I was born and raised in Toronto. Here are the 8 mistakes I always see tourists make when they visit.

As someone who was born and raised in Toronto, I’ve observed plenty of tourists’ missteps, from waiting in long lines at overrated attractions to renting a car that isn’t necessary.

With a bit of research, visitors can make the most of their time here and save some money, all while avoiding stressors and headaches. 

Here are some of the most common mistakes I’ve seen tourists make in Toronto.

Only visiting during the summer

Even though Toronto’s temperatures drop in the fall and winter, I highly recommend visiting during the offseason, which runs from the end of January through April and also from late September through the end of November.

Just come with a warm, waterproof coat. During these quieter stretches, you’ll find fewer crowds, and you’re more likely to find deals on attractions and hotels.

Also, visiting during the offseason allows for a bit more spontaneity.

Popular restaurants and attractions usually aren’t fully booked during the winter, so you can walk into a lot of places and get last-minute reservations.

Just avoid traveling to Toronto in mid-March, when all the school-age kids are on break.

Overlooking small museums and galleries in favor of major attractions

Toronto has famous attractions like the CN Tower, Casa Loma, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the Royal Ontario Museum.

However, the city is also home to smaller galleries and museums that offer a more intimate experience. 

My personal favorite is the Aga Khan Museum, where I got married. I also love the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Gardiner Museum, and Cry Baby Gallery. If you want to feel like a local, I recommend starting your trip at one of these spots.

When you do visit Toronto’s major landmarks, visit their respective websites for timely updates and purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines.

Only visiting attractions during regular operating hours — and missing out on evening events

A lot of our major attractions serve as venues for social events that aren’t just for Torontonians — out-of-towners can partake in these fun, interactive experiences, too.

For example, the Royal Ontario Museum offers an after-hours event for those 19 and older that marries art, dancing, and great food.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada offers a slew of fun events for those 19 and older that include planting, painting, and jazz music.

Casa Loma offers events throughout the year, with tea times, live musical performances, dinner parties, games, haunted houses, and holiday gatherings.

Missing out on the city’s local boutiques and shops

When my friends visit Toronto, many ask me to take them to Yorkdale Mall or CF Toronto Eaton Centre. There’s nothing wrong with these big-box malls, but you can find similar shops elsewhere.

Tourists should instead support local gems selling edible delights, handcrafted drinks, clothing, handmade jewelry, home goods, and accessories — all of which make for great souvenirs. 

My favorites on Queen West include a consignment shop called Fashionably Yours, a bookstore called Type Books, a shop called Art.27, and a footwear store John Fluevog Shoes.

Over on Ossington Avenue, check out the pastries and bread at Dear Grain, grab the city’s best scoop at Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery, and shop at I Miss You Vintage or DU/ER.

Kensington Market is a bohemian haven with eclectic goods, thrift shops, and live music on the weekends. My favorite spots here include Blackbird Baking Co. (a favorite bakery of Meghan Markle’s), Hooked fish market, Blue Banana Market food store, and The Beguiling bookshop.

Don’t leave without walking through Stackt Market, a shopping and entertainment space built in repurposed shipping containers. It’s an ideal place to lounge on a patio and shop for jewelry, clothing, accessories, and more.

Renting cars instead of using public transportation

To get to and from Toronto Pearson Airport, avoid using taxis or ride-share services.

Instead, opt for the Union Pearson Express, a train service that takes you from the airport to downtown Toronto in about 25 minutes. It’s far more efficient than sitting in traffic on the highway for an hour, especially during rush hour.

Once you’re in the heart of the city, consider walking to your destinations. Most major attractions and landmarks are within 20 minutes of each other.

Otherwise, the Toronto Transit Commission’s streetcars, buses, and subway systems are the cheapest and quickest ways to get around the city. If you’re not sure what time the bus or streetcar is coming, you can always check online at the TTC’s website.

Alternatively, consider using Bike Share Toronto for some sightseeing, fresh air, and exercise. You can rent these bikes for a specific amount of time or for a full day.

Eating at chains instead of visiting our incredible local restaurants

I understand the temptation to find your closest McDonald’s and Starbucks on vacation — they’re convenient and familiar — but consider supporting a local spot instead.

Toronto’s first Michelin Guide arrived in 2022, and it would be a missed opportunity not to try some of our incredible multicultural fares.

I always take out-of-towners to Vela for contemporary Canadian fare, Udupi Palace for Indian, Maha’s for amazing Egyptian brunch, The Heartbreak Chef for massive fried chicken sandwiches, and Sunnys for Chinese. 

St. Lawrence Market is an ideal spot to buy artisan food and taste local dishes — I love the fried fish sandwiches and lobster rolls from Buster’s Sea Cove. The market can get crowded on the weekends, so I suggest going on weekdays.

Missing out on festivals and cultural events

If you’re visiting at the end of summer, go to the Canadian National Exhibition, a fair and carnival that includes zany foods, a farm, rides, and games. 

If you’re visiting in September, your trip might coincide with the Toronto International Film Festival. Just make sure to purchase tickets in advance to watch films before their official releases. 

In the winter, we have Icefest, where sculptors transform blocks of ice into art, and Winterlicious, during which restaurants offer discounted menus. These coveted reservations get booked almost immediately, so if you plan to visit, make sure you snag your spot early.

Overloading their itinerary

After visiting Toronto, some of my friends have joked that they need a vacation to recoup after squeezing too much into their schedule.

My main piece of advice is to take it easy and remember that if you love this city, you can always come back.

Instead of wearing yourself out, consider relaxing in one of Toronto’s parks and beaches. My favorite spots include High Park, Trinity Bellwoods Park, Sugar Beach Park, and The Beaches.

This story was originally published on August 21, 2023, and most recently updated on August 4, 2025.

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