48 Hours In Toronto: The Absolute Guide For An Unforgettable Winter Trip
A few years ago, this small town Belgian girl flew across the ocean to study a semester in Toronto. Needless to say, the city became my second home and I now know perfectly which places to go to and which to skip. Especially if you’re only in the city for a fast-ticking 48 hours.
Let’s make the most of your 48-hour Toronto trip with this wondrously crafted guide.
DAY 1
9AM: TIM HORTONS
Canadians don’t give a damn about Starbucks. All locals can be found at the nearest Tim Hortons for a breakfast bite. Get a good cup coffee with a donut or an egg and cheese sandwich to get your first Toronto day started. They’re not hard to find, there’s almost one on every corner of Toronto’s streets.
10AM: CN TOWER
Toronto’s iconic skyline-trademark might’ve caught your eye when you drove into the city, or on your way for that coffee. It’s impossible to ignore the colossal tower, and it’s a stand-out amongst the city between the high glass buildings.
The most unforgettable experience is to kiss the city from 1,815 feet high, standing tall on the CN Tower platform. The glass walls and floors give you a breathtaking, adrenaline-pumping view of Toronto that’ll give you energy to last you over the next 48 hours and beyond. Try to arrive before 11am to avoid the flocks of visitors taking selfies. We all want our personal space, and aren’t the best Instagram pics without dozens of people standing in the way? Another insider tip: head to the Outdoor Sky Terrace, catch a breeze, and feel the wind in your hair. Ah, magical.
1PM: KENSINGTON MARKET
The most unique and charming Toronto neighborhood, widely appreciated for its variety, is definitely Kensington Market. Streets are lined with shops and restaurants selling multicultural goods and an overwhelming number of food options. Instagrammers will love the charming vintage shops and the hipster wall art while foodies will salivate at every hip dining spot. Even if you’re not much of a shopper, we’re sure you’ll enjoy a casual stroll through this artsy and eclectic area.
If you’ve got takeout and are wondering where to devour it, hop into the nearby Bellevue Square Park for some calm and greenery.
4PM: YONGE-DUNDAS SQUARE
With the big neon lights and enormous billboards, Yonge-Dundas Square is often compared to NYC’s Times Square. I feel like there’s always something going on here, from public events to performances and art displays and so the square has become a true landmark downtown. It you were not sure about it yet, I tell you that this one should absolutely be on your can’t skip-list.
5PM: EATON CENTRE
If you’re in Toronto during the holiday season, you will love all the Christmas vibes and I know the most amazing place to do some Christmas shopping. With its luxury shops, magnificent architecture and design, the glamorous and impressive shopping mall Eaton Centre is a holiday shopping paradise. I’m not the only one who thinks so because the mall attracts millions of tourists each year. Many people don’t know, but there’s also a big food hall on the lowest floor for every one of your cravings, hell yes!
7PM: ROGERS CENTRE
Situated near CN Tower, the downtown sports arena Rogers Centre is a must-visit when you’re spending an evening in Toronto. Try to catch a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game or get tickets for a concert at Rogers Centre. Either way, it will be sensational.
10PM: COMEDY NIGHT
If you’re still up for it, you can check out some great comedy at the famous Second City in the Entertainment District or improv comedy at Comedy Bar. Ending the night with some laughs and drinks before a well-rested night for your last day in Toronto, are you in?
DAY 2
8AM: ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
Only 24 hours left and lots to do! Get up early and make your way to St. Lawrence Market in the Old Town district of Toronto. Since it’s one of the best food markets in the world, we’re sure that you’ll grab an incredible breakfast. Let yourself be surrounded with local food and dig into Toronto’s culture with the iconic peameal bacon breakfast sandwich, the official sandwich of Toronto. Let’s taste what all the fuss is about!
11PM: TORONTO ISLANDS
My absolute favorite thing to do in Toronto, whether it’s summer or winter, is to hop on the ferry and roaming around Toronto Islands. I’m addicted to the calming ferry ride, walking around the island and admiring the incredible city skyline. Of course, the islands have much more to offer, from beaches to water sports in the summer, amusement rides, bike rentals and parks. Even in winter it’s lovely to come here, because you’ll have the place all to yourself. Also, you’ll sail back to the city with the most dazzling Instagram pictures. Stay until sunset to see the city light turn up one by one. It’ll be the highlight of your trip!
No doubt that this is Toronto’s most amazing treasure. What’s even more amazing: you’ll only spend $10 on the ferry ride and the island is totally free to visit.
6PM: TORONTO CHRISTMAS MARKET
When it’s getting dark, it’s time to head over to the Distillery District for the annual Toronto Christmas Market. Discover the magic of Christmas with locally handcrafted products, heated mulled wine, marshmallow hot chocolates, stunning light installations, Santa and the elves and all in an atmosphere so romantic you can’t help but fall in love with the holiday season all over again.
Even newly Canadian-resident Hailee Baldwin-Bieber has recently been spotted indulging the Christmas magic at the Toronto Christmas Market.
9PM: NATHAN PHILIPS SQUARE
Now that you’re still in the Christmas spirit, wander downtown on your way to Nathan Philips Square where more Christmas magic will light up your last night in Toronto. The vibrant and active heart of the city, which holds the famous Toronto sigh, turn its reflecting pool into an ice rink during the winter months. Nothing beats the beautiful scenery at Nathan Philips Square as you are ice skating with the holiday light sparkling around you. And of course, food trucks are on standby when you need a snack and hot coco to keep you warm.
Toronto will grant all your Christmas wishes of a perfect winter trip.
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