Toronto holidays

The city is peppered with vast green spaces, providing places to relax during vacations to Toronto. High Park is one of the largest, with playgrounds, picnic spots, ponds and cafes. Toronto Music Garden has an otherworldly feeling, with lots of corners to get lost in — the garden design is an interpretation of Bach’s ‘First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello.’

Toronto takes culture and creativity seriously, providing lots of free ways to experience it. The Bata Shoe Museum is fun loving and free to enter on Sundays. The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto runs free tours and occasional events. Major concerts like the Toronto Jazz Festival also feature complimentary events.

Toronto is famous for its street art, which you’ll find in many neighborhoods. Graffiti Alley in the Fashion District is where street art is legal. Many renowned graffiti artists have created murals along this road. Become totally immersed in the art during a trip to Toronto by joining one of the lively street festivals here. 

A pocket of urban living blended with natural beauty, West Humber-Clairville is a quiet neighborhood on Toronto’s outskirts. The Humber River runs through it, and the lush green trails are spectacular. Original boutiques and diverse ethnic cuisines make shopping and eating a treat too. This is where to stay in Toronto if you like green space and easy access to landmarks.

Good for: Green space, restaurants, shopping

A central neighborhood that brings together history and high-end appeal, Wellington Place is an upscale area. Look for chic restaurants and contemporary art galleries, plus plenty of architectural interest in the repurposed old buildings. The Well is a cosmopolitan pedestrianized space for shopping, eating and drinking, making Wellington Place one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Toronto.

Good for: Eating, nightlife, shopping, central location

The city’s upbeat downtown area, Old Toronto, pulsates with energy and diversity. Historical architecture stands side by side with modern skyscrapers and the triangular Flatiron Building, giving this area a unique look. Many of Toronto’s must-visit landmarks are here, but you’ll find lesser-known places to discover too. Fran’s Bar Roof Top is one of them — stop here for a milkshake or cocktail.

Good for: Sightseeing, restaurants, bars, central location

Whether your kids love to be active or learn new things, you can choose from loads of things to do with family in Toronto. Visit the CN Tower for soaring views of the city, or spend a day among 5,000 animals at the Toronto Zoo. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum for world culture, art and nature, and visit the HarbourFront Centre for free outdoor concerts, festivals and events throughout the year.

Whether it’s vintage stores or high-end boutiques you love, shopping in Toronto has it all. Visit the chic Yorkville neighborhood for designer shops and galleries, or explore Kensington Market to find unique pieces of clothing, jewelry and crafts. For a taste of global shopping, Chinatown and St. Lawrence Market have fresh produce, artisanal products and tempting souvenirs.

A city where more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken, Toronto has a cultural scene infused with internationalism. The galleries, landmarks and museums in Toronto are varied. The Art Gallery of Ontario has an acclaimed collection of Canadian and international art, and historic Casa Loma has a castle and lush gardens to meander through. For a glimpse into the city's past, visit the Distillery District, which is full of Victorian architecture, art galleries and theaters.

With trendy bars, rooftop patios, jazz clubs and music festivals, nightlife in Toronto shows off a whole new side of the city. The Entertainment District puts on big stage shows and concerts. Soak up panoramic views with a drink at a rooftop bar, such as Bar Cana at SOCO. For a lively nightlife experience, head to the King West neighborhood, where nightclubs, lounges and live music venues reign supreme.

Toronto is a food-lover’s wonderland. At many restaurants in Toronto you can try the classic Canadian dish of poutine (fries, cheese curds and gravy). Eat fresh seafood at Rodney's Oyster House, or dumplings and noodles in Queen West, which also has hallowed craft beer and cocktail spots.

Hit the city during the warmer months and you’ll discover several beaches in Toronto. Woodbine Beach is the largest, famous for its volleyball matches and lively boardwalk. Chilled-out Cherry Beach is fab for picnics (grab gourmet sandwiches from Grandma Loves You in the city center), and Hanlan's Point Beach on Toronto Island looks back at the flawless Toronto skyline.