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How to Spend $1,000 on a Vacation in Toronto

Edited By: Scott Sidders

Updated on November 6, 2023

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It's no secret that Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in North America, but it's still possible to have a fantastic vacation here without spending a fortune.


Toronto has many things to offer tourists. From the cosmopolitan downtown core to the spectacular waterfront, Toronto is a city that can provide pretty much anything a tourist could possibly want or need for a perfect vacation in North America.

Toronto is a city that offers something for everyone. If you're into history, there are plenty of museums and historical sites to explore. Art lovers will find no shortage of galleries and theater performances to attend. And if you're looking for some good old-fashioned fun, Toronto has amusement parks, zoos, and sports teams that will keep you entertained for days on end.


It's easy to spend $1000 on vacation in Toronto. In fact, it's so easy that you might not even realize how much money you're spending until it's too late.

There are a number of things to do in Toronto that can quickly add up, and if you're not careful, you may find yourself going over your budget. So before you start planning your vacation in Toronto, take the time to plan and learn how you can spend $1000 or less on a fantastic getaway.

Things to Do in Toronto for Under $1000

Toronto City Skyline

This is a list of things you can do in Toronto for under $1000. This is not an exhaustive list, but we've tried to include the most popular tourist destinations and activities.


Whether you live in Toronto or are just visiting for a short time, this guide should provide some inspiration and ideas about what to do during your visit!

Toronto has so much going on that even if you had more than 24 hours in one day you couldn't see everything on one vacation! The city offers many diverse neighborhoods with different cultures and tastes - don't be afraid to venture outside of your usual haunts.


However, if time is limited and you want to maximize the experience for your money, this list should help point you in the right direction!

1. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America, and for good reason - the falls are spectacular to see.


The falls are located on the border between Ontario, Canada, and New York, USA, and are easily accessible from either side. There are a number of ways to see the falls, including by boat, helicopter, or on foot. If you're looking for a more unique experience, you can also go behind the falls.


Niagara Falls is a must-see destination for any tourist visiting Toronto. The falls are located about 1.5 hours from downtown Toronto, and there are a number of ways to get there. You can take a bus, drive yourself, or take a train.

Once you're there, you'll have plenty to do. There are the falls themselves, of course, but also the Niagara Parks Commission offers many different attractions and activities, including boat rides, hikes, and even an IMAX theater.


If you're looking to spend a day or two in the area, there are also a number of hotels and motels in the area. Or you can camp out at one of the parks if you're feeling adventurous.


If you're looking to see Niagara Falls on your vacation, there's no better way to do it than by taking a full-day tour. These tours usually include transportation to and from Toronto, as well as admission to the falls and all of the tourist attractions nearby.


You can choose a tour that includes just the falls, or one that also includes a visit to the wine country in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Prices for these tours can vary between companies, but you should expect to spend anywhere from $70 to $150 for a full-day tour.

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2. Fly Over Toronto

Billy Bishop Airport Toronto

Flying over Toronto is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are a number of companies that offer helicopter tours of the city, and most of them depart from the downtown core.
The tours usually last around 15-20 minutes, and you'll get to see some of Toronto's most famous landmarks, including the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre, and City Hall.

Prices for these helicopter tours can vary depending on the company, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $130 to $200 per person. There are executive plane tours as well starting from $80 per person - it's important to remember that prices all depend on what you are looking for.


If you're looking for a unique way to see Toronto, a helicopter tour is definitely worth considering. The views are spectacular, and it's a great way to get a bird's eye view of the city.

3. Take a Toronto Food Tour

Busy streets of Kensington Market Toronto with pedestrians walking past many bicycles

Toronto is a foodie's paradise, with a huge variety of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. From sushi to Italian to Indian, there's something for everyone. And if you're looking for something truly unique, Toronto has a number of ethnic neighborhoods where you can find restaurants serving food from all over the world.


If you're visiting Toronto and want to try some of the best food the city has to offer, a food tour is a great way to go. Tour companies generally offer a set menu, and you'll get a chance to sample some of the best food from different restaurants.

These tours usually last 3-4 hours and will take you to some of the best restaurants in the city. You'll get to try dishes from a variety of different cuisines, and you'll also learn about the history and culture of Toronto's food scene.


The tours are usually offered by companies that offer other sightseeing tours in the city. Prices for these tours range from $70 to $100 per person.

4. See the City on a Segway

Row of Segway Personal Transporter

Segways are a great way to see the city, and Toronto is a perfect place to try them out. The city is flat and there are a number of scenic routes that you can take. Toronto is an extremely walkable city, but if you'd rather not hoof it for hours on end, Segway tours are a great option.


If you're looking for a fun and unique way to see Toronto, this is it. These tours are offered by a number of different companies, and you can choose from a variety of different tours.


Most of the Segway tour companies in Toronto offer 2-3 hour tours, and you'll get to see some of the city's most famous landmarks. Prices for Segway tours vary depending on the company, but you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $80 per person.

5. Go on a Toronto Boat Cruise

Toronto Harbourfront with Kajama ship standing

Whether you're visiting in the summer or winter, there's no better way to see Toronto from a different perspective than by going on a boat cruise. Tour companies generally offer a variety of different cruises, and you can choose from a number of different tours depending on what you're looking for.
There are dinner cruises, harbor tours, and party cruises on offer. You can also choose longer sightseeing cruises if you'd prefer to explore the city at a slower pace.

The great thing about boat tours is that you can choose the scenery that appeals to you the most. Toronto is a popular destination all year round, so if you're visiting during an off-peak time you'll get to explore the city with fewer people around.


You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $150 per person for most boat tours. It's important to remember that this all depends on the tour company and the type of cruise you want to go for.

6. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum

Royal Ontario Museum

The art scene in Toronto is vibrant and ever-changing. There are a number of art galleries in the city, and you can find everything from contemporary art to traditional art on display.


If you're looking for something different, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a great place to visit. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is one of the largest museums in North America, and it's a must-visit for anyone visiting Toronto. The ROM has a huge variety of exhibits, from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to dinosaur fossils to Canadian art.

The museum is also home to the world's largest collection of cast iron objects, and it has one of the most comprehensive collections of Chinese art in the world.


If you're looking for a day of culture and history, the ROM is a great place to go. Admission prices vary depending on your age but generally range from $15 to $25 per person.


You can also visit the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), which is home to more Canadian art. The AGO has over 120,000 works of art and artifacts from around the globe.

7. Explore the Distillery District

Distillery District - Toronto, Ontario

The Distillery District is an excellent place to go if you're looking for some culture and history. The district is home to historical Victorian-Era buildings, and many of these buildings are still in use today.


The Distillery District opened in 2003, and it's now home to galleries, markets, restaurants, and pubs. You can also find a number of small shops that sell everything from accessories to home goods. The district is home to an array of artist studios, and there are several different events held here throughout the year
There are guided tours available, and these tours take you inside some of the historical buildings and give you a look at how they were used back in the day.


You can expect to pay between $15 and $30 per person for a guided tour.

8. Take a Bike Tour

Cycling on Queens Quay West, Toronto, Canada

Toronto is a great city to explore by bike. The city has a number of different bike paths that take you through some of the most popular areas.


If you're looking for a relaxed ride, the Harbourfront bike path is a great option. This path takes you along the waterfront, and you can stop to enjoy the views at any point.


If you're looking for something more adventurous, the Don Valley Parkway bike path is a great choice. This path takes you through some of Toronto's most scenic areas, and it's perfect for cyclists who are looking for a challenge.


Bike rental companies are located throughout the city, and prices generally start at around $10 per hour. You can also take a guided tour across downtown Toronto, and these tours are a great way to learn more about the city.

9. Explore the Craft Breweries

Urban Man, Beer Glass

Toronto is home to a growing craft brewery scene. There are now over 50 craft breweries in the city, and each one offers a unique experience.


Some of the most popular breweries in Toronto include Steam Whistle Brewing, Mill Street Brewery, and Great Lakes Brewery. These breweries offer tours and tastings, and they're a great place to go if you're looking for something different.


If you're looking for a taste of Toronto, craft breweries are a great place to start. You can expect to pay around $100 per person for a guided tour that lasts 4 hours, and this often includes free samples.
Besides breweries, you can also visit cider houses. Cider houses are gaining in popularity, and locals love to stop by for a quick drink. If you're looking for something to do, stop by one of the many cider houses in the city and find a new favorite drink.

Conclusion

Colorful Street View from St. Lawrence Market, CN Tower, Modern Buildings Included, Lights On, Dawn Comes, Before Night

Toronto is a great place to spend your vacation because there are so many different activities that you can do. You have the option of visiting museums, craft breweries, and Niagara Falls. If you're looking for something more traditional, Toronto has plenty of historical buildings and art galleries as well! There's no shortage of culture here in Canada's largest city!


Toronto is a city that has something for everyone. Toronto offers endless opportunities - and we've only scratched the surface in this post! If you're looking for more ideas beyond this list we have a more in-depth article here called, "30 of the Top Must-See Places to Visit While in Toronto." It has some overlap of course, but there are plenty of different ideas.


If you're looking to visit Toronto, use this article as a guide. You can spend less than $1,000 on an entire vacation to the city, and you'll have a great time. That's what vacation is all about!

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