How to Spend A Fantastic One Day in Toronto Itinerary

When I found myself with one day in Toronto before heading back to Montreal, I knew I had to make the most of it. After a fantastic trip to Nova Scotia, I was about to board a train to Montreal to catch my flight back to London. However, my time in Toronto was a bit of a bonus—it wasn’t my first time in the city, but my previous visit was more of a layover, which didn’t give me the chance to explore much. Back then, I had my luggage lost by the airline and spent my time shopping for summer clothes in the middle of December, all while trying to figure out how to get ready for my Cuba trip. It was a bit of a stressful situation, but I did enjoy a memorable dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant and a wander through the Path, Toronto’s underground city, which I found fascinating.

This time, I was lucky to visit Toronto during the Toronto Film Festival, but it came with its own challenges. Hotels were either fully booked or outrageously expensive, so I opted for a more budget-friendly stay at a hostel called The Planet Traveler. With free breakfast and an incredible rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the skyline, it turned out to be the perfect home base for my day of exploration.

With just one day in Toronto, I had to plan carefully, and that’s how this one day in Toronto itinerary came to life. If you’re wondering what to do in Toronto in one day or looking for an efficient but enjoyable way to see the city’s highlights, this itinerary will help you get the most out of your short visit. Let’s dive into the best things to do in Toronto in just one day!

About This Itinerary

This one-day Toronto itinerary is designed to help you see as much of the city as possible—without feeling rushed. I wanted to create a plan that allows you to explore at a relaxed pace, soak in the atmosphere, and truly enjoy what Toronto has to offer, rather than just ticking off attractions.

This itinerary is based on my own experiences exploring Toronto. So far, I’ve visited the city three times, and each time, I’ve played tourist, discovering new spots, revisiting favourites, and figuring out the best way to experience the city. If you’re short on time but still want to get a great feel for Toronto, this itinerary will help you maximize your time without feeling overwhelmed.

How to Move Around Toronto

Getting around Toronto is incredibly easy, thanks to its efficient public transportation system. You can take the subway (metro) or hop on the streetcars, which are essentially trams that run throughout the city.

At first, I bought tickets for the streetcars, but I quickly realized that not all ticket machines work, and some stops don’t even have machines to purchase tickets. This was a bit frustrating until I made a discovery at Union Station. While trying to buy a ticket there, a transit employee informed me about Toronto’s new contactless payment system. Now, instead of dealing with tickets, you can simply tap your card when boarding, making the process much more convenient.

Another great thing? Tickets are timed, meaning that for the price of a single fare, you can switch between streetcars, buses, and the subway as many times as you want within two hours—a great way to explore the city efficiently!

One Day in Toronto Itinerary

If it’s your first time in Toronto, this itinerary is a perfect introduction to the city. It’s designed to give you a mix of culture, history, and scenic views while keeping the pace relaxed and enjoyable. You’ll get to explore vibrant neighbourhoods, admire Toronto’s famous waterfront, and even have the option to experience the city’s most iconic landmark—the CN Tower.

Morning: Exploring Kensington Market

Since I was staying in Kensington Market, I decided to start my day there, soaking in the eclectic atmosphere of one of Toronto’s most famous neighbourhoods. This area is a hub for creativity, filled with colourful street art and graffiti-covered alleys that give it an unmistakable urban charm. Wandering through the streets, I found small flea markets selling handcrafted goods, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind pieces made by local artisans. The energy in the air was contagious, with musicians playing on street corners and the scent of freshly brewed coffee drifting from quirky cafés. It was the perfect place to begin the day, taking in the artistic vibe and stopping for a quick bite before heading toward the waterfront.

Toronto’s Waterfront

After exploring Kensington Market, I jumped on a streetcar and made my way to Toronto’s stunning waterfront. The sun was shining, and it seemed like the entire city was out enjoying the warm weather. The waterfront along Lake Ontario was buzzing with life, with people relaxing at outdoor cafés, strolling along the piers, and even sunbathing on the small sandy beach dotted with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Towering above it all was the CN Tower, the most recognizable landmark in Toronto. Despite visiting the city three times, I still haven’t made my way to the top, though I know it offers an incredible panoramic view over Toronto and Lake Ontario. For thrill-seekers, the tower also features the EdgeWalk, a heart-racing experience where visitors, securely harnessed, can step outside and walk along a ledge 356 meters above the ground. It’s not something I’d personally attempt, but for those who love an adrenaline rush, it’s one of the most unique ways to see the city. Book your tickets here.

Enjoying a Beaver Tail – A Must-Try Canadian Treat

No visit to Canada is complete without trying a Beaver Tail, and Toronto was the perfect place for my first experience. Despite the name, this treat has nothing to do with actual beavers—it’s a deep-fried, hand-stretched pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. It’s served with a variety of toppings, from classic cinnamon sugar to extravagant combinations of chocolate, fruit, and even cheesecake drizzle. I went for the most Canadian topping of all—maple syrup. As it was my first Beaver Tail, I got to ring the ceremonial bell, which was a fun little touch that made the experience even more memorable.

Option 1: Take a Scenic Harbour Boat Ride

After indulging in my sweet treat, a boat ride along Toronto’s waterfront seemed like a great way to slow down and enjoy the city from a different perspective. The scenic cruise takes you across Lake Ontario, offering fantastic views of Toronto’s skyline, with the CN Tower standing tall above the cityscape. The boat glides past the Toronto Islands, a small chain of green, peaceful retreats just offshore, providing a beautiful contrast to the bustling downtown core. Book your tickets here.

Option 2: Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame

For hockey fans, there’s no better place to visit in Toronto than the Hockey Hall of Fame. Canada’s love for hockey runs deep, and this museum is dedicated to the history of the sport, showcasing legendary players, iconic jerseys, and historic memorabilia. One of the highlights is the Stanley Cup itself, which visitors can see up close and even take a photo with. The interactive exhibits also let you try your hand at being a goalie or taking a slap shot against virtual players. Even if you’re not a die-hard hockey fan, it’s still a great place to visit to get a glimpse of what sport Canadians love most.

Lunch at St. Lawrence Market

By midday, I was ready for lunch and decided to make my way to St. Lawrence Market, one of Toronto’s most famous food destinations. From Union Station, it was a pleasant 10–15 minute walk, during which I stumbled upon two unexpected gems. The first was the fun Berczy Park Dog Fountain, a whimsical display featuring 27 sculpted dogs playfully spouting water towards a golden bone perched on top of the fountain. It was such a fun and quirky find, especially for dog lovers. Secretly, as a cat mom, I hoped they were cats. A little further along, I passed Toronto’s Flatiron Building, a striking red-brick structure that predates New York’s more famous version. Built in 1892, this historic building stands at the meeting point of two streets, creating a striking triangular shape, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Arriving at St. Lawrence Market, I was immediately drawn to Stack’d Deli Kitchen, a popular food stall with the longest queue in the market—always a good sign. I couldn’t decide between their Cubano sandwich and the smoked meat sandwich, so I got both. The smoked meat sandwich was so packed with tender, flavourful beef that it barely stayed together, and both sandwiches were served with crisp, tangy pickles. It was a delicious meal, and judging by the number of locals waiting in line, I wasn’t the only one who thought so.

Beyond just food, St. Lawrence Market is a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and fantastic selection of Canadian produce. The market has been a central part of Toronto’s food scene for over 200 years, and today, it’s home to vendors selling everything from artisan cheeses and fresh seafood to handmade pastries as well as specialty foods from around the world. It’s a great place to grab a snack, shop for souvenirs, or simply wander through the stalls.

Afternoon: Exploring the Distillery District

One of the most unique areas in Toronto is the pedestrian-only Distillery District. Once home to the Gooderham and Worts Distillery, which was one of the largest whiskey distilleries in the world in the 19th century, the area has been transformed into a vibrant hub filled with boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. The cobblestone streets and well-preserved Victorian industrial buildings give it an old-world charm, while contemporary art installations and trendy establishments bring a fresh, modern energy.

Walking through the district, I stumbled upon a tiny sake distillery tucked away in one of the buildings. Intrigued, I stepped inside to see the process of sake-making up close. The space was incredibly small, with only four seats at the bar, making for an intimate and immersive experience. The fermentation tanks were behind, under a glass wall. I decided to try a flight of flavoured sakes, each offering a unique twist on the traditional Japanese drink. The Yuzu and Lime Collins had a refreshing citrusy zest, while the Sake Politan, made with cranberry and lime, had a tart, almost cocktail-like taste. However, it was the Sake Apple Cider, infused with maple syrup and ginger, that truly caught my attention. Initially, the tangy and tart flavour weren’t to my liking, but as I kept sipping, it grew on me to the point that it became my favourite out of the three. The subtle sweetness of the maple syrup balanced the sharpness of the cider beautifully. The entire flight cost $15 CAD, making it a great-value tasting experience.

Beyond its thriving food and drink scene, the Distillery District is also a hub for the arts. Many of its buildings have been converted into art galleries, showcasing works from both local and international artists. The best part is that these galleries are free to visit. The district also functions as an open-air museum, with plaques and exhibits detailing the history of the former distillery and its impact on the city.

My next stop was Spirit of York, another standout spot in the district, known for its high-quality spirits crafted on-site. I opted for a tasting flight, which allowed me to select three different spirits for $17 CAD. I chose the Spirit of York Vodka, which had creamy vanilla and green apple notes, the Distl Citrus Gin, and the Spirit of York Gin, a bold, aromatic gin infused with earthy cinnamon, pine, and peppery undertones. The tasting room itself was warm and inviting, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offered a view of the distillery in action. Plush, comfortable couches made it easy to relax and savour the drinks, while an elevated walkway wrapped around the space, guiding visitors through the distillation process and the history of spirit-making.

The Distillery District turned out to be an absolute highlight of my day in Toronto and a great place to take a break from walking and just relax.

Optional: Catch a Blue Jays Game

During my day in Toronto, I realised that the Toronto Blue Jays were playing a game at Rogers Centre, the city’s iconic stadium located right by the waterfront. The Blue Jays are Toronto’s Major League Baseball (MLB) team and the only Canadian team in the league, making their games a big deal in the city. I regretted not attending the game that day. The streets were buzzing with excitement, and it seemed like half the city was heading toward the stadium, decked out in Blue Jays jerseys and caps. The combination of a lively atmosphere, a beautiful sunny day, and the energy of thousands of fans made me wish I had bought a ticket.

I made up for it, though, six months later when I returned to Toronto and finally got to experience a Blue Jays game in person. I can confidently say—if there’s a game when you visit, go! Even if you’re not a baseball fan, it’s a fantastic way to wear a blue tshirt and join the locals support their team.

That night, the Blue Jays were up against the LA Dodgers, and while they lost catastrophically, the experience was still incredible. This was my first-ever baseball game, and I loved the laid-back yet passionate energy of the crowd. Unlike football games in the UK, where rival fans are often separated, here everyone sat together, cheering (or groaning) side by side. It felt more like a social event than just a game, with people chatting, laughing, and enjoying the night regardless of the score. Of course, I also had to go all-in on the classic ballpark experience and grabbed a traditional hot dog, which somehow tasted even better while sitting in a packed stadium under the floodlights.

If you happen to be in Toronto during baseball season, I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary.

Evening: A Delicious End to the Day

Back in Kensington Market, I had my heart set on trying Rasta Pasta, a beloved Jamaican-Italian fusion spot that I had heard amazing things about. However, much to my disappointment, it was closed for the day. Not wanting to end the day on a low note, I wandered around and stumbled upon TacoTaco, a casual Mexican joint that immediately won me over with its laid-back atmosphere and delicious smells wafting from the kitchen.

I ordered Tacos al Pastor, a classic street-style taco filled with marinated pork, pineapple, and fresh onions, as well as their house guacamole with homemade tortilla chips. The tacos were loaded with juicy, flavourful meat, and the guacamole was so fresh, perfectly seasoned, and paired with crunchy, warm chips. It was exactly what I needed to wrap up the day—simple and delicious.

With a full belly and a satisfied heart, I made my way back to my hostel, feeling like I had truly made the most out of my one day in Toronto.

As I walked back to my hostel that night, the city lights reflecting off the streets, I couldn’t help but smile. Toronto had given me a perfect day—one filled with incredible food, beautiful sights, and unique experiences.

Looking back, I loved that this itinerary let me see so much without feeling rushed. There was time to wander, time to soak in the atmosphere, and time to simply enjoy the city at my own pace. Even though I had only spent a day in Toronto, I felt like I got a real sense of what makes this city so special.

Of course, there are still plenty of things I haven’t done—I still need to go up the CN Tower, try more of the incredible food scene, and maybe even catch another baseball game. But that just means one thing: I’ll have to come back.

For more articles about Toronto, check out my recommendations below:

• How to get from Hamilton Airport to Downtown Toronto
• My Play Airlines Review – London to Toronto
• Cheapest Way to Get From Toronto Pearson Airport to Downtown

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