Toronto is a multicultural metropolis with hidden gems throughout its bustling streets. In 2016, BBC radio named it the most diverse city in the world–now that’s a reputation to uphold. With so many people and so many different ethnicities, Toronto’s culture has a unique thumbprint. Taking a trip to the northern city is a no-brainer. But what if you only have one day to spend?
Fear not! In this article, we’re going to show you how to spend 24 hours in Toronto, Canada. By the end of the day, you’ll have seen and tasted everything the city has to offer. That’s what it’s all about, eh?
Breakfast at Petit Dejeuner
Start your day off with breakfast at Petit Dejeuner. The restaurant serves up full plates of waffles, crepes, and breakfast sandwiches. You name it, Petit Dejeujer has got it. It’s vegetarian-friendly, so it shouldn’t be a problem for anyone to dig into a delicious dish. You’ll want to have a hardy meal because you’ve got a big day of travel ahead of you. Your first activity of the day is just next door, so grab a coffee to go!
Quick note: the restaurant opens at 9 am every morning. It’s one of the more popular places to eat in Toronto, and if you don’t arrive early, there could be a line.
CN Tower
Just a stone’s throw away from the breakfast spot is the CN Tower. You can purchase a ticket online and take the elevator to the tippy top of the structure, well, almost the tippy top. The total height of the tower is 553 meters (1815 ft). That’s a tall building!
If you were wondering if there are any adventurous things to do in Toronto, sign up for the Edge Walk. The CN Tower employees will hook you up to a harness, and you’ll slowly lean off the edge of the building. Just make sure you have time to digest your food beforehand.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Now that you’ve conquered your fear of heights, it’s time for something a bit calmer. The Art Gallery of Ontario hosts over 90,000 pieces of art. The featured work ranges from indigenous tribes from North America to paintings by Picasso. Of all the places to visit in Toronto, the gallery is an excellent place to see Canadian culture and experience one of North America’s top art museums.
Throughout the year, there are wonderful events, talks, and workshops that you can attend. Check out the museum’s calendar to see if there is anything that catches your eye. Some events happen in the evening, so you may need to readjust this itinerary if that’s the case.
Collective Arts Brewing
After all that walking and fear conquering, you’ve probably got quite the appetite and thirst. Head over to the Collective Arts Brewing. The brewery has top-quality beers that are brewed in-house. Grab a flight of beers and taste everything it has to offer. You’ll find a food menu with mouthwatering options that satisfy your hunger. On the weekends, the kitchen opens at 12pm; otherwise, it opens at 4pm. If you’re traveling on a weekday, see below for our other recommendation.
Weekday lunch option: Spice up your day at Nantana Thai. It’s a small street food vendor that whips up authentic Thai dishes. It’s a hidden gem and one of the must-try places to eat in Toronto.
Kensington Market
Once you’ve settled the lunch bill, you can walk or drive over to the Kensington Market. Don’t worry, you’re not going there to eat–unless you want to. Visiting a city’s market is the best way to immerse yourself in its culture. The Kensington Market hosts several vendors that sell produce and international cuisine, but you’ll also find serval vintage clothing stores. It’s a fun area to pop in and out of stores and go window-shopping. Who knows? Maybe you’ll find something to take home with you.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Canada is all about hockey. The sport has been around for more than 150 years, and it’s become a massive part of Canadian culture. You can learn all about the history and evolution of the game at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
If you don’t know anything about hockey, the museum will fill you in, and you’ll soon be an expert on the sport. Inside you’ll see the dangerous beginnings when players and goalies didn’t wear helmets or facemasks. Try your skills at the interactive shooting games. They’ll give you a newfound respect for what hockey players can do while ice-skating.
Stop For a Delicious Dinner
Dinner time already? Here are two tasty places to eat in Toronto that you won’t regret!
Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill
A tried-and-true restaurant in Canada that never disappoints. The establishment has a full menu of mouthwatering options, such as steaks, bowls, pasta, and burgers. There’s also a Plant-based section with great dishes. Order a couple beers or cocktails because your next activity is a fun one!
Banh Mi Boys
If you’ve never had a Banh Mi, then you’re missing out. They are Vietnamese sandwiches, and this local spot has some of the best around! It’s a unique spot in the city, and you’ll want to go back the next time you visit.
Catch a Maple Leafs Game
Since you’re now an expert in hockey, it only makes sense to catch a Maples Leafs game at the Scotiabank Arena. If you’re coming from a different country, it will be exciting to hear the Canadian national anthem being played before the game begins. Hockey is one of the fastest-paced games, so you’ll have a great time even if it’s your first experience watching the sport – a few drinks will make it that much better. Of all the things to do in Toronto, a hockey game should be high on your list!
Nightcap at Roxy on King
When the game is over, go grab a nightcap or two at Roxy on King. It’s a bar with a great vibe that has pool tables, good drinks, and tasty snacks. It’ll be the perfect way to end your day in Toronto, Canada. The bar closes at 2 am on Friday and Saturday, so don’t feel like you need to rush out of there.
Final Travel Advice
Toronto is one of those cities that everyone eventually needs to visit. Even if you only have 24 hours, you can squeeze in a whole day of memorable and interesting activities
. If you have a car, you might consider heading over to Niagara Falls. Toronto has reliable public transportation, but using Lyft is one of the easiest ways to get around to all the best places to visit in Toronto (Uber is not available in the city). Have a great trip!