20 Things to Do in Toronto During the FIFA World Cup 2026

Take the 15-minute ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (near Union Station) to the islands. Rent a bike, find a beach, and look back at one of the best skyline views on the planet. Ward's Island and Hanlan's Point are the quieter ends — Centre Island is busiest. Free to hang out once you're there; ferry costs about $9 return.

Free outdoor arts venue right on the lake. Always something going on in summer — concerts, markets, food events. A great place to wander for an hour between meals.

Walk or rent a bike along the Martin Goodman Trail from the downtown waterfront west toward Exhibition Place. You'll pass through the Harbourfront, Ontario Place, and end up right at BMO Field. Best way to get a feel for the city at water level.

Yes, it's a tourist thing. It's also genuinely worth doing once. The glass floor and EdgeWalk experience are both impressive. Book tickets online well in advance — match day tourism will drive wait times up significantly. 553 metres tall; the view on a clear day extends to Niagara Falls.

Right beside the CN Tower and genuinely excellent — not the kind of thing you'd expect to be a highlight but locals recommend it without hesitation. The shark tunnel is the standout. Good for a few hours, especially on a hot or rainy afternoon.

One of the best food markets in North America according to National Geographic. The south building runs Tuesday–Saturday and is the one worth visiting — it's the original market hall with dozens of vendors. Go on Saturday morning. Get a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery — it's a Toronto institution.

A dense, walkable neighbourhood of independent shops, vintage stores, international food stalls, and cafes. No chains, no formula. On Sundays in summer, the streets go car-free. One of the most distinctly Toronto places in the city — spend a slow morning here.

Victorian-era industrial buildings converted into galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Very photogenic — the brick laneways make for great shots. A bit more polished than Kensington but worth an afternoon, especially for the restaurants.

Along Spadina Avenue between Dundas and College — one of the largest and most authentic Chinatowns in North America. Cheap dim sum, bubble tea, and groceries everywhere. Bleeds directly into Kensington Market, so combine the two.

College Street west of Bathurst becomes Little Italy — outdoor patios, espresso bars, and gelato. During the World Cup, this strip will be electric with Italian, Portuguese, and other European fans. Best street in the city for an outdoor drink on a warm evening.

East end neighbourhood with a long strip of Greek restaurants, bars, and patios. Quieter than downtown but worth the TTC ride for dinner. The Danforth has a great local atmosphere that's different from the tourist-facing areas.

Frank Gehry-designed building with a strong permanent collection including a major Picasso exhibit and an extensive Canadian art section. First Thursday of every month is pay-what-you-can. Worth 2–3 hours if you're into art.

Canada's largest museum — natural history, world cultures, dinosaurs. The Daniel Libeskind crystal addition is architecturally striking. Good rainy-day option or if you're traveling with kids.

The home of the Toronto International Film Festival screens films year-round. Worth checking their schedule — they often run international football/soccer documentaries and themed programming.

1.5 hours by car or GO Bus from downtown. The Falls are genuinely impressive in person despite the tourist trap surroundings. Go on a weekday if possible. The Maid of the Mist boat tour puts you right at the base of Horseshoe Falls — do it. Skip the casino.

30 minutes past Niagara Falls — a charming 19th-century town surrounded by wine country. Rent bikes and visit wineries, or just walk the main street and eat well. Much more pleasant than Niagara Falls town itself.

Toronto's best-kept secret. Dramatic white clay cliffs rising 90 metres above Lake Ontario, stretching 15km along the eastern waterfront. Take the TTC to Scarborough and walk the bluffs trail. Completely free, genuinely stunning.

3 hours north — one of Canada's most iconic provincial parks. Canoeing, hiking, and the chance to see moose and loons in the wild. Best for fans who have a non-match day free and want to see something beyond the city.