Visit Toronto in 24 hours

Also known as the "Queen City", Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is known for its high quality of life.

It is heralded as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and is divided into several districts.

If you only have 24 hours, and you want to explore the city on foot, focus on the most popular attractions.

Let's go!

Day 1

Morning

1. CITY HALL 
 

Start your day with a visit to City Hall.

Toronto City Hall is the result of an international design competition held in the late 1950s.

Its curved twin concrete towers and central rotunda make it one of the city's most distinctive buildings. Toronto City Hall was the symbol of Toronto until the construction of the iconic CN Tower.

For an interesting architectural contrast, be sure to take a look at the Old City Hall, less than 200 metres away.

The building was built in 1889 and is now a designated National Historic Site. 

2. EATON CENTRE 
 

Just two minutes from City Hall you will find the Eaton Centre, the largest shopping centre in Toronto. 

With more than 250 shops, restaurants and services, it is the ultimate shopping destination.

 Distance covered in the morning: 1 km
 

Where to eat ?
 

Drake One Fifty uses the best quality seasonal local ingredients.

The menu offers delicious, simple, refined but affordable fare in a magnificent eclectic decor.

Their weekend brunch is to die for. If you have the chance, you simply must try the eggs Benedict!

Drake One Fifty

Budget: $$
Hours: Monday-Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Thursday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: 150 York St. 
Telephone: 416-363-6150
Website: Click here

Afternoon - For sports fans

1. HOCKEY HALL OF FAME 
 

Begin your afternoon with a visit to the largest museum in the world dedicated to hockey, Canada's national winter sport.

The museum houses the original Stanley Cup, and honours the greatest players from the National Hockey League.

You will also find themed exhibits, multimedia stations, a large collection of hockey memorabilia and jerseys, and games that let you try your hand at goaltending and shooting. 

2. ROGERS CENTRE 
 

There is more than just hockey in Toronto; baseball is also an extremely popular sport.

Go back down Front Street until you reach the pedestrian crossing leading to the Rogers Centre, the only American Major League stadium in Canada.

Everyone in Toronto has a Blue Jays baseball cap or other item of clothing.

One-hour guided walking tours are generally available every day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. To avoid having to rush through the Hockey Hall of Fame, book your tour for as late as possible.

Your guide will take you behind the scenes for a look at the logistics involved in running a major sports stadium, as you learn about the history of baseball in Toronto. 

A real VIP experience awaits!

To purchase tickets, click here.

3. HARBOURFRONT CENTER 
 

At the end of the afternoon, walk down Lower Simcoe to the edge of Lake Ontario.

Toronto's highest concentration of cultural and recreational offerings is found at the Harbourfront Center. 

This immense 4-hectare waterfront park houses all manner of small shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The Harbourfront Centre is also a prime destination for festivals. 

To consult the program schedule, click here.

The neighbouring HTO Park features a magnificent urban beach with Muskoka chairs and large yellow shade umbrellas.

 Distance covered in the afternoon: 2 km
 

Afternoon - for urbanites

1. GRAFFITI ALLEY 
 

Walk down Queen Street, one of Toronto's trendiest neighbourhoods. The section from York Street to Graffiti Alley is particularly lively.

Take the time to browse in the many small shops and bookstores. You will also come across several patios, such as the one belonging to Black Bull Tavern, a local institution.

Eventually you will reach Graffiti Alley, a kilometre-long back street where the best street artists come to create fascinating murals and real urban works of art. 

2. CHINATOWN 
 

Turn down Spadina Avenue (士巴丹拿道) towards one of the largest Chinatowns in North America.  

As you head towards Dundas Street (登打士西街), be sure to stop in some of the more exotic shops.

You will find a slew of electronic gadgets, "jewelry", clothing, handicrafts, etc.  

3. KENSINGTON MARKET 
 

Once you reach the corner of Spadina and Dundas, you are in Kensington Market.

This trendy, eclectic neighbourhood is a perfect example of the cultural diversity and open-mindedness that characterize the spirit of Toronto. 

On the last Sunday of each month (from May to October), the colourful streets are closed to traffic to form a huge pedestrian market, from which the neighbourhood gets its name. 

If you're lucky enough to be there on a weekend, you won't want to miss it!

If not, you will still find a wide variety of interesting, reasonably priced indie and specialty shops (including many second-hand and vintage boutiques), restaurants, cafes, and a bohemian atmosphere that is one of a kind!

4. HARBOURFRONT CENTER 
 

At the end of the afternoon, retrace your steps (or take a taxi, because it is about a 45-minute walk) and head for the banks of Lake Ontario.

Toronto's highest concentration of cultural and recreational offerings is found at the Harbourfront Center, an immense 4-hectare waterfront park housing all manner of small shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.

The Harbourfront Centre is also a prime destination for festivals. To consult the program schedule, click here.

The neighbouring HTO Park features a magnificent urban beach with Muskoka chairs and large yellow shade umbrellas.

 Distance covered in the afternoon: +/- 6 km
 

Evening

1. AMSTERDAM BREWHOUSE 
 

When evening comes, take time out to enjoy a drink on one of the patios of the excellent Amsterdam Brewhouse.

Their craft beers are delicious, and the patios offer lovely views of the lake. 

It's time to unwind a little before dinner after your busy day!

2. CN TOWER 
 

This evening you will dine in the CN Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. 

You will enjoy breathtaking views throughout your meal, at a height of 350 m.

But before sitting down to dinner, take the time to visit one of Toronto's prime attractions.

The LookOut offers some of the most spectacular views in Toronto with floor-to-ceiling panoramic window-walls.  It is the perfect spot to take some stunning photos.

Then work up the courage to walk out onto the Glass Floor at a dizzying 342 m. Your travel companions are sure to be impressed! 

Distance covered in the evening: 1.5 km
 

Where to eat ?
 

At a height of 350 metres, 360 The Restaurant is one of Toronto's finest restaurants. 

Discover fine Canadian cuisine featuring local, seasonal ingredients, as you take in the spectacular view. 

Wine lovers will be interested to know that the 360 wine cellar is the highest in the world, and offers more than 500 wines from across the globe. 

Access to the LookOut and GlassFloor is free with the purchase of a prix fixe.

It's sure to be an unforgettable evening! 

Before making your reservation, check the sunset time for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Restaurant 360 – CN Tower

Budget: $$$ - $$$$
Hours: daily from 11 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.
Address: 301, Front St W.  
Telephone: 416-362-5411
Website: Click here

And there you have it! 

Toronto is a beautiful city to include in any Eastern Canada road trip itinerary, especially if you intend to visit Niagara Falls.

Don't hesitate to put your questions and/or comments in the comments section below.