Berczy Park – Home Home sweet sweet home

Meta Description: Get ready for an epic weekend getaway to Toronto, Canada! This guide for travelers is packed with insider tips, a money-saving itinerary, public transit maps, and hidden gems to make your Toronto trip unforgettable. Optimize your escape to the 6ix with our expert advice.

“The 6ix” is a popular nickname for Toronto, Canada. It was popularized by Toronto-born rapper Drake.

The name has two main origins:

Area Codes: It’s a reference to the city’s original and most common area code, 416, which contains the number six.
Municipalities: It also refers to the six municipalities that were amalgamated into the present-day City of Toronto in 1998: Old Toronto, Etobicoke, East York, North York, Scarborough, and York.

While Drake brought the term into the mainstream and made it known worldwide, it has since become a symbol of local pride and identity for Torontonians.

So, you’ve got a weekend to spare and a craving for poutine? Excellent choice. Toronto isn’t just Canada’s biggest city; it’s a sprawling, diverse, and wonderfully chaotic mosaic of neighbourhoods, cultures, and experiences. Trying to “do Toronto” in a weekend is like trying to eat a whole peameal bacon sandwich in one bite—ambitious, messy, and incredibly satisfying if you do it right.

I’ve visited Toronto more times than I can count, from blurry college weekends to more refined (read: I need a comfortable bed) adult getaways. This guide is the culmination of all those trips, designed to maximize your fun and minimize your logistical headaches. Let’s dive into your perfect weekend escape.

First Things First: Pre-Trip Intel

Visas: Most US and European citizens don’t need a visa for short tourist visits to Canada, but you do need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if you’re flying in. It’s a simple online process that costs $7 CAD and is valid for five years. Always check the official Government of Canada website for the most current info.

Affordable Flights & Stays: I always start my search for flight and hotel bundles on Expedia. You can often snag a great deal for a downtown hotel, which is worth the extra cost to save on transit time. Check out current Toronto deals here.

Travel Insurance: ✈️ Smart Travel Tip: No matter where your adventures take you, having the right travel insurance can save you from unexpected headaches (and bills). I personally recommend VisitorsCoverage — it’s a trusted platform where you can compare plans, find coverage that fits your trip, and book it in just a few clicks. Whether you’re planning a quick city escape or a longer international journey, it’s peace of mind worth packing.

Staying Connected: ✈️ Travel Tip: Staying connected abroad can be tricky (and expensive if you’re relying on airport SIM counters or roaming). That’s why I carry a Drimsim—a universal SIM card that works in 190+ countries without hidden fees. You just pop it into your phone, top up through the app, and you’re online wherever your adventure takes you. No more hunting for local SIM cards or stressing over roaming bills. If you’re planning your next getaway, check it out here.

The Best Time to Visit Toronto (Without the Crowds)

When I first planned my trip, I was dead-set on a summer escape. But after some research and a little bit of luck, I realized the shoulder seasons are where it’s at. My personal recommendation? May or September.

Hotels in Toronto

The weather is just about perfect—warm but not that “I’m going to melt into a puddle” kind of humid. The summer crowds have either not arrived yet or are gone, which means shorter lines at the CN Tower and more breathing room at St. Lawrence Market. Plus, the foliage in the fall is absolutely breathtaking. Trust me, the ‘gram will thank you.

Your Weekend Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Friday Evening: Hit the Ground Running

Check into your hotel, drop your bags, and head straight out. Your mission: dinner and drinks. Skip the overly touristy spots and head into the Entertainment District or King West for a buzzing atmosphere. For a truly Toronto experience, find a pub and order a BeaverTail (a delicious fried pastry, don’t worry, it’s vegan) for dessert—it’s a Canadian classic.

If you’re feeling energetic, see if you can catch a last-minute show. The city is full of live music and comedy. I once stumbled into a tiny jazz bar on Richmond Street and had one of the most memorable nights of my trip.

Saturday: Iconic Sights & Hidden Lanes

Morning (9:00 AM): Fuel up with a coffee and breakfast sandwich from one of the city’s countless independent cafes. Then, make your way to the CN Tower. Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you must do it. The view is the best orientation you can get of the city and Lake Ontario. Pro tip: Book your tickets online in advance to skip the longest queues.

Afternoon (1:00 PM): From the CN Tower, walk through the PATH—Toronto’s underground city—to escape the cold or heat. Pop up at the Eaton Centre if you need a shopping fix, but I recommend heading instead to the St. Lawrence Market (a 15-minute walk or short streetcar ride). This is where Torontonians shop. Grab a famous peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery and explore the stalls. It’s a feast for the senses.

Hidden Gem Alert: Just a few blocks from the market, find Berczy Park and its famous dog fountain. It’s a whimsical, perfect photo op that most tourists miss.

Evening (6:00 PM): For dinner, head to Kensington Market. This isn’t a single building; it’s a bohemian, colourful neighbourhood packed with vintage clothing stores, quirky cafes, and incredible, affordable international food. It feels like a different world. After, grab a drink at a local bar—the people-watching is unparalleled.

The CN Tower stands tall between two urban buildings, illuminated by warm lights against a twilight sky. — The iconic CN Tower towering between downtown buildings in Toronto, Canada. The iconic CN Tower dominates the skyline, lit up against a moody evening sky. This is the view you’ll never forget.

Interior view of a modern shopping complex with a high, white lattice ceiling and large glass windows, showcasing plants and visitors walking through the space. — The vibrant interior of the PATH, Toronto’s extensive underground pedestrian walkway, featuring unique architecture and bustling shops.

A busy shopping mall with a glass ceiling, featuring escalators and a large flock of birds hanging from the ceiling. Shoppers and visitors are seen walking throughout the space. — The bustling interior of the Toronto Eaton Centre, showcasing its iconic glass ceiling and vibrant shopping experience. The stunning glass-vaulted ceiling of the CF Toronto Eaton Centre makes even a shopping trip feel grand. This is a Toronto landmark you have to see for yourself.

A delicious peameal bacon sandwich with cheese and green onions on a bun, placed on a wooden cutting board. — A delicious peameal bacon sandwich featuring crispy bacon, cheese, and green onions, served on a freshly baked bun.

A beautifully lit fountain at night, surrounded by trees and modern buildings in an urban setting. — A beautifully illuminated fountain surrounded by skyscrapers in Toronto, showcasing the city’s vibrant nightlife. Discover the whimsical, bone-shaped fountain at Berczy Park, a beloved and Instagram-famous spot tucked between Toronto’s historic Gooderham Building and the financial district’s skyscrapers.

Colorful row houses featuring vibrant street art and graffiti in a Toronto neighborhood. — Colorful street art adorns the walls of vibrant buildings in Toronto’s eclectic neighborhoods. You haven’t truly experienced Toronto until you’ve wandered the vibrant, bohemian streets of Kensington Market, where every wall tells a story.

Sunday: Island Time & Market Madness

Morning (10:00 AM): Take the ferry to the Toronto Islands. This is Toronto’s best escape valve. Rent a bike or just wander the car-free paths. The view of the city skyline from the islands is unbeatable. Centre Island is great for families, but Ward’s Island has a quieter, community-like feel with beautiful cottage-style homes.

Afternoon (2:00 PM): Head back to the mainland and, if you have time, explore the Distillery District. This pedestrian-only village of Victorian industrial buildings is now home to art galleries, restaurants, and cafes. It’s charming, romantic, and the perfect place to pick up a last-minute souvenir.

A scenic view of the Toronto Islands with a boat sailing in the foreground, surrounded by calm waters and autumn foliage. — A scenic view of the Toronto Islands with a boat cruising through the tranquil waters, offering a glimpse of nature amidst the city. Just a short ferry ride from the downtown core, the Toronto Islands offer a stunning perspective of the skyline and a peaceful retreat into nature.

View of the CN Tower peeking through lush greenery near the Toronto Islands, with the city skyline in the background. — A serene view of the Toronto skyline featuring the CN Tower, framed by lush greenery from the Toronto Islands.

A serene view of a coastal area with a sandy beach, surrounded by lush greenery and azure waters, featuring small boats and sailboats in the distance. — A scenic view of the Toronto Islands with lush greenery and a clear blue lake, perfect for a weekend getaway.

A large sculpture resembling an abstract creature with a spherical head made of wire, set against a backdrop of modern high-rise buildings and a cloudy sky in the Distillery District of Toronto. — A striking sculpture in the Distillery District of Toronto, showcasing the blend of art and architecture against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers. The Distillery District’s preserved Victorian industrial buildings are a perfect stage for modern art, creating a dynamic contrast with Toronto’s ever-evolving skyline.

Getting Around Toronto: TTC, Uber, or Your Own Two Feet?

Toronto is a very walkable city if you stick to the core. For everything else, the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) is your best friend.

The Subway: Your fastest north-south and east-west option. The Line 1 (Yonge-University) is the main spine.
Street Cars: These are not just tourist attractions; they are a vital part of the transit system. The 501 Queen streetcar is a classic route that takes you across the entire downtown core. You need to pre-pay your fare at the machine at each stop before boarding.
Presto Card: This is the reloadable payment card for all transit in the Greater Toronto Area. You can buy one at any subway station. A single adult fare is $3.30, and there’s a two-hour transfer window. It’s far more convenient than fumbling for change.
Rideshare/Taxi: Uber and Lyft are widely available and useful for late-night trips or if you’re in a hurry.
Driving: I do not recommend driving in downtown Toronto on a weekend. Traffic is heavy, parking is astronomically expensive ($30-$40 a day in lots), and navigating the one-way streets is a headache. Save the rental car for a Niagara Falls day trip another time.

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Map of the 501 Queen streetcar route in Toronto, Canada, including stops and connections. — Map of the 501 Queen streetcar route in Toronto, showcasing major stops and connections.

Money-Saving Secrets & Pro Tips

CityPASS: If you plan to visit the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Casa Loma, and the Royal Ontario Museum, the Toronto CityPASS saves you almost 50% on combined admission.
Free Attractions: The CF Toronto Eaton Centre is an architectural marvel to see, and people-watching at Nathan Phillips Square (home of the “TORONTO” sign) is free. Many museums have free or “pay-what-you-can” nights.
Eat Smart: Some of the best food is found in markets (like St. Lawrence or Kensington) or food courts, not fancy restaurants.
Bring a reusable water bottle – Toronto’s tap water is perfectly safe and delicious.

A Few Helpful Local Lingo Words

TTC: Toronto Transit Commission (the subway, streetcars, and buses).
The 6ix: A nickname for Toronto, popularized by rapper Drake.
Two-Four: A case of 24 beers. You probably won’t need this on a weekend trip, but it’s very Canadian.
Loonie & Toonie: The $1 coin (Loonie) and $2 coin (Toonie). Canada is a coin-based society for small purchases.
Hydro: This means electricity. Don’t be confused if someone says “hydro’s out.”
“Eh?”: The classic Canadian conversational tag. Used to ask for confirmation or agreement. “It’s a great day for a walk, eh?”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Toronto?
A: Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal. The weather is mild, perfect for walking, and the summer tourist crowds have thinned out. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is very cold but festive.

Q: Is Toronto an expensive city?
A: It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Accommodation is your biggest cost. By using transit, eating at markets, and leveraging free activities, you can manage your budget effectively.

Q: How do I get from Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) to downtown?
A: The UP Express (Union Pearson Express) train is the fastest way. It takes about 25 minutes to get to Union Station downtown. A taxi or Uber will take longer and cost significantly more, especially in traffic.

Q: Can I use US dollars in Toronto?
A: Some big tourist spots might accept them, but the exchange rate will be terrible. You are always better off using Canadian dollars. Use your credit card (which gets the best rate) or withdraw CAD from an ATM.

Q: What if my flight to Toronto gets delayed or canceled?
A: ✈️ Flight Delayed or Canceled? Travel isn’t always smooth sailing—sometimes flights get delayed, canceled, or overbooked. The good news? You might be entitled to compensation under air passenger rights. Most travelers never claim it, but I’ve got you covered: just check your flight with AirHelp. They handle the paperwork, fight the airlines for you, and only get paid if you win. Easy, stress-free, and potentially a nice surprise for your travel fund. Check your flight eligibility here.

A Final Word & My Travel Essentials

There you have it—a blueprint for an incredible weekend in Toronto. It’s a city that rewards curiosity, so don’t be afraid to wander down a side street or chat with a local. They’re famously friendly.

Before you go, a note on staying safe online while traveling: I never connect to public Wi-Fi without my VPN. It keeps my data secure from prying eyes, especially when I’m booking last-minute tickets or checking my bank account. I use and trust NordVPN. You can check out their travel-friendly plans here.

And finally, all those stunning photos of the CN Tower skyline? I shot them with my trusty Sony Alpha a7III. It’s the perfect travel camera—powerful yet relatively lightweight. See more details on this camera here.

Now, go book that trip! Toronto is waiting for you.

Find the best deals on your Toronto weekend getaway with Expedia.

Nearby Escapes: Expanding Your Canadian Adventure</a>

While a weekend in Toronto is amazing, if you have a little more time, consider these nearby spots:

Niagara Falls: It’s an absolute classic for a reason. You can take a day trip from Toronto, with most tours including a stop at the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Just a heads up, the drive can take a while, so plan accordingly.
Ottawa: Canada’s capital city is a must-see if you’re into history and beautiful architecture. It’s a bit of a longer drive, but well worth it.
Montreal: For a taste of French culture, take a flight or train to Montreal. It’s a truly unique North American city with a fantastic food scene and an old-world charm.