Best things to do in Toronto
Find out more about those top places in Toronto
Toronto Travel Guide: A Skyline Full of Surprises and So Much to Do
Toronto: Canada’s largest city, its cultural melting pot, and the undisputed champion of being way more interesting than people give it credit for. Sprawling along the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto has an undeniably modern vibe, but with enough history and quirks to keep you intrigued. Whether you're a foodie, a culture buff, or someone who just enjoys a good skyline view, Toronto has something for everyone.
In this travel guide to Toronto, we’ll dive into the places to visit, things to do, and why this fast-growing city is one of the top attractions in North America. And hey, don’t let its ‘boring’ reputation fool you—Toronto's got secrets and surprises up its sleeve.
The Iconic CN Tower: Your Ticket to Toronto’s Skyline
No tour of Toronto is complete without a visit to the CN Tower, the city’s iconic landmark and a must-see for any sightseeing enthusiast. Standing at a whopping 553 meters (1,815 feet), it’s one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. Take the elevator up and bask in the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city, Lake Ontario, and even Niagara Falls on a clear day. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, step out onto the EdgeWalk, where you can walk around the tower’s exterior on a glass-floored platform. It’s like a hug from your fear of heights.
Toronto’s Neighborhoods: Old Meets New
Toronto is a city on the up, with a skyline that looks like it’s been plucked out of a sci-fi movie. Over the past two decades, the city has transformed, with sleek, futuristic skyscrapers rising up from the waterfront. But for all its modernity, Toronto isn’t about to let go of its past. There’s a lot to love about the city’s historic neighborhoods, and it’s here that you'll find some of the best places to visit.
Distillery District – This area is a must-see for its cobblestone streets, Victorian buildings, and art galleries. Originally home to a large whiskey distillery, it’s now a hub for boutiques, cafes, and warehouses-turned-nightclubs. Bonus points for the street art and the occasional spontaneous live jazz performance.
Kensington Market – If you’re looking for a vibrant and diverse mix of cultures, head to Kensington Market. It’s bursting with vintage shops, organic cafes, and street food from around the world. Pro tip: Don’t skip the tacos; they might just change your life.
Queen Street West – Not just for shopping (though the shops here are fantastic), this neighborhood is also a thriving artistic hub, with everything from street art to pop-up galleries. The area feels like the heartbeat of Toronto’s creative scene.
From Victorian to Futuristic: Toronto’s Mixed Personality
Despite all the shiny new skyscrapers, Toronto’s Victorian charm is making a comeback, especially in areas like 401 Richmond. This former early-20th-century lithographer’s warehouse now houses art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy pop-up restaurants. It’s a perfect example of how Toronto blends the old and the new—kind of like how it balances maple syrup with sushi (yes, that’s a thing here).
Things to Do in Toronto: A Little Something for Everyone
If you’re wondering what else you can squeeze into your Toronto adventure, here are some top attractions and things to do you won’t want to miss:
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Toronto Islands – Escape the city without leaving the city! The Toronto Islands are a peaceful paradise just a short ferry ride away, perfect for a picnic, biking, or getting a few Insta-worthy shots of the skyline.
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Royal Ontario Museum – A world-class museum with exhibits that span history, culture, and natural science. It’s like a deep dive into everything fascinating, minus the homework.
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High Park – If you’ve got a bit more time and a love for nature, visit High Park, a lush green space with gardens, walking trails, and even a small zoo. Because who doesn’t love free zoo animals?
Why Toronto Should Be at the Top of Your Travel List
So, what makes Toronto stand out as a destination? It’s the kind of city where you can experience old-world charm and futuristic cool in the same day. With its wide range of places to visit, things to do, and top-notch public transit that gets you to all of them quickly, Toronto is the perfect place for those who like to sightsee and keep their options open.
Whether you're gazing at the CN Tower, eating your way through Kensington Market, or soaking in the quirky charm of its historical neighborhoods, Toronto is a place that never gets boring. So pack your bags, and get ready to explore Canada’s most dynamic city—because Toronto’s calling, and it’s got a lot of surprises waiting for you.
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CN Tower
The CN Tower was named for the company that constructed the tower and was originally referred to as Canadian National. This 553.3 m high communications and observation tower was constructed with concrete and completed in 1976. It can be found in downtown Toronto.
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Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is the largest museum in Canada and one of the largest in the entire continent of North America. It is a museum of art, world culture, and natural history and is located in Toronto. Every year, the Royal Ontario Museum receives over one million visitors which makes it the most visited in Canada.
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Distillery District
The Distillery District where only pedestrians are allowed can be found in some pretty old 19th century buildings that used to house a large whiskey distillery. This district draws a huge number of tourists to its cobblestone streets that have bars, boutiques, and hip indie restaurants lining the entire length. For art lovers, there are outdoor sculptures, galleries, music, dance and various stage performances in the many theaters that can be found here. The annual Toronto Christmas Market is an event that takes place on these streets in December.
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Toronto Islands
A chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario, south of mainland Toronto comprises the Toronto Islands. The Toronto Islands are made up of only the groups of islands that can be found in the western part of Lake Ontario. Similarly, they provide some form of shelter for the Toronto Harbor and can be found just offshore from the city center.
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Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Ripley's Aquarium is home to over 20,000 marine animals and is the largest indoor aquarium in Canada. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada boasts of the world's most extensive jellyfish exhibits and there are daily live dive shows put up here. Similarly, you can find horseshoe crabs, bamboo shark touch pools and stingray while on your tour of the Aquarium.
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Niagara Falls
A full-day trip from Toronto for a tour of the beautiful Niagara Falls is one that no tourist should miss out on. Enjoy a taste of different local wines, a ride on the Hornblower Niagara Cruise, take in the sights on the Niagara Whirlpool and Niagara-on-the-Lake alongside some other random sightseeing.
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Bata Shoe Museum
The Bata Show Museum remains one of the foremost cultural landmarks in Toronto and is a world-renowned institution with a massive reputation for meeting and surpassing global standards. It features an extensive and awe-inspiring collection of footwear which is one of the larger in the world. Designed by Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama, the building is shaped like a shoe box and embraces you with its unique architectural design filled with light. Apart from exhibiting footwear, the museum also collects, researches and preserves them as well. Take a tour of this impressive museum and check out the four innovative gallery spaces with rotating shows and artifacts. Also, a documentary of a 4,500-year footwear history titled "All About Shoes" is in order as well.
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Wines of Niagara Tour
This tour is especially for lovers of great and exquisite wines. While on this tour, a visit to 3 boutique wineries avails you the opportunity to taste Chardonnay, Pinot noir, Riesling and Cabernet franc alongside some other wonderful wines. A tour of the wineries and cheese pairing as you meet the various teams in charge of making these wines are some other activities you would do on this tour. Walk the streets of Niagara on the Lake and check out the various landmarks and luxury shops after enjoying a delicious local lunch at an award-winning winery.
