The Ultimate 3-Day Toronto Itinerary for First-Timers

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Toronto, or The Six, as Drake (yes papi) so affectionally refers to it, is a vibrant, bustling metropolitan city located in the Eastern Canadian province of Ontario.

Being the largest city in Canada, it’s also a melting pot of cultures, which gives Toronto that special allure many people come for.

Back in 2019, I took a tour of Canada from East to West to determine whether this was the country I wanted to settle down in. I took a slow 6 days in Toronto to really discover the city.

As a FOMO traveler, slow travel is my ideal style of traveling so I cover all my bases and make sure I never miss a thing. Howver, I understand that not everyone can afford to spend an entire week in just one city.

I mean, there’s so much more of the world to see, amirite?!

So here in my curated Toronto itinerary, I include all the must-see’s and must-do’s so you can have the best time in TO in just 2-3 days, without missing out on anything.

How to Get Around Toronto

By public transport

Toronto is pretty well connected via public transportation, or the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission), as the locals call it, with its extensive network of trains, buses, and streetcars.

Most of the city is connected by the PATH system which is an underground system built to beat the bitter cold Toronto winter days. Most locals don’t even have to surface above ground during the winter months since you can get almost anywhere via the PATH system.

You can buy a Presto card and load money on at any station. A Presto card allows you to tap on it to pay for any bus, subway, or streetcar for a two-hour period.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, get a day pass from the station instead. A day pass allows two adults and two children unlimited travel for a day on the weekends.

By car

I don’t recommend driving around the city, as parking can cost quite a bomb. In fact, I walked most of the time during my time in Toronto, and you probably will too!

But if you need to venture a little further, Lyft and Uber are also available throughout the city.

Hop on hop off bus

Alternatively, you can get a hop-on hop-off bus pass and enjoy learning about the city as you ride around to the key sites and attractions at your own pace. The best part is there’s a live guide who can fill you in all the details of the sites you’re visiting!

During summer, the vehicles are mainly open-top double-deckers buses that afford you the best possible view of Toronto!

Where to Stay in Toronto

When I first marked out my points of interest on Google Maps, everything looked so close to each other. When I finally got to Toronto and started walking, I realized one thing – the map is hugely deceiving. Because Toronto is HUGE.

If it’s your first time in Toronto and you’re only visiting for a few days, it makes sense to stay downtown. I recommend staying around Yonge-Dundas Square due to its central location and proximity to shopping malls and plenty of eateries.

Here are some recommended hotels for your visit:

• The Drake Hotel from $209
  No, it wasn’t named after the famous Champagne Papi, but for a taste of luxury, this elegant hotel should be your top pick.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Toronto Downtown from $150
  Can’t go wrong with a Hilton, this 4-star hotel is strategically located in Downtown Toronto and a stone’s throw away from the train station and the underground maze of shopping malls!
• Fairmont Royal York Hotel from $180
  If you’ll be taking the intercity train quite a bit, The Fairmont is located right across from Union Station. It’s also super close to CN Tower and the Harbourfront.
• Budget option! The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar from $80
  Excellent location, excellent price. Bonus if you appreciate a bit of live music every night, it’s one of downtown Toronto’s most iconic locations.

Best Time to Visit Toronto

When I mention Toronto to my friends in Asia, all they think about is the biting cold. And they’re not wrong as Toronto faces cold weather almost more than half the year.

Spring (March – May) is one of the best times to visit Toronto. The city starts to thaw from the winter chill, and the weather becomes milder.

You can expect blooming flowers, budding trees, and outdoor patios beginning to open. Spring in Toronto means fewer crowds compared to the summer, making it an ideal time for sightseeing. Major spring events include:

• Toronto Comic Arts Festival (May): A celebration of comic arts with various artists and creators.
• Doors Open Toronto (May): Offers free access to some of Toronto’s most architecturally, historically, culturally, and socially significant buildings.

Summer (June – August) is peak tourist season in Toronto. The weather is warm, making it perfect for outdoor activities and festivals.

This is the best time to enjoy Toronto’s parks, beaches, and outdoor dining. However, it’s also the busiest time, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Key summer events include:

• Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) (September): Although it begins in late summer, this event is a major draw, attracting celebrities and film buffs from around the world.
• Pride Toronto (June): One of the largest LGBTQ+ festivals in the world, with a vibrant parade and numerous events.
• Caribana (August): A massive Caribbean festival featuring a parade, music, and food.

Fall (September – November) is another great time to visit Toronto. The weather cools down, and the fall foliage adds a picturesque quality to the city’s parks and neighborhoods.

This season is less crowded than summer, making it a pleasant time for sightseeing. Notable fall events include:

• Nuit Blanche (October): An all-night art event with contemporary art installations across the city.
• Toronto International Festival of Authors (October): A literary event with readings, interviews, and book signings by authors from around the world.

Winter (December to February) in Toronto can be quite cold, with temperatures often dipping as low as -25’C (-13’F). However, if you enjoy winter sports and festive events, this can be a magical time to visit.

The city is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and there are several winter activities to enjoy. Key winter events include:

• Toronto Christmas Market (December): Held in the Distillery District, this market offers festive lights, decorations, and holiday treats.
• Winterlicious (January/February): A culinary event where many of Toronto’s top restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at reduced prices.
• Ice skating at Nathan Phillips Square: A popular winter activity with a picturesque backdrop.

How many days in Toronto?

You could easily fill a whole week or more in Toronto if you’re visiting for the first time, soaking up the city’s vibe and trendy attractions, dining, and exploring like a local.

However, if you’re short on time, 2-3 days in Toronto will allow you to see the best of the city and get a real taste of what’s on offer.

If you have extra days, you could soak up the atmosphere of different neighborhoods like we did, or take a day trip to Niagara Falls!

3 Day Toronto Itinerary

Toronto Itinerary – Day One

If you read my other guides, you’ll know the first thing I like to do when I get to a new city is to join their free walking tour. It’s a quick and economical way of getting your lay of the land, and getting some insider tips on that city.

CN Tower

That tall pointy building you see peeking above Toronto’s skyline is the iconic CN Tower.

It’s probably the #1 thing to do when you’re in Toronto as it gives you sweeping views of the city.

I recommend coming just before the sun sets to enjoy the sky turning colors! On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Niagara Falls. And if you’ve got balls of steel, maybe take a step out onto the Edgewalk!

Distillery District

The Distillery District was probably one of my favorite areas in Toronto. I loved the whole feel of the place, with the bare brick stone buildings and cobblestoned streets.

I’m always a sucker for these quaint art-centered shopping hubs. Some of my other favorites around the world are Granville Island in Vancouver, Chelsea Market in New York, Coal Drops Yard in London and Fabrika in Tbilisi.

These buildings used to house a large whiskey distillery, not to mention one of the largest in the world!

There are cute little shops, art galleries, and cafés for you to spend a couple of hours here. You’ll usually find performances here too so you’re sure to be kept entertained.

If you’d like to learn more about the secret history of Toronto’s iconic Distillery District, you can take a tour which includes a local guide who will tell you stories of business intrigue, a drunk city and the company that became the world’s largest distillery.

Toronto Sign

You can’t miss snapping a picture here when you’re in Toronto! If you get the chance, come by in the evening when the Toronto sign is all lit up in multiple colors!

Gooderham Building

Did you know that Toronto has its very own Flatiron Building like the one in New York?

It’s much smaller in size, but this is actually the OG flatiron building, predating the one in New York by 10 years! Somehow, though, New York’s version got all the attention!

Ripley’s Aquarium

If you’re a bit of an animal lover like me, you’ll love Ripley’s Aquarium which hosts over 16,000 aquatic creatures – it’s a sure hit with kids and adults alike.

One of the highlights of Ripley’s Aquarium is the Dangerous Lagoon, a moving walkway that takes you through an underwater tunnel, offering an unforgettable 360-degree view of the marine life swimming all around you!

Royal Ontario Museum

Toronto’s weather can be pretty brutal sometimes, and museum hopping is a perfect indoor activity.

One of the best places to explore when you want to stay indoors is the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Canada’s largest museum and one of the largest in North America.

The ROM offers an impressive collection that spans art, culture, and nature from around the world, with over six million objects and specimens providing endless opportunities for discovery and learning.

Toronto Itinerary – Day Two

Toronto Island

If you’ve found yourself with awesome weather and the sunny sun sun out, please do yourself a favor and catch the first ferry out to Toronto Islands!

It’s the perfect way to spend a couple of hours, or even a whole day out. Here you’ll find biking trails, picnic spots, and an amusement park for all ages. You also get unobstructed views of the Toronto cityscape — Magnifico!

It’s super easy to get there – just grab a public ferry from The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal which will get you to one of the Toronto Islands – Ward’s Island, Centre Island or Hanlan’s Point. It doesn’t matter which as they are all interconnected.

Tickets cost $9.11 for adults, $5.86 for students and seniors, $4.29 under 14, free under 2.

Or if you’d like to skip all the hassle, you can get an organized sightseeing cruise that will take you from the harbour and enjoy the Toronto skyline. You won’t be able to get off on Toronto Island though, so this is perfect if you’re short on time!

Toronto Zoo

Another one for the animal lovers! If you love animals, you’ll be thrilled to know that the Toronto Zoo is one of the most ethical zoos in the world.

Located in the picturesque Rouge Valley, the Toronto Zoo is a vast and beautifully maintained sanctuary for over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species. Spanning 710 acres, it offers plenty of space for its diverse inhabitants and visitors alike to explore.

Casa Loma

A castle in North America? They are pretty few and far between, so don’t pass up the chance to visit this architectural marvel!

Movie buffs might like to know that this castle served as a location for several movies such as X-Men, Chicago and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

Potterhead fun fact!: Casa Loma was transformed into Hogwarts for the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

Toronto Itinerary – Day Three

Niagara Falls

If you have an additional day in Toronto, you can’t miss a trip to one of the Wonders of the World, Niagara Falls.

It’s a quick 1-hour drive from Toronto, which makes it an easy day trip. The best part is, you get to experience the falls from the Canadian side, which most people agree is the better side 😉

Guided Tours in Toronto

If you want to see the best of Toronto in a short time, especially if you’re only visiting Toronto for a day or two, bus tours and walking tours can be great options so you don’t miss out on the highlights of the city!

You can combine one or more of these guided tours and day trips into your Toronto itinerary:

• Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus – For a semi-self-paced tour around Toronto, the hop on hop off bus is a great option to learn about the sites and get off when you like.
• Toronto: City Highlights Night Van Tour with Boat Cruise – Immerse yourself in the Canada’s bustling capital city at night on this van tour with an included Toronto harbor cruise. Sit back and relax as you take in the city’s sights illuminated at night.
• Toronto: Best of Toronto City Tour with Entry Tickets – Experience the best of the best on a small group city sightseeing tour. Take in Toronto’s must-see attractions and learn about the city’s history.
• Toronto: 2-Hour Downtown Walking Tour – Set off on a public or private tour of Downtown Toronto to see its main attractions and learn how it developed into the cultural and financial capital that it now is.
• Toronto: Heart of Downtown 3.5-Hour Bike Tour – Enjoy an easy 3.5-hour bicycle tour and see Downtown Toronto’s key sights, including must-see cultural and historical landmarks, as well as major attractions. Do this tour first to get a sneak preview of all the places you might want to go back to later!
• Toronto: Haunted Night Walking Tours – Learn about the darker side of Toronto’s history with four walks to choose from: the Original Haunted Walk in English or French, the Campus Secrets and Spectres Walk, the Ghosts and Spirits of the Distillery Walk, or the Black Creek Pioneer Village Walk.

Where to Eat

When I think of Toronto, I think of food. The amalgamation of cultures and ethnicities in Toronto has produced some of the best gastronomic options sure to satisfy all kinds of tastebuds. Here are some of my favorite picks:

Lady Marmalade

My travel buds always ask why there’s a line outside every eatery I pick – well, good things are worth the wait right?

We waited almost an hour in the blistering wind on a weekday afternoon, and was it worth it?

You’ve gotta try it yourself and decide. Serving up some pretty inventive dishes, it’s a perfect brunch spot. I loved the bright and airy interior that complimented my brunch (and Instagram).

Address: 265 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4M 2G8

Pai

I’ll let the long queues outside this establishment speak for itself. For some seriously good Northern Thai food, come to Pai. Come for the food, and stay for the super chill vibes (oh, and the Thai beer).

Address: 18 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8

St Lawrence Market

Who doesn’t love a good food market? Toronto has its very own St. Lawrence Market. Ask any local and you will be directed here for their peameal bacon sandwich, almost autonomous with Toronto food. Thank me later!

General Assembly

If I could have one food for the rest of my life, it probably would be pizza. So everywhere I go, I like to try some good ol’ cheesy delights.

And I’m happy to report that General Assembly serves up a mean pizza. They’ve got a pretty extensive menu so a repeat visit is almost warranted. Doesn’t hurt that they’ve got a few branches across the city so just pick the one closest to you!

SPECIAL! For the Harry Potter Fans

If you’re a Potterhead like moi, you’re gonna go cray cray at these two locations I’m gonna introduce to you:

Curiosa: Purveyors of Extraordinary Things

Wands Wallets at the ready!

Not sure how many rounds I walked around this shop, but I guess it’s a norm as the staff did not shoot me any weird looks.

Here you’ll find all sorts of Harry Potter collectibles including Limited Edition MinaLima prints (!!!).

For the Muggles in the back, MinaLima is the graphic design company that designed most of the graphic art like posters and book covers for the Harry Potter universe. Each limited edition poster has a special serial number, so you’ll know you’re one of the lucky few to own a piece of magic history. Not sure if there’s anything cooler than that?

Address: 320 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M6G 1H1

The Lockhart

I had this place bookmarked on my maps but unfortunately had no time to make my way here as it is a little out of town. :sadface:

But I know the next time I am in Toronto, this will be my first stop!

The Lockhart is a cocktail bar inspired by the Harry Potter franchise. Serving up cocktails like Gin’s Weasley, The Marauder served in a flaming cauldron (!!!), and The Dementor’s Kiss which has a glaring disclaimer stating that this is not fit for human consumption (pfft, challenge accepted!).

MAY 2024 UPDATE: Unfortunately this is closed now 🙁

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