The short version
Four or five nights is the right length for a Toronto city break: enough for the downtown sights, a day on the islands and a day trip to Niagara Falls, without rushing. Summer and early autumn are the easiest times to go. December is good too, if you don't mind the cold, thanks to the Christmas market in the Distillery District.
Is Toronto too far for a short break?
Not really. Direct flights from London take about eight hours, and there are direct flights from several other UK airports too, including Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Coming home is quicker, at around seven hours.
Toronto is five hours behind the UK, and flying west is the easy way for jet lag: you arrive in the afternoon, stay up until a sensible bedtime and usually feel fine the next day. The overnight flight home is the tiring part, so leave a quiet day after you get back.
British passport holders need an eTA to fly to Canada, which you apply for online before you go. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.
Day 1: downtown and the waterfront
Start at the CN Tower for the view over the city and Lake Ontario, ideally on a clear morning. Ripley's Aquarium is right next door. In the afternoon, walk along the Harbourfront, then head up to the St Lawrence Market for food. The market is one of the best places in the city for lunch.
Day 2: the Toronto Islands
A short ferry from the foot of the city takes you to the Toronto Islands, a string of car-free islands with beaches, cycle paths and the best view back to the skyline. Hire a bike, walk the boardwalk on Ward's Island, and stay for the sunset. In summer, Centre Island has a small amusement park for children. The ferries run all year, though less often in winter.
Day 3: Niagara Falls
The falls are about 90 minutes away by car or coach, and the GO train runs there in summer. Go early to beat the crowds, take the boat trip up to the foot of the falls (you'll get wet), and if you have time, stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a pretty small town among vineyards, on the way back.
Days 4 and 5: neighbourhoods and museums
Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, and much of the fun is wandering:
- Kensington Market and Chinatown for food from all over the world, vintage shops and street art.
- The Royal Ontario Museum for dinosaurs, world cultures and an unforgettable building.
- The Distillery District, with its cobbled streets and old red-brick buildings, now full of cafés and galleries.
- High Park for a walk, especially in autumn colours or cherry blossom season in spring.
In the evening, catch a hockey or baseball game if one is on, or a show in the theatre district.
When to go
- Summer (June to August): warm, with island beaches and festivals most weekends. The busiest time.
- Autumn (September and October): quieter, with lovely colours in the parks and around Niagara.
- Winter (November to March): properly cold, but the city keeps going indoors, and there's outdoor skating. The Distillery Winter Village runs from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
- Spring (April and May): can be chilly and changeable, but hotels are cheaper.
Getting around
The UP Express train runs from Pearson airport to Union Station in the centre in about 25 minutes. After that, the subway and streetcars cover most of what you'll want to see, and downtown is easy to walk. You don't need a car unless you want to explore beyond Niagara.
Toronto or somewhere else?
If you're weighing Toronto against New York, Boston or Montreal, our city breaks page and Canada holiday ideas have the details. Can't agree? Add them all to your list on somewhere🎉, let everyone share out their points, and let the draw pick.
