Toronto, Canada's largest city, is a vibrant metropolis offering an incredible mix of cultural experiences, historic sites, world-class dining, and exciting entertainment. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a week, these top 10 attractions should be on every traveler's itinerary. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Toronto has something for everyone.
1. CN Tower
Standing at 553 meters (1,815 feet), the CN Tower dominates Toronto's skyline and is one of the city's most recognizable symbols. For breathtaking views of the city and Lake Ontario, head up to the observation deck or step onto the Glass Floor for a heart-stopping look straight down. The truly adventurous can try EdgeWalk, a hands-free walk around the outside of the tower's main pod 356 meters above the ground.
Visitor Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, and visit during weekdays for smaller crowds. Consider dining at the 360 Restaurant, which offers a revolving view of the city.
2. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada's largest museum of art, culture, and natural history. Its distinctive crystal-like extension, known as the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, makes it an architectural marvel. Inside, you'll find exhibits ranging from dinosaurs and ancient Egyptian artifacts to Canadian heritage and Asian art. With over 6 million items in its collection, ROM offers an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
Visitor Tip: The museum offers free admission on the third Tuesday evening of each month. Check their website for special exhibitions, which may require additional tickets.
3. Distillery Historic District
Once home to the largest distillery in the world, this pedestrian-only village of brick-lined streets and Victorian industrial buildings now houses art galleries, shops, restaurants, and theaters. The Distillery District is renowned for its preservation of heritage buildings and vibrant cultural scene. It's particularly magical during the annual Toronto Christmas Market.
Visitor Tip: Take a guided walking tour to learn about the area's fascinating history and architecture. Don't miss the unique specialty shops and craft breweries.
4. Toronto Islands
Just a short ferry ride from downtown, the Toronto Islands offer a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. This car-free paradise features sandy beaches, picnic areas, walking trails, and a charming amusement park for children. The islands also provide stunning views of Toronto's skyline, making them a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
Visitor Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the islands efficiently. Centre Island is the most popular, but Ward's Island offers a quieter experience with a lovely beach.
5. St. Lawrence Market
Named the world's best food market by National Geographic, St. Lawrence Market is a food lover's paradise. The historic market houses over 120 vendors selling fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique Canadian specialties. Don't miss the famous peameal bacon sandwich at Carousel Bakery, a Toronto culinary institution.
Visitor Tip: Visit on Saturdays when both the North and South markets are open. Arrive early to avoid crowds and bring a reusable bag for your purchases.
6. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario houses an impressive collection of more than 90,000 works of art, from European masterpieces to contemporary installations and an extensive collection of Canadian art, including works by the Group of Seven. The gallery's Gehry-designed facade is a work of art itself, featuring a stunning wooden staircase that seems to float in the air.
Visitor Tip: Admission is free for visitors 25 and under, and the gallery offers free entry for everyone on Wednesday evenings. Check their website for current exhibitions.
7. Casa Loma
Step into a fairy tale at Casa Loma, Toronto's castle. Built in the early 20th century by financier Sir Henry Pellatt, this Gothic Revival-style mansion features tours of elegantly furnished rooms, secret passages, an 800-foot tunnel, towers, stables, and beautiful gardens. The castle has been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
Visitor Tip: Audio guides are included with admission and provide fascinating details about the castle's history. Visit during summer months to enjoy the gardens in full bloom.
8. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Located at the base of the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is home to over 16,000 aquatic animals and North America's longest underwater viewing tunnel. Highlights include the Dangerous Lagoon with its moving sidewalk through a shark tank, the hypnotic jellyfish gallery, and interactive touch pools where visitors can handle various marine creatures.
Visitor Tip: Visit in the evening for smaller crowds. The aquarium often hosts special events like jazz nights and yoga among the fish.
9. Kensington Market
Reflecting Toronto's multicultural identity, Kensington Market is a vibrant neighborhood filled with vintage shops, international food stores, restaurants, and cafes. This National Historic Site of Canada has a bohemian atmosphere and is known for its colorful Victorian houses, street art, and diverse community.
Visitor Tip: Visit on the last Sunday of each month from May to October when the streets are closed to traffic for pedestrian Sundays. Don't miss the specialty food shops representing cuisines from around the world.
10. Yonge-Dundas Square
Often compared to New York's Times Square, Yonge-Dundas Square is Toronto's most prominent public gathering place and one of the city's busiest intersections. Surrounded by bright billboards, the square hosts numerous free events throughout the year, including concerts, film screenings, and festivals. The adjacent CF Toronto Eaton Centre offers world-class shopping.
Visitor Tip: Check the square's website for upcoming events. The area can get very crowded, so plan to visit in the morning for a more relaxed experience.
Planning Your Toronto Visit
Toronto is a city that offers something new in every season. Summers are perfect for outdoor activities and festivals, while winter brings holiday markets and indoor cultural experiences. The city's excellent public transportation system, including subway, streetcars, and buses, makes it easy to explore without a car.
For the best experience, consider purchasing a Toronto CityPASS, which offers discounted admission to several top attractions. Most attractions are centrally located, so staying in downtown Toronto will put you within easy reach of the city's highlights.
Whether you're interested in arts and culture, food and dining, history, or urban adventures, Toronto's diverse attractions ensure an unforgettable visit to Canada's most dynamic city.