How Many Days In Toronto Is Enough?

Planning a trip to Canada soon? You might be wondering how many days in Toronto is enough. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do and see while you’re in the area.

If you’re interested in exploring the state of Ontario further, we suggest spending at least three or four days in Toronto.

This will give you enough time to visit the significant sites and enjoy some of the other activities Ontario has to offer, such as visiting the CN Tower, and Niagara Falls, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the city.

That said, the answer really comes down to the type of holiday you’re looking for.

If you love being on the go and are happy to see everything at a fast pace, 2 days in Toronto might be enough for you.

But if you’d like to slow things down, and have a little more time to spend at each attraction, you might want to consider 3 or 4 days in Toronto instead.

I put this guide together to help you figure out how many days in Toronto you’ll need. You’ll find all the things you need to think about when planning the length of your stay, along with a guide to Toronto’s highlights.

I’ve also suggested how long you should plan to spend at each one so that you can create a realistic itinerary for your visit so that you can enjoy every moment of your trip.

How To Decide How Long To Stay In Toronto

Deciding how long to spend in Toronto can depend on a few different things, like arrival time, hotel check-in, what you want to see, transportation, and more!

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Toronto, make a list of the things you want to do in the area, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic.

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Toronto you’ll need.

That said, it’s important to keep a few things in mind when planning a trip to Toronto.

Are you planning on staying in Toronto, or do you want to use Toronto as a base to explore Ontario?

Toronto can be a good base for exploring the area, but it really depends on what you want to do while in Canada.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time & Time Of Departure

One important thing to consider is whether your hotel check-in and departure times allow for a full day’s sightseeing.

To save time on arrival, consider booking a private transfer in advance.

If you’re planning on arriving late, you might consider adding an extra night to your stay. Another important consideration is what you will do with your luggage.

If you want to get to Toronto early to make the most of your day, you might need to store your luggage somewhere for a few hours before it is time for you to check into your accommodation.

Most hotels will offer this service, but not all. So don’t just assume that there will be somewhere to leave your bags – find out for sure before you go.

Things To Do In Toronto And Its Surroundings

Toronto is a popular destination for travelers who enjoy spending time in the city and soaking up all the culture on offer.

The region also offers a wide range of activities for those who want to explore, such as a day trip to Niagara falls, exploring the Algonquin Provincial Park, and skiing or snowboarding.

You must think carefully about which attractions or tours appeal to you the most and plan how to fit them all in – especially if you’re thinking about a short stay.

The list of highlights below will help you put your Toronto itinerary together, but be careful not to schedule every single moment of your day.

It’s always a good idea to leave a little leeway for things like long queues and transport delays – or simply to spend longer at the places you like the best!

Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.

Pace Of Activities

When thinking about how many days in Toronto you’ll need, ask yourself if you want a relaxing break or one that’s a whirlwind of activity. It’s pretty simple; the shorter your visit, the busier you will be.

So if you are the type of person who likes to enjoy the sights at a more leisurely pace – or a foodie who wants to have enough time to appreciate the local cuisine – then 4 days in the Toronto area will definitely suit you better than 2.

Transportation

Think carefully about how you will get around during your visit. While it makes sense to visit attractions that are close together, you will still need to factor travel time into your days.

Can you visit attractions on foot? Will you reach your destination by scooter, taxi, or bus? Or, will you rent a car?

Do your research to find out how you will visit the places you wish to visit and keep the distance and time to reach your destination in mind when you build your itinerary in Toronto.

Make sure your itinerary is logical and that you visit nearby attractions in one go. That way, you won’t waste time traveling between places that are far apart.

That said, if you’re going to Toronto directly from the airport, you could book a private transfer to save time on arrival.

Some hotels might be able to arrange a transfer for you.

What To Do In Toronto Area

Here are some of the best sights, experiences, and things to do in Toronto, along with our recommendations for how long to set aside for each.

The CN Tower

Your first activity while visiting Toronto has to be the CN tower. This is a popular activity for both tourists and locals in the area.

It is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world at an impressive 553 meters high.

Here you can get to the observation deck by riding the glass elevator to the top of the tower. You will be greeted by 360-degree views of the city of Toronto.

For thrill-seekers visiting, you will get the chance to walk across the glass floor of the observation deck and see the huge drop below you. There is also a restaurant here to soak in the views while dining.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Toronto Islands

Another great activity in Toronto is taking a ferry to the nearby Toronto islands.

Just a short ride from the city, the Toronto Islands offer beaches, parks, and stunning views of the skyline.

A cruise here is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Ontario and see the amazing Toronto islands.

You will be treated to some beautiful views of Toronto’s skyline while you relax aboard the cruise and listen to the guided commentary.

Once you arrive at the islands, you will have a chance to explore some of the beaches and attractions on offer. You can explore here on foot or by renting a bike or a kayak.

There are lots of things to do on the islands including swimming, chilling on the beach, or hiking.

The Centreville Amusement Park is also located here and is a popular attraction for a family day out.

Suggested time: 4 hours

Niagara Falls

Visiting Niagara Falls is a really popular day trip from Toronto for tourists in the area.

Upon arrival, visitors can explore the falls from several different viewpoints on the Canadian side.

The most popular viewpoints on the Canadian side include Queen Victoria Park, the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, and the Hornblower Niagara Cruises.

Most tours also include a boat ride which is a must-do while at the falls. With a tour, you can skip the queues to board the hornblower boat ride which will cruise up close to the falls and is a truly magnificent experience.

Besides the falls themselves, you can also enjoy other attractions in the region including the Niagara SkyWheel, the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, and the Niagara Casino Resort.

Suggested time: 9 hours

If you’re planning on seeing the Niagara Falls from the US side too, read our guide to Niagara Falls in 2 days.

Casa Loma

During your time in Toronto, you must visit Casa Loma. This is a magnificent castle in the heart of Toronto which was built in the early 20th century.

While visiting Casa Loma, you will have a chance to tour the castle’s many rooms including the Great Hall, the conservatory, and the stunning gardens.

Other notable features of Casa Loma include its secret passageways, towers, and a stunning view of the city from the top of the castle.

The castle also hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts, theater performances, and holiday-themed events.

Suggested time: 2 hours

Best Time To Visit Toronto

Toronto is a dream destination for culture seekers and foodies. But when is the best time to go to Toronto to get the most out of your stay?

This city in Canada is always brimming with exciting activities and pleasant, but certain times of the year are more ideal than others. So, let’s look at what you can expect from Toronto weather.

Summer is a great time to plan your trip to Toronto as it is the peak tourist season. During this time you can enjoy warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities and festivals.

Fall is also a lovely time to visit the city as it has cooler temperatures and the colorful autumn leaves create a vibrant mix of colors throughout the city.

If you choose to visit Toronto in winter, keep in mind that it will be cold and snowy. However, there are still plenty of things to do during the winter, including Christmas markets, ice skating, and nearby skiing and snowboarding.

No matter when you visit, Toronto is sure to provide a vacation that will be remembered for years to come!

Final Thoughts On Toronto Trips

We hope this guide helped you figure out how many days in Toronto is enough.

And remember, the best way to make the most of your time is to pre-book tours and activities so that you can fully enjoy your holiday without wasting time!

Toronto is a great destination to relax and explore Ontario.

We hope you’ll have a great time while doing the best things to do in Toronto.

Not sure when is the best time to visit Toronto? We recommend you visit Toronto between April and October.

Traveling to Canada soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Canada SIM card
• Vancouver in 2 days
• How many days in Vancouver