Toronto, Canada-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Toronto

Morning

  • Start the day at St. Lawrence Market (92-95 Front St E), one of Canada’s oldest markets, featuring local food vendors and artisanal goods.
  • Grab a coffee and pastry from The St. Lawrence Market Espresso Bar

Afternoon

  • Visit the iconic CN Tower (301-199 Bay St) for panoramic views of the city and Lake Ontario.
  • Take a short walk to the nearby Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd) for an underwater adventure.

Evening

  • Head to the Entertainment District for dinner and a show. Try Pai Northern Thai Kitchen (18 Duncan St) for delicious Thai cuisine.
  • Catch a performance at one of the many theaters in the area, such as the Ed Mirvish Theatre (181 Victoria St)

Stay

  • The Westin Harbour Castle Toronto (1 Harbour Square) offers modern rooms with lake views and a rooftop pool.

Transportation

  • Take the subway (Line 2: Line 3) from the nearby Union Station to the St. Lawrence Market stop.
  • Use the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Trip Planner tool to navigate the city.

Day 2: Kensington Market and Chinatown

Morning

  • Explore Kensington Market, a vibrant neighborhood filled with street art, independent shops, and multicultural eateries. Try Cafe Diplomatico (304 Augusta Ave) for coffee and snacks.
  • Visit the nearby Chinatown Gate (Lansdowne Ave and Spadina Rd), a symbol of Toronto’s Chinese community.

Afternoon

  • Head to the Graffiti Alley (between Spadina Ave and Bathurst St) for a colorful street art experience.
  • Take a break at the Kensington Market Kitchener (294 Augusta Ave), a cafe with a lively atmosphere.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Lai Wah Heen, a Cantonese restaurant with dim sum and seafood options.
  • Catch a live music or comedy show at one of the many venues in Kensington Market, such as the Kensington Market Pub (214 Augusta Ave)

Stay

  • The Gladstone Hotel (1181 Dundas St W) offers boutique rooms with unique decor and a rooftop lounge.

Things to Know

  • Be mindful of bike lanes and pedestrian traffic in Kensington Market.
  • Try some of Toronto’s famous poutine at one of the many street vendors or restaurants throughout the city.

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Science

Morning

  • Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) (317 Dundas St W), featuring Canadian and international art collections.
  • Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) (100 Queen’s Park) for a mix of natural history, culture, and science exhibits.

Afternoon

  • Take a short walk to the nearby University of Toronto campus, including the historic Hart House building.
  • Visit the Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCADU) campus, featuring street art and design installations.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Estiatorio Volos, a Greek restaurant with fresh seafood and traditional dishes.
  • Catch a performance or exhibition at one of the many cultural institutions in the area, such as the Isabel Bader Theatre (90 Queen’s Park)

Stay

  • The Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (123 Queen St W) offers modern rooms with comfortable amenities.

Transportation

  • Take the subway (Line 1: Line 2) from the nearby King Station to the AGO stop.
  • Use the TTC’s Trip Planner tool to navigate the city and find the best route to your destination.

Day 4: Beaches and Waterfront

Morning

  • Head to High Park, a green oasis in the middle of the city, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and a famous cherry blossom tree.
  • Visit the nearby High Park Zoo, home to over 145 animals from around the world.

Afternoon

  • Take a short drive or bike ride to Gibraltar Point Beach, one of Toronto’s most scenic beaches on Lake Ontario.
  • Enjoy lunch at The Gibraltar Point Cafe (2600 Lakeshore Blvd E), offering sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

Evening

  • Catch the sunset at Woodbine Beach, another popular beach destination with a lively atmosphere.
  • Try dinner at Scaramouche, a French restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.

Stay

  • The Casa Mosaica Bed & Breakfast (1553 Queen St E) offers cozy rooms in a restored 19th-century building.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak beach season.
  • Try some of Toronto’s famous fish ’n’ chips at one of the many seafood restaurants throughout the city.

Day 5: Markets and Food

Morning

  • Visit the Evergreen Brick Works, a former industrial site turned arts and culture hub, featuring market stalls, cafes, and a cafe with an indoor garden.
  • Explore the Montecito Village Farmers’ Market, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.

Afternoon

  • Head to the Chinatown Market, a lively marketplace with traditional street food vendors and shopping stalls.
  • Try lunch at Mother’s Dumplings, serving authentic Northern Chinese cuisine.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Patois, a Jamaican restaurant with bold flavors and spices.
  • Catch a live music or comedy show at one of the many venues in Chinatown, such as the Chinatown Theatre (210 Spadina Ave)

Stay

  • The Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Downtown (380 Bay St) offers modern rooms with comfortable amenities.

Transportation

  • Take the subway (Line 2: Line 3) from the nearby King Station to the Evergreen Brick Works stop.
  • Use the TTC’s Trip Planner tool to navigate the city and find the best route to your destination.