Toronto is the largest city in Canada with 5.4 million people. 50% of the people are not from Canada. This is seen in the diverse neighborhoods such as ChinaTown, Little Italy, KoreaTown, Kensington Market, and CabbageTown. It is also diverse in its architecture with skyscrapers and small houses. They also have a variety of ethnic restaurants.
Some of my favorite attractions are:
1. City Square Hall and Nathan Phillips Square
The large name of Toronto near a large fountain. It has City Hall in the background.
We were there when there was a large sculpture exhibit. Also, Old City Hall is right across the street. It is worth a look.
Some of my favorite attractions are:
1. City Square Hall and Nathan Phillips Square
The large name of Toronto near a large fountain. It has City Hall in the background.
We were there when there was a large sculpture exhibit. Also, Old City Hall is right across the street. It is worth a look.
2. CN Tower & EdgeWalk
Toronto’s most prominent attraction is the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere and it now includes EdgeWalk, a thrilling hands-free walk around the outside ledge of the tower.
Standing at 1,815 feet tall and designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, this engineering marvel is not only a top-notch dining and entertainment venue, it’s a Canadian icon and an enduring symbol of Toronto.
Address: 290 Bremner Boulevard
Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in-person at the CN Tower box office, or online at the CN Tower website.
Highlights: The LookOut Level at 1,136 feet offers unparalleled views of the city with its floor-to-ceiling panoramic Window Walls, while the Glass Floor gives you a heart-stopping view straight down! .
Toronto’s most prominent attraction is the CN Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere and it now includes EdgeWalk, a thrilling hands-free walk around the outside ledge of the tower.
Standing at 1,815 feet tall and designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, this engineering marvel is not only a top-notch dining and entertainment venue, it’s a Canadian icon and an enduring symbol of Toronto.
Address: 290 Bremner Boulevard
Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in-person at the CN Tower box office, or online at the CN Tower website.
Highlights: The LookOut Level at 1,136 feet offers unparalleled views of the city with its floor-to-ceiling panoramic Window Walls, while the Glass Floor gives you a heart-stopping view straight down! .
3. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Located at the base of the CN Tower in the heart of the entertainment district, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada welcomes nearly 16,000 beautiful and exotic inhabitants to Toronto. Boasting 135,000 square feet of interactive, underwater exhibits, the country’s largest indoor aquarium is home to stunning jellyfish, ancient giant lobsters, sharks, sting rays and every type of colourful fish you can imagine. Marvel at aquatic creatures from fresh and salt waters from all over the world, watch them swim overhead in the acrylic viewing tunnel, then get up close and personal at the Touch Tank gallery.
Address: 288 Bremner Boulevard
Hours: Open 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with occasional early closures.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in person or online at the Ripley’s Aquarium website.
Highlights: Don’t miss the breathtaking Planet Jellies exhibit, and witness the hypnotic dance of Pacific sea nettle jellyfish, illuminated in an array of breathtaking colours – it’s a truly magical experience!
4. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum of world cultures and natural history. Extensive galleries of archaeology, art and natural science featuring six million objects await during your visit to the country’s premier museum. With plenty of hands-on and interactive exhibits–from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt to gems and minerals–history comes to life at this world-class museum, right in the heart of Toronto. While you’re in the neighbourhood, check out the Gardiner Museum for ceramics and the quirky Bata Shoe Museum, both just minutes away.
Address: 100 Queen’s Park
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in-person and online at the ROM website.
Highlights: Don’t miss the ROM’s Egyptian collection, comprised of approximately 25,000 artifacts, with almost 2,000 of these on display in the gallery, including stunning artwork, intriguing artifacts, and even a real mummy.
Located at the base of the CN Tower in the heart of the entertainment district, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada welcomes nearly 16,000 beautiful and exotic inhabitants to Toronto. Boasting 135,000 square feet of interactive, underwater exhibits, the country’s largest indoor aquarium is home to stunning jellyfish, ancient giant lobsters, sharks, sting rays and every type of colourful fish you can imagine. Marvel at aquatic creatures from fresh and salt waters from all over the world, watch them swim overhead in the acrylic viewing tunnel, then get up close and personal at the Touch Tank gallery.
Address: 288 Bremner Boulevard
Hours: Open 7 days a week, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with occasional early closures.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in person or online at the Ripley’s Aquarium website.
Highlights: Don’t miss the breathtaking Planet Jellies exhibit, and witness the hypnotic dance of Pacific sea nettle jellyfish, illuminated in an array of breathtaking colours – it’s a truly magical experience!
4. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum of world cultures and natural history. Extensive galleries of archaeology, art and natural science featuring six million objects await during your visit to the country’s premier museum. With plenty of hands-on and interactive exhibits–from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt to gems and minerals–history comes to life at this world-class museum, right in the heart of Toronto. While you’re in the neighbourhood, check out the Gardiner Museum for ceramics and the quirky Bata Shoe Museum, both just minutes away.
Address: 100 Queen’s Park
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in-person and online at the ROM website.
Highlights: Don’t miss the ROM’s Egyptian collection, comprised of approximately 25,000 artifacts, with almost 2,000 of these on display in the gallery, including stunning artwork, intriguing artifacts, and even a real mummy.
5. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. From the vast body of Group of Seven and signature Canadian works, to the African art gallery, to cutting-edge contemporary works and masterpieces of European art, the AGO offers an incredible experience with each visit. In 2008, an innovative architectural expansion by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry resulted in one of the most critically-acclaimed architectural achievements in the world.
Address: 317 Dundas Street West
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Wednesdays and Fridays 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Tickets: Tickets and memberships can be purchased in-person and online at the AGO website.
The Art Gallery of Ontario is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. From the vast body of Group of Seven and signature Canadian works, to the African art gallery, to cutting-edge contemporary works and masterpieces of European art, the AGO offers an incredible experience with each visit. In 2008, an innovative architectural expansion by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry resulted in one of the most critically-acclaimed architectural achievements in the world.
Address: 317 Dundas Street West
Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Wednesdays and Fridays 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Tickets: Tickets and memberships can be purchased in-person and online at the AGO website.
6. Toronto Islands & Centreville
Visitors who want to be closer to the ground can take the short, scenic ferry ride over to the Toronto Islands, which provides a wonderful view (and photo opportunity!) of the city skyline. With multiple islands to explore, there are beaches, picnic areas, sports facilities, canoe and kayak rentals and much more. After you’ve discovered the islands by foot or bike, bring the kids to Centreville Theme Park for a fun-filled day of rides and attractions and yummy food and drink.
Address: 21 Avenue Of The Islands (Centreville Theme Park)
Hours: Hours and ferry schedules vary by month; check the Toronto Islands and Centreville Theme Park websites for up-to-date information.
Tickets: Ferry tickets to the Toronto Islands can be purchased in-person or online.
There is no general admission fee to Centreville, but to enjoy rides and attractions you can purchase an All Day Ride Pass or ride tickets in-person or online at the Centreville website.
Visitors who want to be closer to the ground can take the short, scenic ferry ride over to the Toronto Islands, which provides a wonderful view (and photo opportunity!) of the city skyline. With multiple islands to explore, there are beaches, picnic areas, sports facilities, canoe and kayak rentals and much more. After you’ve discovered the islands by foot or bike, bring the kids to Centreville Theme Park for a fun-filled day of rides and attractions and yummy food and drink.
Address: 21 Avenue Of The Islands (Centreville Theme Park)
Hours: Hours and ferry schedules vary by month; check the Toronto Islands and Centreville Theme Park websites for up-to-date information.
Tickets: Ferry tickets to the Toronto Islands can be purchased in-person or online.
There is no general admission fee to Centreville, but to enjoy rides and attractions you can purchase an All Day Ride Pass or ride tickets in-person or online at the Centreville website.
7. St. Lawrence Market
Great picnic fare and edible souvenirs can be discovered at The St. Lawrence Market, ranked by National Geographic as the world’s best food market. Set in Old Town Toronto, take your taste-buds on a stroll through its famous produce and food stalls, restaurants, art exhibits and cooking classes.
Address: 93 Front Street East
Hours: North/Farmer’s Market: Saturdays 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM; South Market: Tuesdays to Thursdays 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Fridays 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Great picnic fare and edible souvenirs can be discovered at The St. Lawrence Market, ranked by National Geographic as the world’s best food market. Set in Old Town Toronto, take your taste-buds on a stroll through its famous produce and food stalls, restaurants, art exhibits and cooking classes.
Address: 93 Front Street East
Hours: North/Farmer’s Market: Saturdays 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM; South Market: Tuesdays to Thursdays 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Fridays 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM
8. Hockey Hall of Fame
Featuring the most elaborate collection of hockey memorabilia and gear from across the globe, as well as interactive games, multimedia stations and exhibits on the game’s greatest players, there’s something for everyone at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Be sure to visit one of the most coveted prizes in professional sports, the Stanley Cup. Get a selfie with Stanley!
Address: 30 Yonge Street
Hours: Summer hours are Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tickets: You can buy your tickets in-person or online at the Hockey Hall of Fame website.
Highlights: Peruse the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world, and go one-on-one against life-size, animated hockey greats, like Sidney Crosby, and – of course – get up close and personal with the Stanley Cup
Featuring the most elaborate collection of hockey memorabilia and gear from across the globe, as well as interactive games, multimedia stations and exhibits on the game’s greatest players, there’s something for everyone at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Be sure to visit one of the most coveted prizes in professional sports, the Stanley Cup. Get a selfie with Stanley!
Address: 30 Yonge Street
Hours: Summer hours are Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tickets: You can buy your tickets in-person or online at the Hockey Hall of Fame website.
Highlights: Peruse the largest collection of hockey memorabilia in the world, and go one-on-one against life-size, animated hockey greats, like Sidney Crosby, and – of course – get up close and personal with the Stanley Cup
9. Toronto Eaton Centre and Skyways
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, The Eaton Centre is one of the city’s most popular attractions. With over 250 retailers in fashion, furniture and electronics, the selection here is unbeatable. Upscale boutiques mingle with casual clothiers and there’s something to satisfy every style and taste at Toronto’s premier shopping destination. When you need a break from shopping, recharge and treat your taste-buds at one of The Eaton Centre’s 7 dine-in restaurants or grab a quick bite in the Urban Eatery.
Address: 220 Yonge Street
Hours: Monday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday to Friday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, The Eaton Centre is one of the city’s most popular attractions. With over 250 retailers in fashion, furniture and electronics, the selection here is unbeatable. Upscale boutiques mingle with casual clothiers and there’s something to satisfy every style and taste at Toronto’s premier shopping destination. When you need a break from shopping, recharge and treat your taste-buds at one of The Eaton Centre’s 7 dine-in restaurants or grab a quick bite in the Urban Eatery.
Address: 220 Yonge Street
Hours: Monday 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday to Friday 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
10. The Distillery Historic District
Recognized as a National Historic Site, the Distillery Historic District is one of Toronto’s most picturesque sites with its cobblestone laneways and Victorian era buildings. It was Toronto’s first distillery–which produced almost half of Ontario’s total spirit production in 1871–and is now home to high-end boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Located in the Old Toronto area, you can take a tour (by Segway!) or just stroll the laneways and courtyards and get a feel for Toronto’s history and heritage.
Address: 9 Trinity Street
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: If you’re visiting during the holidays, the Toronto Christmas Market is a must-visit, as the charming Distillery District transforms into a true winter wonderland!
Recognized as a National Historic Site, the Distillery Historic District is one of Toronto’s most picturesque sites with its cobblestone laneways and Victorian era buildings. It was Toronto’s first distillery–which produced almost half of Ontario’s total spirit production in 1871–and is now home to high-end boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. Located in the Old Toronto area, you can take a tour (by Segway!) or just stroll the laneways and courtyards and get a feel for Toronto’s history and heritage.
Address: 9 Trinity Street
Hours: Monday to Wednesday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Highlights: If you’re visiting during the holidays, the Toronto Christmas Market is a must-visit, as the charming Distillery District transforms into a true winter wonderland!
11. Casa Loma
Built as a private home by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt in 1914, this majestic castle-in-the-city features elegant rooms, secret passageways, sweeping staircases, stables and lush gardens. Spanish for “Hill House”, Casa Loma attracts guests from all over the world to view the grounds and buildings or to take in special events like escape games and concerts in the garden.
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Tickets: You can buy tickets online at the Casa Loma website.
Highlights: When visiting Casa Loma, don’t just explore the castle grounds – with authentic Edwardian era décor and elaborate furnishings and antiques, the nearly 98 rooms of Casa Loma are a must-see.
Built as a private home by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt in 1914, this majestic castle-in-the-city features elegant rooms, secret passageways, sweeping staircases, stables and lush gardens. Spanish for “Hill House”, Casa Loma attracts guests from all over the world to view the grounds and buildings or to take in special events like escape games and concerts in the garden.
Address: 1 Austin Terrace
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Tickets: You can buy tickets online at the Casa Loma website.
Highlights: When visiting Casa Loma, don’t just explore the castle grounds – with authentic Edwardian era décor and elaborate furnishings and antiques, the nearly 98 rooms of Casa Loma are a must-see.
12. Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo showcases over 5,000 animals including gorillas, giraffes and kangaroos. Featuring award-winning exhibits representing more than 460 species, the Toronto Zoo is sure to delight. From the African Savannah to the Gorilla Rainforest and much more, come see furry and feathered friends from every corner of the globe.
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Road
Hours: From May 4 to September 2, the Zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. See the Toronto Zoo website for more hours.
Tickets: You can buy tickets in-person and online at the Zoo website.
Highlights: If you’ve never met a polar bear in real life, The Toronto Zoo will give you your chance! Come visit the 10-acre Tundra Trek and its 5-acre polar bear habitat, complete with underwater viewing area.
13. China Town
We were staying at the Sheraton on Queens Avenue. China Town was just a 20 minute walk. It wasn’t a large area, but had a few nice shops. It was fun to get to know the city by going for a walk.
14. Entertainment District
Toronto is known for their arts, including broadway shows, opera, and music. Check the schedule before you go as shows sell out quickly.
15. Walking Tours
This is a great way to get a feel for the city. See some of the sites from our walking tour, starting at Old City Hall.
12. Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo showcases over 5,000 animals including gorillas, giraffes and kangaroos. Featuring award-winning exhibits representing more than 460 species, the Toronto Zoo is sure to delight. From the African Savannah to the Gorilla Rainforest and much more, come see furry and feathered friends from every corner of the globe.
Address: 2000 Meadowvale Road
Hours: From May 4 to September 2, the Zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. See the Toronto Zoo website for more hours.
Tickets: You can buy tickets in-person and online at the Zoo website.
Highlights: If you’ve never met a polar bear in real life, The Toronto Zoo will give you your chance! Come visit the 10-acre Tundra Trek and its 5-acre polar bear habitat, complete with underwater viewing area.
13. China Town
We were staying at the Sheraton on Queens Avenue. China Town was just a 20 minute walk. It wasn’t a large area, but had a few nice shops. It was fun to get to know the city by going for a walk.
14. Entertainment District
Toronto is known for their arts, including broadway shows, opera, and music. Check the schedule before you go as shows sell out quickly.
15. Walking Tours
This is a great way to get a feel for the city. See some of the sites from our walking tour, starting at Old City Hall.
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