What to see and do in Canada and the US: Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York
When travelling around North America, you’ll likely want to squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible, but it isn’t always obvious just how near you’ll be to once-in-a-lifetime destinations.
Did you know you can take a 2.5-hour train from Toronto to Niagara Falls? And then jump back on a train direct to New York?
In this guide, we’ll talk through some of the breathtaking locations you can visit when you combine trips to Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York City - one of our most popular Multi-Centre Holiday packages.
From food tourism in the Big Apple to beach hopping along Lake Ontario, our guide has got you covered.
There’s no place quite like New York City
New York is one of the most beloved city destinations on the planet thanks to its unique culture, energy and vibrancy. Whether you love food, art, music, history, or all of the above, you can experience the very best of it in the city that never sleeps.
There's so much to discover, from the bustling streets of downtown Manhattan to the effortlessly cool and arty neighbourhoods of Brooklyn and beyond.
The city itself is also easy and safe to explore, with a reliable subway system that spans the five boroughs (not to mention the iconic yellow taxis) - you're never too far from your next adventure. You might choose to explore on foot instead so you don’t miss out on any of the hidden gems when it comes to diners, coffee houses, independent boutiques and much more.
Central Park
In the heart of Manhattan lies over 800 acres of beautiful urban green space to explore. Officially the most filmed location on the planet, the park features in everything from When Harry Met Sally to Avengers.
Equipped with its own zoo, ice rink, open-air theatre, and nature sanctuary, there’s enough to see and do in Central Park to fill an entire day, especially if you hire bikes.
And if grabbing a New York-style hot dog from a street vendor and relaxing on the grass is more your vibe, you’ll find plenty of clean, open space in Sheep Meadow, East Meadow, and North Meadow.
Brooklyn Bridge
Another quintessential spot to visit when you holiday in the Big Apple is the Brooklyn Bridge. Walking across the pedestrian promenade will take you around 40 mins - longer if you stop to photograph the skyline and yellow taxis zipping along beneath you.
Opened in 1883, it’s one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, linking up the famous boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Exiting the bridge in Brooklyn, you’ll be able to visit DUMBO (short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), where you’ll find a beautiful waterfront park, cobbled streets dotted with coffee shops, art galleries, and a charming weekend flea market.
Fun facts: the bridge is home to nesting peregrine falcons, and once housed a survival shelter during the Cold War.
Coney Island
Somewhat off the beaten path but very much worth a visit, Coney Island is a classic beachside theme park with plenty of retro Brooklyn charm. Be sure to ride the 100-year-old wooden Cyclone roller coaster and enjoy a hot dog from the famous Nathan’s - preferably in that order.
Served by four different subway lines, it’s a scenic trip to the end of the line for a nostalgic stroll down the boardwalk - expect to see candy stores, shooting galleries, and even a circus sideshow if you time it right. Coney Island is an authentic Brooklyn experience that many tourists sadly miss out on; it’ll make a great addition to your New York holiday itinerary.
Times Square
Synonymous with New York and host to over 50 million visitors annually, Times Square is always a hive of activity and a great setting for people-watching. The site of the famous New Year's Eve ball drop celebration, the square is overlooked by towering screens, billboards and 24-hour restaurants.
You’ll find plenty of unmissable shops to visit, like the three-story M&M candy store and Hershey’s Chocolate World, and for good eats on the go, you’ll want to stop at one of the many ramen vendors.
If rooftop bars are your thing, take your pick from the St. Cloud Rooftop at the glamorous Knickerbocker Hotel or Bar 54; New York's highest open-air bar, both best enjoyed at night for phenomenal views of the city. This location is a must-visit when deciding on what to see and do in Canada and the US.
Broadway Theatres
Walkable from Times Square, there are 40 theatres in midtown Manhattan that make up the world-renowned Broadway Theater District. Broadway theatres usually seat 500+ (smaller ones are known as ‘Off-Broadway’) and host some of the world’s most famous stage shows. From The Phantom of the Opera to The Lion King, there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy.
Fancy making it dinner and a show? Walk to the nearby Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood for a huge selection of restaurants from every corner of the globe.
Grand Central Terminal
The seminal Grand Central Terminal connects Midtown Manhattan to the rest of the country and is one of the top ten most-visited tourist attractions in the world. Opened in 1913, the station spans almost 50 acres and houses 44 underground platforms - more than any other station.
And the most important tip for visitors? Look up! The main concourse’s vaulted ceiling is painted with a vast celestial mural featuring over 2,500 stars and constellations.
Browse the market, visit the library, grab a drink at the oyster bar saloon, and check out the whispering gallery - an acoustic phenomenon where visitors can whisper to one another from 30 feet away and still be heard.
The MoMA and The Met Museums
Another midtown Manhattan staple is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), one of the most influential art museums in the world. Fans of contemporary photography, sculpture, design and media won’t want to miss the MoMA’s ever-evolving collection. Get your tickets in advance to avoid the queues.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a much larger, more eclectic museum containing different types of exhibits, from ancient Egyptian and Roman artefacts to modern architecture and paintings. Because the collection is so extensive, our top tip is to look up what you’d like to see in advance - you won’t be able to view everything in just one day!
Empire State Building
Named one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, the 102-story Empire State Building towers proudly over the city at around 1,500 feet tall. This historic Art Deco building is so extensive it even has its own zip code and power plant.
You’ll want to take the elevator up to the 86th floor for panoramic views of the city from the outdoor observation deck. We also recommend taking an audio tour to learn more about this historic feat of engineering.
Fun fact: the spire on top of the Empire State Building was originally intended to be a mooring mast for passing blimps and airships.
Statue of Liberty
It just doesn’t get more iconic than the Statue of Liberty. Gifted to the city by France in 1886, the world-famous statue is a symbol of freedom and democracy that weighs 225 tons while standing 150 feet tall.
Reachable by ferry, the statue is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, you can climb the 377 spiral stairs to the top of the crown - getting tickets in advance is advised.
Alternatively, you can get an excellent drive-by view for free by riding the Staten Island Ferry - if you time it just right, you’ll see the sun set behind the statue, and on the return trip, witness the Manhattan skyline light up the night sky.
Rockefeller Center
Centrally located in the centre of Manhattan, the Rockefeller Center is a great place to meet, eat, explore and shop. With 360-degree panoramic views from the 70th floor, casual and fine dining, and its own music venue (Radio City Music Hall), there’s plenty to see and do.
Home to boutique clothing stores and designer jewellers, the Rockefeller is a much-loved hot spot for retail therapy. And if fashion isn’t your bag, you’ll find flagship stores for Nintendo, Rough Trade Records, Moleskine and the New York Yankees.
With all these great locations on offer in New York alone, you’re not short of ideas when deciding what to see and do in Canada and the US.
Tremendous Toronto
The largest (and most visited) city in Canada, Toronto artfully mixes the historical with the modern to serve up an eclectic city break to remember. A buzzing art, food and music scene gives Toronto its unique appeal, and visitors fall in love with the distinctive charm of its six characterful districts.
Did you know that a fifth of the city is green space? You won't have to look far to find beautiful parks and gardens dotted among the skyscrapers, while the incredible Lake Ontario provides the backdrop to Toronto’s impressive urban landscape.
CN Tower
Standing at almost 2,000 feet high is the striking CN tower in downtown Toronto. Completed in 1976, the CN Tower attracts over 2 million visitors each year and held the title of tallest free-standing structure in the world until 2007.
You’ll want to check out the observation decks, dine at the revolving restaurant, and depending on how you are with heights, walk across the glass floor! Tickets can be quite pricey, but you can save on entrance fees when booking at the restaurant or getting the Toronto CityPASS.
Fun fact: stocked with around 9,000 bottles, the CN Tower houses the world’s highest wine cellar - over 1,000 feet above the city.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
One of Toronto’s most talked about attractions; the aquarium should be high up on your to-do list when you’re in town. Containing 20,000 exotic deep-water dwellers, from sharks to stingrays, there’s a good chance you’ll come face-to-face with a sea creature you’ve never seen before.
Ripley’s Aquarium also boasts a 340-foot-long shark tunnel where you can experience walking along the ocean floor, and a popular jazz and cocktail night every second Friday of the month.
Toronto Island Park
Escape the city and take the ferry across Lake Ontario to Toronto Park Island - a firm favourite with tourists and locals alike. Visitors will enjoy sandy beaches, swimming and kayaking in the lake, an animal farm, amusement park and breathtaking views of the city.
Want to cover more ground? You can rent bikes and cycle around the many scenic trails and cottages dotted around the island.
St Lawrence Market
Whilst you’re across the pond and are deciding on what to see and do in Canada and the US, you have to try the vast range of different foods and cuisines available.
As well as stocking local restaurants with fresh supplies, St Lawrence Market in downtown Toronto has been offering artisan food, drink and crafts to the public since 1803. Sauntering around the indoor market, you’ll find over 120 vendors selling their wares, neatly packed into vintage wooden carts.
Recently named in National Geographic’s ‘10 Great Food Markets Around the Globe,’ this historic market is a great way to while away an afternoon for both foodies and casual diners.
Look out for these unmissable eats at St Lawrence Market:
● Peameal bacon sandwiches at Carousel Bakery (a local speciality)
● Polish perogies from European Delight
● Eggplant (aubergine) focaccia at Uno Mustachio
● Shrimp Po Boy sandwiches from Buster’s Sea Cove
● Pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) at Churrasco
Distillery District
The vibrant Distillery District is east of downtown and walkable from St Lawrence Market. Its 13 acres of restored Victorian-era industrial buildings and factories are home to independent shops, galleries, cafes and bars. The photogenic cobbled streets are perfect for window shopping as you enjoy some well-earned downtime on your Toronto holiday.
Craft beer enthusiasts will likely want to take a tour of Mill Street Brewery - a proud three-time winner of the Canadian Brewery of the Year award. Check out their huge selection of small-batch beers on tap, including their famous Vanilla Porter.
Casa Loma
Spanish for “Hill House”, Casa Loma is a majestic Edwardian-style gothic castle and garden situated in beautiful midtown Toronto. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the mansion’s enchanting halls, rooms and underground tunnels - a must-see for history buffs.
Casa Loma hosts over 250 seasonal events each year - it’s worth looking up what’s on when you visit. Be sure to make use of the free self-guided audio tour and check out the vintage car exhibit. If an upscale steakhouse sounds good to you, locals rave about the menu at BlueBlood Steakhouse.
Fun fact: the house has appeared on the big screen as Bruce Wayne’s manor, as well as the Beast’s castle in Disney’s live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast.
Toronto Zoo
A little out of the city is Toronto’s famous zoo - the largest zoo in Canada and one of the biggest in the world. Home to over 5,000 animals, the zoo spans over 7,000 acres and neighbours Rouge National Urban Park.
The zoo is divided into seven geographic regions - you’ll meet everything from red pandas to grizzly bears. Because of its size, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes or make use of the hop-on, hop-off buggy.
Bringing the family? It’s a good idea to have your itinerary set up on what to see and do in Canada whilst you’re there. Toronto Zoo has its own water park, so remember to pack sun cream and swimming gear.
Toronto Beaches
Because it isn’t coastal, Toronto isn’t typically known as a destination for beachgoers. However, it actually offers stunning sandy beaches on the shores of Lake Ontario. Toronto boasts four Blue Flag-certified beaches, an accolade given to the most swimmable, clean, and accessible beaches in the world.
Closest to downtown and accessible by public transport is Woodbine Beach, the largest and most popular beach in Toronto. Expect open stretches of sand, beach volleyball, and a boardwalk that follows the shoreline.
Our two top picks, though, are Ward’s Island Beach, reachable via ferry from Toronto Ferry Docks, and Bluffer’s Park Beach, a tranquil, lagoon-like oasis overlooked by the white cliffs of Scarborough Bluffs.
We’d be remiss to mention the beautiful Hanlan’s Point Beach, too - but it’s worth noting that sections of this beach are clothing-optional!
High Park
Opened to the public in 1876, High Park is a sprawling landscape made up of creeks, ponds, lush woods, and even a small zoo - home to bison, capybaras and llamas.
Lose yourself in green space by hiking one of the nature trails or relaxing with a book or a podcast beside quaint bridges and waterfalls in the serene Hillside Gardens. Nestled around the gardens are the famous sakura cherry blossom trees that attract thousands of admirers every year.
When to visit Canada
If you’re considering what to see and do in Canada and the US, then you’ll also need to think about the best time to visit. If you’re looking for a summer escape, then May through to September is a great time to start your summer holidays. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a wonderful winter escape, then late December to March is the perfect time to hit the slopes. But regardless of when you visit Canada, Niagara Falls is a must-see on your holiday.
Fabulous Niagara Falls
A holiday to Niagara Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see three colossal waterfalls that stretch across the border between Ontario and the state of New York. The falls are a humbling experience for any globetrotter wanting to experience the raw power of nature - check out our top tips for the best things to see and do at the falls. Grab your raincoat!
Visiting the falls
With vertical drops of over 50 metres, the roaring Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the waterfalls, followed by American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, respectively.
There are heaps of ways to see the falls - from helicopter rides to jet boats, but we’d actually recommend Maid of the Mist - nothing gets you closer than the original boat tour that takes you straight to the heart of the falls. Read on for more exciting ways to experience Niagara Falls when you visit.
Fun fact: Niagara Falls was recently named America's "most Instagrammed" state park.
Skylon Tower
As the sun sets and the falls are lit up with a display of colourful LED lights, there’s no better time to hop in the glass elevator to the top of Skylon Tower for a breathtaking view.
Standing at over 230 metres, visitors can see as far as 80 miles into the distance from the observation deck. Feeling peckish? Take a load off and enjoy awe-inspiring views and weekend fireworks displays from the tower’s revolving diner.
Niagara Skywheel
Rain or shine, day or night, you can ride the Niagara Skywheel for a unique panoramic perspective of the falls. Tucked safely in an enclosed gondola, you’ll calmly climb 175 feet above the falls with three loops around the Ferris wheel.
When you ride the Skywheel, you only share a cabin with your own party - no strangers! A great way to make unforgettable memories together.
Bird Kingdom
Ever hand-fed a lorikeet? Didn’t think so! With hundreds of tropical birds, reptiles, bats and amphibians, Bird Kingdom is the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary and a no-brainer for animal lovers of all ages.
If the weather turns or you want something a bit different to do, it’s worth remembering that Bird Kingdom is just a 5-minute walk from Niagara Falls and is open all year round.
Whirlpool Aero Car
We’ve mentioned a few different ways to see the magnificent falls, but we couldn’t leave out the Whirlpool Aero Car. You’ll ride an antique cable car over the gorge, glide above raging rapids and out to the whirlpool, a hypnotic natural phenomenon that occurs when two opposing currents meet. Not to be missed if you’re a thrill seeker wanting a vantage point like no other.
It’s time to book your Canada and US holiday!
Now that you have plenty of ideas on what to see and do in Canada and the US, it’s your chance to experience it all with our exclusive holidays.
Booking your multi-location trip with Viva Holidays takes the stress, hassle and admin out of arranging the trip of a lifetime. Check out our Trustpilot reviews for peace of mind - let us do the hard work so you can focus on making long-lasting memories. Here’s what one of our recent customers had to say:
“Andrew was really helpful with finding a great holiday for us to suit the dates/budget we had. He made the process very easy to complete and kept in touch with regular updates to refine the booking. Would highly recommend!”
With low deposits of just £49pp, and free cancellations and amendments up to eight weeks before departure, booking with us means your holiday is in good hands.
If you’d like to book your Toronto, Niagara Falls and New York break today or have any questions, we’re open Monday - Friday: 9am - 9pm and 9am - 8pm at the weekend.
Get in touch with our team today, and take the first steps towards a trip that will have your heart racing in anticipation!
