Toronto, Canada’s busiest and most diverse city, offers lots of things to do for everyone. You can explore museums, relax in parks, and taste foods from all over the world. Toronto has something for everyone! Our tip? Take your time exploring the best things to do in Toronto Canada —you’ll always find new things each time you come back.
Top Things to Explore in Toronto, Canada
CN Tower
The CN Tower stands tall as a pinnacle of Canadian engineering and a globally recognized modern wonder. Piercing the Toronto skyline at 1,815 feet, this iconic structure beckons visitors to a world of adventure and exquisite dining. Elevate your dining experience at the revolving 360 Restaurant or test your nerve by walking across the 2.5-inch thick glass floor, suspended 113 stories above ground. For a bigger thrill, ascend another 33 stories to the Skypod lookout. Brace yourself for the ultimate adrenaline rush with the EdgeWalk—an unparalleled ‘hands-free walk’ along the tower’s edge, defying gravity and offering breathtaking views.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Nestled in downtown Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum is a treasure trove of world cultures and natural history. With a colossal collection of around six million objects spanning diverse fields like dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, and Canada’s indigenous cultures, the museum offers a fascinating journey through art, history, archeology, and more. From towering totem poles to captivating artifacts, the ROM ensures an enriching experience with every visit.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Dare to come face-to-face with sharks and explore a diverse marine world at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Hosting over 16,000 marine animals across various habitats, including southern stingrays, giant Pacific octopuses, and nettle jellyfish, this aquarium captivates visitors with immersive experiences. Dive into life on the reef, witness a stingray dive show, or peer into underwater viewing bubbles for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
Distillery Historic District
Steeped in history, the Distillery Historic District is a vibrant, pedestrian-only village featuring over 40 heritage buildings transformed into a hub of gastronomy, boutiques, and entertainment. Restored Victorian-era buildings house trendy fashion outlets, while hidden culinary delights await behind weathered brick walls. Galleries and performance venues ensure year-round events, infusing life into this historic neighborhood once occupied by the renowned Gooderham & Worts whiskey distillery.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario stands as a testament to artistic brilliance, housing a staggering collection of 90,000 artworks. Delve into Canada’s rich artistic heritage with the renowned Group of Seven, showcasing the largest Canadian art collection globally. Traverse continents and time periods, exploring African, European, and contemporary art while encountering works by master artists like Rubens, Goya, and Picasso. Architectural enthusiasts can admire the AGO’s stunning design by Frank Gehry, the mind behind the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Casa Loma
Discover North America’s only full-sized castle nestled in Toronto. Casa Loma is a dream castle, featuring turrets with stunning city views, an expansive library, secret passageways, and an 800-foot tunnel leading to vintage car exhibits in the stables. Wander through five acres of lush gardens adorned with beautiful flowers, sculptures, and fountains while exploring with a digital audio guide.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Immerse yourself in Canada’s passion for hockey at the Hockey Hall of Fame. With 65,000 square feet showcasing hockey artifacts, memorabilia, and the stories of 388 Hall of Fame members, you’ll experience the essence of this beloved sport. Test your skills, relive iconic games, and don’t miss the chance to touch the legendary Stanley Cup.
Toronto Zoo
Journey through seven regions housing over 5,000 animals at the Toronto Zoo. Encounter adorable giant pandas, watch polar bears swim, observe playful gorillas, and explore the underwater world of seahorses and jellyfish. This isn’t just a zoo; it’s a gateway to the wonders of the animal kingdom.
Toronto Islands
Escape the city hustle by ferrying just 10 minutes away to the serene Toronto Islands. Embrace a car-free environment, rent bikes or rollerblades, and traverse the interconnected islands via pathways and bridges. Enjoy sandy beaches, historic cottages, enchanting gardens, and intriguing attractions like a challenging maze and a mysterious haunted lighthouse. The Toronto Islands offer a tranquil contrast to the city’s bustle.
St. Lawrence Market
Delight your taste buds at the historic St. Lawrence Market, an epicenter for food enthusiasts in Toronto’s Old Town district. Dating back to 1803, the market hosts an authentic farmer’s market lauded by National Geographic. Explore fresh produce, cheese, and specialty foods while immersing yourself in over two centuries of market history. Discover local artisans and indulge in diverse dining options for a sensory treat.
TIFF Bell Lightbox
Home to the Toronto International Film Festival, the TIFF Bell Lightbox isn’t just a film festival hub; it’s a year-round entertainment complex. Housing modern cinemas, a restaurant, a library, galleries, and event spaces, it offers thematic film screenings from classics to indie favorites, making it a cinephile’s paradise.
Graffiti in Tour Toronto by Tour Guys
For a deeper understanding of graffiti and street art beyond mere photo ops, join Tour Guys’ engaging walking tours in Toronto. The Graffiti Tour, limited to small groups of 12, ventures through Graffiti Alley, a vibrant hub for street artists. Guides delve into the art’s history, technical aspects, Toronto’s art scene, and legal aspects, offering an informative experience.
Bruce Bell Tours
Entertaining and led by actor, comedian, and historian Bruce Bell, these tours provide a one-of-a-kind exploration of St. Lawrence Market and Old Town. Delight in Bell’s storytelling as you stroll around the bustling market and its surroundings in a small, reservation-required group.
Kensington Market’s Heritage
Formerly known as The Jewish Market, Kensington Market was once predominantly inhabited by Toronto’s Jewish community, serving as a cultural hub for rare imports. Over time, Caribbean immigrants replaced the Jewish community, yet remnants of Jewish culture persist through the area’s synagogues.
Guild Park and Gardens – Ancient Relics
Tucked within Scarborough Bluffs, Guild Park and Gardens house salvaged architectural pieces from Toronto’s past buildings. Wander amidst structures resembling Ancient Greek and Roman relics, including archways resembling a Greek theater. Enjoy picturesque views of Lake Ontario and the Bluffs from the garden’s cliffs.
Yonge-Dundas Square – Vibrant Hub
Yonge-Dundas Square pulsates with energy, drawing 100,000 visitors daily. A bustling intersection, it hosts numerous events and serves as a vibrant entertainment hub amidst major landmarks like Ed Mirvish Theatre and CF Toronto Eaton Centre, offering free Wi-Fi.
In conclusion,
Toronto invites exploration beyond the ordinary, offering tours highlighting art, heritage, and unexpected wonders that enrich the city’s diverse landscape.