3 Days in Toronto Itinerary including Niagara Falls (2026)
Toronto works well for a short trip. I spent several days here staying with a friend who showed me the city’s highlights from a local’s perspective. I discovered that Canada’s largest city has colourful neighbourhoods, a working waterfront, a great food scene and lively nightlife. Combined with a day trip to Niagara Falls, you can enjoy a balance between city life and one of Canada’s most iconic natural sights. Here are my tips on where to stay and what to do on a 3 days in Toronto itinerary.
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Quick overview of this 3 days in Toronto itinerary
- Day 1: Day 1: Enjoy the waterfront, Kensington Market and the Entertainment District
- Day 2: Climb the CN Tower and visit the Distillery District
- Day 3: Take a day trip to Niagara Falls
Visiting Toronto for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Toronto is hosting six matches at Toronto Stadium between 12 June and 2 July 2026, starting with Canada’s first ever home World Cup game. The city will also welcome world class teams including Germany and Croatia. There will be a free FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York National Historic Site, which is worth dropping into even if you don’t have match tickets.
If you’re in town for the World Cup and wondering what to do with the rest of your time, this itinerary is for you. You’ll have two focused days in the city and a day trip to Niagara Falls, which is just 90 minutes away.
How to get to Toronto
If you are travelling from within Canada, VIA Rail connects Toronto with major cities including Montreal (around 5-6 hours) and Ottawa (around 4-5 hours), with all services arriving at Union Station in the heart of downtown. Long-distance coaches from cities across Canada and the US arrive at the Union Station Bus Terminal right next door. As part of our Canada itinerary, we flew from Calgary to Toronto which takes around 3.5 hours.
Amtrak’s Maple Leaf train service runs daily between New York City and Toronto, taking 12-13 hours. Otherwise, most international visitors will arrive at Toronto Pearson International Airport, the largest airport in Canada.
The cheapest way into the city centre from the airport is to catch the Union Pearson Express, a direct train that takes 25 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. If you’re arriving late at night or travelling with a lot of luggage, book a private airport transfer into the city in advance for peace of mind.
Where to stay in Toronto
The best area to stay for this 3 days in Toronto itinerary is downtown, keeping you within easy reach of the waterfront, the CN Tower and the Entertainment District. If you are visiting during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, book well in advance as prices will rise significantly around match dates.
One King West Hotel & Residence is a boutique hotel with a lot of character in the heart of the Financial and Entertainment Districts. Equally central is the Hyatt Regency Toronto which has a rooftop pool open in the summer months.
If you’re travelling on a backpacker’s budget like I was, The Clarence Park is a well-located hostel that’s liked for its clean and friendly vibe.
Explore the map below to find the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Toronto:
Planning your 3 days in Toronto itinerary
Toronto is compact and walkable, though there’s also a subway and tram network (known locally as streetcars) if you prefer. This itinerary starts at the waterfront before heading to Kensington Market for lunch, then ending the evening in the Entertainment District. Day 2 is based around the CN Tower and the Distillery District, then it’s a day trip to Niagara Falls, just 90 minutes away.
Day 1: Waterfront, Kensington Market and the Entertainment District
The first day of this 3 days in Toronto itinerary takes you from the lakefront to one of the city’s most eclectic neighbourhoods for lunch. We end the evening in the area where Toronto’s nightlife is at its best.
Morning: Explore the waterfront
Start your first day at Toronto’s waterfront, a pleasant stretch along the edge of Lake Ontario. The lake is vast enough to feel like a sea, and on a clear day the views are impressive.
From here you will also get your first look at the CN Tower rising above the city skyline.
Midday: Kensington Market and Chinatown
From the waterfront, jump on the streetcar north to Kensington Market. This bohemian neighbourhood is a patchwork of vintage clothing stores, independent grocers and street food stalls selling produce from every corner of the world. I particularly liked the bubbles of the colourful Dancing Days store.
From Kensington it’s a short walk into Chinatown for a lunch of dim sum or a bowl of pho before spending the afternoon browsing the market’s shops and stalls.
Evening: Nightlife in the Entertainment District
Head back south to the Entertainment District along King Street West for the evening. This is Toronto’s hub for bars, restaurants and live music. Try a classic Canadian poutine for dinner – this is a main course of fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy.
Day 2: CN Tower and the Distillery District
On the second day of your 3 day Toronto itinerary, you’ll ascend the CN Tower before spending a relaxed afternoon in the Distillery District.
Morning: Go up the CN Tower
No Toronto itinerary is complete without a visit to the CN Tower. At 553 metres it held the record as the world’s tallest free-standing structure for over 30 years.
Take the glass-fronted lift to the LookOut Level for panoramic views across the city and Lake Ontario. I have been to the top of a few skyscrapers during my travels and the views from CN Tower really are worth it.
You can book a guided walking tour of Toronto including entrance to CN Tower here.
If your nerve holds, step onto the Glass Floor – a section of transparent floor that gives you a stomach-dropping view straight down to the city streets below.
The brave can even book the EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk along the outer edge of the tower’s main pod, harnessed but fully exposed to the open air.
Afternoon: The Distillery District
A short streetcar ride east from the CN Tower brings you to the Distillery District.
Built on the site of a Victorian-era distillery, this pedestrianised neighbourhood of red brick buildings is now home to galleries, independent cafés and boutiques. It’s a good place to spend a slow afternoon appreciating its public art installations.
Evening: Dinner in Little Italy
Rounding off the day, head to Little Italy on College Street for an Aperol spritz and a relaxed dinner at one of its Italian restaurants.
Day 3: Day trip to Niagara Falls
The last day of your Toronto itinerary will be a trip to Niagara Falls. At just 90 minutes from the city, it’s one of the most accessible natural wonders of the world.
Getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto
The easiest way to get to Niagara Falls and back from Toronto in a day is by guided tour, which handles all the logistics. If you prefer to go independently, Niagara Falls is a 90-minute drive from Toronto or you can take the low-cost Megabus, like we did, which takes 1.5-2 hours. From the Niagara Falls Ontario train and bus station you can take a taxi or walk 30 minutes south by the riverbank along the scenic Niagara Parkway until you see the falls.
Book your guided day trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls here.
What to do at Niagara Falls
The classic way to experience the falls up close is on the Hornblower boat ride. It’s exhilarating travelling to the base of the thunderous American Falls and Horseshoe Falls – though. Even though they give you a waterproof poncho, be warned: getting wet is unavoidable.
Read my guide on what to wear to Niagara Falls so you’re not in soggy clothes & shoes all day.
Another way to experience Niagara Falls is by helicopter ride with an audio guide. There’s also the Niagara SkyWheel which has pods with floor-to-ceiling windows so you can admire the falls. Finally, why not dine with a view of the falls from the Skylon Tower‘s revolving restaurant. Included in the price of your meal is a visit to the observation deck.
For a special trip book a helicopter ride, boat ride and lunch at Skylon Tower here.
Frequently asked questions about a 3 day Toronto itinerary
How many days do I need for Toronto?
I spent a week in Toronto and it was more than enough. Three days is the sweet spot for a first visit – it lets you explore some of its colourful neighbourhoods, admire the watefront, climb the CN Tower and take a day trip to Niagara Falls. You’ll also be able to experience the city’s food scene and lively nightlife.
What is the best time to visit Toronto?
The best time to visit Toronto is between June and September, when the weather is warm and the city’s outdoor spaces and waterfront are at their best. July and August are the busiest months. May and October are quieter with mild temperatures and are great for budget travellers.
How much does a trip to Toronto cost?
Toronto is not a cheap city – we were travelling on a budget and we were surprised. Even if you have a drink sitting at the bar, the barman will expect a tip which is not normal in Europe, so even the price on the bill isn’t the final amount you need to pay. That said, for experiences like CN Tower and Niagara Falls, it’s worth it.
Is Toronto safe for solo travellers?
Toronto is one of the safest major cities in North America. I didn’t travel here solo, but found the main tourist areas are well-lit, well-policed and easy to navigate. As always, keep an eye on your belongings and avoid poorly lit areas late at night.
Final thoughts on a 3 days in Toronto itinerary
Toronto is a city that’s easy to get to know quickly. It doesn’t shout about itself the way New York or London does, but it has more character than you might think.
From neighbourhoods like Kensington Market to the views from the CN Tower and the waterfront, you’ll get a clear sense of its vibe in a short time. With the addition of a day at Niagara Falls, three days is enough to enjoy a well-paced itinerary that feels complete.
