3 Days in Toronto: A Backpacking Itinerary

3 Days in Toronto: A Backpacking Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Toronto's Harbourfront and Old Town

This itinerary begins in Toronto's Old Town, and there is no better way to begin the journey than at the Distillery Historic District, a vibrant historic area that was once the largest distillery in the British Empire when it was established in the 19th century as the Gooderham and Worts Distillery.

Today, the district is famous for its well-preserved Victorian industrial architecture and its transformation into a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment. Here, you'll find a variety of shops, from specialty coffee houses and boutique clothing stores to art galleries, museums, and more.

You can find many lovely cafes here where you can quickly grab a cup of coffee before beginning your day like Balzac's Distillery District and more while being surrounded by a historical distillery, which is quite an experience. Toronto has a lot of these themed and quirky districts like this, all with their own charm across the city, and we are going to visit other ones the next day. Today, we are going to focus on the Old Town and the Harbourfront area.

You can spend the entire morning at the Distillery District and then you can take the bus to St. Lawrence Market for lunch. St. Lawrence Market is a vibrant public market that has been serving the community since 1803. It is considered one of the world's great markets, and I completely agree. The number of food stalls you can find here, all at a competitive price point, is mind-boggling!

Inside, you'll find yourself in a massive market hall filled with countless street food stalls to choose from. From delicious bagels to lobster rolls, you name it, you can find it all here. There are also fresh fruit and meat stalls, desserts and sweets, and even shops selling kitchenware. You could easily spend hours here without getting bored.

If you've been dying to try a lobster roll but found the price a bit out of reach, you're in luck! I discovered a lovely seafood stall here called Buster's Sea Cove, where they serve fresh lobster rolls for only 22 CAD (or 15 USD). While it may seem pricey, I remember paying over 25 USD for a lobster roll in the US, so this is definitely a steal!

After you are done at lunch, you can walk to Harbour Square Park, a beautiful spot with benches and a quiet wooden boardwalk, and begin your exploration of another lovely district of Harbourfront.

Toronto really knows how to create beautiful parks, and it's never more apparent than here, which is one of my favorite places for a morning stroll. At the Harbourfront, you'll find rows of parks along the pier, all connected by a waterfront walkway, making it a fantastic place to explore on foot.

You can start at Harbour Square Park and walk all the way to Toronto Music Garden, another one of my favorite parks, featuring crisscrossing paths, beautiful large trees, and often hosting random seasonal events. Of course, don't forget to enjoy the view of the river on the other side as you stroll along the boardwalk.

Spend some time exploring the Harbourfront area until evening, and then head up to the CN Tower, one of the best spots in Toronto to catch the sunset. Standing at an impressive 553.3 meters (1,815.5 feet), the CN Tower was once the world's tallest freestanding structure and tower. From its observation deck, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Toronto cityscape, stretching all the way to Lake Ontario. It doesn’t get much better than this!

To visit the CN Tower, you'll need to purchase a ticket and reserve a time slot in advance, which you can do here. There are several ticket options available, with the most affordable being the general admission ticket, priced at around 45 CAD. Tickets can go up to 95 CAD depending on the type of tickets you want, but for most people, the general admission ticket should be more than enough.

Once you get to the base of the tower, you will have to go through a security screening, which can take some time before you can take the elevator up. So if you want to be there at sunset, be sure to book a time slot that is about an hour in advance just in case of the long security line.

After your visit to the CN Tower, head down and walk to King Street to find a spot for dinner. King Street West is lined with a variety of restaurants, so take your time to explore and pick one that suits your taste. If you’re up for it, you can also check out the bars along the street and enjoy the lively nightlife. If not, you can call it a night and rest up for another action-packed day ahead.

Day 2: Discover Charming Neighborhoods of Toronto

On our second day, we’ll be visiting some of Toronto’s farther-flung attractions and checking out a few of the coolest and trendiest neighborhoods the city is known for. We’ll kick off the day with a visit to Casa Loma, North America’s only castle! While calling it a castle might be a bit of a stretch, it’s actually a mansion built by a wealthy Canadian financier in the early 20th century, you have to admit he did an incredible job recreating the European castle vibe.

The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a stunning balcony with a view of the European-style garden, offering a breathtaking overlook of Toronto's skyline. For me, just this view alone made the trip out here completely worth it.

Some of my favorite rooms are the Conservatory, a beautiful sunlit room with plants and stunning decor, the Library full of wooden bookshelves showcasing Sir Henry Pellatt's extensive collection, and best of all, the bathroom.

Yup, you heard that right! The bathroom was definitely one of the highlights for me, as it gave me a glimpse into how the elites outfitted their bathrooms with some of the most advanced technology of the time. In his bathroom, you’ll find a nickel-plated shower, a needle bath with bidet sprays, hot water, and a waterfall shower, features that were cutting-edge, especially during an era when most households didn’t even have an indoor bathroom.

You can also climb up to one of the towers for an even better view of Toronto's skyline. Access to the towers is via the third floor, where you'll find a staircase leading to the attic, from which you can reach both towers. Be sure to keep an eye out for these staircases, as well as the hidden passages around the house that were often used by the maids to move about unnoticed.

Last but not least, you also gotta check out the basement tunnels, where a fire broke out in 1924 and caused massive damage to the estate. It also led to the city being proactive when it comes to fire safety. I was there during Halloween, and they retrofitted the tunnels with some of the most creative scary decorations ever. It was so much fun!

After Casa Loma, you can make your way down to Royal Ontario Museum and explore its vast art and artifacts collection. As Canada's largest museum, you will find a wide variety of exhibitions covering topics ranging from art and culture to natural history and more here. With over 13 million objects, the ROM provides a comprehensive exploration of human history and the natural world that you won't find anywhere else.

Right from the start, you’ll be met with one of the most unique museum designs you’ll ever see. The museum is housed in an incredible building that blends historic and contemporary architecture in such a distinctive way that it has become a tourist attraction in and of itself. The original building, constructed in the early 20th century, was expanded in 2007 with the addition of a super-modern design resembling a crystal. I’ve never seen such a beautiful and unique blend of old and new as I have in the exterior of this museum.

Inside, you’ll find a massive art collection from around the world, including Chinese sculptures, Japanese samurai swords, and Arabic scripts. It also features Greek antiquities, colonial-era art, and pieces representing Canada’s First Nations peoples, all displayed throughout its vast hallways.

The museum also features several permanent and temporary exhibitions, including a natural history exhibit with impressive dinosaur fossils and a range of other paleontological specimens. Another exhibition worth checking out is the global cultural history exhibit that highlights African, European, and Middle Eastern cultures, traditions, and artifacts. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the museum. If you get a bit hungry, there’s a café inside where you can grab a quick bite.

After you are done at the museum, you can take the Philosopher's Walk, which is a lovely walking path located within the University of Toronto's St. George campus and make your way to University of Toronto and its Front Campus Park, a historic and beautiful park located in the heart of the St. George campus, surrounded by some of the most stunning historical architecture in the city.

Here, you’ll be surrounded by an open-air grassy area with the beautiful University College building, which was built in the 19th century in a stunning blend of Richardsonian Romanesque and Norman architectural styles, as a centerpiece. You can spend a few hours relaxing in the sun here, or we can continue on to Kensington Market, where we can stop for a late lunch.

Kensington Market is another one of my favorite neighborhoods in Toronto. Kensington is a walkable bohemian area that attracts artists and tourists with its rows of indie shops, vintage boutiques, colorful art spaces, as well as hipster cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. The place has such a unique vibe that it feels like its own little city.

The crowd here is also much different from other neighborhoods, with hipsters, artists, and young creatives roaming around in search of the next big trend or a one-of-a-kind vintage item. The entire area is filled with houses painted in vibrant colors, giving it a punk vibe that's a stark contrast to the posh houses found in other parts of Toronto.

Here, you'll find plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy lunch, or you can take a leisurely stroll through one of the many flea markets here, selling all kinds of artsy souvenirs and vintage items. I absolutely love this area. The moment you walk in, you can really feel the creative energy that radiates from the people here, it's a breath of fresh air!

Hang out in Kensington for a few hours before you head over to Ossington, one of the newest and hippest neighborhoods that the locals like to hang out in. Again, a huge shout out to my friend Amber, who took me to Ossington and let me experience the local side of the city!

If neighborhoods in Toronto were people, Kensington would be the person in their punk phase, whereas Ossington is the more young adult traveler type with optimism, creativity, and a hunger for the world. In Ossington, you will find a variety of diverse food scenes with a range of eateries from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.

If you're looking for a great spot for dinner in Ossington, my friend recommended checking out Union, a Canadian-French bistro that's a favorite among brunch-goers, or Mamakas Taverna, a fantastic bistro offering Greek dishes like Moussaka and Lamb Shakshuka with a unique twist. We tried both, but Union was full, so we ended up at Mamakas Taverna, and it was amazing! After dinner, you can unwind for the night and get ready for an epic day trip to Niagara Falls the next day!

Day 3: A Day Trip to Niagara Falls

One of the highlights of visiting Canada is seeing the epic Niagara Falls with your own eyes, and that is exactly what we are going to do on our third day in Toronto. For those unfamiliar, Niagara Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder located along the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA. It comprises three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, each a stunning sight to behold.

Everyone agrees that the Canadian side of the falls is more interesting than the US side, and they are not wrong. There are far more activities and attractions on the Canadian side, plus you get a better view of the Horseshoe Falls, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful and iconic of the three waterfalls.

To get from Toronto to Niagara Falls, I highly recommend catching the earliest 7:30 AM Flixbus from Union Bus Terminal. The bus costs 17 USD and it will drop you off at the Niagara Falls Bus Stop, conveniently located near the Visitor Center, at around 9 AM. This gives you plenty of time to take in the stunning views and enjoy all the exciting activities the falls have to offer.

Some of my favorite activities at Niagara Falls included going on the Niagara City Cruise. I initially thought it would be a tourist trap, but it turned out to be one of the most fun experiences I had! The 20-minute boat ride takes you right into the heart of Horseshoe Falls, allowing you to fully appreciate the immense scale of Niagara Falls. Just be prepared to get wet, despite the provided rain poncho, you'll still feel the mist 😂!

Another awesome thing to do here is to go up the Skylon Tower, an observation deck that stands 520 feet tall from ground level and towers 775 feet above the falls, offering a perfect 360-degree panoramic view of not just the falls but the entire region. Who needs a drone when you have the Skylon Tower, right?

If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity at Niagara Falls, you might want to check out WildPlay Zipline. You can zipline across the entire length of Fallsview Trail with an incredible view of the falls. It almost feels like you're ziplining straight into the falls, which I think is pretty epic!

You can also spend the day going on amusement rides and enjoying yourself at Clifton Hill, which is a famous street and entertainment district located near Niagara Falls. It is famous for its wide variety of attractions, from a giant Ferris wheel to Haunted Houses, and more.

Once you’re done, catch the Flixbus from the same bus stop where you were dropped off to head back to Toronto. The journey should take about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic, and you’ll arrive just in time for dinner. From there, take the subway to Wellesley, one of my favorite areas in the city, and check out some of the area's awesome restaurants and bars like Storm Crow Manor, and enjoy your last night in Toronto.

For a complete travel guide to Niagara Falls, check out:Exploring Canada's Niagara Falls in A Day: A Complete Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Toronto?

Budget

Planet Traveler Hostel

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

One King West Hotel and Residence

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High-End

Shangri-La Toronto

$$$ | Double Room

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When to Visit Toronto?

Autumn, from late September to early November, is without a doubt the best time to visit Toronto. Canada does have some of the most breathtaking autumn colors in the world, with entire forests transforming into vibrant shades of orange and yellow by late October.

I was lucky enough to visit during this time, and the colors were absolutely stunning, I’ve never seen anything like it! Canada is, without question, the most beautiful country to visit in autumn. Summer months are fine too, but you won't get those beautiful autumn colors and perfect weather like you will get in autumn.

How to Get to Toronto?

Toronto is a huge travel hub in Canada and you should easily find direct flights from the US and Europe. If you are traveling from Asia, you can also rely on great airlines like Emirates or Qatar to get to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Toronto's main airport. You can use platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia to find the most affordable options from your home country.

How to Get From Toronto's Airport to Downtown?

By UP Express Trains: The UP Express Train is the easiest and fastest way to travel between Toronto's airport and downtown. You can catch the train directly from Pearson Station, and in about 45 minutes, you’ll arrive at Union Station. The journey costs approximately 12.5 CAD.

From there, you can easily take the subway to your accommodation. The train operates from 4:55 AM to 12:57 AM on weekdays and from 6:00 AM to 12:57 AM on weekends and holidays. The e-ticket is valid for a year, so you can book it in advance here.

By Buses: If you happen to arrive during the UP Train off hours, you can try checking out the schedule of TTC or GO Buses, or you can punch in your accommodation address on Google Maps and see what your options are. It usually takes longer and might require you to transfer a few times, but it will get you to your accommodation eventually.

By Uber: If you would rather go straight to your accommodation without having to deal with the logistics, you can also use Uber or organize a private transfer to pick you up at the airport. You can book the private transfer here.

How to Around Toronto?

By Walking: Toronto is a wonderful city to explore on foot. Many of the attractions are located in the Old Town area or along the Harbourfront, both of which are close to each other. The city also features the SkyWalk, a convenient indoor walkway that connects Union Station to the CN Tower, allowing you to navigate the area without crossing streets. However, the SkyWalk can be a bit confusing to navigate indoors if you're unsure of your direction, so keep that in mind when using it.

By Subway/Bus: For farther destinations like Casa Loma or High Park, Toronto's subway system is a reliable option. It offers excellent coverage and is easily accessible with a PRESTO card, which you can conveniently add to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. A single fare costs 3.30 CAD and is valid for about 2 hours from the first tap.

Once you’ve added the card to the app, you can load money onto it using your credit card and simply tap your phone to use either the bus or subway interchangeably. It’s incredibly convenient and even saves you a few cents compared to buying a paper ticket each time!

By Uber: Of course, you can always Uber around if you don’t mind the higher fares. Personally, I didn’t need to rely on Uber at all during my stay, as the subway and buses were more than sufficient for getting around.

How Much Money Do I Need for 3 Days in Toronto?

From this 3-day itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here as follows:

Accommodation: For 4 nights in Toronto, you can expect to pay around $112 USD for accommodation at a minimum, considering you are staying in hostels.

Food: For 3 days, 3 meals a day in Toronto, you can expect to pay around 135 USD for food, considering you eat out for every meal. It will be cheaper if you cook them yourself.

Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to spend around 48 USD on transportation, mostly for subways and buses to visit further away places.

Activities: Depending on how closely you follow my itinerary, you can expect to spend between 91.10 USD on activities.

Total Budget for 3 days in Toronto: 386.10 USD

Is it Safe in Toronto?

Although Toronto is no longer as safe as it was a decade ago, it is still generally safer than most major Canadian cities. While there are many homeless people, they usually stick to themselves and do not bother you as long as you do not engage. During my four-day visit, I walked around alone both during the day and at night and didn’t encounter anything out of the ordinary.

That said, as with most big cities, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid making yourself an easy target, especially when walking alone at night. Be sure to keep your belongings secure in public areas, as petty theft tends to be more common in a city of this size. Once again, just like in the U.S., being street-smart is essential here!

Which tourist SIM card is best for the Canada?

There are three major carriers in Canada, namely Rogers, Telus, and Bell, that offer prepaid SIM cards for tourists to purchase while traveling in the country. You can usually grab these SIM cards right at the airport, but if you have a smartphone and want data immediately when you arrive, you might want to consider an eSIM.

If you have a smartphone that supports eSIMs, I highly recommend you take a look at this eSIM. They have a variety of data packages, price points, and durations for you to choose from, ranging from 1 GB for 7 days costing only 6 USD to 20 GB for 30 days costing 49 USD.

The setup is fast and instant, and you can buy it before your trip so you don't have to scramble to get one at the airport after a long flight. The data speed is also equivalent to what you get with a local SIM card, with 4G speed across the entire country.

For more information on eSIMs in Canada, click here: Check the Canada Available eSIM.

What to Pack for Toronto?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Toronto, Canada:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Toronto, Canada while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Canada

If you are looking for more articles about Canada, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:

• Want to visit Canada in 10 days? Here's an itienrary for you: 10 Days in Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
• Toronto's true charm lies within its diverse neighborhoods. To really experience the best the city has to offer, you are going to need this guide: Discover Toronto: 12 Awesome Things to Do and See.
• You can experience so much in Toronto in just 3 days! Check out this complete itinerary for first-time visitors: 3 Days in Toronto: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• Niagara Falls is as epic as it gets when it comes to natural destinations. If you want to visit it, you are going to need this travel guide: Exploring Canada's Niagara Falls in a Day: A Complete Travel Guide.
• Being the largest city in French Canada, Montreal strikes the perfect balance between nature and city life, and it is jam-packed with awesome things to do and see. Here are the 10 Incredible Things to Do in Montreal.
• One of my favorite cities in Canada, Quebec City is a fascinating destination to visit. From its rich history to a charming touch of European romanticism that you can't find anywhere else in North America, you do not want to miss it when you are in Canada. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Quebec City.
• Wondering how many days to spend in Quebec City? Here's a complete itinerary for you: 2 Days in Quebec City: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• To see all articles about Canada, be sure to check out our Canada travel guide page.
• For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
• Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.