Looking for things to do on a rainy day in Toronto? Toronto is known to have a rainy season that lasts 11 months and an average of 137 rainy days per year.
So the chances of planning a vacation while it’s raining, especially if you’re visiting during winter in Toronto are pretty high. In case you get caught in the rain, this guide to the best 10 things to do on a rainy day in Toronto is here to help!
Don’t let the rain get to you because there are so many cool things to do on a rainy day in Toronto. Let’s get into my list!
10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Toronto
1. Experience the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario)
For a true, high-class Toronto experience, the AGO won’t disappoint.
This world-renowned art gallery is known for its 90,000+ works of art and for the building’s spectacular design—brought to life by famous Toronto architect, Frank Gehry.
You can also dine at the award-winning restaurant, AGO Bistro, designed by the same architect.
There’s a really cool museum shop with tons of unique items that you’ll want to check out. And the proceeds from everything you purchase go directly to support the museum and Canadian culture.
The AGO also features fun special events like First Thursday where guests can enjoy live music, food booths, and drinks.
2. Discover Casa Loma
Although Toronto isn’t exactly famous for castles, it happens to have a very famous one that’s a tourist favorite; Casa Loma is known as the “House on the Hill” and it was built in 1914.
The property is reminiscent of a medieval castle and has 98-rooms and 30 bathrooms—there are also secret passageways!
If the idea of secret passageways isn’t already intriguing enough, there’s an underground pool and a library with over 10,000 books, too.
You may also be excited to know that it served as the location for Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters from the blockbuster film, X-Men.
Spend a rainy afternoon browsing the museum exhibits, antique car display, and Hollywood film gallery.
For a true 5-star experience, splurge on fine dining at Michelin star restaurant, Don Afonso 1890, located in Casa Loma’s observatory.
3. Soak Up Culture at the Royal Ontario Museum
Take the opportunity to check out one of the largest, most famous cultural centers in North America.
Go back in time as you wander through the Roman and Egyptian exhibits or get lost in a fascinating world of dinosaurs.
With so much to see, you won’t have any trouble spending a full day exploring the amazing Royal Ontario Museum.
4. Explore the Historic Distillery District
Imagine brick-lined streets, Victorian industrial buildings, cool art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and bars all walkable in one adorable neighborhood.
If you really like it here, I would even recommend staying at the many nice hotels in the area.
If the rain starts hitting hard, just hang out in one of the many pubs and enjoy some hand-crafted beer and yummy food.
You won’t mind spending a few hours exploring the Historic Distillery District!
5. Stall-hop the St. Lawrence Market
Ooh, I just love a good market!
Especially ones that include over 200 stalls of tasty goods from fresh fruit to freshly baked bread.
Plus, the building is super cool—it’s incorporated in the old City Hall building from 1845.
So the St. Lawrence Market’s atmosphere is extra charming.
6. Catch a Movie at TIFF Bell Lightbox
There’s nothing cozier than settling into a comfy seat with a bucket of popcorn watching a good film on a rainy day.
This isn’t your average home or movie theater experience—the TIFF Bell Lightbox is home to the annual Toronto International Film Festival and is a huge entertainment complex with cinemas, a gallery space, a film library, and an amazing restaurant.
7. Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Shoe Museum is so cool and probably something you’ve never seen before. It’s a museum all about shoes!
Here you’ll see the largest shoe collection in the world, exhibits showing the history of shoemaking, and learn all about the role footwear plays in humanity’s cultural and social life.
8. Admire Marine Life at the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Spend a rainy afternoon going through the longest underwater viewing tunnel in North America to gaze at tropical fish, stingrays, eels, sea turtles, and sharks.
Complete with touch tanks and live shows where you can watch divers feed a variety of fascinating sea creatures, the Ripley’s Aquarium is a fun time for everyone!
9. Hockey Hall of Fame (Stanley Cup)
Seems kinda crazy to travel to Canada and NOT do something hockey-related. If you’re a hockey fan, seeing the Stanley Cup in real life is really cool.
But the Hockey Hall of Fame sports museum actually has some surprisingly fun things to do—if you’re feeling particularly gutsy, try taking on an animated, life-size version of today’s hockey greats!
There’s even a replica of an actual NHL dressing room.
When it comes to hockey, this place doesn’t mess around.
10. Shop
On a rainy day, there’s always an activity you can count on—shopping!
The most famous mega-shopping area is the Toronto Eaton Centre.
If you’re in the mood for a more upscale shopping experience, hit up Bayview Village in North York, which known for its high-end boutiques and vintage wine collection.
For a funky vibe, check out the hip independent boutiques on Queen Street West.
Those are my top picks for things to do on a rainy day in Toronto. As you can see, there’s no shortage of places to explore to make your Toronto visit unforgettable.
No matter what the weather or season is, this guide is very versatile and can be used in winter, spring, summer, and fall. Enjoy!
Planning a trip to Canada? Be sure to explore my other content.
Toronto Itinerary
Vancouver Travel Tips: A Complete Guide to Vancouver
Vancouver Airbnbs: Best of the Best
FAQs
There are so many things to do in Toronto over 3 days. Here’s a list:
– Royal Ontario Museum
– CN Tower
– Ripley’s Aquarium
– St. Lawrence Market
– Royal Ontario Museum
The best time to visit Toronto is from late April to May or September to October. This is when the weather will be at its prime and it will be less touristy.
You should spend a minimum of at least 3 to 4 days in Toronto to really explore the city.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
