Toronto Trip Itinerary: Experiencing the Best of the City in 9 Days

  • Day 1: Exploring Toronto Island
    15 minutes by ferry from downtown Toronto

    Start your trip with a visit to the beautiful Toronto Islands, a quick ferry ride from the city. Enjoy stunning views of the skyline while strolling around the island's parks and beaches. Don't miss out on a visit to the Centreville Amusement Park, a child-friendly attraction featuring over 30 rides.

  • Day 2: Discovering the Royal Ontario Museum
    15 minutes by car from Toronto Island

    The Royal Ontario Museum is a cultural landmark with a vast collection of world art and natural history. Be amazed by its diverse galleries, featuring everything from rare minerals to live insects. A must-see is the hands-on space for children, and the 2-story dinosaur exhibit.

  • Day 3: Admiring the view from CN Tower
    5 minutes by car from Royal Ontario Museum

    CN Tower is the centerpiece of the Toronto skyline and offers a breathtaking view from the observation deck. The tower offers both fine dining and casual eats while enjoying the stunning views. Or if you're daring enough, hang off literally over Toronto sky on the EdgeWalk.

  • Day 4: Exploring Distillery Historic District
    10 minutes by car from CN Tower

    Distillery Historic District is a well-preserved pedestrian village with restored Victorian era architecture, chic restaurants, and trendy boutiques. Fancy art? Check out the district's multiple galleries hosting rotating exhibitions. There are also many cafes and patios to lounge in while listening to live music.

  • Day 5: Visiting Casa Loma
    12 minutes by car from Distillery Historic District

    Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival style mansion with 5-acres of beautiful gardens. See world-class musicians perform in the castle's Ravine, or take a guided tour through the suite rooms, terrifying tunnels, and other unique features.

  • Day 6: Shopping at Eaton Centre and Dundas Square
    10 minutes by car from Casa Loma

    Eaton Centre is an iconic shopping mall with over 250 stores and restaurants featuring some of the biggest names in retail. Just outside, Dundas Square is a great place to people watch and enjoy live events all year round.

  • Day 7: Hanging out at High Park
    15 minutes by car from Dundas Square

    The High Park is an urban green oasis featuring walking paths, picnic areas, and a zoo. Enjoy nature at its finest with hiking trails, ice skating, and sea life exploration in its lakefront aquarium.

  • Day 8: Exploring St. Lawrence Market
    15 minutes by car from High Park

    Next, explore the fascinating St. Lawrence Market and its outdoor farmer's market featuring over 120 merchants. Find everything from fresh produce to unique local crafts. Try out the iconic peameal bacon sandwiches or some freshly made sushi while there.

  • Day 9: Discovering Toronto's Art Scene
    10 minutes by car from St. Lawrence Market

    Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario, featuring over 100,000 works of art, including the vast collection from Canada's legendary Group of Seven. At the heart of the art district is the museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada or MOCA, where you'll encounter both, local and internationally inspired pieces.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • The ferry ride to Toronto Island (15 min): CAD $7.87 / person
  • Royal Ontario Museum Entrance Fee + Guided Tour (3 hours): CAD $39 / person
  • CN Tower: Observatory Deck General Admission + Edge Walk experience + Lunch (4 hours): CAD $225 / person
  • Distillery Historic District: No Entrance Fee (2 hours): CAD $80 for two people with dining and drinks
  • Casa Loma General Admission + Guided Tour (3 hours): CAD $36 / person
  • Eaton Centre & Dundas Square: No Entrance Fee (2 hours): CAD $100 for shopping
  • High Park: No Entrance Fee (3 hours): CAD $20 for zoo tickets
  • St. Lawrence Market: No Entrance Fee (2 hours): CAD $30 meal expenditure
  • Art Gallery of Ontario Entrance Fee + Guided Tour (3 hours): CAD $48 / person
  • Total Estimated Costs: CAD $525 / person

Transportation Details

Public transit is the most feasible form of transportation in Toronto- there are subways, streetcars/buses, and trains available. A 7-day unlimited use pass costs CAD $43.50. Also, taxis and ride-sharing options like Uber or Lyft can be used, but the cost will be on the high side.

The total estimated transportation cost is CAD $135 (Public: CAD $96 / Ride-Sharing/Taxis: CAD $39)

Useful Tips

If you have a little extra time, visit the Toronto Zoo, Ripley's Aquarium or take day trips to nearby Niagara Falls or Stratford to watch a Shakespeare play. If you have less time, cut out Dundas Square, High Park or the Distillery District.

Airports

Toronto has two airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). YYZ is Canada's largest airport, located in Mississauga, about 22 km (14 mi) northwest of downtown Toronto with approximately 45 minutes of travel time. YTZ is the smaller airport located on the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario, less than 4 km (2.5 mi) from downtown Toronto, with roughly 20 minutes travel time to and from the heart of downtown.

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