Canada: activity guide for a Toronto getaway

Updated Aug 31, 2024
Note
9/10
Toronto
To the point Discover Toronto with our ultimate guide! From the CN Tower to the shores of Lake Ontario, fall under the spell of this dynamic metropolis.

Main attractions

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

The famous Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is a huge urban funfair, renowned for its rides, wacky food, various shows, dog show and games.

Their food offering has always been crazy. There has been rainbow grilled cheese, pickle lemonade, cotton candy fried Oreos and the famous fried Mars bar in recent years. This funfair is open from August to early September.

Cne Ice Cream

Canada's Wonderland

In Vaughan, north of Toronto, Canada’s Wonderland offers 70 rides 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.

canada-wonderland

Toronto Dragon Festival

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

dragon-festival

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 your visit to the CN Tower, take a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, 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.

Ripleys Aquarium Of Canada

Toronto Islands

On the Toronto Islands, just minutes south of downtown, you can get away from the pace of the city. A ferry takes us 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.

Toronto Islands

Hockey Hall of Fame

A visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame is a must for field hockey fans! The Stanley Cup is waiting for you to take a picture with it.

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: AIR MILES Dream Miles can be used for free admission.

zoo milles

Casa Loma

The Casa Loma castle was built in the middle of the city and is fascinating 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, open from late August to early September, features aerial shows and aerial acrobatics by parachutists.

air-show

Other things to do in and around Toronto:

How to get there

From Montreal

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is about a 6-hour drive from Montreal.

By plane, flight time is around 1h20 non-stop. Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) is closest to downtown Toronto.

If you’d like to use your Aeroplan points, direct flights on Air Canada in economy class start at 6,000 points one way, according to the points predictor.

montreal toronto

From Quebec City

Frequent, non-stop flights of 1.5 hours avoid the 8-hour drive from Quebec City.

Direct flights on Air Canada in economy class also start at 6,000 Aeroplan points one way.

quebec toronto

The fastest way to earn Aeroplan Points is to sign up for a new Aeroplan co-branded credit card.

For example, the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card offers a generous welcome bonus, allowing you to book round-trip flights for free with your points.

Where to sleep in Toronto

For a tour that includes activities mainly located downtown, such as the CNE, the CN Tower and the Toronto Islands, we suggest a few interesting hotels(Marriott and others):

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 even use your free night certificate.

Ulysse Guide

Ulysse has two guidebooks covering Toronto and its region:

Ulsse Escale Toronto
Ulysses Toronto Niagara

Save with points

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

Here are our other short-stay articles:

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Caroline Tremblay

Caroline Tremblay

Caroline Tremblay
I'm Caroline, a loyalty program specialist! I use my points to travel more often and at a lower price with my spouse and our two children. I'm passionate about writing about the latest rewards news and how to put more points in your pocket.
All posts by Caroline Tremblay
Region
North America, Canada, Toronto
4.5 Milesopedia Rating

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