Toronto Canada 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Toronto Itinerary: A Blend of City Buzz & Cultural Charm

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: The Rex Hotel (downtown), HI Toronto Hostel
  • Mid-Range: Hotel X Toronto, The Drake Hotel
  • Luxury: The Fairmont Royal York, Shangri-La Hotel

Transportation:

  • TTC (Toronto Transit Commission): Subway, streetcars, buses. Purchase a Presto card for convenient travel.
  • Walking: Toronto is very walkable, especially downtown.
  • Ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft are readily available.
  • Bike Share: Explore the city on two wheels with Bike Share Toronto.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
  • Language: English & French
  • Tipping: 15-20% in restaurants and for services.
  • Weather: Summers are warm and humid, winters are cold and snowy. Dress accordingly!

Day 1: Downtown Delights

  • Morning: Explore Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto’s Times Square equivalent. Visit the ** Eaton Centre** for shopping or the Hockey Hall of Fame.
  • Afternoon: Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands for stunning city views and relaxation. Enjoy a picnic or rent bikes.
  • Evening: Dinner at Pai Northern Thai Kitchen (delicious, authentic Thai) followed by a show in the Entertainment District.

Day 2: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) for a diverse art collection including Canadian and Indigenous works.
  • Afternoon: Wander through Kensington Market, a vibrant neighbourhood with vintage shops, eclectic restaurants, and street art.
  • Evening: Catch a performance at the Royal Alexandra Theatre or enjoy live music in Queen West.

Day 3: History & Heritage

  • Morning: Step back in time at Casa Loma, a majestic castle with stunning gardens.
  • Afternoon: Explore Fort York National Historic Site, a former military fortress offering historical insights and reenactments.
  • Evening: Dinner at Canoe Restaurant for upscale dining with panoramic city views.

Day 4: Diverse Neighbourhoods

  • Morning: Discover the vibrant multicultural hub of Little Italy with its charming cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Distillery District, a pedestrian-only area with Victorian architecture, art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Trattoria Nervosa in Little Italy.

Day 5: Nature & Relaxation

  • Morning: Escape the city buzz with a visit to High Park, Toronto’s largest park with walking trails, gardens, a zoo, and scenic views.
  • Afternoon: Relax by the waterfront at Sugar Beach, a unique urban beach with sand, umbrellas, and hammocks.
  • Evening: Dinner at The Lakeview Restaurant for casual dining and stunning lakeside views.

Day 6: Sports & Entertainment

  • Morning: Cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays at a baseball game (season permitting).
  • Afternoon: Visit the CN Tower, an iconic landmark offering breathtaking city views from its observation deck.
  • Evening: Enjoy drinks and live music at The Horseshoe Tavern, a legendary music venue in Queen West.

Day 7: Shopping & Farewell

  • Morning: Shop for souvenirs and unique finds at St. Lawrence Market, a historic marketplace with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to artisan goods.
  • Afternoon: Relax at a cafĂ© in Yorkville, an upscale neighbourhood known for its boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining.
  • Evening: Farewell dinner at Alo Restaurant (Michelin-starred) for a memorable culinary experience.

Tips:

  • Purchase a Toronto CityPASS for discounted entry to major attractions.
  • Explore free activities like parks, walking tours, and festivals.
  • Try local delicacies like poutine, butter tarts, and peameal bacon sandwiches.
  • Embrace the multicultural vibe by trying diverse cuisines from around the world.