A Relaxing 5-Day Itinerary in Toronto, Including Niagara Falls

  • Day 1: Visit Niagara Falls
    1 hour 30 minutes (78.4 km) from Toronto

    Your first day is all about relaxing and experiencing the natural wonder of Niagara Falls! Feel the mist as you stand by the edge of the waterfalls, take a boat tour to see the falls up close, and enjoy a scenic stroll through Queen Victoria Park. Don't forget to stop by the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory, where you can enjoy a tranquil walk through a lush tropical rainforest filled with exotic butterflies and plants.

  • Day 2: St. Lawrence Market and CN Tower
    23 minutes (17.1 km) from Niagara Falls

    Start your day by visiting the St. Lawrence Market, a historic market that's been operating since 1803. Here, you can enjoy delicious food from around the world, shop for local produce and handmade crafts, and admire the beautiful architecture of the building. In the afternoon, go to the iconic CN Tower, where you can take in breathtaking views of Toronto from the observation deck, located at 342 metres high. For a truly relaxing experience, dine at the CN Tower's 360 Restaurant, which offers excellent food and unbeatable views.

  • Day 3: Toronto Islands and Harbourfront Centre
    20 minutes (8.9 km) from CN Tower

    Take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, where you can enjoy a blissful day on the beach, rent a bike or a kayak, and explore the natural beauty of the islands. In the afternoon, head to Harbourfront Centre, where you can take a relaxing walk by the lakeshore, admire public art installations, and enjoy a variety of cultural events and performances.

  • Day 4: Lawrence Park and Casa Loma
    25 minutes (13.9 km) from Harbourfront Centre

    Spend your morning in the serene neighbourhood of Lawrence Park, where you can admire the leafy streets, historic homes, and beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, visit Casa Loma, a majestic castle that was built in 1914 and boasts ornate architecture, secret passages, and stunning views of Toronto. Take a self-guided audio tour of the castle, and don't miss the lovely gardens and stables outside.

  • Day 5: Queen's Park and High Park
    26 minutes (7.8 km) from Casa Loma

    On your final day in Toronto, enjoy a leisurely morning at Queen's Park, the city's most important park, which is home to several historic buildings, including the Ontario Legislative Building, and beautiful gardens. In the afternoon, head to High Park, a vast park that boasts forests, trails, gardens, and a picturesque lake. Relax by the water, take a walk through the woods, and enjoy the natural beauty of Toronto.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Admission to Niagara Falls (2-3 hours, $23 CAD)
  • St. Lawrence Market (2 hours, $10-20 CAD)
  • CN Tower (2-3 hours, $38-58 CAD)
  • Ferry to Toronto Islands (2 hours, $9 CAD)
  • Casa Loma (2 hours, $30 CAD)
Total Estimated Costs: $110-$140 CAD

Transportation

As most of the attractions in Toronto are within a few kilometres of each other, walking is a great way to get around and appreciate the city's beauty. If you prefer to use public transportation, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) operates a subway system and a network of buses and streetcars that can take you anywhere in the city. If you plan to visit Niagara Falls, you can take a bus or a train from Toronto, which takes about 1.5-2 hours and costs $20-60 CAD.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, where you can enjoy wine tours, boutique shopping, and scenic drives. If you have less time, skip Casa Loma and spend more time in the Kensington Market neighbourhood, which is known for its vibrant street art, colourful houses, and diverse food scene.

Airports

Toronto is served by two airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which is located 22.5 km northwest of downtown Toronto, and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), which is located on an island just offshore from the city centre. YYZ is the main international airport, and is connected to downtown by public transportation (UP Express train, TTC buses and subways, and taxis), which takes 20-60 minutes and costs $5-70 CAD. YTZ is a smaller regional airport, and is connected to downtown by a ferry that takes 15 minutes and costs $10 CAD.

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