Toronto, Canada-7-day-itinerary

A full week means Graffiti Alley gets exactly one visit instead of showing up on four different days like it’s the only thing worth photographing in this city. Here’s a version that spreads the landmarks properly.

Day 1: Arrival And The Tower

Land at Pearson and take the UP Express into Union Station, 28 minutes, 9.25 CAD with PRESTO or 12.35 cash. Walk to your hotel or grab a cab, then spend the afternoon at the CN Tower, general admission from about 45 CAD adult online, 32 senior or youth, 16 kids 3-5. Ripley’s Aquarium sits right next door but is a fully separate ticket starting around 33 CAD. Evening, dinner in Kensington Market among the vintage shops and international food stalls, a Northern Thai kitchen is a strong specific pick.

Day 2: Museums And Parks

Morning, the Royal Ontario Museum, dynamic pricing roughly 20 to 31 CAD adult, kids 4-17 free and 18-24 half price from June 19 through September 7. The Art Gallery of Ontario next, general collection often free or pay-what-you-can for under-25 visitors, special exhibitions ticketed separately. Afternoon, High Park for walking trails and green space. Evening, a show at one of the historic downtown theaters, then Greek food with fresh seafood for dinner.

Day 3: Islands And Waterfront

Morning, the ferry to the Toronto Islands, round trip about 9.57 CAD adult, 6.15 student or senior, 4.51 kids 2-14, no timed slot needed. This is consistently the best value morning of the whole week, a skyline view better than most paid attractions offer. Afternoon, walk the waterfront trail back on the mainland, or visit the OCAD University campus for design installations if art interests you more than lake views. Evening, burgers and live music somewhere casual, then back to Kensington if you want more nightlife.

Day 4: Sports And The Castle

Morning, catch a Blue Jays game at Rogers Centre if the schedule lines up, tickets vary widely by matchup and seating, worth checking well ahead of your trip. Afternoon, rent a bike and ride the lake shore path, then Casa Loma, the early-1900s mansion with gardens and secret passages, starting around 32 CAD. Evening, a historic pub with strong food, then Queen West for shopping, bars, and nightlife.

Day 5: History And Contemporary Art

Morning, the Distillery District, cobblestone and free to wander, built from the old Gooderham and Worts distillery buildings. Afternoon, the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto for a change of pace from the bigger institutions, then Graffiti Alley, running south of Queen Street West between Spadina and Portland, worth the one dedicated visit this week rather than a rushed pass-by on multiple days. Evening, upscale Chinese food with dim sum and seafood.

Day 6: Food, Drink, And Nightlife

Morning, St. Lawrence Market, over 120 vendors under one historic roof, unless it’s a Monday, when the South Market building is closed and you’ll want to swap this day’s order. The peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery, 10 to 12 CAD, is the market’s genuine signature stop. Afternoon, a brewery tour at Steam Whistle Brewing for behind-the-scenes tastings. Evening, dinner somewhere with real character, a restored historic building or a strong Japanese kitchen both work, then King West Village for bars and clubs if you want a proper last big night out.

Day 7: Last Day

Morning, last-minute shopping on Queen West, then a slow lunch somewhere you haven’t tried yet. Afternoon, head to Union Station for departure, and if you skipped a specific photo op earlier in the week, this is the morning to squeeze it in before heading to the airport.

Things To Know

Weather runs humid continental, warm summers and cold winters, so pack for whatever season you’re actually traveling in rather than assuming mild year-round conditions. The Canadian dollar is the currency, and tipping runs 15 to 20 percent, standard rather than optional.

Tap PRESTO or contactless for 3.30 CAD per TTC ride across subway, streetcar, and bus. Favor the subway lines over streetcars whenever your route allows it, the streetcars bunch and stall in traffic while the subway stays fast and predictable. Toronto has a genuine amount of free public art and street performance scattered through downtown if you’re looking to fill a gap between paid attractions without spending anything.