Things to Do in Toronto: Your Guide to Canada's Vibrant Metropolis

When visiting Toronto, there are so many options for exploring the city. From strolling through the historic Distillery District to the Royal Ontario Museum, there are attractions and events for everyone.

But the charm of Toronto isn’t confined to the well-known locales alone. Beneath the gleaming skyscrapers and tourist locations, a world of undiscovered wonders awaits your exploration. However, when you want to go off the beaten path, it’s hard to figure out the hidden gems a city has to offer.

Luckily, you can use our helpful list of unique things to do in Toronto to plan your next Canadian vacation. Ready to unravel the secrets of Toronto’s unique spots?

1) Indulge at SOMA Chocolatemaker

What to do in Toronto for chocolate lovers? Visit the local favorite chocolate factory in both the Distillery District and King Street West. SOMA Chocolatemaker makes unique delicious gelato, cookies, truffles, bark, hot chocolates, and more, with private tastings available for all.

As soon as you step inside, you’re met with a delightful aroma of cocoa. The beautifully made chocolates provide a feast for the eyes, creating a magical experience as well. Start your journey by exploring the fascinating process of turning raw cocoa beans into exquisite chocolate bars. End the adventure with a stop at their store, filled to the brim with fine chocolates and an assortment of packaged gifts.

large chocolate covered heart served at SOMA Chocolatemaker in Toronto, Ontario, Canada — Photo Credit: SOMA Chocolate via Facebook

2) Get Spooky at The Lockhart

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll want to visit The Lockhart Cocktail Bar for a magical dining experience. This whimsical cocktail and tapas bar features Harry Potter-inspired menu items such as “The Dementor’s Kiss” cocktail and house-made chocolate frogs. Also, they are open for brunch and trivia nights, even to muggles.

Plus, its decor and cocktails are nothing short of enchanting. Draped in wizard-themed elements, The Lockhart’s interior charms visitors with glimpses of the beloved fictional world. A unique feature is an “Apothecary” wall, adorned with artifacts straight out of Hogwarts’ potion-making class.

Moreover, the Lockhart’s concoctions are as enchanting as they are varied. Their specialty cocktails are truly a sight to behold and a treat to the senses. From the refreshing ‘Shacklebolt’ evoking warm Caribbean flavors, to the spicy kick of ‘Befuddlement draft’, there is a drink to cast a spell on everyone.

3) Visit Niche Museums

Hockey Hall of Fame

As for cultural things to do Toronto Canada, this hidden treasure is sure to captivate sports fans and artistic souls with its expansive collections.

Home to the Stanley Cup, the Hockey Hall of Fame provides a truly exclusive, interactive experience for sports fans. The museum features animated life-size versions of the greatest players, hockey films, uniforms, a replica of the Montreal Canadiens Dressing room, and more.

Bata Shoe Museum

Experience over 4,500 years of history at the unique Bata Shoe Museum. From Chinese bound-foot shoes and Queen Victoria’s silk slippers to ancient Egyptian sandals and sealskin boots, there is so much to see within the museum’s art galleries.

With over 13,000 shoes and foot-wear related items, the collection spans cultures across the globe. Ranking as one of the most unique things to do in Toronto, you will not want to miss this stunning collection.

Searching for additional discounts? Read our Ultimate Guide to Bata Shoe Museum! It’s chock full of money savings tips and advise.

shoe exhibits at the Bata Shoe Museum — Photo Credit: Bata Shoe Museum via Facebook

4) Rifle through Libraries & Book Stores

Arthur Conan Doyle Room at the Toronto Library

Showcasing collections of the legendary writer’s work, the Arthur Conan Doyle Room in the Toronto Reference Library contains first and latest editions of his texts along with secondary material and references. Further, secondary material includes critical and biographical research related to Doyle’s texts, with much of the collection related to Sherlock Holmes.

The Merril Collection

Science fiction and fantasy fans should journey to the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation, and Fantasy at the Toronto Public Library to geek out. Containing more than 80,000 research items of said genre-related work and beyond, the museum represents an impressive cataloged collection. View audio, visual, and textual items along with rotating programs and exhibits.

The Monkey’s Paw

Home to the world’s first Biblio-Mat, this antique book and print shop will quickly become your new favorite rare bookstore. The Monkey’s Paw boasts a collection of 20th-century texts, focusing on visual culture and antiquated, niche subject matter. Additionally, guests can check out the world’s first Biblio-Mat, a randomizing book vending machine that still works with a $3 token. They also selectively buy second-hand books. Please note that the store just moved to 1067 Bloor St. W.

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

Located in the University of Toronto Library, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library hosts the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections. Guest can peruse manuscripts and texts from William Shakespeare and various 20th-century writers, as well as 17th-century etchings. The collection has grown to include 740,000 volumes and 4,000 linear meters of manuscript holdings.

5) Admire Art & Natural Installations

The Rainbow Tunnel

Originally painted in 1972 by BC Johnson, the vibrant rainbow mural now stands as a protected, celebrated piece of Toronto’s culture since 2013. For photo opportunities, park at Moccasin Trail Park and take the East Don Trail.

Yorkville Rock

For those asking about what to add to your Toronto things to do list, Yorkville Rock is a can’t-miss. Nearly one billion years old, this attraction was taken in fragments from the Canadian glacial shield and then reassembled in Yorkville Park. The rock weighs 650 tons and is composed of ancient mountain range segments that eroded ages ago. Also, visitors are allowed to sit and bask on the rock, so don’t be afraid to climb it.

Love Locks Sign

Spelling out “Love”, this colorful installation in the Distillery District allows guests to add their symbol of affection with their own lock. You can bring one and sign it or purchase from a local vendor before adding it to the sign. Bring your smartphone or camera to snap a few pictures!

Pan Am Path

Pan Am Path links Toronto’s neighborhoods with its nearly 50 trail miles. As part of the Pan Am and Parapan Am games of 2015, The Friends of the Pan Am Path constructed an art relay with multiple installations spanning the city. Visitors can view these installations throughout the trail to enjoy unique local art.

Graffiti Alley

In the alley between Spadina and Portland Street lies eclectic Graffiti Alley. Wander through the alley to view constantly changing works of legalized street art murals. As a major part of the efforts to host legal graffiti work, the alley has become a Toronto staple and is definitely worth a visit.

6) Check Out Toronto’s Unique Homes

Tchotchke House

This bizarre Leslieville home houses hundreds of dolls, toys, plastic signs, and more, and is also known as the “Doll House” on 37 Bertmount Avenue. Owner Shirley Sumaiser has collected memorabilia for over twenty years, displaying items in the front garden and inside to create a kooky museum. You’ll definitely want to check this out as one of the most unique things to do in Toronto Canada, as long as rows of dolls don’t scare you too much.

Little House

The Little House on 128 Day Avenue was built in 1912 by Arthur Weeden who simply noticed a small lot for sale. The approximately 312 square foot house was renovated in 2007 and has received much media attention over the years.

Cube House

Although the Cube House will likely relocate to another location after the land was recently purchased, visitors can currently view this innovative structure at 1 Sumach Street. Built in 1996 by architect Ben Kutner and his partner Jeff Brown, the Cube House was inspired by Piet Blom’s Cubic Houses in Rotterdam. Intended to mimic that community with a series of cube homes, the project never reached completion. However, the house has served as an eclectic visual structure since its construction and has even served as a residence for a local news producer.

Toronto’s Half House

Seemingly a structure out of a fairy tale, the Half House at 54 1/2 Saint Patrick Street dates back to the late 19th century. In the mid-twentieth century, a land holdings company began to demolish local structures, carefully leaving this piece of history half in-tact. Although you can’t walk inside of it, the home stands as an excellent photo opportunity.

7) Explore Great Heights at the EdgeWalk

As the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk, the EdgeWalk leads participants on a 5 ft wide ledge circling the top of the CN Tower’s main pod at 116 stories. Guests daring to try this extreme attraction remain attached to an overhead safety rail in groups of six with trained guides. The 1.5-hour experience allows guests to take in one-of-a-kind views of Lake Ontario and Toronto for nearly 30 minutes with access to a keepsake video, photos, a certificate of achievement, and the Tower’s sightseeing areas.

8) Test Your Senses at The Vog Vault

For a perception-twisting experience, head to Fluevog Toronto at 686 Queen W to visit The Vog Vault. Originally serving as a bank vault, the illusion room is the perfect place to capture seemingly anti-gravity poses. When you’re not in the vault, stroll around the store for vintage-inspired shoes and accessories.

9) Stargaze with AstroTours at the University of Toronto

The University of Toronto’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics present free public tours held by graduate students. Visitors can listen to accessible discussions on the history of these fields as well as the science behind our favorite blockbuster hits. Held on the first Thursday of most months, guests can see stars through the department’s telescopes, watch planetarium shows, and more.

10) Illuminate the Night at Festivals

Toronto Light Festival

Offering warmth and light during the winter evenings, the Toronto Light Festival runs from January 18 through March 3 each year in the Distillery District. The festival displays local and international light artists’ installations across 13 acres and 45 buildings. Best of all, the festival is free!

Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche presents a free all-night event displaying contemporary art by hundreds of local and international artists. Each year holds a different theme, challenging artists and visitors to bend their sense of perception and culture.

11) Discover Lesser-Known Green Spaces

UT’s Bamboo Garden

Has the incredible scenery of the Toronto Music Garden, a collaboration between world-famous cellist Yo Yo Ma and talented landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, likely left you yearning for more adventures?

Nestled in the Terrance Donnelly Centre at 160 College Street, the indoor bamboo garden gives a perfect respite for reading, studying, or eating.

Crothers Woods

When deciding what to do in Toronto Canada, you don’t want to miss the breath-taking sight of the forest. Creating a breath of fresh air in an urban landscape, Crothers Woods offers 128 acres in Leaside for lush hiking and biking trails open to the public.

Allan Gardens Conservatory

The 19th-century complex encompasses six greenhouses with over 16,000 square feet of tropical, temperate, and seasonal plantings. The conservatory is open year-round and features a park outside with a dog-walking area and playground.

Other green spaces include:

12) Cross through Toronto’s Underground

According to Guinness World Records, the PATH is considered the largest underground shopping network in the world. As an indoor complex, the PATH is deemed one of the best things to do in Toronto. Providing shelter during extreme weather. Also, the complex links to over 50 office towers and major tourist destinations. Find your way to places like: CN Tower and The Hockey Hall of Fame. Moreover, the PATH contains excellent retailers, restaurants, and other services for day and evening entertainment.

13) Skullstore Oddity Shop

For the strong of heart, the Prehistoria museum and associated Skullstore Oddity Shop collects and sells historic jewelry, minerals, and living organisms. Further, the store sells human remains to respectful clients, so this establishment may not be for everyone. However, those into macabre history will appreciate this attraction as among the quirky things to do in Toronto Canada.

14) Marvel at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto

When it comes to admiring magnificent architecture, you must include paying respect at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Toronto. Canada’s first hand-carved limestone and marble Hindu temple. This mandir (Hindu temple) was engineered according to ancient Indian principles without the use of steel, nails, or ferrous material reinforcements.

The temple was made in Rajasthan, India and then shipped to Canada. The temple is open and free to guests, although a dress code and proper behavior must be followed.

Truly offering eclectic experiences, Toronto has countless activities to suit any traveler’s tastes.

Tell Us, Did We Miss Any Great Things to Do in Toronto?

Now that you’re ready to experience the bizarre, niche, and marvelous, which attraction will you visit first?

Written by Anne Joyce Raymundo

Anne is a Filipino writer who formerly managed and created marketing strategies and materials for numerous websites and eCommerce platforms. Now, her voice...

Things to Do in Toronto Canada: Your In-Depth Guide to Canada’s Vibrant Metropolis