Things To Do In Toronto During The 2026 World Cup (Beyond The Games)

Toronto is hyped to host some of the FIFA World Cup 2026 games but that doesn’t mean the city is at a standstill. As a local, I can tell you that when you’re not at a match, there is so much happening in Toronto during this time of year.

Whether you’re looking for something to do between games, or you’re traveling with someone who’s at the stadium while you’re on your own for the day, Toronto has you covered.

Here are my top recommendations for making the most of your time in Toronto, from top attractions to things locals like to do. I’ll share with you what to do during the day, where to go in the evening, and where to stay while you’re visiting one of North America’s most multicultural cities.

Things to Do In Toronto During the 2026 World Cup

While Toronto is a large city, most of my recommendations are in the downtown core and if you are staying there, are easy to get to by streetcar, subway or simply by walking.

Top Attractions In Toronto

If you’re planning to visit more than one attraction, consider picking up a Toronto City Pass. The gets you into five top attractions over nine days, a great deal that gives you loads of time to use it.

1. CN Tower

290 Bremner Blvd.
Everyday, 9:30 am to 11 pm, with last entry at 9 pm

The CN Tower is iconic and arguably Toronto’s most famous landmark. Once the tallest freestanding structure in the world (it now ranks in the top 10), it tops everyone’s list for good reason: the view from the observation deck gives you a real sense of the scale and beauty of this city.

If you want a bit more context, a small-group walking tour will take you through downtown and up the CN Tower. You’ll stop first at St. Lawrence Market, where you can browse some fantastic Canadian cheeses and charcuterie, before heading to the Tower.

Once there, a glass elevator whisks you up to the observation deck. If you’re feeling brave enough, walk out onto the glass floor. The views below are absolutely worth it.

➡️ Quick Tip – Book your visit in advance, especially during World Cup season. Lineups can get long.

2. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

317 Dundas St. West
Tuesdays & Thursdays – 10:30 am to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays & Fridays – 10:30 am to 9 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays – 10:30 am to 5:30 pm; Closed Mondays.

If you’re a museum lover, the Art Gallery of Ontario is my number one pick in Toronto. Even from the outside, the building is worth seeing.

The glass façade was designed by the celebrated architect Frank Gehry (a Toronto native), and its sweeping curves are said to resemble the shape of a canoe, though some Torontonians say it looks more like a hockey arena. Either way an ode to Canadiana.

Inside, the AGO houses significant Indigenous, Canadian, and European collections, and there are always interesting feature exhibitions spanning both classic and contemporary art perspectives.

3. Hockey Hall of Fame

30 Yonge St.
Everyday 10 am – 5 pm

Speaking of hockey, it’s central to Canadian life, and the Hockey Hall of Fame is the official home of the Stanley Cup. It’s part museum, part hall of fame honouring the legends of the sport, and part interactive experience. You can shoot a puck, test your commentary skills in a real broadcasting booth, and feel like you’re in the thick of the game.

If you’re a fan, you won’t want to miss it. Even if you’re not, there’s a lot happening here to keep you genuinely entertained.

4. Ripley’s Aquarium

288 Bremner Blvd.
Daily 9 am – 9 pm

Don’t let the “aquarium” label fool you into thinking this is just for kids. Ripley’s is surprisingly engaging for adults too.

Canada’s longest underwater glass tunnel puts sharks, sea turtles and sting rays gliding right above your head (I swear one time I caught them smiling at me!). The jellyfish tower is a favorite, as is many of their hands-on exhibits.

And if you happen to be in town at the right time, they host a monthly jazz night, a great way to spend an evening at the aquarium.

Top Things To Do In Toronto Outdoors

5. Kensington Market Food Tour

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and nowhere is that more apparent than in its food. The best way to experience it is through a food tour of the Kensington Market area, an eclectic, downtown bohemian neighborhood (not a market) with deep roots in the city’s immigrant history.

During the 2-hour food tour, you’ll sample everything from Canada’s famous poutine to Jamaican patties, Asian dumplings and Chilean empanadas. With so many stops along the way, you’ll get a real taste of the neighborhood’s heritage, character and contributions to the city’s diversity.

6. Harbour Boat Cruise

While cold comes to mind for most people when they think of Canadian weather, Toronto summers can get quite hot and humid (it’s true!). The best way to cool off is with a lake harbour cruise.

This one-hour group boat tour comes with a tour guide who provides loads of information and context as you sail past some of Toronto’s most iconic waterfront landmarks. Enjoy the views and photo ops while you give your feet a break from sightseeing.

7. Downtown Toronto Bike Tour

Toronto is a bike-friendly city, and this small-group bike tour is one of the best ways to see a lot of the city in a small amount of time. For 3.5 hours, you’ll weave through the bustling downtown core and into some of the city’s most scenic neighbourhoods from Sugar Beach to the AGO, while your guide fills you in on Toronto’s history, architecture and culture.

Everyone who takes this tour is amazed with the amount of ground covered and how much they learn about the city.

8. Distillery District Segway Tour

For something a little quirkier, hop on a Segway and explore the Distillery District, one of Toronto’s trendiest areas. Located just east of downtown, its cobblestone streets and pedestrian-only lanes attract many visitors to its boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

The Segway tour gives your visit a fun, playful twist while teaching you about the history of the former Gooderham and Worts Distillery that once operated there.

Things To Do In Toronto At Night

Toronto has so many options for things to do at night, from sporting events to concerts. This list goes beyond the typical suggesitons of what to do at night with a few stand out recommendations that Torontonians like to do:

9. Live Theatre – Check Out A Show

If you enjoy live theatre, check what’s currently playing through Mirvish Productions. Toronto’s premier theatre company hosts award-winning Broadway productions in the heart of downtown, with several venues and shows to suit all tastes, from plays to musicals.

10. Casa Loma Summer Series

1 Austin Terrace
Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesday evenings

If you’re visiting in the spring or summer, a night at Casa Loma’s Summer Series is a truly lovely way to spend an evening. Held on the grounds of Toronto’s famous castle, each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday features a different musical theme covering everything from jazz, classical, rock, and show tunes. Enjoy dinner and drinks as you take in sweeping views of the city and the magnificent estate gardens.

11. ROM After Dark

ROM After Dark (RAD) is such a fun way to visit the Royal Ontario Museum while also feeling like you’re at a party. The monthly themed-nights features live music, DJs, dance floors, immersive performances, and incredible visual art throughout the museum.

Guests can explore interactive activities, discover surprise pop-up moments, and visit Canada’s leading museum in a whole new way.

Day Trip Near Toronto

12. Niagara Falls Canada

No trip to Toronto is complete without a day trip to Niagara Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s roughly a 90-minute drive from the city, and the falls themselves are every bit as jaw-dropping as you’ve imagined. It’s well worth the visit if you’ve never been.

If you don’t want to worry about getting around, take the Niagara Falls Canada Day Tour & Boat Cruise From Toronto. This is the perfect day trip where you don’t have to plan a thing but will see everything, with some free time on the side.

You’ll have an opportunity to take a boat ride under the Falls and can choose to experience the Journey Behind The Falls, where you’ll also get a behind-the-scenes. There will be some free time in town, as well as stops at a Maple Syrup & Chocolate factory, and other scenic spots.

If you don’t find yourself in Toronto often, I would definitely take advantage of this tour that does all the planning and driving for you and gets your back to the city by dinner.

Where To Stay In Toronto

Generally, most people who visit the city stay around Bloor St or south of it, in downtown Toronto. Here a few hotels that are worth staying at:

For A Great Location – The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel

Ideally situated near the northern edge of downtown in one of the city’s nicer neighbourhoods, close to Yorkville and some excellent shopping. It is a few blocks from the subway, making it a solid base for exploring the city.

Close to World Cup Central – Hotel X Toronto

If you want to be close to the games and the lake, Hotel X is a great pick. It has an impressive list of amenities so you truly never have to leave. This works well if the games is your main focus since it sits a little west of the downtown action. Make sure to check out the highly sought-after rooftop pool.

Luxury – Four Seasons Hotel

For a truly indulgent stay, the Four Seasons is the gold standard. With its own spa and pool, Boulud restaurant on site, and a prime location at Bay & Bloor Streets in the heart of Yorkville, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like the trip was worth every penny.

Getting Around Toronto

From the Airport

The UP Express train is the fastest and most stress-free option from Pearson Airport into downtown Toronto. It takes less than 30 minutes to get into the heart of Toronto for a fraction of the price of a taxi.

Of course, there are lots of taxis available at the airport you can take but if you are tight on time or budget, the UP Express will almost always beat a taxi for speed and cost, especially during rush-hour traffic.

In The City

The TTC subway and streetcars are your best bet for getting around downtown. Transit fares are $3.30 CAD and you can pay with a tap of your debit or credit card or buy a Presto pass, all letting you transfer between subway trains and buses/streetcars within a 2-hour period without having to pay another fare.

An advantage of having a Presto card or app is that if you’re staying in the suburbs, you’ll only have to pay once to use both local transit and Toronto transit.

Ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft operate in Toronto, but with price surging during peak hours and heavy traffic during World Cup events, if you’re downtown, honestly Just walk. Toronto’s downtown core is very walkable and you’ll discover a lot more on foot.

If it’s raining, you can walk to your destination through the PATH, an incredible 30km underground pedestrian walkway, full of shops and restaurants that will take you from John St. to Yonge St., all underground.

Toronto also run a very popular bike share program, where you can rent a bike atone of its 1,000 stations all around the city (beyond downtown core as well) for a very reasonable price.

SAVVY SUMMARY

Toronto is an exciting city to experience during the World Cup, not just for the matches, but for everything happening around them. From iconic landmarks and world-class museums to neighborhoods full of character and unforgettable day trips, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your time between games.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or making a longer trip out of it, I hope this guide helps you experience a side of Toronto that goes far beyond the stadiums.