How to Spend 3 Days in Toronto

Whether you’re a culture vulture, a dedicated foodie, a devoted sports fan, or an architecture lover, Toronto is the place to be. Book a 3-day stay, and have time to explore Toronto’s top attractions and to take a day trip to Niagara Falls. Here’s how to create the perfect, 3-day plan.

Day 1: Sightseeing by Land, Air, and Sea

Given Toronto’s impressive scope (it’s home to nearly 3 million people and is the largest city in Canada), it can take time to orient yourself. Dedicate your first day in town to discovering Toronto by bus, boat, and helicopter. A hop-on hop-off bus tour makes for an accessible way to kick off your day, and allows you to see more of the top sights—from the CN Tower to the Hockey Hall of Fame—in less time, without a map. After several hours of exploring via double-decker bus, enjoy an entirely new angle on Toronto on a cruise of Toronto Harbour. Learn the city’s history as you go, capture photos of its skyline, and glimpse the scenic Toronto Islands. A night, there’s nothing like a helicopter ride to cap off the day’s adventures—though you may want to squeeze in a post-flight bite in the buzzing Entertainment District or vibrant Chinatown.

Day 2: Food and Culture

With the major sights under your belt, you can dedicate your second day in town to exploring Toronto’s cultural offerings and food. Sign up for a brunch tour for a relaxing start to the day. Venture to some of the city’s hippest hoods—like Queen West—and get ready to stroll, people-watch, and sample local brunch classics, from bloody Caesars to baked goods. Alternatively, hit St. Lawrence Market or Ossington Avenue (two of the city’s top culinary destinations) for a more varied tasting itinerary. In the afternoon, explore one of Toronto’s many world-class museums, from the Royal Ontario Museum and Art Gallery of Ontario to the Aga Khan Museum. Later in the day, your nightlife options abound: Go for a beer-themed crawl of the city’s hyped breweries with a guide to show the way, or hit up the city’s celebrated speakeasies.

Day 3: A Niagara Getaway

Given that Toronto is less than a 2-hour drive from Niagara Falls, it’s no surprise that the natural wonder is at the top of most day-trippers’ to-do lists. Book a full-day getaway from Toronto for a seamless sightseeing experience, from round-trip transportation to a ride aboard Hornblower Niagara Cruises. Alternatively—for those who may have already visited the falls—Ontario offers further enchantments. The well-preserved, 19th-century Niagara-on-the-Lake is ranked as one of Canada’s most beautiful small towns, and is an idyllic place to while away the day. Then there’s Ontario Wine Country. Home to a burgeoning wine scene, dozens of top-notch producers, and a selection of gourmet restaurants, it’s a popular destination for oenophiles and epicureans.