Toronto, Ontario, Canada-5-day-itinerary
Toronto 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Downtown Toronto
- Morning: Start at Union Station and grab a coffee at the iconic St. Lawrence Market (open Tuesday to Thursday). Try a peameal bacon sandwich, a Toronto classic!
- 9:00 AM: Visit the nearby CN Tower for panoramic views of the city.
- 11:00 AM: Walk to City Hall and take a photo in front of the famous “Toronto” sign.
- Lunch: Head to Chinatown for authentic Asian cuisine at Mother’s Dumplings or Pai Northern Thai Kitchen.
- Afternoon: Explore the trendy shops and cafes on Queen Street West.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Buca, a popular Italian restaurant, and catch a show or concert at the historic Massey Hall.
Where to Stay:
- The Fairmont Royal York: A luxurious hotel in the heart of downtown Toronto, with elegant rooms and top-notch service.
Day 2: Toronto’s Waterfront and Islands
- Morning: Take a ferry to Centre Island, where you can rent a bike and explore the car-free island.
- Lunch: Grab a picnic lunch at The St. Lawrence Market or eat at one of the many food vendors on the island.
- Afternoon: Visit the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse and enjoy the beaches and scenic views.
- Evening: Head back to the mainland and dine at The Chase, a contemporary Canadian bistro.
Day 3: Museums and Galleries
- Morning: Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), featuring a vast collection of art, culture, and natural history exhibits.
- Lunch: Take a break at Kensington Market, a vibrant neighborhood with eclectic shops and eateries. Try Wanda’s Pie in the Sky for a delicious pie!
- Afternoon: Explore the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), showcasing Canadian and international art.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Pai Northern Thai Kitchen (again, it’s that good!) or La Carnita, a trendy taco spot.
Day 4: Toronto’s Neighbourhoods
- Morning: Visit the historic Distillery District, with its cobblestone streets and converted warehouses now housing trendy bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Lunch: Head to Little Italy for a delicious Italian meal at Trattoria Forno Cultura or Pizzeria Libretto.
- Afternoon: Explore the eclectic shops and cafes in The Junction, a former industrial area turned hip neighborhood.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Vecchia, an authentic Italian restaurant, or Miku Toronto, for Japanese cuisine.
Day 5: Outdoor Adventures
- Morning: Visit High Park, featuring walking trails, picnic areas, and the famous cherry blossom trees (seasonal).
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at The Lakeview Restaurant, with its retro diner vibe.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Waterfront Trail, offering scenic views of Lake Ontario.
- Evening: End your trip with dinner at Estiatorio Volos, serving up authentic Greek cuisine.
Transportation:
- TTC (Toronto Transit Commission): Use the subway, streetcars, or buses to get around the city. Buy a Presto card for convenient travel.
- Ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft operate in Toronto.
Tips and Essentials:
- Weather: Pack layers for unpredictable Canadian weather!
- Language: English is the primary language spoken in Toronto, but you may also hear many other languages due to its cultural diversity.
- Currency: The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the local currency.
- Safety: Toronto is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Other Things of Interest:
- Toronto Islands Ferry: Take a ferry to the islands for scenic views and outdoor activities.
- Kensington Market Pedestrian Sundays: On Sundays from May to October, Kensington Avenue is closed to cars, making it a fun pedestrian-only zone.
- St. Lawrence Market on Saturdays: The market is open on Saturdays, featuring live music and a bustling atmosphere.
Enjoy your trip to Toronto!