Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Toronto, Canada

Toronto is an expansive metropolis, recognized as the largest and most frequented city in Canada. Moreover, it stands out as one of the most multicultural cities globally, frequently referred to as ‘The New York City of Canada’.

Recommendation – Commence your exploration with a Private Tour with a Local.

Toronto consists of six distinct districts, with what is currently recognized as Old Toronto divided into five unique and diverse areas, each further split into smaller neighborhoods, some serving as cultural enclaves. This extensive city offers numerous attractions for visitors, from architectural marvels to renowned annual events.

1. See the city from above

Standing at 553 meters, the CN Tower is not only the tallest structure in Toronto but also the highest free-standing building on the continent. It is recognized as one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World.

The CN Tower features the highest glass-floored elevator globally, transporting visitors to its awe-inspiring glass-floored observation deck. Those with a fear of heights may wish to avoid viewing the city from 342 meters above.

For those seeking elevated perspectives, the 447-meter high SkyPod presents breathtaking views. Adventurous visitors can try SkyWalk, where participants stand on a hands-free ledge overlooking the city. For a unique experience, consider this Window Seat Helicopter Tour.

2. Surround yourself with history

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) ranks among the finest museums in North America and stands as the premier institution in Toronto for immersing oneself in history. Its location is easy to navigate, with a metro stop named ‘Museum’ nearby.

Housing a collection of over six million artifacts, the museum showcases items across 40 distinct galleries, with some dedicated to natural history and others to global cultures.

In addition to its extensive art and artifact collection, the museum features a rich assortment of dinosaur specimens, minerals, and fine arts exhibits, particularly from the Art Deco era. The museum also includes a children’s learning zone and a retail store.

3. Enjoy the city’s multiculturalism

No location in Toronto embodies the vibrant multiculturalism of the city quite like Kensington Market. Once a Jewish marketplace, it has evolved into a lively neighborhood frequented by artists, writers, and culinary enthusiasts.

Kensington Market is a major tourist attraction, replete with fresh produce vendors, thrift shops, surplus stores, and quaint cafés. It also hosts notable landmarks, such as Number 8 Fire Station and Bellevue Square Park.

The neighborhood boasts an eclectic artistic community with various galleries, tattoo studios, and rare bookshops. Unlike typical commercial areas, all shops here are locally owned and operated.

4. Wander around a castle

Step back in time while exploring the elegant halls of Casa Loma. This Gothic Revival castle represents one of the city’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.

Presently functioning as a museum, Casa Loma features ornately decorated suites, towers, gardens, stables, and hidden passageways. Visitors can utilize self-guided audio tours offered in eight different languages.

Casa Loma has appeared in numerous films, including X-Men, The Pacifier, and Chicago. It serves as a popular venue for weddings and exclusive events.

5. Go to an island

Lake Ontario hosts several small islands, collectively known as the Toronto Islands. Comprising 13 islands covering 820 acres, they serve as an extension of the city.

Centre Island is the most frequented, offering expansive park areas, picnic spots, a beach, exquisite gardens, and an amusement park, with summer being the ideal time for visits.

Some islands house some of Toronto’s oldest residential communities, while others host prestigious yacht clubs. Notably, the Toronto Islands feature their own airport.

6. Gaze at the Stanley Cup

The Hockey Hall of Fame serves as both a museum dedicated to the history of hockey and the prestigious home of the Stanley Cup, prominently displayed in its Great Hall.

Additionally, this institution functions as a hall of fame, recognized by an 18-member committee that selects inductees, which may include players, coaches, general managers, or commentators.

The Hockey Hall of Fame encompasses 15 exhibits highlighting trophies and other hockey memorabilia, along with a 125-seat 3D theatre showcasing documentary films.

7. Experience Old and New

Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, the Distillery District is a distinct residential and commercial hub that has recently undergone refurbishment. The area boasts numerous heritage buildings now transformed into shops, eateries, bars, and lofts.

This locale contains North America’s largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture, making it an exceptional destination for cultural immersion, dining, and shopping, including some outstanding microbreweries.

You can discover art galleries, jewelry boutiques, and charming coffeehouses throughout the Distillery District. During the holiday season, the space transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring a celebrated Christmas Market.

8. Shop until you drop

Toronto presents an abundance of shopping opportunities, which can be overwhelming, even for the most experienced shoppers. Typically, visitors begin their retail excursions at the Toronto Eaton Centre, considered a city landmark.

Those with financial flexibility will appreciate shopping in Yorkville, recognized as the city’s premier upscale shopping district. Customers staying in North York may wish to explore Bayview Village, which offers high-end boutiques alongside one of the city’s finest vintage wine selections.

Chinatown represents the ideal destination for acquiring affordable souvenirs and designer replicas, while Queen Street West features an array of quirky independent boutiques appealing to trendsetters.

9. Visit animals

The Toronto Zoo ranks among the finest in North America and is widely regarded for its exceptional standards. The facility features both indoor and outdoor habitats organized into various zones.

Exploring the entire zoo in a single visit is a challenge due to its vast size and diverse wildlife. Over 5,000 animals reside here, each experiencing their natural environment.

Among the notable zones is Africa, showcasing white rhinoceroses, Maasai giraffes, white African lions, and spotted hyenas, among others. The Australasian Pavilion is also popular, housing Western grey kangaroos, komodo dragons, wallabies, lionfish, and kookaburras.

10. Stare at marine life

Toronto is home to one of three aquariums operated by Ripley Entertainment. Located downtown, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada showcases approximately 13,500 exotic marine species within its 5.7 million gallons of water.

This aquarium features marine and freshwater life from around the globe, including giant Pacific octopuses, green sea turtles, whitespotted bamboo sharks, southern stingrays, and upside-down jellyfish.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is divided into nine galleries, each highlighting specific regions or species. Among the more popular displays is the Rainbow Reef, notable for its interactive dive show.

11. Look at Art

The expansive Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is an architectural marvel and the largest gallery in Canada. Its fascinating design is attributed to the recent ultra-modern addition by Frank Gehry.

A significant highlight of the AGO is its Henry Moore room, which houses the largest collection of his sculptures worldwide. The gallery also features an impressive display of European paintings.

This institution has an extensive assortment of Canadian art, alongside galleries focusing on modern and contemporary artwork. Notably, it also houses a large collection of photography and drawings.

12. Go to the theatre

Toronto boasts an outstanding entertainment district known for its numerous venues hosting the latest musicals, operas, ballets, and symphonies. It is home to esteemed institutions such as the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet of Canada, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Stage Company, and the Canadian Electronic Ensemble.

This vibrant area encompasses the finest performing arts venues in Canada, including the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Roy Thomson Hall, the Royal Alexandra Theatre, and the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Tickets for popular shows can be acquired online prior to your visit or at the venue’s box office on the day of the performance. For high-demand shows, it is advisable to secure tickets well in advance.

13. Party at an event

Toronto hosts some of the largest and most prestigious events in Canada, many of which have gained international acclaim. Notably, the Toronto International Film Festival held in September attracts stars from around the globe.

Pride Week, which coincides with Canada Day, ranks among the largest LGBT festivals worldwide and is an exuberant celebration. The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival is another highlight, featuring astonishing parade costumes.

The Taste of the Danforth, a major festival celebrating Greek culture and cuisine, takes place every August in Greektown, becoming one of the city’s largest events.

14. Look at shoes

Indeed, the Bata Shoe Museum offers a fascinating collection of footwear from around the globe, displaying over 13,500 unique items.

This museum serves as an intriguing destination for shoe enthusiasts or anyone interested in the history of footwear. It features four exhibits, including a semi-private gallery and three that change regularly.

This institution possesses the world’s most extensive and comprehensive shoe collection, representing diverse cultures and continents. Some notable items include ballroom slippers worn by Queen Victoria, Elton John’s monogrammed silver platform boots, and a pair of white and blue patent loafers belonging to Elvis Presley.

15. Go to the park

Despite the limited green spaces in the city, High Park remains a delightful oasis. This expansive 161-hectare park located in the West End represents the largest park in Downtown Toronto.

High Park is a recreational and natural sanctuary, encompassing cultural, sporting, and educational facilities, alongside playgrounds and gardens. Points of interest include Colborne Lodge, Grenadier Pond, and the High Park Zoo.

During the summer months, the park is home to Shakespearean performances presented by the Canadian Stage Company, while winter offers opportunities for tobogganing.