Things To Do In Toronto Long Weekend: A Guide For First-Time Tourists

Toronto, located in the province of Ontario in Canada, is a vibrant and exciting city. From its modern skyline to its exciting culture, Toronto offers something for everyone. With a population of over 6 million people, Toronto is the fifth-largest city in North America and home to a diverse range of attractions. The city is known for its restaurants, nightlife, sports teams, museums, and its beautiful skyline. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or something to do on a long weekend in Toronto, you will find plenty of options.

General Information

Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located on the north shore of Lake Ontario and is home to a unique cultural diversity. The city has a population of over 6 million people and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has a population of over 6.5 million people. This makes it the fourth-largest metropolitan area in North America.

The city has a rich history that dates back to its founding by the First Nations people. The city has grown since then and is now home to a range of cultures, religions, and languages. It is also home to a range of attractions and activities to suit any taste or budget.

Popular Attractions

Toronto has an array of sights and attractions for visitors to explore. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture, or something to do on a long weekend in Toronto, you will find plenty of options. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Toronto:

CN Tower

The CN Tower is an iconic landmark in Toronto that stands 553m tall. It is the third tallest free-standing structure in the world and has been designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The CN Tower offers spectacular views of the cityscape from its observation deck as well as plenty of dining and entertainment options.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The aquarium houses over 16,000 aquatic creatures from across the world, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, turtles, and more. You can explore the underwater world with a glass-bottomed boat ride or take part in one of the interactive programs.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a historic house and gardens located in downtown Toronto. It was built in 1914 by financier Sir Henry Pellatt as his family’s home. Today, it is open to the public and visitors can explore the grounds, gardens, and exhibits. It is also home to a courtyard with stunning floral displays as well as a variety of events throughout the year.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the largest museums in Canada and has been around since 1912. It is home to a diverse collection of artifacts ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to dinosaur fossils. Visitors can explore a variety of galleries and exhibitions, including natural history, art, and culture from around the world.

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are located just off the shore of downtown Toronto and are accessible by ferry or water taxi. The islands offer visitors a serene escape from the bustle of the city and are home to beaches, parks, and attractions such as Centreville Amusement Park.

Popular Activities

If you’re looking for something to do on a long weekend in Toronto, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here are some popular activities in Toronto:

Food Tours

Toronto is known for its diverse food scene and there are plenty of food tours available to explore it. You can join a guided tour of some of the city’s top restaurants or explore the culinary delights of one particular neighbourhood. There are also food tours that focus on specific cuisines such as Chinese, Italian, or Indian.

Shopping

Toronto is home to some of Canada’s best shopping experiences. From luxury boutiques to discount stores, there’s something for everyone. The city is also home to some of North America’s top malls, including Yorkdale Shopping Centre and The Eaton Centre.

Sports

Toronto is home to some of Canada’s top sports teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs hockey team, Toronto Raptors basketball team, and Toronto Blue Jays baseball team. Fans can purchase tickets to watch their favourite teams live or visit one of the city’s many sports bars to watch the game on TV.

Theatre & Arts

Toronto is home to some amazing theatre and arts experiences. From Broadway shows to local productions, there’s something for everyone. The city also has plenty of galleries and museums for visitors to explore, including the Art Gallery of Ontario, Royal Ontario Museum, and Aga Khan Museum.

Popular Tours

If you’re looking for something to do on your long weekend in Toronto beyond visiting popular attractions, there are plenty of tours available that offer an in-depth look at different aspects of the city. Here are two popular tours that you can consider for your visit:

Historical Walking Tour

A historical walking tour is an excellent way to explore Toronto’s rich history and culture while discovering some hidden gems along the way. This tour starts in Old Town Toronto where you will learn about the city’s founding by First Nations people before heading through downtown to discover hidden gems such as churches, statues, murals, and much more. The tour also includes stops at some of the city’s major landmarks such as City Hall and Eaton Centre before ending at St Lawrence Market. Book this Historical Walking Tour here.

Local Culinary Tour

If you’re looking for something different to do on your long weekend in Toronto, why not try a local culinary tour? This tour takes you through some of Toronto’s neighbourhoods to explore their unique culinary offerings. You will get to sample traditional dishes from different cultures as well as some local favourites such as poutine or butter tarts. You will also get to see how different ingredients are used in local dishes as well as learn about traditional cooking methods from guides who have years of experience working in local restaurants. Book a Local Culinary Tour here.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture or something else to do on your long weekend in Toronto, there are plenty of options available to keep you entertained. From visiting iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower or exploring some hidden gems with a walking tour to sampling local foods on a culinary tour or watching your favourite team at a sports bar, Toronto has something for everyone. So get out there and enjoy your long weekend in Toronto!