Itineraries for Your Trip to Toronto
2 Days in Toronto for First Timers
The first time I visited Toronto, it was late autumn, and although Lake Ontario had not yet frozen there was a distinct stab of ice in the wind. The second time, it was midwinter, when snow covers the streets and Torontonians retreat indoors—and even underground. The third time, I finally visited in the summer, when the city thaws, comes alive, and celebrates the season with vigor. I quickly learned that whatever the season, Toronto offers plenty to see and do for two days—yes, even winter. Here’s how to spend 48 hours in Toronto.
Toronto’s sub-zero winters are the stuff of legend (or nightmares); visit between May and September for the most comfortable experience.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a stroll around Kensington Market, an artistic inner-city neighborhood.
Start off by getting to know Toronto on a convenient hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. You’ll pass many of the city’s landmarks and must-see attractions and can get off to explore places that catch your interest. Highlights include the Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, and the CN Tower. By the end, you’ll have learned a lot from the recorded commentary and will have a better idea of Toronto’s layout.
Hone in on a special-interest museum this afternoon, picking one that suits your interests. Art and culture enthusiasts will enjoy the Royal Ontario Museum (the outside alone is worth a detour), sports fans will appreciate the Hockey Hall of Fame, fashionistas should make a beeline to the Bata Shoe Museum, and families can spend hours in Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. A great thing about Toronto’s museums? They’re fun whatever the weather.
Evening is a great time to ascend Toronto’s landmark CN Tower, where you can admire the twinkling lights spreading out in all directions from the 114-floor observation deck. You can visit independently or join an evening tour of the city to take in the night lights at other points of interest, too. Afterwards, grab some of the local street eats the city’s known for such as smoked meat sandwiches or sushi pizza, all washed down with a Caesar: a quintessentially Canadian cocktail of spiced tomato juice, vodka, and clam juice.
Start day two with a leisurely breakfast in the bohemian Kensington Market neighborhood, then, go in search of some of Toronto’s famous street art murals. You can join a guided tour to learn more about the history of graffiti art in Toronto or explore independently. If you’d prefer to wander around on your own, make sure to venture into side streets and back alleys as that’s where you’ll find the best art.
Take it easy this afternoon with a cruise on Lake Ontario in a tall ship that will give you a great opportunity to admire the views of the skyline from the smallest of the Great Lakes. Alternatively, if you want to get active (and the weather is warm), take a SUP or kayak tour out to the Toronto Islands on Lake Ontario, where there are lovely beaches to hang out on.
Learn more about Toronto’s alternative history this evening on a spooky ghost tour, which will fill you in on the kinds of stories you won’t find on mainstream city tours. After a good fright, raise a glass to two fun-filled days in Toronto with drinks and a last meal in the city. The Entertainment District, Distillery Historic District, King West, and Queen West are among the best central-city dining and nightlife areas.
