Summary
These Toronto attractions draw millions of visitors each year and showcase a variety of experiences ranging from modern marvels to historical charms and cultural discoveries.
Toronto is a large, vibrant multicultural city, catering to diverse interests, including culture enthusiasts, sports fans, nature lovers, shoppers, and adventurers keen to explore beyond popular paths.
The attractions listed are among the most frequented by tourists, yet taking the time to wander Toronto’s neighborhoods offers valuable insights into the city’s essence and its inhabitants.
For visitors planning to explore multiple attractions, the Toronto City Pass provides discounted admission and expedited entry.
All these featured attractions are conveniently reachable, typically requiring a 20-minute walk or a 5 to 15-minute public transit ride from Union Station in downtown Toronto.
The Toronto Eaton Centre
Address: 220 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2H1, Canada
Phone: +1 416-598-8560
The Eaton Centre is a spacious shopping mall set in the heart of downtown Toronto, extending across two city blocks and home to over 230 stores. Shoppers from all walks of life will find something that suits their taste and budget.
Alongside the CN Tower, the Eaton Centre ranks as one of Toronto’s major tourist attractions.
Between 2010 and 2015, the shopping hub underwent significant improvements, including a new, varied food court.
Aside from shopping, the four-level Eaton Centre captivates visitors with its architectural features, notably the striking Canadian geese mobile, “Flight Stop,” created by artist Michael Snow.
CN Tower
Address: CN Tower, 301 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2T6, Canada
The CN Tower draws millions of visitors every year for its breathtaking views of Toronto.
Though it has surrendered its title as the tallest free-standing structure worldwide, the CN Tower remains the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere and is regarded as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World” by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
A glass elevator carries guests to the indoor/outdoor observation deck at 1,122 feet, featuring a section with a transparent floor. An alternative experience can be enjoyed by reserving a table at 360, the tower’s top-floor restaurant, to savor the views while dining.
There is virtually no other venue providing such breathtaking, panoramic city views, perfect for appreciating the urban landscape surrounding Lake Ontario. However, visitors should be aware that admission can be pricey, and the tower can be crowded. Those seeking a quieter perspective may consider a drink at the Rooftop Lounge of the Park Hyatt as a relaxing alternative.
Casa Loma
Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON M5R 1X8, Canada
Phone: +1 416-923-1171
For enthusiasts of history and architecture, Casa Loma offers a captivating experience that appeals to nearly everyone. This grand residence was constructed by wealthy Toronto entrepreneur Sir Henry Pellatt in the early 1900s. Casa Loma is reminiscent of Hearst Castle in California, representing a remarkable architectural vision that ultimately led to its creator’s downfall.
Perched high above the city, this “House on the Hill” was equipped with advanced amenities of its time, including central vacuum systems and an elevator. Casa Loma even served as a filming location for the 2002 movie “Chicago.”
Royal Ontario Museum (the ROM)
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
Phone: +1 416-586-8000
Even if you do not enter the ROM, the striking, angular glass exterior is often a topic of discussion. The museum features over 40 galleries dedicated to art, archaeology, and natural science, offering an abundance of interest and discovery.
The ROM’s diverse collections house some of the finest artifacts from China, a towering six-story-tall totem pole, among other wonders. Interactive exhibitions and a discovery gallery are designed to engage visitors of all ages, making it a family-friendly destination.
Centre Island
Centre Island provides a serene escape from the urban hustle of downtown Toronto. Known as the largest urban car-free community in North America (some service vehicles are allowed), this area presents opportunities for recreation and relaxation, featuring an amusement park, beaches, restaurants, and recreational areas.
It is only a 10-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto.
The Distillery District
Address: Distillery District, Toronto, ON M5A, Canada
The Distillery Historic District is ideal for those seeking a break from typical downtown attractions. This pedestrian-friendly village showcases enchanting heritage architecture and fosters a vibrant arts community. Visitors can enjoy wellness centers, a variety of cafés, restaurants, and pubs.
Walking east along Front Street from Union Station for approximately 15 minutes reveals plenty of charming shops and eateries, including the St. Lawrence Market, which is perfect for a budget-friendly lunch if open.
Yorkville
Address: Yorkville, Toronto, ON, Canada
Yorkville stands out with its unique Victorian architecture nestled among towering skyscrapers and shopping centers. This picturesque area is home to an array of upscale dining options, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. Local galleries spotlight some of the most distinguished Canadian and international artists, and Yorkville is often frequented by celebrities, particularly during the Toronto International Film Festival.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Address: 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada
Phone: +1 416-360-7735
The Hockey Hall of Fame is an impressive facility designed for all visitors, not just ardent hockey fans. It offers interactive exhibits that immerse guests, young and old, in the excitement of NHL action. Highlights include Broadcast Pods that allow you to announce highlights from legendary hockey games, a replica NHL dressing room, a trophy room, and a gift shop.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
Address: 317 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4, Canada
Phone: +1 416-979-6648
With over 40,000 works in its collection, the AGO ranks as the 10th largest art museum in North America. It is a magnificent repository of Canadian art heritage while also featuring masterpieces from various global artists, spanning from 100 AD to present day—all housed in a stunning Frank Gehry-designed structure.
Located in a vibrant downtown area adjacent to Chinatown and Baldwin Village, visitors can explore an array of delightful restaurants and shops before or after their visit to the gallery.
Chinatown
Address: Chinatown, Toronto, ON M5T, Canada
Toronto boasts the second largest Chinatown in North America, where visitors will discover bargains on an assortment of exotic trinkets, jewelry, clothing, and home goods. Renowned for its culinary offerings, Toronto’s Chinatown features numerous restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine, as well as Vietnamese and other Asian delicacies.
Ripley’s Aquarium
Address: 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Phone: +1 647-351-3474
Canada’s largest aquarium opened its doors in 2013, located next to the iconic CN Tower.
This expansive facility spans 12,500 square meters (135,000 square feet) and contains over 5.7 million liters (1.5 million gallons) of water, home to approximately 15,000 marine creatures, including sharks, jellyfish, rays, and green sea turtles.
Importantly, the aquarium does not feature marine mammals, reflecting lessons learned from the Marineland controversy tied to the Niagara Falls attraction’s treatment of marine animals.
When in Niagara Falls, consider skipping Marineland in favor of an enriching experience at Ripley’s Aquarium.
