Introduction
I still remember the first time I set foot in Toronto—feeling awestruck by the skyscrapers yet oddly familiar because of its multicultural vibe. This city isn't just about the CN Tower; it's a crossroads of street food, historic neighborhoods, and the energy of a modern North American metropolis. After 3 days of wandering, I gathered quite a bit of hard-earned experience, and today I'm sharing it with you.
Quick Facts
- Best time to visit: May to October (warm summer, many festivals). Winter is very cold, but if you like ice skating, December-February is also nice.
- Suggested duration: 3 days 2 nights is enough to explore the center, but if you have an extra 1-2 days, you can visit Niagara Falls.
- Budget: Around 200-300 CAD/day (including hotel, meals, admission, transport). Staying at a hostel will be cheaper.
- Getting around: The subway (TTC) is the mainstay; buy a Day Pass for ~13.50 CAD. Uber is convenient but more expensive. Walk a lot in the downtown area.
- Connectivity: I used an eSIM from SimNha – bought a Canada 5GB/7 days package for only 149,000 VND, set up in 2 minutes, and used it right away, no need for a physical SIM.
Day 1: Downtown and National Icon
CN Tower
You can't visit Toronto without going up the CN Tower. I went early in the morning (9 AM) to avoid crowds. The main observation deck ticket is about 40 CAD; if you want to go up to the higher SkyPod, it's an extra 12 CAD. The 360-degree view of Lake Ontario and the city is stunning, but if you're afraid of heights, just stay on the Glass Floor.
💡 Tip: Buy tickets online at least 1 day in advance to save 10% and skip the line. If visiting in summer, choose the sunset slot (6-7 PM) to watch the sun set over the lake.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Right next to the CN Tower, this aquarium is well worth a visit. It has the longest underwater tunnel in North America; you'll walk under water with sharks and sea turtles. Adult ticket ~45 CAD. It took me about 2 hours to explore.
⚠️ Note: Weekends are very crowded; go on weekdays. Avoid bringing large suitcases as there's no free luggage storage.
Chinatown and Kensington Market
At noon, I walked to Chinatown (15 minutes from the CN Tower) for dim sum. Dim Sum King (421 Dundas St W) is delicious and affordable: 4 dishes ~20 CAD. Then I strolled to Kensington Market – an artsy neighborhood with graffiti murals, vintage shops, and quirky cafes. It's a perfect spot for photos and soaking in Toronto's youth culture.
Dinner: St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market is a foodie paradise. I ordered a Peameal Bacon Sandwich at Carousel Bakery – 6.50 CAD, irresistibly good. If you like seafood, try fresh oysters at Buster's Sea Cove.
Day 2: Culture and Urban Nature
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
ROM is Canada's largest museum of natural history and culture. Adult ticket ~23 CAD. I was most impressed by the dinosaur gallery and Asian art. You should spend at least 3 hours to see everything.
💡 Tip: Tuesday has discounted admission (or free occasionally). Check the website before going.
University of Toronto and Queen's Park
Right next to ROM, the University of Toronto campus is beautiful with Gothic architecture. I walked through Hart House and Robarts Library (the peacock-shaped building). Queen's Park is a large park, good for a rest.
Distillery District
In the afternoon, I went to the Distillery District – a historic area with red-brick buildings, now home to galleries, cafes, and craft shops. In winter, it hosts a magical Christmas market. I had a hot chocolate at SOMA Chocolate – 5 CAD, absolutely delicious.
Dinner: Poutine and Craft Beer
Poutine is fries with cheese curds and gravy – a Canadian specialty. I stopped by Smoke's Poutinerie (56 Colborne St) – a large portion ~12 CAD. Pair it with craft beer at nearby Mill Street Brewery.
Day 3: Toronto Islands and Farewell
Toronto Islands
In the morning, I took a ferry from Queen's Quay Terminal to Toronto Islands (round trip ~8.50 CAD). The islands have beaches, parks, and a beautiful view of the city skyline. I rented a bike (10 CAD/hour) and cycled around the island for 1.5 hours. It's an ideal place to relax before heading back.
⚠️ Note: Ferries run every 30 minutes; check the schedule online. Weekends are busy, so go early.
Souvenir Shopping
Before heading to the airport, I stopped by Eaton Centre – Toronto's largest shopping mall, right downtown. You can buy maple syrup, maple candy, or a CN Tower t-shirt. If you like second-hand items, Queen Street West has many vintage shops.
Conclusion
Toronto is a city that makes me want to return – not just for the sights but for the friendliness of the people and the diverse food scene. A 3-day trip is short but enough to feel the rhythm of the place. And thanks to the SimNha eSIM, I never worried about losing connectivity when I needed to check maps or call a ride – just a few simple steps and I had data right away, much more convenient than buying a physical SIM. Wishing you a fantastic trip!