When it comes to cosmopolitan cities, there's no place quite like Toronto. This vibrant metropolis is a melting pot of cultures, offering many activities and attractions for every traveler. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, Toronto has something for everyone. In this guide, we'll walk you through the top 20 things to do in Toronto, highlighting some of the city's best-known landmarks and hidden gems. Let's dive in.
Source: Unsplash
1. CN Tower
Location: 301 Front St W
Best time to visit: Spring and summer months provide clearer skies, but the tower is open year-round.
No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the iconic CN Tower. Soaring 553 meters above the ground, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto and even features a glass floor for an adrenaline rush.
Source: Unsplash
2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Location: 100 Queens Park
Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
Dive into art, culture, and natural history at the ROM. With over 6 million artifacts, including dinosaur skeletons and Ancient Egyptian artifacts, this museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Source: Unsplash
3. Toronto Islands
Best time to visit: Summer is perfect for kayaking, picnicking, and enjoying outdoor activities.
Escape the urban hustle and take a ferry to the Toronto Islands, a collection of small islands in Lake Ontario. Enjoy beautiful beaches, picnic spots, bike rentals, and stunning skyline views.
Source: AFAR
4. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Location: 288 Bremner Blvd
Best time to visit: Weekdays or early weekend mornings to avoid crowds.
Dive into the magical world of marine life at Ripley's Aquarium. Get up close and personal with sharks, rays, and colorful fish in the underwater tunnel, or attend the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit.
Local Tip: "The best thing to do in the winter: The Aquarium!!! There's something for everyone. Kids, adults, teens, tourists, new Canadians, not new Canadians. It's educational, interactive, well designed. Considering the focus is mainly on North American species of fish, it's pretty darn cool. They also have really fun special events: Friday Night Jazz, Paint Nites, Night At The Aqueerium for Pride, etc." — Maya Shankman (Principal Talent Acquisition Manager).
Source: Unsplash
5. St. Lawrence Market
Location: 93 Front St E
Best time to visit: Early morning for the Saturday Farmers Market or during the week to avoid crowds.
Indulge your taste buds at St. Lawrence Market, a food lover's paradise since 1803. Discover diverse cuisines, local produce, and specialty shops offering everything from artisan cheese to freshly baked pastries.
Source: Britannica
6. Casa Loma
Location: 1 Austin Terrace
Best time to visit: Spring and summer, when the gardens are in full bloom.
Step into a fairytale castle at Casa Loma. Explore this Gothic Revival mansion's opulent rooms, secret passages, and beautiful gardens. It's a fascinating glimpse into Toronto's history.
Source: AGO
7. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Location: 317 Dundas St W
Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
Immerse yourself in the world of art at the AGO. The gallery boasts an impressive collection of Canadian and international works, including pieces by renowned artists like Monet and Van Gogh.
Source: CN Traveler
8. High Park
Location: 1873 Bloor St W
Best time to visit: Spring for the cherry blossoms or summer for picnics and outdoor activities.
Get lost in nature's beauty at High Park, Toronto's largest public park. Take a stroll along the trails, visit the famous cherry blossoms in spring, or spot wildlife in the picturesque Grenadier Pond.
Source: CN Traveler
9. Hockey Hall of Fame
Location: 30 Yonge St
Best time to visit: Weekdays to avoid crowds.
Delve into Canada's favorite sport at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Explore interactive exhibits, see the iconic Stanley Cup, and test your skills in the state-of-the-art shooting gallery.
Source: Unsplash
10. Distillery District
Location: 55 Mill St
Best time to visit: Anytime during the year.
Wander through the charming pedestrian-only streets of the Distillery District. This historic area is known for its Victorian-era architecture, art galleries, boutiques, and a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
Source: TimeOut
11. Kensington Market
Location: Kensington Ave
Best time to visit: Anytime during the year, but weekends offer a lively atmosphere.
Immerse yourself in the bohemian vibe of Kensington Market. This vibrant and colorful neighborhood is filled with eclectic shops, vintage boutiques, trendy cafes, and street art.
Source: Travel + Leisure
12. Harbourfront Centre
Location: 235 Queens Quay W
Best time to visit: Summer, for events and concerts by the water.
Delight in the lively atmosphere of the Harbourfront Centre. Located along Toronto's waterfront, the non-profit Harbourfront Centre is a cultural hub hosting concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, and outdoor activities.
Source: Travel + Leisure
13. Queen Street West
Location: Queen St W
Best time to visit: Anytime during the year.
Queen's Street West is a bustling hub of trendy shops, unique boutiques, art galleries, and hip restaurants. It's the perfect place to indulge in a little retail therapy, discover local designers, and immerse yourself in the city's fashion and arts scene.
Local Tip: "Toronto is a must for coffee lovers and foodies, there are just so many good places and cute coffee spots in the city that it's hard to choose; during weekends, my favorite activity is trying out a new spot. One of my favorites is Peter Pan Bistro — the eggs benedict is one of the best I've ever tried, and their coffee beans remind me of Brazilian coffee beans!" — Carol Brand (Talent Acquisition Manager)
Source: Unsplash
14. Yonge-Dundas Square
Location: 1 Dundas St E, Toronto
Best time to visit: Check the calendar for events and festivals to make the most of your visit.
Experience Toronto's answer to Times Square at Yonge-Dundas Square. This vibrant public space hosts events and concerts and boasts a bustling atmosphere.
Source: Unsplash
15. Nathan Phillips Square
Location: 100 Queen St W
Best time to visit: Winter for ice skating or summer for festivals.
Visit Toronto's iconic city square, home to the famous "TORONTO" sign. Enjoy ice skating in winter or relax and people-watch during the summer months.
Source: Aga Khan Museum
16. Aga Khan Museum
Location: 77 Wynford Dr.
Best time to visit: Summer and early fall for pleasant weather and garden exploration.
Delve into Islamic art and culture at the Aga Khan Museum. Discover its impressive collection, stunning architecture, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Source: Bata Shoe Museum
17. Bata Shoe Museum
Location: 327 Bloor St W
Best time to visit: Rainy or colder days when you prefer indoor exploration.
Delve into the world of footwear at the Bata Shoe Museum. Discover fascinating exhibits highlighting the history, art, and culture of shoes from around the world.
Source: Wikipedia
18. The Beaches
Location: Along Lake Shore Blvd
Best time to visit: Summer for beach activities and a vibrant atmosphere.
Escape to Toronto's eastern shoreline and explore the Beaches neighborhood. Enjoy sandy beaches, beach volleyball, charming shops, and cozy cafes.
Source: Toronto.com
19. Graffiti Alley
Location: Rush Lane
Best time to visit: Year-round for a unique and colorful experience.
Discover incredible street art in Graffiti Alley. This vibrant laneway showcases ever-changing graffiti masterpieces and is a testament to Toronto's creative spirit.
Source: Blog.TO
20. Toronto Music Garden
Location: 475 Queens Quay W
Best time to visit: Summer months when the garden is in full bloom.
Designed in collaboration with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, this enchanting garden reflects the rhythms and movements of Bach's Suite No. 1 in G Major.
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