There are many things to do in Toronto for young adults, and no, they are not focused on downtown Toronto only. These are available to both those living in Canada and to those travelling to Canada for a shorter time, with a focus on a touristy experience and a wish to experience life in a bustling city such as this one. When visiting Toronto, you should really try to have as many fun activities as you can. 

Young adults may visit the Toronto area for a number of reasons. As there are many people of different interests in this age group, there are a number of different places that they may want to visit. And while some may want to go to an amusement park, others will enjoy cooking classes more. What is important is that the city is full of fun activities that you and your friends may enjoy. 

So, regardless of whether you are a Canadian citizen, a foreign student with a lot of free time on your hands or a visitor on your Canadian TRV, here are some tested and proven-to-be-good activities you can try in the city of Toronto, Ontario. Let’s go and check some of them out:

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Toronto’s Vibrant Young Adult Scene

Toronto is a metropolis in the sense of the word. The city is not as big as you think: with less than 3 million inhabitants, the city is much smaller than the City of New York, but the big city feel runs strong in the streets of the city. Many international food places, art shows and art exhibits, international shops and people of different nationalities can be seen in the city. This is the beauty of Toronto and Canada in general – the international spirit that can be felt in the air. 

And who better to visit Toronto than young adults? Once there, you will be able to absorb all these experiences and create unforgettable memories. Countless outdoor spaces are there for all who would like to have an active holiday, and day schools or training centers are there for those travelling to learn new things. Not only that, but the very exposure to the city and its international spirit is more than enough for all who travel to brush up their English skills. 

The area is likely one of the most interesting that Canada has to offer unless you are really into mountains and ski centers, in which case, there are other places in Canada you may want to visit. Not only that, but the city also provides a plethora of accommodation options for all, and every part of the city has some sights and activities that you should try out. 

Exploring the City

Whatever activities you choose to partake in, it is important to do them in a safe and fun way, as healthcare in Canada can be costly if you have no insurance with good coverage. In addition to this, choosing wisely is also important, as there are simply too many things for anyone to try out on a single visit to the city. For this reason, it is best to head to Canada with a plan in your hands on the activities that you want to try out, and not plan as you go – you will miss out on so many things. 

When it comes to the food scene, Toronto has a lot to offer. From casual eateries and diners to fancy restaurants and street food, the city abounds with both Canadian and international cuisine. If travelling from abroad, we recommend you go for as many different options as you can and forget about your domestic food for a bit. There are so many flavours to try out that your senses will be overwhelmed. Chinese, Lebanese, American, Italian, French, German, Pakistani, Turkish flavours and many more await all brave enough to cross the threshold of one of the hundreds of international restaurants. And with more than 7,500 restaurants in the city itself, there is a huge choice of places you may want to visit and eat in. 

On top of this, Toronto is a city with a rich history. Although some may say that the history of the city is simply not long enough, it goes without saying that visiting Italy will give you all the satisfaction of seeing buildings older than a millennium. Visiting Toronto will give you insights into how different cultures merge for a more unified history (that may not be as long as that of some European countries, but is still very valuable) and will show you how different peoples can work together to make something truly beautiful. 

Museums and Art Galleries

When it comes to the historical aspect of the city, what better places to visit than museums and art galleries? The city has 10 historical museums and the entire province has more than 700 museums of all kinds. This is truly impressive, especially for a single province in one country. These are the places where you can enjoy your stay and be taken aback by the rich offer of exhibits to visit and learn about. 

Not only that, but the city also has many other kinds of museums as well. Agricultural museums, art museums, food museums, living museums, military museums, railway museums, science museums, textile museums, and fashion museums exist in the city, and the total list is simply too long to present here. So, there is something for all to try out in the area. Here are some of the most popular museums and historical houses in Toronto for you to check out: 

Agricultural Museums in Toronto

  • Riverdale Farm – 201 Winchester St, Toronto, ON M4X 1B8 

Art Museums in Toronto

  • A Space Gallery – 401 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 
  • Aga Khan Museum – 77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1K1 
  • Art Gallery of Ontario – 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4 
  • Art Gallery of York University – 83 York Blvd, North York, ON M3J 2S5 
  • Art Museum at the University of Toronto – 7 Hart House Cir
  • Canadian Sculpture Centre – 18 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4 
  • Cedar Ridge Creative Centre – Cedar Ridge Park, 225 Confederation Dr, Scarborough, ON M1G 1B2 
  • Doris McCarthy Gallery – 1265 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1C 1A4 
  • Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery – 399 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON M9C 2Y2 
  • First Floor Gallery & Architecture and Design Gallery – 1 Spadina Crescent, Toronto ONM5S2J5
  • Gallery Arcturus – 80 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1G6 
  • Gardiner Museum – 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7 
  • InterAccess – 950 Dupont St Unit 1, Toronto, ON M6H 1Z2 
  • Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre Gallery – 6 Sakura Way, Toronto, ON M3C 1Z5 
  • Koffler Centre of the Arts – 180 Shaw St, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5 
  • Mercer Union – 1286 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1N9 
  • Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada – 158 Sterling Rd #100, Toronto, ON M6R 2B7 
  • Neilson Park Creative Centre – 56 Neilson Dr, Toronto, ON M9C 1V7 
  • OCAD University Galleries – 100 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 2W7 
  • Open Studio Gallery – 401 Richmond St W Suite 104, Toronto, ON M5V 3A8 
  • Power Plant – 231 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8 
  • Saint Mark’s Coptic Museum – 41 Glendinning Ave, Scarborough, ON M1W 3E2 
  • The Image Centre – 33 Gould St, Toronto, ON M5B 1E9 
  • Toronto Dominion Gallery of Inuit Art – 79 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5K 1B1 
  • Toronto Sculpture Garden – 115 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1G6 
  • Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre – 2 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4B6 

Biographical Museums in Toronto

  • Taras Shevchenko Museum – 1604 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1A7 

Cultural / Ethnic Museums in Toronto

  • Morris and Sally Justein Heritage Museum – 3560 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2X8 
  • Reuben & Helene Dennis Museum – 1700 Bathurst St, York, ON M5P 3K3 
  • Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch – 620 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5S 2H4 

Fashion Museums in Toronto

  • Bata Shoe Museum – 327 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W7 

Food Museums in Toronto

  • Redpath Sugar Museum – Redpath Sugar Refinery, 95 Queens Quay E, Toronto, ON M5E 1A3 

Historical Houses in Toronto 

  • Applewood Shaver Homestead – 450 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON M9C 1E9 
  • Campbell House Museum – 160 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 3H3 
  • Casa Loma – 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8 
  • Colborne Lodge – 11 Colborne Lodge Dr, Toronto, ON 
  • Gibson House – 5172 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2N 5P6 
  • Mackenzie House – 82 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X2 
  • Montgomery’s Inn – 4709 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M9A 1A8 
  • Spadina House – 285 Spadina Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2V5 
  • Tollkeepers Cottage Museum – 750 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M6G 2B3 
  • Scarborough Museum – 1007 Brimley Rd, Toronto, ON M1P 3E8 
  • Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre – 40 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 2J3 

Language Museums in Toronto

  • Canadian Language Museum – Glendon Gallery | Glendon College, 2275 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M4N 3M6 

Literature Museums in Toronto

  • Osborne Collection of Early Children’s Books – 239 College St 4th floor, Toronto, ON M5T 1R5 
  • Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library – 120 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 1A5 
  • TD Gallery at the Toronto Reference Library – 789 Yonge St Main Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 2G8 

Living Museums in Toronto

  • Black Creek Pioneer Village – 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy, Toronto, ON M3J 2P3 
  • Enoch Turner School – 106 Trinity St, Toronto, ON M5A 3C6 
  • Zion Schoolhouse – 1091 Finch Ave E, North York, ON M2J 2X3

Media Museums in Toronto

  • MZTV Museum of Television – 64 Jefferson Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1Y4 

Military Museums in Toronto

  • Fort York – 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9 
  • Royal Canadian Military Institute Museum – 426 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 1S9 
  • 48th Highlanders Museum – 73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9 
  • Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum – 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8 
  • Royal Regiment of Canada Museum – 660 Fleet St, Toronto, ON M5V 1A9 
  • Toronto Scottish Regiment Museum – 66 Birmingham St, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3W6 

Mixed Museums in Toronto

  • Market Gallery – 95 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1C2 
  • Royal Ontario Museum – 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6 
  • Todmorden Mills – 67 Pottery Rd, Toronto, ON M4K 2B9 

Railway Museums in Toronto

  • Toronto Railway Museum – 255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9 

Science Museums in Toronto

  • Ontario Science Centre – 770 Don Mills Rd., North York, ON M3C 1T3 

Sports Museums in Toronto

  • Hockey Hall of Fame – 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8 

Textile Museums in Toronto

  • Textile Museum of Canada – 55 Centre Ave, Toronto, ON M5G 2H5 

Outdoor Activities

Canada’s Wonderland does not stop with museums. For all who love sports and outside events, there are many outdoor activities to try out. Here are some of them: 

  • Canada’s Wonderland – this is the largest amusement park in North America that young adults can enjoy 
  • Go Karting 
  • Food Events – there are several food events in Toronto: Taste of the Danforth, the Mac and Cheese Festival, and more
  • Visit a Beach – there are beaches on Lake Ontario where you can enjoy – the lake is so large it seems like it is a sea
  • Ice Skating – there are several ice rinks that Toronto has to offer to all who like this type of fun events
  • Sky Zone – the trampoline park in Toronto with its buzzing atmosphere is certain to make you want more 
  • Boat Cruises – Lake Ontario has some amazing boat cruise services where you can enjoy watching Toronto’s skyline – the city skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world
  • Picnics – Toronto can offer a variety of picnic places – there are 1473 parks, 839 sports fields, and 137 community centers in Toronto alone, so there is something for all who would like to spend some time outdoors
  • Sports Games – Toronto has 839 sports fields and many of them have regular games for you to visit. Beware, as the ticket prices can get a bit high, and book in advance
  • Concerts – there are hundreds of concerts in both indoor and outdoor areas every year in Toronto – the perfect way to spend an evening with your loved one
  • Ice Fest – during wintertime, the central cultural district is a place for ice sculpture exhibition
  • Golf – there are 3 public golf courses, 6 municipal and 87 golf courses in the 20-mile radius of the city. If you love the sport and have some extra money to spend, this is the best way to do so. Please plan and make sure you visit during the summer 
  • Chinatown – Chinatown is China in small in the heart of Toronto – make sure to plan your trip right and do not go there on a full stomach
  • Music Festivals – there are more than 40 music festivals in Toronto every year, and each of these is worth a visit. Some of the most popular include the New Music Festival, Winterfolk Blues & Roots Festival, and the Boots & Hearts Music Festival
  • Toronto Island – you can take the ferry to the island, and then enjoy one of its many parks and beaches – a great way to cool down during the hot summer months 
  • St. Lawrence Market – this is a great market with plenty of free samples to try out. One of Toronto’s largest markets, it is full of fresh produce, locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as restaurants and souvenir shops that you should pay a visit to in addition to Kensington Market

Nightlife

One of Toronto’s best highlights is the rich nightlife scenes. The city features some of the best music, theatre, bar, and club scenes in Canada, and many travel to the city for this particular reason. There are many fun things to try out, including Drag Shows, live music, karaoke bars, drink tours, and other fun things. The bustling atmosphere rarely ends before 2 AM, so make sure you do not overdrink and plan a late day the next day. Some of the most popular clubs and bars in Toronto include: 

  • Lost and Found 
  • The Fifth Social Club 
  • The Piston
  • El Convento Rico 
  • Fiction Club 
  • Toybox
  • Parlour
  • Barcode Saturdays 
  • Rebel 
  • NEST

Shopping

If after all these amazing adventures you still have some money left, and have visited all the recommended boat cruises, and the entertainment district, it may be time for some shopping. Canada is not the cheapest place to shop in (in fact, you will find cheaper electronics and clothes in the US), but shopping in Canada is a special experience that you should not miss out on. Here are some of the best shopping malls and places in Toronto, for everyone’s liking: 

  • St. Lawrence Market – a flea and street market, this is the perfect place for all the small gimmicks and souvenirs that you can wish for – this is the place where you can find used, second-hand things and hand-made crafts that you can find nowhere else 
  • CF Toronto Eaton Centre – this is one of the largest shopping malls in Canada and one of the best places to purchase clothes and durable footwear. Some of the brands that you can find here include: Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, Adidas, Aesop, Aldo, Aritzia, Apple, B2, Bailey Nelson, Bikini Village, BOSS, Browns, Champs Sports, DAVIDsTEA, ECCO, Fossil, Gong Cha, Hoka, Indigo, Kiehl’s, La Vie en Rose, Lacoste, Nike, and many more
  • Yorkdale Shopping Centre 
  • Norma Reed
  • Brookfield Place
  • Dufferin Mall
  • Manulife Centre
  • Toronto Christmas Market
  • Stackt and more

Foodie Adventures

One of Toronto’s flagships is the rich food scene, which you should also have a taste of if you ever visit the area. As there are many immigrants (around 20% of Canadian citizens are of foreign origin), there are also many cuisines. Many have started their own national restaurant, and each of these contributes to the rich landscape of the food scene in the city. So, after a whole day of rock climbing, visiting the Kensington Market and St. Lawrence Market, and just before hitting that cinema during the movie night, it is time for a nice dinner. 

Where and what you will eat is all about you: delicious food awaits at every corner. With more than 7,500 restaurants, the Toronto food scene is as rich as it gets. When it comes to the food itself, you can also take a cooking class or two, or simply join a food tour or a drink tour. We do not know where you will have more fun, but fun is guaranteed. Here are some of the most popular foodie places in Toronto: 

  • Secret Food Tour Toronto – 3.5 hours long, with 6 stops and a focus on local food and culture, this award-winning tour is certain to entertain you for a whole afternoon. With 12 people max allowed per tour, make sure everybody speaks English, as the guide does
  • Culinary Adventure Tours – the Day Tour lasts for 3 hours, the Evening Tour, and the Big Cheese Experience
  • Destination Toronto Foodie Tour – the longest of them all, this tour lasts for two days and one night. Kensington Market, meals on the go, Westside cocktails, St. Lawrence Market, brunch lineup, the distillery district, sustainable food movement, and much more are included in the tour. The drink tour on the West Side is rumoured to be the highlight of the tour, but we will leave that for you to decide 

Take A Look At St. Lawrence Market Visitors Guide | Toronto Canada! One of the BEST Food Markets in the World!:

Cultural Experiences

Festivals and Events

Of course, no visit to a city of this size should go without a visit to a festival or a cultural event. In fact, this is a fun way to meet local people, learn about the different locations in the city and have an unforgettable experience around the city always with plenty of locals. Here are just some festivals in Toronto that you may want to visit with the dates they traditionally take place: 

  • Toronto Jazz Festival – June 21–30
  • Caribana – August 1-5
  • Pride Toronto – June 25
  • Luminato – June 6 – 16
  • Canada Day – July 1
  • Canadian Music Week – June 5-10
  • BrazilFest – July 19-21
  • Taste of the Danforth – August 11-13
  • Cavalcade of Lights – November 25-January 7
  • Toronto Outdoor Art Fair – July 12-14

Neighborhood Exploration

Many of these events take place either in the wintertime or the summertime, but you may want to visit even during spring and autumn. The spring in Canada is absolutely amazing, and the autumn is as well, with its golden and red hues that entire mountains change into. If you go to Canada during winter and summer, you go to the festivals, if you visit during other parts of the year, you do that for delicious food and other fun things you can do. 

Neighbourhood exploration is one of those things. The retro environment that some of them have, the live entertainment that can be found in different locations around the city, and the sheer park offers around the city are amazing ways to explore what each part of the city has to offer. You can also enjoy other recreational activities in the city, take a cooking class, learn the best history biffs, and attend many events that are certain to help you make lasting memories. Even more important than anything else, you can take the whole family with you. 

  • Old Town and the Distillery Historic District – The Old Town itself is a collection of six neighbourhoods, and this is the home of the St. Lawrence market, which we have mentioned as a part of the foodie and outdoor tours. The Old Town is known for its fine offer of food, cheeses, and wines and is definitely a place worth visiting. The Distillery Historic District is a pedestrian-only zone, so you are sure that stress levels are going to be low. The whole neighbourhood is made of weathered red bricks which breathe history, and art galleries abound. 
  • Chinatown – a fantastic place to get to experience the local Asian community and all it has to offer. Amazing restaurants, shops, unique products, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs abound in the place. This place turns completely around during the New Year and Christmas holidays, so we recommend visiting it twice
  • Kensington Market – the street market is what the whole area was named after. When it comes to diversity, it abounds in the market – people of all nationalities sell and buy, the offer of foods is amazing, and so is the cultural fingerprint – you can really find just about anything here

Historical Sites

The rich heritage of Toronto also encompasses a lot of historical sights. In fact, there are hundreds of them in the city itself. When it comes to these, some will take you almost back to medieval times, and after these, you will crave a good pottery class, a nice dish, and a good glass of wine. Here are the top historical sights to visit in Toronto: 

  • Casa Loma 
  • Black Creek Pioneer Village 
  • Fort York National Historic Site of Canada
  • Gibson House Museum 
  • Scarborough Museum
  • Spadina Museum
  • Mackenzie House
  • Toronto’s First Post Office
  • Colborne Lodge

Tips for Young Adults 

Of course, entry fees and tickets to most of these places have to be paid, so we suggest you take your time to inform yourself as much as you can about the trip and the availability of different places and tickets before actually heading to Canada. While many focus on visiting as many PLACES as they can, we suggest you mix these with EVENTS and EXPERIENCES for the best feel of what living in Canada is like. We also suggest you mix and match, so while a visit to a historic place is worth it, so is a visit to an indoor obstacle course or taking a pottery class. All of these will ensure you get to experience as many different aspects of living in Canada and will offer a very complete experience. 

Here are some fun things that you can try without breaking the bank when visiting Toronto, Canada: 

  • Try a board game café – these are rate, but so good to spend time in
  • Visit a music garden
  • Go to a wine bar and try something other than the European wines
  • Visit as many events as you can
  • Take a pottery class
  • Go for arcade games for that retro feeling 
  • Try axe throwing 
  • Check out some live entertainment events taking place when you are in Canada
  • Solve puzzles while in Toronto – an escape room experience is always as interesting as it gets 
  • Check out some interactive exhibits in some of the museums 
  • Visit the CN tower
  • Visit one of Toronto’s islands 
  • Go for a round of mini-golf or other sports games 
  • Make a rock climbing test with your friends and see who can climb the highest 
  • Finish at least a single day with live music or a movie night
  • Visit the distillery district
  • Visit a rage room 
  • Visit one of many arcade bars
  • Go for a sky zone tour 
  • Play beach volleyball with the locals 
  • Have a fun night in a Drag show 
  • Visit a music garden and have a unique experience – have a fun night while there

There are many more things to do in Toronto for young adults that do not cost too much. Again, it is important to start planning early – many of the sights are available year-round, and all you have to do is make sure you plan well. When it comes to axe throwing, escape games or sports games, they are better left for the afternoon, as you will have more energy in the morning for more fun activities. At the same time, a rage room is better visited at the beginning of the vacation, rather than later on, when you may be too tired. 

In general, we suggest visiting places of interest in the morning and having experiences in the afternoon. This way, you are sure that the interactive games or the rage room experience does not take energy away from you and that you are not too tired from visiting a Canadian national exhibition in a museum. Plan wisely and you will have an amazing time in Toronto. 

FAQs

What is the Number 1 Attraction in Toronto?

The absolute number 1 attraction in Toronto is the CN Tower. The iconic tower emerges from the city skyline with its impressive 533 meters tall. It used to be the tallest building in the world but has been turned into a tourist attraction. 

What is the Trendiest Street in Toronto?

The trendiest street in Toronto is Ossington Avenue. It has been nicknamed one of the coolest streets in the world. The street features rich nightlife, dining, shopping centers, and stores and the whole street has an international vibe. A definite recommendation for your next visit to the city. 

Final Thoughts

Toronto is a city unlike any other in the world. A real conurbation of cultures and nationalities, international restaurants, shopping centers, and historical sights, the city has something for everybody. The city is so popular that even those living there barely manage to see it all – from axe throwing to live music events, from medieval times of fun to other year-round activities, such as arcade bars and scratching heads while trying to find clues to an escape room. When visiting, make sure to plan before heading out, and the fun will be guaranteed!