3 Days in Toronto: The Perfect Toronto Itinerary

Welcome to the vibrant city of Toronto! This is my hometown and I’m here to share my recommendations for a realistic visit to Toronto in 3 days based on my personal experiences.

Toronto is a huge city and there is so much to see and do. It is so hard to narrow down where you should focus your time and attention. 

So if you are looking for the best things to do in downtown Toronto in 3 days,  I’ve got you covered!

Read on as I share all my favourite places to visit and things to do, particularly for first-time visitors to Toronto.

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⭐️ Best Place to Stay in Toronto: Sheraton Centre Downtown Toronto
⭐️ Most Iconic Hotel in Toronto: Fairmont Royal York Toronto
⭐️ Best Toronto Tour: Toronto Sightseeing Bus
⭐️ Best Niagara Falls Tour: Niagara Falls Day Tour with Skip-the-Line Boat Ride

Toronto and Niagara Falls Itinerary at a Glance

• Day 1: St. Lawrence Market, Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, ROM, Waterfront Sunset Cruise
• Day 2: Toronto Islands, Distillery District, Baseball Game or Concert
• Day 3: Kensington Market, CN Tower, Theatre District and Stakd Market
• Optional Day: Niagara Falls – Falls, Niagara Parkway and Niagara-on-the-Lake

Read on for a detailed look at how to spend three days in Toronto.

Toronto in 3 Days: Day 1

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET, SIGHTSEEING BUS TOUR, YORKVILLE, ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM, WATERFRONT, SUNSET CRUISE, ROOFTOP BAR.

Early Morning Visit to St. Lawrence Market

Established in 1803, St. Lawrence Market is a historic landmark in downtown Toronto and it’s one of my favourite places to visit. 

The market spans two levels packed with food vendors, offering a perfect spot to find fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. With plenty of outdoor seating, it’s also a popular spot to grab breakfast or lunch during your visit to Toronto.

Despite its popularity, it avoids the typical tourist trap feel and continues to serve as a genuine marketplace where many locals do their weekly grocery shopping. If you are there for breakfast, be sure to visit Carousel Bakery for their must-try breakfast sandwiches.

For those looking for a hidden gem in Toronto, just behind the Flatiron Building near the market lies Berczy Park, where you can find the whimsical Dog Fountain. 

Morning: Take the Sight-Seeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus

I’m not sure if visitors to Toronto realize how big the city is and the distance between attractions often surprises visitors. For this reason, I highly recommend taking the Toronto Hop on Hop off Bus, particularly for those visiting the city for the first time.

The sightseeing bus route features 15 stops, covering all the major downtown Toronto attractions, including the CN Tower and Aquarium, the Distillery District, the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, and the Art Gallery of Toronto.

Although public transportation (what we call the TTC) can get you to each of these locations, it doesn’t offer the panoramic views or the informative commentary provided by the bus tour. The TTC can also be time-consuming. 

The Toronto sightseeing bus is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the downtown core, helping you decide which attractions you want to explore more during your 3 days in Toronto.

Lunch: Yorkville Shopping

For lunch, I recommend stopping in the Yorkville neighbourhood. Located close to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM for short), there are lots of restaurant options in this upscale shopping district. One of my favourite restaurant options in this area is Eataly. 

Eataly is an Italian marketplace that includes restaurants, take-away counters, and a marketplace. Whether you are looking for a sit-down meal, or a quick grab-and-go, there are lots of options here.

Afternoon: Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Just one block from Eataly and a stop on the sightseeing bus is the Royal Ontario Museum. This is one of the largest museums in Canada. At the ROM you can see dinosaurs, precious gems and ancient artefacts. With over 13 million objects there is so much to see and do at the museum.

A visit to the ROM is a great option for those who enjoy museums, are looking for family-friendly Toronto attractions, or want something to do on a rainy or cold day in the city. 

The lobby is free to visit and you can see a huge dinosaur and the beautiful historic building. There is also an excellent gift shop, a perfect place to pick up some unique Toronto souvenirs.

☞ Read More: A Guide to the Royal Ontario Museum

Evening: Visit the Toronto Waterfront and Take a Boat Cruise

For your next stop,  I suggest heading south to the Toronto waterfront. Take a walk along Queen’s Quay and check out HTO Beach, the Toronto Music Garden, and the many beautiful parks in the area. 

On the waterfront there are several pubs and restaurants perfect for dinner or a drink on the patio. I personally recommend the Amsterdam Brewhouse, the Goodman Pub and Kitchen, and Irene. For those looking for a sweet treat, a stop at a Canadian favourite, BeaverTails, is a must! 

Sunset is also the perfect time to take a one hour waterfront cruise. From the water you will see the iconic Toronto skyline, which is particularly stunning at sunset. The live on-board narration will also provide you with interesting information about Toronto as you tour the inner harbour. 

☞ Two waterfront tours I personally recommend are the 60-minute Harbour Tour and this Toronto Tall Ship Boat Cruise.

Late Night: Visit a Rooftop Bar

If you still have some energy at the end of your first day and you’re looking for a cool venue, head over to the Delta Toronto Hotel and the Soco Kitchen and Bar. 

The restaurant not only has a great menu, but the rooftop bar is a true stand out. This outdoor rooftop patio offers views of the CN Tower, the Toronto skyline, and Olympic Park. It’s the perfect place to unwind at the end of a busy day.

Day 2 in Toronto

TORONTO ISLANDS, DISTILLERY DISTRICT, BASEBALL GAME OR CONCERT, LIBRARY BAR AT THE ROYAL YORK HOTEL.

Morning: Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands

One of the best things to do in Toronto is a visit to the Toronto Islands. 

The Toronto Islands consist of 15 different islands, including Centre Island. In total, the islands span a total of 5 km. You can access the islands by taking a city-operated ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal or by catching a water taxi on the waterfront.

I strongly suggest that you head over to the islands in the morning if you are visiting in the summer. The ferry can get really busy and you will avoid some of the crowds by visiting first thing. 

Once you arrive at the islands, there are so many great things to do. On Centre Island you’ll find Centreville, a charming amusement park ideal for young kids. There’s also Far-Away-Farm, Franklin’s Garden, and Centre Island Beach.

While on the islands you can rent bikes or kayaks, or relax at one of several beaches found around the islands. Many iconic views of the Toronto skyline are also captured from the Toronto Islands. Take the time to walk on the paths beyond Centre Island for some of the best views.

Enjoy your lunch on the islands before you head back to the city. Pack a picnic, stop at one of the many fast-food restaurants, or visit one of the more traditional island restaurants such as The Riviera on Ward’s Island.

Afternoon: Visit the Distillery Historic District

Start with a coffee and a treat from Balzac’s before you begin exploring the pedestrian-only streets. Stroll along its cobblestone streets and admire the historic architecture. The Distillery is an ideal place to shop for souvenirs as you browse through the unique stores and art galleries.

As you wander, keep an eye out for distinctive outdoor art installations. Don’t miss the iconic LOVE locks or the Big Heart sculpture – both are perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots!

When it’s time for dinner, the Distillery District offers several fantastic dining options. My top pick is El Catrin, an authentic Mexican restaurant popular with locals for its excellent cuisine and expansive outdoor patio.

Other dining possibilities include the laid-back Mill Street Brewpub or Madrina Bar y Tapas, which features Spanish tapas and, naturally, Sangria! Making reservations is strongly advised for these popular locations, especially in the summer.

Evening: Watch a Baseball Game or Concert

Toronto is a sports and music haven. For sports-lovers, there are many sporting events to choose from. The Toronto Blue Jays are the easiest team to get tickets to see as they play more than 80 regular season games at home.

Other options include the Toronto Raptors basketball, the Toronto Argonauts football, the Toronto FC soccer teams, and of course the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

We also have fantastic sporting events in the summer such as the Honda Indy in July and the Canadian Open tennis tournament each August.

If you are a music fan, there are many venues in Toronto ideal for watching live music. The summer season brings outdoor music concerts to Budweiser Stage located at Ontario Place. There are also more intimate settings such as HISTORY located in the Beaches neighbourhood or the Danforth Music Hall in the Riverdale neighbourhood.

Late Night: Relax at the Library Bar at the Royal York Hotel

For a drink after a Jays Game or concert, head over to one of my favourite hidden bars in Toronto, The Library Bar. This elegant cocktail bar was renovated in 2021 and is tucked away in the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel, one of the best Fairmont hotels in Canada. 

With a relaxed, speak-easy vibe, this bar is the perfect place to unwind with friends or family after a couple of busy days in the city. 

Day 3 in Toronto

KENSINGTON MARKET, CN TOWER, THE WELL, THEATRE, STAKD MARKET.

Morning: Kensington Market

This vibrant neighbourhood is an interesting spot to spend your final morning in the city. The streets are filled with street art, cafes, restaurants, and unique shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts.

It’s an interesting spot to browse and quite different from any other part of the city. 

Early Afternoon: Go up the CN Tower

A trip to Toronto isn’t complete without a visit to the CN Tower at least once! Located in the heart of downtown, it’s one of the city’s top tourist attractions. And even though I have lived in Toronto my whole life, I still enjoy checking out the awesome views from the top of the tower.

While many visitors go up the CN Tower on their first day in the city, I recommend going up the tower at the end of your trip. This will allow you to point out all the places you have visited during your stay from this bird’s eye view. You’ll be able to appreciate all you have accomplished on your Toronto Itinerary.

The iconic CN Tower has several observation areas including the main observation deck and the SkyPod, which is among the highest public viewing platforms worldwide. The main deck features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide 360-degree views of the city and Lake Ontario.

For those seeking a thrill, the EdgeWalk offers the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk, 356 metres above the ground. 

☞ Read More: Is the CN Tower Worth Visiting?

Late Afternoon: Walk Through The Well

The Well is one of Toronto’s newest mixed-use developments located right in the heart of downtown Toronto. This indoor-outdoor retail space is not only a truly innovative design, it has some pretty cool stores and restaurants.

One of my favourite things to do at The Well is a visit to Indigo Books. Indigo is a popular book store in Toronto. Indigo has many interesting nooks to visit, comfortable seating, and an excellent kids section. You’ll also want to check out Propeller Cafe, a cafe food truck located right inside the store.

There are pedestrian laneways and walkways throughout the space, and there are no roads or cars. The Well is also pet-friendly. It is an ideal spot for those looking for unique shopping, architecture, and a relaxing spot after a full day of touring the city.

Evening: Buy a Ticket to the Theatre

Did you know that Toronto has an excellent theatre culture? There are several theatres located in the downtown core. The current season includes musicals such as Come From Away, Les Miserables, or the Lion King. So many great options!

Other options include the Toronto Symphony or the Canadian Opera Company. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, check out some stand up comedy at the Comedy Bar, Second City, or Yuk Yuk’s.

With so many performances and shows to choose from, there’s a perfect show out there for everyone!

Late Night: Stakd Market

For your final night, you might want to check out Stakd Market. This unique venue is North America’s largest shipping container market. 

The Market is designed out of shipping containers and includes a variety of boutique shopping, a microbrewery, and lots of cozy places to sit and socialize. It’s especially perfect at night as the city lights up and the venue comes to life.

Optional Day Trip to Niagara Falls

Now if it is your first time visiting Toronto and you haven’t been to Niagara Falls, you will most certainly want to consider spending a day in Niagara Falls or a weekend in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

I honestly believe a visit to the Falls needs to be on everyone’s “must-visit” list and it’s still one of my absolute favourite things to do in Ontario!

Niagara Falls about 2 hours from Toronto and while there are several transportation options from Toronto to Niagara, a visit to the Fall will take a full day.

For this reason, I didn’t add Niagara Falls to this 3 day Toronto itinerary. Instead, if you want to visit the Falls, swap out any one day of this itinerary to spend one day in Niagara Falls instead.

Whether you choose to drive, take the GO Train, or join a guided tour, the magnificent falls themselves will be the highlight of your day. Of course riding the Hornblower or Maid of the Mist boat cruise is a must-do!

There are lots of other fun things to do in the area too. You can spend some time on the very touristy Clifton Hill, ride the ferris wheel, or check out the arcades. Alternatively you can go to the Butterfly Conservatory or visit the stunning Niagara Botanical Gardens.

Another option is to take a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway. You can stop at various lookouts for breathtaking views along the parkway, or visit some of the best Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries in Ontario.

If time allows, be sure to make a detour to the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Niagara Falls is definitely worth visiting if you have never been before and it’s worth adding to your travel plans.

How I Chose this Toronto Itinerary

Once you have decided that Toronto is worth visiting, determining how to spend your days will take some planning. When deciding how to spend 3 days in Toronto, I focussed this itinerary on the downtown core, ensuring everything was easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.

Toronto is a sprawling city, and many itineraries have you crisscrossing from one end to the other, or sending you far outside of the main core, which isn’t practical. 

I’ve designed a busy but flexible schedule that allows you to experience the best of downtown without feeling rushed. Each location is thoughtfully chosen to offer a taste of all Toronto has to offer.

Maximizing Your Visit: What to Skip in Toronto

For first-time visitors to Toronto with limited time, it’s wise to prioritize experiences close to the heart of the city and skip some attractions that are farther afield.

• The Toronto Zoo while a top Toronto attraction, is located significantly outside the downtown core. It requires an increased amount of time to travel to the zoo.
• The Ontario Science Centre has recently CLOSED and it is no longer possible to visit.
• Fort York, although a key historical site, may not captivate those without a strong interest in history.
• Allen Gardens, usually a lovely spot, is currently not at its best due to ongoing renovations and its location in a less desirable area of the city. 
• Yonge-Dundas Square also has limited appeal, in my opinion. There really isn’t much to see, it’s crowded, and I find some streets in the area to be a little unsafe at times.

Better options include:

• Visiting Toronto’s incredible neighbourhoods
• Riding the iconic streetcars
• Visiting some of the hundreds of parks, ravines and green spaces located throughout the city.
• The three top tourist attractions worth visiting are the CN Tower, the ROM, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

When is the Best Time to Spend 3 Days in Toronto?

In addition to the year-round attractions listed here, Toronto also offers many special events with particular attractions, events or festivals in each season. 

I find autumn to be the best time to visit Toronto as there are fewer crowds and the weather is particularly gorgeous at this time. Plus, Toronto’s Fall colours are truly spectacular. 

But why come only once? Whether you visit Toronto in the spring, summer, winter or autumn you have a completely different experience each time you visit the city. You’ll never run out of things to see and do. 

Keep reading for a few seasonal highlights below.

Toronto in the Summer

Here are a few summer activities in Toronto I highly recommend.

• Toronto has many excellent beaches including Woodbine Beach, Sunnyside Beach, and Centre Island Beach. 
• Canada’s Wonderland is a fun amusement park and water park located about 45 minutes north of the city. Especially great for teens and young adults.
• The Beaches Jazz Festival is one of the largest free street music festivals in the world. It is my favourite summertime event in Toronto.
• Summer in Toronto concludes with the popular Canadian National Exhibition (or the CNE for short). This annual event is the perfect way to end the summer holidays!

Toronto in the Spring

Here are a few spring activities in Toronto I highly recommend.

• Toronto’s parks come alive in the spring. A few of my favourites include Kew Gardens, St. James’ Park, and Berczy Park
• Visit the cherry blossom trees throughout Toronto at High Park, Trinity Bellwoods, and throughout the University of Toronto campus 
• Trillium Park has one of the best Toronto skyline views and their Spring Lumiere event is also worth checking out.

Toronto in the Fall and Winter

Here are a few fall and winter activities in Toronto I highly recommend.

• Toronto is one of the best places to see Canada’s autumn leaves. I particularly love the Evergreen Brick Works and walking trails such as the Glen Stewart Ravine.
• Winter brings lots of excellent places to go skating in Toronto! My favourite spot is the Bentway.
• Check out the winter and holiday lights at places such as Nathan Phillips’ Square, Casa Loma, and the Winter Market at the Distillery.

Best Places to Stay in Toronto

Toronto’s downtown core has lots of hotels to choose from. I’m not really sure why Toronto hotels are so expensive. I suspect that there is actually higher demand than availability. 

I’m including three hotels that I personally recommend. They are in safe locations and while have different price points, they are good value in relation to other Toronto hotels.

Fairmont Royal York Hotel

⭐️ RATING: 8.8 | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | Address: 100 Front St W, Toronto, ON

The Fairmont Royal York Hotel stands as a historic and iconic landmark in downtown Toronto, located directly across from Union Station.

It has an indoor pool and is in an ideal location, making it easy to access many of the major attractions on this Toronto Itinerary.

The Sheraton Centre Toronto

⭐️ RATING: 8.8 | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | Address: 123 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

I find the Sheraton Centre Toronto to be one of the best hotel options in the downtown core. With a recent multi-million dollar renovation, the Sheraton has great rooms with some fantastic views.

It’s location is ideal right across the street from Nathan Phillips Square and the iconic Toronto sign and beside the Toronto Eaton Centre. 

The Sheraton also has an incredible indoor-outdoor pool and one of the best fitness facilities in the city. While not inexpensive, it is a hotel that offers the most for the cost.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto

⭐️ RATING: 9.2 | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | Address: 75 Lower Simcoe St, Toronto, ON

The Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto also ranks among my top hotel picks in the city. This relatively new addition to Toronto’s hotel options boasts modern rooms with stunning views of the city skyline.

Located right beside the Rogers Centre, CN Tower and Aquarium, the Delta is in a perfect location for sight-seeing. Its proximity to Union Station and the UP Express also ensures convenient public transportation options.

Where to Stay in Toronto
⭐️ For further information on hotels in Toronto, visit my other articles:
☞ Honest Review of Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
☞ Best Hotels in Toronto with a Pool
☞ Best Places to Stay Near Canada’s Wonderland

Now You Know What to Do with 3 Days in Toronto

I am hopeful that this Toronto Itinerary gives you a place to start when planning your visit to Toronto. If you are planning to visit Toronto in a particular season, you may want to read about the best Christmas in Toronto activities, the best things to do in Winter in Toronto, and my list of spring activities in Toronto.

Toronto truly is an ideal place to visit if you love the outdoors, entertainment, sports, and diverse neighbourhoods.