Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the first entry point to the country for many visitors.
The vibrant, multicultural lifestyle provides excellent food, entertainment, and drink options. There are also many fascinating modern attractions around the city.
Taking a day trip can allow you to explore specific areas of the city and get to know Toronto better. There are also a variety of tours to surrounding Canadian and American locations, helping you to get more out of your trip.
These are the 15 best tours within or departing from, Toronto.
1. Niagara Falls Classic Day Tour from Toronto
Source: TRphotos / shutterstockOne of Canada’s most recognizable natural landmarks, Niagara Falls is located within a short drive from Toronto.
This tour includes all transport between Toronto and the falls, as well as additional tour options upon arrival, depending on which version of the trip you pick. You can opt for a cruise and meal, just a cruise, or a ride on the Ferris wheel which gives you great views over the area.
On the way back from the falls, a short stop in Niagara on the Lake is included, where you can enjoy the entertainment and shopping facilities.
2. 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket
Source: getyourguide.comHop-on-hop-off buses are a great way to get acquainted with a new city; this ticket gives you two days of access to the main route through Toronto.
There are 25 stops along the route at some of the city’s most notable attractions, including the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum and Distillery District. An audio guide is available on board with narration in eight languages.
During the summer, a short boat tour is also included, and a free map and discount booklet are provided to every guest.
3. Tour of Toronto Harbor and Surrounding Islands
Source: getyourguide.comLocated on Lake Ontario, there are many great boat trips in the Toronto area. This tour takes you out into the harbor and to the islands directly facing Toronto.
Here, you will get one of the best views of the Toronto Skyline and learn about the most iconic monuments in the city.
You will learn the history of the islands of Toronto, and during the summer months, you get some free time to explore one of the islands at your own pace.
A guide is provided to narrate the entire journey, and the boat stops at key points for you to take the perfect photos.
4. Classic Distillery District Walking Tour
Source: Marc Bruxelle / shutterstockToronto’s Distillery District is an old Victorian neighborhood that has recently been revamped, allowing it to combine the best of old and new.
As the name suggests, there are plenty of breweries in the area. This tour will take you to visit Mill Street Brewery, where you can learn about modern beer making and sample four of their best beers.
You will also pop in to see a master chocolatier to sample some of the best confectionary Canada has to offer.
This tour is a great way to learn about local history and the ever-changing nature of Toronto neighborhoods.
5. 4-Hour History of the City Told Through Beer
Source: getyourguide.comThis tour is a unique way to learn about local history by sampling its beer.
Your local guide will use some of the most iconic bars and breweries in the city to tell you a story about Toronto and how it has influenced brewing in Canada. You will visit three characteristic pubs and a brewery, as well as the Saint Lawrence Market.
Though the focus is on Victorian History, you will also learn about the modern craft beer scene.
6. Island Morning Bike Tour
Source: getyourguide.comThe Toronto Islands are a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as take in the best view of the city skyline.
This bike tour, which includes your ferry ticket, allows you to take a relaxing ride across the islands, while your guide describes the history and famous landmarks of the local area.
This tour is family friendly, making it a great option if you are visiting with kids. All safety equipment is provided.
7. From Toronto: 12-Day Tour of Ontario and Québec
Source: getyourguide.comIn Canada for a couple of weeks, but don’t know where to start when tackling the two largest provinces?
This tour is an excellent option for nature lovers; it takes you to all of the best wilderness spots in Ontario and Québec. You will have the opportunity to try out kayaking, swimming, and hiking, and enjoy the vibrant wildlife of this part of the country.
Accommodation, transport and park entrance fees are included, letting you sit back and relax as someone else takes care of the itinerary. This tour is conducted by expert locals who know both provinces very well.
8. Private Tour with a Local
Source: Diego Grandi / shutterstockIf you want something a little more intimate and customized, this tour lets you explore Toronto with a local.
You can arrange an itinerary suited to your interests, whether you are looking to hit the main attractions or check out some of the more off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Opt for a tour anywhere from two to eight hours long, and discuss your interests with the guide beforehand so they can recommend the best spots for you.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel before embarking on the walking tour.
9. St. Lawrence Market and Old Toronto Food Tour
Source: Kiev.Victor / shutterstockToronto is a melting pot of international cuisines, with many of them focused in the area around St Lawrence Market.
This tour lets you sample 14 different dishes from the city, helping you understand the variety of influences on local culture.
European, Asian and North American cuisines are all represented, as well as a variety of drinks from Canadian sources.
The tour begins at St Lawrence Market and takes you to cafés, restaurants, and stores in the surrounding area. There are 12 different places visited in total.
10. Toronto’s Original Pizza Tour
Source: getyourguide.comThough not as famous as New York and Chicago, Toronto has a vibrant series of pizzerias across the city.
This tour is arranged by pizza fanatics, who all have their special connections to the pizzerias of Toronto. You will sample a wide range of pizzas and the best drinks to accompany them.
Vegetarian options are available, and both vegan and gluten-free diets can also be catered to for an additional fee. This is a fun and unique way to learn about the history of Toronto – including migration and the vibrant culinary scene.
11. 3-Day Tour to Bruce Peninsula from Toronto
Located in Southern Ontario on Lake Huron, the Bruce Peninsula is packed with natural beauty and fun outdoor activities.
This three-day tour lets you escape the city and embark on an adventure that includes canoeing, hiking and cave exploration. Accommodation, dinners, and breakfasts are all included, as well as transport from Toronto and around the entire peninsula.
You will take a glass-bottom boat cruise on the lake to discover shipwrecks and native marine life. You will also visit some interesting towns and villages, showcasing rural life in Canada.
12. 100% Social Private Tour with a Local
Source: getyourguide.comGet to know Toronto’s social scene with a local guide on this private tour. The trip is fully customizable, so you can get to know your guide a bit more personally and have them shape the itinerary based on your interests.
You will visit a variety of cafés, bars and hangout spots across the city, mingling with Torontonians.
You will learn about local customs and can ask the guide about anything you want to know regarding life in the city. This is a great way to learn about the real Toronto away from the usual tourist trail.
13. King & Queen West End Sunday Brunch Tour
Source: getyourguide.comTorontonians love brunch, and West King & Queen is one of the most vibrant hipster neighborhoods in the city.
Featured in Vogue magazine, the area is packed with cafés, restaurants and cute boutiques. Your local food expert guide will provide you with samples of some of the best brunch items in the area, as well as show you some cool street art spots.
This is a great option for foodies and photographers alike to get to know the Toronto brunch scene.
14. The Original 90 Minute Haunted Night Walk
Source: getyourguide.comLike most cities in North America, Toronto is full of haunted locations with dark backstories.
This nighttime tour takes you through the city to discover these spooky attractions, as well as teach you about the ghost stories and the darker parts of Toronto history. At 90-minutes long, this is a fun way to start your night in Toronto.
The expert guide comes in full costume to add to the atmosphere and is very knowledgeable about local folklore.
15. Toronto to New York City Day Trip by Air
Source: shutterupeire / shutterstockLooking to splash out a little and visit one of the United States’ most iconic cities? This tour allows you to visit New York in a day from Toronto by air.
You will fly from Toronto Person Airport to New York, where a coach will transfer you to the open deck tourist bus beginning in Times Square. It is a hop-on-hop-off route, allowing you to disembark at your preferred locations.
Lunch at the Hard Rock Café is included, and you are given between five and six hours free time in the city, depending on the time of arrival. You will then be flown back to Toronto.