In search of bright lights and big weekends, memorable meals and beachy vibes? This city has it all – made for you and your friends on vacation.

Attention: sports fans, foodies, artsy and outdoorsy types, and everyone in between. Fun comes in all sizes and colours in Canada’s most vibrant city. The Best. Trip. Ever. is in Toronto. So gather your BFFs for the ultimate friends vacation and let the city do the rest.

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CAMPFIRE ON TORONTO ISLANDS

Go outside and get wild

“Wild” means different things to different people but Toronto has you covered no matter how you define the word. Spend the day hiking and hanging out in urban parks like the super-wild Rouge National Urban Park or pack a picnic and head to the slightly more tame (in terms of actual animals) but always popular Trinity Bellwoods Park. In the city’s west end, High Park hits that sweet spot right in the middle. If your version of “wild” happens after the sun goes down, it’s Dundas West, Parkdale, or Ossington Avenue where you’ll want to head to sample the city’s best nightlife.

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How can you follow up a big night out in the big city? With a perfect night on Toronto Islands. Grab a blanket and some marshmallows (or s’mores ingredients if you’re fancy) and hop on the Queens Quay ferry (don’t forget to call for a fire pit permit). Bonus: the Islands are the best place in the city to take in the Toronto skyline.

See your favourite artists and discover new ones

Home to mega-venues like Scotiabank Arena, the Budweiser Stage, Meridian Hall and Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto pulls in the biggest names in music spanning every genre. If your favourite artist is touring, they’re playing here. But it’s the city’s network of small clubs that support our unrivalled local music scene—and the place you’ll discover the Next Big Thing.

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No matter what kind of genre or artist you listen to, Toronto has a one-of-a-kind venue where you'll be sure to find somewhere to groove the night away with your friends. 

Dine in or eat out

Hit the town to try food from all over the world at every price range, from Ethiopian on Bloor West to Sicilian on King Street. If there’s one thing that Toronto is rich in, it’s our endless options for where and what to eat—and it isn’t limited to our excellent restaurants. The historic St. Lawrence Market offers fresh foodie finds at all times of the year. Weekly farmers’ markets and specialty food shops can also be found all over the city. Drop in to one of the city’s markets to pick up all the makings of a perfect late-night cheese plate or charcuterie platter.

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Toronto’s food meccas—St. Lawrence Market, a mix of both Greek and Middle Eastern food on the Danforth, and the always-eclectic finds of Kensington Market.

All of the arts and the art of shopping

Toronto is home to some of the country’s best and biggest galleries while supporting a lively independent art scene, too. The Art Gallery of Ontario is a must-see for arts scene afficionados and only a block away from Queen Street West, a serious shopping and street art destination.

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A stop at the Museum of Contemporary Art in the up-and-coming Junction Triangle neighbourhood. Next, head south to browse Leslieville's cluster of curated vintage specialty stores.

Take in a show with new friends

From the Raptors to the Rock, from the Rogers Centre to BMO Field, there’s no place like Toronto to cheer on a major league Canadian team with your fellow sports fans. If it’s the stage you’re interested in, you’ll find major drama (and musicals, too) in the city’s Theatre District. Think: CATSCome From Away, and Hamilton. More intimate experiences are also on offer. Unearth artistic gems in Toronto's theatre scene in neighbourhoods like Church-Wellesley Village or the Entertainment District.

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If you can't score tickets to the big game, Toronto's sports bar scene offers major league thrills all year long. You can also take in smaller-scale sporting events and get some low-cost ice time at Coca-Cola Coliseum, home of the Toronto Marlies hockey club.