Home to the tallest building in Canada, one of the most diverse mixes of cuisines in North America, and a generous handful of world-class museums and galleries, Toronto is among Canada’s most compelling cities to visit. But what to do here after you’ve already seen the CN Tower, the Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Royal Ontario Museum?
On your second trip, seek out experiences that cater to locals rather than travelers, from a shopping mall packed with Asian restaurants to a beautiful park with regular outdoor concerts. Below, we’ve rounded up these and more understated spots to help you go beyond Toronto’s biggest tourist attractions.
You’ve been to the Eaton Centre, now go to Kensington Market
A bohemian neighborhood that’s popular with locals and travelers alike, Kensington Market is jam-packed with vintage stores, art galleries, specialty grocers, and restaurants. Shop for denim at Sub Rosa Vintage, grab some oysters and wine at Grey Gardens, and pick up a loaf of sourdough from Blackbird Baking Co. Visit in the summer for Pedestrian Sundays, when the entire area becomes a car-free open-air market selling second-hand clothing, crafts, street food, and more.
You’ve been to the CN Tower, now go to the Toronto Islands
The CN Tower affords absolutely epic views—it’s the tallest tower in Canada after all. For a different perspective on the city, however, go to the Toronto Islands. Located just south of the mainland, the chain of 15 interconnected islands is just a 13-minute ferry ride from downtown and has some of the best vistas of the Toronto skyline. After you’ve taken in the views, rent a bike at Centre Island Pier and cycle your way along the pathways and bridges that connect the islands.
Travelers say: "We went on a summer Tuesday and could not get over the perfect, beautiful weather; amazing views of the Toronto skyline; [and] the gorgeous grounds. It was relaxing and unhurried, and not too crowded, comparatively speaking. We admired the geese, rode a quadricycle, had a Beavertail pastry, walked around the amusement park/petting zoo area, and saw a zebu. It was just beautiful and relaxing, and the ferry ride was short and smooth." —@delilahr970
You’ve been to High Park, now go to the Toronto Music Garden
Created by landscape architect Julie Moir Messevy in collaboration with cellist Yo-Yo Ma, the Toronto Music Garden is so much more than just a park. The design was inspired by Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 and different parts of the garden correspond to each movement of his piece, with winding rivers, swirling paths, and a grove in the shape of an arc. Come here to picnic in the shade of a willow tree, join a free guided tour of the grounds, or attend one of the Summer Music in the Garden concerts, which feature everything from jazz and blues to Indigenous performances.
Travelers say: "Beautifully designed garden. Recommend for people who are actually interested in local plants and garden design, or a pleasant short walk. …My husband is a passionate gardener and we enjoyed following the planned routes, observing how the flower and plant selections worked together, and how the design of the whole integrated these things." —@um1986
You’ve been to the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, now go to Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is captivating no matter how many times you go, but if you’ve had your fill of marine animals, consider checking out Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. Having survived incarnations as a second-run cinema, an adult film house, and more, the century-old theater now hosts the largest documentary festival in North America each spring, and also plays new and noteworthy documentaries year-round.
You’ve been to the Royal Ontario Museum, now go to Prehistoria
Once you’ve browsed the impressive collection of dinosaur fossils and bones at the Royal Ontario Museum, pay a visit to the much more intimate Prehistoria. The independent museum and oddity shop offers free admission to an impressive collection of artifacts as well as a reptile zoo with endangered tortoises, frilled dragons, poison dart frogs, and more. Browse dinosaur eggs, Egyptian amulets, Viking axes, a whale skeleton, and even a taxidermied duck-billed platypus, then hit the gift shop to pick up a sustainably sourced crystal, authentic dinosaur tooth, or salvaged fur.
Travelers say: "I’m a university biology professor and I found this a great little place to see some amazing specimens, including a wealth of skeletons, fossils, taxidermied animals, stones and gems, and other natural history items. On the second floor of a small building in the middle of Toronto, so an unexpected find. There is also a museum store. I could have spent hours there." —@talkinghorse55
You’ve been to Chinatown, now go to Pacific Mall
It’s easy to spend an entire weekend exploring the shops, restaurants, and markets in Toronto’s popular Chinatown, but if you’ve already been to this dynamic neighborhood, make your way to Pacific Mall in Markham instead. The sprawling complex is the largest indoor Asian shopping mall in North America and boasts hundreds of boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, and food court stalls in a maze-like atrium space. Be sure to stop by Mr. Pancake for sweet-and-savory Korean crepes and Kai Kyo Tei for authentic Japanese onigiri.
You’ve been to the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto, now go to the Textile Museum of Canada
A fascinating alternative to the ever-popular Museum of Contemporary Art, the Textile Museum of Canada helps build cultural understanding through the universal medium of textiles. The permanent collection spans nearly 2,000 years and comprises more than 15,000 artifacts, including a salmon-skin suit from China, Nazca fragments from Peru, and a hooked rug by Indigenous artist Florence Ryder. Browse the exhibits, then head to the Learning Hub for hands-on activities like tapestry weaving, rug hooking, and felt appliqué.
You’ve been to the Steam Whistle Biergärten, now go to Henderson Brewing Company
The Steam Whistle Biergärten, set right on the water, is a scenic spot for a beer, but Henderson Brewing Company feels a lot more local. The charming indoor-outdoor spot serves beer flights (don’t miss the Belgian Tripel and the classic IPA) and doubles as a bottle shop in case you want to bring home some suds. It’s also worth noting that the space features a handful of retro arcade games for those looking to show off their pinball skills.
You’ve been to Sugar Beach, now go to the Scarborough Bluffs
Fronting Lake Ontario, Toronto is home to several great beaches. The pink-umbrella-dotted Sugar Beach is easily accessible via subway and streetcar and, thus, quite popular, but swimming there is prohibited. If you want to get in the water, try the Scarborough Bluffs instead. The stunning beach is only 30 minutes outside the city center by car and has crystal-clear water that will have you thinking you’re somewhere tropical. After a dip, go to the neighboring Bluffers Restaurant for fresh seafood and views of the Bluffers Park Yacht Club.
Travelers say: "I highly recommend a bike ride out to the Bluffs. I remember the first time a friend took me out here, I couldn't believe that I was riding through Ontario, or along a lake. The view and path near the bluffs are simply stunning. A great daytime trip for the summer, especially when it's not crowded." —@Debyoung89
You’ve been to Yonge-Dundas Square, now go to the Distillery District
Yonge-Dundas Square is basically the Times Square of Toronto—once you’ve seen it, you don’t need to go again. For an equally exciting spot to experience the sights and sounds of the city, head to the Distillery District. The entertainment and shopping area is filled with art galleries, gift shops, independent clothing boutiques, and Ontario’s first sake brewery, but maintains a neighborhood-y feel thanks to its brick-lined streets, beautifully restored Victorian-Industrial buildings, and the fact that it’s completely closed to traffic.
