1. Admire the CN Tower
This was the tallest building in the world until it was dethroned by the Burj Khalifa in 2007. We didn’t go up but looking at the tower from the outside was enough for us
2. Shop around St. Lawrence Market
This public market opened back in 1803. Today, you’ll find vendors selling all sorts of goods from seafood, to fresh bread
3. Drink some beer at Steam Whistle Brewing
They make a really good pilsner. Founded in 2000, the brewery sits at the former site of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which operated up until 1988. So if you’re planning to visit the brewery, you can also visit the old train tracks and get some photo ops with a few of the old trains too
4. Eat some poutine
Although poutine is originally from Quebec, the dish has since become popular in Toronto as well. You’ll even find it at McDonald’s
5. Learn about science at the Ontario Science Center
Just don’t come on a free weekend. We happened to be in Toronto on the first weekend of May, and admission was free on this day, but it was absolute chaos. If you can visit on a weekday (though you might deal with school crowds), it might be better. It didn’t seem like a super kiddie museum and I think we (as two adults) could have enjoyed it if it wasn’t for the crowds
6. Stop in for a sweet treat at COPS Donuts
They’re these mini glazed donuts that are the perfect snack size. The originals are the OG Glaze with sour cream and sweetened milk, and the cinnamon sugar. Each week, they feature a different glaze. The week we went, they had Dunkaroos
7. Snap a pic of the Toronto Sign at Nathan Philip’s Square
8. Explore the Kensington Market and Chinatown neighborhoods
Kensington Market has lots of eclectic shops, bars, and restaurants. It reminds me of the East Village or Williamsburg of NYC. Just south of Kensington Market is Old Toronto/Chinatown, which was established in 1878
9. Take a stroll along the water and visit Harbour Square Park
See if you can spot the giant picnic tables
10. Get brunch at Maha’s
They serve Egyptian cuisine and are on the Michelin Guide. I’m sure it gets packed on weekends so your best bet is to probably play hooky from work one day and go during the week
11. Check out Yonge Dundas Square
This is like Toronto’s version of Times Square in NYC (though not as big or vibrant). You’ll find a few shopping centers, and a few theaters here
12. Grab a burger at Harvey’s
This is a Canadian fast food chain, which opened its first location in 1959 in Richmond Hill, Ontario, which is a part of the Greater Toronto area. It’s unique because you get to pick your burger toppings like you would a Subway sandwich. So you first order the burger you want, and then see all the toppings you’d like to pick. Aside from burgers, they also have hot dogs, french fries, onion rings, and chicken
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