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The Perfect two day Toronto itinerary

How to Spend 48 Hours in Toronto

Famous for its iconic landmarks, beautiful harbour front, distinctive modern skyline and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, Toronto is a fascinating city to explore.

If you have a couple of days to explore the city, our two day Toronto itinerary will guide you around some of its most famous attractions, along with a few spots that lie a little bit off the beaten track.

A dynamic and bustling metropolis, Toronto is home to just under 3 million people, making it the fourth largest city in North America by population (though not the capital of Canada).

Founded in the late 18th century, Toronto also has plenty of history and heritage, much of which can still be seen throughout the city. If you’re spending two days in Toronto, you certainly won’t struggle to find things to do to keep you entertained.

TLDR: A Breakdown of Our 2 Day Toronto Itinerary

Here’s a quick overview of our two day Toronto itinerary:

Day 1 in Toronto:

Visit the ROM
Have lunch at St Lawrence Market
See the views from the CN Tower
Historic Fort York
Lake views at the Harbourfront
Night on the Town

Day 2 in Toronto:

See the palatial Casa Loma
Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
Little Canada
Cool vibes at Kensington Market
Enjoy the night at the Distillery District

At the end of our two day Toronto itinerary we’ll also include plenty of alternative ideas and options in case you want to swap out any of our suggestions for some of the city’s other attractions.

We’ll also fully cover all of the essential practical information, such as where to stay in Toronto, how to get around the city and much more besides.

🎟️ FYI:- You can save a good amount of money on entrance to some of Toronto’s biggest tourist attractions with a Toronto CityPASS.

With the Toronto CityPASS gives you entry into both the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium. You can also use it to get entry into any three of the ROM, Casa Loma, Toronto Zoo or a 60 minute sightseeing harbour cruise.

You can buy the Toronto CityPASS in advance here.

Two Day Toronto Itinerary - Day 1

Visit the Royal Ontario Museum (a.k.a ROM)

The Royal Ontario Museum (more commonly known simply as ROM) features a massive collection of ancient antiquities, artworks and artifacts from all over the world.

The ROM is enormous and its collection is huge, making it impossible to see everything in one visit. Instead, it’s better to see what’s on before you arrive and decide on what you’re most interested in seeing.

The ROM will guarantee to have something for everyone, whether it’ll be from one of the many major temporary exhibitions held each year or something from the museum’s permanent collection.

The gallery’s permanent collections contain artworks and archeological finds from all over the globe, including treasures from the Roman Empire, ancient Egypt, and 14th century China.

The golden mosaic dome and an indigenous totem pole on display at the ROM

The First Peoples Gallery also features a fascinating collection that provides a deeper insight and understanding into the art, culture and history of Canada’s many indigenous communities.

If you’re travelling with young children they are bound to love ROM’s natural history collections, including the Jurassic fossils and skeletons on display in the Age of Dinosaurs gallery.

The ROM building is also worth seeing. From the outside you can see the ROM building’s extreme clash of classic and ultra modern architectural styles. On entering the main lobby, don’t miss the dazzling golden mosaic dome in the entrance hall.

🎟️ You can buy tickets to the ROM in advance on Viator here or through Get Your Guide here.

Grab Lunch at St. Lawrence Market

No visit to Toronto is complete without a stop at the iconic St. Lawrence Market, one of the city’s most beloved landmarks and an absolute must-see for foodies.

Located on Front Street, St. Lawrence Market is mostly housed in the grand South building that dates from 1902.

St Lawrence Market is the perfect place to experience Toronto’s multicultural spirit, thanks to its buoyant atmosphere, friendly vendors and mix of traditional Canadian and modern international flavours.

As soon as you walk into the market you’re hit with the aromas of freshly baked bread, sizzling peameal bacon, and international spices.

Lunch at St. Lawrence Market is a quintessential Toronto experience, and the market is the perfect place to taste Toronto’s rich culinary heritage.

The South Market features around 120 vendors selling everything from local cheeses and artisanal meats to handmade pasta and seafood scooped straight out of Lake Ontario.

An absolute must-try is the peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery, an iconic Toronto staple that’s an Ontario speciality. Pair it with a fresh juice or locally roasted coffee for the perfect midday pick-me-up. The market is also a great place to pick up a bottle or two of delicious Canadian maple syrup.

Take a Trip up The CN Tower

Next, head from one iconic Toronto landmark to another. Once the tallest tower in the world, the CN Tower dominates Toronto’s skyline and is the symbol of the city.

Standing at 553-metres tall, the CN Tower offers unbeatable panoramic views of Toronto, Lake Ontario, and, on clear days, even the distant outline of Niagara Falls.

The CN Tower’s main observation level is reached via a 58 second ride in a glass-fronted elevator. From the CN Tower’s main observation deck, at a height of 346 metres, there are mesmerising views out over the entire city.

One floor below is the lower observation deck. If you’re feeling brave, step onto the Glass Floor and look straight down onto the city streets 342 metres below. Alternatively, you can get a bird’s eye view of Toronto at the OverView, where the sloping windows hang over the city.

For the best views from the CN Tower, head up to the SkyPod, which is one of the highest observation platforms in the world.

If you’re feeling extremely adventurous, you can also attempt the EdgeWalk, an unforgettable hands-free walk around the tower’s entire outer ledge, which is officially the highest external walk on a building in the world.

For a much more relaxed experience, book a table at the revolving 360 Restaurant, where you can enjoy fine Canadian cuisine with a rotating view of the city.

Explore Toronto’s History at Fort York

From the CN Tower, make your way to Fort York, a historic garrison that dates back to the founding of Toronto, back when the city was a small and newly-established town called York.

One of Canada’s most important historical landmarks, Fort York played a pivotal role during the War of 1812, when British and Canadian forces defended York against American invasion.

Fort York was located on the banks of Lake Ontario when it was originally established in 1793. Many rounds of land reclamation projects mean that the fort is now almost a kilometre from the shore.

Today Fort York is situated within a 43-acre archeological park close to the centre of the city.

The original garrison at Fort York was destroyed by the American army during the Battle of York.

What remains at Fort York are the soldiers’ and officers’ barracks and messes, two blockhouses and magazines that were rebuilt by the British in around 1813, making them amongst some of the oldest surviving buildings in Toronto.

Fort York has been open to the public since the 1930s, and the soldiers’ and officers’ barracks are modelled to resemble how they would have looked when they were occupied in the early 19th century.

The barracks offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the military men who would have been stationed here at that time.

The relatively luxurious interiors of the Officer’s barracks

The blockhouses and restored blue barracks are used to display exhibitions of historical military equipment and uniforms, as well as discoveries made during archeological digs at Fort York.

Entry to Fort York is free, as are the excellent guided tours that take place on the hour throughout the day. The tours give a much greater overview of the era and an insight into the practicalities of life in the fort.

Take a Stroll Along Lake Ontario on Toronto’s Harbourfront

From Fort York, head to Toronto’s Harbourfront area for a stroll along the water’s edge of Lake Ontario.

Harbourfront is a great place for a leisurely wander and maybe get a bit to eat in the late afternoon. There are plenty of green spaces and areas to relax and take in the views along the Waterfront Trail that hugs the harbour.

Begin at the Toronto Music Garden, a beautiful landscaped garden inspired by the music of Bach, before continuing east towards the Spadina WaveDeck.

Just beyond this is HTO Park, another scenic spot with lawns and benches. From here you can sit and enjoy the lake views and watch the planes take off and land at nearby Billy Bishop Airport.

If you’re in the mood for food then there are several great places to eat on the waterfront too. A little further on from HTO Park is Amsterdam Brewhouse, a classic brewpub with a huge range of hearty meals.

Just next door is Queens Harbour, an upscale restaurant with stunning interiors and a great menu of Mediterranean and Asian fusion cuisine.

There are more food options (and fabulous lake views) further along the Waterfront Trail in the Queen’s Quay Terminal, particularly at the Goodman Pub and Kitchen.

If you’re craving something (very) sweet you’ll love the choice of classic Canadian pastries at BeaverTails, located in the harbour just before Harbour Square Park.

Wind Down on King West

Toronto has an almost endless choice of bars, restaurants and clubs. No matter how you prefer to end your day, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect place to wind down on King Street West, perhaps Toronto’s most popular destination after dark.

Known simply as King West, the sprawling street is the heart of the city’s nightlife scene, thanks to its massive range of restaurants, theatres, pubs and bars. At the junction with Bathurst Street you’ll find the Wheat Sheaf Tavern, Toronto’s oldest pub, which opened its doors in 1849.

If you prefer something more contemporary, try King Taps First Canadian Place, a chilled bar and restaurant spread across two floors with a giant selection of dishes on the menu. There’s also a smaller branch, called King Taps King West, a short walk from the Wheat Sheaf.

For a similar vibe with a Northern Irish twist you could try Belfast Love Public House, another of King West’s most popular spots. If posh nosh, cocktails and rooftop bar views are more your kind of thing, then head to Lavelle.

Two Days in Toronto - Day 2

Be Amazed by Casa Loma

Start the second of your two days in Toronto at one of the city’s most fascinating landmarks, Casa Loma.

Casa Loma is a fabulous mansion built in the style of a gothic castle in 1914 as a private home by Sir Henry Pellatt, a wealthy merchant who moved to Canada from Scotland.

The best way to reach Casa Loma is via the Baldwin Steps on Davenport Road, which offer a glimpse of the gothic mansion’s amazing city views.

From the front of Casa Loma you can instantly see the enormous scale and grandeur of the mansion and its turrets and towers.

Casa Loma’s main hall and conservatory

The mansion is an incredible display of Pellatt’s enormous wealth and the scale of his ambitions. The castle took three years to build at a cost of over $3 million, using only the finest quality materials which were shipped in from all over the world.

Once inside, it’s impossible not to be wowed by Casa Loma’s breathtaking decor. The ground floor features rooms that were made for entertaining guests, such as the huge main hall, the grand library, and the wood-panelled oak room, which is now the Blueblood restaurant.

Also on the ground floor are Pellatt’s private study and the conservatory, whose floors and walls are lined with marble.

On the second floor are the incredibly plush living quarters, including the Pellatt’s gloriously ornate bedrooms, complete with four poster beds, grand fireplaces, lavish furnishings and state of the art (for the time) en suite bathrooms.

Much of the third floor was never completed as Pellatt hit financial difficulties before the castle could be fully finished. Pellatt only lived in the castle for 10 years until his eventual financial demise meant that he had to sell Casa Loma.

Most of the rooms on the third floor display a series of exhibits connected to Pellatt’s life and interests.

From the third floor you can access the castle’s two towers, with the Norman Tower offering a spectacular 360 degree outdoor view of the entire city of Toronto.

Rooms in the basement that were intended to be turned into a gym, a bowling range, a shooting range and a swimming pool were also never completed. Today they’re used for a cafe, gift shop and a cinema that shows a short film about Pellatt’s life.

A series of secret tunnels in the basement connect the main house to the stables that are located a few hundred yards from the main house. Today the stables host a collection of vintage early 20th century cars.

🎟️ You can buy advanced tickets for Casa Loma on Get Your Guide here.

Kensington Market

From Casa Loma make your way to Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s most iconic and eclectic neighbourhoods.

Kensington Market is known for its bohemian and incredibly laid-back style. Today, the area is famous for its historic Victorian houses, vintage shops, independent boutiques and vibrant street art.

Kensington Market’s main artery is Augusta Avenue, which is the best introduction to the neighbourhood. It’s also where you’ll find one of the area’s most famous landmarks, the Garden Car – a spray-painted car turned into a giant flower pot.

Augusta Avenue is also where you’ll find some of the area’s best vintage clothes stores, including Public Butter, Bungalow and Shoneys Clothing.

There’s plenty to explore along Baldwin Street and Kensington Avenue, which are similarly packed with chic independent cafes, cool vintage clothes shops and colourful street art. Exile on Kensington Avenue is another of the neighbourhood’s best second hand clothes stores.

It’s wise to arrive at Kensington Market with an appetite as this is also one of the best areas in Toronto to eat, with a huge range of cafes and restaurants offering up a diverse and mouthwatering choice of food from all over the world.

Among the huge range of places to eat in Kensington there are several standouts. These include Golden Patty, a no-frills local institution loved for its choice of patties, and Ozzy’s Burgers, another much-loved local haunt popular for its huge, stacked burgers, including veggie and vegan options.

For somewhere a little more formal try Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos for superb tacos or Grey Gardens for their heavenly seafood dishes.

There are plenty of cafes to satisfy coffee-lovers in Kensington Market. The back patio at Jimmy’s Coffee is a great place to relax with a brew, as is the cute Scandi-inspired FIKA Cafe. Head to the Film Cafe if you’re after hot drinks and something a little more substantial to eat.

Kensington Market is also famous for its street art and murals, many of which can be found hidden away from the main roads on side streets and down back alleys.

The area’s most famous artwork – of Mona Lisa holding a banana – was recently restored by its original artist 43 years after he first painted it.

Hockey Hall of Fame

Ice hockey is more than just the national sport of Canada, it’s an obsession. The Hockey Hall of Fame covers every aspect of the sport’s history, from the earliest organised leagues right through to the modern day NHL and much more besides.

The Hockey Hall of Fame charts the history of the sport whilst honouring many of its greatest stars.

On display is an exhaustive collection of ice hockey memorabilia, including match-worn jerseys, pucks and ice-hockey sticks used in countless games over several decades by some of the sport’s greatest ever players.

Highlights of the collection include the goal in which Wayne Gretzky scored his record-breaking 802nd goal, a recreation of the Montreal Canadiens dressing room in the Montreal Forum, and a display of 90 iconic masks worn by goalkeepers in the NHL.

The museum’s main attraction is the Great Hall, housed inside a beautiful building that was once a bank. It’s here that all of the inductees of the hockey hall of fame are recognised.

Recreation of the Montreal Canadiens dressing room and the Stanley Cup on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame

On display at the centre of the Great Hall is the giant Stanley Cup trophy.

Also on display in the former bank’s vault is the original Stanley Cup, which was retired in 1962, alongside many of the Championship rings awarded to players who have won the sport’s greatest prize.

🎟️ You can buy advanced tickets for the Hockey Hall of Fame on Viator here or with Get Your Guide here.

Take a Whistle-stop Tour of the Nation at Little Canada

Niagara Falls and the famous Toronto sign and City Hall in miniature at Little Canada

One of Toronto’s most fun and inventive attractions, Little Canada is a joyful trip through Canada in miniature, bringing the nation’s most iconic landmarks and cities to life at 1:87 scale.

From the dazzling lights of downtown Toronto to the majestic peaks of the Rockies, all corners of Canada are covered in tiny and incredibly realistic detail.

The captivating tour of Little Canada begins at Niagara Falls, before passing through downtown Toronto, including the CN Tower, the crowds at the famous Toronto sign in Nat Philips Square and even a baseball game at the Rodgers Centre.

All of Canada’s major cities are represented in detail, with other highlights including the national parliament in Ottawa, the iconic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel in Quebec and even Canada’s very first Tim Hortons.

For added realism, the lighting throughout the exhibition changes to reflect different times of the day. Street lights and office blocks become illuminated after dark, and trains and traffic pass through the towns and cities throughout the day.

Keep an eye out for the dolphins and whales that can also be spotted swimming in Little Canada’s waters.

Creating a miniature replica of a country the size of Canada requires a lot of space. The whole exhibit takes up around 45,000 square feet and is spread across two floors, meaning that you can easily spend a few hours here.

There’s also the chance to chat to some of the people who work on creating Little Canada’s exhibits at the Maker’s Window just before the gift shop and exit.

🎟️ You can buy entrance tickets to Little Canada in advance here.

End the Day at the Distillery District

Round off your two days in Toronto with a spot of shopping, food and drinks in the Distillery District.

For close to 160 years the Distillery District was a giant whiskey distillery, and at its peak was the largest distillery in the world.

Classified as a national historic site, reminders of the area’s heritage are everywhere. Over 30 of the original distillery’s industrial Victorian buildings remain, which have been beautifully repurposed for commercial and residential use.

Now the area is home to a huge range of shops, galleries, a theatre, bars and restaurants and has become one of the most vibrant parts of Toronto.

With its pedestrianised cobblestone streets the Distillery District feels like a town within a town.

The best place to start is on Tank House Lane, which has an excellent array of shops and places to eat. Bergo is the ideal spot for colourful homewares and gifts, or you can pick up some beautifully designed ice hockey and sports merch at The SPORT Gallery.

There are many more local stores to explore on Trinity Street, such as Red Canoe and Peace Collective for Canadian-inspired fashions, or Blackbird Vintage Finds for a wonderfully curated collection of funky furnishings for the home.

When you’re ready for a bite to eat and a drink or two you’ll have plenty of options in the Distillery District. The vast Mill Street Brewpub is one great spot for a huge selection of beers and a broad menu of classic pub dishes, as is the Old Flame Brewing Company a little further along Tank House Lane.

For slightly posher nosh (and interiors) you could opt for the fine French cuisine at Cluny Bistro and Boulangerie or the seafood specialities at Pure Spirits. Alternatively treat your tastebuds to a flavour of Japan at BOKU.

Extra Things to Do in Toronto:

Here are a few extra ideas if you need a few alternative suggestions for things to add to your two day Toronto itinerary.

• Nathan Phillips Square – Don’t forget to stop by this lively square in the centre of the city. Regularly used for public events and hosts an ice rink each winter, Nathan Philips Square is best known for its iconic Toronto sign.

• Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – Located next to the CN Tower and a great place to visit with kids, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a huge and immersive look at life beneath the sea.
– https://www.ripleys.com/attractions/ripleys-aquarium-of-canada

• Art Gallery of Ontario – Also known as the AGO, this vast and beautifully designed museum features an incredibly impressive mix of Canadian, Indigenous, and international art across several galleries.
– https://ago.ca/

Artworks on display at the Art Gallery of Toronto

• Toronto Islands – Take a break from the city on a short ferry ride to Toronto Islands from Harbourfront. Toronto Islands is home to beautiful beaches, bike paths, and sensational views of the city’s skyline.

• Bata Shoe Museum – Fashionistas will love this surprisingly fascinating deep dive into global culture and history through the lens of footwear.
– https://batashoemuseum.ca/

• The Gardiner Museum – Located directly opposite the ROM, the Gardiner Museum exhibits a wonderful collection of ceramics from throughout history and from all over the world.
– https://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/

• Campbell House Museum – This beautifully preserved historic home offers an intimate glimpse into life in Toronto in the early 19th-century for Sir William Campbell, a chief justice in the town in the 1820s. The house was moved to its current location in 1972.
– https://campbellhousemuseum.ca/

• High Park – A sprawling urban park to the east of the centre of the city, High Park is an ideal spot for picnics, long walks and to marvel at the beautiful cherry blossom trees in the Spring.

• Allan Gardens – The Allan Gardens is a charming and free conservatory that’s filled with a huge collection of plants and colourful flowers all year round.

• Ontario Science Centre – Located in the far north of the city, the Ontario Science Centre is an interactive, hands-on science museum that’s great for both curious kids and adults alike.
– https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/

• Take a day trip to Niagara Falls – Around two hours by train from Union Station, the incredible sight of Niagara Falls is an easy day trip from Toronto. There are also many guided tours to the falls that leave from downtown Toronto every day.

Where to Stay in Toronto

Naturally for a city of its size there’s a huge choice of accommodation available in Toronto.

If you’re looking for the most convenient place to stay in Toronto then pick somewhere close to Union Station, which is in the heart of downtown and also perfectly placed for the best transport links.

If you’d prefer to be close to everything but a little less in the thick of it consider looking in the area around the ROM on Bloor Street.

If you need some suggestions on places to stay here a few hotels that we recommend:

• Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Downtown – Located on Yonge Street and right next to College Station, Courtyard by Marriott is one of the more affordable quality hotels in downtown Toronto.

• Novotel Toronto Centre – Right in the heart of downtown, the Novotel Toronto Centre comes with spacious rooms, comfortable beds and a gym and pool.

• Sutton Place Hotel – Perfectly placed on King West, the Sutton Place Hotel features gorgeous decor throughout, large beautiful rooms, a fitness centre and pool, plus an onsite bar and restaurant.

– You can search for accommodation in Toronto here.

How to Get to Toronto

The best way to get to Toronto is by air.

Toronto has two airports, Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop City Airport.

The vast majority of flights arrive at Pearson Airport, which is located to the west of the city.

Located just off Toronto’s Harbourfront area, Billy Bishop City Airport is largely used for internal flights to destinations within Canada and some cities in the US, such as New York and Boston.

How to Get Around Toronto

The best way to get around Toronto is through a combination of public transport and walking.

Much of downtown is walkable, with several of Toronto’s main sights in fairly close proximity to each other.

When you need to travel a little further afield, to the Distillery District or to Casa Loma for example, you can use the city’s pretty decent network of metro trains, streetcars and buses.

The Line 1 and Line 2 subways cover longer distance journeys across downtown and the wider city from north to south and east to west.

Buses and streetcars are also great for shorter trips across travelling across downtown.

UP Express trains are the best way to travel between Union Station in central Toronto and Pearson Airport. Trains depart every 15 minutes and the journey takes just 25 minutes.

To get around Toronto pick up a PRESTO card, a reloadable smart card used to pay fares on subways, streetcars and buses. Simply tap in at stations and when getting on streetcars and buses.

You can buy a PRESTO card at dedicated machines at most stations. You can also top up credit on your PRESTO card when needed at the same machines.

When is the Best Time to Visit Toronto?

The best time to visit Toronto depends on how you define best, but from late spring to early fall the weather is warm and the city is at its most lively.

In summer Toronto gets warm. May and June offer pleasant temperatures at around 12 to 18 °C (54 to 64 °F). July to September brings the warmest weather of the year with temperatures between 18 to 22 °C (64 to 72 °F).

However, summer is also the busiest and most expensive period, thanks to the good weather and major events such as the Pride Parade, Caribana, and the Toronto International Film Festival.

Autumn in Toronto is cooler, with temperatures in October typically around 11 to 12 °C (52 to 54 °F). Autumn also brings beautiful fall colours and lower prices on flights and accommodation.

Winter typically runs from November to March and is cold and often snowy. In winter Toronto’s average temperature is around –4 °C (24 °F) in January and February, with lows dipping to as low as –7 °C (19 °F).

However, winter can be a good time to visit if you’re looking for cheaper rates and seasonal experiences such as the Distillery District’s Christmas market.

I’m James, the founder, editor, writer and photographer at Where You’re Between.

Currently based in Japan, I started Where You’re Between in 2017 to create detailed itineraries and in-depth travel guides for the places that I’m fortunate enough to visit. You can see all of our destinations here.

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The Perfect Two Day Toronto Itinerary