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Canadian police say they have stopped a planned terrorist attack in Toronto and arrested a father and son in connection to the plot.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or RCMP, said on Wednesday that 62-year-old Ahmed Eldidi and 26-year-old Mostafa Eldidi were arrested on Sunday at a hotel in Richmond Hill, Toronto.

The pair are accused of a plot to carry out a "violent, serious attack" in Canada's largest city, for the benefit of or at the direction of the Islamic State group.

Both are facing charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder.

Matt Peggs, RCMP assistant commissioner, said the men were in the “advanced stages” of planning the attack.

Both are residents of the Toronto area and Canadian citizens, police said.

Authorities became aware of the alleged plan in early July. They did not say what information led to the probe.

Police called the investigation "fast-moving" and said they were still working to determine the intended target.

The exact nature of the threat is covered by a publication ban.

The two men are also facing weapons charges for an axe and a machete found in their possession, Mr Peggs said.

Court documents say the elder Mr Eldidi faces an additional charge of aggravated assault dating back to 2015 outside of Canada.

Police do not believe there is any further risk to the public.

Mr Peggs said the police "take all threats to our national security very seriously.

“This was an imminent threat and we were able to prevent serious injuries or loss of life.”

The two accused are due to appear in court on Thursday.