The Best Things to Do With Your Relatives on Their Visit to Canada

These fun family activities will entertain all ages in Toronto this spring and summer

By Beverley Ann DCruz

Posted: May 23, 2019 10:24 AM ET

Toronto's distillery district in the day with people walking around the streets, a new family pushes a stroller passed a parked truck

There’s so much fun to be had in the Toronto area—think amazing food, top-notch attractions and awesome day trips—your out-of-town relatives may never want to leave.

Get to know the different Toronto neighbourhoods

Street sign for Rol Jui Restaurant in Chinatown

Toronto is brimming with diverse neighbourhoods—140 to be exact—and exploring them is one of the best ways to experience the city. Browse knick-knacks and stop for dim sum in Chinatown. From there, head to Queen Street West for an eclectic mix of fashion, delicious eats, historic buildings and Instagram-worthy street art in Graffiti Alley.

In the east end, take a jaunt through Little India and discover textiles for sale, jewelry stores and a vast array of restaurants. End your day in hip Leslieville, known for its quirky boutiques and trendy culinary scene. The rooftop bar at the Broadview Hotel here offers a spectacular view of the skyline.

Go to one of several Toronto markets

Tapestries hang in front of stores in Kensington Market

Find everything from artisanal mustards to hand-crafted pasta at historic St. Lawrence Market. On Sundays, the antique market is a good place to hunt for old-timey treasures. Visit Kensington Market on Pedestrian Sundays (the last Sunday of the month from May to October), when the narrow streets are closed to traffic. Buskers and musicians are sure to entertain, and you can check out wares from across the globe.

While not technically a market, the Distillery District is worth the trek. Wander the pretty cobblestone lanes. The restored Victorian buildings of this former distillery now house a collection of bakeries, pubs, clothing shops and art galleries.

Be a kid for a day

Man, two women and a child take a photo with their selfie stick from inside the CN Tower

Visit the iconic CN Tower for sweeping views of the city, then stop by Ripley’s Aquarium, home to 20,000 aquatic creatures including stingrays and sharks. At the Royal Ontario Museum, explore new exhibits and the always-popular dinosaur gallery. While you’re there, try the augmented-reality station to virtually flesh out a T. Rex skeleton and pose for a picture with the fearsome creature. (Pssst! CAA Members get exclusive deals on tickets to the CN Tower, Canada's Wonderland and more. click here to find out more.)

Get outside in the city’s parks

View of the CN Tower and Rogers center from a park across the lake

Explore the zoo, playgrounds and hiking trails at the 399-acre High Park, the largest public park in Toronto. Take in the stunning lake views at Harbourfront Centre, stroll the waterfront and stop by one of the many free cultural festivals that happen there. Or for a perfect summer retreat, take a quick ferry ride to Centre Island Toronto, where you’ll find an amusement park, zoo, bike rentals and a beach.

Take a short road trip from Toronto

A sandy beach with bushes and small trees at the edge

You don’t have to go far to escape the hustle and bustle. Head to Prince Edward County (just over two hours by car) where dozens of wineries, trendy farm-to-table restaurants, artist-run shops and stunning beaches await. The picturesque Niagara Escarpment and more than 100 waterfalls and cascades in Hamilton make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Let CAA Help

Have family and friends visiting from abroad? CAA can help them enjoy a worry-free trip with travel insurance for visitors to Canada. Plus, click here to find CAA Member-exclusive deals on attractions throughout the GTA and beyond.

Image credits: Courtesy of Tourism Toronto, Ontario Nature