Things to Do in Toronto This Weekend (When You Have No Other Plans)

If you’re looking for things to do in Toronto this weekend that you probably haven’t done before, this is for you. 

Scavenger hunts like these allow you to explore Toronto never before. Part adventure, part brain workout, you’ll solve riddles, uncover hidden landmarks, and learn quirky facts about the city along the way. 

Plus, you’ll see some really neat stuff that you’ve never noticed before (even if you’re lived in Toronto your whole life).

Toronto’s iconic skating rink is open, and it’s ready for your triple axels—or your vice-like grip on the edge.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, this outdoor rink gives you the chance to get into the holiday spirit against the backdrop of Toronto’s city skyline. And hey, skates are available to rent, so there’s no excuse not to join the fun!

It’ll come as no surprise to anyone that Toronto’s historic castle goes full fairy-tale during the holidays, and you need to see it to believe it.

Wander through dazzling lighting displays in the gardens and tunnels, enjoy spectacular decorations, outdoor lighting displays, live performances and, as always, kids are invited to visit Santa in his castle workshop.

This Toronto institution has been around since 1803 and it is foodie heaven. 

Every Saturday from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Farmers' Market in the North Market building showcases a diverse array of fresh, locally sourced produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and specialty items. 

Engage with passionate vendors, discover seasonal delights, and have a jolly good time eating your way through all the pastries.

Speaking of St Lawrence Market, it’d be remiss of me not to tell you where to get what is my favorite cup of hot chocolate in Toronto–heck, maybe even Ontario. 

ChocoSol’s artisanal drinks are rich, velvety, and unapologetically decadent. One sip, and you’ll understand why people call it liquid happiness (or at least, I do).

Looking for things to do in Toronto this weekend that involve dinosaurs, mummies, or art that speaks to your soul? The ROM has it all. 

Perfect for a dose of culture or to escape the cold with something fascinating, and with over 13 million artifacts and specimens, the ROM offers a rich and educational experience for all ages.

It’s another market suggestion but believe us, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Toronto this weekend, you could do a lot worse than immersing yourself in Toronto's most eclectic neighbourhood, Kensington Market. 

Kensington Market is Toronto’s bohemian playground, filled with eclectic shops, vintage finds, and global cuisine. Explore a myriad of shops filled with vintage clothing, artisanal goods, and international delicacies, and thank us later.

Are you even Canadian if you haven’t been to the Hockey Hall of Fame? 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of the sport or not, Canada’s temple of hockey worship is right up there on the list of iconic places in Toronto. 

It’s home to the Stanley Cup, interactive exhibits, and all of the nostalgia anyone who’s seen a hockey match lives for.

If you’ve had a rough week and you’re in need of a laugh, go seek out some laughs. 

No matter what happened between Monday and Friday, the weekend is yours to let loose. This is where to go if you just want an evening where the entertainment is taken care of, a range of acts and you don’t want to pay outrageous prices for the pleasure. Just don’t sit in the front row unless you’re ready to be roasted.

If you were around in the ‘80s and ‘90s, you’ll remember how great the arcade games were and you probably don’t need any more persuading on this point. But if you weren’t, this is your sign to give it a try. 

Tilt is an awesome venue for reliving your glory days or challenging friends to classic games like Pac-Man and Pinball. No quarters needed, for 10 bucks you get unlimited play. Just be aware that it’s cash only. 

PSST: The deep-fried Mars bars here are the real deal. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.

I’m running out of the number of times I’ve asked Torontonians if they’ve been here only to be asked what on Earth I’m talking about, and I can only assume it’s because they don’t realize how awesome the history of shoes actually is. 

This place contains over 13,000 artifacts spanning 4,500 years with everything from Ancient Egyptian sandals to contemporary designs. And yes, the "Art/Wear: Sneakers x Artists” collab will (probably) make you feel better about your growing collection of sneakers.

Before you give up on finding things to do in Toronto this weekend, check the website to see if there’s something you want to see or do at Toronto Botanical Garden. 

I know botanical gardens aren't the place you first think of visiting during the winter months, but don’t be fooled. Aside from the seasonal displays and walking paths, the Botanical Garden has much more than just beautiful plants. 

They’ve got a whole calendar of events taking place that involve arts and craft workshops, fitness classes, circus performances and, much, much more.

Get extra helpings of festive cheer at The Distillery Winter Village, Toronto's premier festive market. 

Of course, The Distillery District is great any time of the year, but around the holidays, Toronto’s historic Distillery District transforms into a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, artisanal markets, and mulled wine aplenty.

Stroll through the historic Distillery District adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Explore charming vendor cabins offering unique gifts and seasonal treats, and enjoy live entertainment that captures the spirit of the season.

If you’ve ever watched a National Geographic documentary and wanted to climb into the frame there and then to see incredible vistas and wildlife close-ups and stunning architecture, this is for you.

The Spectacle Exhibition lives up to its name by showcasing some truly rare and incredible photographs. And it’s more than just the name of the exhibition, by the way–it’s the theme, so expect incredible scenes of chaos, surprise, beauty and awe all wrapped up in 60 photographs that tell the story of snapshots on Earth.

Hey, it’s a classic for a reason. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Toronto this weekend that bring out your sporting patriotism, this is for you. 

Cheer on the Leafs and join thousands of fans in a symphony of hockey enthusiasm: win or lose, the vibe at Scotiabank Arena is electric.

If you’re more about what happens on the court than on the rink, don’t worry: we’ve got you.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the game, attending a Raptors game offers an unforgettable experience filled with high-flying dunks, clutch three-pointers, and intense competition. Check the Raptors' schedule for upcoming home games and secure your tickets to be part of the action.

Think you know Toronto? Think again. 

We’re not just telling you this because it’s what we do most days. From your front door to the twisting, turning alleys in the middle of the city, there are tons of lesser-known treasures, quirky spots and secret corners out there waiting to be discovered. So go see ‘em!

If you don’t know where to start, we’ve put a bunch of them together into a handy guide.