Play
The Toronto Tempo officially begin their tenure as the newest WNBA expansion team in May 2026, so catch one of the inaugural games at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Or make your way downtown to the Rogers Centre for a Toronto Blue Jays game; the team is celebrating its 50th anniversary. If that’s not enough, Toronto is playing host to several World Cup matches throughout June at Toronto Stadium, which has added 17,000 seats for the tournament. And, of course, it’s impossible to pass up a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame, where the Stanley Cup resides amongst a sea of artifacts and memorabilia.
Beyond sports, visit the CN Tower, the iconic symbol of Canada, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The main observation level takes viewers up 1,136 feet for stunning views; if you ride the elevator to the top, you can gaze over the city from 1,465 feet, the Western Hemisphere’s highest observation platform. Those who truly have no fear can attempt the EdgeWalk, 116 stories in the air.
Find inspiration and tips for your next trip
Subscribe to the St. Louis Travel newsletter, covering big cities, small towns, and everywhere in between!
Back on the ground, make a stop at the Royal Ontario Museum, which houses millions of pieces of culture, nature, and art, all contained beneath the angular glass building. For more artwork, the Art Gallery of Ontario is renowned for its well-curated exhibitions and varied collection, including a stunning sculpture gallery with city views. The Toronto Theatre District is behind only Broadway and the West End for the biggest English-language theatre district.
Speaking of districts, one of the best ways to understand Toronto is simply by walking through the numerous neighborhoods, which all contain unique personalities. Outside of downtown, the eclectic Kensington Market, Victorian-inspired Distillery District, and hip Queen West are good places to start. Public transportation and ride shares are easy to come by throughout the city, but be aware that traffic can be brutal—make sure to build in extra time if trying to reach time-sensitive events.
Eat
One of the best parts about Toronto is the immense diversity in its culinary scene. Immigrant communities are established across the city, and it’s possible to find everything from butter tea and momo at Tibet Cafe & Bar to Swedish kanelbullar and coffee at the FIKA. Be sure to book dinner at Kiin, which serves Royal Thai-inspired dishes that are almost too pretty to eat. The Michelin-recommended restaurant offers an a la carte menu (with the Thai jasmine flower dumplings being a must), though consider the seven-course seasonal tasting menu for a true sense of the chef’s vision. For elevated Italian with a slight mix of Asian flavors, head to DaNico for its tasting or prix fixe menus; expect perfectly executed pastas alongside wagyu with shisito peppers. Can’t decide whether to get a Jamaican patty or stop for poutine? Consider a walking food tour with an operator such as Chopsticks + Forks, which can cover a variety of must-try Toronto dishes while providing context of the area.
Grab a coffee from Balzac’s Coffee Roasters, a local chain with location in historical neighborhoods across Ontario; it’s almost impossible to not try the maple syrup latte. There’s one right down the street from the famous St. Lawrence Market, a farmer’s market built in 1850 that’s like no other. Two levels are packed with everything from fresh seafood and produce to Portuguese custard tarts at Churrasco’s. Snag a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery for a taste of a Toronto tradition. (Peameal bacon is unique to the Ontario province, and the pork loin used is now crusted in cornmeal instead of dried peas, though it’s still delicious, served on a soft white roll.)
End the evening with one of the best spirits in Toronto: sake. There is a strong sake scene, thanks to the local support of Japanese cuisine. IZUMI Brewery in the Distillery District is a good place to start, with a tasting bar and tours available. The intimate Sakai Bar is the kind of place where patrons can discuss the merits of sake late into the night, preferably while munching on a plate of Japanese pickles.
Stay
If you’re looking to splurge on a luxurious stay, it would be hard to beat the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto in the heart of the upscale Yorkville neighborhood. The Four Seasons brand started here, so it’s worth checking out the original location, especially as so much care has been given to the flagship property. Rooms are bright and well-appointed, with a focus on décor by Canadians. Even if you’re not staying on property, it is worth popping in to enjoy a drink at d|bar by Daniel Boulud (whose Café Boulud is also at the hotel).
For a memorable stay, book a room at The Broadview Hotel. The boutique property has 58 rooms, all decked out a touch differently and with thoughtful amenities. Local coffee (with a French press) comes with the room, along with a vinyl player and artisan bath products. While the views of Riverdale and Don Valley are pretty spectacular, the rooftop terrace and bar offers a stunning spot to see the Toronto skyline.
The Drake Hotel, in the artsy Queen Street West district, mixes DJ sets in with some serious sushi, bistro classics, and a strong cocktail program. After dinner, mosey downstairs for Drake Underground to get your groove on. And upstairs, the rooftop bar is open year round, giving guests choices for food, drinks, and fun vibes 24/7. The rooms also lean into the good times, with strong designs and vibrant colors, and there’s a permanent art collection and rotating exhibits on property.
