There’s something magical about watching your children’s faces light up as they discover their first patch of wild lupines or dance through a meadow of nodding trilliums. Spring wildflower drives offer families a perfect excuse to shake off winter’s chill and embrace nature’s most colorful season.

Pack some field guides, bring your camera, and don’t forget rain boots – these scenic routes through Canada’s most spectacular wildflower regions combine easy driving with plenty of stops for picnics, short hikes, and flower-spotting adventures.

From Pacific coastal blooms to Maritime lupine fields, here are the most rewarding wildflower drives for families ready to welcome spring in Canada.

When to Plan Your Canadian Wildflower Adventure

Due to Canada’s northern latitude, wildflower season typically starts later than many international visitors might expect. While cherry blossoms may bloom in Vancouver by March, most of Canada’s wildflower displays don’t begin until late April or May.

The season then rolls like a wave across the country from west to east and south to north, with some Arctic and alpine regions not reaching peak bloom until July.

Coastal British Columbia sees the earliest blooms, followed by southern Ontario and the Prairies in May, while Maritime provinces and mountain regions peak in June and early July.

The extended daylight hours of the Canadian spring and early summer mean you’ll have plenty of time for flower viewing, with some northern regions offering nearly round-the-clock viewing opportunities during peak season.

Best Places to See Blooms in Canada

1. The Okanagan Blossom Trail, British Columbia

• Peak Bloom: Mid-April to early May

Wind your way through British Columbia’s sun-drenched Okanagan Valley, where orchards burst into pink and white blooms against a backdrop of rolling hills carpeted with arrow-leaved balsamroot and lupines. Start in Vernon and meander south through Kelowna to Penticton on Highway 97.

The route offers families plenty of kid-friendly stops, including the Davison Orchards Country Village, where children can take tractor rides through flowering orchards. Time your visit for the Okanagan Cherry Blossom Festival in April, featuring family activities and guided “blossom tours.”

Stay overnight in Kelowna, where lakeside hotels provide the perfect base for exploring. Don’t miss the short hiking trails at Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, where spring brings patches of chocolate lilies and yellow bells.

2. Prairie Crocus Route, Manitoba

• Peak Bloom: Late April to mid-May

Follow Highway 16 west from Winnipeg through Riding Mountain National Park for a prairie wildflower experience your family won’t forget. The delicate purple prairie crocus, Manitoba’s official flower, carpets the grasslands in early spring.

The route takes you through charming small towns like Neepawa, known as the “Lily Capital of the World.” In Riding Mountain National Park, the family-friendly Prairie Trail offers easy walking access to wide meadows filled with three-flowered avens and white prairie crocuses.

Stay in Wasagaming, the park’s townsite, where the Clear Lake Trading Post offers ice cream treats and rental bikes. Spring brings the return of bison to their summer grazing grounds – a thrilling sight for young wildlife enthusiasts.

3. Bruce Peninsula Flower Trail, Ontario

• Peak Bloom: Early May to mid-June

The drive north along Highway 6 from Wiarton to Tobermory offers families one of Canada’s most diverse spring wildflower displays. The limestone-rich Bruce Peninsula hosts over 44 species of orchids alongside countless other wildflowers. Stop at Bruce Peninsula National Park, where kid-friendly boardwalks protect tiny calypso orchids and yellow lady’s slippers.

The charming town of Lion’s Head makes an ideal overnight stop, with family-friendly B&Bs and easy access to the Bruce Trail’s gentler sections. Time your visit for the Flower Power Festival in late May, featuring guided wildflower walks suitable for all ages. Don’t miss the glass-bottom boat tours from Tobermory, where children can spot shipwrecks while learning about the peninsula’s unique ecology.

4. Cabot Trail Lupine Loop, Nova Scotia

• Peak Bloom: Mid-June to early July

Cape Breton Island’s famous Cabot Trail becomes even more spectacular when lupines paint the coastal meadows purple and pink. Start this family-friendly drive in Baddeck, following the coast clockwise through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The timing coincides perfectly with the Lumière Art Festival in Sydney, where evening light installations delight young visitors.

Stop at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, where kids can fly kites in lupine-filled fields. Pleasant Bay’s whale-watching tours offer chances to spot spring migrations while surrounded by coastal wildflowers. F

amily-friendly accommodation options abound in Chéticamp, where the Les Trois Pignons cultural center introduces children to Acadian culture through interactive exhibits. Don’t miss the short trail to Mary Ann Falls, where spring runoff creates impressive cascades surrounded by rhodora and wild apple blossoms.

5. Gaspésie Wildflower Way, Quebec

• Peak Bloom: Late June to mid-July

The circular route around Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula offers families a perfect mix of coastal and mountain wildflowers. Starting from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, follow Route 132 through Forillon National Park, where sheltered coves burst with purple beach peas and rosa rugosa. The route passes through charming fishing villages where children can watch seals while parents photograph seaside lupines and iris.

Stop at Percé to view the famous rock formation and visit the nearby GeoPark, offering family-friendly geology programs. The Chic-Chocs Mountains section of the drive features alpine wildflower meadows accessible by short hikes. Time your visit for the Bloomin’ Garden Festival in New Richmond, featuring children’s gardening workshops and local food celebrations.

6. Vancouver Island Coastal Bloom Trail, British Columbia

• Peak Bloom: March to mid-April

Experience one of Canada’s earliest spring wildflower displays along the Pacific Marine Circle Route from Victoria to Port Renfrew. This family-friendly coastal drive features the delicate pink fawn lilies and white Easter lilies that carpet the forest floors. Stop at East Sooke Regional Park, where easy trails lead to oceanside meadows filled with spring gold and shooting stars.

The route includes the famous Butchart Gardens, where children can participate in spring planting workshops. Stay in Sooke, where family-friendly resorts offer beach access and tide-pooling adventures. Don’t miss the Ancient Forest Trail near Port Renfrid, where nurse logs burst with trilliums and bleeding hearts beneath towering cedars.

7. Avalon Peninsula Iris Route, Newfoundland

• Peak Bloom: Late June to mid-July

Circle the Avalon Peninsula starting from St. John’s for a unique mix of coastal wildflowers and nesting seabirds. The Irish Loop Drive features patches of blue flag iris and pitcher plants in protected bogs. Stop at the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, where families can safely view nesting gannets while surrounded by coastal wildflowers.

The charming town of Ferryland makes an ideal lunch stop, offering famous picnic baskets for children among meadows of cloudberries and bakeapples. Stay in Bay Bulls, where boat tours combine iceberg viewing with visits to puffin colonies. The East Coast Trail offers easy sections suitable for families, with interpretive signs identifying spring wildflowers.

8. Waterton Wildflower Parkway, Alberta

• Peak Bloom: Late May to early July

The drive through Waterton Lakes National Park offers families one of North America’s most concentrated wildflower displays. Follow the Akamina Parkway to Cameron Lake, where bear grass and glacier lilies carpet the subalpine meadows. The park offers special junior naturalist programs teaching children about wildflower identification.

Stay in the historic Waterton townsite, where families can rent Surrey bikes to explore flower-filled meadows. Time your visit for the Waterton Wildflower Festival in June, featuring family-oriented walks and photography workshops. Don’t miss the short hike to Blakiston Falls, where monkey flowers and columbines line the trail.

• You can explore this route further on the drive from Glacier NP in the US to Banff NP in Alberta, one of our all-time favourite mountain drives for stunning raw beauty!

9. Prince Edward Island’s North Shore Bloom Drive

• Peak Bloom: Mid-June to early July

Follow the North Shore coastal drive from Cavendish to St. Peters Bay for a quintessential Maritime wildflower experience. The route features endless fields of lupines alongside red sand beaches, perfect for family picnics. Stop at Prince Edward Island National Park, where boardwalks protect rare beach pinweed and allow stroller-pushing parents easy access.

The Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place offers special spring programming where children can learn about flowers mentioned in the famous books. Stay in rustic cottages in the Cavendish area, many offering direct beach access. Don’t miss the Greenwich Dunes Trail, where spring brings lady’s slippers and beach peas to the unique dune ecosystem.

10. Klondike Wildflower Highway, Yukon

• Peak Bloom: Late June to mid-July

The drive from Whitehorse to Dawson City along the Klondike Highway offers families a unique northern wildflower experience. The midnight sun creates spectacular blooming conditions, with fields of wild roses and Arctic lupines that seem to glow in the extended twilight. Stop at Five Finger Rapids Recreation Site, where easy trails showcase northern Jacob’s ladder and wild columbine.

The Tintina Trench Viewpoint offers spectacular views of flower-filled valleys. Stay in Dawson City, where families can pan for gold between flower-spotting adventures. Time your visit for the Dawson City River Walk Festival, featuring nature art workshops for children and guided botany walks along the Yukon River.

Planning a Canadian Road Trip?

Have we inspired you to hit the road this year? You may also want to read next;

• Our complete guide to planning a Canadian road trip
• You must try these most stunning scenic drives in Canada at least once!
• Plan your family road trip through the Canadian Rockies
• Explore the TransCanadian Highway from Toronto to Vancouver
• Seeking out the best winter wonderland destinations in Canada
• Take a sneak peek at leaf-pepping in Canada next fall!

There’s nothing quite like the beauty of Upstate New York. That’s why if you’ve got Niagara Falls on your Bucket List for a Lifetime, there’s no better way to make the trip than by driving from New York City.

With the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley, Adirondack Mountains, and the shoreline of Lake Ontario to experience, the drive to Niagara Falls will be just as memorable as the final destination. The entire family will have a blast on this epic road trip to Niagara Falls from New York. 

They’ll love doing things like traveling deep into the caves of Howe Caverns, riding scenic railroads, and exploring historic towns before experiencing the power of Niagara Falls.

Distance From New York To Niagara Falls

The distance from New York City to Niagara Falls is just over 400 miles. Depending on which route you take it could be even over 500 miles. But no matter how you get there, the drive to Niagara Falls will take you through the gorgeous landscape of Upstate New York. 

How Long is the Drive From New York to Niagara Falls

If you’re looking to get to Niagara fast, it could be done in just over 6 hours. But that’s if you’re planning to drive when no one is on the road (like the dead of night) and without stopping. Let’s be realistic, though. That’s no fun! 

Making it a true road trip to Niagara Falls from New York is the way to go. This way, you can stop and enjoy the wonderful places along the way, like the Hudson Valley and Lake Ontario. So, instead of putting the pedal to the medal, it’s recommended to take anywhere from three days a week to drive to Niagara Falls. 

Best Time of Year to Drive From New York to Niagara Falls

The best time of year to do a road trip to Niagara Falls from New York has to be the summer. You’ll be able to escape the stifling heat in the city and head up into the beautiful, cooler landscape of Upstate New York. Summer is also the best time to get out of the car, stretch your legs, and enjoy Mother Nature on the drive to Niagara Falls. 

Another fabulous time to consider driving from New York to Niagara is autumn. You’ll love the cooler temperatures and the gorgeous fall foliage throughout the entire drive.  

Best Stops on a New York to Niagara Falls Road Trip

On this epic road trip from New York to Niagara Falls, we’ve mapped out the best stops to make along the Hudson Valley, through Albany, and along the coast of Lake Ontario. 

Hudson Valley (Beacon, Poughkeepsie, Kingston)

Just to the north of New York City is the incredible Hudson Valley. Indeed, this beautiful place starts only about 50 miles north of the city, but depending on traffic, it might be the best place to get out and stretch your legs after a few hours in the car.

Cherished for its gorgeous landscape on the banks of the Hudson River, there are several lovely places to visit in the Hudson Valley.

Beacon has a bustling village center with quaint boutiques, antique shops, and places to eat. Go for a hike on Mount Beacon for a great view of the valley. Dia Beacon, a contemporary art museum, is a must-see for anyone interested in the arts. 

Home to three different colleges, including Vassar and Marist, Poughkeepsie is a must-stop on any New York to Niagara road trip. There are plenty of places to eat, shop, and explore, including the Walkway Over the Hudson. For a bit of history, check out Locust Grove Estate, home to inventor Samuel Morse. 

Kingston is a city with a vast history and character in the Hudson Valley. Not only does it date back to the 17th century, but it was the first state capital of New York. Today, you’ll find tons of great shops, restaurants, and bars. Consider taking a ride on the Catskill Mountain Railroad or a Hudson River sightseeing cruise.

Pro Tip: Everyone knows there’s going to be traffic getting out of NYC. So, no matter what time of day or night you plan to go, use a navigation app to avoid massive delays. And if you get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, don’t lose your cool. Just go with the flow. You’ll get there, eventually. 

Albany

One hundred and sixty miles to the north of New York City the next major stop on this New York to Niagara Falls road trip is Albany, the state’s capital city. To learn all about the impressive building and state legislation, you can take a tour of the State Capitol building. 

The New York State Museum has something for everyone, including a hands-on center for kids. The Crossings at Colonie is a great park where everyone in the family can have fun hiking, biking, and being kids on the playground.

Stroll the colorful Lark Street, which is full of shops, restaurants, and galleries. To get into the beautiful wilderness of Upstate NY, don’t miss the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, one of the remaining pine bushes in the country.

As a major city, there are plenty of places to stay in Albany on your drive to Niagara Falls, like the Morgan State Inn or the Renaissance Albany Hotel. Folks who are RVing check out Thompson’s Lake Campground at Thacher State Park. 

Utica

Nestled at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains is the city of Utica. Although the drive west from Albany takes about an hour and a half, it’s totally doable, with a couple of super cool stops along the way.

In less than an hour’s drive west of Albany, you’ll be able to travel deep underground to discover the wonders of Howe Caverns. Fun for everyone in the family: seniors and children enjoy discounted tickets. Children four and under are free. Just make sure to reserve tickets ahead of time. 

Another great stop-off on the way to Utica is the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Open daily, you’ll love learning all about the history of America’s pastime and seeing priceless artifacts. Discounts are offered for children, seniors, and veterans. Active military and children 6 and under are free.

Once in Utica, it’s easy to find tons of stuff to do. If you’re hoping to see more of the beautiful landscape, hop on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Kids will also love seeing the animals at the Utica Zoo.

Oswego

Known as “The Port City,” Oswego is a beautiful city on Lake Ontario with history, culture, and fun. History buffs will love exploring Fort Ontario and learning about its long history. Open Wednesday through Sunday, from spring until early fall.  

Other cool things to do in Oswego include checking out the murals along the Oswego River Walk and experiencing the awesome view from Flat Rock. Let the kids be kids at the Children’s Museum of Oswego, which is open Tuesdays through Sundays. 

Families looking to max out the fun in Oswego on a drive to Niagara Falls should consider staying at Splash Indoor Water Park and Resort. The fun never stops at this Clarion Hotel with its indoor water park and arcade. 

Heading west from Oswego towards Rochester, definitely make a stop at Chimney Bluffs State Park. With incredible land formations and views of the lake, you’ll be happy you made time for this awesome park. Entry fees are $5 per vehicle and only collected April 1–October 31.

Rochester

Traveling west along Lake Ontario for only an hour and a half, you’ll arrive at the next destination on this New York to Niagara Falls road trip, Rochester. There’s always something interesting to do in Rochester. That’s why it’s a no-brainer when deciding where to stop when driving from New York to Niagara Falls. 

Kids of all ages will love spending time at The Strong National Museum of Play (open daily), the Seneca Park Zoo (open daily), and the Rochester Museum & Science Center (closed Mondays). 

For outdoor adventure, head out on Lake Ontario or kayak on the Genesee River. There are plenty of places to stroll or walk in Rochester, like walking along the Erie Canal and enjoying Cobb’s Hill Park. 

To appreciate the magic that is a camera (even if it is just a simple function on your smartphone), definitely visit the George Eastman Museum while in Rochester. You’ll learn about how, as the founder of the Eastman Kodak Company, he revolutionized photography. 

Discounted tickets are available for children, students, and seniors, but make sure to reserve tickets in advance. If you’re looking to camp or RVing on your New York to Niagara Falls road trip Webster Park and Hamilton Beach State Park are great options in Rochester.

Niagara Falls, NY & ON

Once you’ve had your fill of Rochester, it’s time to hit the road again, onto the final destination: Niagara Falls. Although it’s been an epic road trip driving from New York to Niagara, there’s nothing quite like getting to see the incredible falls and experiencing everything the area has to offer. 

There are so many different ways to experience the falls. You can see it from observation decks, boat tours, or even venture behind the falls for a truly unique experience. 

For a full bird’s eye view of all three falls, head up to the Niagara Falls Observation Tower on the New York side of the falls. Or get your adrenaline pumping by ziplining over the falls on the Canadian side. No matter which way you choose to experience the falls, you’ll be making memories to last a lifetime. 

Another awesome idea is to hike the Niagara Gorge State Hiking Trails. With various hikes, from beginner to challenging, just about everyone in the family can enjoy the beauty of Niagara on foot.

When considering where to stay in Niagara Falls, great options are available on both the US and Canada sides. The same goes for places to eat, too. If you’re looking to try your luck, there are several casinos in Niagara Falls, Canada.  

Pro Tip: There’s so much to see in Niagara Falls on either side of the border. So, it’s highly recommended to bring your passport on this road trip from New York to Niagara Falls. This way, you can easily cross the Rainbow Bridge without problems. 

More Tips for Road Tripping New York to Niagara Falls

• Get up-to-the-minute road conditions throughout the drive to Niagara Falls on 511NY.org
• Remember to bring your passport. Even if you don’t plan to cross the border into Canada, it’s always nice to have that option. 
• Know the rules and regulations for crossing the US/Canada border in Niagara Falls – Rainbow Bridge (cars and pedestrians).

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Any prices quoted are in Canadian Dollars, correct as at late 2023

Best Time to Visit Toronto

The best time to visit Toronto depends on what activities you’d like to do and things you’d like to see. Eastern Canada’s weather tends to operate at extremes, meaning that the winter month are very cold and harsh while the summer months are very hot.

Autumn and springtime in Toronto are milder and may be more comfortable for younger kids, but there’s plenty to do year-round in Toronto.

June through August is the peak travel time in Toronto. The city has plenty of annual summertime things to do, including outdoor movies, foodie festivals, pedestrian Sundays at the market, the Chinatown festival, and more. 

Once autumn hits, the beautiful fall foliage takes over the city, and it’s a visually beautiful time of year. Come November, the lead-up to the holidays begins with light festivals and Christmas markets, and there may even be some early snow!

Getting Into the City of Toronto

Assuming you are arriving by air, Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the downtown area. There are several public transportation options for getting into the city without a car.

The fastest option is the UP Express, a direct rail link from the airport to Union Square that takes less than half an hour. Ticket kiosks can be found at the airport (adult fare is $12). There’s free Wi-Fi and lots of baggage space, so it’s a smooth and relaxing ride into town.

If you’re headed somewhere other than downtown, you can get off at either of the two stops along the route which connect to bus services or the TTC Subway, but keep in mind that those services are a separate fare.

The cheapest option would be bus transit. This costs only $3.25 for the full route, but you’ll need to transfer at Kipling Station and switch to the TTC or another bus. Ask the driver about this when boarding and they’ll sell you the ticket for the full journey.

If you’re prepared to pay around $75-100, Uber or taxis are the easiest journey since you don’t need to worry about missing your stop! It may also be the least stressful option if your kids are young and you’re worried about corralling the family onto public transit.

How to Get Around in Toronto 

Although Toronto is pretty big, you probably won’t need a car if you’re planning on staying in the downtown area. Traffic can be unpredictable—especially on the weekends – and it will be cheaper to get around on foot or via public transit.

Riding the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) – that includes the subway system, streetcar lines and bus routes – adults pay $3.35 per ride, youths (13-19 years) are $2.40 and your under 12’s are free to ride making it a great option for families to get around in Toronto.

If you think you’ll be hoping on and off public transit several times in one day, get a PRESTO day pass.

The TTC Subway also connects some of the outer municipalities with the rest of the city. Lines 1, 2, and 3 are the ones that are most closely connected to downtown Toronto.

There are also buses, and a streetcar network that spans the entire downtown area, so public transportation is a great way to get around. Plus, it will be more cost-effective than a rental car, Uber, or taxi.

In nice weather, Toronto is a great city for exploring by foot, especially if you follow the harbourfront. 

Where to Stay in Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest city and covers a lot more than just the downtown area. The GTA (Greater Toronto Area) includes a lot of boroughs and large municipalities, with Toronto proper located in the middle, bordering Lake Ontario. This is where most of the city’s most exciting attractions will be.

Some of the best neighbourhoods include the Entertainment District (which has many of the city’s most iconic sights like the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium).

The Old Town is great for specialty markets and the popular Museum of Illusions, or Cabbagetown and Corktown, both historic neighbourhoods home to heritage buildings, museums, and even an indoor botanical garden. 

And pretty much no matter where you are, there are lots of cafés, restaurants, and unique shops at every turn!

If you are staying overnight, there are tons of hotels downtown. A few of the most popular ones catering to families include:

• The Chelsea Hotel is just a few blocks from Yonge-Dundas Square (aka “Times Square of Toronto.”)They have an indoor pool with a slide, a game room, and even family-specific rooms with toys.
• InterContinental Toronto Centre, located across the street from the CN Tower. They do a family getaway package that includes a suite, an in-room movie night setup (complete with snacks), and even a tent in the living room!
• For budget options, you can’t go wrong with the Holiday Inn in the Downtown Centre. This hotel is very central, has a pool, and kids under 11 eat free when accompanied by an adult ordering from their restaurant.

The Best Areas of Toronto for Family Dining

Being the largest city in Canada, the sheer amount of options you have when it comes to food is seemingly limitless. There’s something for everybody, regardless of what kind of food or dining experience you’re hoping for. 

One thing to keep in mind is that despite the huge selection of restaurants to choose from and the fact that Toronto is a relatively kid-friendly city, a surprising amount of restaurants don’t actually have a kid’s menu. But, there are lots of great places that do cater to families. Some of the best family-friendly spots include:

• Steamwhistle Biergarten: a brewery, but with a kid’s menu that even has plant-based options
• Sportsnet Grill: a classic sports bar, but it has a kid’s menu and looks into Roger’s Centre where the Blue Jays play — great for kids who love baseball!
• The Rec Room: there are technically two restaurants inside, The Shed and Three10. Aside from the kid’s menu, this location has arcade games, a bowling alley, and even a swimming pool. 
• Dairy Cream: a Toronto classic and a local favourite! Serving classic soft serve with a variety of flavoured dips, it’s a great summer treat spot.

Things to Do During a Day in Toronto By District

If you’ve only got one day to explore the city, seeing the iconic sights is the best way to get the most out of it. If you have the extra time, try to add in a few hidden gems, too — Toronto has plenty!

Entertainment District / Old Toronto

• The CN Tower is a must-see. Though it’s long been dethroned as the world’s tallest building, it still clings on as #10 on that list, and the view from the observation deck are pretty incredible.
• It’s also well-known for its Edgewalk Experience, where you can walk on the edge of the tower over a glass floor (this is an expensive sight at $195 per person, but it’s definitely one of the coolest things you can do in the city!). If that’s not your thing or you’re not keen on heights, there’s also a great revolving restaurant inside where you can sit and enjoy a meal with a view.
• Rogers Centre is the home of the Toronto Blue Jays (the only Canadian team in Major League Baseball) and the largest stadium in the city. It’s just down the street from the CN Tower so it’s easy to do both before moving to a different area. It’s a great experience to catch a game here if you have the time! 
• The Hockey Hall of Fame is another great option for sport-loving kids. Home of the famous Stanley Cup and with lots of interactive experiences, it’s great for both kids and adults, especially if you’re an NHL fan!
• Ripley’s Aquarium is another family favourite, and it’s very kid-friendly. It’s got plenty of exhibits that kids will love, like the tunnelled conveyor belt where sharks swim overhead and the colour-changing jellyfish exhibit.

You won’t fit all of these into one morning but we’d set your one day Toronto itinerary to experience at least one to these top attractions.

The Distillery District

The Distillery District is a cool neighbourhood made up of brick heritage buildings that once housed a huge whiskey distillery. Today, it’s full of cobbled streets and heritage buildings, distilleries, restaurants, and shops.

This is considered a great spot for foodies so would make an excellent place to time your lunch stop. You can also find foodie walking tours around here. Some places to check out here that would interest the kids:

• SOMA Chocolatemaker for homemade sweet treats. They even make their own chocolate from scratch!
• Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie for French-inspired dishes in a very chic setting
• Madrina Bar Y Tapas for Mexican and Spanish dishes, and they have a kid’s menu
• The St. Lawrence Market is about halfway between the Entertainment District and The Distillery District, but it’s worth a stop! Divided into two main market areas, South and North, it’s home to dozens of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal meats and cheeses, homemade baking, and even gifts. There are also regular flea and craft markets.

Yorkville and North Toronto

Yorkville and North Toronto have a few gems of their own worth the journey. This isn’t too far from the downtown core, so you can do a loop of Toronto and hit these up before heading back down towards the harbourfront later in the afternoon.

• The Royal Ontario Museum (the ROM) is worth a visit if your kids are interested in natural and cultural history! There are exhibits on dinosaurs, Ice Age animals, and birds — and even a bat cave exhibit (Allow 1-2 hours here).
• Casa Loma would be an easy sell to any kids once you tell them it’s a real castle. Comprising three floors and a sprawling garden estate that includes preserved horse stables, even adults will love this historic landmark. The inside includes a turn-of-the-century library, private chambers, a huge great hall, and even a conservatory. There’s also a rifle museum on the top floor. (All a further 1-2 hours)

Even just wandering through these areas will reveal endless things to do, whether it be cafés, boutiques to peruse, or quaint streets to explore.

How to Plan One Day in Toronto With Kids

If you’re looking for ideas on how to structure the day, consider starting in the Entertainment District to try and beat the midday crowds, then move east towards Corktown/the Distillery District before heading towards Yorkville. 

If you didn’t already capture the views from CN Tower in the morning, sunset can make an excellent (though busy!) time to visit. Alternatively, grabbing tickets to a Blue Jays Baseball game would be the ideal end to your day in Toronto!