12-day Itinerary: Exploring CN Tower, Aquarium and Dundas in Toronto, Canada

  • Day 1: CN Tower
    0 minutes (0 miles) from Downtown Toronto

    The CN Tower is an iconic building located in Downtown Toronto. Enjoy stunning views of the city from the observation deck and try EdgeWalk, an adrenaline-filled hands-free walk along the edge of the tower's roof.

  • Day 2: Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from CN Tower

    Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a must-visit attraction in Toronto. Get up close to several species of marine creatures including sharks, rays, and jellyfish. Witness the daily shows like Ray Bay, Live Dive, and Dangerous Lagoon.

  • Day 3: Dundas Square
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

    Dundas Square is located in Downtown Toronto and is often called the “Times Square” of Canada. It features live events, performers, and special events throughout the year. Visit the Eaton Shopping Centre nearby for a great shopping experience.

  • Day 4: Casa Loma
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Dundas Square

    Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival style mansion and garden in Downtown Toronto. It is now open to the public as a museum and events venue. Explore the castle's secret passages, award-winning gardens, and breathtaking views of the city skyline.

  • Day 5: Toronto Islands
    20 minutes (4 miles) from Casa Loma

    The Toronto Islands are a chain of small islands in Lake Ontario, only accessible by ferry, and offering great views of the city skyline. Rent a bike or take a kayak tour and enjoy the beaches, parks, and gardens of the islands.

  • Day 6: St. Lawrence Market
    15 minutes (3 miles) from Toronto Islands

    The St. Lawrence Market is an indoor market located in Old Toronto. Here you can see unique vendors selling arts & crafts, meat, cheese, pastries, and fresh produce!

  • Day 7: Hockey Hall of Fame
    10 minutes (1.5 miles) from St. Lawrence Market

    The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Downtown Toronto and is dedicated to the history of ice hockey in Canada. Visit and see the Stanley Cup, watch the 3D movie and try out interactive games that will make you feel on the ice.

  • Day 8: Art Gallery of Ontario
    10 minutes (2 miles) from Hockey Hall of Fame

    The Art Gallery of Ontario is located in Downtown Toronto and is a great place to see Canadian and international art. In addition to the permanent collection and rotating exhibitions, make sure you visit the Galleria Italia Restaurant and Sculpture Garden.

  • Day 9: Chinatown
    20 minutes (2 miles) from Art Gallery of Ontario

    Chinatown in Toronto offers a vast array of shopping and dining options. Explore the streets lined with traditional shops, markets & restaurants. Do not miss the famous Bubble Tea Shops.

  • Day 10: University of Toronto
    20 minutes (3 miles) from Chinatown

    The University of Toronto is ranked as one of the top universities in Canada. Located in Toronto's Downtown, visit the campus and see its impressive architecture, Great Hall, and the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library.

  • Day 11: Toronto Zoo
    30 minutes (12 miles) from University of Toronto

    The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada and is home to over 5000 animals. Make sure you visit the exhibits of the Canadian domain, African rainforest, and the Tundra Trek.

  • Day 12: Royal Ontario Museum
    20 minutes (3.5 miles) from Toronto Zoo

    The Royal Ontario Museum is located near the University of Toronto and features collections of art, history, and natural science. Be sure to experience the bat cave and see the world's largest dinosaur exhibits.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • CN Tower (2-3 hours, CAD 40-50)
  • Ripley's Aquarium of Canada (2-3 hours, CAD 40-50)
  • Dundas Square (2-3 hours, free)
  • Casa Loma (2-3 hours, CAD 30-40)
  • Toronto Islands (half-day, CAD 10-20 for ferry ride)
  • St. Lawrence Market (1-2 hours, free)
  • Hockey Hall of Fame (2 hours, CAD 25-30)
  • Art Gallery of Ontario (2-3 hours CAD 20-30)
  • Chinatown (2-3 hours, food budget varies)
  • University of Toronto (1-2 hours, free)
  • Toronto Zoo (half-day, CAD 20-30)
  • Royal Ontario Museum (2-3 hours, CAD 25-30)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding hotel and transportation): CAD 270-360

Transportation

Public transportation is the most recommended option to get around in Toronto. The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) operates subways, streetcars, and buses. A day pass costs CAD 12.50 and a three-day pass costs CAD 31.75. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also available in the city. Expect to pay CAD 3-4/km for taxis and slightly less for ride-hailing services.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Niagara Falls. You can take a 2-hour bus ride from Toronto to Niagara and spend the day enjoying the Falls. If you have less time, consider cutting out some of the museums and dedicating more time to exploring the food scene, perhaps in areas such as Little Italy, Kensington Market or Baldwin Street.

Airports

Toronto has two major airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Toronto Pearson is the main airport and is located around 30 minutes (16 miles) northwest of Downtown Toronto. Billy Bishop is a regional airport located on the Toronto Islands and is closer and more accessible to Downtown Toronto.

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