosts different events, like Symphony in the Gardens or Murdoch Mystery Escape the Castle Game….

P.S. Not To Be Missed Top Things To Do In Toronto!

Once you’re in the area, you have to go to the Baldwin Steps. From the top, they offer you skyline view of Toronto from the other side.

things-to-do-in-toronto: visit casa loma. a medievale castle with a front tower and a beautiful stone water fountain with lush green tree leaves on the edge of the photo

8. Places To Visit In Toronto: Unique Toronto Museums

Every city has their fair share of museums, and Toronto is no exception.

Of course, they have their classic jack of all trades museum (The Royal Ontario Museum), and their city art museum (Art Gallery of Toronto).

But Toronto also has some museums that are unique to Toronto.

Some of my favourites include the Bata Shoe Museum, the Textile Museum of Canada, and Prehistoria Museum & SkullStore Oddity Shop.

Toronto wine lane road, stopped at a red line. There are streetcar tracks on the street, and the wires line the skyline view. Half the sky is blue while the other half is completley covered in clouds. You can see the CN tower above the buildings lining the road.

9. Relax In High Park At The Hillside Gardens

High Park is the Central Park of Toronto (but on a much smaller scale).

If you’re looking for a green escape, this is the place to go. There’s no shortage of things to do in High Park either. You can manage to spend the entire day if you wanted to! I think if you were interested in exploring it all, it would take you a few days!

There are countless walking trails, a zoo, even a public pool and splash pads for the kiddos.

But – my favourite part are the Hillside Gardens. Come here with your a blanket and lunch for a romantic, relaxing picnic on the hillside.

high park hillside gardens toronto the view from above down a green hillside. You can see a floral arrangement at the base in the shape of a maple leaf and through the trees you can see some water behind them.

10. What To Do Toronto Canada: Ride A Streetcar!

Locals might not see the streetcar as much, and that’s because it really isn’t!

But if you live in a city without one, then you have to ride a streetcar when you come to Toronto. It’s also just a really convenient way to get around the city.

The streetcars are just a fancy word for tram, which is what it is. It’s like an above ground subway, that’s also VERY terrifying.

If you do decide to take a streetcar, be aware when you’re getting on and off. The streetcars run in the middle of the street, and that’s exactly where the pick up and drop offs are… We’ve seen people run in front of traffic to get to the stop on time – please don’t do that! You’ll just catch the next one.

P.S. they’re also the reason for all the ugly wires in your cityscape photos of Toronto.

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the streets of toronto with a red and white street car coming your way in the middle of the road.

Honourable Mention Toronto Attractions

Obviously, there’s TONS more top things to do in Toronto Canada that I barely even scratched the surface. Here are some other top places to see in Toronto if you have some extra time.

Ripley’s Aquarium

The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of only three in the world. Learn about all things under water life here.

It’s also conveniently located downtown Toronto next to the CN Tower.

Medieval Times

Medieval Times isn’t unique to Toronto, as there are tons around the states. But it is the only one in Canada!

At Medieval Times you’re transported back in time (to medieval times) for a jousting tournament and dinner!

Toronto Organized Tours

Toronto City walking tour →

Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour →

Toronto Harbour Cruise Tour →

See more tours in Toronto through Viator.

Need A Place To Stay In Toronto Ontario?

I typically stay with family when I visit Toronto but I have stayed downtown once at the Radisson Blu Downtown Toronto. Located on Toronto’s harbour front, it was a very convenient location (plus you can upgrade your room for a view!). The highlight though of the hotel is by far the outdoor rooftop pool with an outstanding view of the CN Tower. See rates & availability on Booking.com.

If you’re looking to stay in downtown Toronto, One King West Hotel might be the one for you! Located on King Street you’re a short walk to all the main attractions, there are several tram stops, and the subway is just over a 5 minute walk away. See rates & availability on Booking.com.

Staying in Toronto can be quite expensive, Home in Downtown is budget friendly option to visiting the city. Although it has shared bathrooms, you have a private kitchen to use. Plus this apartment style stay has glowing reviews! See rates & availability on Booking.com.

See more accommodation options in Toronto on Booking.com.

P.S. If you’re looking for a long term stay for your family in Toronto, Industrial Luxe on Plum Guide has a minimum 30 night stay. You’ll be living in luxury the whole time you’re here with family movie nights on the projector and bean bags! See rates & availability on Plum Guide.