48 Hours in Toronto

Home to over 250 ethnic groups, Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in North America. With a scenic skyline and a backdrop of Lake Ontario and High Park, the city boasts an exciting array of ethnic neighborhoods from Greektown to Little Jamaica. You’ll also find world class museums, MICHELIN-rated restaurants, as well as sporting events, movie festivals, and concerts to keep you entertained for an entire weekend.  

 

Here's how you can spend 48 hours in Toronto…

Toronto downtown square in financial district. Photo by LeoPatrizi

Day 1

Most international flights arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport. But for a more dramatic landing into downtown Toronto flying over the city’s skyline, take a Porter Airlines flight into Billy Bishop Airport. Since you will land in the heart of the city, you can avoid the traffic and get a jumpstart on your weekend getaway.

 

Check in to the opulent Shangri-La Toronto where you will find yourself transported into the “Crazy Rich Asian” lifestyle. Make a toast at the signature champagne bar, snack on the delectable Sky-High afternoon tea menu, listen to live piano at the Lobby Lounge, and get a Signature Gold and Diamond Facial at the Moroccan inspired Miraj Hammam Spa By Caudalie Paris.

 

Once you are ready to hit the town, take an easy stroll or streetcar to the iconic 1815-feet-high CN Tower where you can ride up the glass elevator and soak in a view of the skyline, or if you are brave enough, get your adrenaline kicking with an EdgeWalk experience. Linger on for a baseball game or concert at Rogers Centre or make your way towards the unique Bata Shoe Museum. If you’re interested in learning about the evolution of footwear, you’ll find the displays across 3 floors spanning all cultures and countries fascinating! Check out a world class collection of art, cultural objects, and natural history at the Royal Ontario Museum, designated Canada’s largest museum.

 

In the evening, take a short ferry or water taxi to Toronto Islands and watch the sunset from one of the 15 scenic islands. Grab dinner and cocktails at the stylish steakhouse and sushi bar, Aera, where you can soak in stunning panoramic city views from its 38th floor. 

 Toronto skyline and harbor from Trillium Park. Photo by Peter Mintz

 

Day 2

Catch the weekend breakfast bustle at one of the food stalls at the historic 1850’s St. Lawrence Market. Home to the famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery, the iconic market is a Toronto landmark and culinary tradition. To learn more of the iconic neighborhoods and dishes, embark on a walking food tour with Culinary Adventure Co.

 

Go below the modern city streets of Toronto to see buried waterways, ancient cliffs, the world's largest ravine system, and centuries of waterfront transformations with an informative tour with historian Mathew Jordan of Hidden Rivers Walking Tour. You’ll hear stories of how the land evolved from the end of the last ice age and the arrival of Indigenous people nearly 12,000 years ago to the present day.

Stop by North America’s only castle— Casa Loma—for a quick tour to see its 3 floors filled with elegant European décor, historical artifacts, a classic car collection, a stunning conservatory, and the estate gardens.

 

Hang out with local residents, visitors, and families at the lively Kensington Market. The pedestrian-friendly eclectic neighborhood offers tons of international cafés, vintage stores, and often times, live music.

 

Grab a beer, coffee, and lite bites at The Distillery Historic District. You’ll find the original site of the 1860’s Godderham & Worts Distillery repurposed into a hip creative locale with cobblestone streets dotted with stylish boutiques, perky cafés, and an active nightlife.

 

For dinner, head to Café Boulud located at the global flagship Four Seasons Hotel Toronto in the flamboyant Yorkville neighborhood, also known for high-end shopping and dining. Treat yourself to the five-course tasting menu created by revered French chef Daniel Boulud using Canadian-sourced ingredients.

 

Pedestrians walk beside colorful shops in the hip Kensington Market neighborhood of central Toronto, Ontario. Photo by Arpad benedek

 

Day 3 and Beyond…

If you have more time in Toronto, take a 90-minute drive to the Niagara Region, easily doable on a day trip. Niagara is Ontario’s largest wine growing region, where you can visit the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for dining and shopping, and of course, the world-famous Niagara Falls. Tour the Falls by boat, helicopter and tunnels, and stay out late to watch the fireworks over the Rainbow Bridge.