Eager to sneak in a quick getaway before the end of summer, I planned a spontaneous trip to Toronto for Labor Day weekend. I’ve heard great things about the city, and best of all, it is less than a 2-hour flight from NYC. In case you are looking for ideas on quick trips from NYC (or anywhere in the Northeast, for that matter), here is my 4-day itinerary of places to visit and eat and tips to maximize your trip.
Things to Know Before You Go to Toronto
As of writing this post, Canada requires all passengers to be fully vaccinated before you go. Before you board your flight, remember to complete your profile on the ArriveCAN app. It will speed things up and save you time at the airport. If you want to be safe, bring a little bit of cash. However, most places I went to accepted credit cards.
If you are planning to visit at least 3 of the major tourist attractions in Toronto, get a City Pass to save money! It covers admissions fees to 5 spots: CN Tower, Ripley’s Museum, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, and Toronto Zoo/Science Center.
How to Get Around in Toronto
Much like NYC, Toronto is a great walking city. Most destinations we visited were within 30-mins walking distance. That said, it adds up if you are hopping from place to place. Luckily, the city is well connected by light rails, buses, and subways that run frequently. You can either buy single ride tickets (TTC) at the subway stations, or get a reloadable Presto card (available at pharmacies and subway stops).
Ride-sharing is available as well (i.e. Uber, Lyft), and I found the prices much more reasonable than in NYC.
Quick Trips from NYC: Top Sites to See in Toronto
One thing that struck me about Toronto is that there are so many diverse neighborhoods. Each carried a unique vibe, which made each part of this 4-day trip feel like a new adventure. I’ll start by highlighting sites we visited, and the next section will be all about food!
Toronto Chinatown & Graffiti Alley
We arrived in the early afternoon, and by the time we checked into the hotel, I was starving. So obviously, Chinatown was our first stop 🙂 I come from an area where there is no shortage of authentic Asian cuisine. But it is always nice to experience the culture of Chinatowns in other areas. Did you know that Toronto’s Chinatown is the biggest in the world by square feet? (NYC’s is biggest by population)
If you are looking to digest, Graffiti Alley is also a few streets down and packed very vibrant murals. It was a pleasant stroll that captured the energy of the city.
Toronto CN Tower
Sunset views over CN Tower. Outfit Details: ASTR Puff Sleeve Top (S), White Ankle Cropped Jeans (25), Crossbody Bag
I booked tickets on a Saturday before sunset, and the tower was packed! In hindsight, maybe picking a weekday would have been better. Overall, I thought the views were great, but I was surprised there were no exhibits or experiences built in. The main highlight is the observatory deck, but keep in mind it is not an immersive experience like the One Vanderbilt – read my review here.
Kim’s Convenience & Kensington Market
Contrary to what the name implies, Kensington Market is not an indoors market. Instead, it is a vibrant neighborhood with a diverse array of boutiques, vintage shops, and restaurants. We did an 8-part food tour that was unbeatable, and one of the highlights of the trip! I booked through Chopsticks + Forks, which is top-rated by AirBnB and Trip Advisor. Duration of the food-tour was 2.5 hours. More details on where we ate in the food section below.
More than just a place to eat, the market showcases many local small businesses. I had so much fun perusing through vendor stands, and boutiques.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a renowned castle in Toronto that blew past my expectations. The space was a lot bigger than I imagined, so it took ~3 hours to get through the full mansion. We noticed more visitors started to arrive in the early afternoon, so it is something to keep in mind with your planning. Each room brimmed with elegance and natural lighting, and the courtyard was beyond stunning. I couldn’t help but imagine wedding ceremonies take place in a setting like this. According to sources, it sounds like it would cost a pretty penny.
Another aspect I loved is their ‘Backstage Celebrity Gallery.’ This space has life-size replicas of celebrities who filmed in this space, as well as video clips of the action inside Casa Loma! A super fun addition to this historical landmark that confirms how versatile the castle is.
St. Lawrence Market & Royal Ontario Museum
I group these two sites together because they weren’t at the top of my list. Still worth checking out, but I enjoyed the other spots more. St. Lawrence Market is what many people liken to NYC’s Chelsea Market. However, I found it a closer match to Essex Market in the Lower East Side. Reason is that it feels like an actual seafood and fish market, as opposed to a food hall. Sadly, I came on a full stomach, but I hear the peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery is a must-try.
Royal Ontario Museum: The experience consists of 2 main parts—one is focused on artifacts from ancient civilizations, and the other on natural history (fossils, animal replicas, etc). To me, it felt like the Museum of Natural History and The Met condensed into a smaller space. Impressive collection overall, but felt less unique to me. If you are in the area, make sure to check out the upscale Yorkville neighborhood.
Where We Ate in Toronto
I am spoiled when it comes to food because NYC is filled with options. However, Toronto did not disappoint with its offerings. Below is a full list of spots (sweet and savory) that I visited. If you are considering quick trips from NYC with great food options, Toronto tops the list!
Coffee Shops & Desserts
- Sorry Coffee (Yorkville): Very hip, minimalist cafe located in an upscale neighborhood. Pretty quiet and spacious to do work, which is hard to come by in NYC.
- FIKA Cafe (Kensington Market): Swedish cafe with a cute outdoor patio. Lots of nooks, so you can sit and socialize or read a book.
- Daily Press Juicery (Downtown): I loved their cereal latte. Felt like childhood nostalgia in a [coffee] cup. There is Wifi here, and I could sit for hours and blog here.
- Eva’s Chimney Cake: Ice cream spot known for their ‘chimney cones.’ Beware that 1 ice cream is a lot to finish.
Breakfast & Lunch
- Nu Bugel (Kensington Market): Discovered this gem on our food tour. Montreal-style bagels with Venezuelan-inspired toppings. The Smoked Trout Sandwich on a coconut bagel is to die for!
- Leela Indian Food Bar: We visited the one on Gerrard Street, which is a little more tucked away. However, it was the perfect opportunity to explore Toronto’s Little India 🙂 Spicy dishes here really hit the spot
Dinner
- Rasa: Incredible fusion cuisine that is tapas-style. The Szechuan inspired spicy ceviche was unforgettable. A great spot if you’re looking for a fancier, eclectic meal. Make reservations beforehand.
- Cactus Club: Classy atmosphere with an airy rooftop dining space as well. I didn’t love the dishes as much as I did the ambiance. Located conveniently to the hotel I stayed in (Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel).
The Distillery District
- Madrina’s: Tapas bar that is beautiful on the inside. Meal was definitely on the pricier side for what we had in Toronto. I suggest ordering several small plates and splitting.
- Spirits of York: I can imagine this spot being a really great hangout place if it were in NYC. Spacious lounge with affordable drinks, and tasting flight was only $15 CAD.
Quick Trips from NYC: Toronto in a Nutshell
Taking quick trips from NYC is my favorite way to reset from the pace of this city. Toronto is one of those places that feels just far enough away. We arrived in under 2-hours, and settled into the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel before embarking on our adventures for the day. If you are looking for a short trip, I definitely recommend visiting Toronto. Be sure to bookmark some of these places if you do!
