10 Best Things to Do when it's Raining in Toronto

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) lies in the heart of the downtown area, next to picturesque Grange Park. This impressive building is home to over 90,000 works of art and you’ll find areas dedicated to Indigenous and Canadian artists, as well as classic European masterpieces. The special events here are always popular and often include talks by prominent artists.

If you’re looking for an original date night, why not try the AGO Free Wednesday Nights? You’ll need to pre-book your tickets online, but you’ll have free admission to the museum between 6 pm and 9 pm. The AGO Bistro also offers half-price bottles of wine on Wednesday evenings, between 5 pm and 8 pm.

Toronto Eaton Centre is a shopper’s paradise and with over 1,400 onsite parking spaces, you can go directly inside the mall from your car. You’ll find over 200 shops and restaurants in this urban shopping centre and there’s a great mix of sprawling department stores, big Canadian brands and international shops.

This huge centre spreads over multiple levels, so it’s a good idea to download the LIVE by CF app before visiting for an interactive store map and directory, as well as special offers. After a busy shopping experience, you can choose from over 40 eateries to rest your tired feet. Whether you prefer Thai or Mexican food, burgers or Korean BBQ, you’ll find it in the food courts.

St. Lawrence Market has been delighting visitors with its fresh produce since 1803 and now has over 100 regular vendors. As you step into this large, historic building, you’ll be struck by the delicious aromas of fresh baked goods, tempting cheese and cold meats. You’ll see row after row of colourful, seasonal produce alongside organic and international products, including Greek olive oil, French macarons and Swiss chocolate.

Locals take advantage of the reduced-rate parking on Saturdays and flock to the impressive farmers’ market with its wide range of fruit and vegetables. On Sundays, you’ll often find antique dealers, vintage clothing and handmade goods too.

The Hockey Hall of Fame is an enthralling experience for any die-hard, ice hockey fan or sports lover. It’s home to a vast collection of memorabilia, including over 90 goalie masks with extraordinary designs, as well as interactive fun for all the family. You’ll love the spectacular Esso Great Hall with its silverware collection, and the hallowed Honoured Members gallery which showcases legends such as Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.

Kids and adults alike will delight in the virtual shootouts and having a photo taken with the most sought-after trophy, the Stanley Cup. The Hall of Fame is centrally located in Toronto, and to avoid rainy weather, use the underground walkway (PATH) from Union Station to reach this iconic building.

Elmwood Spa lies downtown, close to Toronto Metropolitan University. It’s an immaculate spa in a historic building, offering a multitude of massages, facials and beauty treatments. What better way to spend a rainy day than cosying up in a soft, white robe and being pampered?

The spa is known for its couples retreats and water therapies. Locals and tourists alike come here for the swimming pool, whirlpool and steam rooms, before heading to the elegant restaurant for a delicious, 3-course meal. The restaurant gets busy, so plan on reserving your table when you book your spa package. Don’t worry about attire – the dress code for the restaurant is a spa robe.

Little Canada is a fun and educational trip around a miniature Canada. The exhibit sprawls over 45,000 square feet and you’ll get to discover the country by walking from province to province, with the miniatures built on a 1:87 scale. The attention to detail on the individual pieces is astounding and you can learn model-making skills in the onsite workshops.

Kids will love learning about Canada whilst admiring the miniature Château Frontenac in Quebec or the tiny Niagara Falls in Ontario. You can even have a 3D scan taken and get a miniature version of yourself added to the exhibit. The fun doesn’t stop there, as you’ll also find a lovely gift shop and café in the building too.

The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres form a unique, double-decker theatre complex dating over a century. Known locally as the “EWG”, these theatres have 2 distinct styles: the Elgin is very ornate, with a large, domed ceiling and the Winter Garden has a botanical theme, with hand-painted walls resembling a garden.

You can take in a festive musical, stand-up comedy show, play or opera in this beautiful complex. Or why not take a guided tour and learn its fascinating history? Locals say this theatre is haunted, and you’ll hear spooky tales from your guide. Perhaps you’ll even meet The Lavender Lady or Sam the Trombone Player on your tour.

Spadina House is next to the stately Casa Loma castle, north of downtown. The house and gardens are immaculately maintained, as is the sumptuous decor. This spectacular mansion was once home to the Austin family, and you’ll discover what it was like to live in Toronto in the early 20th century through the eyes of this family and the people who worked in this home.

It’s a fascinating insight into a different era and the new technologies which were starting to appear. Imagine using electricity for the first time or a telephone. Admission here is free, but you can only visit by guided tour, so be sure to check online for scheduled times.

St. James Cathedral is in the Old Town district, next to an immense park. It’s a striking Anglican church with a distinctive spire and bell tower over 300 ft high. The cathedral dates back to 1853 and if you love architecture, you’ll adore this fantastic example of a Gothic Revival style with pristine stained-glass windows.

The church encourages community spirit. You’ll see locals coming here for seminars or to help with the drop-in centre by dealing with donations or preparing food. Tuesday afternoons are popular too, as admission is free to the weekly organ recitals. Sit back and unwind whilst listening to the stirring sounds of the magnificent 5,000-pipe organ.

The Rec Room Toronto will have you cheering, laughing, singing and dancing – and all before you’ve even thought about sitting down to eat. It’s primarily a gaming venue and you can play arcade games and air hockey or try your luck on the pool tables. But there’s also a bar area with great craft beer and a seating area to enjoy the delicious, pub-style food.

There’s a lively atmosphere with fantastic live music, and special events are held regularly. Channel your inner Picasso on paint night or your inner Cher on karaoke evening. It’s a fantastic night out in a central location, close to the CN Tower.