Wondering if Toronto is worth visiting in 2026? You are in the right place.
I grew up just an hour outside of Toronto, Canada and have been visiting the city my whole life. You might say, Hailey, doesn’t that make you biased to recommend it?
WRONG. As a long term traveler, I actually think it makes me even more critical of my hometown city as I compare it to all the other big cities I’ve visited globally.
And here is my honest take (I won’t make you wait for it): yes, Toronto is absolutely worth visiting. It is one of the best big cities in North America.
If you love towering glass skyscrapers, world-class food, incredible nightlife, and diverse neighborhoods that each feel like their own little city, Toronto delivers on all of that and then some.
But it is not the right trip for everyone. Use this guide to figure out whether a trip to Toronto belongs in your upcoming plans, and what to expect when you get there.
First, Where Is Toronto Within Canada?
Before anything else, I think it is really important to get clear on where Toronto fits into Canada. Canada is the second largest country in the world by landmass, and visiting Canada can mean very different things depending on where you go.
Toronto is located in the province of Ontario, in the southern part of the country, sitting close to the border with the United States.
It is not the part of Canada that most people picture when they close their eyes and imagine the country. When I travel and tell people I am from Canada, they almost always immediately think of Banff, the turquoise lakes, the mountains, the wilderness.
Toronto is not that type of trip.
What Toronto is, is a massive, modern, bustling-with-energy city. There’s about 6.5 million people in the region, making it the largest city in Canada.
Most people planning a toronto trip combine it with a day trip to Niagara Falls. Combining Toronto with other major Canadian destinations, like Vancouver, Banff, Montreal, requires a domestic flight, which can be pricey.
So Toronto typically works best as a standalone destination. But trust me, there is more than enough to keep you busy.
From Vancouver: 4,373 km away (2700 miles), nonstop flight for 5 hours
From Montreal: 554 km (344 miles), 1 hour flight or 6 hour drive
From Banff: 3,529 km (2192 miles), 4 hour flight to Calgary (nearest city)
What type of Travelers visit Toronto?
Toronto attracts a very specific type of city lover. And if you relate to this description, you are going to have an incredible time.
You love dining at interesting restaurants, discovering hidden speakeasies, walking between glass skyscrapers, and seeing unique architecture.
You get excited by the energy of a big, diverse, busy city. You like museums, live music, and the idea of catching a sports game in a stadium packed with passionate fans.
You probably love neighborhood exploring, hopping between vintage stores, and stopping at cool cafes along the way.
What you are NOT:
You are not really a budget traveler. If you are looking for hostels and very cheap street food, Toronto is not the right fit. Things cost a bit more in such a big city.
You’re not someone who strictly needs outdoorsy adventures in your travel itineraries. There are some cool natural aspects to Toronto, like it is located right on the massive and sparkling blue Lake Ontario. But if nature is your #1 reason for visiting a place, this isn’t your vibe.
But if you have some budget flexibility and you love a world-class urban experience, vacationing in Toronto is going to completely deliver.
Pros of Visiting Toronto, Canada
1. The Skyline is Seriously Impressive
The Toronto skyline is one of the most striking I have seen anywhere in the world.
You have the uniquely-shaped CN Tower looming tall above the rounded dome of Rogers Centre, surrounded by a wall of shimmering glass skyscrapers right on the edge of Lake Ontario. It is modern, shiny, and very North American in the best possible way.
From Riverdale Park, you get what I think is one of the best views of the skyline in the entire city. The CN Tower sits front and center and it is a perfect spot for a sunset picnic.
Taking a tour around the Toronto islands by boat is one of the best ways to get a zoomed out view of the city’s skyline from the water.
You can take a morning bike tour around the Toronto Islands or get out on the water by paddle boat/kayak to see them.
2. The CN Tower Is Unlike Any Other Tower (And So is it’s 360 Restaurant)
The CN Tower is one of the most iconic attractions in downtown Toronto, and it is worth every bit of the hype.
You can pay for a ticket to go up to the observation deck, walk across the famous glass floor, and see the city from above. If you are feeling adventurous, the EdgeWalk lets you walk around the outside perimeter of the tower with a harness, at 356 metres in the air. I did it and absolutely loved it. You feel completely secure the whole time, and the view is insane.
But my personal top recommendation at the CN Tower is the 360 Restaurant. It is a revolving restaurant located 351 metres above the city that slowly rotates a full 360 degrees over the course of 72 minutes. Every direction gives you a completely different view: the wall of glass skyscrapers on one side, sparkling Lake Ontario and Billy Bishop Airport on the other.
This experience is 150% in my top five Toronto things to do.
3. The Food Scene Is World-Class
The food in Toronto, Canada is considered among the best in the country, and when you arrive, you will understand why.
The Greater Toronto Area has 17 Michelin-starred restaurants as of the 2025 Michelin Guide, including celebrated spots like Alo, known for its elegant French tasting menu, and Enigma Yorkville in the heart of downtown.
The restaurant scene goes well beyond fine dining though.
Waterworks Food Hall is one of my personal favorites in the entire city. You can go from incredible tacos to artisan ice cream to a really good coffee all in the same space.
4. Neighborhood Hopping Is an Activity in Itself
The range of food and the sheer number of interesting concept restaurants in Toronto is truly remarkable. This city takes food seriously.
Toronto does not have one old town or one main tourist strip. It has a whole collection of completely distinct neighborhoods that each feel like a different city, and exploring them is one of the best ways to spend your time here.
Kensington Market is one of the most unique. It is a small cluster of streets near Chinatown packed with vintage stores, independent cafes, and eclectic shops. I once spent my entire birthday there doing a book crawl through several different cute cafes and shopping the vintage stores. The variety of affordable versus more luxury vintage is great.
Queen West is the arts and culture hub, lined with galleries, boutiques, and some of the best street art in the city.
Ossington is my go-to for coffee shops: there are several really lovely cafes right along Ossington Street, and the shopping is good too.
Yorkville is the upscale neighborhood with designer stores and Michelin-starred restaurants.
The Distillery District has gorgeous historic architecture and hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Ontario come December.
And then you have Little Italy, Chinatown, and the Waterfront. That is how much variety there is.
👉 You can take guided walking tours of some of the neighbourhoods, like this Kensington Market tour
5. There Is Really So Much to Do Beyond Just Sightseeing
This is one of the biggest things that sets Toronto apart. You do not just show up, see some cool things, and leave. The city offers so many different types of experiences that you could fill a week and not run out.
Sports are a huge part of the culture here. You can go to a Blue Jays baseball game (they are the only Canadian team in MLB, so the fans treat it like a national team), a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game, or see the Raptors play basketball. The atmosphere at a Maple Leafs game at Scotiabank Arena is magnetic.
If you want to get creative, the workshops available in Toronto are almost unbelievable. Silver ring making with real silver clay. Rug tufting. Candle making. Charm bracelet making. Resin keychains. Perfume making. Any craft activity you can think of, you can find it in Toronto.
Want something completely different? Try a puppy yoga class at Puppy Sphere (I have been twice, and the puppies running around the studio are just incredible), explore the interactive exhibits at Arcadia Earth inside The Well, or go to Activate for a physical and playful experience with friends.
Ripley’s Aquarium is a must too: the moving conveyor belt tunnel where sharks and stingrays swim all around you is really cool, and the glowing jellyfish tank is stunning.
I’ve lived an hour away from Toronto my entire life and have yet to run out of things to do.
6. The Nightlife Is Seriously Impressive
If you want a great night out, Toronto is one of the best cities in North America for it.
Rooftop bars with panoramic views are a big part of the culture here.
Kost on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel has stunning views of downtown. Lavelle sits 16 stories up with outdoor pools and a lively lounge atmosphere.
The speakeasy scene is really fun too, especially around the Kensington and Chinatown area, where you can find hidden bars with creative cocktails and great atmospheres.
There are clubs, fancy restaurants, and an urban diverse energy that is hard to match anywhere else in Canada.
Some of the hippest bars include:
- BarChef — molecular mixology with dry ice and truffle snow, part of Canada’s 100 Best Bars 2025
- Bar 404 — hidden behind a faux candle shop, it has a gold circular bar, cocktail live performances.
- Bar Raval — It has a hand-carved Barcelona modernist interior, on the list of World’s 50 Best Bars and a Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award winner. Walk-in only.
- Suite 115 — no sign, passcode entry, red glow at dusk, signature Hong Kong milk tea Old Fashioned, rotating secret menu
7. Toronto Is Incredibly Multicultural
Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and you feel it in every part of the city.
You have Chinatown, Little Italy, a thriving Caribbean community that hosts Caribana (one of the largest Caribbean festivals in North America), Greek Town, and dozens more cultural neighborhoods. That diversity shows up in the food, the music, the markets, the street art, and the energy of every neighborhood.
8. TIFF Is a Whole Reason to Visit on Its Own
The Toronto International Film Festival is one of the most important film festivals in the world.
Every September, the city fills up with film professionals, celebrities, and film lovers from around the globe. The 2025 TIFF celebrated its 50th anniversary, welcoming over 760,000 attendees and screening 216 feature films from 79 countries.
If you love film and can time your Toronto trip for early September, you are in for something really special.
9. Nature and Day Trip Options Are Better Than You Expect
Toronto offers a surprising amount of nature access and day trip options for such a large city.
The Toronto Islands are one of the most underrated things to do in the summer. You take a quick 15-minute ferry from Jack Layton Terminal and arrive at a car-free collection of islands with lovely green space, kayaking, bike rentals, and beautiful views of the skyline from the water.
Taking a harbour boat tour is also a great experience: the contrast of being out on Lake Ontario with the glass skyscrapers rising up behind you is really something.
A day trip to Niagara Falls is also one of the most popular additions to a Toronto vacation. It is about a two-hour drive and completely worth it. Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive natural attractions in all of Canada and the falls are jaw-dropping.
Cons of Visiting Toronto, Canada
1. It Is Expensive
Toronto is not a cheap city. As one of the biggest cities in North America, it comes with a price tag to match.
Budget travelers will struggle here. If you want to eat at interesting restaurants, do activities, and stay somewhere decent in downtown Toronto, you need solid budget flexibility. Think mid-range to high-end spending for most experiences.
2. It Does Not Match the Classic Canada Image
When I travel and tell people I am from Canada, they think of turquoise lakes, mountains, and wilderness.
Toronto is not that. It is a massive, modern urban city. If you are coming to Canada specifically for the mountains and the wilderness, you are better off starting with Vancouver or Calgary. Toronto is its own thing entirely, and it is really great at what it is.
3. Combining It with Other Parts of Canada Is Tricky
If you want to add other major Canadian destinations to your trip, you will need to fly.
Toronto is nowhere near Vancouver, Banff, or Quebec City. You could technically drive to Montreal, but it is a seven-hour drive, which is a lot with a rental car.
So a trip to Toronto Canada typically works as a standalone destination, maybe with a Niagara Falls day trip tacked on.
4. The Transit Does Not Compare to Europe
Coming from Europe or cities with really smooth public transit? The Toronto transit system will feel underwhelming.
You can absolutely use the subway and streetcars to get around, and I have done it. But it is not as intuitive or efficient as major European systems. Budget for a fair number of Ubers, especially if you want to move between neighborhoods quickly.
5. Winters Are Cold
Canadian winters are really cold, and Toronto is no exception.
I don’t think the online averages do it justice. The temperatures vary so much year-by-year. But worse case expect as cold as -30 Celsius/ -22 F (although this is very uncommon). With an average of probably around -10 Celsius / 14 F in the thick of winter.
Decembers are a bit more mild, maybe ranging 0 to -5 degrees (32 – 23 F)
You will need proper winter layers. There are still great reasons to visit in winter though, which I cover in the section below.
Is Toronto Worth Visiting in Winter?
It depends. If you hate the cold, I’d skip it haha.
There are lots of perks. Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto sets up a large outdoor skating rink every winter where you can rent skates, grab a hot chocolate, and just enjoy the city in a completely different way.
Is Toronto worth visiting in December? Absolutely. The Distillery District Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Canada, set among cobblestone streets with fairy lights, warm drinks, and a really lovely atmosphere.
Is Toronto worth visiting in January or February? The weather is at its coldest, but most of the best things to do in Toronto are indoors anyway.
Visiting the CN Tower, spending a day at Casa Loma (a real castle built in 1914 with an actual escape room inside one of the towers, which I did for a birthday and loved), exploring the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario, going to a Maple Leafs game, shopping at the Eaton Centre, or spending an afternoon at a craft workshop: all of these are perfect cold-weather activities.
Even travel in toronto’s neighborhoods like Kensington Market works really well in winter. You spend most of your time ducking in and out of heated vintage stores and cozy cafes, so the cold becomes part of the adventure rather than a dealbreaker.
One thing to note if you are adding Niagara Falls to your trip: the Maid of the Mist boat ride is closed from November through April and typically reopens in early May. The falls themselves are open year-round and are still really stunning in the snow.
If your main goals include the Toronto Islands or lots of outdoor activities, winter is probably not the ideal time to visit. But for the food, the culture, the nightlife, and the indoor attractions, winter in Toronto has a lot going for it.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Toronto?
Three to four days is the sweet spot for first time visitors to Toronto.
This gives you enough time to really explore a few neighborhoods, hit the top attractions, eat at some standout restaurants, and maybe squeeze in a Niagara Falls day trip. If you really love big cities and have a long list of things to explore, you could fill a full week and not run out of things to do. That is how much Toronto Canada offers.
Alternatives to Toronto
1. Vancouver
If it is the mountains-meet-city energy you want from Canada, Vancouver delivers. You get beaches, ski slopes within an hour of downtown, incredible food, and a stunning natural setting. It is a completely different vibe from Toronto, and equally worth visiting.
2. Montreal
Montreal is the biggest city in the French part of Canada. It has a European feel that Toronto does not quite replicate, with incredible French cuisine, a huge festival culture, and a charming historic district in Old Montreal.
It is about a seven-hour drive from Toronto or a short flight. A great choice for first time visitors to Canada who want more of an old-world atmosphere.
FAQs About Visiting Toronto, Canada
Is Toronto worth visiting with kids?
Yes, Toronto is really family-friendly. Ripley’s Aquarium is a must with kids: the moving conveyor belt tunnel where sharks swim overhead is fascinating, and the glowing jellyfish tank is stunning. Canada’s Wonderland has some of the most thrilling roller coasters in Ontario. The CN Tower, the Toronto Islands ferry, and the Royal Ontario Museum are all great for families.
Is traveling in Toronto easy for first time visitors?
Yes. Traveling in Toronto for the first time is pretty straightforward. The main tourist areas are safe and easy to navigate, most major attractions are in or near downtown Toronto, and Uber fills in the gaps where the subway and streetcars fall short. You do not need a rental car.
What is the best time for a vacation to Toronto?
May through October is when Toronto is at its best in my opinion. Summer (June to August) is warm and lively, with outdoor festivals, waterfront concerts, Blue Jays games, and full access to the Toronto Islands. September is one of my favorite months: the weather is still great and TIFF brings an electric energy to the whole city.
Planning Your Trip to Toronto
If you’ve been convinced by this post, your next step is to figure out all the awesome things you’re going to do in Toronto.
From there, you can build your itinerary around where you want to go, what you want to see. I’ve got my favourite activities distilled into a 3 day Toronto plan if you’re interested. Then I recommend booking your accommodation in a nice central location within that itinerary.
👉 Read Next: The 49 TOP Things to Do in Toronto From a Local
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Read More About Planning Your Trip to Toronto, Canada
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