Toronto tours

Things to do in Toronto

Toronto, a city that buzzes with a unique energy, where diverse cultures and varied cuisines create a tapestry waiting to be explored. This metropolis isn’t just a city; it’s a collection of neighbourhoods, each offering a distinct flavour. With a local guide, Toronto tours peel back the layers, revealing hidden treasures that often go unnoticed. Picture yourself navigating the lively streets of Kensington Market, where the scent of spices pervades the air, or indulging in a food and wine tour through the historic Distillery District. Private tours in Toronto mean bypassing the queues and diving straight into the city’s essence, experiencing it from a perspective that feels both familiar and novel. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Toronto. Explore Toronto your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Toronto tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Toronto for every interest, including: History tours: See the barracks and ramparts at Fort York, explore Casa Loma’s hidden tunnels, and trace the cobblestones of the Distillery Historic District as your guide connects each stop to the city’s military roots and industrial growth. Food and Drink tours: Snack through St. Lawrence Market with a peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery and Ontario cheeses, continue to Kensington Market for tacos at Seven Lives and churros, then sample pours at Steam Whistle’s Roundhouse or Bellwoods Brewery. Art and Culture tours: Hit highlight works at the Art Gallery of Ontario, follow bold murals through Graffiti Alley and Queen West, and add a gallery hop or an indie show in the Entertainment District to round out your day. Getting around: The core is very walkable, and the TTC’s subway, streetcars, and buses make it easy to link neighbourhoods for your tours. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Toronto inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to explore Toronto, and while you're at it, consider adding a few popular neighborhoods to your itinerary with a local guide. There's no better way to get to know a neighborhood than with someone who knows it inside out. - Distillery District: Ideal for cultural tourists, this pedestrian-only area features Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, and trendy cafes. It's a hub for arts and culture with a unique historic charm. - Kensington Market: Known for its eclectic vibe, this neighborhood is great for families and multi-generational groups. You can explore diverse food markets, vintage shops, and street art that reflect the city's diverse culture. - Yorkville: Perfect for those interested in fashion and upscale dining, Yorkville offers high-end boutiques, art galleries, and fine dining options. It's a sophisticated area with a lively atmosphere. - The Beaches: Ideal for those seeking relaxation, The Beaches offer sandy shores and a laid-back vibe. You can enjoy a walk along the boardwalk or relax in one of the many parks. Day trip ideas from Toronto Use Toronto as your base and branch out to nearby cities, wine country, and lakefront nature on day trips that feel simple to plan, and if you prefer structure your tour can keep timing tight while still leaving room for last minute stops. Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake: You get classic views of the Horseshoe Falls from multiple lookouts, time to walk the Niagara Parkway, and an easy add on in Niagara-on-the-Lake for heritage streets, wine tasting, and lake breezes, so this pairing fits fans of big sights, photography, wine, and short nature walks. Hamilton waterfalls and Dundas Valley: Close to Toronto, this is about quick hikes to a chain of escarpment waterfalls, views from Dundas Peak, and a tidy downtown for coffee or lunch, which suits you if you like trail time without a long drive and want flexible stops based on how active you feel. Prince Edward County: Think beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park, quiet country roads, small galleries, and farm to table bites, and it works well if you want a relaxed loop with swimming in summer, foliage in fall, and winery visits any time of year. Stratford: A riverfront town with tidy gardens, a compact historic core, indie shops, and good bakeries, so you can slow the pace, stroll the Avon River path, and build in culture or food stops that match your interests. St. Jacobs and Mennonite Country: You can browse the farmers’ market on market days, see woollen mills and craft studios in the village, and follow the Conestogo River for short walks, which is handy if you like local food, simple countryside views, and easygoing roads. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Toronto most travellers miss.