Discover fun indoor things to do in Toronto—from museums to cafés—perfect for any rainy day adventure.
Wondering what to do in Toronto when it rains? Don’t worry—Toronto is packed with fun indoor activities, from world-class museums and live shows to cozy cafés and relaxing spas. Here are 21 things to do in Toronto on a rainy day that’ll keep your plans shining bright.
Indoor sports, games & entertainment
1. Catch professional sports in Toronto
The Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs play indoors at Scotiabank Arena, while the Toronto Blue Jays face rivals at Rogers Centre, where the roof closes if it rains. Explore Toronto’s sports teams to plan your next game day experience.
2. Challenge yourself in an escape room
Challenge your travel buddies to a brain-teasing adventure at Toronto escape rooms and games with options for every age group.
3. Hide out at the movies
The Toronto International Film Festival screens movies year-round at its TIFF Lightbox (minus the outdoor lines). Explore our film fest scene at theatres across town.
4. Cheer at a Toronto sports bar
Cheer along with passionate locals at Toronto’s best sports bars. Skip the pub crawl and park yourself with beer, burgers and the big game on a big screen.
Arts, culture & museums
5. Visit the Hockey Hall of Fame
Home to the world’s best collection of hockey memorabilia, the Hockey Hall of Fame also offers interactive simulations, photo ops with the Stanley Cup and cool NHL merch.
6. Unleash the kids at the ROM
Okay, not literally—those dino bones are fragile!—but the Royal Ontario Museum does have hands-on exhibits and play-based spaces for kiddos to actively touch and explore.
7. Visit a specialty museum or gallery
Geek out for hours and hours at these very specific museums and galleries for very niche interests.
8. Admire Canadian and Indigenous art at the AGO
Spend hours strolling the Art Gallery of Ontario’s collections of Canadian and Indigenous artists from around the world. Refuel at the onsite AGO Bistro or espresso bar.
9. Take a self-guided tour of Union Station
Explore Instagram-friendly architecture, a curated selection of local shops, plus hunger-inducing restaurants and food stands at this landmark National Historic Site.
Food & drink adventures
10. Go on an indoor restaurant crawl
Don’t let bad weather stop you from grazing. Sample multiple restaurants and food stands at these buzzworthy Toronto food halls, where the weather just isn’t a factor.
11. Eat plate after plate after plate (tasting menus)
Reschedule your sightseeing and spend the evening savouring a multi-course tasting menu that highlights local flavours, seasonal ingredients and culinary exploration.
12. Hunker down with comfort food
Brave the elements just enough to get yourself to one of these African and Caribbean restaurants where you can warm up with spicy jerk or savoury doro wot.
13. Sit down for afternoon tea
Warm up to a fancy tea service, complete with finger sandwiches, scones and various sweet treats. Fact: there’s also no better setting to “spill the tea” with your squad.
14. Savour global coffee culture
Wait out the rain while sipping sweet Vietnamese ca phe, observing an Ethiopian coffee ceremony or sampling Mexican café de olla at these Toronto cafés with global flair.
Wellness, relaxation & creativity
15. Sweat it out at the spa
Don’t let thunder ruin your day. These Toronto spas offer last-minute slots in case you need a plan B that involves facials, body wraps, water circuits and other TLC.
16. Make your own Toronto souvenirs
Head indoors to create your own Toronto souvenirs at these hands-on craft studios and maker spaces, where you can flex your creativity while taking a pause during a storm.
Iconic indoor attractions
17. Explore the PATH
PATH is an underground pedestrian network that connects 75 buildings, nine hotels, six subway stations and Union Station, so you can wander downtown with dry feet.
18. Take in epic sea and sky views (Ripley’s Aquarium + CN Tower)
See 20,000 marine animals at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada—no wetsuit required. The CN Tower is right next door, making for an easy two-in-one excursion.
Live shows & theatre experiences
19. Explore live theatre in Toronto
Toronto’s theatre scene offers vibrant productions for every taste. Experience laughter, tears, heartbreak and triumph—all from the comfort of your cozy seat.
20. Catch a show
Snag rush tickets and you can trade the storm-lashed outdoors for a spot-lit stage at a live music or dance performance in Toronto.
Rainy days never ruin the fun
Rain or shine, Toronto has endless ways to play, eat, relax and explore indoors. Discover more things to do in Toronto year-round.
—This story has been updated with new details since it was first published in October 2021.
