Travel Guide: What to Do on a Short Stay in Toronto

Updated Oct 7, 2025
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc
Toronto
To the point Discover Toronto with our guide! From the CN Tower to the shores of Lake Ontario, experience the vibrant charm of this dynamic city.

What to Do in Toronto

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

The famous Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is a massive urban fair known for its thrilling rides, unique food, diverse shows, dog exhibition, and fun games.

Their food options have always been whacky and fun. In recent years, there have been rainbow grilled cheese sandwiches, pickle lemonade, deep-fried cotton candy Oreos, and the famous deep-fried Mars bar. This funfair is open from August to early September.

This year, be sure to try the sushi pogo, Chicago Mix fried chicken, and poutine dumplings. Let us know what you think!

Cne Ice Cream

Canada's Wonderland

In Vaughan, north of Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland amusement park offers 70 rides, starting from early May. If the weather is warm, you can enjoy their water park. It’s one of the most iconic parks to visit in Canada.

Toronto Dragon Festival

In Nathan Phillips Square, the Toronto Dragon Festival, held in early September, offers free dragon dance performances, street food, and demonstrations of Chinese art.

dragon-festival

2026 FIFA World Cup

Toronto will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, kicking off on June 12, 2026 with the first men’s match in FIFA World Cup history to be held in Canada.

CN Tower

The CN Tower always attracts many visitors. The view of the city and Lake Ontario is impressive. Try walking fearlessly on the glass floor and looking down at the ground, 114 floors below!

Toronto Cn Tower

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

After visiting the CN Tower, head over to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, located right next door.

With or without children, the experience is spectacular. One of the highlights is the passage through the Dangerous Lagoon underwater tunnel, when sharks and sawfish swim overhead.

If you have AIR MILES miles, you can use them to get free admission to the aquarium.

Ripleys Aquarium Of Canada

Toronto Islands

On the Toronto Islands, just minutes south of downtown, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. A ferry gets you there in 15 minutes, from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.

Toronto Island Park is famous for its view of downtown. Then check out the rides at the Centreville Amusement Park, which opens in early May.

In the southern part of the islands, near Centre Island Beach, don’t hesitate to rent a bike to explore the islands. To the east, take the opportunity to visit the 262 charming homes hidden in Algonquin and Ward’s Islands.

The islands are also home to Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport, convenient for domestic flights.

Toronto Islands

Hockey Hall of Fame

A visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must for hockey fans! You can take a picture with a real Stanley Cup.

hall-of-fame-toronto

Ontario Science Centre

Northeast of the city, the Ontario Science Centre is an interactive museum of science, society, and technology. Special activities are regularly scheduled.

ontario-science-centre

Toronto Zoo

A little further east is the Toronto Zoo. An opportunity to admire over 5,000 animals. The site is divided into seven geographical regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Canada, Australia, Eurasia and Tundra.

Tip: Here again, AIR MILES Dream Miles can be used for free admission.

zoo milles

Casa Loma

The Casa Loma castle was built right in the middle of the city and is a fascinating sight for architecture lovers. You can visit the main building, as well as the stables and gardens.

Casa Loma Ariel Drone City Skyline Cn Tower Night Attractions Image

Canadian International Air Show

The Canadian International Air Show will blow your mind! This event is open from late August to early September and features aerial shows and aerial acrobatics by parachutists.

air-show

Other things to do in and around Toronto:

Toronto - How to get there

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is about a six-hour drive from Montreal.

By plane, the non-stop flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) is closest to downtown Toronto.

If you wish to travel using your Aeroplan points, several direct and frequent flights with Air Canada are available from major cities. The same goes for Porter and its VIPorter points.

To maximize your VIPorter points when traveling to Toronto, the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard is another interesting option. This co-branded Porter credit card allows you to quickly accumulate points thanks to its excellent welcome bonus, while also benefiting from comprehensive travel insurance for your stays in the Queen City departing from the convenient Billy Bishop Airport.

The fastest way to accumulate Aeroplan points is to apply for a new Aeroplan co-branded credit card. For example, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card offers a welcome bonus and excellent travel insurance.

Toronto - Best Hotels: Where to Stay for Every Budget

There’s no shortage of Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Toronto. For a visit including downtown activities, we suggest a few establishments:

If you prefer the north or east of Toronto, with visits to Canada’s Wonderland or the Toronto Zoo, you’ll find affordable hotels in Vaughan and Markham:

You could also use your Marriott Bonvoy free night certificate.

There are several ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points: the easiest way is through credit cards. American Express offers two credit cards linked to this loyalty program:

If you’re not going to a Marriott hotel, our guide to booking independent hotels will show you other strategies for saving on your accommodation.

Toronto Weekend Guide

As you can see, there are several ways to lighten your bill on this getaway. Feel free to use:

Here are our other guides to give you ideas for short stays:

Frequently Asked Questions

Tourism: where to walk and what to discover in Toronto?

There is no shortage of tourist spots in Toronto. Highlights include the famous Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and the CN Tower in downtown Toronto. Don’t miss out on renowned museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Which famous neighbourhoods to choose and visit in Toronto?

The city center is well worth a visit, with its many popular events and a plethora of stores. Stroll through Toronto’s graffiti alley, an open-air art gallery that runs parallel to Queen Street West, between Spadina and Augusta avenues. Kensington Market is also one of the most striking neighborhoods in this dynamic city.

What is life like in winter in Toronto?

In North America, winter in Toronto is generally intense with low temperatures. It’s a good idea to be well equipped to get through the winter. A daily glance at the weather forecast is a good idea.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Caroline Tremblay
Caroline Tremblay
Caroline, a loyalty program specialist, helps families maximize their points to travel more frequently and affordably. With expertise in Disney, AIR MILES, and Costco, she travels the world with her partner and two children through rewards. Passionate about the latest in loyalty programs, Caroline shares tips to help you earn more points and turn your travel dreams into reality.
All posts by Caroline Tremblay
Region
North America, Canada, Toronto

Receive our newsletter every week!

Savings are here (if you don’t see the sign-up form, please click here):

Milesopedia