Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Toronto, Canada

April 2, 2022 Cedrick Jardin

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
Restaurants in Toronto

1. Royal Ontario Museum

100 Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C6 Canada +1 416-586-8000 [email protected] http://www.rom.on.ca
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,278 reviews

Royal Ontario Museum

Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the globe and across the ages. One of North America's most renowned cultural institutions, Canada's largest museum is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new and original findings in biodiversity, palaeontology, earth sciences, the visual arts, material culture and archaeology, the ROM plays a vital role in advancing our global understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world.

Reviewed By ElTouristo61 - New York City, United States

The ROM, Canada’s largest museum, is an impressive collection of art, culture, nature and history. Plan on spending at least half a day as there are so many exhibits. The special exhibit on Jodhpur included 4 centuries of royal art, paintings, decorative art, and jewelry—an amazing journey through some of India’s cultural history. Well worth the few extra dollars for access. Equally impressive are the European and Asian sections. There is plenty for the whole family to do but keep in mind if you enter with a city pass you’ll have to pay a few extra dollars for the special exhibits.

2. High Park

1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M6R 2Z3 Canada +1 416-392-8188 http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/high-park/
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,270 reviews

High Park

Popular urban oasis offers a variety of outdoor recreation including ice-skating, baseball games, nature hikes and exploring the park's greenhouse.

Reviewed By TylerS30 - Toronto, Canada

Gardens, a waterfall, walking trails, a cafe, a small zoo, a lake, fountains, off leash dog area, picnic spots, historic statues, cherry blossoms, amazing fall colours, tennis, a train tour and more. High Park in Toronto has it all. High Park is basically Toronto's Central Park. It's big, and acts as a big green oasis perfect for an afternoon escape. To minimize walking, I recommend you drive into the park and park your car near the cafe and go on foot from there. If you don't mind the walk, you can take the subway to High Park station on line 2. From there it is about a 15 minute walk into the centre of the park. Don't forget your camera.

3. Hockey Hall of Fame

Brookfield Place - Concourse Level 30 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1X8 Canada +1 416-360-7765 [email protected] http://www.hhof.com
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,054 reviews

Hockey Hall of Fame

Honor the achievements of some of the greatest stars in hockey at this shrine to Canada's national sport.

Reviewed By dave4559

Recommend a stop here if you are a hockey fan, make sure you have some time to see everything, lot to see and do, son was able to shoot pucks, lots of history and the trophy room was incredible.

4. Queen Street

Queen Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/top-business-stories/vogue-names-torontos-queen-street-west-worlds-second-hippest-district/article20488696
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 689 reviews

Queen Street

Often compared to New York City's Soho, Queen Street is the place to go for trendy dining and nightlife, plus cutting-edge fashion, art galleries, antique shops and bookstores.

Reviewed By salm140 - Toronto, Canada

Take a streetcar ride from one end to the other. Walk so you don't miss an attraction or event or store. All the big chain stores are here as well as local artisans sell used and new. Every km on this street has something for everyone. East to west your eyes will be exhausted with all the various things to do.

5. The Beach Village

1971 Queen St E Suite 203, Toronto, Ontario M4L 1H9 Canada +1 416-693-2242 [email protected] http://www.thebeachvillage.com
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 624 reviews

The Beach Village

Undiscovered by tourists, this quaint neighborhood is home to an academic crowd and contains trendy antique stores and restaurants.

Reviewed By DelightedDiner2015 - Welland, Canada

We took a stroll along the boardwalk. It was well attended. Families and couples walked, individuals ran or jogged, folks walked their dogs. Everyone had an enjoyable experience. Trees had been planted and benches placed in memory of loved ones all along the way. Many were decorated for the season. A delightful walk for us before heading home.

6. Edwards Gardens

Lawrence Ave. E. and Leslie St., Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2 Canada +1 416-392-8186 [email protected] http://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/get-gardening/public-gardens/edwards-gardens/
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 694 reviews

Edwards Gardens

Garden enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through this manicured landscape.

Reviewed By sairam2113raj - Bharuch, India

Nice piece of nature in the middle of the city. There is a ravine with trails for walking/biking and it's popular spot for wedding photos.

7. Scarborough Bluffs

1 Brimley Rd S South of Kingston Rd, Toronto, Ontario M1M 3W3 Canada http://www.facebook.com/bluffers/
Excellent
55%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 741 reviews

Scarborough Bluffs

Take in a spectacular view of the waves from these 100-meter cliffs.

Reviewed By adi49

I loved this place, somewhere to walk around, get a picnic with scenic views. well worth a visit, especially on a sunny day

8. St. Lawrence Market

92-95 Front St. E., Toronto, Ontario M5E 1C4 Canada +1 416-392-7219 http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/
Excellent
54%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13,866 reviews

St. Lawrence Market

All roads to good food lead to St. Lawrence Market, a city landmark more than two centuries old. Two hundred vendors sell everything from local mustard to fresh pasta, lobster to artisanal bread.

Reviewed By Nicole99756 - Temagami, Canada

But I’ve been to many places all over the city, and seriously, this is one of the reasons I moved here. Local, friendly, fresh, TASTY, always something different to try, great antiques section, and well, amazing fresh food to prepare yourself, or “no time for that?” the already prepared food is scrumptious too! And, well, if your into “people watching”... this is definitely your place. Surrounding area is always bustling with charm, energy and great food. So really, why not check it out?

9. Toronto Island Park

9 Queens Quay West Bay Street, Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2H3 Canada +1 416-392-8193 [email protected] http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,440 reviews

Toronto Island Park

Park consisting of four main islands and containing trails, beaches and children's amusement rides.

Reviewed By chefbynite - Toronto, Canada

Apart from the fact that everything closes at five? The Islands are beautiful and offer stunning views of the Toronto Skyline, the ferries run till midnight and it’s a cheap return fayre, well worth a visit, just pack a picnic if going to be staying to watch sunset!!

10. Allan Gardens Conservatory

19 Horticultural Ave Between Jarvis, Sherbourne, Dundas and Gerrard Sts., Toronto, Ontario M5A 2P2 Canada +1 416-392-7259 http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks/conservatories/allan-gardens.htm
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 641 reviews

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Donated by a prominent local philanthropist, these gardens boast a beautiful glass-domed Victorian structure.

Reviewed By E2000EFlisas - Boardman, United States

I was in Toronto for my daughter to attend a dance program at the National Ballet School of Canada and had a lot of downtime while she was dancing for 3 days. I decided to explore some lesser known Toronto spots around the ballet area. A friendly gal at Tim Hortons suggested Allan Gardens and I’m so glad she did. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that admission was free and the walk around the park to the building was lovely. As soon as I entered, it was as though I had transported to somewhere very different from the hustle and bustle of the city. It was peaceful, warm, and absolutely beautiful. I took my time and walked slowly though making sure to notice details and take it all in. I loved the Christmas decor mixed in with the more permanent plant displays. I especially loved the turtle pond and spent quite a bit of time watching them. Overall I spent about 2 hours visiting with some of that just relaxing on a bench with my book. I would definitely visit again when in Toronto and recommend it for all ages.

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