To Do in Toronto This Weekend: A City Guide for First-Time Tourists

Welcome to Toronto! Known as the “cultural capital of Canada,” and home to over 2.7 million people, Toronto is a vibrant and diverse city with plenty to do and explore. From its world-class shopping and dining to its beautiful waterfront parks, there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolis. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a local, here are just a few of the must-see attractions and activities to do in Toronto this weekend.

A Little Bit of History

Toronto was originally founded by the British in 1793 and was named after the Huron word “Tkaronto” which means “where there are trees standing in the water”. Throughout the years, Toronto has developed into a major global city, with a strong economy and an incredibly diverse population. It is now home to over 200 different cultures, giving it a vibrant and unique atmosphere. The city also has a proud sports heritage, with the Toronto Maple Leafs being one of the oldest hockey teams in the world.

Must-See Attractions

No trip to Toronto would be complete without experiencing some of its iconic attractions. One of the most popular is the CN Tower, a 553-meter tall structure which offers stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline. For a closer look at the city’s rich history and culture, be sure to visit the Royal Ontario Museum, one of the largest natural history and world culture museums in North America. Sports fans should make sure to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame, which chronicles the history of the beloved Canadian game.

Exploring the Great Outdoors

Toronto is blessed with beautiful parks and green spaces which make it easy to enjoy the outdoors. One of the most popular is High Park, a 400-acre expanse of lush forests, meadows, ponds, and trails. There is also evergreen Brickworks which is full of nature walks, cycling paths, and a farmer’s market. On the waterfront, be sure to check out Harbourfront Centre which features an array of shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Experience Toronto’s Nightlife

Toronto is home to a lively nightlife scene with something for everyone. From trendy cocktail bars and lounges to live music venues, there are plenty of spots to explore in this vibrant city. The entertainment district is home to some of the best clubs in town, while Yonge-Dundas Square offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Toronto’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Enjoy Delicious Cuisine

Toronto offers a wide variety of delicious cuisines from all over the world. From traditional Canadian dishes like poutine and maple syrup-coated bacon to delicious Asian fusion dishes like sushi burritos, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Chinatown is home to some of the best dim sum in town, while Little Italy offers an array of mouthwatering Italian dishes. Of course no meal would be complete without some amazing Canadian desserts like Beaver Tails or Nanaimo bars!

Experience It All with Guided Tours

If you want to get the most out of your visit to Toronto then a guided tour can really make all the difference. There are many different companies offering tours around the city, but two popular options are Viator and GetYourGuide.

Viator’s City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Viator’s City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is an easy way to explore Toronto’s main attractions without spending hours getting from one place to another. The tour bus stops at all of Toronto’s most popular destinations including CN Tower, Harbourfront Centre, High Park, Royal Ontario Museum, and more. You can hop on and off at any stop along the route and stay as long as you like at each attraction. The tour also includes informative audio commentary on all of Toronto’s famous landmarks and history. Book Viator’s City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour here for an easy way to explore Toronto this weekend!

GetYourGuide’s City Sightseeing Day Tour

For those who want an even more comprehensive experience, GetYourGuide’s City Sightseeing Day Tour is an excellent option. This 9-hour tour takes visitors all around Toronto, from its historic landmarks like Casa Loma and St Lawrence Market to its modern attractions like the Distillery District and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. The tour also includes lunch at St Lawrence Market, a stop at the CN Tower for incredible views of the skyline, as well as interesting facts about Toronto from your knowledgeable guide. Book GetYourGuide’s City Sightseeing Day Tour here for an amazing day out in Toronto this weekend!

Conclusion

Toronto is a bustling city full of energy and history that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for some exciting nightlife or beautiful parks and attractions, you’ll find it all here. Don’t forget to book a guided tour so you can experience all that this vibrant city has to offer! With so much to do in Toronto this weekend, you won’t be disappointed!