Best 10 Tourist Attractions in Toronto
Toronto, Ontario province capital is home to more than 2.9 million people, making it the largest city in Canada and a great place for tourists. The city is well-known for its professional athletic teams, which include the Maple Leafs of Hockey and the Blue Jays of Baseball. It is a dynamic metropolis with a Chinatown, renovated Victorian architecture, and contemporary skyscrapers. Toronto’s tourist attractions include world-class museums, excellent shopping, a wide variety of culinary options, and outdoor activities for the summer and winter. So, if you are planning to visit the city any time soon, here is a list of the top 10 attractions in Toronto. Let’s get in!
Royal Ontario Museum
Visiting the Royal Ontario Museum is one of the best things to do in Toronto Canada. It blends natural history and world cultures with exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs as well as ancient humans to biodiversity & textiles. You can learn about the past and present through several interactive and hands-on activities. The museum is home to the biggest assortment of Chinese architectural displays outside of China and also has large collections of relics from various nations, such as Africa and the Middle East.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma, a famous landmark in Toronto, is hard to miss. Built on a hill in the early 20th century, this huge castle is definitely worth a visit. It was created by a wealthy man who always dreamed of living in a castle. With 98 rooms, Casa Loma was the biggest home in Toronto when it was built. It also features a hunting lodge, a library, beautiful gardens, secret passageways, and an elevator. This stunning building took three years and 300 workers to complete.
CN Tower
The CN Tower is among the best places to visit in Toronto downtown. Constructed by the railway company "Canadian National" between 1973 and 1976, this communication tower stands 553.33 meters (1,815.4 feet) tall. It held the title of the world's tallest building for over 30 years until it was surpassed by the Burj Dubai. Visitors can ride a glass elevator to the observation deck, offering views through metal screens or glass windows. Those with dining reservations at the tower's restaurants can even skip the lines to access the observatory.
Distillery Historic District
If you are planning to explore places to visit in Toronto, then the Distillery Historic District should be on your list. Located in a historic zone and accessible only by foot from downtown, this pedestrian-only commercial area centers around the renovated buildings of the former Gooderham and Worts whiskey distillery. Known as one of the trendiest spots in Canada, it features over 80 restaurants, boutiques, and retail stores, along with art galleries and entertainment spaces. The neighborhood also hosts numerous events year-round, including music festivals and art exhibits.
St. Lawrence Market
Established in 1803, St. Lawrence Market spans three buildings, each with its unique offerings. The South Market is home to 120 specialty food stores selling everything from fresh produce to baked goods. The second level of this market also features displays highlighting Toronto's cultural heritage. The North Market hosts a Saturday farmer's market, which has been running since 1803, and transforms into an antique market on Sundays. St. Lawrence Hall, built in 1850, houses various retail stores, adding to the market's historic charm.
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands are just a ferry ride away from downtown Toronto and offer plenty of recreational activities like biking, Frisbee golf, kayaking, and swimming. On the largest island, Centre Island, you'll find Centerville, a family-friendly amusement park with a nostalgic 1900s vibe, complete with an old carousel and a small railway. The Toronto Islands also host annual rock music and art festivals, making them a vibrant spot for both relaxation and entertainment.
Toronto Eaton Centre
Toronto Eaton Centre is the top retail mall, offering endless shopping opportunities for its patrons. Hungry visitors may take some time off at any of the mall's numerous eateries, serving anything from quick food to international fare. Located in the heart of Toronto, Eaton Centre is home to over 235 shops and eateries in total. Almost a million people visit this massive building, which also houses workplaces, each week, making it Toronto's most popular tourist destination.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Located in the downtown Grange Park neighborhood, the magnificent Art Gallery of Ontario is among the best places to visit in Toronto. Since its initial public opening in 1900, the artwork and exhibitions have been housed in a spectacular contemporary structure. There are more than 95,000 distinct pieces to stroll through. Exquisite religious and Inuit sculptures coexist with exquisite landscape paintings created by the famous Group of Seven and masterworks by European artisans. The museum also frequently conducts discussions, tours, workshops, and temporary exhibitions.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
With 16,000 aquatic critters swimming in a single tank, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is truly amazing. Still, the tank isn't your typical house aquarium. A total of 1.5 million gallons, or 5.7 million liters, of water are within. The biggest viewing tunnel in North America allows visitors to explore this underwater world and see all of the marine life. View marine creatures up close, including sting rays and sharks. To educate guests about marine life, the aquarium features over 100 interactive displays. Every two hours, live performances featuring the animals are offered.
Toronto Zoo
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a truly remarkable attraction, housing 16,000 aquatic creatures in a massive tank. This isn't your typical home aquarium—it's filled with 1.5 million gallons (5.7 million liters) of water. Visitors can explore this underwater world through the largest viewing tunnel in North America, getting up close to marine life like stingrays and sharks. The aquarium also features over 100 interactive displays to educate guests about marine life, and live performances featuring the animals are offered every two hours.