To 10 Best things to do in Toronto, Canada

Toronto is an ideal location for first-time visitors and also for repeat visitors to Canada, thanks to its variety of must-see things to do in Toronto. It is an ideal place for folks who enjoy city exploring and have a strong sense of adventure. This is especially true if you are more of an urban explorer, living in the hectic centre of cities rather than the lonely beauty of the wild. But don’t fear, the Canadian wilderness is only a short distance from the city.

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is home to world-famous attractions such as the CN Tower, the prestigious Royal Ontario Museum, and the popular Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Furthermore, if you want retail therapy and active nighttime entertainment, Toronto has some of the best shopping malls and nightclubs in the country.

However, it is important to note that Toronto is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what Ontario has to offer. Within a short drive of the city, the surrounding places are overflowing with activities that Toronto alone cannot deliver.

There’s a whole universe of delights awaiting in downtown Toronto. However, further afield you can marvel at the globally acclaimed Niagara Falls, or explore the picturesque vineyards of Niagara-on-the-Lake. You could even lose yourself in the peaceful embrace of Algonquin Park, or bask in the beauty of the stunning beaches skirting the Great Lakes. Toronto not only deserves a place on your itinerary, but it can also serve as the ideal base for your exploration across Ontario.

If you decide to visit the Canadian province of Ontario, we heartily recommend that you make the trip to Toronto. Discover the diverse experiences available in Canada’s largest metropolis. Below are the top 10 must visit places in Toronto, Canada. 

Best things to do in Toronto

Here are my picks for the best things to do in Toronto, my opinion is based on Google reviews and personal experience.

1 CN Tower

Key Takeaways: Unbeatable panoramas of Lake Ontario and the cityscape; high-altitude gastronomy experiences; an opportunity to saunter outdoors, 365 meters above terra firma.

The CN Tower, standing tall at 553 meters and a symbol of Toronto, is not just an unmissable part of Ontario’s skyline but also a key attraction on every visitor’s list. This towering masterpiece dominates the city’s skyline and can be spotted from almost any point within the city.

You can choose to admire this architectural marvel from the ground or enhance your experience by ascending to one of the viewing decks or restaurants. These offer spectacular vistas of the city and Lake Ontario. Constructed between 1972 and 1976, the CN Tower once held the record for the world’s tallest freestanding structure, though it has since been overtaken.

The ultimate vantage point in the CN Tower is the Sky Pod, located 447 meters above the city. On a clear day, you can see as far as Niagara Falls and even New York State. However, reaching this level requires taking two elevators.

Just below this, at the apex of the main elevator, is the LookOut level situated at 346 meters. This level features wall-to-wall windows and the newly installed Glass Floor. Here, you can look down to the original Glass Floor situated one level below at the Outdoor Sky Terrace. As the name implies, the Glass Floor gives you a unique top-down view of the city.

For those seeking a dose of adrenaline or perhaps an extreme adventure, the “Edge Walk” is the answer. This daring feat involves a hands-free stroll along a 1.5-meter-wide ledge encircling the main pod’s exterior, positioned at a dizzying height of 365 meters. All participants are securely fastened to a safety harness and tether.

Situated at an altitude of 351 meters, the 360 Restaurant is a revolving restaurant that offers fine dining and arguably some of the most impressive views in Toronto. It’s open for lunch and dinner, and those who dine here also receive complimentary access to the LookOut and Glass Floor levels of the tower.

The ideal base for your Toronto exploration would be the city centre, ideally in close proximity to the CN Tower.

2. Riplay’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a multi-level, cutting-edge aquarium that houses over 20,000 spectacular marine creatures and aquatic animals from over 450 different species.

The beautiful exhibits, hands-on activities, and thorough information are intended to appeal to marine life enthusiasts of all ages.

This attraction is located at 288 Bremner Boulevard in downtown Toronto’s entertainment sector, just a short walk from the CN Tower. A walking route connects Union Station to the aquarium. There is no parking on-site, although there is limited street parking and several underground lots close.

3. Canda’s wonderland

Inaugurated in 1981, Canada’s Wonderland holds the title of being the country’s most expansive theme park.

Encompassing a vast area of 330 acres, the park houses an array of over 200 attractions. These include 70 exhilarating rides, among which are 18 roller coasters, as well as Splash Works, a sprawling 20-acre water park. The park is particularly noted for its wide assortment of coasters, which is the largest in North America. This includes the towering Leviathan – Canada’s highest and speediest coaster, the expansive Mighty Canadian Minebuster – the country’s lengthiest wooden coaster, the thrilling Flight Deck – Canada’s first-ever inverted coaster, and the new record-shattering dive coaster, the Yukon Striker.

4. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

Housing everything from towering dinosaur fossils to spellbinding contemporary artworks, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is home to an astonishing collection of over 13 million items sourced from every corner of the globe and spanning various epochs. Consequently, it comes as no shock that ROM is the most frequented museum in Canada, ranking amongst the top ten in North America. Moreover, ROM curates some of the most esteemed exhibitions worldwide, such as the consistently popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Key features:

• Witness the majesty of the fearsome T. rex, or gaze up at Gordo, the colossal Barosaurus.
• Immerse yourself in our globally acclaimed Ancient Egyptian collection, boasting pieces like Cleopatra’s granite bust and a full-scale, tactile reconstruction of the Tomb of Kitines’ inner chapel.
• Venture into ROM’s bat cave, home to more than 20 real bat specimens and over 800 models.
• Be captivated by the breathtaking sculptures of Buddha.
• Engulf yourself in one of the world’s most outstanding collections of natural gems, including the Light of the Desert – a glittering 900-carat cerussite gem that glows akin to a mirrorball.

5. Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square, a vibrant and busy hub in the heart of Toronto, draws millions of tourists each year.

 This includes tourists exploring the city, attendees of special events, seasonal festivities, and even protest gatherings. As pointed out by Liisa Ladouceur, it serves as the city’s pulse. The square, home to Toronto’s City Hall, is among the prime attractions for those venturing downtown. It’s easy to see why, with elements like the Instagram-worthy Toronto sign, the striking architectural towers, and the reflective pool offering the ideal backdrop for memorable snapshots.

However, the square offers a wealth of activities if you have more time than just a moment for a snap picture. Farmers’ markets and culinary festivals in the summer, ice skating and light festivals in the winter, and year-round public art exhibitions are just a few of the seasonal activities available. The lively diversity at the centre of this metropolis may be experienced to the fullest at Nathan Phillips Square.

6. St. Lawrence Market

Situated in the heart of Old Town Toronto, close to the bustling downtown, you’ll find the St. Lawrence Market Complex (93 Front St. E.) – an iconic gastronomic attraction boasting over 120 vendors and farmers. This trio of buildings has served as the city’s social hub, city hall, and marketplace throughout Toronto’s rich history.

Take a stroll through the South Market building, where you’ll find a lively array of restaurants, craftsmen, and speciality food vendors, embodying the authentic atmosphere of a bustling farmers’ market. Visit the Market Gallery, host to revolving exhibitions dedicated to Toronto’s art, culture, and history, or participate in the Market Kitchen’s cooking classes, catering to all ages and skill levels.

Over in the North Market building, a tradition dating back over 200 years continues every Saturday. At the break of dawn, farmers gather to sell their meats, cheeses, and produce. Adjacent is the St. Lawrence Hall, home to the grand Great Hall, a perennial favourite for social and business events in Toronto. Cap off your visit with a guided walking tour of the St. Lawrence Market Complex and delve into its rich 200-year history.

7. Casa Loma

Stepping back in time, the early 20th century saw business and military icon Sir Henry Pellatt (at one point the chairman of an impressive 21 diverse companies) pour a then-staggering $3.5 million into constructing his own Canadian “Camelot” for himself and his wife, Lady Mary. The construction of this Gothic-style castle, inspired by the Pellatts’ European travels, took place between 1911 and 1914. The castle showcases artwork and treasures from Canada and far beyond. The fascination with medieval aesthetics didn’t end with the decor; the castle features a series of battlements and hidden tunnels, which, alongside the gardens, are among today’s primary attractions. Now managed by an entertainment group, the castle serves as both a historical site and an event venue, welcoming approximately 350,000 guests annually.

The castle’s permanent collection is nothing short of awe-inspiring. This dwelling was the epitome of modernity in its era, so there’s an abundance of architectural and historical marvels to explore. Take a tour through the main house’s four levels to discover areas like the Conservatory (adorned with both Italian and Ontario marble, with steam pipes to keep the flower beds warm during winter), the Study (featuring mahogany panels hiding a secret passageway), Sir Henry’s bathrooms (boasting a luxurious marble surround-spray shower), a wine cellar (which once accommodated 1800 bottles), and a rifle museum showcasing pieces from the Queen’s Own regiment. The exterior features the former stables roofed with Spanish tiles; the Carriage Room and Garage, now displaying vintage cars; and five acres of meticulously restored Estate and Secret Gardens, courtesy of the Garden Club of Toronto.

8. Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto is home to a vast collection of Dutch and Flemish artwork in a variety of media. Since its inception in 1900, the collection has grown thanks to donations and purchases, with the Thomson Collection being one major addition. The Massacre of the Innocents by Rubens and a preparatory oil drawing for his Raising of the Cross, Rembrandt’s Portrait of a Lady with a Lap Dog, and portraits by Frans Hals and Anthony van Dyck are a few of the notable works.

 Other represented artists include Simon Bening, Bernart van Orley, Jan Brueghel the Elder, Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Frans Snyders, Gabriel Metsu, Tobias Verhaecht, Hendrick Andriessen, and Salomon van Ruysdael.

More than 100,000 magnificent works of art, ranging from cutting-edge modern to traditional European masterworks, are available in the AGO Collection.

The AGO is proud to house the largest collection of gothic boxwood microcarvings in existence, which was recently on display in a joint exhibition called “Small Wonders” with the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Rijksmuseum. 

The collection also includes several exquisite small-scale Dutch and Flemish sculptures, with ivory and boxwood works by Francis van Bossuit being among the many highlights.

9. Toronto Islands

One of Toronto’s most well-liked parks, leisure areas, and tourist attractions is the Toronto Islands, also known as Toronto Island, Toronto Island Park, or simply “the island” to locals. To get to the island, you’ll need to take a ferry, and once you’re there, a number of activities are waiting for you. You may ride a bike around the island, go to an amusement park, spend time in the sun on the beach (including Toronto’s only nude beach! ), eat delectable food, snap some incredible photos of the Toronto cityscape, wander through lovely gardens, get married, and more.

Just off the coast of downtown Toronto, in Lake Ontario, lie the 15 islands collectively known as the Toronto Islands. Additionally, it is the largest urban area in North America without any cars! The Islands are accessible year-round via a 15-minute ferry journey from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, though summer is when the Islands are at their most beautiful.

It is simple to bike or walk the 5 km (3 mi) from Ward’s Island in the east to Hanlan’s Point in the west because most of the 15 islands are connected to one another by paths and bridges.

The Toronto Islands are a well-liked vacation spot for both locals and tourists, drawing crowds of more than 32,000 people in a single day!

The Toronto Islands offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including a sizable disc golf course, excellent swimming in Lake Ontario (we have some of the cleanest beaches in the world), canoeing, kayaking, a historic 200-year-old lighthouse, large grassy fields for any activity you can think of, a secluded retreat for artists, sporadic concerts and festivals, and a charming village of over 600 people who live on the island year-round.

10. Kensington Market

Unearth the charisma of Kensington Market, one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Every time you saunter through its bustling streets, it feels like stepping into a world bursting with colour, flavours and diverse cultures. It’s an experience that just must be shared!

Picture this – you’re taking a leisurely stroll down Augusta Avenue. The road is bustling, teeming with bohemian cafes and quirky vintage shops. The delightful aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixes with the mouthwatering scent of food from around the globe. It’s a vibrant smorgasbord of sensory delights that beckon to be savoured.

There’s something for everyone in Kensington Market, regardless of age or taste. When you go into a vintage clothing store, you’re instantly transported to another period, a time capsule full with fashion gems. Or perhaps you’d want to try an actual empanada from a Latin American stand, a hot-off-the-grill pleasure that’s crisp on the surface and loaded with delectable sweetness on the inside.

The neighbourhood is alive with colours too! Street art adorns the walls of buildings, telling stories and capturing the spirit of the community. Each brushstroke adds to the tapestry of this multicultural haven. It’s not just a sight for sore eyes but also a feast for the soul.

Kensington Market isn’t just about shopping and eating, it’s a kaleidoscope of cultures, a melting pot where traditions and customs from far-flung corners of the globe coexist in perfect harmony. It’s a place that celebrates diversity and welcomes everyone with open arms.

Despite the hustle and bustle, there is a real feeling of friendship. Whether it’s the friendly storekeeper recommending their favourite dish, or the regulars gathered at a local café, a warmth permeates through the interactions, making you feel instantly at home.

Evenings in Kensington Market hold a charm of their own. As the sun sets, the market takes on a new persona. Lanterns twinkle overhead, street musicians fill the air with melodic tunes, and the once vibrant streets now bathe in the gentle, golden glow of the setting sun.

The beauty of Kensington Market is that no two visits are the same. With each visit, you’ll stumble upon a new eatery, a previously unnoticed mural, or a shop filled with hidden gems. It’s this constant evolution that makes the market a thrilling discovery, every single time.

In essence, Kensington Market is not just a destination. It’s a journey filled with fascinating tales, unique experiences, and a symphony of cultures. It’s a bustling microcosm, mirroring the diverse, multicultural spirit of Toronto itself. It’s a place where every day is a celebration of life, a feast of vibrant experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left its charming lanes. So, come, experience the heartbeat of Toronto, and you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.

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