Toronto is one of Canada’s most exciting and multicultural destinations, making it the perfect city to visit throughout the year. Ontario’s capital is located along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, and it’s known for being the country’s largest city and hub for things like food, innovation, and culture. From the towering CN Tower to its bustling markets and trendy neighbourhoods, Toronto offers just the right mixture of scenic beauty and urban energy. If you’re planning to spend a weekend in Toronto, you’ll find that there’s a lot to fit into your itinerary.
The city’s roots date back to the 18th century, when it was first established as the town of York in 1793 by British settlers. Prior to that, it was inhabited by Indigenous peoples. Toronto didn’t get its current name until 1834 though, which was derived from the Mohawk word Tkaronto, loosely meaning “where there are trees in the water”. Since then, Ontario’s capital has grown into a dynamic city that blends the old with the new in a way that makes it entirely unique to other cities in Canada.
Best things to do during a weekend in Toronto
CN Tower
No weekend in Toronto is complete without stopping at the CN Tower. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Canada, and you can see it from many parts of the city. The tower was completed in 1976 and it once held the title of the world’s tallest freestanding structure. From the observation decks, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city below as well as Lake Ontario. There’s even a glass floor and a revolving restaurant to add to the experience.
Whether you go by day or night, the CN Tower never fails to impress. I would recommend getting the earliest ticket possible, especially if you’re visiting in the summer, as it can get very crowded at the top, making it difficult to take nice photos.
Across from the CN Tower is the Rogers Centre. When it opened in 1989, it was the world’s first stadium with a fully retractable roof. It regularly hosts concerts and conventions, and it’s the home of the Toronto Blue Jays, Canada’s only Major Baseball League team.
Conquer the Edgewalk
If experiencing the CN Tower from its observation decks isn’t enough for you, why not walk hands-free around the outside of the tower’s main pod instead? Opened in 2011, the Edgewalk offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors to see the city from a unique perspective. This Guinness World Record-holding attraction has you leaning over the tower’s edge (1,168 feet from the ground) with the help of a safety harness and trained professionals.
On clear days, you can see all the way to Niagara Falls across Lake Ontario. At just over $200.00, this isn’t the cheapest attraction in Toronto, but it’s definitely the most unique. With your ticket you’ll also get access to all of the observation deck levels and take home a couple of photos as well as a certificate. If you’ve already been up the CN Tower, doing the Edgewalk is the next big step during a weekend in Toronto.
Explore the many museums and art galleries
Toronto is home to many incredible museums and art galleries. Choosing which ones to visit while spending a weekend in Toronto is a tough task to take on. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the largest museums in North America, with exhibits that span millions of years. Art lovers should head over to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) which offers one of the biggest art collections in Canada, including works from Indigenous artists and European masters like Van Gogh.
If you’re a fan of history, and you’re spending time in the Entertainment District, I’d recommend visiting the Toronto Railway Museum. It’s located next to the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, with plenty of historic trains outside that are free to access. Nearby, you can also take advantage of the Steam Whistle Kitchen, where you can sample premium beer from Toronto’s largest independent craft brewery.
Hockey Hall of Fame
For anyone interested in sports, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-visit. It’s located in the former Bank of Montreal building, and was opened in 1943, paying homage to Canada’s most beloved sport. Inside, visitors will find an impressive collection of hockey memorabilia and interactive exhibits that let you test your shooting skills and become a broadcaster.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in hockey, this is somewhere you should visit at least once. The engaging displays inside the Hockey Hall of Fame allow you to get a better understanding of how hockey has evolved from its humble beginnings. Plus, its sits very close to the St Lawrence Market, which is the perfect place to grab something to eat during a weekend in Toronto.
Take an open-top bus tour
If it’s your first time in Toronto, or you’ve never been a tourist in your own city before, taking an open-top bus tour is a great way to get around. City Sightseeing Toronto has several stops around the city, including the CN Tower, Sankofa Square, Casa Loma, and the Distillery District. The commentary onboard offers insights into the history of Toronto as well as information on its architecture and neighbourhoods.
This tour is especially helpful if you’re only spending a weekend in Toronto as it allows you to see the city’s highlights in a short amount of time. You can also hop off the bus at any of their stops so you can visit the attractions too. I’d recommend sitting on the top level of the double decker bus to enjoy the views and get some incredible photos along the route.
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Sankofa Square
Formerly known as Dundas Square, Sankofa Square is what many call a mini version of New York City’s Times Square. The square was renamed in 2024 to honour the black community and the idea of learning from the past. It’s a bustling intersection of shopping, urban life, and entertainment, meaning there’s a lot going on here at any time of the day. When we visited, there was a large event taking place for Halloween, so you never know what you’re going to see here.
Just across the road from Sankofa Square is the Toronto Eaton Centre – one of the busiest shopping destinations in Canada. There are over 200 stories inside, spread across multiple levels, making it a great spot to do some retail therapy (especially if you have bad weather during your weekend in Toronto). If you’re visiting Toronto near Christmas, you can’t miss the enormous Christmas tree that’s put on display every year inside the Eaton Centre.
St Lawrence Market
As you make your way through downtown Toronto, don’t forget to at least pop your head into the St Lawrence Market. It was established in 1803 and has since been a gathering place for visitors and locals. Inside you’ll find a vibrant mixture of artisanal food, fresh produce, and stalls selling all types of goods. There are over 100 vendors to explore at the St Lawrence Market, and many people say that a must-try is the famous peameal bacon sandwiches.
Apart from being home to some delicious food stalls, the St Lawrence Market has also acted as the city’s meeting hall in the past. Surrounding the market is the beautiful Old Town of Toronto, which only adds to the charm of the market building. It’s a great spot to come for a quick bite to eat at lunch before exploring the rest of the area. You may even want to join a St Lawrence Market food tour if you want to dive deeper into the market’s highlights.
Old Town Toronto
Old Town Toronto is where the city began, so it’s steeped in history. It’s centred around the St Lawrence Market and the district preserves the early character of Toronto when it was founded as the town of York. There are some beautiful heritage buildings to discover here, such as St James Cathedral, as well as a mixture of restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and pubs.
Compared to the rest of the city, walking through Old Town Toronto feels like you’ve stepped back in time, but with the backdrop of skyscrapers and modern landmarks in the distance. It’s the perfect part of the city to explore on foot, especially if you’re a history or food enthusiast. To learn more about Old Town Toronto in a short amount of time, I’d recommend taking a guided walking tour.
Distillery District
One of my favourite places to visit during a weekend in Toronto is the Distillery District. It’s one of Toronto’s most unique neighbourhoods, with a mixture of contemporary spirit and Victorian-era industrial architecture on full display. It was once home to the largest distillery in the British Empire, Gooderham & Worts Distillery, but it’s now been beautifully transformed into a pedestrianized village filled with restaurants, boutique shops, and galleries.
Some of the best places to eat in Toronto are located in the Distillery District, and during the Christmas season this is where the Toronto Christmas Market is located. At any time of the year, this part of the city is incredible to walk around, and you may find some nice souvenirs to take home with you too.
Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square is the city’s main public gathering space, sitting in front of the City Hall. This is also one of the most photographed spots in the city thanks to the iconic illuminated “Toronto” sign and reflecting pools in the centre of it. During the colder months, the reflecting pool is transformed into a skating rink, which is a unique activity to do in Toronto in the winter.
There isn’t a lot to do here other than take photos of the sign and wander around a bit, but no weekend in Toronto is complete without at least walking by. Nathan Phillips Square isn’t too far from other key attractions in Toronto either, so it’s very easy to add it to your schedule.
Kensington Market
If you want to see just how vibrant Toronto really is, take a walk through Kensington Market and Chinatown. Kensington Market is a designated National Historic Site of Canada, with a wide range of vintage shops, multicultural eateries, and street art. It was once home to various immigrant communities, and it still remains a symbol of the city’s bohemian spirit and inclusivity. You won’t find better thrift shops in Toronto than Kensington Market, and you may find some hidden gems to eat at too.
A short walk from Kensington Market brings you to Chinatown. It’s one of the largest Chinatown’s in North America. Visitors can explore everything from open-air produce markets to dim sum restaurants and traditional Chinese eateries. This is also a fantastic area to eat in Toronto on a budget.
Walk along the waterfront
If you want to take a break from the busy city streets, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk along the waterfront. This is one of Toronto’s most scenic areas, stretching for kilometres along Lake Ontario. There are many cycling and walking paths, parks, and beaches that offer stunning city views, and in the summer months you may come across a few concerts here.
Taking the ferry over to the Toronto Islands is also worthwhile, though you may not have enough time in your schedule if you’re only spending a weekend in Toronto. I’d recommend doing this during the summer or autumn, when you can enjoy walking or cycling in the nicer weather. This is also where you can capture one of the best views of Toronto’s skyline from.
Places to eat in downtown Toronto
PAI
If you’re in search of Thai food in Toronto, look no further than PAI. It’s located on Duncan Street and sits close to the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, so it’s not uncommon to find famous athletes dining here on their days off. The restaurant’s mission is to bring authentic northern Thai flavours to the dining scene in Toronto. They use a mixture of family recipes and street food traditions with a contemporary twist to make phenomenal dishes that aren’t overpriced.
Their menu offers a wide selection of food, including things like pad thai, curry noodle soup, and plenty of appetizers for sharing. The good thing is that they allow you to adjust the spice level to suit your preference, so you can choose whatever you want. Be prepared to wait in a queue though, as it’s one of Toronto’s most popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
El Catrin Destileria
There are a few unique places to eat in the Distillery District, but one of my favourite options is El Catrin Destileria. Their menu is centred around a mixture of modern and traditional Mexican cuisine, and the setting is very vibrant and dramatic. The restaurant’s home to Canada’s largest collection of tequila and mezcal too, so you shouldn’t leave without ordering at least one margarita (or a flight).
El Catrin’s menu is tapas-style, meaning it’s meant for sharing. We tried a selection of their freshly made tacos and a quesadilla paired with a flight of tasty margaritas. Everything tasted incredible and the authentic flavours really came through in every bite.
If you’re travelling with your furry friend, you’re in luck. Dog-friendly seating is available on the outdoor terrace, which is a nice spot to sit in the warm weather.
Madrina Bar y Tapas
Also in the Distillery District is where you’ll find Madrina Bar y Tapas. This restaurant in Toronto quickly made a name for itself with its bold Spanish and Catalonian flavours alongside its open kitchen and ambience. It was even awarded the “Restaurants from Spain” certification which ensures authentic Spanish techniques and ingredients are used.
There’s a lot to choose from on their menu, but luckily it’s also designed for sharing. Cured meats and cheeses, croquettes, and patatas bravas are some of the more standard options available. Or, you can opt for their 10 course tasting menu which lets you sample a bit of everything. They also offer a gin and tonic flight to go with your meal, if you’re not a fan of wine.
Scooped by Demetres
Scooped by Demetres, with a location in the Distillery District, is Toronto’s premium artisanal ice cream concept. They offer rich creamy ice cream with a good selection of adventurous flavours, and a few twists on traditional ones too. Every time I visit there are new seasonal flavours available, and you can sample any flavour you want before ordering. A freshly made waffle cone to pair with your ice cream choices is a must as well. Scooped by Demetres is the perfect place to stop for a sweet treat during your weekend in Toronto.
Stack’d Deli Kitchen
If you’re not sure where to eat in the St Lawrence Market, you can’t go wrong with a massive sandwich from Stack’d Deli Kitchen. This food stall operates as a fast, quality deli serving premium meats and cheeses for hungry visitors. On the menu you’ll find some great options, like the Montreal-style smoked meat sandwich and the Reuben sandwich, as well as freshly made soups. It’s definitely a go-to spot in the market, and the amount of food you get for the price makes it worth adding into your Toronto plans.
Loaded Pierogi
Sometimes food stalls at train stations can be hit-and-miss, but Union Station in Toronto has its fair share of good food spots. One that we really enjoyed was Loaded Pierogi. They take traditional European dumplings and add a modern twist to them, with their “loaded” approach. At the counter you can pick which pierogi bowl you want, as well as whether to have them boiled or fried. The prices are very reasonable for the portion size, so it’s a good option if you’re spending a weekend in Toronto on a budget.
Craig’s Cookies
Craig’s Cookies has made quite a big name for itself since its early days in Toronto, now boasting over 20 locations around the country. We visited their shop inside Union Station, but there are other stores around Toronto too. This is easily the best place in Toronto to come for fresh cookies, with plenty of flavours on offer ranging from traditional chocolate chip cookies to quirky creations like Mini Eggs and Pop Tart. The more you buy the better the deal is too, so you might as well take a box home with you!
Where to stay in downtown Toronto
SoHo Hotel Toronto
Spending a weekend in Toronto is a good amount of time to see the main attractions. To make the most of your days in the city, it’s a good idea to stay around the Entertainment District, which is why SoHo Hotel Toronto is the perfect choice. It sits a short walk from the CN Tower, and it’s in close proximity to Union Station and the Old Town. It’s a beautiful Canadian-owned boutique hotel that has a quiet luxury aesthetic in the heart of the city.
We stayed in their Luxury Room which features a king size bed, stylish maple millwork furniture, and a seating area. These rooms offer extra space and comfort, and include deluxe features like a dressing area, smart controls, and a large TV with streaming capabilities. Our room had a view of the CN Tower from the window too, which was nice to look at while working from the desk.
I don’t always highlight the bathroom, but the Luxury Room’s bathroom is worth pointing out. It features luxurious marble surfaces, a deep soaker tub, a separate glass-enclosed shower, and heated flooring. You’ll also find Molton Brown amenities from the UK to complement the spa-like experience. Bathrobes and slippers are provided for each guest too. The bathroom sits next to the large dressing area, where you can easily store all of your bags neatly, without needing to place everything around the bedroom.
Aside from the incredible rooms on offer at SoHo Hotel Toronto, the hotel offers guests some great facilities. On the second floor is where you’ll find a salt-water indoor pool, steam rooms, and a hot tub – a nice spot to come and unwind in the evening. This is also where the fitness centre is located.
If you’re looking for dining options inside the hotel, Moretti Caffe is a good option for light bites or a coffee in the morning. It’s also not a bad spot to work from if you don’t want to be sitting in the room as the atmosphere is very relaxing. In the evening, Pizzeria Moretti opens for more substantial meals, and in-room dining is also an option.
Whether you’re spending a weekend in Toronto to relax or to see all of the attractions around the city, choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip. SoHo Hotel Toronto offers much more than luxury rooms and suites, which is why I would put it right at the top of my recommendations for hotels in Toronto.
Is Toronto worth visiting?
Toronto is a city that effortlessly combines creativity, culture, and charm, making it 100% worth visiting. Even if you’re only spending a weekend in Toronto, you’ll be able to explore some of its most iconic landmarks, dive into the city’s food scene, and explore a few unique neighbourhoods along the way. The downtown area is very walkable, and if you want to go further afield you can use the City Sightseeing bus or hop on the metro. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’ve been many times before, there’s always something new to do in Toronto, which is why it’s worth coming back to time and time again.
If you have any questions about things to do during a weekend in Toronto, or need recommendations about where to eat and stay in the downtown area, please get in touch. You can reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok too, where you’ll hopefully come across more helpful travel tips for your next adventure.
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