It’s been 5 years since my friends and I met at our EPIK orientation in Seoul, South Korea. We were long overdue for a reunion, so we planned a fun weekend in Toronto! I thought I would share some Toronto destinations that are recommended by the locals. Let’s take a look at 5 things to do in Toronto, Ontario.
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Things to Do in Toronto
1. Take a road trip to Niagara Falls. The view from the Canadian side of the falls is exceptionally beautiful. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Toronto if you have a car rental. If not, book a bus or train ticket. More Info
2. Escape from the tower of Casa Loma. This was my first escape room experience and it was so much fun being in a castle! My friend Priscilla gathered a bunch of her friends and booked the event for us. It was roughly $38 USD per ticket. This is a group activity, but if you don’t have a group, they can add you to one! We escaped with 30 seconds remaining! Check out the link for more More Info.
3. Take a stroll down Graffiti Alley. This is perfect for those photo-ops! More info.
4. Go ice-skating by the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillip’s Square. More Info
5. On a clear day, go to the top of CN Tower and check out the view! More info.
Bonus Tips: Where to eat!
When in Toronto, eat as the Canadians do.
Breakfast – Get photo happy at Peter Pan Bistro. More info.
This restaurant is aesthetically pleasing and ready for Instagram. I highly recommend the Eggs Benedict Nox.
Lunch – Have some true Canadian cuisine in the form of poutine.
Reportedly the number one poutine restaurant in Toronto comes from a food stall called Nom Nom Nom Poutine. They have homemade cheese curds and vegetarian gravy available. More info.
Dinner and Drinks – Venture to the Assembly Chef’s Hall. More info.
This hall has a variety of restaurants in trendy open space. They truly have something for everyone. I recommend stopping by in the morning or late afternoon because the seats fill up quickly closer to evening.
Desserts – My friend Priscilla recommended trying some Canadian sweet treats such as Beaver Tails or ice-cream at Sweet Jesus.
Finding Accommodations: Going downtown!
My friends and I decided to use Booking to find a great room near the waterfront at the Glen Grove at Maple Leaf on 390 Queen Quay West Street. Get a $25 travel credit with my referral.
However, my favorite method of finding accommodations has always been AirBnb. I use it everywhere and recently booked a trip to Cape Cod. You can get a $40 travel credit when you book with my referral. There are some excellent deals to book an entire home, private room, or even a shared space like a hostel. Tip: I recommend booking a place that provides breakfast, so you can save some money!
Do you have a favorite destination in Toronto?
Share in the comments below!
Hello everyone! I am a Boston based blogger that loves all things travel and lifestyle. You can usually find me working away at my university job, snapping pictures, thrifting, or trying out some new recipes.
Shelbie (9to5hiatus) says
Great post! Toronto is a great getaway for me being only a few hours away! I’ll have to make it to graffiti alley next time 🙂
Janelle (Simply Nel Belle) says
Highly recommend! We even got to see a photoshoot happening while we were there.
Courtney says
Looks like a great trip! I’ve been to Toronto before but will need to go back and do the escape room from Casa Loma. That sounds like a blast!
Janelle (Simply Nel Belle) says
Yes, definitely check it out. The castle is huge and even has a restaurant and event hall inside.
Mary says
I’ve always had Toronto on my “must go to” travel list, but your post has made me want to move it up a few spaces! Pinning your post as a reference! Thanks.
Kyla Matton Osborne | 24 Carrot Diet says
We move West 5 years ago, and the one thing I really miss is the food. Not being able to find smoke meat or curd cheese even at the deli counter is seriously disappointing. And no souvlaki or poutine I’ve had out this way seems authentic. Your poutine photo makes me homesick!
Keating says
I’ve always wanted to visit Toronto! I have friends who have been and they always have good things to say about it. I’ve been to Niagara Falls a million times but would love see it from the other side! And that food looks amazing as well.
Cristina says
Your pictures look amazing!
I haven’t visited Canada at all, but I would love to one day.
Indya | The Small Adventurer says
I would absolutely love to visit Canada one day! It looks so beautiful, and I’ll go anywhere where the most well-known stereotype is that the people there are NICE! Plus, I NEED to see Niagara Falls at least once!
Erica @ Coming Up Roses says
I’ve never been to Toronto – or Canada period. I’m DYING to go!! This is such a good guide – bookmarking it!
la shell says
When I went to Toronto I loved the Bata Shoe Museum! and of course Niagara Falls is a dream.
Nicole Green says
Graffiti alley looks so cool!! I’ve never been to Toronto but I have been to the Canadian side of the Falls — it’s beautiful.
Thirty30Courtney says
Love love LOVE Toronto! Graffiti Alley was probably my favorite place. I spent a New Year’s there and had a ball. I didn’t get to go ice skating and it’s still on my bucket list.
Ruthie Ridley says
LOVED this post!! Niagra is on my bucket list!!
http://essay-for.me/resume says
I believe, that even a week won’t be enough to explore Toronto. This city appeals many tourists every year. I am sure that this city will have a lot of surprises for everyone.