Highlights
- Explore Toronto's aquariums and markets
- Scale the CN Tower for panoramic city views
- Ride the ferry to the Toronto Islands
- Tour the Royal Ontario Museum
- Ride the Hornblower and "touch" the mighty Niagara Falls
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Toronto, Visit Ripley's Aquarium & the CN Tower | Toronto |
| Day 2 | Discover Toronto Islands & Visit Casa Loma | Toronto |
| Day 3 | Visit the Royal Ontario Museum, Explore the Distillery District | Toronto |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Niagara Falls, Boat Ride & Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries | Niagara Falls |
| Day 5 | Return to Toronto & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Visit Ripley's Aquarium & the CN Tower
Touchdown in Toronto, Canada's largest city. This modern metropolis lies on the shore of Lake Ontario, its skyline punctuated by the iconic CN Tower. Wander the streets to discover everything from world-class museums to chic restaurants and historical landmarks. Art fans will love Gardiner Museum for its ceramic pieces and the Royal Ontario Museum, which has an acclaimed collection of Chinese and First Nations art.
For some history, visit the British-colonial Fort York and Casa Loma, a Gothic-Revival mansion. Queen Street West is the place to go shopping and dining, while the Distillery District has many bars, boutiques, and eateries set in 19th-century brick whiskey factories. Other Toronto highlights include Chinatown and the adjacent, open-air Kensington Market, established by the European Jewish community at the start of the 20th century.
Next, enter an underwater wonderland at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, a 135,000-square-foot (12,500 sq m) exhibit with interactive displays and galleries where you can encounter over 16,000 marine creatures. Make your way through North America's longest underwater viewing tunnel, spot sharks at Dangerous Lagoon and rays at Ray Bay. The Canadian Waters gallery is a must-see and features 80 native species from around the country, from octopus to lobster and paddlefish.
End the day with a trip to the famous 1,815 feet-tall (553 m) CN Tower, which was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world until the Burj Khalifa was built. Ride a glass elevator to the spectacular viewing galleries overlooking the city and Lake Ontario. If there's time, visit the revolving 360 Restaurant and the nerve-shredding glass floor.
Day 2: Discover Toronto Islands & Visit Casa Loma
This morning, discover the Toronto Islands, 15 small islets once a sandbar separated from the mainland by a storm. Set just over a mile (2 km) offshore, the islands are accessible via a short ferry ride and connected by boardwalks and walking trails. Cars are banned on the Toronto Islands, so enjoy a peaceful day walking or cycling, taking in views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline. Activities include bird-watching, boating, fishing, and kayaking. Spend time relaxing on one of the 11 beaches; Hanlan's Point is a popular option.
Back in the city, visit one of Toronto's most striking historic buildings, Casa Loma. The Gothic-Revival mansion was built in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, a wealthy businessman who founded the Toronto Electric Light Company and developed Niagara Falls' hydroelectric power. Explore the castle-like structure, which has 96 rooms spread over three floors, which feature Renaissance and medieval design influences. Now protected by Heritage Toronto, Casa Loma is loved by visitors and film crews for its grand turreted architecture.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Visit the Royal Ontario Museum, Explore the Distillery District
Start today with a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum, home to a world-class collection of 13 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. Explore this sprawling museum, which dates back to 1914 and covers 253,000 square feet (23,500 sq m), making it one of the largest in Canada. Peruse collections of sparkling crystals, ancient fossils, giant dinosaur bones, contemporary art collections, and earth science galleries.
Spend the afternoon exploring Toronto's historic Distillery District, filled with cobblestone streets and industrial-era buildings. This collection of neighborhoods in Toronto's lower east end dates back to the city's origins in the early 19th century. Shop and dine in former whiskey distillery buildings and absorb the atmosphere in this ancient corner of the city.
Day 4: Drive to Niagara Falls, Boat Ride & Niagara-on-the-Lake Wineries
Today you'll transfer south to Niagara Falls, one of North America's most famous natural wonders. Watch a cascade of water crash 170 feet (52 m) over the cliffs at a rate of 6,000,000 cubic feet (170,000 cm) every minute, sending vast clouds of mist into the sky. You'll take a 20-minute Hornblower Boat Ride to see the spectacle from the water, sailing past American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and into the spray of the (Canadian) Horseshoe Falls.
Enjoy a meal overlooking Niagara Falls and some free time to soak up the views before heading to the nearby town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which lies at the mouth of the Niagara River on the Lake Ontario shore. Admire the 19th-century clapboard houses and pretty flower-filled streets on your way to a nearby winery, where you'll experience a tour and tasting session.
Day 5: Return to Toronto & Depart
Today your Canadian adventure comes to an end as you transfer back to Toronto to catch your onward flight. Safe travels!
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