Toronto, Canada
Downtown Toronto Weekend Getaway
We spent a lovely long weekend in Toronto recently and we jam packed our time with lots of walking and trying to experience the very best of what this vibrant city has to offer!
From Raleigh we flew directly to Toronto and took a quick train from the airport straight into the heart of the city and the train station was even connected to our hotel, Delta Hotels Toronto. We were amazed at how in just about 4 or so hours we went from our home to downtown Toronto so quickly and easily!
We dropped our bags and headed out to explore this new to us city. Here are a few places we personally visited.
St. Lawrence Market. This vibrant marketplace has been a Toronto institution since 1803, and its a cool way to spend an afternoon. We went at lunch time so it was incredibly busy. It’s a great spot to grab a bite, stock up on fresh produce from the local farmers, and pick up some meat, cheese, fish artisanal bread and much more. The south market is the historical market and the north market is brand new this year.
Attend a Toronto Blue Jays game at Roger Centre. It was fun to see a game and roam around to watch the last innings at one of the several bars with great views of the field. The roof was closed unfortunately. Architecturally, the stadium is well-known for being the first to have a fully retractable motorized roof, as well as an annexed 348-room hotel attached.
Ascend the CN Tower for panoramic vistas of Toronto, if you are brave you can walk the perimeter OUTSIDE. We went at sunset which was very busy (long lines) but nice views. I would recommend any other time than sunset on the weekend! ;-)
“I always tell people that if I move anywhere it would be Toronto.”
Explore Kensington Market, a vibrant and historic neighborhood with diverse shops, cafes, and a unique atmosphere.
Stroll through the Distillery Historic District, a revitalized former distillery area now filled with boutiques, galleries, and eateries. The Distillery District is also home to the Canadian brewery, Mill Street Brewery. Their brewpub here is a popular spot.
Visit the stunning Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). The AGO is home to over 90,000 artworks and is one of North America’s most distinguished art museums. The interior alone is worth the visit. Yayoi Kusama's INFINITY MIRRORED ROOM - LET'S SURVIVE FOREVER is on now until May 2026.
Rush Lane, officially known as Graffiti Alley, is a vibrant outdoor art gallery that encompasses a few street blocks worth checking out this colorful creativity.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Immerse yourself in natural history and world cultures at this renowned museum. We checked out an incredible exhibit on Auschwitz.
Check out Berczy Park. Right next to the Gooderham Building is Berczy Park, a charming little park in the heart of the city. If you are a dog person you have to check out its whimsical fountain featuring a collection of cast-iron dogs surrounding and gazing at a golden bone atop the water fountain! It’s a great spot for a photo op.
University of Toronto Campus. Take a stroll through the beautiful grounds of one of Canada’s leading universities, admiring the architecture and green spaces. Take the Philosophers walk which is a lovely park on the campus.
Walk down charming Ossington Street. Full of character, with amazing local businesses and restaurants, this spot has even been named one of the coolest streets in the world. Ossington Avenue stretches from Dundas Street West to Queen Street West.
Hope you find this page helpful if you are thinking about a trip to Toronto. We packed in a lot in three days. I would love to go back and do more plus visit nearby Niagara Falls as well.
“The fact that over 50 per cent of the residents of Toronto are not from Canada, that is always a good thing, creatively, and for food especially. That is easily a city’s biggest strength, and it is Toronto’s unique strength.”
Coffee + Breakfast
Cuervo Y Marquis Bakery Cafe
Fabulous Food + Drink Experiences
St. Lawrence Market (North and South buildings)
Aloette - Michelin recommended
Relaxing Stay
Delta Hotels Toronto - great location if you are going to a Blue Jays game, want to visit CN Tower, close to the waterfront, aquarium, historic distillery district, markets and more. Easy access from airport, express train connected to the hotel.
