Toronto is Canada's largest and most diverse city — a dynamic, multicultural metropolis on Lake Ontario, crowned by the CN Tower and built from a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods. The sights are spread across a big downtown and beyond, so a little planning helps, but the city is safe, walkable in parts, and easy to navigate by transit. Three days covers the essentials; four or five let you add Niagara, the islands, and the neighborhoods.
When to come
Summer (June-August) is warm, lively, and full of festivals, with the islands, patios, and waterfront in full swing — the most popular time. Late spring and early fall are pleasant and a bit quieter (fall brings nearby foliage). Winters are cold and snowy, but Toronto is a four-season city with plenty to do indoors (and the underground PATH network helps you stay warm). Whenever you come, pack for the weather — summers can be hot and humid, winters genuinely cold.
Where to stay
Downtown is the most convenient base. The core near the Entertainment and Financial Districts (Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-La, St. Regis) puts you by the CN Tower, theaters, and waterfront. Yorkville (Four Seasons, the Hazelton) is the upscale shopping-and-museum district. For something different, the lakefront (Hotel X) offers resort-style space, and the east side near the Distillery District (the Broadview) offers hip, local character. Stay central or near a subway line.
Getting around
Downtown is walkable, and the TTC (subway, streetcars, buses) covers the city well — a transit pass or fare card is handy. The PATH, a vast underground walkway network, connects much of downtown (a lifesaver in winter). The island ferries leave from the central waterfront. A hop-on hop-off bus is a good way to cover the spread-out sights on a first day, and you don't need a car in the city (one helps for Niagara, or take a tour).
The essentials
Go up the CN Tower (and visit Ripley's Aquarium at its base). See a great museum (the ROM or the AGO). Tour Casa Loma, the city's castle. Graze St. Lawrence Market and wander the Distillery District. Escape to the Toronto Islands for the skyline view. And take the day trip to Niagara Falls. Throughout, eat your way through one of the world's most multicultural food scenes.
A sample three or four days
Day one: downtown — the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, the Hockey Hall of Fame, St. Lawrence Market, and the Distillery District. Day two: the museums (ROM and/or AGO) and Casa Loma, plus a neighborhood like Kensington Market or Chinatown. Day three: a Niagara Falls day trip. Day four: the Toronto Islands (in summer) and the waterfront, or more neighborhoods and food. Build in the islands and Niagara if the weather and season allow.
