Is Toronto Worth Visiting? Your Ultimate Guide to One Day in Toronto
You’re sitting there wondering if Toronto is worth a spot on your travel bucket list. Maybe you’re picturing towering skyscrapers, hockey fans, and maybe some maple syrup in the mix.
But is that enough to plan a trip? Short answer: Yes, Toronto is 100% worth visiting.
Long answer? Well, let’s dive in and see how you can make the most of just one day in Toronto.
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Why Toronto is a Must-Visit
Toronto isn’t just another big city. It’s a dynamic and culturally rich metropolis that feels like a global village.
With over 140 languages spoken, it’s one of the most diverse cities in the world. Toronto’s diversity isn’t just about the people. You will see it in the food, art, and energy that make the city come alive.
Add to that iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and a stunning waterfront, and you’ve got a city that’s equal parts exciting and welcoming. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, foodie, or just someone who appreciates a great skyline, Toronto delivers.
Toronto Mini Guide
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall (May–October) offers the best weather and outdoor events.
Where to Stay:
– One King West Toronto ($$)
– Cambridge Suites ($$)
How to Get There:
Fly into Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), just 30 minutes from downtown by UP Express train or rideshare.
Top Things to Do:
– Ride up the CN Tower
– Stroll the Distillery District
– Visit St. Lawrence Market
– Explore the Royal Ontario Museum
– Take a Toronto Harbor & Island Cruise
Money Saving Tip: Purchase a Toronto CityPASS for discounts to popular attractions.
Where to Stay for One Night in Toronto
If you’re staying overnight in Toronto, I highly recommend the Cambridge Suites Toronto.
It is within walking distance of many of Toronto’s famous sights, including the Eaton Centre, St. Lawrence Market, Brookfield Place, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The hotel is also connected to the Toronto PATH, where you can reach the Rogers Centre and Ripley’s Aquarium.
The Cambridge Suites has large rooms with a separate living area and bedroom. Most units have a wet bar area with a sink, a small fridge, a microwave, and a coffee maker.
The employees are friendly and extremely helpful, answering questions about parking, and giving directions and recommendations as needed.
What to See and Do in One Day in Toronto
You don’t need a pass or a tour package to enjoy Toronto. You just need a little planning and a sense of adventure. Here’s how to make your day count.
Morning: Start with the Icons
Kick off your day at the CN Tower, one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks.
The Canadian National Tower is a broadcast tower for 16 Canadian television stations and numerous FM radio stations, and the views from the top are spectacular.
On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Niagara Falls.
If you’re up for it, try the EdgeWalk, an adrenaline-pumping experience that literally lets you walk around the outside of the tower’s main pod.
You can also visit 360, the rotating restaurant, which makes a complete circle, offering full window views of the entire city, similar to the Tower of Americas in San Antonio, Texas.
Afterward, take a quick walk next door to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. The underwater tunnel and massive shark tank are a hit with all ages, and it’s a great way to start your trip on a high note.
Midday: Take in the City’s Culture and Character
Make your way to Casa Loma, a full-size castle in Toronto.
Yes, a castle in the middle of the city. It’s as grand as you’d imagine, with secret passageways, stunning gardens, and sweeping views of the city.
Casa Loma was originally built by Sir Henry Pellatt, an entrepreneur and the first investor of electricity for the city.
He invested over $3 million in the early 1900s to see the dream of his castle built. Unfortunately, the significant and risky investments that brought him riches also bankrupted him.
Eventually, the castle was sold and used as a hotel and other entertainment venues.
However, with the Great Depression, the venue sat vacant, which led to it being sold to the City of Toronto for a little more than $25,000, the amount owed in back taxes.
The views from the top floor of the mansion overlooking the gardens are unbelievably beautiful and give you a glimpse of the entire city.
The lush gardens with the opulent water feature are a popular spot for professional photographs and movies.
Expect to spend about an hour to an hour and half here.
Purchase your Casa Loma tickets here
If museums are more your style, you can swap Casa Loma for the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) with a mix of natural history, art, and culture housed in one of Toronto’s most striking buildings.
When it’s time for lunch, head toward St. Lawrence Market. It’s one of the best food markets in North America, and a peameal bacon sandwich (a Toronto original) is practically a rite of passage.
Afternoon: Enjoy the Waterfront
After lunch, wander down to the Harbourfront Centre. You can stroll along Lake Ontario, pop into a café, or take a harbour and islands cruise for postcard-worthy skyline views. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective.
We enjoyed this leisurely 60-minute boat ride which gives you stunning views of Toronto’s skyline and a chance to unwind after a busy morning. It’s the perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxation.
Don’t Miss This Hidden Gem
Once you finish your harbor tour, make a stop at Berczy Park, a small downtown park with a most delightful surprise, thanks to its whimsical dog fountain.
It’s quirky, fun, and a great spot for a quick photo. The fountain features a variety of dog breeds playing in the water while staring down at the bone in the center.
While you are there, see if you can spot the one cat and two birds placed at the fountain.
You can catch a City Sightseeing bus at Yonge Dundas Square. This is an area similar to Times Square in New York City, with large marquee signs and a bustling center.
Buy your tickets for the City Sightseeing bus for the Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour in advance to save time or through one of the ticket agents in the area.
The red and yellow City Sightseeing signs are hard to miss.
Purchase your tickets online and use the mobile voucher for a more convenient option.
Evening: Explore Toronto’s Neighborhoods
If you still have energy, jump on the Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus or grab an Uber to explore a few of Toronto’s most character-filled neighborhoods.
Love Locks Sculpture – Distillery District
Another Toronto spot worth visiting is the Distillery District, which is 100% for pedestrians only.
The Distillery District is a trendy spot with art galleries, restaurants, and bars.
It is here that you will find The Love Locks Sculpture. Couples bring a lock to add to the wall. While we were there, a man was selling locks for $10. We settled for a picture instead.
Nathan Phillips Square
The Nathan Phillips Square is home to the brightly lit Toronto sign.
It was initially installed as a temporary exhibit for the Toronto Pan American Games but became a permanent fixture because it was so popular.
You can also find an outdoor skating rink in this area.
Bonus Stops
If you have time or plan to stay another day, consider checking out these other favorite Toronto spots.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Canadians love their hockey teams, and when in Toronto, you have to root for the home team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. But, even if you’re not a die-hard hockey fan, the Hockey Hall of Fame is worth a visit.
The exhibits are interactive, and seeing the Stanley Cup up close is a uniquely Canadian experience.
Toronto Graffiti Tour
Toronto has a vibrant street art scene, and when visiting Toronto, you should try to check it out. I recommend that you book a free Graffiti Tour with the Tour Guys.
The tour takes you through the streets of Toronto, where you will find prominent street art.
Areas like these are becoming very popular in other cities, including Santurce in Puerto Rico, and Magazine Street in New Orleans.
We loved going on the Graffiti Tour, which is a fun way to spend the afternoon walking around the city after the bus and harbor tours.
Getting Around Toronto
The Underground City PATH way
Toronto has over nineteen miles of underground paths connecting the central Financial District offices, shops, and restaurants.
The PATH has numerous entrances and exits, including one at Yonge Dundas Square and Saks Fifth Avenue. Despite the maps located throughout, I found it quite challenging to navigate.
I can only imagine how beneficial this PATH is during the winter months.
Tips for First-Time Toronto Visitors
- Try Local Food: Don’t miss a peameal bacon sandwich from St. Lawrence Market—it’s a Toronto classic.
- Pack Comfy Shoes: You’ll be walking a lot. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
- Use Public Transit: The TTC is reliable and easy to navigate. Grab a day pass if you’re planning to hop around.
- Best Time to Visit Toronto: Spring and fall offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Carry Cash: Most places take cards, but it’s always good to have a little Canadian currency on hand.
Combine Toronto and Niagara Falls
On my visit to Toronto, I arrived from a weekend in Niagara Falls, which is just a 90-minute drive away. After marveling at the beauty of the falls, stepping into Toronto’s city life felt like the perfect contrast.
Both destinations complement each other beautifully, making for an unforgettable trip.
You, too, may want to consider combining these two spots when making your plans especially if you are looking for day trips from Niagara Falls or vice versa.
Final Thoughts: Is Toronto Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Whether you’re scaling the CN Tower, strolling through the Distillery District, or cruising along the harbour, Toronto offers a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation that’s hard to beat.
It’s the kind of place where every moment feels like an opportunity to discover something new. And if you’re combining it with a trip to Niagara Falls? Even better. Together, they make for a trip that’s as memorable as it is fun.
So, is Toronto worth visiting? Without question. Whether you have one day or a full weekend, this city will surprise you in all the best ways.
