Toronto Bucket List: 10 Things You’ll Actually Want to Do
There are two types of Toronto bucket lists. The ones written by people who think standing in line for an ice cream cone counts as a personality, and the ones that help you make the most of the city without falling asleep halfway through.
This is the second kind. Whether you’re a local trying to mix it up or a tourist looking for more than just overpriced souvenirs, here are ten things to do in Toronto that are fun, unique, and occasionally weird in the best way.
Let’s kick it off with something on the water.
1. Float Through the City on a Tiki Boat
This isn’t a joke. Yes we put ourselves first and yes we put a tiki bar on a boat! It has a captain, a bartender, a sound system, and a palm-covered roof. It’s called Palapa Tours, and it might be the only thing keeping summer in Toronto from turning into an overpriced patio hunt.
It’s a 90-minute cruise around the harbour with your friends, your playlist, and your drink of choice. There’s no tourist voiceover, no strangers bumping into you, and no dress code. You can sip a margarita in a lei and sunglasses while watching the skyline drift by. Try doing that on a streetcar.
Why it’s a must: It’s the most fun you can have in the city without technically leaving it.
2. Walk on the Edge of the CN Tower (Literally)
The CN Tower is great from the ground, but it gets way better when you strap into a harness and walk around the outside of it. It’s called EdgeWalk, and yes, it’s terrifying in the best way.
You’ll be 116 stories up, walking hands-free around a five-foot wide ledge. If you scream, we won’t judge.
Why it’s a must: It’s the only time screaming in public with strangers actually brings people closer together.
3. Eat Your Way Through Kensington Market
Kensington is a glorious mashup of global snacks, street art, thrift stores, and people wearing outfits that look like a Tumblr feed from 2013 in the best possible way. You’ll find tacos, dumplings, empanadas, vintage boots, and a psychic all on the same block.
Show up hungry and leave with a tote bag full of things you didn’t plan to buy.
Why it’s a must: There’s nowhere else in Toronto where you can eat jerk chicken, buy a disco ball, and get a tattoo all before lunch.
4. Visit the Toronto Islands (and Maybe Get Lost)
Hop on a ferry and head to the Toronto Islands for a break from the city without actually leaving it. There are beaches, boardwalks, picnic spots, and paths that seem to loop into each other like someone built them in The Sims.
Rent a bike, bring snacks, or just wander until you find a beach volleyball game or a raccoon that’s judging your life choices.
Why it’s a must: It feels like a mini vacation with a skyline view.
5. Catch a Jays Game at Rogers Centre
Even if you don’t know anything about baseball, going to a Blue Jays game is still a vibe. The roof might be open, the hot dogs are suspiciously good, and the guy two rows behind you will definitely be yelling things like “Let’s go, Bo!” all night.
It’s cheap-ish, loud in a fun way, and you can wear a jersey even if you’ve never watched a full game.
Why it’s a must: Because every Toronto local is contractually obligated to own at least one piece of Jays merch.
6. Get Slightly Tipsy at a Distillery District Tasting
The Distillery District looks like it was built for Instagram, and we’re not mad about it. The cobblestone streets, old brick buildings, string lights, and craft everything make it feel like you’re walking through a Pinterest board.
Come for the vibes, stay for the whiskey tastings, gin flights, and chocolate that’s too pretty to eat but you’ll eat it anyway.
Why it’s a must: It’s a drinking tour disguised as culture. Everybody wins.
7. Rent a Kayak and Immediately Question Your Upper Body Strength
You can rent a kayak or paddleboard from multiple spots along the waterfront and pretend you’re a fitness influencer for a couple hours. The water is calm, the views are ridiculous, and the seagulls have major main character energy.
Just remember to apply sunscreen or you will become a cautionary tale.
Why it’s a must: You’ll get amazing photos, sore shoulders, and an inflated sense of athleticism.
8. Go Museum-Hopping Like a Classy Adult
The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) are both worth a visit. One has dinosaur bones and mummies, the other has Warhols and weird modern stuff that makes you pretend to understand feelings.
Whichever you choose, you’ll leave with a little more culture and probably a keychain.
Why it’s a must: You can say “I went to a museum this weekend” and sound like you have your life together.
9. Chase the Sunset at Polson Pier
This is the spot for skyline photos that make people say, “Wait, is that Toronto?” Whether you’re here for date night, drone shots, or just to sit in silence and avoid texts, Polson Pier delivers.
Bring a blanket, a snack, and someone you like. Or just come alone and feel things.
Why it’s a must: It’s the kind of view that makes you forgive Toronto traffic for a few minutes.
10. Visit Stackt Market and Pretend You’re a Trendsetter
Stackt is an outdoor market made entirely of shipping containers, which sounds weird until you realize it’s full of beer, streetwear, ice cream, and pop-ups you’ll pretend you discovered first.
Every time you go, something new is there. It might be a plant shop, a dumpling truck, or a live DJ set. Just roll with it.
Why it’s a must: It’s like Toronto’s cool younger cousin who travels a lot and always has a new haircut.
Final Thoughts
This city has no shortage of stuff to do, but these ten picks give you a mix of the iconic, the unexpected, and the “why didn’t we do this sooner” kind of energy.
And if you only check one thing off this list, make it the tiki boat. Because let’s be honest — you can see a museum any time. But sipping a cocktail while floating past the CN Tower? That’s how you do Toronto right.
Ready to float? Book your Palapa Tour now. We’ll bring the boat. You bring the crew.
