Sinead Mulhern

Toronto’s been on the international travel map long before Drake started from the bottom here, but it’s definitely evolved since he introduced the ‘6ix’ to the world. Today, the city is blanketed with construction cranes as its downtown core undergoes rapid development, including building burgeoning new neighborhoods and sites such as a newly opened, design-forward 320,000-square-foot retail space, The Well. Aside from the iconic CN Tower that stands proud before Lake Ontario, the city’s skyline has been transformed and redefined to meet the needs of an ever-evolving population. Roll through the 6ix for the best ethnic eats in one of the world’s most diverse cities (more than half its population of 3 million was born outside of Canada, and upward of 180 languages are spoken here). And stay for its urban green spaces, world-class museums and family-friendly attractions. Below, the best things to do in Toronto for tourists and locals alike.  This guide was updated by Toronto-based writer Charmaine Noronha. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Toronto🥑 Where to eat the best brunch in Toronto🍷 The best bars in Toronto🖼️ The best attractions in Toronto🏨 The best hotels in Toronto

They say the best things in life are free, but we care to disagree. Just a little. The best thing in life is worth $5 or $10 flung at it every so often, so long as it’s a heap of fries mixed in with soft, gooey cheese curds, and covered in a thick meaty gravy. Yes, we’re talking about poutine. Canada’s pride and joy. And Toronto does it very, very well.  It’s no surprise the poutine here is top notch, because Toronto loves a good party. The inhabitants of Toronto need top-notch poutine available to them at 3am to fill their stomachs, and hopefully curb their looming hangovers too. But where to find the absolute best? That’s the million dollar q. Well, that’s what we’re here for. We’ve rounded up the very best spots to get poutine in Toronto, making sure to include both the side-of-the-street stops and the more high-end places getting creative with it. Here’s the best poutine in Toronto.  RECOMMENDED:🍽️ The best restaurants in Toronto🍝 The best Italian restaurants in Toronto🪩 The best clubs in Toronto🏨 The best hotels in Toronto

With all the stress and excitement of the world, we’re all in need of a little TLC from time to time, aren’t we? A time to destress. Unwind. Listen to soft, calming music while someone treats our backs like a punching bag. Well, the good news is that Toronto has a whole selection of great spas, offering every kind of treatment you desire.  So whether you’re looking for Turkish baths, steam rooms, or yes, “vinotherapy” (wine-inspired treatments including a wine body wrap), there is a spa for you in Toronto. And to allow you to be totally stress free, we’ve rounded up the very best spas around ourselves, all of which are taking bookings for your next relaxing break. Relax, unwind, and read all about the best spas in Toronto.  RECOMMENDED:📍 The best things to do in Toronto🍽️ The best restaurants in Toronto🎨 The best museums in Toronto🥑 The best brunch in Toronto🏛️ The best attractions in Toronto

If planning a visit to Canada’s largest city, plan for your itinerary to be as diverse as the city itself and make sure to time your trip to coincide with some of the best events in Toronto. One of North America’s most vibrant hubs, with plenty of fun things to do all year round, it is no surprise that nearly three million folks call Toronto home. That number actually doubles when including the surrounding commuter cities that make up the greater Toronto area. That’s a citizenry that is rather choosy when it comes to the arts, nightlife and restaurants scene that make up the spirit of the town—which means Toronto is a city of many film, theatre and food-related events that are highly influenced by the multicultural folks that live here. Think of the best events in Toronto as your chance to sample a slice of life from faraway countries without actually traveling there. And, even though this Canadian destination rests under a thick layer of snow for a third of the year, worry not: the energy never dips. Join in on the fun. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in Toronto