My husband and I spent 5 days in Toronto in August 2023 as part of our Iceland / Norway trip. We spent one full Sunday exploring together, then worked during the week, and I took one day off to visit Niagara Falls on my own since my husband had already been. The weather was perfect, we had so much delicious food and fun with my Canadian friends, and we saw some pretty nice views. My only regret was not staying longer! Here are my favorite things from the trip:
1. Niagara Falls
Why Visit:
Niagara Falls is a group of three waterfalls that span the border between Ontario and New York. The biggest of the three, Horseshoe Falls, is the most powerful waterfall in North America.
Highlights:
- Boat Tours → sails right into the mist of the falls on a boat cruise. You will get wet!
- Journey Behind the Falls → get a unique view of the falls from below and behind.
- Niagara Falls Fireworks → watch fireworks light up over the falls at night all summer, during the Winter Festival of Lights, and on select holidays throughout the year.
How to Go:
We rented a car, drove ~1.5 hours to Niagara Falls (city in Ontario), and stayed overnight to watch the fireworks. I bought boat tour tickets online from Hornblower and did the cruise the next morning. After the tour, I walked over to the U.S. side via the Rainbow Bridge and explored the American side.
2. Toronto Island Park
Why Visit:
Toronto Island Park is made up of several islands and offers the most iconic views of the Toronto skyline.
Highlights:
- Centre Island → most popular, near the main beach and gardens.
How to Go:
We took the 15-minute ferry to Centre Island and walked around. We bought tickets at the terminal.
3. Casa Loma
Why Visit:
Casa Loma is a castle right in the middle of the city! It’s part historic mansion, part museum, and part movie set, making it a fun stop for both history lovers and photographers.
Highlights:
- Wander through 98 rooms filled with elegant furniture and check out the secret tunnel that leads to the stables and carriage house.
- Climb the towers to get a grew view of the Toronto skyline.
- Spot famous film locations like Professor Xavier’s School from X-Men.
How to Go:
We bought tickets at the castle.
4. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Why Visit:
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of Toronto’s top indoor attractions and located right next to the CN tower.
Highlights:
- Walk through a long underwater tunnel with a moving walkway that glides you beneath sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
How to Go:
We bought tickets at the aquarium.
5. CN Tower
Why Visit:
The CN Tower is Toronto’s most famous landmark, and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world (553 meters / 1,815 feet)!
Highlights:
- Visit at night to see the tower’s LED lights change colors.
- The observation decks offer panoramic views of the city, though we didn’t get a chance to go up this time.
How to Go:
There was a huge line when we went, so we just took photos nearby. It was still worth seeing how tall the tower is, but I recommend buying timed-entry tickets online in advance if you plan to go up.