If you have one day
- Morning โ St. Lawrence Market (about a 12-minute walk). Start with a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery, Toronto's classic breakfast, then wander 120+ food stalls. Note: the market is closed on Mondays; on Saturdays the farmers' market across the street starts early.
- Late morning โ CN Tower & the waterfront. Walk west along Front Street (about 25 minutes) or ride one subway stop. The CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium and the Rogers Centre cluster together at the foot of downtown, with Harbourfront's lake promenade just beyond.
- Afternoon โ back home to Yonge Street. The Eaton Centre and Yonge-Dundas Square are a 3-minute walk from the condo โ shopping, the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square, and a coffee stop to recharge.
- Evening โ theatre night. Massey Hall is on Victoria Street itself; the Ed Mirvish and Elgin & Winter Garden theatres are minutes away on Yonge, and the King West theatre district is one subway stop. Dinner before the show on King West or Queen West โ book ahead on weekends.
If you have three days
Day 1 โ Downtown classics
The one-day route above: market breakfast, CN Tower and the waterfront, Eaton Centre, an evening show.
Day 2 โ Islands & the Distillery
Ferry to the Toronto Islands for skyline views, beaches and bike rentals (in season). On the way back, stop at the Distillery District โ brick lanes, galleries and coffee, about a 20-minute walk from the condo.
Day 3 โ Niagara, or Kensington
Big day out: Niagara Falls by train or car. Or stay in town: Kensington Market and Chinatown by streetcar, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and dinner in Kensington's little restaurants.
Eating near the condo
- St. Lawrence Market โ the city's food hall: bakeries, cheese, seafood, prepared meals from everywhere. Closed Mondays.
- Chinatown (Spadina Avenue) โ a streetcar ride west on Queen or Dundas: dumplings, noodles, bakeries, very good value.
- King West & Queen West โ Toronto's restaurant rows, from casual to special-occasion; one subway stop or a pleasant walk.
- Everyday food โ the Eaton Centre food courts are 3 minutes away, and for cooking in the condo kitchen, the Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens (Church & Carlton) is a few minutes' walk, with convenience stores on Yonge for late-night basics.
Two easy day trips
Niagara Falls (about 2 hours each way). GO Transit trains run from Union Station to Niagara Falls in about 2 to 2.5 hours โ more trains run on weekends, so check the schedule for your date. VIA Rail runs once a day, and buses leave the Union Station bus terminal about every hour (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Driving takes about 1.5 hours in good traffic โ and your parking spot at the condo is free, so the car costs nothing while you are out. The falls themselves are walkable from the station area; local WEGO buses connect the sights.
Toronto Islands (15 minutes by ferry). Ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street โ about a 25-minute walk, or a short streetcar ride. In summer, go to Centre Island for beaches, bike rentals and the Centreville amusement park for kids, or quieter Ward's Island for the best skyline photos. Ferries run all year to Ward's Island.
Getting here & getting around
- From Pearson Airport: UP Express train to Union Station โ 25 minutes, every 15 minutes, $12.35 per adult ($9.25 with a PRESTO card). Union Station is a short walk from the condo, or one subway stop to Queen plus a few minutes on foot. Taxis and rideshares take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and cost much more.
- Around town: tap a credit card or PRESTO on the TTC โ one fare (about $3.35) includes 2 hours of transfers on subways, streetcars and buses. Dundas and Queen stations are a 3-minute walk from the condo.
- Bad-weather trick: the PATH, downtown's underground walkway network, links the Eaton Centre, the Financial District and Union Station โ you can cross downtown indoors, which in January is not a small thing.
- Winter note: Toronto winters are real. From December to March, dress in layers with a warm coat, hat and gloves โ then enjoy it: skating at Nathan Phillips Square is 5 minutes away.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from downtown Toronto?
Niagara Falls. GO Transit trains run from Union Station to Niagara Falls in about 2 to 2.5 hours (more trains on weekends โ check the schedule), VIA Rail runs once a day, and buses leave the Union Station bus terminal about every hour. Driving takes about 1.5 hours in good traffic, and parking at the condo is free.
Is St. Lawrence Market open every day?
Almost โ the South Market is open Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Mondays. The Saturday farmers' market in the North building starts early in the morning.
How do I get from Pearson Airport to the condo?
Take the UP Express train from Pearson to Union Station โ 25 minutes, trains every 15 minutes, $12.35 for adults or $9.25 with a PRESTO card. From Union Station it is a short walk to Victoria Street, or one subway stop to Queen plus a few minutes on foot.
Can I visit the Toronto Islands in winter?
Yes โ ferries run all year from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street to Ward's Island, about a 15-minute crossing. In summer the ferries also serve Centre Island (beaches, bike rentals, the Centreville amusement park) and Hanlan's Point.
Do I need a car for any of this?
No. Everything in this guide is reachable on foot, by subway or streetcar, or by train. If you do bring a car, one underground parking spot at the condo is included free โ handy for a Niagara day trip.
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