Things to do in Toronto for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
Watch as these impressive creatures devour bonito, herring, and squid. Despite their intimidating appearance, they're surprisingly gentle. Explore the Canadian Waters gallery, bustling with Giant Pacific Octopi, paddlefish, American lobsters, wolf eels, and more. At Ray Bay, watch sleek stingrays skim the sandy bottom. Be mesmerized by the weightless dance of jellyfish in Planet Jellies. Lastly, visit the Rainbow Reef to marvel at fish darting through colorful coral, from Picasso triggerfish to Harlequin Tuskfish and unicorn surgeonfish.
This self-guided audio walking tour introduces first-time visitors to Toronto through historic streets, landmark architecture, and lively public squares. It will suit travelers who want an easy-to-follow route with a strong sense of the city’s past and present, told in a clear, conversational style. Your route begins at the Gooderham Building, Toronto’s famous red-brick flatiron, where the narrow wedge shape and detailed cornice set the tone for the walk. From there, you head west toward the Richmond Adelaide Square Courtyard, pass through the heart of Old Toronto and Downtown, and arrive at Toronto Old City Hall, known for its heavy stone arches, carved details, and commanding clock tower. The walk then continues across Nathan Phillips Square, where the open plaza, reflecting pool, and bold modern city hall create a sharp contrast with the older buildings nearby. The final stretch leads through David Pecaut Square and along John Street before ending at Campbell House Museum, a restored 1822 home that opens a window onto early Toronto life. Along the way, the most memorable moments include standing beside the city’s best-known flatiron building, looking up at Old City Hall’s gargoyles, crossing one of Toronto’s busiest civic spaces, and finishing at one of the oldest surviving houses in the downtown core.
Visit the Museum of Illusions Toronto and see a collection of perspective-changing rooms, intriguing installations, and thought-provoking images. Learn how illusions can play tricks on the mind and alter perceptions.
Pack a year's supply of belly laughs and family fun into one afternoon at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Toronto. Set sail on treasure-hunting adventures with pirates, brush up on your ninjitsu at the _Ninjago City Adventure_, blast across the cosmos in a LEGO® spaceship, rescue princesses from enchanted castles, and lots more!
Step into the world of Toronto's coolest neighborhood with this Self-Guided Audio Tour of West Queen West, a locality brimming with culture, art, and fashion. Designed for urban explorers and cultural enthusiasts, this tour is an invitation to experience the area's exceptional food, shopping, and nightlife through the eyes of a local. Starting at the historic Gladstone Hotel and culminating across from Type Books, this journey leads you down vibrant city blocks, unveiling the local fabric woven with creativity and trend-setting vibes. Navigate through charming boutiques, savor the flavors of the trendiest food spots, and discover tucked-away bars that bring the district to life after dusk. Each stop is a chapter in West Queen West's fascinating story, captured in detailed audio narratives that engage the senses and immerse you in the neighborhood's spirited atmosphere. Highlights include iconic landmarks like The Drake Hotel and The Great Hall, unique shopping experiences from Crywolf to Jonathan & Olivia, and delightful culinary adventures at Fresh Restaurant and Bellwoods Brewery. Beyond the guided path, indulge in hidden gems such as the eclectic Bar Fancy and revered indie spots like Sweaty Betty's. By the end of this tour, you'll have savored a gallery of experiences that showcase why West Queen West is a canvas of contemporary urban culture.
This self-guided audio tour is an adventure through Toronto's bustling Financial District and City Halls, crafted for enthusiasts of architecture and urban history. The journey is an aural exploration of the steel and stone giants that have stood as witnesses to Toronto's economic growth. The tour is formatted for those on foot and is ideal for any curious mind eager to peel back the layers of the city's commercial evolution, and its celebrated civic landmarks. Starting at the neoclassical Bank of Montreal building, now the Hockey Hall of Fame, this tour will guide you across the Financial District's grand avenues. You will set off from the corner of Yonge and Front, weaving through canyons of glistening bank towers and historic edifices, towards Nathan Phillips Square, the proud site of the New City Hall. Along the way, you will pause at the likes of Brookfield Place, Union Station, the original Stock Exchange, and the impressive Scotia Plaza, amongst other notable giants in the city's skyline. The tour concludes with the architectural marvels of Old and New City Halls, symbolizing Toronto's transitions. Memories of this tour will include standing at the footsteps of economic powerhouses, viewing the elegant City Halls, and feeling the vibrancy of Toronto's heart. This journey is sure to leave you with a sense of awe at the innovative spirit that has shaped a modern metropolis.
Step into the vibrant heart of Toronto with this self-guided audio tour along Queen Street West. Ideal for those drawn to urban artistry and the rhythm of rock & roll, the tour weaves through colorful history and contemporary buzz, offering an audio canvas for explorers of city culture and avant-garde lifestyles. From iconic music venues to eclectic shops and arresting street art, each stop has its own story, ready to unfold in your ears. The journey starts at University Avenue and concludes at the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art, with your phone as the guide through Toronto's edgiest artery. As you stride from the polished glass of performing arts theaters to the raw energy of the Graffiti Alley, the narrative of Queen Street unravels. Along the way, pop into the Rex Hotel Jazz and Blues Bar, get captivated by street vendors' melodies, and marvel at the architectural wonder of Campbell House Museum. End your excursion on a high note with the creative pulse of contemporary Canadian artwork, encapsulating a bold vision where artistic expression has no bounds. An audio adventure awaits to grant you an authentic slice of Toronto's coolest street.
Discover the grandeur of Toronto's Casa Loma District with this in-app audio tour tailored for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Stroll through charming streets west of Casa Loma and learn about affluent industrialists who commissioned celebrated architects to create their grand homes over a century ago. The tales of the area's historical residents and their stately houses unfold as you walk, providing a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of Toronto’s early 20th-century elite. This self-guided adventure begins at the grand sidewalks opposite Casa Loma’s entrance, guiding you through lush old forests and past opulent dwellings, before concluding at the intersection of St. Clair Avenue and Wells Hill Avenue. Along the way, landmarks such as Lenwil House and Maclean House will be highlighted, alongside anecdotes about prominent figures like Marshall McLuhan and Ernest Hemingway. Notable stops include the picturesque Wells Hill Avenue, home to an array of early 20th-century architecture, as well as serene park spaces which once housed expansive estates. The tour promises an enriching experience, punctuated with engaging stories, historic revelations, and the visual splendor of architectural masterpieces.
Embark on a solo adventure with this self-guided audio tour designed for curious explorers seeking to uncover Toronto's urban legends. Ideal for those interested in experiencing the city's vibrant culture and rich history, this tour promises an immersive walk down the famed Front Street and the bustling Yonge Street, offering a glimpse into the heart of Toronto's past and present. Starting at the historic Rogers Centre and concluding at the impressive Old City Hall, the route ensures an easy-to-follow trajectory filled with enchanting sights. Walk past iconic attractions like Steam Whistle Brewing, Union Station, and the Hockey Hall of Fame, to name just a few. As you navigate through the cityscape, enjoy tales of architectural marvels, local sports fervor, and iconic entertainment venues. By the journey's end, you will have experienced the tales behind Toronto's most famous sites and the city's enduring spirit.
About Toronto
The best tours to do in Toronto with kids are:
The must-see attractions in Toronto for a first visit are:
Insider tips for visiting Toronto
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Toronto on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Toronto.
When I visit Toronto for a night out, I usually send friends to Ossington and Dundas West. It feels more local than the Entertainment District, with intimate cocktail bars, late-night vinyl spots, and excellent kitchens that stay lively well past dinner. On weekends in Toronto, I like starting with a drink on Ossington, then drifting west for live music or a low-key bar on Dundas. Locals know the side streets and patios are where the energy really builds after 10 pm. If you’re planning to visit Toronto, this pocket belongs in any travel guide Toronto readers trust for authentic things to do in Toronto after dark.
I usually recommend staying in Queen West or the west edge of downtown when I put together a travel guide Toronto friends will actually use. You’re close to Trinity Bellwoods, Ossington’s restaurants, and the 504 streetcar, which makes getting around Toronto easy without feeling stuck in the busiest core. When I visit Toronto, I like being able to grab coffee on Dundas West, browse independent shops, and still reach the AGO or waterfront quickly. For first-timers, this area gives you real neighborhood energy plus plenty of things to do in Toronto after dark, without the condo-and-chain feel of some central blocks.
One of my favorite things to do in Toronto alone is spend a few hours walking Kensington Market into Chinatown, then ending the afternoon at Graffiti Alley or a café on Baldwin Street. Toronto feels especially easy for solo travelers here because you can drift at your own pace, snack as you go, and never feel out of place. When I’m deciding what to see in Toronto by myself, I choose neighborhoods where people-watching is half the experience. It’s one of the few tours in Toronto I’d recreate on my own, and it links several of the most character-filled attractions in Toronto without forcing a packed schedule.
When I want a fuller sense of Toronto, I pair the central attractions in Toronto with a quick escape to the Islands or the Scarborough Bluffs. In summer, I’ll take the ferry to Ward’s Island, walk the quiet boardwalks, and look back at the skyline from a spot most visitors miss. If I stay in the city, I like wandering from St. Lawrence Market through the Distillery District for a more lived-in side of Toronto. For anyone deciding what to see in Toronto, these areas give you history, water views, and neighborhoods that feel distinct. Even many tours in Toronto skip how varied Toronto feels once you leave the busiest blocks.
When I visit Toronto for food, I usually head straight to Kensington Market, Ossington, and the stretch of Dundas West near Trinity Bellwoods. Toronto’s best meals aren’t only in formal dining rooms; I love how you can bounce from handmade tacos to old-school bakeries to thoughtful small plates within a few blocks. Locals know Gerrard East is also worth your appetite, especially for South Asian spots that have shaped Toronto for decades. If you visit Toronto hungry, these neighborhoods belong in any travel guide Toronto should take seriously, and they double as some of the most memorable things to do in Toronto beyond the usual downtown circuit.
I usually tell people late May through June or September is ideal, and that’s the advice I’d put in any travel guide Toronto visitors actually need. Toronto feels at its best when patio season is in full swing, Trinity Bellwoods is lively, and the waterfront is warm enough for long walks without peak-summer crowds. When I visit Toronto in early fall, the light is beautiful, neighborhoods feel less hectic, and it’s easier to enjoy things to do in Toronto like Kensington Market, the Islands, or an evening in the Distillery District. If you want to visit Toronto comfortably, skip the muggy height of July if you can.
When I want to show someone the most character-filled parts of Toronto, I usually start with Kensington Market, then move west to Queen West and Ossington. Toronto feels most itself in these neighborhoods: independent shops, back-lane murals, old brick houses, and restaurants locals actually return to. I also like the Junction for a slower, more residential side of Toronto, especially if you enjoy craft beer, bookstores, and less polished streets. For me, these areas are some of the most rewarding attractions in Toronto because they reveal daily life, not just landmarks. If you’re deciding what to see in Toronto, they offer more personality than many standard tours in Toronto.