Toronto in 3 Days: From Urban Vibes to Island Sunsets and Historic Castles

📅 Itinerary Day 1 – Explore Downtown & The Weeknd’s Roots Start your adventure by exploring Downtown Toronto, a vibrant area full of energy, shops, and beautiful architecture. Stroll through Queen Street West and Kensington Market, where you’ll find trendy boutiques, street art, and the creative soul of the city. Take a walk through residential neighborhoods like Trinity Bellwoods to admire charming Canadian-style houses. If you're a music fan, make a stop near The Weeknd’s early neighborhood and the House of Balloons, the place that inspired his first mixtape. While it's not an official landmark, fans often enjoy seeing the area where his career began. Where to stay: The best area to stay is Entertainment District or Downtown Core – close to events, nightlife, and main attractions. Food Recommendation: Start your day with a unique drink or dessert at Matcha Matcha, a must for green tea lovers. Day 2 – Ferry Ride & Sunset from Toronto Islands Catch a ferry to Toronto Islands—a peaceful escape just across the water. You can walk or bike around the islands, relax at the beach, and enjoy a different perspective of the city skyline. In the evening, find a good spot on the islands to watch the sunset with the Toronto skyline glowing behind it—a magical and unforgettable view. Food Tip: After your ferry return, explore ethnic restaurants near the Harbourfront or Queen West. Try some Ethiopian cuisine (like at Rendez-Vous), Mexican tacos (like Seven Lives), or a cozy Japanese spot (Kinka Izakaya is a favorite). Day 3 – Castles & Culture Start the day with a visit to the majestic Casa Loma, Toronto’s famous castle filled with history, secret tunnels, and amazing city views. After that, explore other iconic spots like: Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) CN Tower if you didn’t squeeze it in earlier Wrap up the day with a final stroll along Yorkville or Distillery District for shopping, culture, and a bit of Toronto charm. 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Travel Tips for Visiting Toronto 1. Use the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) Get a Presto Card or day pass to easily use buses, subways, and streetcars around the city. 2. Be Ready for All Weather Toronto weather can change quickly. Bring layers and maybe a light rain jacket—especially in spring or fall. 3. Ferry Tickets Buy ferry tickets online in advance if possible, especially in summer. 4. Tipping In restaurants, tipping 15–20% is standard in Canada. 5. Explore Different Neighborhoods Toronto is all about its neighborhoods—each has a unique feel. Try to explore areas like Little Italy, Chinatown, The Annex, or Greektown. 6. Be Camera-Ready Between the skyline, historic buildings, and street art, Toronto is full of photo ops!