When it comes to the best things to do in Toronto, the choices are endless. And with so many outdoor activities and experiences to choose from, it can be a challenge to pick which ones are best for you and your group.
Luckily, we’ve done our best to compile an extensive list of the best things to do in Toronto – perfect if you’re looking for some exciting activities and outdoor recreation that are sure to entertain you and your friends or family.
12 Best Recreational Activities in Toronto You Must Try
TIFF (TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL) BELL LIGHTBOX
Here are the best recreational activities in Toronto you should check out!
LEVELUP VR ARCADE
Level Up Virtual Reality is a fully immersive virtual reality arcade in downtown Toronto catering to any age, be it for youth or seniors. It’s the closest you can get to experiencing the fantastical worlds of your favorite video games in real life. The arcade features an ever-growing library of cutting-edge VR games, with each experience being adapted and modified for the best possible gameplay in a physical location.
If you’re looking for a unique activity to spend time with your family, Levelup VR Arcade is your one-stop shop.
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High Park
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a romantic date, or an afternoon with friends, High Park is an outdoor recreation sought-after in Toronto. With more than 1,000 acres of land to explore, there are countless outdoor activities to suit everyone: play sports, climb the rock wall, explore the zoo, learn about nature – it’s all here.
CN TOWER
The CN Tower is not just a landmark, it’s an experience. Just getting there is exhilarating: the view from the highest elevator sustains you for hours on end. And when you finally get to downtown Toronto’s tallest structure, prepare yourself for something you won’t see anywhere else: glass floor panels that allow you to peer down at the streets below as you walk around.
ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM
If you have an interest in art and education, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a perfect fit. The museum has a variety of exhibitions that allow visitors to explore a wide array of topics and interests. Whether you’re interested in ancient history or dinosaurs, you will find something that interests you at the ROM.
The museum’s educational value doesn’t stop there – staff members are committed to helping visitors understand their favorite exhibits.
CASA LOMA
Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s most prominent attractions. It boasts an impressive array of historically significant spaces, including the armor-filled Great Hall, a stable filled with horse carriages, and even a haunted (but not terrifying) tower. The castle-like structure is located in the heart of Canada’s largest city and is open for public visits all year round.
ST LAWRENCE MARKET
St. Lawrence Market is more than a place to buy food in Toronto- it’s an experience unto itself. Local artisans, chefs, and farmers have been setting up shops to sell their wares here for decades, offering everything from fresh-caught fish and delicious produce to prepared meals, coffee, and flowers.
In addition to its well-known offerings, St Lawrence also features a variety of events, culinary classes, and special holiday treats. For sure, there is an activity that will suit your needs at St. Lawrence Market.
ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE
The Ontario Science Centre is Greater Toronto Area’s must-visit attraction when it comes to learning more about science. With hundreds of interactive exhibits and an IMAX theatre, it’s hard not to become giddy with excitement as you explore everything from the physics behind sports to the biology of the human touch.
The Ontario Science Centre is perfect for visitors of all ages (youth or seniors), whether you want to show your kids the wonders of science or learn something new yourself!
DISTILLERY DISTRICT
The Distillery District is an entertainment district in Toronto that features incredible restaurants, shops, and galleries. With its restored Victorian-era industrial architecture, this district has a real old-world charm about it. It’s a shopping and dining experience unlike any other in the Greater Toronto Area.
The Distillery District is also home to many art galleries, making it the perfect place for culture and creativity. If you love cities with character, you’ll find anything and everything that you’re looking for in the Distillery District – from food to arts to entertainment!
KENSINGTON MARKET
Kensington Market is the perfect place for you to experience the city’s multicultural diversity, especially if you’re a fan of great food. The neighborhood is filled with amazing restaurants, charming vintage stores, and unique specialty food shops that will keep you coming back for more.
TIFF (TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL) BELL LIGHTBOX
TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival) Bell Lightbox is not just a movie theater; it’s a landmark in the heart of Toronto that hosts the largest film festival in Canada. Whether you’re looking to experience the latest blockbuster release or see your favorite indie flick, you’ll find something to satisfy your movie tastes.
The TIFF Bell Lightbox also houses a restaurant with a bar – where you can watch movies on the screen while enjoying a drink and some small bites.
SCARBOROUGH BLUFFS
Scarborough Bluffs, stretching out to the north of Toronto, is a massive collection of parks with everything from hiking trails to beaches. It’s located just thirty minutes northeast of downtown (and around 15 kilometers from Lake Ontario), making it easy and accessible for anyone looking for a break from the city. Whether you’re seeking beautiful cascading views, or prefer somewhere with more practical uses like swimming or beach volleyball, there’s a park that has what you need.
TORONTO ISLAND
Toronto Island is just a quick ferry ride away, and it’s the ideal place to relax, unwind, and get some much-needed beach time. This quiet oasis is right next to downtown Toronto, and it’s North America’s largest car-free community. Whether it’s just a day trip to this island, there are a lot of fun things that you can do in this place.