Searching for a Toronto in one day itinerary that’s perfect for first-timers, long layovers, and solo travelers?
Enjoy one day in Toronto like I did!
By Karen Mae | Aug 23, 2025
Explore Toronto in a day ~ learn the best way to maximize your time and spend just one day to experience the highlights you cannot miss!
Discover an easy itinerary to follow and recreate that covers one day Toronto highlights from start to finish!
Whether you’re visiting Toronto for the first time or on a long layover and wondering what to do in Toronto in one day, this guide will help you make the most of your time and truly enjoy your experience as you visit Toronto in one day.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you do Toronto in one day?” the answer is yes—with planning and the right route, you can experience the city’s highlights and discover the best things to do in Toronto in one day.
I’m sharing my solo trip in Canada on how to spend one day in Toronto. This Toronto in one day itinerary includes all the things I did, saw, and ate in just a single day during my 10+ long layover in Toronto. I learned that a long layover or up to 24 hours in Toronto is possible if planned early and wisely.
I will also share Toronto travel tips, must-know, my experiences, and travel pictures during my Toronto one day trip!
This itinerary I created and experienced myself will walk you through what to see in Toronto in one day, covering Toronto attractions ~ must-see, must-visit spots, must-eat, and local hidden gems, so you can get travel ideas on which places to visit in Toronto in one day and find your preferred places to see in Toronto in one day.
Toronto In One Day
This is a first timer’s guide about Toronto in one day itinerary — how to plan a trip to Toronto and how to travel as a tourist.
| Is Toronto safe for tourists?
Is it safe to travel alone? |
Yes, I’ve visited three times and always felt very safe, even solo. |
| Travel Requirements & Visa | For U.S citizens, find info here |
| Best Time to Visit Toronto | June (when I visited) |
| Transportation | Getting around Toronto |
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| Where to Stay in Toronto | ~ List of Best Hotels in Toronto (ON), Canada ~ |
| How many days in Toronto? Is One Day in Toronto Enough? | 1-3 days | Yes, well-planned & fast-paced |
| Is Toronto expensive? | Budget |
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| Top things to do in Toronto
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| Most unique and unexpected visit/experience/sightseeing |
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| My favorite Toronto activities |
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| Shopping in Toronto |
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| Where to eat in Toronto |
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| What to wear in Toronto |
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| Connectivity | Purchase e-sim with Airalo |
Hello! My name is Karen. 
Here’s the most ideal Toronto itinerary I’ve created, done, and experienced during my solo trip to Toronto Canada. It’s perfect if it’s your first time in Toronto as a tourist and/or solo traveler!
I experienced this Toronto itinerary myself and am happy to share it to make your Toronto trip planning and travel go smoothly.
Morning: Take a ferry to Toronto Islands and enjoy the morning cruise + scenery + CN Tower
My Experience + Transportation:
- Must Know: There are 2 major airports:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) (main airport, ~25–30 minutes from downtown)
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
- How to travel Toronto? Trains + walking (very walkable city!)
- UP Express – Airport to Downtown = Best for: Layovers or short trips from the airport
- Public Transit (TTC) – Cheap & Efficient = Best for: Avoiding traffic, budget travel, city exploration
- Transportation: Book your tickets HERE.
Morning Highlights ~ Toronto in One day ~
- Arrival at the airport
- Take Ferry to Toronto Islands
- Enjoy the morning scenery on cruise
- Explore the beach and attractions at the Park
- Sightsee or visit the CN Tower
Toronto in One day Breakdown + Tips for Layovers & First-Timers
The best way to spend one day in Toronto is to start early to make the most of your time there.
Before my trip to the Middle East, I had a long layover in Toronto that lasted more than ten hours. I started my day at 07:00 AM.
From Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Union Station, I rode the UP Express Train. The journey took only around twenty-five minutes. It’s a convenient and practical way to travel from the airport to downtown.
Travel Tip: Save time by purchasing your tickets online. You can also purchase at the station.
Book your experience: Express Train Transfer to/from Pearson Airport
Journey to the Toronto Islands + CN Tower
My favorite experience during my one day in Toronto was my trip to its Islands! I enjoyed the morning cruise and the stunning city scenery as I rode the ferry to Toronto Island Park!
Book your experience: SAVE TIME. Buy Toronto Island Ferry Tickets in advance ( ~where I purchased mine)
Must-Know: The Island Ferry Terminal (also known as the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal) is located at 9 Queens Quay West, Toronto, ON. It’s about a 10–15 minute walk south from Union Station.
Travel Tips: Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands before 10 a.m. to avoid crowds. There is NO refund for tickets. Tickets purchased online can be transferred to a family member or friend by forwarding the PDF ticket via email or by printing it out.
After a few hours in Toronto’s Island Park, return to the city by ferry and explore one of Toronto’s iconic landmarks, the CN Tower.
Travel Tip: If you plan to visit inside and want to experience and see the paranormal sights both during the day and at night, it’s best to reserve your ticket and visit 1-2 hours before sunset!
Alternative (s)
Afternoon: Explore Downtown + Historic and Iconic Landmarks + Walking Tour
Sightsee and photograph The Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron Building.
It’s about a 20-minute walk from the CN Tower.
The historic red-brick flatiron-style building located at 49 Wellington Street East in downtown is considered Toronto’s most photographed landmark! The building houses offices and a pub in the basement.
Then head to the Berczy Park Dog Fountain, which is only a 1-2 minute walk to enjoy the scenery and unique design.
Lunch: Must-try Tim Hortons if it’s your first time in Canada and you haven’t tried it yet! If you want to grab a quick and on-the-go lunch, there’s a Tim Hortons that’s a 10-minute walk from Berczy Park Dog Fountain.
After lunch, head to Old City Hall. Please note that the city is very walkable, so during my Toronto in one day itinerary, I mostly walked to all these places.
Join a City History Walking Tour
If you want to learn about Toronto’s history and architecture in a short period of time, consider joining and booking an Old Town History Walking Tour.
During my travels, I usually take a City Walking Tour as a first-time visitor when I visit a new city to learn a bit of history and gain local insights that give travelers an interesting introduction and create a connection with the city!
First-timer’s Toronto Tip: I recommend it especially if you’re into discovering and visiting local gems and prefer the convenience of being on a guided tour while exploring the city!
Solo Travel Tip: What I appreciate most when I join a walking tour is that I just follow, listen, sightsee, and take pictures while on the tour without needing to navigate and find directions on my own!
Book your experience: Old Town Toronto History Walking Tour (guided tour I booked)
Afternoon Tour itinerary:
- Old City Hall
- Holy Trinity To
- Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square)(Pass By)
- Mackenzie House
- Old Town(Pass By)
- The Cathedral Church Of St. James
- St. Lawrence Market (last stop)
I booked this Old Town History Walking Tour specifically because I enjoy visiting new Cathedrals when traveling to a new city for the first time.
One of the highlights of my one-day trip to Toronto was my visit to the Cathedral Church of St. James, which is stunning on the inside as well as the outside. If you are also fond of visiting churches, it’s worth visiting while exploring Toronto in a day!
Alternative(s):
- City Walking Tours
- City Sightseeing Toronto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
- Kensington Market
Before Sunset/Evening: Nathan Phillips Square + Local Eats at St. Lawrence Market +/- sunset views at Harbourfront & Sankofa Square (if you have more time)
I couldn’t just leave without snapping a photo of the famous Toronto sign, so since I still had time, I went back to Nathan Phillips Square before leaving Canada! It’s a famous and lively attraction in downtown. It’s known for its City Hall backdrop and the iconic city sign.
Must-do in Toronto
Don’t leave without trying some of the famous and delicious local eats!
Be sure to grab a bite and experience the local and lively atmosphere at St. Lawrence Market! It’s a must-visit for foodie travelers while exploring Torondo in one day!
One of the best things to do in Toronto is to explore the food stalls at St. Lawrence Market, where you’ll find a variety of cheeses, seafood, meats, fresh fruits, desserts, snacks, and more!
Travel Tip: You can also buy a quick souvenir here before leaving!
Must-try local eats:
- Peameal Bacon Sandwich at Carousel Bakery (Toronto’s signature sandwich)
- Poutine (classic Canadian comfort food) Must-try if you’ve never tried before!
- Butter Tarts (classic Canadian treat) and a variety of flavors/sweets!
Evening Toronto itinerary
(Optional – if you still have time)
If time permits, wander around downtown Toronto’s Harbourfront, which is situated on the northern coast of Lake Ontario, and enjoy the picturesque charm at sunset.
Alternatively, if you’re fond of sightseeing city views before/after sunset on the water or from afar, consider going on a city view harbor cruise.
Book your experience: City Views Harbor Cruise
After sunset, head to Time Square version of the city – Sankofa Square (previously Yonge–Dundas SquareSankofa Square (previously Yonge–Dundas Square). It’s a bustling public gathering spot that is lively with entertainment, impromptu performances, and community-based events.
Please research and plan your visit as every year, hundreds of events take place in Sankofa Square, ranging from festivals, art exhibits, and concerts to live performances.
End one day in Toronto with a scenic night view: If time permits, head back to the CN Tower or consider joining a guided night tour with Tower Entry or another option is to take a quick ferry ride to the Islands for a picturesque city skyline view.
Alternative(s)
- Watch a show at Massey Hall
- City Guided Night Tour with Tower Entry
Staying more than one day in Toronto?
Toronto 2 day Itinerary
Can you do a day trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls? Yes!
Consider taking a full-day tour if you’re staying longer than one day.
Book your experience:
Summary: Toronto in One Day
| Toronto in One Day Itinerary | Plan Your Visit | Book Your Experiences: |
| Morning |
Alternatives: |
| Afternoon |
Alternatives:
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| Evening |
Alternatives:
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| Optional (Day 2) |
I hope you found that 1 day in Toronto is just the right amount to appreciate and fall in love with Canada’s largest city!
Whether you’re just stopping over, taking a short one day trip in Toronto, or simply want to maximize your time, I hope this guide gave you the perfect Toronto in one day itinerary.
May this layover in Toronto itinerary help spark travel ideas for your upcoming short, but memorable trip to Canada!
Highlights: Toronto Trip Pictures
Thank you for considering these Toronto travel ideas!
I hope I have sparked your Toronto Canada trip planning!
May this Toronto itinerary for 1 day with travel tips help you travel safely, wisely, smoothly, and at peace!
Kindly share in the comments what you found helpful and
any other considerations/tips NOT mentioned and must be included.
Be safe and enjoy! I hope you’ll have an amazing and smooth first trip to Toronto Canada!
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