SHOP AND SAMPLE AT ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
Opened in 1803, St. Lawrence Market offers a glimpse of modern life in a historic setting. Most of the action during the week takes place in the South Market building, home to a Market Gallery exhibition space and more than 120 vendors, selling everything from specialty foods to handcrafted jewellery. The North Market is the site of Saturday Farmer's Markets, Sunday antique markets and other special events. Learn More
UP YOUR HOCKEY GAME
Hockey is close to religion in Canada, so it would seem wrong to visit Toronto without having your own hockey experience. Whether or not you're a fan of the sport, cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Scotiabank Arena is somewhat contagious. During the off-season, a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame and Museum, which houses the original Stanley Cup and myriad other artifacts, is a good way to get in the hockey spirit. Learn More
PLAY ON CENTRE ISLAND
The fun begins on the ferry ride to Centre Island, and it continues with bike rides, a petting farm and the Centreville Amusement Park. Canoe and kayak rentals are available during the summer months, and there's even a shrubbery maze, which was restored in 2013 by a local businessman with fond childhood memories of the attraction. Concessions are available on the island, or you can bring along your own picnic to enjoy at the beaches, which also offer volleyball courts and baseball diamonds.
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SOAR IN THE CN TOWER
It may no longer hold the title of "world's tallest freestanding tower," but the 553-metre (1,815-foot) CN Tower still stands out in Toronto's ever-expanding skyline. There are several options for experiencing the tower, the most daring of which, EdgeWalk, involves a tethered walk along the roof of the tower's main pod. For those seeking a little less adrenaline, the tower offers three observation areas and the revolving 360 Restaurant.
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VISIT THE HISTORIC DISTILLERY DISTRICT
In the 1800s, this waterfront district was dominated by Gooderham and Worts, Canada's largest distillery. Today, the 47 buildings that made up the distillery have been lovingly restored and repurposed, now housing shops, galleries, eateries, studios and even a brewery. The pedestrian-only cobblestone streets make for a wonderful afternoon of exploring.
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ATTEND AN EVENT AT YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE
Toronto's version of Times Square, Yonge-Dundas is the pulsing heart of downtown. The urban plaza and event space is constantly bustling, hosting innumerable free concerts, movie screenings, rallies and other happenings. With bright lights, plaza-style seating and 22 computer-programmed fountains, it's a pleasant place to sit a spell by day or evening, with plenty of people-watching opportunities and buskers to entertain, even if there isn't an event going on.
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SPEND AN AFTERNOON AT THE ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest museum, home to six million artifacts (and counting). Its classic terra-cotta building and modern Lee-Chin Crystal create a past-meets-present spatial effect, and both house natural history and cultural exhibits covering many centuries and locations. Kids will enjoy the hands-on gallery, where digging for dinosaur bones and trying on costumes are among the most popular activities.
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HUNT FOR TREASURES IN KENSINGTON MARKET
Hippies and hipsters alike go gaga for Kensington Market, a cool, youthful neighborhood located west of Spadina Avenue. Within this labyrinth of narrow streets, you'll find an array of eclectic restaurants, as well as shops selling vintage clothing and global goods. The street markets spreads of fresh produce, exotic spices and other wares complement the neighborhood's vibrant street art and candy-colored Victorian homes.
TASTE THE WORLD
Almost half of Toronto's population was born outside of Canada, making this one of the most multicultural cities in the world—with a food scene to match. You can eat your way through neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little India, but make sure to save room for the many flavour fusions that are cropping up as of late, including the Jamaican-Chinese fare at Patios. For a full sampling, try a food tour with Foodies on Foot. Learn More
HIT THE TRAILS
Stretching nearly 32 kilometres (20 miles) from the Oak Ridges Moraine to Lake Ontario, the Don River watershed is home to a network of hiking and biking trails. It's beautiful any time of year, but is especially breathtaking in the fall, when the leaves become a symphony of colors. There is also a series of self-guided, interpretive walks that wind through urban areas, forests, wildflower meadows and even along the routes of buried waterways. Interesting stops along the way include Todmorden Mills and Riverdale Park. Learn More