Weekend Warrior’s Guide to Toronto: 48 Hours of Must-See Sights and Eats

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48 Hours in Toronto: How to Explore Canada’s Second City

Toronto, known as Canada’s Second City, is a vibrant and lively metropolis renowned for its outstanding culinary scene, abundant entertainment options, and a skyline that is considered one of the most iconic in the country. Here is a concise guide on how to make the most of a 48-hour visit to Toronto.

Toronto is an aesthetically pleasing and lively city that offers an abundance of activities, making it impossible to experience everything in only a weekend. Despite being Canada’s second city, it is renowned for its status as an international hub for business, arts, and culture. Here is our concise guide on how to spend 48 hours in Toronto.

The British established the city in 1793 under the name “Town of York.” The Mississauga people, who have inhabited the area for 12,000 years, had their property stolen from them in the Toronto Purchase, which was a subject of dispute. The property is conveniently located along a major commerce route in North America. Following a sequence of conflicts and uprisings, Toronto experienced rapid growth due to the expansion of its finance and mining sectors.

Friday night — Try Tourtière and Stroll Along Queens Quay West

Queens Quay West offers one of the most exceptional vantage points to see the Toronto skyline during nighttime.

After completing the check-in process and getting comfortable, you may likely feel famished. Tourtière is a customary, satiating, and delectable regional pie that is highly recommended for you to sample. The pie, formerly a traditional Christmas delicacy, has gained widespread popularity and is now available throughout the year. Smashed potatoes and minced meat are the traditional ingredients, though some recipes call for cubes, and there should be a vegetarian option too. 

Queens Quay West, situated on the harbourfront, is an exceptionally picturesque spot for an evening promenade in the city. The area has undergone redevelopment and transformed into a vibrant destination, bustling with cafes and stores. This is also a convenient place to connect the Martin Goodman route, which follows the Lake Ontario shore. It’s also easy to spot the CN Tower at night, lit up brightly.

Saturday Morning — The Best Bacon Sandwich Followed by a Niagara Falls Cruise

A peameal bacon sandwich is a substantial breakfast option that will satisfy your hunger. The sandwich that is most renowned in Toronto is most enjoyable when eaten in the morning. The origin of the sandwich can be traced back to the 1960s and the Carousel Bakery located in St Lawrence Market. The ends of the bacon were left on the plate, and everyone selected the middle cut. In order to avoid wasting them, they were fried and used as fillings in sandwiches. Something amazing started to happen. 

Visiting Niagara Falls is a highly renowned trip that can be experienced from Toronto. This trio of waterfalls is located in close proximity to the city and is highly recommended for sightseeing. It is convenient to approach the Horseshoe and witness the falls up close by taking a boat trip. Knowledgeable guides will offer comprehensive information to satisfy your curiosity. The falls are the strongest in all of North America and stand 160 feet high.

In addition to the cruise, visitors have the option to explore the Journey Behind the Falls or Niagara Power Plant, which are accessible while the cruise ship is not in operation. The Journey Behind the Falls allows you to traverse through the tunnels, where you may experience the tangible vibration caused by the powerful cascading water, leading you to the Lower Observation Deck

Saturday Afternoon — A Michelin Guide Lunch and an Excellent Choice of Museums

Chinatown is located in close proximity to Kensington market and is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings. Mother’s Dumplings on Spadina is a small and authentic restaurant that has been recognized and included in the prestigious Michelin Guide. The restaurant was established in 2005 and rapidly earned a renowned status for its exceptional cuisine within the city. Soon, they required larger premises. In addition to its delectable taste, Mother’s Dumplings offers affordable prices.

Regardless of your interests, Toronto has a museum tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re interested in hockey, contemporary art, or shoes, there is a museum that caters to your preferences, such as the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or the Bata Shoe Museum. The Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Downtown Toronto, is the official residence of the prestigious Stanley Cup. Each year, new players are recognized and the exceptional interactive exhibits delve into and commemorate the history of ice hockey.


The Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as MOCA, is located in the Junction district and serves as a remarkable exhibition of the forefront of the art world.

Saturday Night — Dine in the Entertainment District

The Entertainment District in Toronto is situated in the former Garment District. This region was previously abundant with industrial activity and is home to the Royal Alexandra Theatre. In the 1960s, a local entrepreneur acquired the theater and subsequently established restaurants in close proximity to enhance customer traffic. One of these companies, which is since closed, was Ed’s Warehouse, which gained prominence as one of Toronto’s top restaurants.

For culinary delights, King Street West in the district is the ultimate destination. The neighborhood has transformed into a sophisticated and luxurious space among its industrial surroundings, offering a wide range of high-quality dining options and food booths. Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, a restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide, can be found in Toronto. This restaurant exudes warmth, modesty, and a commitment to heritage, while still offering the finest culinary creations in the city.

Sunday Morning — Pancakes before Climbing the CN Tower

Prior to a day of sightseeing, it is advisable to have a substantial breakfast. While pancakes may not be the quintessential local delicacy, you can expect to discover some exceptional flapjacks. If you are short on time, Wimpy’s Diner, a chain located throughout Toronto, can quickly provide you a substantial and delicious meal.

The CN Tower has achieved iconic status in Toronto. The Canadian National Railway Company constructed this needle-shaped skyscraper in 1976 as a TV and radio tower. It stands at a height of 1,150 feet and features a bulbous viewing platform and eateries. Prior to 2007, the Burj Khalifa had the title of the world’s highest free-standing skyscraper. The excellent 360: The restaurant gradually revolves, providing diners with panoramic views of the entire city as they indulge in authentic Canadian food. Additionally, there is a restaurant located on the viewing deck, as well as a cafe situated at ground level. Additionally, you have the option to participate in the EdgeWalk experience. It looks terrible to walk around the Tower’s perimeter without using your hands.

Sunday Afternoon — Try the Poutine and Wile Away the Afternoon in the Distillery Historic District

It is essential to try poutine before departing Toronto. Although the cuisine consisting of fries, cheese curds, and gravy is commonly associated with Quebec, it has become popular throughout Canada, and you can find some of the finest examples in the Second City. 

The Distillery Historic District in Toronto is an ideal location to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon. This area is completely designated for pedestrians and is abundant with various stores and cafés. Additionally, a market takes place on Sundays between the months of May and September. Chains or franchises are prohibited from establishing shops or restaurants in the district, ensuring that all establishments, including jewelry stores, art galleries, and brewers, are exclusively boutique.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Toronto beckons with its vibrant energy and diverse offerings, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s charm than with a stay at Alfred Furnished Apartments. After a day of exploring Toronto’s must-see sights and indulging in its culinary delights, retreat to the comfort and convenience of your meticulously curated apartment. Whether you’re unwinding in a spacious living area, preparing a meal in a fully-equipped kitchen, or enjoying a restful night’s sleep in a cozy bedroom, Alfred Furnished Apartments provide a home away from home in the heart of the city.  So, make the most of your 48 hours in Toronto by choosing Alfred Furnished Apartments as your base for adventure and relaxation.

Looking for a furnished apartment in Toronto?

If Toronto is your next destination and you are looking for a well furnished apartment, ready to move in for short term, look at our Toronto Apartment listings and choose the best one for you. All our apartments are fully furnished, well equipped, utilities included and you can move in anytime. Ernest Alfred will be more than happy to serve you. Feel free to contact me anytime.

Ernest Alfred

Ernest Alfred

Living in Toronto from the last 74 years. Managing Alfred Furnished Apartments to host hundreds of tenants every year.

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