Toronto Trip Planner
Why Visit Toronto: Top Reasons & Highlights
Travelers love Toronto for its vibrant arts scene, especially the renowned theatre district. People delight in exploring neighborhoods like Kensington Market and indulging in diverse cuisines. The city’s waterfront offers stunning views and recreational activities. Use Pilot to effortlessly organize your memorable trip to Toronto. Toronto is approximately 1.5 hours driving from Buffalo, New York.
Toronto travel photos
Use Pilot's free trip planner to easily plan your Toronto itinerary
Your dream trip deserves more than scattered tabs and guesswork. With Pilot, you can explore extraordinary stays, craft flawless itineraries, and book it all—without the stress.
Discover unforgettable places
Instantly generate tailored trip ideas with AI prompts and 60+ filters, from must-sees to hidden wonders.
Plan effortlessly, together.
Map your days, add activities, invite friends, and collaborate in real-time—all in one organized hub.
Keep everything at your fingertips.
Securely import travel docs, chat with your group, and access your plans offline with minimal battery drain.
Book with confidence, and deals.
Choose from over 2 million hotels, rentals, and experiences, with instant reservations and exclusive savings.
Mya S.
18-24, United States
Vikanda O
27-34, United States
Olivia F.
51-64, San Francisco
What to do in Toronto
With so much to do and so much to see, use Pilot to make your plan to make the most of your trip.
Explore top things to do
- 🏙️ Explore CN Tower for stunning skyline views. - 🍁 Wander through the Distillery District's historic charm. - 🎨 Visit the Royal Ontario Museum for diverse exhibits. - 🌳 Relax in High Park, especially during cherry blossom season. - 🍔 Discover local eats at St. Lawrence Market. - 🦒 Enjoy a day with wildlife at Toronto Zoo. - 🎶 Experience live music and culture at Queen Street West. Use Pilot to seamlessly create an itinerary including all these spots.
Find the perfect neighborhood to stay in
- 🏙️ Explore Kensington Market for eclectic shops and diverse cuisines. - 🍲 Discover authentic foods in Greektown and Little Italy. - 🎨 Dive into the art scene in the Distillery District, full of galleries and cafes. - 🌳 Relax in the Beaches for a quieter, local vibe with boardwalks. - 🛍️ Shop upscale in Yorkville and enjoy luxury restaurants. Pilot helps you easily find where to stay and provides deals on booking your hotel.
Discover the best food and drink
🍁 Toronto offers flavorful discoveries like the iconic peameal bacon sandwich, a favorite among locals and tourists. 🍁 Poutine made special with unique toppings is a must-try dish. 🍁 Head to St. Lawrence Market for authentic local treats and comfort foods. 🍁 Taste the butter tart at Baker Bots, a classic Canadian dessert highly praised for its rich flavor. 🍁 Visit Richmond Station for innovative takes on classic Canadian dishes. 🍁 Pilot can guide you through planning your culinary adventure in Toronto seamlessly.
In popular culture
🍁 "Suicide Squad" features Toronto as a backdrop, including scenes at Union Station. 🎬 "The Handmaid's Tale" was filmed in Toronto, showing notable sites like City Hall. 🏙️ "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" used Toronto landmarks, including Casa Loma. 🦇 “Batman & Robin” incorporated parts of Toronto into its scenes, such as the Royal Ontario Museum. 📸 "Mean Girls" was shot in Toronto; visit Etobicoke Collegiate Institute. 🚌 "Orphan Black" is set in Toronto, showcasing a local feel. 🎥 "American Psycho" includes scenes filmed in Toronto locations.
Toronto at a glance
Start My Adventure
What reviews say
- People love the diverse food scene; definitely try Kensington Market's eats. - Art Gallery of Ontario is a favorite spot. - Locals recommend St. Lawrence Market for fresh food and snacks. - Some say Toronto’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. - The public transport system gets mixed reviews; plan your routes ahead. - High Park is recommended for a peaceful escape. - Traffic can be challenging, especially downtown.
What reddit says
- People praise Toronto's diverse food scene, especially around Kensington Market. - Redditors suggest visiting the Distillery District for a mix of history and art. - Some travelers find Toronto's public transit efficient, others note delays. - The islands offer a quiet escape from city hustle. - Visitors often highlight friendly locals. - Some mention Toronto's high cost, especially downtown. - Check out St. Lawrence Market for local flavors.
Travel tips and safety
- Embrace the friendly vibe; Torontonians usually appreciate a polite "hello" or "thank you." - Public transit is efficient. Preload a Presto card for easy travel. - Meals: $15-20 for casual dining; $60+ for fine dining. Groceries are reasonably priced. - Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 19, and shops close by 11 PM. - Tip: 15-20% in restaurants is customary. - Common law: Smoking indoors is prohibited, including public spaces. Toronto is generally safe. Consult travel advisories for updated information as situations can change.
Getting around
- Toronto's public transit, TTC, is efficient and budget-friendly. Rideshare/taxis are pricier but handy. - Popular areas like Kensington Market or Distillery District are walkable and vibrant. - Bike Share Toronto offers convenient rentals for city exploration. - Use Pilot for planning transit routes and walking paths.
How much it costs to visit
Budget traveler: Around $100 USD per day - Accommodation (hostel or budget Airbnb): $30–$50 - Meals (local eateries or fast food): $20–$30 - Public transportation: $10 Mid-range traveler: Approximately $200 USD per day - Accommodation (3-star hotel): $80–$120 - Meals (casual dining): $40–$60 - Transportation and small extras: $20 Luxury traveler: About $400 USD per day - Accommodation (4 to 5-star hotel): $200–$300 - Meals (fine dining): $100 - Transportation (including occasional Uber or Lyft): $40 Remember, prices vary at different times of the year and during large events. Check Pilot to find current rates for hotels and activities.
What to do if you only have one day to visit
🗺️ Start at St. Lawrence Market. Grab breakfast from a bakery. 🎨 Head to the Art Gallery of Ontario. Explore Canadian art and culture. 🛍️ Walk around Queen Street West for trendy shops and local boutiques. 🍽️ Lunch at Kensington Market. Try diverse food stalls. 🌳 Head to High Park. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon walk or picnic. 🌆 Visit the CN Tower. Take an elevator to the top for city views. 🍷 Dinner at the Distillery District. Savor a unique dining experience. 🚶♀️ Stroll along the waterfront. Enjoy evening views of Lake Ontario. Use Pilot to generate and map an itinerary like this for you for free in just a few clicks.
What to do if it rains
- 🌧️ Visit the Royal Ontario Museum. It has diverse exhibits and is perfect for a rainy day. - 🎨 Head to the Art Gallery of Ontario. It's lovely for soaking in Canadian and international art. - ☕ Enjoy a coffee at St. Lawrence Market. It's buzzing with local vendors. - 🍝 Explore the Distillery District. Its indoor shops and restaurants offer a cozy setting. - 🎭 Catch a show at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Toronto's theater scene is vibrant. - 📚 Check out the Toronto Reference Library. It's a beautiful space and offers intriguing reads. - 🍺 Have a pint at a local brewery. Try Steam Whistle or Amsterdam Brewery. - 🛍️ Go shopping in Eaton Centre. It's massive and full of variety. - 🦖 Get to the Ontario Science Centre if you enjoy interactive exhibits. - 🍣 Try some food at Kensington Market despite the rain. It can be a refreshing experience.
When to visit and how many days to spend
- Go in late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October) - Mild temperatures: 15-22°C (59-72°F) in spring/fall - Summer (July-August) can be 25-30°C (77-86°F) but humid - Winter (December-February) is harsh, often -5 to -10°C (23-14°F) - Avoid January and February due to cold and snow - Toronto has a humid continental climate with lake effects - Experiences warm summers and cold, snowy winters - Spring and fall offer a balance between sun and chill
How to find events during your stay
- BlogTO (blogto.com) is your go-to for the latest events and local happenings in Toronto. They cover a wide range of activities, from food festivals to unique exhibitions. - Check out Narcity's Toronto section (narcity.com/toronto). They list upcoming events and things you can't miss in the city, focusing on what locals are excited about. - Toronto Life (torontolife.com) is a great resource for in-depth event listings and features; it caters to the city's cultural life. - Keep an eye on social media handles like @blogTO and @NarcityToronto on Twitter and Instagram for real-time updates. - The City of Toronto's official tourism site, Destination Toronto (destinationtoronto.com), offers a comprehensive events calendar worth checking regularly. - CP24 (cp24.com) provides event news with a focus on local stories and coverage of community happenings. - The Instagram handle @Torontofoodfeed is excellent for discovering food festivals and pop-up events.
Before your trip, read the history
Toronto began its journey as a settlement called York in 1793, founded by John Graves Simcoe. However, its history stretches back far longer. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, such as the Huron-Wendat and the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Geographically, it sits on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, providing a strategic location for trade and travel, thanks to the Great Lakes. The Toronto Islands off its coast add natural charm and were significant to Native inhabitants and early settlers alike.Throughout its history, Toronto evolved into a major urban center and was renamed in 1834. The city's cultural tapestry is woven from waves of diverse immigrants, contributing to a rich social history. Politically, Toronto has leaned progressively with a notable lean toward liberal values. Influential figures like William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first mayor, and public health pioneer John Snow have left lasting marks. Visitor interest piques upon discovering that Toronto is Canada’s largest city and its economic capital. For travelers interested in the city’s past, Toronto offers countless museums and historical sites to explore.
