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

  • 2026 FIFA World Cup
Travel Guide: What to Do on a Short Stay in Toronto
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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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Annual fee
$0 $199

No annual fee the first year

Our valuation
$1,249

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,050Annual fee rebated$199Total$1,249Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 70,000 points

+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate

Ends Oct 31, 2026

Apply Now

on BMO's website

With this offer for the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you get up to 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass. Plus, you pay no annual fees for the first year and receive $1,000 in eligible spending towards your VIPorter status.

Here’s how to get your full welcome bonus:

  • 20,000 points after $5,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
  • 20,000 points, a round-trip companion pass, and $1,000 in eligible spending towards your VIPorter status after $9,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
  • 30,000 points after $18,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening

So, to get the full welcome bonus of 70,000 VIPorter points, you’ll need to spend $18,000 in the first year.

With the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you earn 3 points per dollar at Porter and 2 points per dollar on gas, transportation, grocery, restaurant and hotel purchases. And 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, including Costco.

With the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you and up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking enjoy Porter travel benefits such as:

  • On free checked bag
  • 1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types
  • Free PorterClassic seat selection
  • Priority security screening.
  • Priority rebooking on another flight in case of a delay
  • Exclusive check-in.
  • Early boarding

Additionally, as a BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard holder, your VIPorter points do not expire, and you automatically receive VIPorter Horizon Grand Traveller status. You also earn $1 in eligible spending towards your Porter status for every $25 spent.

You can also earn one round-trip companion pass per year if you spend $50,000 on your BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard during your membership year.

Finally, you are covered by a wide range of insurance policies:

  • 21-day out-of-province or country emergency medical insurance
  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Delay insurance
  • Car rental-collision/loss damage insurance
  • Common carrier insurance
  • Flight Delay Insurance
  • Baggage insurance
  • Hotel burglary insurance
  • Purchase Protection
  • Extended warranty insurance

Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.

Annual fee

Primary card$199
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 3xPorter flights
  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xConvenience
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,878
2nd Year Value$316

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,000
Trip InterruptionIncluded
Delayed BaggageIncluded
Lost BaggageIncluded
Flight DelayIncluded
Hotel BurglaryIncluded
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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.

Featured
Annual fee
$0 $139

No annual fee the first year

Our valuation
$1,139

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,000Annual fee rebated$139Total$1,139Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points

+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate

Apply Now

on TD's website

With this offer for the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you can get up to 50,000 Aeroplan points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year.

  • Earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 Aeroplan points when you make your first Purchase with your new Card
  • Earn 15,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,000 within 90 days of Account opening.
  • Plus, earn a one-time anniversary bonus of 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of Account opening

This card also allows you to enjoy travel benefits, such as a free first checked bag for you and up to 8 travel companions on the same reservation, as well as a rebate on the NEXUS program application fee (up to $100 CAD per eligible cardholder) every 48 months.

With the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on:

  • Grocery purchases
  • Gas and electric vehicle charging purchases
  • Purchases made directly with Air Canada® (including Air Canada Vacations®)

You also earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases made with your card.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$75

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 1.5xGas & EV
  • 1.5xGroceries
  • 1.5xAir Canada flights
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,714
2nd Year Value$425

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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:

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$120Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now
Annual fee$150Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 pointsEnds Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

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.

Our featured card

Annual fee
$150
Our valuation
$350

Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$350Total$350Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.

Welcome offer
Up to 35,000 points

Ends Nov 1, 2026

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on Scotiabank's website

With this welcome offer for the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card +* CardMC, you’ll earn 25,000 welcome bonus Scene+ points after charging $2,000 in purchases to your account within the first three months.

Plus, every year, earn an annual bonus of at least 10,000 Scene+ points when you charge at least $40,000 in purchases to your account. In total, the offer represents up to 35,000 Scene+ points and a value of up to $1,250 in the first year, including rewards, savings on foreign transaction fees and airport lounge access.

With the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card, you earn 3 points per $1 spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland and participating Co-ops, and 2 points per $1 spent at other grocery stores, restaurants, eligible entertainment and eligible daily transit. You earn 1 point per $1 on all your other everyday purchases.

These points can be redeemed against any travel purchase at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 (flights, hotels, all-inclusives and even Airbnb), or as cash back with Scene+ at the same rate.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite +* Card also offers:

  • No fees for foreign currency transactions
  • 6 complimentary airport VIP lounge passes
  • Excellent insurance for your travels and purchases
  • Visa Infinite* Concierge Services

We have named this credit card the Best Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 2xGroceries
  • 2xRestaurants
  • 2xTransit
  • 2xEntertainment
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$650
2nd Year Value$397

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$240

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $2,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

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