Discover Toronto: 12 Awesome Things to Do and See

12 Best Things to Do in Toronto

1. Explore Casa Loma, North America's only castle ♥️ Must Visit

As you may know, many North American cities were only established in the 17th century, during a time when America was distancing itself from Europe and the monarchy system. Because of this, you won’t find any European-style castles across the continent, except for one, which is located in Toronto! Casa Loma, North America's only castle, is definitely one of my favorite places to visit here.

Although classifying Casa Loma as a castle might be a bit of a stretch, it is actually a Gothic Revival-style mansion built by the wealthy Canadian financier and industrialist Sir Henry Pellatt, who envisioned it as a grand residence. The mansion incorporates all the design elements of a European castle, with Gothic Revival features such as turrets, battlements, and a central tower, entirely for aesthetic purposes, with no practical function other than to make it look and feel like a castle.

Despite his wealth, Pellatt's financial situation deteriorated over time, ultimately leading to the loss of Casa Loma. In 1924, the estate was sold to the City of Toronto due to unpaid taxes. Since then, it has been converted into a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of the elite during the early 20th century.

I have to give credit to the architect for designing such a convincing castle mansion, as the exterior truly reminded me of castles in England. The moment you step inside, you’re 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. 😂

The mansion may appear small from the outside, but you'll truly appreciate its scale once you step inside and start exploring its interior. The mansion is divided into several rooms, each with its own unique function and décor, spread across three floors and a basement. It took me more than two hours to see it all.

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!

The mansion is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. The admission fee is 40 CAD, which is on the expensive side, but I think it’s truly worth the money. The whole experience is incredible, and you can expect to spend at least two hours exploring the inside.

Where to Stay in Toronto?

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2. Go up CN Tower for Sunset

One of the best viewpoints in Toronto is from the CN Tower, an observation deck standing 553.3 meters (1,815.5 feet) tall. Once the world's tallest freestanding structure and tower, it offers a stunning view of the entire Toronto cityscape, all the way to Lake Ontario. It doesn’t get much better than this!

To get up there, you'll need to buy a ticket and reserve a time slot prior to your visit, which you can do here. There are several types of tickets available, with the cheapest being the general admission ticket, which costs around 45 CAD. The next option is the general admission plus The Top ticket, which takes you even higher for 56 CAD.

The most expensive option is the Premier ticket, which costs 95 CAD. With this ticket, you’ll get priority access to private elevators and observation levels, including The Top, as well as a 15% discount in the retail store. For most people, however, a general admission ticket should be more than enough.

If you're up for an adventure, you can also take part in the EdgeWalk, where you'll walk on the world's highest hands-free full-circle walk on a 5 ft (1.5 m) wide ledge that encircles the top of the CN Tower's main pod, 356 meters (1,168 ft) above the ground (that's 116 storeys!). It’s 199 CAD per person, and you can buy the ticket here.

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.

Unfortunately, the observation deck is not open-air, so if you're a photographer like me, you may find it difficult to capture the sunset without distortion and reflections. Additionally, the deck can get quite crowded at sunset, which isn’t ideal, but the view is still definitely worth experiencing. There’s also a small café with seating where you can grab a drink or a quick snack while taking in the sights. CN Tower is open daily from 10 AM to 9:30 PM.

3. Stroll along the Harbourfront and Check out all the Parks

Toronto truly knows how to create beautiful parks, and it's never more apparent than at the Harbourfront area, 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, a beautiful spot with benches and a quiet wooden boardwalk, located just a short walk from Union Station. From there, you can leisurely head west, stop for coffee or a quick bite at Queen’s Quay Terminal, check out events at the Harbourfront Centre, or even relax and sunbathe at HTO Beach, an artificial beach right along the riverbank.

You can 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.

Since the harbour faces east, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. There are plenty of parks and benches where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peaceful solitude.

I spent about three hours there one early Sunday morning, just walking around and relaxing. It was incredibly quiet, and I loved it. If you're looking for a peaceful place to stroll in the morning, be sure to check out the Harbourfront.

4. Eat the Best and Most Affordable Lobster Roll at St. Lawrence Market 🥘 Place to Eat

One of the best places I randomly stumbled upon while exploring Toronto's Old Town is St. Lawrence Market, 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!

Right from the get-go, you’ll find people spilling out of the market hall, with chairs and benches lined up along the courtyard, providing a place to enjoy all the street food from the market. I was there in October, and with the sun shining, the whole area was so lively, with people coming out in droves to soak up the sun. It was such an incredible sight to see.

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!

The lobster roll was fresh, generously portioned, and you can choose between fries or a salad as a side. I had it, and it was incredible, even better than the $25 one I had in the US! While there can be quite a long line at the stall, it moves quickly and efficiently. They take your order while you're waiting in line, and by the time it's your turn, your food is ready, and all you need to do is pay.

I really love the food here, so if you are looking for a place for lunch, be sure to come check out St. Lawrence Market. The market is open from 9 AM to 7 PM on weekdays except on Mondays when it is closed. On Saturday, it is open from 7 AM to 5 PM, and on Sundays, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

5. Check Out The Distillery Historic District

Toronto is famous for its quirky neighborhoods, and one of the most famous is the Distillery Historic District, a vibrant 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.

It is a lively place to hang out both during the day and night as it attracts quite a crowd throughout the day. Even if you don't enjoy the boutique shops, being surrounded by a historical distiller is still quite an experience as you make your way around its crisscrossing cobblestone streets.

There is no subway station nearby, so the best way to get here is by bus. Simply enter your current location and select the Distillery District as your destination on Google Maps, and it will provide you with the bus number and the nearest stop. The area is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free.

6. Hang Out at Kensington Market

Another one of my favorite neighborhoods to hang out in Toronto is around Kensington Market, 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.

It was a bit of a shock at first when I arrived, seeing the number of people on the street, but I ended up having a great time just browsing for old vintage books and maps. It was really fun. There were more homeless people here than in other places I visited, but much like everyone else, they were just there for a good time and didn’t cause any trouble.

While it's understandable to be a little taken aback by the mix of crowds, it all contributes to the unique vibe of the area, and it's really what makes Kensington so special. If you're looking for an awesome place to hang out in Toronto, you’ve got to give Kensington Market a go.

The market and the shops here operate every day, with opening hours depending on the shop, but they are usually from 11 AM to 7 PM, with restaurants and bars staying open later.

7. Find Awesome Place to Eat at Ossington 💎 Hidden Gem

One of the newest and hippest places that the locals like to hang out nowadays is Ossington, one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods. It used to be a quiet residential area but has since transformed into a bustling hub known for its diverse mix of dining and shopping options. Huge thanks to my local friend Amber, who took me here and showed me around Ossington.

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 are looking for a casual place to have lunch in Ossington, my friend recommended checking out Union, a Canadian-French bistro that's popular among brunch-goers, or Mamakas Taverna, another awesome bistro serving Greek food like Moussaka and Lamb Shakshuka with a little twist that you can try. We went to both, but Union was full, so we ended up at Mamakas Taverna and it was awesome! If you have a day to kill in Toronto, be sure to go explore the food scene at Ossington.

8. Relax at University of Toronto's Front Campus

Another place I randomly stumbled upon while exploring Toronto and really loved is the 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. It really reminded me of campuses in England, like Oxford or Cambridge!

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. I went on an exchange program to London when I was a kid, and this building totally reminded me of the college I was visiting! There’s just something magical about these types of buildings that I can't quite put my finger on.

Here you will also find the Convocation Hall, a beautiful domed structure built in the early 20th Century, the striking Soldiers' Tower, the most prominent building in the area standing around 143 feet tall, and many more. Since this area is part of the University of Toronto, the area also gives off a different vibe than all the other neighborhoods. This feels very much like Boston to me.

If you're looking for a lovely and quiet area to explore in Toronto, you are going to love the University of Toronto's Front Campus. This is also a natural stop as you make your way from Toronto's Old Town to the next destination on this list, the Philosopher's Walk.

9. Walk the Philosopher's Walk

Philosopher's Walk is a lovely walking path located within the University of Toronto's St. George campus that traces the course of the now-buried Taddle Creek, a natural waterway that was dammed in 1859 to create McCaul’s Pond and a botanical garden.

In 1884, the creek was buried to serve as a sewer. The path itself was established to honor the area's rich history and offer a scenic route through the campus. You'll find plenty of large trees here, as well as benches where you can sit and relax. While exploring, be sure to keep an eye out for the history boards scattered throughout the park to learn more about Philosopher's Walk.

The walk is relatively short compared to the one with a similar name in Kyoto, Japan, but it’s a lovely green space where you can escape the bustle of the city as you make your way to our next destination, the Royal Ontario Museum. The area is open 24/7, and you can visit for free.

10. Explore the Royal Ontario Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

If you love museums, the Royal Ontario Museum is a must-visit. As Canada's largest museum, it offers a wide variety of exhibitions covering topics ranging from art and culture to natural history and more. 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.

There are also several permanent and temporary exhibitions, such as the natural history exhibit, which includes impressive dinosaur fossils and a variety of other paleontological specimens. Another notable exhibition highlights the global cultural history of the world, featuring African, European, and Middle Eastern cultures, traditions, and artifacts.

When I was there, there was a temporary exhibition called "Wild Cats", which focused on cats, their behavior, instincts, and, most interestingly to me, how they have been represented throughout human history and in different cultures. The exhibition featured a fascinating array of mounted specimens, interactive displays, and cultural artifacts that highlighted cats’ beauty, diversity, and predatory skills. One section, in particular, explored how cats have played a role in Chinese culture, which I found to be quite interesting.

I spent over 2 hours exploring the museum and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're looking for a museum to visit in Toronto, make it the Royal Ontario Museum. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM every day, except Mondays, and the entrance fee ranges from 24 to 25 CAD, depending on the date and any events being held.

11. Go for a Morning Stroll Around High Park

High Park is Toronto's largest public park, spanning 161 hectares (399 acres), and it offers an awesome spot to take a break from the city and be surrounded by wonderful, lovely nature right in the heart of the city. You can even spot some wildlife here, as approximately two-thirds of the park remains in its natural state, which I think is very cool to see.

There are several hiking trails and viewpoints here, as well as sports facilities, playgrounds, and picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy. I went for an early morning stroll, starting from the High Park subway station, which is the easiest way to reach the park from downtown, and walked all the way to Hillside Gardens. It was a lovely walk. The whole area is incredibly beautiful and green, and it truly felt like I was in a forest rather than a city.

The park is especially beautiful in autumn, with the colorful leaves in full display. I happened to visit during that time, and it was incredible! If you enjoy walking in nature, be sure to check out High Park. The park is open 24/7 and free to enter.

12. Visit Niagara Falls as a Day Trip ☀️ Great Day Trip

One of the highlights of visiting Canada is seeing the epic Niagara Falls with your own eyes, and Toronto serves as the perfect base for a day trip to the falls, making it ideal for those short on time. 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 are done, you can catch Flixbus from the same bus stop they dropped you off to get back to Toronto. You should be back at Union Bus Terminal in about 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. The whole journey was very easy and straightforward, so if you have a day to spare in Toronto, be sure to go and visit Niagara Falls!

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

What to Eat and Drink in Toronto?

1. Eat Lobster Rolls at Buster's Sea Cove

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 at St. Lawrence Market, 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!

The lobster roll was fresh, generously portioned, and you can choose between fries or a salad as a side. I had it, and it was incredible, even better than the $25 one I had in the US! While there can be quite a long line at the stall, it moves quickly and efficiently. They take your order while you're waiting in line, and by the time it's your turn, your food is ready, and all you need to do is pay.

If you like seafood, be sure to check out Buster's Sea Cove at St. Lawrence Market. The stall is open from 9 AM to 7 PM on weekdays except on Mondays when it is closed. On Saturday, it is open from 7 AM to 5 PM and on Sundays, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

2. Enjoy a Warm Cup of Coffee at Good Earth Coffeehouse

One of my favorite coffee spots in Toronto is Good Earth Coffeehouse, a Canadian coffee chain established in 1991 that is famous for its ethically sourced coffee and fresh, wholesome bakery and pastry offerings.

I love the cozy atmosphere and friendly staff here. They serve a delicious iced coffee for only 3.10 CAD, and my god, the breakfast croissant was amazing! They open pretty early, from 7 AM to 7 PM, making it a great spot for breakfast before you head out to explore. If you're looking for an awesome café to chill in the morning, I highly recommend Good Earth Coffeehouse.

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 Long to Spend in Toronto?

Three to four days should give you enough time to truly fall in love with Toronto and experience what the city has to offer. Spend your first day exploring the Old Town and relaxing at the Harbourfront. On the second and/or third day, visit farther destinations like Casa Loma, Kensington, Ossington, and High Park. You can also take a day trip to Niagara Falls. This itinerary will give you plenty of time to enjoy Toronto at a leisurely pace.

For a complete Toronto itinerary, check out:3 Days in Toronto: A Backpacking Itinerary

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.
• 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.