If you’re coming to visit Toronto in 2 days, you’ve picked a great city! Having lived here my whole life, I can help you make the most of your visit in this 2-day Toronto travel itinerary.
Toronto is the capital city of Ontario in Eastern Canada and is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. With over 3 million residents, it is made up of dozens of diverse neighbourhoods. It’s got everything, from tall buildings and busy streets to quiet parks and trails. There are hundreds of exciting events, festivals, and things to see and do all year long. Whether you’re into tasting new foods, checking out art, or just walking around and exploring the different neighbourhoods, there’s plenty to see and do here.Â
This guest post was written by Julie Millan from Toronto to Anywhere
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2-Day Toronto Itinerary
While many people recognize Toronto for its CN Tower, there is so much more to do in the largest city in Canada. Toronto has so many attractions that it can be hard to narrow down the best places to visit in this large city, especially if you are only here for a couple of days.
This Toronto 2-day itinerary includes the perfect blend of Toronto culture, outdoor activities, tourist attractions, great restaurants, and a few hidden gems to enjoy during your short visit. Toronto also has a comprehensive network of subways, buses, and streetcar routes to help you visit all of the attractions during your stay.
Let’s dive into planning a fun two-day trip to Toronto that shows off what this city is all about.
Toronto Itinerary: Day One
Walk Along the Toronto Waterfront at Harbourfront
Begin the first of your 2 days in Toronto with a stroll along the scenic waterfront. Take a moment to stop at HTO Beach, one of Toronto’s urban beaches, and appreciate the views of the Toronto harbour. Along the waterfront, you’ll also find Love Park, with its heart-shaped water feature, and the picturesque Toronto Music Garden, with its winding paths and landscaped gardens.
Take the Ferry to the Toronto Islands
From the waterfront, you can catch the ferry over to the Toronto Islands. The 20-minute ferry ride across Lake Ontario offers stunning views of the Toronto skyline. Once you’re there, you’ll discover so many fun things to do at the Toronto Islands that you may not want to leave!
For example, there are four different beaches on the Toronto Islands, each one more beautiful than the last! You can go on rides at Centreville Amusement Park, rent bikes to explore all 15 different islands or rent a kayak for a paddle on the lake.
For lunch, there are many traditional fast-food options, but I recommend heading over to The Riviera. Located on Ward’s Island this cozy restaurant is just a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal. With an excellent menu, an outdoor patio, and stunning views, it’s the perfect spot for a unique food experience in Toronto. Once you are done exploring the islands, hop on the ferry back to the city.
Walk Through the Historic Distillery District
The next stop is the historic Distillery District. Grab a coffee and a treat at Balzac’s and then take some time to explore this pedestrian-only village with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. The Distillery is also a perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or two while wandering through the unique stores and art galleries.
Keep your eyes open for some unique outdoor art as you walk around the distillery. Be sure to stop by the iconic LOVE locks or the Big Heart sculpture, where you can capture some great Instagram photos! And, if you are visiting Toronto during the holiday season, the Distillery Winter Village is one of Toronto’s most popular holiday traditions and well worth visiting while in the city.
Have Dinner in the Distillery District at El Catrin
For dinner, there are many excellent restaurant options in the Distillery District. My personal favourite is El Catrin. This authentic Mexican restaurant is a very popular spot with the locals and is known for its excellent food and large outdoor patio.
Other dinner options include the more relaxed Mill Street Brewpub or Madrina Bar y Tapas, an excellent restaurant with Spanish tapas, and, of course, Sangria! Reservations are highly recommended in any of the distillery restaurants, especially on the weekend.
Buy Tickets to the Theatre
In the evening, head over to Toronto’s Theatre District to catch a musical or theatre production. Toronto has an excellent theatre scene, with many excellent shows coming to the city. Shows like Hamilton, Chicago, Les Misérables, Come From Away, and more have all played here.
Most shows are hosted by Mirvish Productions, known for bringing Broadway hits to the city. The tickets are much easier to find than in New York City! If the theatre isn’t quite your scene, you also have the option of visiting the TIFF Lightbox. It’s the centre of the Toronto International Film Festival, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, and the Toronto Symphony.
Enjoy a Late-Night Drink on Queen Street West
If you still have some energy left at the end of the day, the Theatre District and Queen Street West have several excellent bar and restaurant options. A couple of my favourites include Grace O’Malleys, a lively Irish pub that has live bands and a dance floor or the historic Horseshoe Tavern, a dive bar that is a favourite of local Torontonians and often has live music.
Toronto Itinerary: Day Two
Have Breakfast at St. Lawrence Market
Start the second day of your 2 days in Toronto with a visit to St. Lawrence Market, a local food market. This indoor market is renowned for its fresh produce and gourmet foods and is an excellent place to purchase some food. Be sure to check out all the awesome vendors on both levels of the Market. You will also want to bring cash with you to the market, as some businesses do not take credit or debit.
For breakfast, I highly recommend a visit to Carousel Bakery for its famous peameal bacon or breakfast bacon sandwich. From there, head downstairs to the Stonemill Bakehouse to pick up an assortment of pastries. There are a variety of picnic tables outside the market where you can eat your breakfast. Or you can head one block over to Berczy Park and check out the famous Dogs Fontaine (a fountain of dog statues!) Also in the area is the historic Gooderham Building, an 1892 flatiron building and an iconic Toronto landmark.
Ride the Streetcar to the Beaches Neighbourhood
From the market, walk north to King Street and catch a streetcar to Woodbine Beach, nestled in the quaint Beaches neighbourhood. Enjoy a 20-minute streetcar ride while watching the various Toronto neighbourhoods go past the window!
Walk Along the Boardwalk at Woodbine Beach
Toronto is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, and there are many excellent beaches in the city to visit. Woodbine Beach is the largest and most popular beach, and it is a great place to spend a few hours.
There are many activities and things to do at Woodbine Beach. This area is perfect for a leisurely walk along the boardwalk, relaxing on the beach, or taking a refreshing swim in Lake Ontario. There are playgrounds, splash pads, parks, picnic tables, and even outdoor BBQs. Woodbine Beach is perfect for any age, and it’s dog-friendly too!
Walk north from the beach to Queen Street to find many local restaurants and fantastic outdoor patio options for a relaxing lunch. My favourite patio is The Stone Lion and my favourite restaurant close to Woodbine Beach is Inmigrante.
Go to the Top of the CN Tower
No Toronto Bucket List is complete without visiting the CN Tower. The tower is over 550 metres tall and it’s visible throughout the city. The high-speed elevators take you to the top in just 58 seconds.
From the top of the tower, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. For those who are brave enough, there is also a glass floor to stand on. For the adventurous, there’s the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the outside of the tower’s main pod in just a harness. And for those that want to go even higher up the tower, there is a skypod observation tower 447 metres above the ground. Finally, a rotating restaurant is also available to enjoy a meal if you are interested in dining at the top of the tower.
Have Dinner at The Well
Just a short walk from the CN Tower is The Well, Toronto’s newest mixed-use development. The Well is a great spot to do some retail shopping, admire the fascinating architecture, and enjoy a cocktail and a great meal. While at The Well, stop in at the beautiful Indigo bookstore. It’s a great spot to pick up some Toronto souvenirs. And if you have time, visit Acadia Earth, a new augmented reality attraction in Toronto.
For dinner, I recommend the restaurant, Le Sélect Bistro. This restaurant offers classic French cuisine and has an extensive wine cellar. While the inside of the restaurant is beautiful, there is also an inviting outdoor patio. Following dinner, head across the street for a cocktail at the brand-new Aera. This restaurant is located on the 38th floor and has some of the most breathtaking views.
Catch a Baseball or Hockey Game
One of the best things to do when visiting Toronto in 2 days is to catch a sporting event. Toronto has many sports teams. We have basketball, football, soccer, baseball, hockey, and more! Two particular favourite sporting events in the city include watching the Blue Jays play baseball or the Maple Leafs play hockey.
From April to October, the Blue Jays play over 70 home games at the newly renovated Rogers Centre. Tickets are usually easy to purchase and are available at all price points, including $20 Outfield District Tickets. While these inexpensive tickets do not include a seat, they are valid for access to the stadium. And you can watch the game from all social areas.
Toronto also loves their Maple Leafs hockey! While it’s a little harder to get tickets and they can be on the pricier side, the atmosphere is like nothing else! Watching a Maple Leafs game is thrilling and a great Canadian experience.
Looking for Blue Jays baseball tickets? Buy them here
Looking for Maple Leafs hockey tickets? Buy them here
Enjoy a Late Night Drink at The Library Bar
Wind down your exciting day with a late-night drink at The Library Bar, located in the historic Fairmont Royal York Hotel. This intimate spot is known for its sophisticated ambience, classic cocktails, and warm hospitality. It’s the perfect place to reflect on your Toronto adventures in a relaxed, elegant setting.
Take a Photo at the Toronto Sign
Before you leave the city, make sure you find time to stop by Nathan Phillips Square, home to the iconic, illuminated Toronto Sign. This spot offers a perfect photo opportunity, capturing the energy and spirit of the city.
Where to Stay for 2 days in Toronto
For convenience and comfort, consider a stay at the Sheraton Toronto Hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s steps away from the Toronto Sign and the Eaton Centre. The hotel offers numerous amenities, including a unique indoor/outdoor pool, and its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city.
Another excellent hotel option in Toronto is the Fairmont Royal York. This famous historic hotel is pure elegance. It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto and directly across from Union Station, making it easy to access everything on this 2-day Toronto itinerary.
When is the Best Time to Spend 2 Days in Toronto?
There are so many things to see and do in Toronto during every season. Summer has lots of great events, festivals, and attractions. It’s perfect for spending time at the beach, in the parks, or on the trails. The summer months can get quite busy with tourists. And the days can get quite hot, with average temperatures ranging from 18℃ to 26℃ in August.
For those who love the outdoors, winter is filled with many fun winter activities, including skating, sledging, and skiing. There are certainly fewer visitors in the winter. And of course, the weather is much cooler, with average temperatures ranging from -7℃ to 0℃ in January.
Personally, my favourite time in the city is the autumn. Toronto has some of the prettiest fall foliage and the weather is just glorious. It’s still warm enough to enjoy all the outdoor activities the city has to offer, but the summer crowds have dispersed.
Final Thoughts on visiting Toronto in 2 days
With diverse neighbourhoods, great sports teams, numerous parks and outdoor spaces, excellent dining experiences, and a vibrant art and theatre scene, Toronto is sure to leave a lasting impression. As your two days in Toronto come to an end, you’ll find yourself already planning your next visit, eager to spend even more time in this fun, diverse, and dynamic Canadian city.
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