Toronto holidays

Boasting more than 150 neighbourhoods, Canada’s largest city has an almost endless number of things to see, do and eat. Spend days vintage shopping, gallery hopping or tasting your way through Koreatown, Greektown and not one but two Little Italys! Holidays to Toronto aren’t complete without a day trip to Niagara Falls, one of the most impressive natural wonders in North America.

Toronto holiday highlights

High Park
High Park

Garden city

The city is peppered with vast green spaces, providing places to relax during holidays to Toronto. High Park is one of the largest, with playgrounds, picnic spots, ponds and cafes. Toronto Music Garden has an otherworldly feeling, with lots of corners to get lost in — the garden design is an interpretation of Bach’s ‘First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello’.

Free culture

Toronto takes culture and creativity seriously, providing lots of free ways to experience it. The Bata Shoe Museum is fun loving and free to enter on Sundays. The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto runs free tours and occasional events. Major concerts like the Toronto Jazz Festival also feature complimentary events.

Graffiti Alley

Toronto is famous for its street art, which you’ll find in many neighbourhoods. Graffiti Alley in the Fashion District is where street art is legal. Many renowned graffiti artists have created murals along this road. Become totally immersed in the art during a holiday to Toronto by joining one of the lively street festivals here. 

Toronto: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

Canadian dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Toronto

Weather in Toronto

March – May: Spring in Toronto will be sunny and mild one day, cold and wet the next. Winds off Lake Ontario mean chilly nights, even as the days warm and the trees flower.

June – August: The warm, humid summers send locals flocking to lakeshore beaches. Breezes off the water help cool down sticky nights. Don’t forget your umbrella –– July can see some rain.

September – November: Autumn is usually sunny, with pleasant weather well into September. Temperatures drop in October, right before the leaves change colour.

December – February: Toronto experiences plenty of snowfall in winter. Average temperatures stay below freezing through January and February, with the wind chill making it feel even colder.

Events in Toronto

Toronto Caribbean Carnival (July to August): Join the parade at North America’s largest Caribbean festival. The multi-day celebration also includes nightlife events like pool and dance parties.

Toronto International Film Festival (September): This star-studded film festival draws actors, directors and movie buffs from around the world. Catch screenings and Q&As by celebrity filmmakers.

Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (November): Butter sculptures, dog shows and equestrian competitions take centre stage at this agricultural showcase, going strong for over 100 years.

Cavalcade of Lights (November to January): Toronto brightens up the darkest winter days with this brilliant Christmas light display. Opening night features live music, circus performances and a tree-lighting ceremony.

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The best neighbourhoods in Toronto

Annex

The Annex

The Annex is an architecture lover’s dream. Stroll along wide, leafy streets lined with red-brick Victorian mansions, once the homes of Toronto’s wealthiest residents. Don’t miss Casa Loma, a grand Gothic Revival–style castle. And after admiring all that architecture? Go from cosy cafes to vintage shops to culture hotspots like Hot Docs Cinema — one of the city’s most historic movie theatres.

Good for: Historic homes, vintage shopping, culture

CN Tower

Entertainment District

It’s called the Entertainment District for a reason. From the iconic CN Tower to big-name sports stadiums and family-friendly museums, this central district offers a wide variety of things to do. By night, head to King Street West to catch a Broadway-style show at one of the neighbourhood’s historic theatres. Or pick a rooftop bar and see the city lights from up high.

Good for: Sporting events, theatre shows, nightlife

Kensington Market

Kensington Market

A former Jewish quarter, this small neighbourhood north of downtown is packed full of culture. Think Victorian brownstones alongside colourful street art and markets selling food from all corners of the globe. And you’ll find enough artisan coffee shops to keep you caffeinated around the clock. Make sure you arrive hungry — Kensington Market is home to some of the city’s best eats.

Good for: street art, food markets, coffee

West Humber-Clairville

A pocket of urban living blended with natural beauty, West Humber-Clairville is a quiet neighbourhood on Toronto’s outskirts. The Humber River runs through it, and the lush green trails are spectacular. Original boutiques and diverse ethnic cuisines make shopping and eating a treat too. This is where to stay in Toronto if you like green space and easy access to landmarks.

Good for: Green space, restaurants, shopping

Wellington Place

A central neighbourhood that brings together history and high-end appeal, Wellington Place is an upscale area. Look for chic restaurants and contemporary art galleries, plus plenty of architectural interest in the repurposed old buildings. The Well is a cosmopolitan pedestrianised space for shopping, eating and drinking, making Wellington Place one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Toronto.

Good for: Eating, nightlife, shopping, central location

Old Toronto

The city’s upbeat downtown area, Old Toronto, pulsates with energy and diversity. Historical architecture stands side by side with modern skyscrapers and the triangular Flatiron Building, giving this area a unique look. Many of Toronto’s must-visit landmarks are here, but you’ll find lesser-known places to discover too. Fran’s Bar Roof Top is one of them — stop here for a milkshake or cocktail.

Good for: Sightseeing, restaurants, bars, central location

Things to do in Toronto

Toronto Islands - Ward's Island Park
Toronto Islands - Ward's Island Park

Family friendly things to do

Whether your kids love to be active or learn new things, you can choose from loads of things to do with family in Toronto. Visit the CN Tower for soaring views of the city, or spend a day among 5,000 animals at the Toronto Zoo. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum for world culture, art and nature, and visit the HarbourFront Centre for free outdoor concerts, festivals and events throughout the year.

Shopping

Whether it’s vintage stores or high-end boutiques you love, shopping in Toronto has it all. Visit the chic Yorkville neighbourhood for designer shops and galleries, or explore Kensington Market to find unique pieces of clothing, jewellery and crafts. For a taste of global shopping, Chinatown and St. Lawrence Market have fresh produce, artisanal products and tempting souvenirs.

Take in the culture

A city where more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken, Toronto has a cultural scene infused with internationalism. The galleries, landmarks and museums in Toronto are varied. The Art Gallery of Ontario has an acclaimed collection of Canadian and international art, and historic Casa Loma has a castle and lush gardens to meander through. For a glimpse into the city's past, visit the Distillery District, which is full of Victorian architecture, art galleries and theatres.

Nightlife

With trendy bars, rooftop patios, jazz clubs and music festivals, nightlife in Toronto shows off a whole new side of the city. The Entertainment District puts on big stage shows and concerts. Soak up panoramic views with a drink at a rooftop bar, such as Bar Cana at SOCO. For a lively nightlife experience, head to the King West neighbourhood, where nightclubs, lounges and live music venues reign supreme.

Places to eat

Toronto is a food-lover’s wonderland. At many restaurants in Toronto you can try the classic Canadian dish of poutine (fries, cheese curds and gravy). Eat fresh seafood at Rodney's Oyster House, or dumplings and noodles in Queen West, which also has hallowed craft beer and cocktail spots.

Beaches

Hit the city during the warmer months and you’ll discover several beaches in Toronto. Woodbine Beach is the largest, famous for its volleyball matches and lively boardwalk. Chilled-out Cherry Beach is fab for picnics (grab gourmet sandwiches from Grandma Loves You in the city centre), and Hanlan's Point Beach on Toronto Island looks back at the flawless Toronto skyline.

Plan your holiday to Toronto

Budget

Free museum nights and a long list of free events allow you to sample the city’s arts and culture on your cheap holiday in Toronto. Grab dinner and then go gallery hopping. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around 25 Canadian dollars ($), and a domestic beer is about $8. Opt for public transport, or take a short taxi ride for about $10.

Day trips from Toronto

Just across Lake Ontario, Niagara-on-the-Lake is sometimes called ‘the prettiest town in Ontario’. Watch a performance at the Shaw Festival Theatre or explore the area’s wineries. Or head north to Georgian Bay on Lake Huron. Wasaga Beach is home to the longest freshwater beach in the world, plus hiking trails and boardwalks.

Getting around Toronto

Toronto’s public transport is fast and well connected. Subways, streetcars and buses connect most neighbourhoods and attractions. Get a reloadable PRESTO card to travel around with ease. Or take advantage of the numerous bike lanes and trails, like the scenic Martin Goodman Trail along the waterfront. Escape the winter weather by going underground to the PATH, a long pedestrian walkway connecting shops and businesses.

FAQs about Toronto holidays

With around 10 cm of rainfall, June is the rainiest month. If you're going on your Toronto holiday then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, visit a museum, or hit the shops for some retail therapy.
Plan your Toronto trip for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -12ºC (10ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
The hottest month in Toronto is July, with maximum temperatures of 28ºC (82ºF).
Toronto is considered a safe place to visit and many people take holidays to Toronto every year. Look after your possessions and personal safety just as you would in any urban environment.
Your city break in Toronto can vary in price based on anything from your travel dates to trip length. To score a great deal on Toronto flights and hotels, avoid locking yourself into fixed dates and look out for early bird offers and promotions.
Most people you meet will likely be speaking English. Picking up a few local phrases can be an excellent way to break the ice and connect with people during your city break in Toronto.
You'll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD) during your trip to Toronto. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider having cash available for things like small purchases and getting around.
Spend at least four days in Toronto to see all the main attractions, as well as to experience some of the diverse neighbourhoods. If you can find cheap holidays to Toronto for a longer stay, you won’t regret it, and you could add a day trip to Niagara Falls too.
CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum are only a small taste of what's in store for you here. Check out the list of things to do in Toronto and find out why it should be your next travel stop.
If you prefer mild and warm weather, visit Toronto between April and October. That way you can make the most of the beaches and activities on Lake Ontario as well as city sightseeing. Flights and hotels to Toronto can be a little cheaper during the colder months. Even if you don’t want to be outside for long stretches, you’ll have many brilliant museums, galleries and eateries to spend time in.

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