Toronto: A Quick Trip Guide
Looking for a quick getaway from New York? If you’re not able to go somewhere overseas, perhaps a little road trip up North will do the trick! I ended last summer with a quick trip up to Canada, and while we didn’t get to stop through Niagara Falls (one of the main attractions on the way from NY to Toronto), there was so much to do within Toronto to keep me busy for the short time I was there! Here’s a little guide I put together if you’re planning a quick trip up to Toronto!
GETTING TO TORONTO:
Toronto is about an 8 hour drive from New York, but it will probably take you about 10, factoring in rest stops/ food stops. There are also multiple entry points into Canada from New York, so make sure you’re GPS takes you through the Rainbow Bridge, a world famous tourist site! Taking the Rainbrow Bridge will have you drive over Niagara Falls. We ended up passing the Queenston Bridge, and completely missed driving over the Falls!
TRANSPORTATION:
When I travel, I like to get a feel for the local life, and I do that by getting around the town all on my own with their public transportation. Toronto has many similarities with New York City, and one of those is that they also have a bus and subway system.
Toronto operates on the TTC, Toronto Transit Commission, which includes both the bus and subway. The TTC also extends over to a portion of the neighboring city of Vaughan. This city, while only half an hour from downtown Toronto, is also covered by the YRT, York Regional Transit. For my fellow New Yorkers, think of the TTC as the MTA, and the YRT as the PATH or LIRR system. Both connect at various stations, but operate separately, so make sure to have the correct passes for each.
I found the YRT to be the easiest, as you can download the YRT app to purchase the tickets and all you have to do it show them to your driver! You can even get a live update of where your bus is! With the TTC, tickets are available at the metro stations and payable through cash or card. An one way adult fare on YRT through the app costs $3.88 CAD, while a TTC one way fare is $3.25 CAD.
WHAT TO DO:
When I first started researching things to do in Toronto, I was worried it would be too much like New York and I wouldn’t find a variety of things to do. I quickly found that I was wrong, to the point where I need to plan a trip again to continue exploring the city!
DOWNTOWN TORONTO:
You’ll find that most of the top attractions are located in or near the downtown center, and they’re all easily connected by bus or subway. I highly recommend the Toronto City Pass. I don’t think a Toronto quick trip guide would be complete without this. It will help you to get through as many attractions as possible.
You know I like to travel, but I’m always looking for ways to stay on a budget– the city pass gives you one time entry to five of Toronto’s top attractions, which usually cost around $25-$30 each, for just $73 USD.
What I also loved about the City Pass is that it alerts you when you’re near an attraction! Here’s what you get admission to with the City Pass:
- Toronto Zoo OR Ontario Science Centre — perfect if you’re traveling with children! Keep in mind, both of these are a bit out of the downtown area, so you might need to drive here or catch an Uber!
- Royal Ontario Museum — Toronto’s equivalent of NYC’s Museum of Natural History, another popular spot if you have kids, or just like museums!
- Casa Loma — the only castle in North America, enough said. You do not want to miss a visit to this beautiful, Gothic style mansion. It’s a popular venue for weddings as well as many other events, and it’s no secret why.
4. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada — another good spot if you’re traveling with children, or just like aquariums. I’m not that into them, but I will admit, this one was pretty cool, and one of the biggest I’ve been to.
5. CN Tower — Stunning 360 views of Toronto. If you’re a bit of a daredevil, try the EdgeWalk — a hands free external walk at the top of the CN Tower!
IN ADDITION TO THE FIVE ATTRACTIONS INCLUDED IN THE CITY PASS, MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT:
Rogers Centre
Art Gallery of Ontario
Not included in the Toronto City Pass (though it should be), but definitely worth paying the $25 ticket! I’m not that much of a museum person, but if you’re into cool architecture, this is the place for you. I mean, just see the photos below for a sneak peek!
If you’re under 25, you get free admission! Or if you’re visiting on Wednesday evenings, you also can get free entry! See their website for more info: AGO Admission
Distillery District
The Distillery District is a Pedestrian only historic district, that once housed a whisky distillery, hence the name. Many go to check out the cobblestone streets, art galleries, and hip restaurants. If you’re during the holidays, you’ll find the streets lined with Christmas markets!
Brookfield Place
Shopping center walking distance from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. A cute spot for a photo, and some good food.
City Hall
One of the city’s most popular landmarks, you can come here to take a photo at the popular “Toronto” sign!
Graffiti Alley
One of the more unique spots I’ve seen in Toronto. An unexpected tourist attraction, you can find lots of vibrant street art in this actual alley.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands should are a must on my Toronto quick trip guide. A chain of about 15 small islands south of mainland Toronto, you’ll want to make sure to take a ferry ride to one, or several of these islands. You can catch the ferry from the city at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, and while there are different islands the ferry goes to, the most popular one is Centre Island (if you’re visiting during winter though, ferry service to Centre Island is suspended, as it’s their off-season). If you have an entire day, this is the perfect spot for a picnic, a bike ride, or just a nice spot to relax and enjoy the amazing skyline view. Make sure to stick around for sunset!
Also, make sure to bring bug spray! You can purchase ferry tickets directly at the terminal, or online, for just $8. For more information, check out their website: Toronto Islands Schedule & Tickets
Answer Tea
If you’re looking for more of the “insta-worthy spots,” check out Answer Tea in the Spadina Chinatown area. This tiffany-blue themed bubble teaspot is perfect for a little photo op, plus they can customize the top of your bubble tea with a cheese foam design!
BAPS Shri Swaminaryan Mandir, Toronto
This area is a bit outside of the city. It’ll be best to drive out here or take a cab, as taking public transportation will take hours. If you’re into experience culture and seeing beautiful architecture, check out this Hindu temple. Pictures are not allowed inside, but you are free to take photos outside!
