01Outdoors · DAY 1 IDEA
201 Winchester St
Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm is a turn-of-the-20th-century Ontario farm and the site of Toronto's first zoo. Attractions include demonstrations of milking, cream separating, butter-making, egg collecting, sheep shearing, wool spinning and dying, amongst others. There is no parking on the grounds, but street parking is available near by. There is an onsite store and restaurant, Shop at the Farm and Farm Kitchen, in Simpson House (daily 10AM-4PM), and a weekly Farmer's Market (Tuesdays, May 10 - Oct, 3:30-7PM. Riverdale farm is a working farm, with barns and outdoor paddocks, and animals of all types.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
02Outdoors · DAY 1 IDEA
19 Horticultural Ave
Allan Gardens
Allan Gardens is a conservatory containing six greenhouses on large landscaped grounds. The greenhouses contain plants native to many different countries and from different climactic regions of the world. Countries represented include Australia, Brazil, China, Mexico, and many others. On any given day one is likely to come across frolicking squirrels or birds that have found their way in through the doors. The ponds are home to turtles and fish and, if you look up, you just might see a snoozing raccoon. Allan Gardens is wheelchair accessible.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
03Neighborhoods · DAY 1 IDEA
55 Mill St
Distillery District
The Distillery District is a historic and entertainment precinct. It contains numerous cafés, restaurants and shops, as well as art galleries and a theatre, all housed within heritage buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery. The 13 acres (5.3 ha) district comprises more than forty heritage buildings and ten streets, and is the largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture in North America. The district was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1988. Walking tours are available from the Distillery Visitor Centre.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
04Food · DAY 2 IDEA
92–95 Front St E
St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market has been bringing fresh foods into the city for Torontonians and visitors alike since 1901. Located at Jarvis and Front, the market stretches over 2 buildings, an older main building on the south side of Front St., and a modern north building directly across the street. The main building has over 50 specialty vendors, with a large seafood section, a dozen butchers, several bakeries, and three very extensive cheese shops.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
05Culture · DAY 2 IDEA
Toronto
Toronto International Festival of Authors
One of the largest literary festivals in the world. The annual festival attracts many well-known and up-and-coming authors, with a focus on Canadian and Indigenous authors. Events included author readings and discussions, writing workshops, book club meetings, events for children and families, and audio walking tours of Toronto neighbourhoods that inspired stories about the city. The festival's Instagram page @festofauthors sometimes hosts live online events and announces updates throughout the year.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
