10 Best Things to Do in Toronto You Should Not Miss as a US Tourist
Toronto’s best things to do come from balancing skyline views with neighborhoods, food, and time by the water. From the CN Tower to St. Lawrence Market, island ferries, museum halls, and Kensington streets, the city moves easily and rewards a steady, curious pace.
Toronto gives first-time visitors an easy mix of skyline views, lakefront walks, food markets, museums, sports culture, and neighbourhoods with real character. Jetpac eSIM helps from the start, and eSIM plans for Canada make maps, tickets, ferry schedules, and ride apps easier to manage when you arrive from the USA.
For USA travelers, the best things to do in Toronto are the ones that balance big landmarks with local food, easy day trips, and relaxed outdoor time. Prices below are in CAD unless noted, and attraction hours can change on holidays, event days, or during seasonal schedules.
1. Go up the CN Tower
The CN Tower is the easiest first stop if you want the skyline, Lake Ontario views, and a clear sense of how big Toronto feels. It is one of the main things to do in Toronto, Canada, for first-time visitors.
- Cost per person: Adults $47, youth and seniors $34, children aged 3 to 5 $18
- Timings: Usually around 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; check date-specific hours before visiting
- Days: Daily
- Best for: Skyline views, photos, and first-day sightseeing
2. Visit Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Right beside the CN Tower, Ripley's works well when you want something indoor, easy, and family-friendly. Its underwater tunnel and marine displays make it simple to enjoy even on a cold or rainy day.
- Cost per person: Adult pricing varies by date; children aged 2 and under are free; book in advance for better rates
- Timings: Usually 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Days: Daily
- Best for: Families, indoor plans, and marine life
3. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum
One of Canada's major cultural institutions, this museum houses dinosaurs, gems, global history, and natural history across multiple floors. It is a smart pick if you want depth beyond the skyline.
- Cost per person: Dynamic pricing; check the official ticket calendar before booking
- Timings: Usually 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Days: Tuesday to Sunday; typically closed Monday
- Best for: History, culture, dinosaurs, and indoor sightseeing
4. See art at the Art Gallery of Ontario
The AGO gives the city a slower, thoughtful break from busier attractions. It is also one of the cool things to do in Toronto if your trip needs art, design, and quiet indoor time.
- Cost per person: Adults $30; select evening sessions are Pay What You Can — check the official schedule for current offers
- Timings: Late opening on select evenings; regular daytime hours on other open days
- Days: Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Best for: Art, exhibitions, and slower afternoons
5. Tour Casa Loma
Casa Loma feels different from the rest of Toronto, with castle-style interiors, towers, tunnels, and gardens. It is easy to pair with a museum day or a slower morning.
- Cost per person: Adults $45, seniors and youth $40, children aged 4 to 13 $30
- Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; last admission at 4:00 p.m.
- Days: Daily, with holiday exceptions
- Best for: History, photos, and castle-style interiors
6. Eat at St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is where Toronto feels local, tasty, and easy to explore. Come hungry, try a market lunch, and leave room for snacks.
- Cost per person: Free to enter; food extra
- Timings: Tuesday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Days: Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- Best for: Food, casual browsing, and local flavour
7. Ride the ferry to the Toronto Islands
The islands give you the classic skyline photo and a calm break from downtown. A eSIMcho helps here because ferry schedules, return times, and walking routes are easier with data already active.
- Cost per person: Ferry fare varies by age; buy tickets online to save time at the terminal
- Timings: Ferries run throughout the day with seasonal schedules
- Days: Daily; reduced winter service
- Best for: Skyline views, beaches, biking, and picnics
8. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
Even if you are not a hockey fan, this stop helps explain Canada's sports culture quickly. Interactive zones and trophy displays make it more engaging than a standard museum visit.
- Cost per person: Adults $25, youth $15, seniors $20, children aged 3 and under free
- Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; extended to 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from 26 June to 7 September 2026
- Days: Daily, except listed closure dates
- Best for: Sports fans, Canadian culture, and interactive exhibits
9. Step into Little Canada
Little Canada turns the country into detailed miniature scenes, making it especially useful if this is your first visit. It keeps things playful without needing a full day.
- Cost per person: Pricing varies by date and ticket type; check the official site for current rates
- Timings: Usually from 10:00 a.m.; closing times vary
- Days: Usually Tuesday to Sunday
- Best for: Families, miniatures, and a Canada overview
10. Spend a day at the Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is a full-day pick, so plan it when you do not need to rush back downtown. It works best for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants a bigger outdoor plan.
- Cost per person: Dynamic pricing; buy tickets early for better rates
- Timings: Weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. before 15 May; summer hours extend later
- Days: Daily, all year
- Best for: Families, wildlife, and outdoor plans
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