Last updated: February 23, 2026
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, a cultural and culinary hub that welcomed a record 28.2 million visitors in 2025, generating $9.1 billion in direct spending. Planning a trip around Toronto 2026: CN Tower Views, Kensington Market, and Niagara Falls Day Trips means combining world-class skyline views, one of North America’s most distinctive neighborhood markets, and a natural wonder less than two hours away. Whether visiting for the first time or returning after years away, this guide covers what’s new, what’s changed, and exactly how to make the most of each destination.
Key Takeaways
- The CN Tower stands 553.33 metres tall and offers views up to 160 km on clear days, reaching as far as Niagara Falls and New York State.
- Kensington Market is undergoing significant changes in 2026, including a 78-unit affordable housing project, major road reconstruction, and a planned pedestrianization pilot.
- Niagara Falls displayed some of the most spectacular winter ice formations in a decade during early 2026, with ice reaching up to 10 stories at the base.
- Toronto’s 360 Restaurant at the CN Tower requires a minimum $75 food spend per person but includes tower admission.
- Road reconstruction in Kensington Market begins late 2026, so visiting earlier in the year avoids construction disruptions.
- Day trips to Niagara Falls from Toronto take roughly 90 minutes by car, with bus and train options also available.
- Toronto’s international arrivals grew 8% in 2025, with the U.K. and Germany leading growth among overseas visitors.
Quick Answer
Toronto in 2026 offers three standout experiences within easy reach of each other: panoramic city views from the CN Tower’s observation levels (346 metres up), street-level food and culture in the ever-evolving Kensington Market, and the raw power of Niagara Falls just 130 km southwest. This combination works for solo travelers, families, and couples alike, and can be covered comfortably in three to five days.
What Makes Toronto 2026 a Great Year to Visit?
Toronto is riding momentum from a record-breaking tourism year. The city drew 28.2 million visitors in 2025, with international arrivals climbing 8% to 1.4 million. That growth has translated into more dining options, better transit connections, and renewed investment in the neighborhoods and attractions that make the city worth visiting.
Several factors make 2026 specifically worth planning around:
- Kensington Market is evolving. A new 78-unit affordable housing complex near Bellevue Square Park is scheduled for completion in fall 2026 [1], and a pedestrianization pilot project is being planned for the neighborhood [2]. Visit before late 2026 to avoid road construction, or visit after to experience a more walkable market.
- Niagara Falls had a remarkable winter. Early 2026 brought ice formations that Niagara Parks called “one of the most spectacular displays seen in a decade,” with ice reaching up to 10 stories at the base of the falls.
- The CN Tower’s Lower Observation Level has reopened after renovations, adding a new immersive art installation called “Artmosphere” alongside the classic glass floor and outdoor terrace.
For travelers coming from outside Canada, the combination of a strong tourism infrastructure and a favorable exchange rate (for U.S. and European visitors) makes 2026 a practical window.
How High Can You Go at the CN Tower, and What Will You See?
The CN Tower rises 553.33 metres (1,815.5 feet) from base to antenna tip, making it the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere cntower.ca. Visitors access three main levels, each with a different experience.
CN Tower Observation Levels at a Glance
| Level | Height | What’s There | Included in General Admission? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Observation Level | 346 m (114 storeys) | Floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic city views | Yes |
| Lower Observation Level | 342 m (113 storeys) | Glass floor, Outdoor Terrace, OverView (tilted glass), Artmosphere art installation | Yes |
| The Top | 447 m (147 storeys) | Highest observation platform in Western Hemisphere; feel the tower sway | Add-on ($11 on-site, or buy combo ticket) |
On a clear day from The Top, visibility extends roughly 160 km, far enough to see the mist rising from Niagara Falls and the shoreline of New York State cntower.ca. The tower’s antenna gets struck by lightning an average of 75 times per year, and at The Top level, the structure can sway almost half a metre in the wind.
Practical Tips for CN Tower Visits
- Buy timed tickets online up to 30 days in advance. Walk-up tickets are available at self-serve kiosks, but popular time slots (sunset, weekends) sell out cntower.ca.
- Children aged 2 and under get free admission.
- Choose sunset timing if you want to see the city transition from daylight to illuminated skyline. Morning visits are quieter and better for photography without glare.
- 360 Restaurant diners skip the admission ticket. The minimum food spend of $75 per adult ($40 for children 4-12) includes elevator access and observation level visits after the meal cntower.ca. The restaurant completes a full rotation during dinner, and it houses the world’s highest wine cellar.
- EdgeWalk is a separate experience: a hands-free walk around the exterior of the main pod, 116 storeys up, secured by harness. Guinness World Records recognizes it as the world’s highest external walk on a building cntower.ca.
Common mistake: Visiting only on perfectly clear days. Foggy mornings can create a dramatic effect where Toronto’s skyscrapers poke through the cloud layer, and the CN Tower’s own website notes this as one of the most memorable viewing conditions.
What’s Happening in Kensington Market in 2026?
Kensington Market remains one of Toronto’s most distinctive neighborhoods, a dense grid of Victorian-era houses converted into shops, restaurants, vintage stores, and food vendors. But 2026 brings both exciting development and real disruption.
New Affordable Housing and Community Development
Construction is underway on a 78-unit affordable housing complex at a former Green P parking lot north of Bellevue Square Park, with completion expected in fall 2026 [1]. The project is notable for several reasons:
- It uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) for the superstructure, including elevator cores, which allowed the frame to go up in just 6-8 weeks rather than months for conventional concrete [3].
- The building features a mass timber frame, green roof with solar panels, and distinctive red metal siding [1].
- The non-profit Kensington Market Community Land Trust (KMCLT) will lease and operate the complex, following their 2023 purchase of two Victorian buildings on Kensington Avenue to preserve affordability [1].
- Each tenant will have guaranteed access to social support services [1].
This project is part of Mayor Olivia Chow’s broader initiative to build 65,000 rent-controlled homes on city-owned sites by 2030 [1]. For visitors, the construction site is visible near Bellevue Square Park but doesn’t block the main market streets.
Road Reconstruction and Pedestrianization Plans
The city is planning major road reconstruction and watermain replacement in Kensington Market, with construction expected to start late 2026 and take 1-2 years [2]. The project includes:
- Widened sidewalks and narrowed streets
- Curb extensions at intersections
- Speed limits reduced from 30 km/h to 20 km/h [2]
- Revised stormwater management after analysis revealed the initial design could worsen basement and overland flooding [2]
Following construction, city staff will form a local stakeholder committee to plan a temporary pedestrianized zone pilot project [2]. This could eventually make parts of Kensington Market car-free, similar to the popular Pedestrian Sundays that have run for years.
Visiting Kensington Market Before Construction
If you’re planning a Toronto 2026 trip, aim for spring or summer to experience Kensington Market before the road work begins. The market is best explored on foot, and the narrow streets are already tight with vendor displays, outdoor seating, and foot traffic.
Must-visit categories in Kensington Market:
- Cheese and specialty food shops along Kensington Avenue
- Vintage clothing stores concentrated on Kensington Avenue and Augusta Avenue
- Latin American, Caribbean, and Asian grocery vendors with fresh produce spilling onto sidewalks
- Cafés and bakeries for mid-walk breaks
- Street art and murals on nearly every block
One bittersweet note: longtime staple Jumbo Empanadas closed in February 2026 after 35 years, citing rising costs [4]. This reflects ongoing economic pressure on established vendors in the neighborhood. Supporting the businesses that remain is one of the best things visitors can do.
For those interested in how communities navigate economic pressures, Kensington Market’s land trust model offers an interesting case study in balancing development with preservation.
How to Plan a Niagara Falls Day Trip from Toronto in 2026
Niagara Falls sits roughly 130 km southwest of downtown Toronto, making it one of the most accessible day trips from the city. The drive takes about 90 minutes without heavy traffic (add 20-30 minutes during summer weekends). Bus services run multiple times daily, and seasonal GO Transit trains connect Union Station to Niagara Falls.
Getting There: Transportation Options
| Method | Travel Time | Approximate Cost (one-way, per person) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental car | 90 min | Varies (plus parking $20-30) | Flexibility, families, wine country stops |
| GO Bus/Train | 2-2.5 hours | $15-25 CAD | Budget travelers, solo visitors |
| Guided tour bus | Full day (pickup/drop-off included) | $80-150 CAD | First-time visitors who want commentary |
| Rideshare/taxi | 90 min | $150-200 CAD | Small groups splitting cost |
Choose a rental car if you want to stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries on the way back. Choose the GO Bus if you’re traveling solo and want to keep costs low. Choose a guided tour if you want someone else to handle logistics and want narrated context.
What to See at Niagara Falls
The Canadian side offers the best views, and since you’re already in Toronto, you’re on the right side of the border. Key experiences:
- Horseshoe Falls viewpoint from Table Rock: free, and the most iconic vantage point
- Journey Behind the Falls: tunnels leading to observation decks behind the waterfall curtain (seasonal)
- Niagara Parks botanical gardens and butterfly conservatory: worth the detour, especially in spring and summer
- Clifton Hill: the tourist strip with attractions, restaurants, and arcades (kitschy but fun for families)
- Niagara-on-the-Lake: a charming town 20 minutes north with wineries, the Shaw Festival theatre, and historic main street shopping
Winter Visits: The 2026 Ice Spectacle
Early 2026 brought extraordinary conditions. Niagara Parks described the ice formations as “one of the most spectacular displays of winter ice formations seen in a decade,” with ice reaching up to 10 stories at the base of the falls. A photography contest ran February 20-25, 2026, with prizes up to $5,000 for the best shots of the frozen falls, judged by Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati and Niagara Parks CEO David Adames.
Even during winter, the falls never truly freeze. Approximately 75% of water from Lake Erie is diverted through tunnels and canals upstream, but roughly 85 million litres still flow per minute. Water continues moving beneath the ice crust, making a complete freeze nearly impossible.
Edge case: Winter visits require warm clothing and waterproof boots. The mist freezes on railings, walkways, and clothing. Some attractions (Journey Behind the Falls, boat tours) close for the season, but the views can be more dramatic than summer.
For sports fans planning around events in the Niagara region, checking local schedules can add another dimension to a day trip.
How to Combine CN Tower Views, Kensington Market, and Niagara Falls into One Trip
A well-structured Toronto 2026 itinerary covering all three highlights fits comfortably into 3-5 days. Here’s a practical framework:
Sample 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and explore downtown Toronto
- Check in, walk the waterfront
- Evening visit to the CN Tower for sunset views (book a 5:30-6:30 PM time slot depending on season)
- Optional: dinner at 360 Restaurant instead of separate admission
Day 2: Kensington Market and surrounding neighborhoods
- Morning: Kensington Market for coffee, vintage shopping, and street food
- Afternoon: Walk south to Chinatown and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), both within 10 minutes
- Evening: Dinner at one of Kensington’s restaurants or nearby on Dundas Street
Day 3: Niagara Falls day trip
- Depart by 8:30 AM for a 10 AM arrival
- Spend 3-4 hours at the falls and surrounding parks
- Optional afternoon stop at Niagara-on-the-Lake for wine tasting
- Return to Toronto by evening
Day 4: Flex day
- Revisit favorites or explore the Distillery District, St. Lawrence Market, or the Toronto Islands
- Departure
Budget Considerations
| Category | Budget Range (per person, CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CN Tower General Admission | $43-58 | Adult pricing; The Top add-on is $11 |
| CN Tower 360 Restaurant | $75+ minimum food spend | Includes admission |
| Kensington Market food/shopping | $30-100 | Depends on appetite and vintage finds |
| Niagara Falls day trip | $50-200 | Varies by transport and activities |
| Toronto accommodation (per night) | $150-350 | Downtown hotels; hostels from $50 |
All CN Tower ticket prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include applicable taxes cntower.ca.
What Are Common Mistakes When Planning Toronto 2026: CN Tower Views, Kensington Market, and Niagara Falls Day Trips?
Avoiding these common errors saves time, money, and frustration:
Not booking CN Tower tickets in advance. Walk-up availability is limited, especially during summer weekends and holidays. Book online up to 30 days ahead.
Driving to Kensington Market. Street parking is nearly nonexistent, and the narrow streets are difficult to navigate by car. Take the TTC subway to Spadina or Dundas station and walk.
Underestimating Niagara Falls travel time on weekends. The QEW highway between Toronto and Niagara can add 30-60 minutes on summer Saturdays. Leave early or go midweek.
Skipping the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Some visitors with U.S. connections cross to the American side. The Canadian side has far superior views of Horseshoe Falls. Stay on the Ontario side unless you specifically want to visit the American Falls up close.
Visiting Kensington Market on Monday. Many independent shops and vendors close or have reduced hours on Mondays. Tuesday through Sunday is more reliable.
Ignoring weather layering. Toronto weather in spring and fall can swing 15°C in a single day. Layers are essential, and waterproof shoes matter for Niagara Falls mist.
Buying CN Tower tickets from unauthorized resellers. The CN Tower warns that tickets from sources other than their website or verified partners (Ripley’s Aquarium, Toronto CityPASS) may not be valid, and they reserve the right to deny admission cntower.ca.
Who Is This Trip Best For (and Not For)?
Ideal for:
- First-time visitors to Canada who want iconic experiences
- Families with children (the CN Tower glass floor and Niagara Falls are crowd-pleasers for kids)
- Food-focused travelers who enjoy exploring neighborhood markets
- Couples looking for a mix of urban culture and natural scenery
- Photographers, especially during winter ice formations at Niagara Falls
Less ideal for:
- Travelers seeking remote wilderness or backcountry experiences (consider Ontario’s Georgian Bay region instead)
- Visitors uncomfortable with heights (the CN Tower’s glass floor and EdgeWalk are intense)
- Anyone on an extremely tight timeline; trying to do all three in a single day is rushed and exhausting
For travelers interested in live entertainment and cultural events outside Toronto, Ontario’s smaller towns offer excellent theatre and music festivals during summer months.
What Else Is Worth Seeing Near These Three Destinations?
Toronto, Kensington Market, and Niagara Falls each have strong nearby attractions that extend a trip without requiring major detours:
Near the CN Tower:
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (directly adjacent; combo tickets available)
- Rogers Centre (home of the Toronto Blue Jays)
- Harbourfront Centre and the Toronto Islands ferry terminal
Near Kensington Market:
- Art Gallery of Ontario (5-minute walk south)
- Chinatown (overlapping geography along Spadina Avenue)
- Trinity Bellwoods Park (15-minute walk west)
Near Niagara Falls:
- Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Niagara wine region
- Whirlpool Aero Car (a cable car over the Niagara Whirlpool)
- Fort George National Historic Site
Those interested in community events and local music may find that smaller Ontario towns offer a different but equally rewarding side of the province.
FAQ: Toronto 2026: CN Tower Views, Kensington Market, and Niagara Falls Day Trips
How tall is the CN Tower?
The CN Tower measures 553.33 metres (1,815.5 feet) from base to antenna tip, making it the tallest building in Canada and the Western Hemisphere cntower.ca.
Do I need to buy a separate ticket if I’m dining at 360 Restaurant?
No. Diners at 360 Restaurant do not need a separate admission ticket. The minimum food spend is $75 per adult and $40 for children aged 4-12, which includes tower access cntower.ca.
Is Kensington Market safe to visit?
Yes. Kensington Market is a busy, well-traveled neighborhood during daytime hours. Like any urban area, basic awareness applies at night, but it’s generally safe and heavily foot-trafficked.
Will Kensington Market be under construction in 2026?
Major road reconstruction is expected to start late 2026 [2]. Visiting in spring or summer 2026 should avoid the worst of the disruption. The market’s shops and restaurants will remain open during construction.
How long does a Niagara Falls day trip take from Toronto?
Plan for a full day. The drive is about 90 minutes each way, and most visitors spend 3-5 hours at the falls and surrounding area. Budget 8-10 hours total.
Can Niagara Falls actually freeze?
Not completely. Water continues flowing beneath the ice crust even during the coldest winters. Approximately 85 million litres flow per minute year-round. However, the ice formations at the base can be extraordinary, as seen in early 2026.
What’s the best time of year to visit Toronto?
Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and the most outdoor events. Fall (September-October) brings beautiful foliage and smaller crowds. Winter can be cold but offers unique experiences like Niagara Falls ice formations. Spring is unpredictable but affordable.
How much does CN Tower admission cost?
General admission for adults ranges from approximately $43-58 CAD depending on timing and season. Adding The Top costs an extra $11. Children aged 2 and under enter free. All prices are in Canadian dollars and exclude tax cntower.ca.
Is EdgeWalk at the CN Tower worth it?
EdgeWalk is a hands-free walk around the exterior of the tower’s main pod at 116 storeys, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s highest external walk on a building cntower.ca. It’s a premium experience best suited for thrill-seekers comfortable with extreme heights.
Do I need a passport for a Niagara Falls day trip?
Not if you stay on the Canadian side, which offers the best views. A passport is only needed if you cross the Rainbow Bridge to the U.S. side.
What happened to Jumbo Empanadas in Kensington Market?
Jumbo Empanadas closed in February 2026 after 35 years in business, citing rising costs [4]. The closure reflects broader economic pressures affecting long-standing vendors in the neighborhood.
How many visitors does Toronto get each year?
Toronto welcomed a record 28.2 million visitors in 2025, generating $13.5 billion in total economic impact. International arrivals grew 8% to 1.4 million visitors.
Conclusion
Toronto in 2026 delivers a rare combination: a world-class city skyline viewed from one of the planet’s tallest structures, a neighborhood market that’s simultaneously preserving its character and evolving through innovative housing and street design, and a natural wonder that remains awe-inspiring whether visited in summer spray or winter ice.
Actionable next steps:
- Book CN Tower tickets through the official CN Tower website up to 30 days in advance, choosing a sunset time slot for the best experience.
- Plan Kensington Market for spring or early summer 2026 to visit before road construction begins late in the year.
- Check Niagara Falls conditions before your trip. Winter ice formations are unpredictable but can be spectacular; summer offers boat tours and full access to all attractions.
- Budget 3-5 days to cover all three destinations without rushing.
- Buy a Toronto CityPASS if you plan to visit multiple attractions, as it bundles CN Tower admission with other popular sites at a discount.
Toronto keeps growing as a destination, and 2026 is shaping up as a year of meaningful change in the neighborhoods and attractions that define it. The shift toward cleaner energy and sustainable development visible in projects like Kensington Market’s mass timber housing reflects a city that’s building for the future while honoring what makes it special.
References
[1] Real Estate Affordable Housing Mass Timbre Kensington Market – https://torontolife.com/city/real-estate-affordable-housing-mass-timbre-kensington-market/
[2] Kensington Safe Streets – https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/infrastructure-projects/kensington-safe-streets/
[3] Clt Superstructure Ready To Rise On Former Parking Lot In Kensington Market – https://woodworks.events/clt-superstructure-ready-to-rise-on-former-parking-lot-in-kensington-market/
[4] Long Time Kensington Market Staple Setting Its Doors After 35 Years – https://toronto.citynews.ca/video/2026/02/20/long-time-kensington-market-staple-setting-its-doors-after-35-years/
CN Tower official website (2021-2024) – cntower.ca
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