10 Best Things to Do in and Around Toronto for First-Time Visitors
Summary
To us, Toronto is not a typical glamorous tourist spot. What makes it special are the rich cultural experiences: neighborhoods full of character, food from every corner of the world, and seasonal traditions that locals love. If you are visiting from outside eastern North America, the city feels refreshingly different. From skyline picnics to Niagara Falls day trips, here are ten ways to see Toronto in its own style.
1. Exploring Old Toronto Neighborhoods
The best place to start your Toronto trip is at the Toronto sign in Nathan Phillips Square: the city’s most iconic photo spot. From there, explore Old Toronto’s highlights: shop at the Eaton Centre, ride up the CN Tower, snack on the famous peameal bacon sandwich at St. Lawrence Market, wander cobblestones in the Distillery District. It’s the perfect introduction to Toronto.
2. Day Trip to Niagara Falls & Niagara-on-the-Lake
You cannot miss Niagara Falls. The best way to feel its full power is on the Niagara City Cruises boat ride which takes you right to the base of Horseshoe Falls. The mist will soak you and the roar of the water is unforgettable. After that rush, head to Niagara-on-the-Lake where you can stroll heritage streets, sip local ice wine, and tour wineries like Peller Estates or Inniskillin. The mix of raw nature and refined charm makes this the ultimate day trip.
3. Taste the World in Toronto’s Neighborhoods
Toronto is a food lover’s dream and one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Challenge yourself to try 10 authentic dishes from 10 different cultures. Have dim sum at One Fusion, Khao Soi at Khao San Road, Brunch at michelin-recommended Maha’s Egyptian Brunch, and BB’s Bib Gourmand Filipino spot
4. Sunset Picnic at Riverdale Park East (May to Oct)
Riverdale Park East is the city’s favorite hillside for skyline sunsets. Pack up a mushroom pizza from Toronto’s hottest pizza shop, Badiali, or bring a sushi tasting box from Toro Toro, then spread your blanket on the grass as the CN Tower lights up in the distance
5. Pride Parade & Drag Shows on Church Street (19+)(year-round, Pride in June)
Toronto Pride is one of the biggest in the world and the city comes alive every June with parades, floats, and street parties. Year-round, the Village keeps the spirit going. Drag shows at Crews & Tangos or Woody’s are glittery, hilarious, and always welcoming, a 19+ night out you’ll never forget
6. Stand Up Paddleboarding at Toronto Island (Jun to Sep)
Catch the ferry to the Toronto Islands and rent a board from Toronto Island SUP. Glide through calm lagoons, test your balance on the water, and enjoy the peace of being surrounded by nature while the Toronto skyline rises in the background. It feels part adventure, part meditation, and is one of the most unique ways to experience a Toronto summer.
7. Summer Fair at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) (Aug–Sep)
The Canadian National Exhibition has been Toronto’s end of summer tradition for more than 100 years. Ride the Sky Ride for a view of the entire fairground, try quirky creations like pickle pizza or deep fried Mars bars, and test your luck at classic midway games.
8. Maple Leaves Chasing in and around Toronto (Sep to Nov)
Toronto’s fall colors are stunning. Stroll through Evergreen Brick Works or High Park for easy access, or go big with a road trip to Algonquin Park where entire forests explode in orange and red. For something closer, Niagara Glen offers fiery leaves framing the turquoise river below
9. Watching Ice Hockey at Scotiabank Arena (Oct–Apr)
Nothing feels more Canadian than watching the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena. The atmosphere is electric inside, but if you can’t score tickets, join the free Maple Leafs Square tailgate outside where thousands of fans gather to cheer for playoffs. It’s Toronto sports culture at its loudest
10. Snow Tubing around Toronto (Dec to Mar)
Winter calls for some playful fun. Head to Snow Valley in Barrie or Horseshoe Resort north of the city for tubing lanes that send you flying down snowy hills. Warm up after with poutine from the chalet café and embrace winter the Canadian way.
