First time in Toronto — what locals actually recommend
If it's your first weekend in Toronto, this is the locals' shortlist — the sights worth the queue, the food you can't skip, and the neighbourhood walks that show you the place.
Top spots in Toronto
Distillery District
CultureOld Town
Cobblestone galleries, patios and pop-up markets year-round.
Evergreen Brick Works
OutdoorsDon Valley
Wetlands, farmer's market and fall colour walks.
High Park Cherry Blossoms
OutdoorsHigh Park
Hundreds of sakura trees peak for ~10 magical days.
Kensington Market
Food & DrinkKensington
Pedestrian Sundays, vintage stalls and global street food.
Toronto Islands
OutdoorsHarbourfront
Ferry over for bike rides, hidden beaches and skyline picnics.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
OutdoorsWest Queen West
Sunday hangs, drum circles and the city's best people-watching.
Where to eat
Alo
$$$$French tasting · Spadina
Top of Canada's 100 — book a month out.
Bar Raval
$$Spanish tapas · Little Italy
Gaudí-meets-pintxos, standing-room only.
Lee Restaurant
$$$Asian fusion · King West
Susur Lee's signature singapore slaw.
Pai Northern Thai
$$Thai · Entertainment District
Lively, chili-fueled, packed nightly.
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Toronto Islands, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Kensington Market. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Toronto and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.