On the shores of Lake Ontario, you’ll find Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and attractions. Originally inhabited by the Iroquois Nation, the area where Toronto sits today was settled by the French and the British in the 1750s. Today, visitors from around the world flock to this part of Canada to see one-of-a-kind landmarks, meander bustling streets, and explore remarkable museums. From the trendy Kensington Market to raucous hockey matches, Toronto has a little something for every kind of visitor.
So, why visit Toronto? And where do you even begin? Discover the top eight things to do in Toronto and plan the ultimate Canadian adventure.
1. Ascend The CN Tower
No trip to Toronto would be complete without a visit to its most notable landmark. Standing at an impressive 1,815.5 feet, the CN Tower is the tallest building in Canada and the Western Hemisphere. Hop in the elevator and prepare to be whisked 1,136 feet up to the Main Observation Level, where glass walls give you an unprecedented look at the city and the surrounding area.
For the thrill seekers in your group, make an EdgeWalk reservation and take a heart-pounding stroll around the tower's exterior — with only a harness securing you. Complete your visit to the CN Tower with dinner reservations at the 360 Restaurant, where you can enjoy steak, seafood, and delectable wines, all with a panoramic view of Toronto. A visit to the CN Tower is one of the top things to do in Toronto — and one that should be at the top of your itinerary.
2. Explore The Art Scene
Toronto is home to several impressive and quite notable exhibition spaces. To discover a mix of nature, culture, and art, visit the Royal Ontario Museum. Explore the museum’s 40 galleries with over 13 million pieces of art and artifacts from cultures around the world, from Africa to Asia and the Middle East, plus various animal species, including dinosaurs, bats, and birds. There are even rotating exhibits, so you’ll always find something new and interesting to explore.
You’ll also want to visit the Art Gallery of Ontario, featuring 120,000 art pieces. As one of the largest museums in North America, the Art Gallery of Ontario has become one of the top things to do in Toronto. Whether you’re interested in innovative contemporary works of art or looking for important pieces crafted by indigenous peoples, you’ll find them here. Also be sure to check out their event calendar as they host a variety of special events, like yoga in the gallery, painting workshops, and more.
3. Cheer On A Toronto Team
Toronto is home to many professional sports teams — and their passionate fans — so there’s a good chance you can catch a game no matter what time of year you visit. In the winter and early spring, you can cheer on the Toronto Maple Leafs ice hockey team or the Toronto Raptors basketball team. Check a Toronto Blue Jays baseball game or a Toronto FC soccer match off your list in the summer and early fall. Or, grab tickets to see the Toronto Rock lacrosse team or a Toronto Arrows rugby match. And that’s just the start!
If you’ve got ice hockey fans in the family, the Hockey Hall of Fame is a can’t-miss attraction in Toronto. Not only can you see the famed Stanley Cup, but there are several exhibits with hockey memorabilia, two theaters, and multiple interactive exhibits where you can go head-to-head with a life-size goalie, sit in as a TV anchorperson, and more.
4. Meander The Markets
One of the top things to do in Toronto? Browsing the city’s worldly retail landscape. Nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto, Kensington Market is a popular multicultural neighborhood for visitors and locals alike. Get off the beaten path as you stroll through this bohemian-style market brimming with local produce, fish, cheeses, and meats. Surrounded by bright storefronts, art galleries, vintage boutiques, vibrant street art, and a wide variety of tasty international food stalls, you’ll enjoy an eclectic vibe in this unique part of the city.
If you want to dive deeper into all that Toronto offers, head to the historic St. Lawrence Market in Old Toronto. With a lively atmosphere and three 19th-century buildings to explore, you’ll find your fair share of tasty treats and fun flavors while making new friends along the way. Explore the offerings of over 120 vendors, from fruit and veggies to baked goods and more, shop the wares of 80 antique dealers on Sundays, and discover the traditional Saturday Farmers’ Market in the North Market.
5. Soak Up Island Vibes
Did you know Toronto has islands? In fact, it’s home to 15 small islands on Lake Ontario that together comprise Toronto Island Park. Hop aboard a ferry in downtown Toronto and spend the afternoon (or all day) enjoying all the islands offer. Go for a swim at one of four beautiful beaches, check out the 200-year-old Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, rent a kayak and hit the water, get lost in the windy William Meany Maze, have a wonderful outdoor picnic, or bring your bike and go for a relaxing ride along multipurpose trails. If you’ve got little ones, Centreville Amusement Park offers 30 rides and attractions geared for children ages three to 10 years old, and the Far Enough Farm features barnyard animals like sheep, chickens, and ponies that you can meet and pet.
6. Discover Casa Loma
If you’ve ever wanted to explore a real-life castle (and movie set!), a trip to Toronto is your chance to do just that. Finished in 1914, the 98-room, Gothic Revival-style Casa Loma castle sits atop a hill and is one of the most extravagant places to visit in Toronto. Take a tour of its lavish rooms, magnificent gardens, secret passageways, and an unfinished underground pool that you might recognize from several popular movies like X-Men, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Billy Madison, to name a few. Fun fact: The castle also hosts five after-hours escape rooms in various parts of the property, a fun activity for families and friends visiting Toronto.
7. Swing By The Zoo
Located next to Rouge National Urban Park on the northern side of the city, the Toronto Zoo is a great spot for visitors of all ages. It’s home to over 5,000 furry, scaly, feathered, and unique creatures from all over the world. In addition to viewing and learning about all sorts of animals, you’ll also find lots of opportunities for fun. Hop aboard the Zoomobile for a tour around the property, cool off in the two-acre splash pad, spend the night in the African Savanna, and climb around the ropes course.
8. Eat Around The Town
A visit to a new city wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the local eats. The delectable foodie scene rounds out the list of the top reasons to visit Toronto. Along College Street in Little Italy, you’ll find wood-fired pizza and traditional pasta paired with savory wine at Vivoli. In the mood for Mediterranean flavors? Check out Christina’s on the Danforth in Greektown for Mediterranean options with a live Greek band on Friday and Saturday nights.
Swatow Restaurant is located in Chinatown and features delicious Chinese dishes with fresh ingredients prepared using a Cantonese cooking method. Want to try an authentic Montreal bagel? Head to St. Urbain Bagel at St. Lawrence Market for bagels, bourekas, and more. While you’re in the market, complete your foodie trip with a stop at Churrasco for a tasty Portuguese tart.
As soon as you begin exploring the city, you’ll quickly see why visiting Toronto should be on everyone’s bucket list. For more ways to experience Toronto, check out this informative article on the most fun things to do in Toronto, or learn even more about shopping with this handy overview on best places to shop in Toronto.
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