Toronto & Montreal, Canada 9-day travel plan covering Top attractions and Hidden Gems in Toronto, ON (2026)

Day 1 starts at CN Tower at 9 AM - allow 90 mins for stunning views. Travel to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, just a 5-minute walk away, arriving by 11 AM (allow 2 hours). Afterward, take a 15-minute streetcar ride (~$3.25 CAD) to St. Lawrence Market North, arriving by 1:30 PM - allow 1 hour to explore local vendors.

Attractions

CN Tower

Experience breathtaking views of Toronto from the observation deck of one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Dive into an underwater world with thousands of marine animals, featuring immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences.

St. Lawrence Market North

Explore one of the best food markets in the world, filled with local vendors selling fresh produce, gourmet food, and artisanal products.

Day 2 starts at Toronto Islands at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for exploration. Take a 15-minute ferry ride (~$8 CAD) to reach the Royal Ontario Museum by 11:30 AM - enjoy 3 hours of exhibits. After, take a 15-minute TTC streetcar (~$3.25 CAD) to the Art Gallery of Ontario by 3 PM - spend 2 hours admiring the art.

Attractions

Toronto Islands

Enjoy a peaceful escape from the city with beautiful parks, beaches, and stunning skyline views across the water.

Royal Ontario Museum

Discover a world of culture and natural history through fascinating exhibits spanning diverse cultures and time periods.

Art Gallery of Ontario

Experience an impressive collection of Canadian and international art set in a stunning architectural space designed by Frank Gehry.

Day 3 starts at Distillery District at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore boutiques and cafes. Travel 15 minutes by taxi (~$15 CAD) to High Park by 11 AM for a 2-hour leisurely walk among trails and gardens. Afterward, take a 10-minute taxi ride (~$10 CAD) to Kensington Market at 1:30 PM, where you can enjoy local shops and eateries for 90 minutes.

Attractions

Distillery District

Step back in time in this historic area filled with Victorian-era buildings, unique boutiques, and artisan food shops.

High Park

Explore Toronto's largest public park, featuring beautiful gardens, wooded areas, and a lovely lakefront, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks.

Kensington Market

Discover one of Toronto's most vibrant neighborhoods filled with multicultural shops, street art, and delicious food vendors offering international cuisines.

Day 4 starts at Casa Loma (closest to city center) at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the castle and gardens. Travel 15 minutes by taxi (~$15 CAD) to Toronto Botanical Garden at 11:30 AM - enjoy 1.5 hours amidst beautiful landscapes. Finally, head to Bata Shoe Museum by taxi (~$10 CAD) for a 30-minute ride, arriving around 1:30 PM - allow 1 hour to discover unique footwear history.

Attractions

Casa Loma

Visit this stunning Gothic Revival castle, complete with beautiful gardens, secret passageways, and breathtaking architecture.

Toronto Botanical Garden

A hidden gem featuring 17 acres of beautiful gardens, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the urban hustle.

Bata Shoe Museum

Explore an expansive collection of footwear from around the world, showcasing the cultural significance of shoes throughout history.

Start at Hockey Hall of Fame at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore. Take a 15-minute taxi (~$10 CAD) to Evergreen Brick Works, arriving around 11 AM; enjoy the site for 2 hours. Depart by taxi at 1 PM for AGO Events, a 20-minute ride (~$15 CAD), and engage in activities from 1:30 PM for 1 hour. Each attraction is well-placed near the city center.

Attractions

Hockey Hall of Fame

Celebrate Canada’s beloved sport with interactive exhibits honoring hockey legends and a collection of memorabilia.

Evergreen Brick Works

Discover a former brick factory transformed into a community space with trails, gardens, and a farmers’ market, ideal for nature lovers.

AGO Events

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Canadian landscape through the works of the iconic Group of Seven artists.

Day 6 starts at Ontario Science Centre at 9 AM - allow 2 hours for exploring. Take a 20-minute taxi (~$25 CAD) to Liberty Village at 11:30 AM - enjoy local shops and cafes for 90 minutes. At 1:30 PM, head to the Distillery District, a 15-minute taxi ride (~$15 CAD) to wander its historic streets for 2 hours.

Attractions

Ontario Science Centre

Engage with interactive science exhibits and experience fun, hands-on activities for learners of all ages.

Liberty Village

Explore this trendy neighborhood filled with chic shops, vibrant restaurants, and an artsy atmosphere perfect for casual strolling and dining.

Distillery District

An historic area featuring Victorian industrial architecture, galleries, shops, and eateries.

Start Day 7 at High Park at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to enjoy the gardens and trails. Travel to Evergreen Brick Works (11:30 AM) via a 25-minute taxi ride (~$25 CAD) for 3 hours exploring nature and local markets. Finally, head to St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts at 3 PM with a 20-minute taxi ride (~$20 CAD) to enjoy a performance or art exhibit for 2 hours. All attractions are ordered by proximity to the city center.

Attractions

High Park

A large public park featuring hiking trails, a lake, and beautiful gardens, ideal for a picnic.

Evergreen Brick Works

An ecological haven with walking trails, a farmer's market, and various community events.

St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts

A major venue for music, dance, and theatre, showcasing local and international talent.

Day 1 in Montreal starts at Mount Royal Park at 9 AM - allow 2 hours to explore the park's views and trails. Travel 15 minutes by taxi (~$15 CAD) to Notre-Dame Basilica at 11:30 AM, with a 1-hour visit for its stunning architecture. After lunch, stroll for 15 minutes to Old Montreal at 1 PM - enjoy 3 hours wandering its cobblestone streets, shops, and cafes.

Attractions

Mount Royal Park

Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city from the summit and explore beautiful trails in this expansive urban park.

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Experience the breathtaking interior of this historic basilica, known for its stunning stained glass and impressive architecture.

Old Montreal

Wander through cobbled streets lined with charming boutiques, cafés, and historical architecture that brings the city's rich history to life.

Day 2 starts at Jean Talon Market at 9 AM - allow 90 minutes to explore local produce and cuisine. Travel via metro from Jean Talon to Peel station (15 min, ~$3 CAD). Next, visit Montreal Museum of Fine Arts at 11 AM for a 2-hour art experience. Head to Lachine Canal at 1:30 PM for a leisurely 2-hour stroll or bike ride along the water. Take a taxi to Lachine Canal (15 min, ~$10 CAD).

Attractions

Jean Talon Market

Discover one of the largest public markets in North America, featuring fresh produce and delightful local delicacies.

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Home to an extensive collection of art from various eras, this museum offers a rich cultural experience in a stunning setting.

Lachine Canal

Relax by the scenic waterfront, rent a kayak, or bike along the canal, enjoying Montreal's vibrant outdoor life.

Toronto & Montreal, Canada 9-day travel plan covering Top attractions and Hidden Gems

Trip Highlights

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Attractions

CN Tower

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

St. Lawrence Market North

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9