Top 10 Attractions To Visit In Toronto, Canada

Toronto is the most populous city within Canada, the capital of the Ontario province, and a hotspot for tourism.

Boasting various cultural institutions, a diverse population, and an incredible skyline, there’s little wonder why the city attracts some 27 million visitors each year [1]. Here are ten must-see attractions when visiting the city of Toronto.

1. CN Tower

An iconic symbol of the Toronto skyline, this observation and communications tower was the tallest structure in the world for 32 years and remains the tallest structure in the Western Hemisphere.

Booking a reservation for the tower’s award-winning 360 Restaurant [2] is a must. However, those more daring can take things a step further with Edgewalk [3]: a hands-free walk on top of the tower’s main pod.

2. Royal Ontario Museum

The largest and most visited [4] museum in Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum is a sure-fire highlight for any tourist. First opened in 1914, the museum boasts over six million items and 40 galleries.

Exhibits include natural history, earth and space, fossils and evolution, and world culture galleries.

3. Art Gallery of Ontario

Another essential stop for those wishing to soak in some culture, The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest and most impressive art galleries in North America.

With some 120,000 pieces [5], ranging from indigenous sculptures to European masterpieces to contemporary works, even those only vaguely interested in art will likely be impressed.

4. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Opened to the public in 2013, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of Toronto’s newer attractions and a fantastic addition for animal lovers.

Holding some 5.7 million liters (1.5 million gallons) of water, this aquarium is home to a vast range of both freshwater and marine life.

The aquarium also features a behind-the-scenes tour of its life-support systems [6], providing a unique insight into how the aquarium supports its many habitats.

5. St Lawrence Market

Named the ‘world’s best food market’ by The National Geographic [7], St Lawrence Market is guaranteed to wet and fulfill any visitor’s appetite. However, while the market is famous for its food, it also boasts a range of other vendors, craftspeople, and artisan gifts. On top of that, the St. Lawrence market kitchen [8] regularly holds events such as culinary classes.

6. Distillery District

Whether you’re looking to engage in a bit of retail therapy, dine out, or take in some culture, Toronto’s distillery district is another must for any tourist. Home to theatres, restaurants, art galleries, and shops, there’s a little something for everyone.

December is a perfect time to visit, as the district is home to Toronto’s spectacular annual Christmas market.

7. Casa Loma

Built in 1914, this grand gothic-style house now serves as a museum and landmark. While the house and its beautiful interior serve as its main attraction, it also features an antique car showroom [9]. It can also be rented out for private events, and you can even get married there!

If the house seems strangely familiar to you, then there’s a good chance that you’ve seen it on the big screen, as the house’s unique style has made it a popular location for Hollywood movies. Films that have been shot as Casa Loma include X-Men, Chicago, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and many more.

8. Toronto Islands

Want to plan a day outside of the hustle and bustle of the city? Well, a short 13-minute ferry ride from downtown Toronto will bring you into Toronto Islands. Here, nature paths, canoe and kayak rental, grassy fields, sports facilities, and fantastic swimming beaches await.

The islands are also home to a theatre, a 200-year-old lighthouse [10], and an amusement park. Indeed, Toronto Island is very much a travel destination in its own right.

9. High Park

If you’re looking to get a little nature and tranquillity into your trip to Toronto, then you’ll do well to take a trip to High Park. Here you’ll find ancient Oak trees, Japanese Cherry Blossoms, gardens, a zoo, and even a history museum.

10. Hockey Hall of Fame

Finally, no trip to Toronto could be complete without a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Here you’ll find a vast memorabilia collection, including the original and newer version of the Stanley cup, and all of the current NHL trophies.

You can also put your hockey skills to the test against a computer simulation of famous players, see a replica of the Montreal Canadiens old dressing room and learn the history behind old defunct Hockey leagues.

[1] https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/industry-sector-support/tourism/
[2] https://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/360-restaurant/reservations-and-menus.html
[3] https://www.cntower.ca/en-ca/plan-your-visit/attractions/edgewalk/edgewalk-overview.html
[4] https://www.rom.on.ca/en/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/rom-announces-record-breaking-135-million-visitors-annual
[5] https://ago.ca/press-release/art-gallery-ontario-appoints-xiaoyu-weng-carol-and-morton-rapp-curator-modern#:~:text=ABOUT%20THE%20AGO,to%20learn%20more.
[6] https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/canada/galleries/life-support-systems/
[7] https://ca.style.yahoo.com/blogs/shine-on/st-lawrence-market-toronto-named-world-best-food-145127435.html
[8] http://stlawrencemarket.com/food/763/
[9] https://casaloma.ca/project/antique-car-display/
[10] https://www.torontojourney416.com/gibraltar-point-lighthouse/